#think of it like a reversed Captain situation

[flamingpudding]

You need an adult. - I am an adult!

Danny in human age is an adult. He was a 24 years old adult that only recently started working in the Arospace Department of Wayne Enterprise. Human wise he was by all means an adult, with the paper trail to support it.

The only problem was. His ghost form.

Despite his human side having aged just fine and giving him a fine, build like a Brickhouse, body that came close to Dan's hulking ghost form. His ghost side was still stuck on looking like his fourteen years old self, small and build like a twig. Pandora, Frostbite and Clockwork had tried teaching him how to manipulate his own ectoplasm so he can finally adjust his ghost looks. But so far... that was a skill he has yet to master successfully.

Now, usually, that wouldn't be a problem. But considering he only recently found out two of his bosses also worked with the Justice League who happened to know him as Phantom, it spelled problems.

Because the Justice League was convinced he was a forever 14 years old dead ghost hero who is using one of his many powers to appear like a human adult. He only went human on them like twice for undercover missions. He saw no problem in them knowing about his human half. Ancients all his rogues and the entirety of the Infinite Realms knew of it already anyway.

But you make one to many jokes about deadly situations or act just a bit to childish one to many times with them and you are seen as child forever! Go figure why Danny had so many problems with authority figures is whole life.

They were the once thinking his human half was just another power! He never said it was!

And now here he was, sitting in the office of one of his bosses. Faced with the two of them trying to clear up the misunderstanding of a decade. Ancients they are convinced his paper trail is fake just because Phantom had Tucker on his team. A team that had already established their talents years ago, when they worked with the JL for the first time.

Wait.... why was Bruce Wayne pulling out adoption papers?

I dont need an adult! I am an adult!

[http-shield]

"you need a seat? I’ll volunteer" -bucky barnes

more unhinged avenger!reader x bucky barnes honey is a replacement for y/n

"Can you move your seat up?" Bucky asks Sam as he closes the door behind him.

Sam sighs and turns back to look. "Why do you always sit behind me and then ask me to move it up? Move over!"

"I can't!" Bucky gestures over to you sitting on the other side of the backseat. "She's over there. What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to sit?"

"You can sit on my face."

The words tumble from you before you have the opportunity to stop them. You slap your hand over your mouth the second the last syllable leaves, your face heating to a thousand degrees as silence falls over the small car.

"I'm sorry, what?" Bucky demands and looks at you, shifting his entire body towards yours.

"You did not just say what I think you said." Sam throws his hands in the air in disbelief. "Say it again. What did you just say?"

You shake your head, unable to repeat the sentiment you had thought a million times out loud again.

"What...what do you mean by that?" Bucky stares at you, completely confused, but you are unable to meet his gaze. "How...what?" there is a desperation in his voice as he begins to ponder the answer to whatever situation you were thinking of.

"How would that even work?" Sam begins to twist his arms and body around as if acting out the positioning, the silence beginning to suffocate you as Sam continues trying figurations.

"You just get on top and-" You bury your face in your hands, cheeks burning hotter than the sun.

"On top of what?!" Bucky exclaims.

"Her face, man!" Sam yells, shoulders beginning to shake in laughter.

"But why would I be on top? Shouldn't she be sitting on my face?" Bucky clarifies, now looking at Sam as though he should have the answers.

"You want her to sit on your face? Are we confessing to things now?" Sam pins Bucky with a look, shaking his head as to garner some sense of direction the conversations is going in.

"Well," Bucky begins and shrugs his shoulders. "If one of us is gonna sit on the other's face, id rather it be her on mine."

"Oh my god, Bucky!" you groan, desperately trying to sink into the leather of the seat. "Can we stop talking about this, please."

"You brought it up!" he blurts out, attention now on you as you hide in your arms.

"It just came out!" you shriek, unable to stop the embarrassment flowing over you.

Suddenly, the car door opens, and Steve slides in, blissfully unware as to what just transpired.

"So what did i miss?" He asks, gunning the car to life.

"Nothing." You and Bucky answer in unison, a little too suspicious for Steve's liking.

The Captain looks in the mirror at you, then at Bucky, and back at you. A hum leaves him as he shifts gears.

"Bucky asked Honey sit on his face" Sam announces unprompted as Steve starts to reverse.

The car slams on the brakes before Bucky yells.

"She asked me!"

----

a/n: vvvvv dialogue heavy but this was fun! i hope y'all like unhinged reader hehehe ^^

[cakypa120]

I've been having a crack idea with Justice League believe that Danny and Captain Marvel are like a version of Hades and Persephone just switched around

The ancients (Clockwork and Pandora) in the background not trusting Captain Marvel due to his connection to the Greek gods due to their past unsavory experiences with them and not wanting Danny to be with Captain Marvel because of that

So the Justice League think that there are a reverse Persephone and Hades they think that Captain Marvel dried Danny up to the mortal plane to be with him for like 6 months instead of it being the other way around and having to drop Danny back off to the realm of the Dead

And the ancients don't make it better with their dramatic mess over it.

But I think that would be so cute and funny for those two to have like a reverse Persephone and Hades type thing front of everyone like Danny talking about how much he misses the infinite rounds and he can't wait to go back

Or Billy when he's being Captain Marvel around the Justice League talking about how he can't wait to have Danny back for the next 6 months because Danny cleared his schedule but they take it as the Persephone and Hades thing

Like Danny's real name is actually Phantom back in the infinite Realms but up on the surface he's called Danny

Just like Persephone sometimes was known as Kore back on the surface before she became Hades wife

Just imagine the the confusion with the Justice League

This is just a great idea!!

Everyone knows the story of Persephone and Hades. EVERYONE. It's a story that's ingrained in the human mind with our mother's milk. Some people think it's romantic, some think it's horrible, because Persephone was kidnapped and literally forced to live in the underworld. The debate about this story is as old as the world and is a common topic of conversation.

And then the Phantom appears in the League's life. Who was very close to Captain Marvel. Too close. It's not hard to put two and two together to get four. Now the question remains how Marvel could love this ghost. Perhaps Marvel loved the Phantom before he died. There are versions, money has been placed, answers have not been received.

And at this moment, the one whom the League has dubbed the Phantom's father appears. Clockwork, time itself.

Phantom: Are you doing this again, old man?

Clockwork: You have a job to do, young man! You shouldn't be here of all places! This world doesn't suit you!

Phantom: But Marvel is here!

Clockwork: Don't say the name of that damned Champion of those crazy Gods!

Phantom: Remind me whose degenerates these are?

Clockwork talked about the Watchtower and the world of heroes in general, which Danny had become completely immersed in when he met Billy. Danny began to shirk his duties and preferred Billy's company. This greatly irritated Clockwork.

The League thought that the ghost was talking about the world of the living. After all, ghosts can't walk freely where living people live. And Clockwork's obvious dislike for Marvel gave rise to certain thoughts. Then Flash jokingly says that the situation of Marvel and the Phantom is similar to the situation of Persephone and Hades, only in reverse. Then everyone looked at him. Indeed. It was very similar to that situation.

Further observations only confirmed this.

Marvel: I missed you so much! *hugs Phantom and laughs* I have so much planned for us!

Phantom: I can't wait!

It was after a long separation, when Danny had to resolve a conflict in the Ghost Zone. It had dragged on for far too long.

The League quietly watched their conversation.

Phantom: I get so homesick sometimes. (Referring to Amity Park, since he had to leave for school)

Flash: Why don't you just go back?

Phantom: It's not time yet.

Marvel: I literally had to drag you out of the underworld to see you.

Phantom: I didn't ask you to do this. You just wanted to steal me.

They talk about the time Billy stole Danny from under Pandora's nose to go to a cafe. They ate apples covered in edible gold.

Phantom: Pandora was so mad then. But those golden apples were really tasty.

Marvel: I had to work hard to get them.

Diana almost faints at that moment. She thinks that Phantom ate Hera's golden apples, which Marvel either stole or earned honestly. Maybe that's why Phantom could appear in the mortal world? Also, Pandora's name dealt her an extra blow. Superman carried her aside so that Phantom and Marvel wouldn't see the Amazon's plight.

Batman: I'm surprised that you, Marvel, have such a strong relationship with the Phantom. You two have complete understanding and harmony.

Marvel: So Uncle Hades' lessons weren't in vain!

Batman: Uncle Hades?

Marvel: Yes. He was my relationship advisor. Aunt Persephone helped a lot, too.

Batman looks at Marvel. Marvel called Hades his uncle, so the theory that Marvel was the son of Zeus is confirmed. Zeus is the son of Chronos, now known as Clockwork. Phantom is also the son of Clockwork. That makes Phantom and Marvel uncle and nephew. Wasn't Persephone Hades' niece? Bruce's head is starting to hurt from all this ancient god stuff. Why can't they just sit on Olympus and drink wine? Why did the nephew steal his uncle to the living world this time and make him his husband?

Marvel: Danny will be here soon~ Danny will be here soon~

Superman: Who's Danny?

Marvel: *freezes, not realizing Superman is there* Th-that's Phantom's name in the underworld. Please don't tell him I blurted out his name! He might get offended and not come to me.

Superman: What's wrong with the name?

Marvel: Phantom just doesn't like it when anyone but me says it. You don't want Clockwork to lock him up for a hundred years for killing you, do you?

Superman: I swear I'll never say Phantom's name again in my entire life.

Marvel: Thank you! You're saving my marriage!

Pandora: *stands in the Watchtower* Where's Phantom?! Visiting time is over! Time to return to the underworld!

Phantom: *flies out of the wall* Do you always have to put on such a show? You could have just sent Dani.

Pandora: You're the royal heir! I can't let you end up in danger!

Phantom: From who? From the heroes?

Pandora: From Marvel!

Marvel: Are you up to your old tricks? I apologized!

Pandora: That doesn't excuse your behavior! I don't believe you, Champion! What happened back then has forever lowered you in my eyes. (Still that incident of Danny stealing from class to go to the cafe)

Phantom: Argh! That was a long time ago!

Pandora: Still! I can't believe that's what Hades told you to do.

Marvel: Persephone also said it was a great idea.

Pandora: Don't steal! Is it that hard not to steal?

Phantom: Okay, enough! This argument is getting us nowhere, again! Let's go Pandora. Marvel, I love you.

Marvel: I love you too!

Pandora:*makes "I'm watching you" sign*

Marvel:*makes "I'm watching you" sign too*

League aside:*silent and afraid to move*

This confirmed that Marvel had stolen the Phantom from the mortal world and bound him to the living world with golden apples. And this was done on Hades' advice. Dinah had prepared a long lecture on dubious ways of flirting and such. She had a long conversation with Marvel ahead of her.

[inseobts]

A New Perspective

trafalgar law x fem!bi!reader

law turns into a woman and suddenly you're having at lot of fun at the view.

words count: 2.3k

tags: minor spoiler(?), gender switch, romance, bisexual reader, funny

masterlist // ko-fi

The Polar Tang cuts through the sea, its steady rhythm the only sound until a sudden crackle of energy fills the air. You barely have time to react before your entire body feels like it’s been flipped upside down. A flash of light, a sharp tug, and—

You blink.

You’re staring down at yourself in utter disbelief.

“Wait a minute…” you mumble under your breath, staring at the unfamiliar body in front of you.

Gone is the familiar curve of your body, now you’re standing there, with the body of a man. You glance down at your broadening chest, the flatness that replaced your curves, and the new set of muscles beneath your clothes. Your voice comes out lower than usual when you speak, still in shock. “What the hell just happened?”

Suddenly, you hear a familiar voice calling your name.

“y/n, are you okay?”

You spin around to see Law, but…

What the hell?

Instead of Law’s usual sharp, masculine form, there stands a woman, still with his signature demeanor, that same authoritative presence, but now in a woman’s body. His—her—eyes lock onto yours, scanning you in equal confusion.

“What’s going on?” Law says, voice strained as she glances around, clearly just as disoriented as you are.

“Well,” you chuckle, blinking a few times to make sure you’re not seeing things, “this is… new.”

You step closer, trying to take it all in. And, damn, Law looks good as a woman. Her legs are long and toned, the frame lean yet feminine. The sight of her—him, but as a woman now—has your heart racing. You can’t deny it; she still has that Law confidence, just wrapped in a more delicate package.

You curl up on the ground, trying to hide the redness of your face.

“Is something funny, y/n?” she snaps, her eyes narrowing, clearly uncomfortable in this form.

You can’t help yourself. You grin. “I’m just trying to figure out how you can look so good like this. Honestly, I don’t think I’m complaining.”

Law’s cheeks flare red in an instant, and she crosses her arms, clearly trying to remain composed. “This is not the time for this, y/n”

You take another shy step toward her, eyes flicking down to her long legs. “Come on, Law, you have to admit you’re kind of… hot and beautiful right now.”

Her eyes flash “Cut it out. I need to figure out how to reverse this before you get a nosebleed”

You chuckle at her discomfort but can’t stop the rush of attraction that surges through you “Oh, I’m sorry, am I making you uncomfortable, Captain?” You look her up and down again, letting the blush spread across your face “It’s just—” You pause, your voice dipping into something more flirtatious. “You’re looking really good. I mean, what do you expect me to do? You know I’m bisexual, and my beautiful boyfriend just turned into a beautiful version of himself as a woman. You can’t understand how that feels right now.”

The words hang in the air, and for a moment, Law’s eyes flash with something that almost seems like frustration—or maybe… embarrassment?

“You can’t be serious,” she mutters, trying to maintain her usual stern tone but failing as her face betrays her. “You can’t just say things like that.”

You step closer to her again, letting your gaze linger on her, enjoying how she squirms beneath your stare. “Oh, but I can. And honestly? I’m loving it.” You take another deep breath and let the words slip from your mouth, relishing in the playfulness “You don’t know how good I think you look right now, Law.”

You can see the flush deepening in her cheeks, her hands clenching in obvious frustration. But then, out of the corner of your eye, you spot Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin all standing nearby, watching the exchange with wide eyes. The crew’s eyes flicker between you and Law, amused by the situation but clearly awkward.

You turn to the crew, raising an eyebrow, still grinning “Don’t act like you don’t see it, guys,” you say, voice almost playful. “Law’s looking fine right now.”

There’s an uncomfortable silence, and then Bepo scratches his head awkwardly, glancing at the others. “Well, uh… it’s true, she does look pretty cool…”

You let out a laugh, turning back to face Law. “See? Even the crew agrees.” You pause, then add, “I’m just saying, though… You’ve really got my attention right now, Captain.”

Law lets out a growl, clearly fed up. “You need to stop with that. We need to figure this out, and I’m not going to—”

But you cut her off, stepping even closer, your voice low now as you tease. “Okay, fine. But I have to ask…” You pout at her “Do you think I look handsome? Do you think I’m, uh… fuckable like this?”

There’s a sharp intake of breath from Law, her eyes locking onto yours in sheer disbelief, and for a split second, she doesn’t say anything. Her gaze flickers to the crew, who are now looking at you both with wide eyes and nervous chuckles.

“You—what?” Law stammers, her face completely flushed.

You grin wickedly, clearly enjoying the flustered look on her face. “Just curious. You’ve seen how you look now, so I’m wondering if I’m equally as handsome in this form” You add a wink for extra effect and trying to flex the muscles that you actually don't have.

Law stares at you, her expression a mixture of irritation and something else, but before she can reply, you see her posture change, that familiar frustrated sigh escaping her lips.

“You’re impossible,” she mutters, though there’s a hidden smile tugging at the corner of her lips, betraying her usual stern nature.

You raise an eyebrow, a teasing smirk on your face “You can’t deny it. I look good, right?”

“Well, of course you look good, you idiot, you're still y/n after all” she snaps, but the words are softer now, almost affectionate. She takes a step back, obviously still flustered, but you can tell that the playful tension between you both has shifted.

“I guess I do,” you say, voice lowering. “But, for the record, you still look way better than me.”

Law shoots you a sideways glance, her lips curving into a small smile. “I’m not going to say I enjoy hearing that, but… Fine. Whatever, y/n.”

You step closer one last time, your eyes locking onto hers. “You know, I might just keep you in this form a little longer if you keep getting flustered like this.”

Her eyes narrow, but this time there’s no real bite to it. “I swear to God, you’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”

You grin, shaking your head “Not a chance.”

You step closer to Law, your grin widening as you take in the flustered look still lingering on her face.

“So,” you start, your voice teasing, “before you turn back into a man… would you mind giving me a kiss?”

Law’s eyes widen, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. “W-What?” she stammers, clearly caught off guard. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I’m dead serious.” You cross your arms, smirking. “I mean, if you’re gonna be all hot and bothered in that body, you might as well give me something to remember you by, right? A little kiss, maybe? Just one. Even a fast one it's okay. Before the magic wears off and you turn back to your usual, grumpy self.”

Law looks like she’s about to refuse, but the playful glint in your eyes seems to challenge her. Her lips press into a thin line as she glances around, trying to maintain her usual, no-nonsense demeanor.

You take a step closer, lowering your voice to a soft, almost flirtatious whisper. “C’mon, Law. I’m not asking for much. Just a little kiss. This form makes me brave enough to even flirt.”

Law takes a deep breath, clearly weighing her options. She meets your gaze, and for a moment, the playful tension in the air thickens. Her eyes flick to the crew in the background, and she sighs, rubbing her temples. “This is insane,” she mutters under her breath before lowering her voice. “I’ll give you a kiss. But not here. Not in front of everyone.”

You raise an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk still playing at your lips. “I wouldn’t dream of embarrassing you in front of the crew. Just one little kiss, and then we can get back to this mess.”

Law takes one more look around at the crew, who are doing their best not to make eye contact, awkwardly pretending to be busy. With a huff, she grabs your arm and tugs you toward the corner of the ship, away from the prying eyes of the crew.

Once you’re out of sight, she finally turns to face you, her eyes narrowing in irritation, though you can still see the traces of warmth there.

“Fine,” she says with a sigh. “One kiss, but only because I’m about to lose my mind from your teasing and only if you promise you will stop”

You grin, feeling victorious. Slowly, you lean in, letting the moment hang in the air between you.

Law hesitates for a fraction of a second "I'm not gonna enjoy this at all" and then she leans forward, her lips brushing against yours in a soft, quick kiss.

It’s over almost as soon as it started, and before you can fully react, she pulls back, quickly straightening up, her face now a deep shade of red.

“That was… you’re impossible,” she mutters, crossing her arms tightly across her chest, clearly embarrassed.

You chuckle softly, your eyes glinting. “I’ll take that as a compliment, Captain.”

Before she can say anything else, you both hear a noise from behind. You turn just in time to see Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin awkwardly glancing in your direction, trying not to make it obvious they were eavesdropping.

“W-What happened?” Bepo stammers, his ears twitching nervously.

You laugh, trying to hide the grin that’s spreading across your face. “Oh, nothing. Just a little kiss between the Captain and me. No big deal.”

Shachi and Penguin exchange looks before awkwardly muttering, “Uh, okay…”

Law gives you one last glare before turning to the crew, shaking her head. “You’re all idiots, I wanna die right now” she grumbles, but even she can’t hide the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

The crew too shocked by what was happening in front of them to even notice their bodies also changed.

In an instant, everything shifted back to normal.

Your body, once again your own, feel right in an instant. The familiar curves and weight of your form returned, and you look over at Law—who now stand in front of you, the sharp edge of his usual confidence returning as his tall, masculine form was restored.

You both share a stunned silence, then slowly, the truth hits you.

You're back to normal, but in your mind, the embarrassment hits you like a ton of bricks.

The heat from the blush that hadn't quite faded from earlier is still present. You can't stop replaying the teasing words you’d said to Law. Some of the things you said were borderline ridiculous—and downright embarrassing. But there is no time to dwell on it. Not when the crew is in the middle of a tense situation.

"Oh God…" you murmur, your face turning a deep shade of red, thinking about everything you had said and done earlier when Law was in his female form.

Law, who clearly feel the same wave of awkwardness, ran a hand through his hair and gave you an unreadable look. "Well," he said, clearing his throat awkwardly, "that was an experience I’d rather not repeat."

You look away, unable to make eye contact with him. The memories of your flirtatious teasing, the way you had openly complimented his (her?) body, and your playful taunts feel a hundred times worse now that you are back in your own body.

“I… I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… it’s not every day I get to see you in a different light, you know? I didn’t mean to—”

Before you can finish stumbling through your apology, you feel a firm hand on your shoulder. You look up to find Law standing right there, his expression softening.

“You don’t have to explain yourself,” he says, his usual calm tone still holding but with an undercurrent of reassurance. He pulls you into a gentle, almost reluctant hug, enveloping you in the warmth of his tall, solid frame.

You let yourself relax into his embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against you, as if everything in that moment just made sense. Law’s presence, the way he always seems to know just what you need, made everything feel okay again.

“It’s okay,” he murmurs, his voice low, his arms strong around you “I know you didn’t mean anything bad. You don’t need to be embarrassed.”

You bury your face in his chest, your hands gripping his jacket as you let out a sigh of relief. “I just… I said a lot of things, Law. And you were—well, you were a woman. I didn’t mean to… make things that weird”

There's a brief pause, and then you hear a soft chuckle come from him, causing you to look up in confusion. “You’ve always been a little bit of an idiot,” he says with a gentle smile, but there's no malice behind it—only fondness.

You blink, the corners of your lips twitching as you feel the last of your embarrassment start to melt away. Law is always the one to make things feel less awkward, even in moments where it is impossible to avoid.

“You look even more beautiful now, if I’m being honest,” you mumble shyly, not able to fully stop the words from escaping. You figure he probably can’t be any more uncomfortable at this point, so you lean into the embrace a little more.

Law’s arms tighten around you, and the next thing you know, he is pressing his lips to the top of your head. “You’re ridiculous,” he mutteres affectionately, but his tone soft, a small but genuine warmth in his voice. “But you’re alright.”

[itsclydebitches]

I’ve got Murderbot on the brain right now, so everyone do me a solid and let me ramble about my favorite scene: Murderbot deleting the hooper manual.

We start with a clip from Sanctuary Moon, wherein the Captain and Navigation Bot are stranded on some distant planet, unable to contact the rest of their crew. The show uses clips from Murderbot’s serials to draw (very obvious) parallels between that fiction and its current, lived experience: the Navigation Bot is clearly a stand-in for Murderbot, the Captain is Mensah (leader of their expedition; called “Captain” by Murderbot in its delirium), both pairs are currently stranded, and both are unable to contact help. As said, these connections are meant to be on the heavy-handed side and the in-world explanation for that is that they’re always coming from Murderbot’s perspective. It’s thinking about this scene because it’s relevant to its current situation: “Fuck, that hits close to the bone."

The one key difference between these two scenes is the existence of a blossoming romance, which Murderbot draws attention to. As an asexual character, it points out that this is a thoroughly unrealistic aspect of the show; the true fiction of a fictional world. Like the Navigation Bot, Murderbot lacks gentiles and would presumably lack dopamine from any romantic and/or sexual encounter—notably due to its orientation, rather than any implication that it’s not enough of a person to experience such emotions—so the fact that Navigation Bot ~somehow~ overcomes these obstacles to fall for the Captain anyway is framed as a product of soap opera nonsense. ‘Take note, viewer’ the moment says. ‘There may be parallels, but don’t expect Murderbot’s story to follow all the tired tropes.’ It then re-emphasizes this message by admitting that it watches serials to escape reality, not to get an accurate depiction of it.

What is relevant though is the dialogue between the Captain and Navigation Bot, specifically him asking her to sit and insisting that “everyone needs a little warmth.” Unlike the heteronormative expectation in most shows that everyone needs a romantic relationship to find fulfillment in life, Murderbot is making the far broader and more appropriate argument that everyone needs positive interactions: care, kindness, companionship. “Everyone” here references people, not just humans, so as Navigation Bot learns about friendship outside of her romantic interest—let’s sit by the fire together and learn what a joke is—Murderbot too is learning how to interact with its clients. Twice now it too has been asked to sit, though only the second instance reflects the lesson shown in Sanctuary Moon. Whereas Gurathin orders Murderbot to sit as part of his interrogation (Murderbot’s word, not mine), Mensah asks it to sit in an attempt to get to know it. It goes horribly, of course, because Murderbot is an infant at socializing and isn’t ready for a trauma dump about leaving your kids, but it’s learning how to interact with humans from shows like Sanctuary Moon and it's Mensah who, unknowingly, recreates a scene that Murderbot is turning to for both guidance and comfort.

All this frames Mensah as that comforting mentor at the start of the episode; a would-be friend who is capable and willing to teach Murderbot about non-romantic relationships. Positioning her in this way isn't new, of course. Mensah has done the most to reach out to Murderbot emotionally (well, Ratthi has too, though his attempts are too heavy-handed to land). She’s the first to ever protect it, reversing the expectation that SecUnits will die for humans and never vice-versa. This is a demonstration of care that also lends veracity to her promise of keeping Murderbot's secret: maybe she would risk her own skin to keep it safe. And, as said, Mensah is the one who is unwittingly playing out scenes from its favorite show. Mensah has the strongest relationship with Murderbot at this point in the story and it shows in their dialogue here. In a very short amount of time they’ve grown tremendously in how they approach one another. Whereas Mensah would have originally panicked at Murderbot sustaining a wound that would have killed a human, now she just casually mentions that it has something sticking out of its abdomen.  Whereas Murderbot would have originally avoided providing an opinion so as not to scare the stupid human into reckless action, now it agrees immediately that yes, whoever attacked them is likely going after the others. They’ve already reached the point where Mensah can comment on its tone—“How can you say it like that?”—and Murderbot is acknowledging, if only to itself, that it’s “freaked out” at the prospects of the others being murdered. I mean, we knew that. Murderbot has already killed itself in an attempt to keep them safe, so the fact that it cares isn’t exactly a revelation, but the existence of that emotion and Murderbot acknowledging it are two very different things.

And then. Then.

“You have copies of the repair manuals in your memory, yes?” “…………………………no.”

It’s so hesitant to admit what’s happened. But why? After all, Murderbot isn’t ashamed of its love of Sanctuary Moon; it defends the show as “premium quality" just moments after this. It also has no reason to fear Mensah’s reaction to not following some standard protocol—we’re far past Murderbot covering up its rogue status. But whereas before it was having a conversation with her, now it gives as little information as possible: “No." and “I did.” You can see in its body language how reluctant it is to explain the situation. Most tellingly, it’s horrified when Mensah accuses it of sabotaging them. That's some of the most emotion we've heard in its voice to date. It doesn’t want to explain, but it wants Mensah to think that of it even less.

Because the issue here is that Murderbot now values her opinion. It hasn’t admitted it in so many words, but their relationship is growing, the bond is tenuous, the bond means something to it… and it’s about to seriously test that bond by admitting that it's done something MONUMENTALLY stupid. Murderbot has to explain to someone it is coming to genuinely care for that a group of her loved ones might die horrible, bloody deaths because it prioritized a TV show over the repair of the ship. That's fucking terrifying for anyone to admit to, let alone someone who has every reason to expect rejection at best, abuse at worse! I love Murderbot’s reluctance here because it makes perfect, terrible sense. I love that it tries to justify its choice by claiming its manual was “redundant.” It knows it fucked up and is trying every trick in the book to minimize the consequences.

Except the consequences aren't as dire as Murderbot expects. Mensah is mad, yes, but she's also the first person Murderbot has met who cares about it, not just its actions. If the Captain and Navigation Bot are in a romantic relationship, Mensah and Murderbot are more akin to a parent and child here. Murderbot has never had to face the disappointment of someone it cares about because no one has cared for it before, but Mensah? She’s a mother of seven. She has more than two partners back home and is constantly corralling her gaggle of scientists. There’s no one better to handle the delicate situation that is Murderbot’s first relationship fuck-up because she’s no doubt already seen every stupid decision under the sun… and Mensah is someone who still loves fiercely despite those mistakes.  

Ultimately the scene is played for laughs (and succeeds marvelously in my opinion). You can hear the music drop when Murderbot’s line segues from desperately dramatic “I had to…!” to the joke of “…to make room for the 19th season of Sanctuary Moon.” Halfway through the scene ceases to take the moment seriously, but that’s expected in a comedy show. The emotions were still real and relevant while they were allowed to flourish and, for me, that makes the resolution just as significant. Mensah doesn’t verbally abuse Murderbot for its mistake, or say anything that could imply that her human friends' lives are more important than its. She doesn’t know it, but Murderbot is already calling itself “stupid” and “useless” on the regular—it doesn’t need to hear that from its new, first friend. Mensah is clearly frustrated (and with good reason), but her reaction is not so volatile that Murderbot looses its growing sense of independence out of fear. By the end of the conversation it's still willing to “Agree to disagree.” Mensah simply lays down the reality—TV is "not worth losing everyone’s lives for”—and Murderbot agrees. It made a mistake, a mistake born of its developing sense of self, a mistake that might kill these humans it maybe doesn’t want to lose just yet… but Mensah doesn’t reject it for that mistake. Her last parting shot is, essentially, for Murderbot to take care of itself. “Do something about that.” AKA, don’t just let a piece of the printer hang out in your abdomen, you know I want you getting medical attention whenever you need it. That too harkens back to the very start of their relationship when Murderbot was bitten and Mensah insisted on it visiting the MedBay despite it still functioning within acceptable parameters, much to its confusion.

There’s a lot going on in this opening scene. A hell of a lot more, I think, than just a ‘Haha Murderbot loves Sanctuary Moon so much’ joke. The scenes from the serial—both chosen by the writers and by Murderbot itself in its memories—help frame the coming conversation and the conversation itself, crucially, demonstrates to Murderbot that its individuality will be accepted—even when that individuality royally fucks things up.  That’s one of the most important lessons that children, or in this case newly freed SecUnits, can learn from those around them. You love my personality when everything is sunshine and roses? Great. Will you still love me when my personality is annoying, or inconvenient, or awkward, or outright causes tremendous problems for us?

Mensah gave Murderbot a resounding ‘Yes.’

[foxika]

surprised i haven’t see any fox lives aus exploring the idea of palpatine sending fox to hemlock/tantiss after getting his neck snapped Hemlock hesitates, staring through the glass window of the examination room and observing its main occupant. His medical staff fusses over their patient, a clone, as they record his vitals and situate the room for long term occupancy. "It is... Unlikely, that this clone will ever walk again, Your Majesty. The damage done to his neck is irreversible, that he even retained mobility in his torso is—" Hemlock had said. He was scrolling through a rather dire injury report. The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, black robes flowing with the motion. "I am aware, but what I require is not impossible. I will take care of the most severe damages to my commander..." My commander? Hemlock looked away from the datapad and to the immobile clone floating in the bacta tank. "...And when the time comes, I will require your facility to do the rest."

Hemlock refrained from frowning, keeping his expression neutral, albeit a bit dubious. If Emperor Palpatine wanted to waste his time with a lost cause, he wouldn't argue. Not as long as he continued to receive the necessary resources and further funding for his projects. Now, when Hemlock gazes upon that same clone all those months ago, he sits properly upright on the examination table, back straight and form perfect like a soldier. The clone turns his head, his golden eyes-a deviation from the standard brown, colour bordering unnatural in a human- meeting Hemlock's through the glass. Hemlock raises a brow in response but the clone doesn't react, only breaking eye contact when one of the medical aids calls for his attention. Folding his arms behind his back, Hemlock turns to stalk down the hall. He would never say it aloud, but he was irked that this... Chore was now his responsibility. He was a scientist! A progressive researcher and an invaluable asset to the Empire. That his facility is being forced to take on the task of physical therapy and rehabilitation, of all things, for one simple, damaged clone was insulting.

Hemlock exhales, forcing his posture to relax. His Imperial Majesty was making a mistake, clearly, but it was no matter. Hemlock would only need to check in occasionally; he could still focus his efforts where it really matters. His commander would be carefully monitored in the meantime, and maybe, Hemlock could learn how Palpatine managed to reverse what should have been a deathly injury. ♠♠♠♠

i imagine palpatine does ambiguous hand wave force healing to get fox back into tip top shape. well mostly back. fox still has a lot to work through. and then sends him off to wherever hemlock is, for reasons. he doesnt need hemlock's facility to host fox, he could easily give fox the care he needs closer to home. so maybe to have fox keep an eye on him and his progress, who knows really from there i kinda have a few paths this could take, one with omega eventually coming across fox, being mildly interested in him(he's not held in a cell like the rest of the clones, he's not a commando, why is he here?) and maybe later, nala se assigns her to him to keep her further out of the way of hemlock. all leading up to when omega and crosshair escape, she insists fox comes with them. fox doesnt want to (paranoid), crosshair doesnt want him to(also paranoid). think of the fox and rex reunion... the echo confrontation... the wolffe reunion... howzer bitching at both crosshair and fox... the drama of it all. another idea being fox meeting scorch again. since arca company barracks are stationed on coruscant, i imagine that fox has run into delta squad at least once. delta wasn't on coruscant often, and fox is busy guy. probably also doesn't care much for sobde either. (i imagine him and maze sending very petty emails to each other. fox saying "fuck you, i outrank you captain" in corporate)

and maybe when shit goes down on tantiss, he convinces scorch to dip with him. "you got your ass kicked, man. let's go."

throughout all of this fox maintains a creepy, unsettling presence on the base.

[wildechildwrites]

Attitude Adjustment

Simon "Ghost" Riley/Reader

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: Light angst, violence

No use of Y/N

Summary: Ghost beats the shit out of you no I will not elaborate

A:N: Ghost's hands are rated E for everyone

AO3 Link: Attitude Adjustment

You're sitting in furious silence during the mission debrief, Gaz and Soap shooting you sympathetic glances that you pointedly ignore, Price's anger filling the room like natural gas, smothering you. Ghost leans against a wall, shadowed and silent. 

Price finally dismisses everyone else with a bark, and you’re left alone with your fuming captain and his silent lieutenant, haunting your peripheral. 

“You ignored a direct order.” Price’s voice is gruff, leaving no room for argument. You know you should apologize, but you can’t stomach it. Not when you saved his goddamn life.

“You think I was just going to let them kill you?” You ask, indignant. Price glares at you.

“I think, corporal, that you ignored a direct order from your commanding officer.” Price’s tone is sharp and dismissive. 

"You put yourself and the rest of your team in danger. You could've been killed. You almost were."

“But sir–” You object, still trying to justify yourself. If he would just listen– Price shoots up from his desk, stabbing a finger towards the door. 

“Don't fucking argue with me," He growls, chest heaving. "Get out."

You stand, stunned, feeling your traitorous tear ducts begin to sting. Ghost has offered nothing, and you catch his cold gaze before spinning around and storming out, slamming the door behind you. 

You knew you were out of line, had vaulted out of order the moment you ignored Price, the moment you ignored every instinct the military had beaten into you, but it wasn't fair. He would’ve pulled the same stupid bullshit if the situation was reversed. You scrub angrily at your eyes, potent rage bubbling in your chest. He was singling you out on purpose, angry at you for something he would’ve excused had it been anyone else. You turn a corner, stomping down the hallway. 

Soap is lingering near your room, acting far too interested in the leaky ceiling tiles. He spins around to face you when he hears your footsteps, opening his mouth to say something, but you cut him off before he can speak.

"Just don’t Johnny.” You snarl, aiming for a biting tone. It comes out as a plea, and the Scotsman gives you a pitying look that just stokes the rage curling in your chest. He steps in front of you, trying to slow your momentum, and you purposefully slam your shoulder into him, ignoring him as he calls after you.

You make a beeline for the gym, heading for a punching bag. Your fingers are numb, and you can’t stop shaking, so you throw yourself at the bag, hurling punch after punch. 

“Price ripped into you good.” Ghost calls out from behind you. You jump, throwing him a sour look over your shoulder in response. You hadn’t heard him come in, unsure of how long he’s been standing there.

“You ripped into him right back.” He observes. His gaze is cold, prickling along your spine. You bite your tongue, landing a hard kick on the bag. 

“Heard you also barked at Johnny.” He adds, as if an afterthought, his tone deceptively casual. You know then that you’re in real trouble. You’d been a bitch to Mactavish, and now Ghost was here to defend his honor. You roll your eyes, giving yourself that small amount of defiance before turning to face him. 

He’s wrapping his hands, standing on the sparring mat closest to you. He cocks his head, eyes flat and expressionless, but the challenge is clear. You're angry enough to take the bait, abandoning your punching bag. 

Ghost wordlessly gets into a fighting stance. You mirror him, waiting for the lecture, and the first blow almost knocks you on your ass.

You’ve sparred with Ghost before, but you don't think he's ever hit you that hard. It's staggering, and you double over slightly. Simon doesn’t give you a second to recuperate, throwing another punch. You barely dodge it, sliding under his arm, aiming for his ribs. You’re sloppy, and he blocks you, adding a shove to throw you off balance. It’s a dirty move, one that pisses you off even more, and you’re back on the defensive, protecting yourself as Simon throws another punch, harder than the first. You block it with more success, then move closer, aiming low. He blocks you again. 

You’re panting, already exhausted from the mission, heat in your cheeks, anger building. Ghost has the advantage, twice your size and fucking mean, and you’re just trying to defend yourself. That’s all you’ve been doing all fucking day, defending yourself from your own goddamn team. 

You kick him hard in the stomach. Ghost seems unaffected, those cold eyes unreadable. You throw another punch, putting all your weight into it, and he grabs your arm, using your momentum against you, flipping you over his shoulder. You slam onto your back on the mat. 

“What the fuck Si-” you snap, and he kicks you in the ribs. You scramble backwards, trying to regain your footing as he advances on you. 

“Price is too relieved that you’re still alive to give you a proper punishment for insubordination.” He says. "I have no such scruples." 

Ghost’s blank expression doesn’t change, not even when he slams his boot into your shoulder, sending you tumbling onto your back again. You glare up at him, your chest heaving.

“Fuck you.” You spit.

“You need to remember who your superiors are,” Ghost continues evenly, ignoring you. 

You go to stand, and he knocks you over once again. You practically snarl at him, shooting out and grabbing his leg. Using his body weight against him, you bring him crashing down onto the floor next to you, then slam your knee into his stomach, knocking the air out of him. Your victory is cut short when Ghost grabs you and flips the two of you over, pinning you to the floor with his body weight. 

“You scared all of us,” he says. His eyes are still flat and cold. “Pull something like that again, I’ll pop your shoulder out of socket.”

You grapple against him, cursing, but he just tightens his grip, pinning your arms. It hurts, your shoulders and ribs screaming, the air being crushed out of your lungs by the weight of the giant man on top of you, but you keep fighting him.

“Get off,” you rasp. Ghost leans down, his face inches from yours.

“Are you done being a brat?” He asks lowly. You manage to twist one of your hands enough to dig your fingernails into his stomach. In response, Ghost grabs your wrist, pulling your arm behind you with enough force to wrench your shoulder. You’re completely immobilized.

It’s all too much. The exhaustion and pain, the anxiety of the mission, the humiliation of being reprimanded, the indignant rage that’s been bubbling inside of you. Everything comes crashing down, tears you’ve been fighting all day suddenly pouring out. You let out an involuntary sob, and Simon lets up, just enough to allow you to breathe, keeping you pinned beneath him as your tears build up steam.

“There’s our girl,” he says, his gravelly voice uncharacteristically soft, almost frayed. It only makes you cry harder, keening wails muffled by the large man on top of you.You're confused at the sudden switch, overwhelmed and disoriented. He rubs comforting circles into your wrist, and you’re falling apart, coming unspooled.

You sob until you run out of tears, your cries trailing off into sniffling, and only then does Ghost let you up. The anxiety and anger is gone, leaving tender exhaustion, the soreness from the fight a tangible sensation, grounding you. 

“I think a hot shower is in order, corporal” Ghost says gently, helping you to your feet. You’re wobbly, trailing after him on unsteady legs as he leads you to the locker room.

He leaves you to it, disappearing back into the gym, and you strip, letting the warm water wash off the rest of the day, standing under the stream until your eyes are drooping. 

To your surprise, Ghost is waiting for you when you get out, eyes closed, head resting against the wall. He looks tired, his dark circles a bruised shade of purple, showing through the half smeared off black paint. He opens his eyes, expression unreadable, and you sit down next to him.

“Apologize to Soap, will ya? He’s gutted. Sensitive, that one,” Ghost grumbles, rolling his eyes, but there’s real warmth behind the gruff, dismissive tone of voice. “And the next time you want a lashing, come straight to me instead of stomping about.” 

Heat rises unexpectedly to your face, and you open your mouth to protest. 

Simon holds up a finger, silencing you before you can say anything. 

“Don’t fight me on it, we both know that’s what you needed. Price would've gladly taken you over his knee, but I figured you’d bite our heads clean off at the suggestion."

Your brain short circuits, your mouth opening and closing wordlessly as you stare at Ghost. He holds your gaze unflinchingly.

“I should, um,” you stutter, stumbling to your feet, “I should go find Soap.” 

You practically run to the doors, and you swear as you step into the hallway you hear quiet laughter, echoing behind you.

[tanadrin]

how I think different Star Trek: Voyager characters would fare in the Farscape universe

I've been watching a little of both Farscape and Voyager recently, two shows that while superficially conceptually similar (90s science fiction about lost travelers trying to get back to Earth), could not be more tonally different, and both of which I happen to enjoy quite a lot. Let's say that, instead of the spacetime anomaly that deposits protagonist John Crichton on the far side of the universe, it snatches up a random crew member from the good starship Voyager, throwing them back in time four hundred years, and dropping them in the kinky, moist, weirdly biological, slightly disreputable, and extremely Australian corner of the Milky Way where Farscape takes place. Who fares the best?

Neelix: no stranger to a hardscrabble existence and using his wits to survive, Neelix manages both to get along well with Moya's crew, and also to be of considerable use in various negotiations. His cooking remains immensely unpopular. Sadly his lack genre-savviness and his poor combat skills get him killed in season 1 episode 5, when the undercover Scorvian spy breaks his neck

Harry Kim: while a competent and well-trained Starfleet officer, Kim's lack of experience leads the crew to greatly underrate him at first. His competence in chaotic situations and his technical knowledge eventually come to impress the crew; sadly, his trusting nature and inability to bluff convincingly get him into trouble, and he's probably dead by season 1 episode 11, killed by the Vorcarian blood trackers.

Captain Janeway: her scientific and tactical knowledge is supremely useful to Moya's crew, but she clashes personally with many of its members. She is too bossy with Aeryn, deals badly with D'Argo's impulsiveness, and can't control Rygel; about the only crew members she does get along with are Zhaan, whose spirituality she respects, and Pilot, who shares her explorer's spirit. She sacrifices herself to destroy the Gammak base in season 1 episode 22, which is a pity, because she might've had the good sense to shoot Crais as soon as he came aboard (or at least keep him locked up).

Tuvok: Tuvok impresses D'Argo and Aeryn with his combat skills, is able to deal with Rygel (even if he privately despises him), and gets along very well with Zhaan, whose Delvian spirituality meshes well with his own Vulcan philosophy. His cautious look-before-you-leap nature is helpful to the crew, though D'Argo and Rygel fail to appreciate it properly. Brokers a deal with the breakaway Sebacean civilization encountered in season 2 episode 11, allowing the rest of Moya's crew to settle there; eventually manages to use their resources to reverse-engineer the anomaly that brought him there and returns home.

Kes: although she fares badly at first, her willingness to understand the other members of Moya's crew on their own terms helps her to get along with them. Cultivates her psychic abilities with Zhaan's help, but lacking Tuvok's more disciplined influence, her abilities are harder to control. She perishes along with everyone else when they cause her to accidentally blow a hole in the side of Moya.

B'Elanna: clashes outrageously with every single member of Moya's crew except Pilot. Nonetheless, her engineering skills prove extremely useful (though she complains bitterly about feeling more like a doctor than an engineer when it comes to working on Moya). Manages not only to retrofit the Zelbinian's defense screen to Moya, but to get it fully working, and to mount a working photon torpedo launcher to Aeryn's prowler. Tragically killed while fighting the Peacekeeper retrieval squad in season 3 episode 10.

Seven of Nine: Lacking Janeway's positive influence, she and Aeryn reinforce each other's worst instincts. Her arrogance wins her no friends, either; eventually, when Scorpius offers her a job with the Peacekeepers, she accepts, and with her Borg technology enhancing the Peacekeepers' ships and weapons, she becomes one of the most fearsome tyrants the Uncharted Territories has ever seen.

Tom Paris: Gets along surprisingly well with everyone. Has enough of the rogue in him to understand Rygel, befriends D'Argo, impresses Aeryn with his piloting skills, and respects Pilot as, well, a fellow pilot. Lacking the positive influence of Starfleet discipline, however, he indulges his rogue side a little too much, and eventually he and Chiana get killed trying to run a scam on a commerce planet, probably sometime in late season 2.

Chakotay: his flexible leadership style and down-to-earth nature are assets, but he doesn't get along with D'Argo (a pure hothead, without B'Elanna's technical skill) or Rygel. He fails to convincingly impersonate a Peacekeeper officer in season 1 episode 18 and is killed in the ensuing firefight.

The Doctor (with mobile emitter): Accidentally deactivated shortly after arrival; Rygel steals his mobile emitter and sells it for food shortly after; emitter is stripped for parts by a junk dealer who doesn't know what he has.

Seska: Betrays Moya to the Peacekeepers before the end of the pilot, manipulates her way into joining them, rises quickly through the ranks until she is killed in the inevitable Peacekeeper-Scarran confrontation some years later.

bonus round 1: other Star Trek characters

Captain Kirk: has a surprisingly Crichton-like career in the Farscape setting, being also a clever man of action, and very good at bluffing. Eventually leaves Moya, finding gainful employment in the space navy of the breakaway Sebacean civilization in the Uncharted Territories

Lieutenant Commander Data: reverse-engineers the anomaly that deposited him on Moya in about six weeks, files an extremely interesting report with Captain Picard.

Benjamin Sisko: develops an epic grudge against Bialar Crais; eventually takes command of Talyn and leads him in a one-man war against the Peacekeeper forces in the Uncharted Territories

Gul Dukat: gets into an intense, terrifyingly fucked-up relationship with Scorpius. Like, it's not even clear that they're fucking--it's just this rat's nest of codependent, narcissistic toxicity that seems to involve committing gratuitous war crimes as a kind of foreplay

bonus round 2: John Crichton

dropped by his wormhole into space next to the Caretaker's array not long after Voyager itself, John Crichton is quickly rescued by the Starfleet ship. though a man out of time, he does well among its crew: his scientific and technical disposition is very well-suited to assisting B'Elanna Torres in engineering, his fun-loving nature meshes well with the crew, and he is delighted that Tom Paris gets his pop culture references. With the help of advanced 24th century physics, he is eventually able to recreate the wormhole that deposited him in the future, and returns home in a matter of months.

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Sinking and Floating in Indulgence MQ translation + video with sub EN (Part 1/3)

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for an MQ that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Sinking and Floating in Indulgence MQ | Part 1 (1-3) | Part 2 (4-5) | Part 3 (6) | 🔞Secret Space ASMR🔞

[Warning]: The content of this MQ is explicit and may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 17 (CN server). It is recommended that those who do not meet this age requirement refrain from proceeding beyond this point.

cw: trauma, injury, near-death experience, (mutual) confinement, arguably justified drug use, intimacy as a coping mechanism for PTSD, consent is implied rather than stated. Please proceed with caution and avoid reading if these topics may be distressing or uncomfortable for you.

Special thanks to ivi (@ivioivioivi on twitter) for helping me with the translation of this date~

[Subbed Video, TURN ON CC!]

✂———————–

[Transcript Ver]

—[Part 1]—

I feel like I'm going to die.

The world is spinning, and the sudden sense of weightlessness crushes my heart as if it could burst at any moment.

I cross my hands and press my head tightly against the back of the seat. The oxygen mask on my face inflates and deflates with my rapid breathing, and white mist engulfs the breathing bag in the blink of an eye.

Captain: Our plane has encountered an unexpected situation during the flight...

Captain: Please fasten your seatbelts... Do not panic...

The hoarse announcements, deafening roars, and helpless cries collide chaotically, pulling me into a state of bewildered despair.

…Am I going to die here?

A figure appears before my eyes, and amidst the violent turbulence, his face seems to grow increasingly blurred.

Several pieces of luggage crash from above, hitting my shoulders and completely shattering all my thoughts.

The scenery outside the porthole speeds past in reverse, with raging flames and thick black smoke seemingly burning wildly in my eyes, leaving only silent pleas and prayers.

??: Buddha, please protect us...

??: No...

As an invisible huge wall slams into me, the air in my lungs feels as if it’s being forcibly squeezed out. Amid the piercing roar, my consciousness is gradually torn and pulled away.

MC: Lucien…

=Meanwhile in another place=

Deep beneath the surface, bright light illuminates the rough concrete walls and rows of metal instruments. Several blonde researchers move back and forth through the somewhat modest laboratory.

Lucien stands in front of the second-floor platform, calmly looking down without revealing any emotion.

A foreign gentleman stands beside him, his profound green eyes gleaming sharply as he raises his palm.

??: Doctor X, I didn’t expect our formal meeting to occur at such a chaotic moment.

Lucien: Indeed, it is a bit unexpected.

Lucien: However, to smoothly avoid the turmoil in such a short time and maintain such a well-equipped research environment...

Lucien pauses, his narrow eyes showing a faint smile devoid of warmth.

Lucien: It seems that aside from research, Professor Holden also holds considerable authority in other areas.

Holden: Professor Lucien, if you want to stay in such a volatile place, you must be well-prepared.

Holden: Risks and rewards always go hand in hand.

Lucien: In that case, I think we can further accelerate the pace of the experiment to minimize the risk.

Lucien: I don’t intend to let meaningless disruptions become the key turning points of the past several months I’ve worked on.

A silent tension faintly brews. Feeling a slight sense of pressure, Holden raises an eyebrow and places one hand on the railing in front of him.

Holden: I’m just as eager as you are, Professor.

Holden: But in these chaotic times, there are always accidents.*

As if in response to his words, a barely perceptible hum comes from above. The ceiling trembles slightly, shedding a shower of fine gravel.

But everyone present seems accustomed to it, continuing their work unfazed.

Lucien also looks up without surprise, gazing into the distance.

Lucien: Accidents are meant to be controlled and enjoyed.

Lucien: Chaos will ultimately become the catalyst for new discoveries, and that’s why I chose to work with you in the first place.

As he speaks, he turns and walks away. Just as he steps into the open elevator, a voice calls out with a laugh from behind.

Holden: With Professor Lucien joining us, I suppose we should indeed be more confident.

Lucien doesn’t respond. With a loud rumble, the old elevator doors slowly closed behind him.

The sound of metal grinding outside the elevator continues to roar persistently, like the distant echoes of endless artillery fire.

The fading afternoon sunlight streams in from outside as the elevator doors open.

Three days have passed since the meeting with Professor Holden.

The lab operates around the clock, almost pushing time to its limit, but the results are still not ideal.

Just as Lucien expected.

He extends his fingertip, verifying one fingerprint scan after another, before stepping out of the unassuming old factory.

The scent of gunpowder constantly assaults his nostrils. Scattered armed personnel stand guard in front of barbed wire fences among the crumbling ruins on both sides.

Lucien walks steadfastly through this land where turmoil is the norm. Only when he passes a corner does he finally stop and take out his phone.

The signal bars silently returned to full. While waiting, he looks up at the sky not far away.

A vast expanse of dark clouds churns and burns fiercely. Soon, the phone in his palm vibrates.

Lucien opens the message box and sees a text from the girl six hours ago, informing him of her boarding.

She is on a private plane back with several film industry executives. He instinctively calculates her estimated arrival time in Loveland City—

She will land in about four hours. His expression softens unconsciously, and a hint of a smile appears at the corner of his lips.

Lucien's Message: Miss Producer, you must be tired from your business trip. Thinking about how you'll be home soon… I feel a little lonely too.

Lucien's Message: Looks like I want to wrap up my work early so I can get home sooner to see you.

Pressing the send button, he hears an increasingly loud whirring sound that continues to fill the air.

Lucien looks up again. In the distance, a small passenger plane makes a sharp turn and plummets, veering at an unusual trajectory. Thick black smoke billows from its right wing.

A fighter jet closes in from behind as the passenger plane plunges into the distance, skimming beneath the low-hanging clouds.

In an instant, it merges with the smoke.

He watches calmly, then looks down to confirm that his message has been sent successfully before turning to leave.

The dust floats in the wind and settles on his shoulder.

In a world where people depart at any moment, he simply reaches out to brush off the dust before walking away in the direction he came from.

✂———————–

[T/N]

*: 意外 (yìwài) is the keyword of this date. It refers to something unforeseen, whether a surprising event or an unfortunate incident. This word generally means "unexpected" or "accident." But to keep the repetition intact and considering how, more often than not, it carries a slightly negative connotation of things going wrong, I choose to only use "accident" to translate the word throughout the whole date.

✂———————–

—[Part 2]— Video Timestamp: [04:02]

Plop—

Hearing the abrupt noise, I immediately press myself against the wall, shaking as I tighten my grip on the scalpel in my hand.

In my narrow field of vision, a hunched old woman passes by the intersection.

Her figure is shrouded in gray, and with each unsteady step, a patch of nearly black bloodstain on her back comes into view, sending a violent shudder through me.

I finally realize that I haven’t truly escaped death—

I’ve merely fallen from one desperate situation into another.

Three hours ago.

Co-Pilot: We are currently unable to determine the captain’s physical and mental condition...

Co-Pilot: Amid the chaos, the aircraft veered off its autopilot route and entered the airspace of a conflict zone, where it encountered a warning attack...

Co-Pilot: Although we managed to make an emergency landing, the current situation remains unclear...

Co-Pilot: We will continue to do everything possible to contact the airline and relevant authorities.

In a crude medical shelter, with his right arm wrapped in a rough bandage, the co-pilot speaks heavily.

Several fellow passengers frown, wanting to say something, but in the end, it turns into a few muttered curses.

Faced with the absent-minded captain, he almost single-handedly managed to execute an emergency landing in the woods.

He then proceeded to provide emergency bandages to the more seriously injured passengers in an orderly manner.

With the communication equipment failing, he relies on his memory of the flight path before the crash, leading the group toward a possible inhabited area.

It wasn’t until dark that we finally found a rundown bungalow on the city's outskirts, flying a Red Cross flag, where we fortunately received temporary assistance.

Everything feels like some kind of miracle in the midst of immense misfortune.

Co-Pilot: I suggest we stay here for now. This place is relatively safe and on the other hand...

Co-Pilot: We have several seriously injured passengers who can’t be easily moved.

Passenger: Can’t we ask them to go somewhere with a signal and contact the embassy for us?

As the words are spoken, the rushing wind carries a pungent scent of blood. They speak anxiously in a language we don't understand, pushing a surgical trolley as they rush into the building.

They already have their hands full with the constant influx of injured people.

No one speaks again, and I lower my head as well.

By great fortune, I’ve survived the disaster.

Gratitude and trance consume me at the same time. At this moment, I don’t even know how much time has passed—it feels like time has frozen into a blurry black mass.

Will Lucien know that something has happened to me?

Will my flight make the news as a ghost flight? Will he see the reports saying my fate is unknown?

I bite my lips tightly, trying to force my muddled mind to think, but my eyes slowly grow wet.

I can’t even imagine what Lucien would look like at that moment, but I know very well that staying here is the safest and most responsible choice for both him and me.

...I must survive.

✂———————–

Boom—The distant sound of what seems to be a collapse suddenly pulls me back to reality.

We’ve underestimated the level of chaos here; accidents can happen at any moment.

The conflict has reached the camp, and in the urgent evacuation, there’s only a loud noise left in the world.

When I come to my senses, I find myself alone, with nothing but a rust-covered scalpel that I don’t even remember holding.

The streets are even more desolate after dark, and I force myself to stay alert almost instinctively.

What should I do? How can I survive?

Only deathly silence answers me.

I clench my hand repeatedly, trying to force myself to stop trembling, but it’s no use.

Suddenly, a click sounds from behind me, and a cold sweat instantly soaks my skin.

Someone has appeared behind me, stepping on shards of glass.

I tremble so much that I can barely breathe, forcing myself to silently hide the scalpel in my sleeve. Turning around, I raise both hands to show that I mean no harm.

What comes into view is a pair of black leather shoes covered in ashes, yet there’s not a single crease or scuff on them.

They are not combat boots, nor do they bear any traces of blood, which makes me breathe a sudden and grateful sigh of relief.

Perhaps someone from the medical team has found me. With that thought in mind, I lift my head, only to find myself staring into a pair of familiar eyes.

Those dark, indifferent eyes seem to contract intensely the moment they see me.

The world suddenly loses all sound, and on the eerily empty street, Lucien stands across from me.

MC: ….

I don’t dare to move, not even to blink.

It feels like a grand hallucination on the verge of collapse, one that’s ready to burst like a bubble the moment I move.

My blurred vision makes his face even more indistinct, and that figure also seems to walk toward me in a daze.

He, too, seems to hold his breath. His steps gradually quicken, stirring the hem of his coat and the dust in the air until he stops right in front of me.

His chest seems to tremble uncontrollably, and his slightly shaking fingertips fall upon my face. Cold. Undeniably real.

Lucien: …MC?

His low, hoarse voice feels both near and distant, leaving me dazed as I gaze at him, feeling his uneasy yet fearful touch brush against my cheek.

MC: …Lucien, is it really… you?

MC: Am I… going insane?

Lucien: [his shaky breath as he speaks༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽] …Fool, how could I… be just your hallucination?

He lifts my hand and brushes it against his cheek as if confirming*.

The cold, dry sensation spreads through my fingertips, and just like that, the tension that had been stretched to its limit finally snaps.

MC: Lucien…..

MC: Lucien… I’m… so scared…

I don’t know how I appear in his eyes at this moment. All I want is to hold him tightly. To be held tightly by him.

His unbearably tight embrace brings pain, but it’s the reality I desperately need right now.

This man who has always been effortlessly composed now seems to have lost all sense of restraint.

Lucien: [still shakily gasping] …It’s okay.

Lucien: It’s okay now… MC.

He murmurs the words over and over, I don’t even know if he’s saying them for me or for himself.

Lucien: I’m here…

Lucien: I'm right here by your side... Don't be afraid...

The head resting against my shoulder feels so, so heavy as if something even weightier has sunk into the depth of our souls along with it.

I don’t know how long I’ve been crying.

Only when I have finally let out all my emotions and lean into his embrace do I realize that I’ve arrived in a warm place—

Surrounded by irregular rock walls, the air is filled with a damp, mineral scent.

The rising steam soothes my nerves, and I tug at his collar with more ease.

MC: It's okay now, Lucien...

MC: I'm not afraid anymore...

Lucien: [in a soft, hoarse voice] I’m afraid.

His voice is so faint it feels like a figment of my imagination. I want to turn my head to look at him but find myself gently and firmly held in his embrace.

Lucien: It’s safe here. I’m staying here for now.

Peering over his shoulder, I see an open door leading to a clean bed, a few sofas, and a table.

In the corner of my vision, a gray toothbrush rests inside a glass cup, and the razor I gave him is neatly placed.

I freeze for a moment, feeling like something is off.

MC: Didn’t you say you were on a business trip…?

Lucien: I am, and I’ve indeed been staying here for a few days.

Lucien: I know you must have a lot of questions. To be honest, so do I.

Lucien: But right now… there’s something even more important to me.

Following his lowered gaze, I see the dirt covering me and my tattered clothes, torn in places I don’t know.

My drooping strands of hair are covered in dust, resting against Lucien’s clean shirt.

MC: I got your shirt dirty.

Lucien: ...Stop saying such silly things.

He gently pecks the space between my brows, his fingertips naturally undoing the loosened buttons on my clothes.

MC: Lu—!

Lucien: Shh….

His lips move downward, pressing insistently against the corner of mine.

Though very light, it is filled with an undeniable firmness.

Lucien: [gasps breathlessly] Don’t push me away.

Lucien: [X2] I also need to confirm that you're really here with me.

Lucien: [X3] Let me help you… okay?

It isn’t really a question. His voice lingers at the edge of my lips, flowing with his breath, making my head feel light and dazed. Instinctively, I nod at him.

His fingers move slowly yet deftly. Bit by bit, patches of deep bruises become more visible.

His warmth spreads through me faster than the cold.

I’m too embarrassed to look at him, so I bury my face deep into his chest instead. I feel him scoop me up in his arms and carefully lower me into the bathtub’s warm water.

The sudden heat stings me, jolting me awake as I grab Lucien’s wrist.

MC: Wait, the other passengers I was with, because of the conflict, they’re now…

Lucien: Don’t worry, someone will take care of it.

Lucien: [whispers hoarsely] Right now, only you matter the most to me.

There seems to be something growing wildly beneath his calm gaze. He subtly and seamlessly intertwines his fingers with mine, gently submerging my body into the water.

The deep and shallow bruises appear even more striking in the clear water. A dull ache seeps into the water, causing a small, instinctive sigh to spill from my lips.

Lucien: Relax.

He applies slight pressure, gently prying apart my fingers that are curled around my knees. Carefully avoiding the bruises on my thighs, his hand presses downward.

MC: [moans] L-lucien…

Lucien: [whispers hoarsely] I just want to help you relax a little more.

Lucien: [gently] At least for this moment, be a good girl... okay?

Another question that isn’t really a question.

I can’t get a single word out**, so I can only bite my lower lip, watching as he kneels by the bathtub, a soft towel in his hand, lightly stroking over my arm.

Lucien: Does it hurt?

His low, hoarse voice is caught in his throat as if suppressing something before finally smoothing into a calm steadiness.

MC: …A little.

Lucien: [chuckles, then whispers softly] Then I’ll be gentler.

His gentle, unhurried touch warms one arm before moving to the other. Then, it follows the top of my foot, slowly moving upward.

As he leans down, his large shadow envelops my whole body, and I instinctively tremble with each faint mark he leaves behind.

Something seems to be stirring madly in his calm gaze, suppressed within his silence, driving him to confirm me even more deeply and intimately.

I feel as if I’m sinking into the warm water, yet also weightlessly floating with it, my hands instinctively clutching the fabric at his chest tightly.

Lucien: [HOLY THE BREATHLESSNESS AND SUDDEN URGENCY?] …bear with it a little longer… wait for me...

As if to soothe, his even more scorching lips descend, teasingly hooking and coaxing my lips and tongue, relentlessly drawing me in.

At some point, his entire body has also become drenched, his drooping bangs soaked with water, revealing those unfathomably profound eyes.

Lucien: [whispers hoarsely] I'll help you get rid of all the pain.

✂———————–

[T/N]

*: the wording in Chinese is ambiguous; it could mean either that he is making sure she’s not his hallucination or that he’s reassuring her that he’s real :") and this ambiguousness HURTS bc you know that he also has the same fear as her (this will be expanded more later on memory silhouette). This guy really said, "…Fool, how could I… be just your hallucination?" yet he’s in disbelief himself that she’s real and I’m just SOB-

**: 说不出任何话 literally means "can't say any words at all." However, the nuance is deeper than just the inability to speak. It can imply being so overwhelmed by emotions (orcoughpleasurecough) that speaking becomes impossible. Besides being overwhelmed, it’s also often used when somebody wants to say something but physically/emotionally just cannot.

✂———————–

—[Part 2]— Video Timestamp: [10:36]

Even when carried to the bed, my whole body still feels light and weightless.

An oversized shirt is put over me, its scent different from the dense smell of gunpowder as it carries the light freshness of grass that I’m familiar with.

Lucien casually changes into fresh clothes, grabs a few towels, then pulls me into his arms and smooths back my damp hair.

MC: …How about I do it myself?

MC: It’s inconvenient for you like this, and it’ll just get your clothes wet again.

Lucien: But it seems my hands can’t let go of you… they need your warmth even more.

His gentle yet firm fingertips stroke the back of my neck, resting the side of my forehead against his shoulder. His legs settle on either side of me, enclosing me within his territory.

The world is enveloped in tranquility, with only the rustling sound of a towel rubbing against damp hair remaining.

MC: It must be pretty inconvenient for you here too, there’s not even a hairdryer.

Lucien: Don’t worry, the equipment here is a bit more complete than you think.

His low voice brushes past my ear, making me look up in confusion.

MC: Then why do you…

Lucien: Sound of the hairdryer would make you uncomfortable, so this will do.

I freeze for a moment. That trace of distant rumble and roar still seems to be howling, yet at this moment, they appear to settle into a quiet stillness within his deep eyes.

Only now do I notice more clearly that he seems to be slowing down his breathing as if he's cradling something fragile.

MC: …Do I look like a total mess?

Lucien: How could that be? To me, I never would have imagined that in a place as desolate and ruined as this…

Lucien: I could still be lucky enough to encounter such a beautiful and resilient color.

Lucien: Even though I never wanted you to be here.

Lucien: I can’t help but wonder… if I hadn’t stepped out the door today if I hadn’t turned left...

His words come to an abrupt halt, followed quickly by a faint chuckle that carries a touch of self-mockery.

Like a staunch materialist*, yet hesitating over irrational ‘what ifs’.

The rhythmic beating of his heart echoes in my ears, but that subtle, unintentional quickening of its pace seems to take on another name—

It’s called ‘lingering fear’**.

The arm holding me seems to tighten in the next moment, and I can’t help but clutch the front of his shirt, burrowing myself even deeper into his embrace.

Lucien: Right now, I’m already by your side.

Lucien: I’ll take responsibility for driving away all those unpleasant things lingering in your brain.

MC: Really?

Lucien smiles lightly, and the tension in his brows and eyes finally eases slightly.

Lucien: [chuckles] As a brain scientist, it would be difficult for me to lie to you about this.

Seeing him feign seriousness while explaining, I can’t hide my laughter at his dry joke.

MC: Lucien, let me tell you about my brush with death.

MC: Maybe facing it head-on will make it less frightening.

Lucien doesn’t speak for a moment, only silently changing to a new towel.

I rarely see him like this, so I can’t resist reaching out and gently smooth the furrow between his brows.

MC: [worriedly] Do you want to hear it?

Lucien: …Perhaps, the one who is more afraid is me.

He closes his eyes, presses a light kiss to my fingertips, and finally looks at me with an even deeper calm.

Lucien: I’ll do my best to hold back the ache in my heart and listen carefully.

MC: Lucien, you’re just as much a fool as I am.

Lucien: [genuinely] You're probably the only person in the world who would praise me like that.

In his tender, lingering kisses, I finally steady my mind.

MC: Actually, I still don’t have a clear understanding of what exactly happened during that time.

MC: I only heard the co-pilot say that the captain suddenly had some kind of mental issue…?

MC: Later, our plane accidentally entered a no-fly zone, was threatened, and ultimately had to make an emergency landing.

Lucien's breathing seems to have stagnated for a moment, and his eyes droop slightly.

Lucien: Your plane… Did the right wing get hit?

MC: Hmm? It seems... to be true?

MC: I was sitting on the plane's right side at the time, and all I could see was black smoke. But I was so scared then that I couldn't really tell...

Recalling that scene, I still instinctively curl up in lingering fear, not noticing the way his eyes suddenly contract sharply.

MC: But luckily, everyone was safe. We just kept walking and were rescued by a local civilian medical organization.

MC: But the scene was too chaotic. Later, the gathering site was also affected, and I got separated from the main group during the evacuation.

I pause, looking into his eyes with mixed emotions.

MC: And then I met you.

MC: …All of this is just too unbelievable.

MC: The accidents in this world really catch people completely off guard. I feel like I’ve had the worst luck… but at the same time, I also seem exceptionally fortunate.

Lucien: ….

He falls silent again, it's unclear what he is thinking.

I don’t know how much time has passed. After ensuring my hair has been completely dried, he casually throws the damp towels aside.

The world suddenly quiets down, and Lucien wordlessly raises his hand, his fingertips gently brushing over the bruises on my body.

As our skin touches, a slight itch ripples through my skin, accompanied by an extremely faint pain sensation.

Thinking of his confirmation in the bathtub not long ago, I can’t help but feel my face grow slightly warm again.

I lift my head and kiss the corner of his lips, lingering until our breaths intertwine, then smile and wink at him.

MC: [smiles softly] Don’t worry. With you here, I already feel much better.

MC: When I get up tomorrow, I’ll definitely return to full strength. Then, we can…

As I speak, I suddenly stop, realizing something.

MC: Are we... still near this area?

Seeing him respond softly, my heart tightens.

MC: You said you’ve been here for a few days, so that closed-off lab you mentioned... is it here?

Lucien: Yes.

Lucien: Even though this place is far from tranquil, I have a reason that makes it necessary for me to be here.

His voice possesses a certain indifference and resolve. I gaze at him for a moment before slowly speaking.

MC: Are you doing something dangerous?

Lucien: ….

Under my gaze, Lucien remains silent for a long time, long enough that I almost think he will find some way to sidestep the topic until his low voice finally breaks the silence.

Lucien: The research institution I’m working with now is one I had contact with years ago when I first joined BS.

Lucien: They have a considerable amount of multinational projects, as well as some that can hardly be called ethical or compliant. In one way or another, some covert dealings are involved.

Lucien: All I can say is, yes. The things I’m doing are not safe.

Lucien: So I hope you don’t go anywhere and just stay by my side.

Seeing him be especially frank about his thoughts, I can’t hold back my smile.

MC: Lucien, I'm not asking about myself, I'm asking if you will be in danger.

He freezes for a moment, then smiles without the slightest hesitation.

Lucien: [totally not lying-] No, I won’t.

Lucien: I should be able to get what I want soon, so don’t worry.

He presses a light kiss to my forehead, pulls back the blanket, and wraps me in its softness.

Lucien: [chuckles] But… I think that’s enough of a bedtime story for now.

Lucien: Just like you said, I want to see you full of energy as soon as possible, smiling without any worries or strain.

Looking at his incredibly close face, I smile and lean in closer to his scent.

MC: What should I do? I’m still a little reluctant to sleep.

MC: It might be a bit late to say this now, but after so many days apart, I’ve really missed you all along.

Lucien: Me too.

Lucien: So all you need to do is close your eyes, I will always let you feel my presence and longing.

Like finally returning to the most secure and reassuring home***, I relax and close my eyes.

One after another, incomparably intimate and affectionate kisses fall upon my face and between my lips, as if scattering in tiny, delicate fragments that sink into the depths of my heart—

—until I fall into an exceedingly gentle dream.

.

.

.

When I open my eyes again, daylight is already shining brightly.

Lucien isn’t by the bed. As I get up and step out of bed, I notice that my wounds seem to have been tended once more.

MC: Lucien…?

The room is quiet. Breakfast is laid out on the table, along with a laptop and a slightly old-fashioned phone.

He hasn’t left a note, but I still smile with an unspoken understanding.

I’m just about to wash up when the phone screen suddenly lights up. A message pops up, showing Lucien’s number.

Lucien's message: Good morning MC. I’m already at the lab.

Lucien's message: I’ve arranged for someone to contact and assist the passengers who were with you, so there’s no need to worry.

Lucien's message: I’ve also informed your company that you’re safe. Work matters can be left to them for now.

Lucien's message: Get some rest, I’ll return as soon as I can.

Sunlight spills in from the balcony, and a gentle breeze brushes against my face, carrying a touch of winter’s coldness.

Yet, I don’t feel the biting cold. Instead, there’s a sense of warmth and security.

Though the scene before me remains desolate and ruined, the world feels tranquil right now, free of the terrifying tumultuous noise.

I step onto the balcony and see golden light magnanimously illuminating the earth. A small bird perches under the eaves, occasionally lowering its head to preen its feathers.

A faint wave of emotion wells up in my heart. Perhaps this place would have been entirely different if not for all the turmoil.

But what I’ve never noticed is—

—the little bird on the eaves has only one wing.

✂———————–

[T/N]

*: Materialism is a philosophical belief that only physical matter exists and that everything can be explained through the physical world and natural laws. It also can be a philosophical viewpoint that denies the existence of the spiritual world, fate, and alternative possibilities as only physical matter exists. Materialists prioritize what can be observed, measured, and tested. Lucien mocks himself for speculating about "what ifs", because it involves considering possibilities that may have no empirical grounding, which contradicts materialist core belief that only the physical matters.

**: "后怕" doesn’t refer to *just* fear, but a delayed sense of fear, a realization of how terrifying something was only after it has already passed. He has just come to the realization of how close he was to losing her forever, and it filled him with 后怕. In some contexts, it can even be directly translated into PTSD.

***: I translated it as 'home' for brevity, but the term "归处" (guīchù) is composed of two characters: "归" (guī), meaning "to return", "to belong", or "to take refuge", and "处" (chǔ), meaning "place" or "location". Together, "归处" conveys the idea of a refuge or a place where one truly belongs. For MC, Lucien is not just a home to return to, but also her 'place' of belonging, someone 'where' her heart feels at peace, much like a final destination where one finds solace and stability.

✂———————–

Part 4 & 5-> [Here]

[allnightstay]

Day 22 - Role Reversal

Summary: Eren's attempt at assisting Levi with cleaning exposes a particularly interesting side of the usually stoic man.

Lee: Levi

Ler: Eren

A/N: I am a SUCKER for characters who typically remain stoic, serious, etc., and seeing them laughing, breaking their usual form.

It had been a long day of training, and everyone had finally settled down for the night, except for Captain Levi, who was busy with his usual cleaning routine in the Scout Regiment’s headquarters. Eren sat nearby, watching him obsess over the already spotless room, a smirk forming on his lips.

“Don’t you ever stop?” Eren teased, leaning back in his chair.

Levi, without looking up, responded flatly. “Not until this place looks like people who actually care about hygiene live here.”

Eren chuckled. “It already looks perfect, Captain. Maybe you’re just avoiding sleep.”

Levi shot him a quick glare, his eyes daring Eren to push further. But Eren, feeling a surge of boldness, stood up and walked over, reaching out for the cleaning cloth Levi was using.

“Here, let me help you with that,” Eren joked, grabbing for the cloth.

Levi’s hand darted out, fast as lightning, gripping Eren’s wrist to stop him. But in the brief struggle, Eren’s fingers accidentally grazed Levi’s side. Eren froze, his eyes widening as he noticed something odd: Levi’s body stiffened, and for just a second, the corner of his mouth twitched, almost like he was holding back a laugh.

“No way…” Eren muttered under his breath, his mind racing.

Levi, clearly trying to ignore what had just happened, released Eren’s wrist and turned back to his cleaning. But Eren wasn’t going to let this go. He had to be sure.

“Captain,” Eren said, his voice laced with amusement, “are you… ticklish?”

Levi’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t be stupid, Jaeger.”

But Eren saw through it. That tiny moment of vulnerability had cracked Levi’s usual unshakable exterior, and now Eren was on a mission. He couldn’t believe it, Captain Levi, the most intimidating, stoic person he knew, had a weakness.

Grinning mischievously, Eren moved closer. “Oh, I think you are…”

Before Levi could stop him, Eren’s fingers darted toward Levi’s ribs, poking lightly. This time, the reaction was undeniable: Levi’s body jerked to the side, his lips pressing into a thin line to stifle a sound. But Eren had seen it, and he didn't plan on stopping anytime soon.

“Gotcha!” Eren laughed, his fingers quickly poking at Levi’s sides again.

Levi’s hand shot out to block him, but it was too late. A soft, involuntary sound escaped Levi’s throat. A laugh, barely there but real enough for Eren to hear. Levi looked mortified.

“Erehehen,” Levi’s voice was dangerously low, but the warning was undermined by the way his body tensed at each touch.

“Oh, this is amazing!” Eren couldn’t stop grinning. He wasn’t sure if it was more shocking to hear Levi laugh or to realize he was the one making it happen. He pressed his advantage, darting his fingers along Levi’s ribs, testing different spots. “Captain Levi, ticklish? Who would’ve thought?”

Levi’s attempts to stop him were half-hearted at best. He tried to push Eren away, but each poke sent a shock through his body, making him twist out of reach. At one point, a real, breathy laugh broke through, and Eren’s eyes lit up with victory.

"Ahahahah, dammit Erehehen!"

Levi swatted at him again, but his usual precision was gone, his focus clearly divided between maintaining his composure and fighting off the sensation. “Naha hahahaha, stohop it!” he growled, but the command lacked its usual bite.

“I can’t believe this! I’m never gonna let you live this down,” Eren teased, his hands relentless as he poked at Levi’s ribs, under his arms, even daring to brush against his stomach.

Eren was loving every second of this. It was a complete role reversal - Levi, who was always in control, always the one dominating every situation, was now at Eren’s mercy. And seeing Levi, of all people, laugh and squirm was too much fun to pass up.

Levi’s breath hitched, and his face turned slightly pink as he fought to suppress more laughter. “Yohou hehehe little brahahat…!” he managed to grit out, though his words were broken by another unwilling laugh.

"AhahahHAHA!! OKAHAHEY! ENOhuhough!"

Finally, after what felt like an eternity (but was probably only a few minutes), Levi managed to shove Eren off with enough force to create some space between them. He was breathing heavily, his eyes narrowed in what should have been a deadly glare, but the flush on his cheeks softened the effect.

“If you ever tell anyone about this,” Levi said, his voice low and threatening, “I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Eren, still laughing, held up his hands in mock surrender. “I won’t tell a soul, Captain,” he promised, though the grin on his face made it clear he would never forget this moment. “But I’ve got to say, I didn’t think you had a weak spot.”

Levi didn’t respond, just stood there, trying to regain his composure. After a long pause, he turned back to his cleaning, as if nothing had happened, though the tension in the air hadn’t quite dissipated.

Eren, feeling victorious, sat back down, still grinning to himself. He may not have won many battles against Levi, but this one, this moment, was a win he would savor for a long time.

The mighty Captain Levi, ticklish? Who would have thought.

[welcometololaland]

FERAL SHOW NOTES - LONE STAR S 5 X 02

vin diesel reference 2 seconds in we didn't come to play!!!!! (that kid is no vin diesel, but he is spiderman how the fuck he get up there)

the ring light is not looking at home in such a wholesome scene

SPUR OF THE MOMENT PROPOSAL YASSS THIS SHOW KNOWS THEIR FORTE

what is a bear claw donut carlos nevermind you've sold me on it (this man could sell me cleaning supplies I would spend big)

"it's a lot easier to get things in than get things out" OOP-

lmao tommy vs tiktok it's giving me thoughts

my dad used to play the harmonica I can never look at him again

nancy is a fucking girls girl we love to see it MWAH

owen "avoidance king" strand

heart broken for a hot minute i deluded myself into thinking i would hear sierra's voice 😭

role reversal from 3 x 18 with wyatt trying to get his dad a job help

"a train just derailed" great job by that lady very succinct

choking on a sanga so relatable it happens fam

i'm fear we only have 15 min left are you gonna cliffhanger me rashad 😔😒

getting outta a situation because I got a bad vibe captain strand is so me

not to be weird about it, but nancy looks like a good kisser (i'm being weird about it)

I love this show I love this show I love this show (I can't watch any of the medical stuff 💀💀💀💀💀💀)

this newslady is annoying is she owen's new love interest

MAYDAY marjan in slowmo

WOW that would have been an expensive shot 🤑

yee haw can't wait for next week's cowboys in SESSION

cc: my co-watcher @rmd-writes

[thisisallthehattersfault]

I need rivals to lovers Lusopp that really digs into the parallels between them where for whatever reason instead of being raised in peaceful, boring Syrup Village Usopp grew up somewhere with actual danger and adventure to be found, either because something happened In Syrup or because he was somewhere else, idk, idc. What's important is that Usopp is inspired and lowkey forced to come into his own as a child the same way Luffy was and then, like Luffy, spends his adolescence training and growing and honing his strength, so unlike in canon where Usopp waited for his destiny to basically kick down his door before he finally went out and chased it, this Usopp has the courage to set sail on his own as soon as he feels ready for it. The Great Captain Usopp but like, for real this time.

He and Luffy are about the same age and set sail at about the same time and get into about the same amount of trouble -- Luffy still takes out all the biggest bounties in the East Blue but Usopp takes out more bounties in a shorter amount of time, so it roughly evens out -- and they end up with about the same starter bounty as a result with Usopp coming in just behind at 25 mil to Luffy's 30.

The Straw Hats still hit Loguetown and cross the Reverse Mountain in the middle of a fucking storm because they're all still insane. Usopp, less crazy, waits for the storm to pass before he makes his move, but because the Hats came through and caused problems for Loguetown just a couple days ago the navy base is on high alert and it causes insane problems for Usopp's crew, who have to basically go all-out in order to escape the marines and just barely make it to the Grand Line in one piece.

The Straw Hats still have their canon run-in with Vivi and veer off course but Usopp's crew take a different route through the Grand Line, so they don't interact much for the early arcs but everybody DOES keep hearing about them side-by-side in the newspapers. It seems like every time Usopp's crew does something insane, the Straw Hats do something crazier. Every time Usopp gets a bounty increase, Luffy's bounty goes up higher. They are not competing but somehow nonetheless this has turned into a Competition.

Luffy, who does not keep up with the news, has no idea who Usopp is or that any of this is happening.

Usopp fucking hates this guy.

It all comes to a head in Sabaody when all the Supernovas are passing through (Usopp is a Supernova in this because I said so) and Usopp somehow gets caught up in the rescuing Camie situation. Maybe he met Hacchi while he was escaping from the Marines after the Arlong Park situation, and helped get the injured fishman to the Grand Line before they parted ways? And Usopp doesn't know anything about his history with Nami but he considers Hacchi a friend and so gets involved for his sake, and ends up being introduced to the Hats that way and he goes into it fully expecting to not like Luffy at all but he ends up getting hit with The Luffy Effect and comes away from the whole thing even more frustrated because how can one person be so strong and powerful and amazing and also funny and cool and handsome and nice to hang out with and likes bugs and --

I don't think this really Changes or Fixes anything necessarily, the Straw Hats still get Kuma'd and Marineford still happens. Maybe Usopp, like Law, feels compelled to go but gets there too late to really do anything. Or, if Usopp's crew and the Straw Hats DID meet off and on throughout the Grand Line, maybe Usopp gets there Just In Time to put a sea-stone bullet through Akainu's chest. Akainu lives but so does Ace. How helpful Usopp would actually be in this situation would absolutely come down to how close he and Luffy were and if they were already in a flirty will-they-won't-they situationship because Marineford was all about love and relationships and devotion, gestures, you get it, the themes.

I'm gonna be so honest so much of this idea is rooted in my need to see Luffy and Usopp getting into a fight like their Water 7 one only WAY more evenly matched this time, Usopp is giving as good as he gets and Luffy is actually having to bust his ass to keep the upper hand, and it ends in kind of a tie with Usopp pinned to the ground with Luffy's hand on his throat and the barrel of Usopp's gun pressed under Luffy's jaw and they're both sweating and bloody and panting open-mouthed for breath staring so intensely into each others eyes, laying in a crater surrounded by rubble from the sheer collateral damage of their fight. At the same exact time Luffy dives down while Usopp surges up and they clash in the middle with a kiss that's all teeth and adrenaline and then the incredibly intense moment is broken because Usopp's nose jabbed Luffy in the eye and Luffy's like ow OW I thought we were done fighting??? I wanted to kiss now!!!! And Usopp incredibly flustered is like we are! Me too!! I'm sorry!!! and Luffy calls Usopp a dirty cheater and Usopp says he didn't MEAN to it was an ACCIDENT and Luffy's like grumblegrumble FINE I believe you! And then they kiss again but softer and more giggly this time.

[at1nys-blog]

Some stories gets told: Reversed roles

Pairing: OPLA!Roronoa Zoro x fem!reader

Summary: The battle is over and while everyone is in the right mood celebrate a certain writer is not. This is Zoro's time to comfort her and tell her a story of a lost friend.

Pt.1\\Masterlist\\Pt.2

If four days ago people would have told her she was going to be a loyal member of a pirate crew that wasn't Shank’s' she would have laughed; if four days ago people would have told her she was going to tell someone her story, she would have joked about it; if four days ago they would have told her she was going to be chasing for her dream she would have been lying that her dream was to have a boring life in Syrup Village, but there she was: in her room revising her writing for the the crew's boarding diary.

She was deep in her thoughts when someone knocked on the door, Sanji wanted to ask if she needed anything to eat or drink, her answer came in the form of point her water bag on her desk. The blonde pirate left her alone with her diary and her thoughts.

She kept staring at the same portion of her draft, thinking if it was worth it or not putting her story in there. She thought there was no use in that, who would have been interested in the past experience of a pirate like her, with a dream so useless as hers? Reading what she had wrote about the rest of crew, she was reminded once again that maybe she had to change her dream. Being the most famous writer in the world was nothing compared to what her new friends wanted to achieve.

This time no one knocked on her door, Zoro just came in without making his presence noticed.

-What...- the two of them hold eye contact for some seconds untill the swordsman noticed he got in the wrong room. -Right, not my room. Sorry.- when he left she laughed, for a moment and decided to appoint how the pirate couldn't find his way on his ship either.

She could sense her head exploding, her eyes started to hurt like crazy and if she didn't want to Usopp to lecture her she had to stop and take a break.

Entering the kitchen she was met with a smiling Luffy and a very confused Usopp, Sanji and Zoro.

-What is happening?-she asked.

-I wish I knew.-whispered Usopp leaning closer to her, his attention still on the captain that was taking something out from a bag.

-Hello guys.-said the...head? of a clown. What was happening??

-You gotta be kidding me.- scoffed the green haired man. The situation was still new to her, and Usopp too. Sanji as well couldn't understand why Zoro was stressed about having to deal with the head of a clown.

-What is wrong with this clown's head?- Y/N asked, she was curious to why there was such tension between the swordsman and... the clown's head.

-Oh, nothing, just that he tried to kill us for a map.- oh, that makes sense she thought to herself and took a piece of paper and wrote down "clown attack" as a note for later. She was going to write about that for sure.

-Zoro, buddy. Look I have changed, I am not here to kill you anymore.- the head spoke. Zoro rolled his eyes and pointed a finger at Luffy before warn his friend that if the clown did anything remotly suspicious, he was going to drop him out in the open sea.

She noticed how much fun the head was in teasing every single one of the crew, first with Y/N pointing out how sad she was looking, then with Usopp calling him 'Captain Shit-tastic'; then it was Zoro's time to get teased but the second in command was not going to stay calm about it. He took Buggy's head from his kerchief and threaten him to drop him at sea.

Zoro wanted to make sure it wasn't a trap, after all he had tried to kill him, Luffy and Nami the first time they had met. Usopp and Y/N kept an eye during the whole interaction between the two of them and hoped, at least the girl, that this was going to be the last time him and the head would argue like that.

Once Buggy gave his word that he was not walking them into a trap, starting singing a very obscene and out of tune sea shanty, Zoro decided to drop him inside a barrel. Y/N had to hold in her laugh, she didn't want to upset the clown further even though he was not in the situation to do anything about people laughing at him.

-...sounds like you don't know her either, mosshead.-

-they do look like moss, now that I give a better look at them.-

-yours look like a bird nest, now thay I gibe a better look at them.- he mocked her, annoyed about the comment she made. She was about to compliment him for his payback(?) but Sanji started to yell at him that was in no way how he was supposed to treat a lady. -I'm sorry m'lady.- he said in a mocking tone giving her a courtsy. -I'm sach a savage.- and with that he left the deck, deciding that maybe it was better for him to stay away from everyone.

-I hope his comment didn't hurt your feelings, madam.- the use of 'madam' cringed her a little bit, mostly because it never happened before that someone used the term for her.

-Nah, he was joking, is okay. So, what where you talking about?-

-Nami.-started Luffy. -and her choice, whatever it is I need to hear it for myself.- she was happy to have found such a nice pirate, if it was anyone else, she was pretty sure they wouldn't care and would have left her behind. But not Luffy. He was different and she couldn't help but smile at her captain.

It was after some minutes that Usopp spotted land and staring at the island she started to get nervous, what if it was a waste of time? What if Nami didn't want to come with them? What if she was going to loose her company? She didn't want to admit but, even though she had known Nami for literally two days, she had grew fond of the girl and considered her as a sister. She didn't want to face rejection from her.

Entering the village she started to feel a rush of sadness taking over her body. She had never seen anything like that before, thinking what Kuro planned was bad enought she had to consider, the fake butler was an angel compared to Aarlong. She was sure it was him, and Luffy only confirmed her thoughts.

-Hey, shithat! I think we can all agree that Aarlong's a bad fish.-it got her everytime Buggy would start talking, she wasn't used to such a situation. -But why don't we quit lollygagging and get my body back?-

-Pipe down in there.- commented Sanji. Not him nor the rest of the crew was in the mood to listen to a head complaining about his situation.

-or what? You gonna whip me up a soufflè?- that, she had to admit it, was funny but maybe just for her because the four boys looked at her confused.

-What? It was funny.- she answered

-I like her, she gets me.-

-Yeah, just don't push your luck Clown.- before the head could start another argument with her Luffy started to walk away, following a bunch of people yelling at each other for only the seven seas know why.

A man with a little started to collect what the crew thought to be Berries from the crowd of people. Some rolled their eyes, cursing under their breath; some others cried, Y/N had a thought the money they gave away was their last.

-Do we have time to get some more?- asked a woman from the crowed.

-No. You don't.- the girl didn't have time to think who was speaking, and once the people in front of them opened a passage for Nami Y/N and Luffy were ready to greet their friend. Zoro stopped the both of them, it wasn't the right time to get involved.

A look at Zoro and Luffy got the memo, stopping his walk to the ginger woman. Y/N on her hand didn't care. She wanted to talk to Nami as soon as possible; she wanted to know why she left and she wanted to try and bring her back with her, with the crew.

-No, not now.- said Zoro, in a whisper for just her to hear.

-But...-

-No buts. We will talk to her later.- there was no way she could fight him on that, if the swordsman thought it wasn't time yet, it wasn't. The girl left a annoyed "fine" and walked some steps backwards.

-You got something for me?- her tone was harsh, Y/N couldn't believe her friends could be meaner from what she witnessed, but even when Nami used a cold tone with the crew, she knew it was becuase someone had to, but now? She was just mean, for no reason. She sounded like her bully back in the days. She was so caught in her world that didn't notice Nami saw them; she didn't hear her asking Luffy why he was there.

-And you? Why didn't you stopped him?-that was brought her back to reality but even then she couldn't understand what was happening. -I asked you a question.- the girl couldn't speak, but even if she could what was she supposed to say?

-Because I need you back.- that was supposed to be kept between the wall of her mind, but as usual the words left her mouth before she could register what she was saying.

-I don't need you. I don't need any of you.- Nami gave a quick look on everyone before she went back to speak. -Aarlong wanted the map, and I conned you into getting it for me. And you bought it. I was never part of your stupid crew.-

-You don't mean that.- Y/N started to think Luffy and her are connected somehow because whatever he spoke were the same words she was thinking. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe the two of them had learned to read between the lines and managed to understand when something was off, not just with Nami. Maybe Nami was just to easy to read, an open book there for everyone to catch on what she really meant, just like now. She could tell, and so Luffy, she needed to be saved but if she couldn't ask for it is not like you could do anything about it.

-Take the rest of these clowns and sail away from there. I never want to see you again.- and with that the ginger woman left, and once again Y/N wished nothing but to go after her friend, and once again Zoro had to stop her, an unspoken "is not worth it" flew between the two.

-Okay, that went about as bad as it could. So back to the boat before the fishmen find us? Sail the hell out of here? Okay.-

-No.-

-She is right, there's something else going on here.- added Sanji.

-She was very clear she want us to leave.-

-You don't know her.-

-Because you do?-

-No, but unlike someone here I can read in between lines. She is just trying to not get us involved in whatever is happening here.- she really didn't want to start a fight but Zoro was giving her milion of reasons to, and the same with Sanji. It was like the swordsman just wanted to start arguing with everyone on his sight.

-Guys, guys. You don't get it? She's one of them. She is a bad guy. The villagers are terrified of her.- she rolled her eyes and if it wasn't for Luffy walking away, she was going to smack Usopp on the head, annoyed by his behaviour.

-Who was that lady? You know, the one with the cool hair?- the Scar guy, or how Luffy addressed him asked who wanted to know to witch the captain answered with his name followed by "I'm a pirate" to wich Zoro corrected, adding a little thing.

-We're here to collect Aarlong's bounty.- it made sense, she thanked the man for interfering into the conversation. The man in front of them was confused. He couldn't believe a bunch of little flies like them could take a piarte of the scale of Aarlong.

-We just want to talk to her.- Y/N could sense him smirking, she knew he was. She had learned it was one of his habit.

-Trust me, you don't. But if it'll get you out of my town, try the house down that road, on the edge of the tangerine grove. The girl thanked the man with a small courtsy, following behinde her friends in the direction he pointed at.

The five pirates were almost at their destination when Usopp started to complain about how tired he was.

-Keep walking princess, we are almost there.- she teased him. -And stop picking up tangerines.- she added noticing her friend stealing a couple of them from the trees.

-Is not like they would notice some are missing.- he protested back.

The group didn't even had the time to knock that the girl with blue hair they saw among the crowed gretted them pointing a gun at the pirates, asking them to leave immediatly. Usopp was fast, hiding behind Zoro's body while the other four didn't seem too fased about their current situation.

Luffy tried to reason with her, if talking about having things in common meant reasoning with someone having you at gun point. The woman expressed her thoughts on Nami, calling her a thief with no conscience, that once there was nothing left to take she just leaves, without turning back. That was not the Nami Y/N knew, but maybe Nami fooled her good, showing a part of her that was a lie. Maybe.

-My sister doesn't have any friends. The sooner you realize that, the better.-

-Sister. That makes sense. Both as beautiful as each other.-

-Give it up.-Zoro spoke, rolling his eyes, Y/N following suit. She liked Sanji company, she did but sometime his flirting was too much and off topic. They were there to find a way to get Nami back, not for him to flirt with everyone that looked in his direction. But Y/N had to give it to him, he knew how to get to people, with the promise of a good meal doing the trick he was able to let the blue haired girl shut down her walls and let them inside.

Nojiko, you had learned was her name, started to talk. She explained about the day Aarlong and his men arrived at Coco Village and destroyed everything. Nojiko talked about how Bellamere, their adoptive mother had asked the two of them to hide from the pirates. She told them about Bellamere's sacrifice and how her and Nami watched Aarlong killing their mother in front of them. She had told them how Nami started to work for the fishmen crew and that from that day on she never saw her sister again, untill she started collecting the money from the villagers.

The story broke Y/N's heart, she couldn't even fanthom how hard her friend's life was. Compared to hers, she had lived a good childhood, getting picked on from time to time.

-Wait. Nami's working for the pirate that killed your mother?-Nojiko nodded, it was short and almost invisible if you didn't look closely.

Luffy stood up, without saying a thing, he didn't had to. What was he supposed to say? He walked outside, Y/N and Zoro exchanged a quick glance and she nodded, hers too almost going unnoticed if you didn't look for it, a sign she understood it was not her place to talk to Luffy. Not now at least.

Everyone was trying to kill time as best as they could: Sanji and Nojiko were on dishes duty; Zoro and Luffy were still outside either talking or maybe in silence; Y/N was drafting part of what happened that day; Usopp was preparing his famous little bombs with Buggy's head annoying the poor guy.

It was after some minutes that Nojiko left that the silence was cut with bombs and screaming from the village, the crew left and on their way to see what was happening they meet Nami.

Y/N couldn't believe her eyes, her friend was on the ground, screaming in a fit of anger, stabbing her tattoo letting blood cover the symbol that had tormented her for her whole life. One thing, when Luffy stopped her attack on her flash, she asked for one thing: help.

Of course they were going to help, she was their friend, a part of a new family that was only meant to grow with every new adventure. She was family and there was no way they weren't going to help her.

Entering the village in the morning, the chaos that reigned was worse than what they encountered the day before. The houses seemed to have dissapeared, becoming black ash from being set on fire. Not a single soul was there, and if they were people they were hiding well.

The villagers, or what was left came out, all with a holding some kind of weapon. They wanted to fight, they wanted their home back, freed from the fishmen and they were fighting until death to pursue it.

Nami tried to reason with them, there was no way they could take Aarlong's army and get out of it to see another day, but the people of Coco Village didn't care. They wanted their home back and they were going to fight.

Luffy, Sanji, Zoro and Nami started to walk, headed to Aarlong's Park; Usopp wished he had stayed at home, Y/N was the only sane one that had to stop the crew, which turned out a little complicated since Luffy was very into getting started on some action.

-Guys, we can't get in there without a plan.-

-We have a plan. We get in and we fight everyone that gets in the way.-

-That is not a plan. That is the base for a suicide mission. Nami please help me out there.- the navigator didn't say a word, she was not in the right state of mind to think properly. Aarlong tricked her, and now she just wanted to get her revenge. Y/N scoffed. It was useless, no one was going to listen to her. -Usopp, before we get in throw some of yoru smoke bombs so we might have a higher chance to not end up dead.-

-yes captain.-

Entering enemie's territory Nami and Luffy left for the map room, where Aarlong supposedly was, while the rest of the crew enganged in a fight with the fishmen crew. Y/N with a smooth movement jumped on the walls the separated the park from the outside and from there she started throwing her daggers to whoever tried to get to her. She got distarcted for a split second, noticing Luffy cornered, and that caused her opponend to strick a kick at her.

She was up, back at her feet almost immediately, back flipping some miles away she threw at the fishman another couple of dagger at him. The two blades got him, one cutting his left forearm and the other his right leg; she sprinted closer to her enemy, keeping an eye around her to make sure no one was close enought to engange in a duel, when she was closer, the pirate kicked him on the other side of the Park and then moved to her next opponent.

The dynamic was the same for every fishmen she was fighting: throwing daggers from a distance and then knocking them down the wall; if they were downstair she would have knocked them out agaist every surface that was close to them and then moved to the next target.

-You look tired.- teased Sanji -Maybe you should take a break.-

-You ought to get back in the kitchen.-Zoro protested in response.

-I have a dagger with your names on it, next time I hear the two of you picking a fight is on sight.- there was no way those two were arguing with each other in such a delicate moment.

-My apologise ma'am.-

-mY aPoLoGiSe Ma'Am.-mocked Zoro.

-Quit screwing around. Luffy needs us.-

-You just got here. You don't know what Luffy needs.-

-if you don't shut up right this istant I am going to kill you next.-

-As if you could take all of them by yourself.- she wanted to kill the swordsman right here and there. How dare he assume she couldn't take an army by herself?

-Just because I don't look buffed like you doesn't mean I am weak. Now I'll be happy to not hear you two fight again or... Shit.- talking while fighting is not always a good idea, no, is never a good idea. The y/h/c haired girl got sent flying, the air got cut short from her lungs for a brief moment and if it wasn't for Zoro coming to her rescue she knew she was gone for good.

-You were saying?- he wasn't paying attention to her, once he slayed the pirate he went on fighting the next one.

-This is your fault. Now shut up and keep fighting.- she was back throwing daggers after daggers, her collection seemed unlimited for a rookie eye, but she was fast in getting back the one she had already used.

-Stop telling me what to do woman.-

-Ehy, that is no way to talk to a lady.- of course the cook had to give his one cent in the conversation.

-SHUT UP.- both Zoro and Y/N smiled as they spoke simultaneously.

As fast as the fight started, it ended and so the bickering between Sanji and Zoro. Y/N could only roll her eyes while she was retriving her weapons from the dead bodies laying around.

-Oh, it's so much better than I even remembered.- turning around the girl saw that the head was back on its rightfull place. Now, looking better the clown wasn't as scary as she thought he was going to be, he looked somehow... attractive? Weird considering he was once an enemy. -Hey, so, uhm... I'm gonna get out of here.- he said, flipping the finger on both hands and leaving. It didn't came as a surprise. She had it coming, of course someone like Buggy would have done such a think. Zoro tried to call him back but the clown didn't want to stay there any longer. -Sorry, kiddos. I'd love to make things right, but it's time to exit stage left.-

The trio really wanted to take a break, to relax at least five minutes but no. Another fishman was ready for a fight and in second he put k.o Sanji. Zoro was the first one to attack but his only good sword was not able to cut throught the tough skin of the fishman, then it was Y/N turn to attack but not even her daggers were of much help.

Kicks after kicks, puches after punches it seemed like there was no way they were going to win this one. It was like the universe was against them, after having helped the three of them for that long. Everything changed when the nameless guy badmounthed Nami about her poor choice of friends and Sanji got so rilled up he started giving weird names to his attacks.

-Mouton shot?- Zoro was genuinly confused, what kind of attack name was that?

-All great fighters call out their finishing moves.-

-That was cringe, let me tell you.-

-Yeah, you're gonna fit in just fine.- he remembered the first time he fought alongside Luffy and how he said the same exact thing as Sanji. Maybe there was a logic on how the captain was recruiting new members for the crew, maybe it was just a coincidence.

Usopp started to run back in, yelling and being his extra self, proclaiming to not fear because "Captain Usopp was there to save the day" when he noticed there was no need tp fight anymore.

-Oh. You guys did pretty good in here.- that made the daggers thrower laugh, which wasn't a good thing since her ribs hurted like crazy.

-You okay?-Asked Zoro some what concerned.

-I think I broke some ribs, nothing too serious.- she was about to ask him how he was doing when Sanji calling Nami's name got your attention. The blonde cook opened his arms, ready to welcome the girl in there but she ran past him and threw herslef at the three pirates behind him. The collision made the swordsman and Y/N hiss in pain but Nami didn't notice, too happy to see her friends still alive. Zoro asked where Luffy was and when hearing he was still inside the map room Usopp hoped for his captain to get outside of there in one piece.

-Hey Nami, how are you doing?- Y/N asked sitting next to the navigator, the ginger haired woman smiled assuring her friend she was doing fine. -I know what happened is fresh but..- the y/h/c haired pirate handed her a small leather notebook. -I was wandering if you could write about, you know...- she had to clear her throat, she didn't want to sound indelicate but it was for her project. She wanted to write about everything, the good and the bad of her and her friends' adventures. -nevermind is stupid. Just...-

-I would love to help you, just give me some time.- said Nami snatching the notebook from her friend's hands. Opening the book she smiled, Y/N remembered what she had wrote on the first page "Nami's diary: a great thief, navigator and liar but also the greatest friend on the sea" and blushed. She was embarassed, thinking that maybe it wasn't the right way to address her friend. -I love it.-

-You want something to eat? I am starving.-

-I am not that hungry yet, maybe later.-

-Okay, I'll tell Sanji to save you a portion.- she turned back. -I'll wait as long as you need so don't worry.-

Taking her portion of food Y/N took a seat further than the people surronding Usopp, she wasn't in the mood to stay around people not when her mind was starting to play tricks on her once again. Since the battle against Aarlong came to an end she couldn't stop thinking that no matter how strong she was, or she was going to turn out her dream wasn't strong enought to ensure her a spot on Luffy's crew.

-Was he always like that?-

-what?-

-Usopp. Was he always that good of a liar?- staring at her long time friend she laughed.

-He just like the spotlight and is a good story teller. He wants to lift up people's spirit when in need, he did it with Kaya back home and now with the villagers. He knows how to touch people's hearts.-

-You are a pretty good story teller too.-

-I have to disagree, I don't know where to start nor how to end. I talk to much I am abresive.- she started to play with her food. -Have you ever... Never mind, it doesn't matter.- Zoro started to push her into talking and she was trying her best to keep her mouth shut but eventually she gave up. -I just can't stop thinking I have a stupid dream, I mean you want to beat the strongest swordsman of all seas; Sanji wants to find the All Blue which is considered a myth; Nami wants to draw a map of the whole world; Usopp wants to be a brave soldier of the sea and I... I want to be a writer.-

-Why?-

-What?-

-Why do you want to become a writer?-

-I made a promise to my friend. She told me I had a way with words and she made me promise her that no matter what I had to keep writing. This is why.-

-I had a friend when I was a kid. Shw was older than me and the daughter of the sensei of the dojo I trained. She wa...-Y/N interrupted him, feeling that he was telling her that story to make her feel better. She told him that if that was the case he didn't have to keep with the story. -Woman, I don't do things out of pity, now let me talk. I was saying. She was stronger than me and stronger than all the boys in the dojo. We made a promise, every day we will fight each other growing stronger and stronger and then one day, when we were older one of us was going to be the strongest swordsman in the world. She died that same night. Wado was her sword, I asked her father if I could keep it and since that day I lived to fulfill that promise. I think every dream is based on a promise, no matter if it was made to a family member, a friend or even at yourself, so stop overthinking. Now.- He stood up streaching out a hand in your direction. -where is my notebook?-

-oh, about that... I have to buy three mores. I left Syrup Village with two and Usopp has the other one.-

-Showing favouritism, I see. Just make sure to give it to me first and not to Shitty cook over there.- he said pointing behind his back, that made her laugh. -Now care to enjoy the festivities?- Y/N took Zoro's hand in hers, helping herself up and followed the pirate back to the crowed of people listening to Usopp. Maybe she was gooing to fight her dark thoughts a little longer, but now she had a weapon to keep them at bay.

[elliotthinkssometimes]

it is 1:30 am I need to go to sleep and I cannot have coherent thoughts but I will never stop thinking about how easily Chip could’ve become Reuben. They’re both hurt and motivated by the same things. They both had no one left to care for them and nothing to do but cause trouble. And (if Reuben really is Captain Rose’s son) the hole in the sea took people away from them both.

their situations are so similar yet somehow Chip manages to make it out of Reuben’s gang, and manages to be more than that. Maybe there is just something inherently good about Chip and bad about Reuben that sets them apart. Maybe Chip was lucky to have been around such good people with the Black Rose that he was saved from ending up like Reuben. Maybe under any different circumstances the roles would be reversed

[gintrinsic-writing]

Hi there. I always read fics where Warriors doesnt know that Time is Mask. But i was thinking why not the reverse? Children don't have that strong of a memory. So although Time remembers the Captain from the war and how much he meant to him, he didn't quite make the connection that he and Wars are one and the same. Meanwhile Wars over here is very proud of his little brother and also constantly trying to offer him hugs and giving him like a bedtime or something and Time is like ???

Do with prompt what you like, maybe when time finally makes the connection.

Also it's totally alright if you don't feel like writing it, no pressure. <3

Sorry this is uhhhhh two years late, Anon. I made it a little silly. :)

--

It was probably the scarring, Warriors mused, idly thumbing the thickened tissue that pulled at his nose and lips. No matter how prettily he attempted to smile, his expression bore a perpetual grimace. It didn't seem fair, but that was life, after all. The end of the war hadn't quelled any of the resentment from those who believed that the Hero should've been quicker, or smarter, or stronger; if anything, the peace that had followed merely gave them time to redirect their ire, and their blades. Warriors hadn't been able to feel his right cheek for nearly a year.

He imagined the length of his hair didn't help the situation either. It was longer, now, and it curled around his jaw if he didn't apply any product. Warriors rather liked it like that, maybe especially because of the way it looked nothing like the practical cut he'd sported during the war.

But still, surely Time recognized him. Yes, he'd gained a few healthy pounds, and he cared about things like moisturizers and conditioners when he'd never before had the chance to, but goddesses above, the scarf was pretty recognizable, and so was his "annoying, posh-ass accent," or so he'd believed.

He certainly remembered Mask, regardless of the decades that must've passed for the other hero.

But they'd been traveling together for days at this point, all nine of them, and Time's countenance revealed not even a semblance of familiarity whenever he looked Warriors's way. And that was...

Well, not great.

So Warriors waited for the right time, and when the younger heroes went off on some questionable exploration of a something called a "fire fruit orchard," he sidled up to the Hero of Time with the closest thing he could manage to a grin. "Portals," he began with a conspiring wink, "am I right?"

Time didn't seem to share his amusement. Not even for camaraderie's sake. "Are you not going to follow the others?"

"No, they'll be fine." Probably. Mostly. "I figured you and I should take the time to talk."

"Hm." Time busied himself with cleaning the back of one of his gauntlets. The metal practically gleamed already. "About what?"

Not one to be deterred, Warriors stepped closer. "It's only right that we get to know each other. Call it bonding, or... unmasking." He paused, waiting to see if the joke connected, and he couldn't help but lean forward to bump their shoulders together just like he'd done to Mask dozens of times during the war.

Somehow, he ended up on his ass. Literally.

"Not interested," Time answered flatly, drawing his leg back as if he hadn't just stepped aside and tripped Warriors with it.

A blushed warmed one side of Warriors's face, and he cleared his throat. Belatedly, he remembered to stand up. "I only meant--"

"I know what you meant." Time held up his left hand. A plain silver ring decorated his fourth finger. "But I'm taken, jackass."

"That's--I didn't--Mask--"

"Try that euphemism one more time, and I promise you won't experience a single peaceful night on this goddess forsaken journey."

Warriors stared, and for once, Time stared back. The look in his eye was fucking terrifying. Warriors couldn't help but admire the man, even if his skin crawled from the intensity of that stare. After what felt like one of the most dangerous moments of his life, he finally sighed and threw up his hands. "Do you truly not remember me, you brat?"

Time blinked, then narrowed his eye. "Should I?" As if it was a threat!

"Captain Link?" Warriors tried, drawling a little out of frustration. "Time travel? The War Across the Ages? Any of that ring a bell?"

For a moment, it seemed like Time had truly forgotten, then his jaw dropped; the stupidity of the look suited him. "Captain?"

"Nayru's sake, yes!" Warriors scoffed, feeling his scarred lip catch briefly. "I can't believe it took you so--Oof!"

He ended up on his ass again. This time, Time was on the ground with him. All things considered, it wasn't the worst hug he'd ever received. Not by far.

[lightninghikaru]

I know this probably won't happen since you want to put twists in "Reverse Tides" to separate it from "Turning Tides," but I couldn't help but think of scenes that could parallel certain scenes from "Tides of Chaos."

A parallel of the fox scene in Ch. 8 of "Tides of Chaos":

ToC: Captain Shadow protects Sonic from the vampire vixen who attempts to take a bite out of him. Afterwards Shadow impatiently drags Sonic to The Final Hazard.

Shadow: "Stop making yourself look like an easy target."

RT: Shadow is following Captain Sonic as the Werehog leads him to his ship. Suddenly a mysterious monster confronts Shadow wanting "A taste" before Sonic appears to defend him. Shadow finds himself momentarily shocked at this action.

Sonic: "Are you okay?"

Shadow: (snaps out of his shock and goes back to glaring): "I didn't need your help!" The last thing he wanted was for this blue fool to think he was an easy target!

Sonic simply sighs before leading Shadow to his ship. "C'mon. The ship's this way." This guy was not going to make things easy for him.

2. A parallel of Ch.5 "Emerald Cove" in which two people stuff a hedgehog in a sack:

Sonic: "Knuckles you have to be gentle with him!"

Knuckles: (waving off Sonic's concern) "Relax I'm being gentle."

And then we fast forward to meeting the Pirate Queen.

Sonic: "Uh Knuckles could you..?"

Knuckles: "Sure."

Shadow is dropped unceremoniously from the bag.

Shadow: "Oomph!!!"

Sonic: "I SAID GENTLE!!!"

Knuckles: (being sarcastic): "Oops."

Sonic growls in annoyance before attempting to help a snarling (and biting) black hedgehog up to his feet.

3. A parallel of the ending of Ch.14 and the beginning of Ch.15 where Sonic reverts back to thinking of himself as Shadow's prisoner while Shadow now considers Sonic as his guest:

I think considering RT Sonic's earlier treatment of Shadow is a bit softer in comparison to ToC Shadow's earlier treatment of Sonic, I think Shadow would really want to believe in Sonic's sincerity in trying to keep him happy, but at the end of the day he has to remember how and why he's in this situation.

Shadow: "I know you've been trying your best to make me feel like a guest here, and i appreciate it... but sadly... It doesn't change the fact that I'm still your prisoner..."

I think Sonic would rush to deny this thought, not because he isn't taking Shadow seriously nor is he trying to manipulate or gaslight him. He probably hasn't been really taking the prisoner thing seriously since they started their new job for Maddie and he's come to like Shadow at this point.

...And there may be a small, selfish part of him that doesn't want to face the fact that he did something terrible to someone else. Hence why he uses the term "borrowing" rather than admit it was outright kidnapping.

Sonic: "Shadow no... You're not a prisoner here... Nobody views you like that. Well... Maybe Knuckles but whoever listen to the echidna."

Not a good time to joke Sonic.

Shadow: "Sonic... Don't lie to yourself." (Shows Sonic the ring on his wrist.)

Look how Shadow tells Sonic not to lie to himself rather than not to lie to him.

So what does Sonic do to try to fix things. Oh he does something stupid

Shadow: (sees Sonic messing around his desk) "Sonic what are you-WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!? PUT THAT HAMMER DOWN!!!"

Sonic freezes mid-swing stopping himself from using the small hammer to unclasp the ring from his wrist.

Sonic: "I'm sorry Shads! But I don't know how to remove the rings. Maddie never told us how!"

Of course Shadow believes him and they sort everything out.

Shadow: "Just please don't do that again you idiot!"

Sonic: "Sorry!"

Yes I do plan to make Reverse Tides it's own thing but adding a few tie-in's from TOC are a great idea!

The ring one is so good, Sonic realizing he doesn't know how to take it off and instead of just telling Shadow he opts to smashing in first.