#I’m gonna have to…marinate in it for a bit

[mistawolfie]

They’re yuri to me

[fulgrims-big-naturals]

Blood raven brings you food

its the thing i said i'd do but it took me very long because ive been having random heart palpitations and that makes me scared to take my adhd meds so i didnt start it out proper so here's this out of chronology snapshot instead

oh also @slippi-the-magos

--------------------------------------------------------

"hello little songbird, I'm back"

You hear Ulysses cooing from the other side of the locked door along with the clinking of keys.

"i got you something~” He is singsonging with excitement, he must think you’ll like this one.

He always gets you something. A silver bracelet, some soft dresses, a book in a language you don't understand (you haven't told him you can't read it), a disk that makes rainbows when it catches the light, every day there is a new trinket for you. And food too. Three whole meals a day, with the good corpse starch, the one with the added protein. The door opens, pushing aside some rumpled fabrics by it as Ulysses steps into the room. He turns to lock the door again before flashing you a smile.

You swallow your unease to greet him “welcome back my lord” you’re trying your best to sound sweet, but the trans human dread you feel still has weight in your throat and your shoulders. Ulysses eyes light up at your voice, and grows a smile at the title.

“Thank you, you’re so sweet” he replies “and round! You’re so round and soft” he walks over to your bed and pulls you onto his lap, bringing a bag up next to you. “Look, look, I got you oranges”

The bag is full of orange spheres. They smell sweet. You furrow your brow at his excitement. They are nice, yes, but are not very intriguing.

“Do you not like oranges?” Ulysses asks, shifting his weight under you impatiently.

“Oh- no, no, I do! Thank you my lord” you have no idea what these are.

“Oh sweet thing, they’re fruits, you eat them” Ulysses giggles and plants a kiss on the top of your head. “Didn’t you know?”

“No my lord” you answer sheepishly. You still don’t know what a fruit is, but it is probably best not to ask your lord too many questions. You’ve yet to see Ulysses in a bad mood and you don’t want today to be the day you do.

Ulysses takes an orange for himself and bites into it. Seeing him, you do the same. It prickles your mouth, you wrinkle your nose up at the taste. Such a sweet smelling thing tastes so bitter. And it’s wet in the inside, like a very strange egg.

“Oh, you don’t like them.” Ulysses says disappointedly.

Your stomach drops. What would one of his angels do if you turned down his gifts? Your lord spent some of his immortal life to dote on someone undeserving like you and you meet him with ungratefulness? You don’t want to think of what he will do. You won’t think of it. You will like oranges damnit.

“No! no I do, I do” you start chomping into the orange again, getting juice all over your nose and chin. The meat of the orange is sweeter. Without the bitter shell you do quite like it. You breathe a sigh of relief and drop your shoulders.

Ulysses observes your orange based panic, and then your orange based acceptance with fascination. “Are you sure?” He cocks his head with the question.

You turn red, embarrassed to have to explain “I, uh, I thought I didn’t like it at first because the peel was so bitter, but the meat inside is sweet, so I do like them. I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, I’m sure there is a way to take the peel off”

“I thought you would be angry that I rejected your gift. which I am not doing, my lord, I do like it”

“Well if you didn’t like them, then there’s just be more for me. So it’s a win-win really.”

“Oh”

He’s not mad. He wasn’t mad when you didn’t know what the Rainbow Making Sun Reflector Disk was either. Maybe being stolen wasn’t so bad? Your old lord would never have brought you gifts. And he’d throw a fit if you talked wrong or looked wrong or other reasons you still hadn’t figured out. You’d better stay on guard though, this Blood Raven hasn’t used you for anything yet, but he must’ve taken you for a reason.

[henreyettah]

Wow can’t believe this has been in the works since may. Anyways. Y’all get ready now. Because girlys boutta drop, and I mean Drop

Lil (actually not so lil) wip I’ve got going

[littlemissmaples]

What does your Future Spouse look like?

Pile One: Flowers

Whether your FS is male or female, I'm getting the impression that they have some similarities to Chapelle Roan, or simply just listen to her. I’ve already written everything I need for this reading, I’m just going back and polishing it, so I would like to take the time now to say that there are three consistent themes within this reading that appeared within this reading for me.

1. Your FS likely resembles a celebrity in some way (you’ve probably read another one of my PAC’s before and you fell under the pile where I talked about Zendaya and Tom Holland)

2. Your imagine of your FS isn’t entirely what you think. There is something here that is a little different than what you image or expected.

and 

3. Some of you are Queer and want your FS to be a woman. (For some of you though, you could be straight but just don’t mind if your FS happens to be queer or a woman who has many partners before. Some of you are looking for a dominant woman lmao. You’ll have it, haha.)

Anyways, if that sounds like you, welcome, welcome, let’s get onto your reading!

If your FS identifies as a woman, there’s a strong chance she has a similar look or vocal tone to Chapelle Roan, this hasn’t leaved me as I typed, although I’m getting that she probably doesn’t sings much, if at all, although she may just have that striking tone to her voice and appearance as a whole. She may also be a theater kid or have more of a theater-kid vibe about her, although this may just be you more than her. There are some parallels between the two of you (I’m also getting red lips, take it if that resonates, drop if not.) they may have a lot of similarities to you if not in appearance than interest. (I’m getting Hamilton and 21 Chump Street for some of you, maybe she likes musicals.) As I mentioned before there is a bit of a queer energy here, although don’t worry if you’re not, i’ll get to those of you who’s partner is likely male in a minute, but I digress. If you’re looking for a woman, I’m getting you’re looking for one who’s not only queer but also has a bit of that femme-fatale, Joan-of-Arc kind of vibe to her, like she’s a mix of princess and knight with a Renaissance-like appearance. I’m getting she definitely has that. Although for some of you this is likely a “Dream” and you’re being asked to be a little bit more “realistic” about your FS, no that they don’t exist or you the way you imagine but some of you imagine this warrior of a woman with big bright red flowy hair, something like maxie from Under the Oak Tree maybe, (but less shy) when in reality, her hair may be more of a brown-ish red rather than that bright almost blonde-ish ginger red you would see in like a movie or something, or perhaps more of a dyed color red. I feel like for some of you your FS may not even have red hair but just have dark wavy brown hair and freckles and while they will be outspoken they’re likely a little bit more introverted than you expected, but this doesn’t mean she’ll be any less fun or into the kind of stuff you’re into, i’m getting this is somewhat of my kinky pile and some of you are looking for a dominant woman, you’ll have it, you’ll have it, but don’t reduce her to only that, okay, haha. <3

If your FS identities as male, I sense a mix of patience and a bit of impatience from you lmao, you’re sick and tired of waiting both for me to get to describing your FS and also you’re sick of waiting for him to show up, but I’m getting there’s this back-and-forth inside you of what you want your FS to look like vs what they’ll most likely look like. (I know what my next PAC is gonna be about now lol.) Look, my love, your FS might not match the exact picture in your mind. 

And that’s okay. I’m literally getting the image of a slightly sun-kissed, blonde-haired, bright-eyed, “golden retriever” type of boyfriend who could be a book lover and surfer who hangs out at the beach often and is a fond of marine life and what not, the “perfect” guy with a chiseled jaw and bright gorgeous brown eyes that make you melt under the sun. Thiiiis is not him lmao, but this does not mean this is “not” him. What do I mean by this.

Much like I told you, or the other side of Pile one if you skipped the first half. Your FS has some qualities about them that are different from what you expected. I get the sense that you’re afraid he’s not going to be your type and that you’re not going to be attracted and perhaps you try hard to let go of this and tell yourself that you’re okay with “any” type no matter how he looks like, but sugar, 1. It’s okay to have a type but 2. It’s okay to allow yourself to be okay to like someone outside of your type. You need to be a little bit more kind to your mind and understand that you have no idea what this guy looks like, perhaps you have very high standards or maybe even a light prejudice that holds you back from imagine him to look like anything except what you imagine him like, I’m not here to judge you but you need to understand that if you want to grow past this, healing does not come from judgment, you can’t grow and shame yourself all at once. If you’re judging yourself, ask yourself why, sit with that thought or feeling and see what it wants and why is it there, do whatever you need for yourself in that moment and then let it pass by and evolve. You’ll be just fine <3 But back to your FS, your FS is a criminally attractive. You might not notice it at first because they don’t look how you imagined in your head, but once you give them the space they need to shine in front of you, oh man you’re never coming back.

I’m getting some of you are looking for more of a “Golden Retriever” type boyfriend but you’re likely to end up with more of a “Black Cat” kind of personality. They might actually be Black, like African American (I’m getting some of you are African yourselves, perhaps you’re from West Africa, you might be the same ethnicity but don’t worry this man will NOOOOOT look like your father lmao) or if they’re a woman, they may have more “Cat-Like” eyes and be a little quieter and have sharper more model like features than what you expected, think Nara Smith but with more of a bolder, Alt style/personality. Anyways, your FS is hard for me to describe because of this very reason, whenever I go to say something about them, your energy comes in with a panic “NO!” you say, hahaha. For some of you, you have NOTHING to worry about and they look EXAAAACTLY what you imagine them to look like, but maybe with one tiny, itty, bitty difference like maybe they longer lashes than you expected or they have a beauty mark on their face. But for others, they look like how you imaged but 1 key treat is just the opposite. If they’re male I get the sense, you’re looking for someone whos has softer feature or maybe they’re “beautiful” in an almost feminine sense, your FS will likely be likely be like this.  I feel like this is a very beautiful guy or maybe this is just your rose colored glasses trying to paint him like that again, haha, guys, please, I promise he’s beautiful, he’s very pretty but I get the sense some of you are attaching an almost unrealistic standard to how he’s gonna look like. You’re really indecisive here arent you? I keep repeating myself in this reading, it’s wild. But I promise I get it, it ain’t your fault. But do know that your FS DOES looks like a celebrity of some sort, if it’s not someone you recognie then maybe they just have the appearance of someone who would do good under the public eye, someone who’s very aesthetic and dresses well. But do keep the whole “1 opposite trait thing.”

If you expect them to look feminine, they’ll likely be masculine with feminine features.

If you expect them to be be silent and reserved, they’ll likely be calm but very sociable.

If you expect them to be tough and a lonewolf, they’ll likely be warm hearted but stern in a way.

I’ve been all over the place with this reading, let’s focus solely on their appearance.

If female she may look like Nara Smith or Chapelle Roan, If male a celebrity isn’t coming into mind (instagram model for some) but whatever image of a person, celebrity or not it is that you have in mind is the “Base” of their appearance BUT, find a trait, whatever it is that sticks out to you the most and switch it for something else. If her hair’s short, it’s likely rather long. If she’s Tall in your head, she’s probably a littler short. If he’s thin and a bit more on the delicate side, imagine him to be lean in his built or with a slightly rugged edge. Brown or “Reddish” Brown eyes for them.

That’s all for now, haha, as wild of a ride as this was, I had fun, I hope this reading brought you something.

I hope to see you again babes!!

Pile Two: Bicycle

Wow.. I don’t know how to describe your FS to you, I suddenly got this overwhelming sense of peace over me. I was just listening to United In Grief by Kendrick Lamar and now my phone’s Playing Blue Dream which honestly tells me so much about them. I feel like this person is just, honestly, a dream, I want to say they’re so pretty, but honestly calling them a beauty would be almost an understatement. They could be very spiritual, I’m struggling to pick up if they’re male or female, they may be non-binary and Identify as they/them or they may just be somewhat genderfluid. If they’re a woman, they have some “masculine” features to them, perhaps thicker eyebrows and wider shoulders, but honestly these features of their just make them appear even more mystical and more elegant. They can have very clear skin. If they’re male they might have some more “feminine” features about them, like soft beautiful lashes or a little beauty mark under the eye like that of a 1920’s actress. This person makes me think of incense, perhaps they meditate often or light some nice incense around the house, they really have this lovely earthy-spiritual vibe about them. If they’re black they may be light skin with soft curls, though for some of you it’s a tighter curl pattern, for others of you this person is simply foreign she could be south african if a woman and kind of resemble someone like Tyla, if male their ethnicity could genuinely be anything, though I’m getting they’re likely very mixed, they really give me Jhene Aiko vibes which makes sense given how she’s Black, Japanese, Dominican and something else I believe??? Correct me if I’m wrong. Overall this man is a beauty, I’m not sure why the Movie Millenium Actress by Satoshi Kon is coming into mind, but like the main character he could have a very calm, yet determined demeanor to him, I’m getting he’s been patiently searching for love for a very long time, much like her, a love that he’s not sure he’ll ever come to cross but he’s possible he’ll find one day. Gosh I can’t wait for you guys to meet. 

Alright let’s continue talking about appearance, they may have a “sleepiness” to their eyes and a sweetness to their smile that’s very calming, they might wear very flowy clothing or comfortable loose fitting clothes. I want to say street wear but honestly it’s a little more modest than regular street wear, this is only for a few of you but they may be muslim. Even if they aren’t they’re very stylish but they have a uniqueness to their appearance you wouldn’t expect to find anywhere else, it’s like a mix of modern and ancient. Like Imagine mixing punk with decora but still somehow making it work. I get the sense your future spouse might either be experimenting with their style or simply not have singular style and likes to try out different clothes. 

This is also something not appearance related, but they may not talk much, they’re likely more a of a listener, they’ll likely like to hear you talk more, although I’m getting the sense you won’t be able to do much talking around them when they’re admiring you lovingly with those deep inquisitive eyes of their, haha. Honestly, being with this person is just going to bring you such a sense of peace and I get when they do open their mouth it’s always going to be the silliest thing that makes you laugh or something that’s thought provoking and inspires soul-searching. I recommend you listen to Blue Dream by Jhene Aiko, their energy to me feels so similar to this. I keep finding myself saying “What a Dream! What a Dream!” this could be you, or them although I get that you’ve never been with a person like this, I get that you might not expect to fall for them as hard as you did, but just know that when they met you, god, they knew it’d be no one else but you from that very moment <3

That is all my dove!

I hope to see you again, my dream!! (This could also be a nickname they might have for you or you for them now that I think of it <3)

P.S

Snoop Dogg keeps coming into my head during this reading, Idk why lol, it’s possible they may be very silly and good hearted or just have ADHD or be Neuro-Divergent in some way lmao.

Pile Three: Tabby Kitten

Pile one and two both had people who’s future spouse’s were likely Female, I’m sorry to say that if you’ve selected this pile expecting a woman, this is likely not for you. Wow, this person is MASCULINE like H.E.L.L honestly, they’re almost influencing the way I write, it’s very hard lmao to type casually like I do, but they’re very forward in the way that they talk. I feel like you likely know this person, I wouldn’t say this is an ex or perhaps someone that you’ve had a situationship with. I feel like they have a lot to say to you, I’m getting someone who’s more on the “Rough and Roudy” side, I almost don’t want to give physical descriptions, they’re someone who likes to banter a bit or sometimes be a little bit of a tease. They’re a lot to handle, maybe a bit intense but I don’t get that they’re toxic. This is for a few of you but he gives me “Booktok” vibes lmao, he might have tattoos. Is this guy real? Lmao??

I want today this guy doesn’t exist and I just got sma-OH SHIT!! WAAAAIT I GET IT. LMAOO.

Oh my gosh girl!! It’s not that he doesn’t exist, it’s that Y O U think he doesn’t exist!! This guy that you describe as your “boyfriend” could be like a mix of several book-boyfriends, he’s every troupe that you like but with a healthy-mindset-not-actually-toxic-and-wont-hurt-you-maybe-others-but-never-you vibe. BIIITTTCH AAAHH, oh my gosh, I feel like we’re at a sleep over and I’m geeking out with you. I get the sense that maybe you’ll be hanging out with friends and when you finally show them a picture of him they’ll all be screaming with you like I am. I really want to say this person is not real, but Jesus fuck, you’ve manifested this so hard I get the sense that this man actually does exist, like maybe you’re into super natural and your favorite character was Dean, he may look somewhat like Dean but with Tattoos and black hair and drives a motorcycle. Do you watch Doctor Who?? Are you a 90s kid or do you just like the aesthetic because I feel like I’m time traveling, maybe Dean isnt exactly your type but you’re more into a slender, pretty guy aesthetic who have piercings and isnt afraid to paint their hair and wear dark clothes. Lmao, I have no idea where this is going but sis I get that this person really exists, I’m not getting any opportunities to say no even as a joke. 

The only thing is though that there are two of you here, for some of you, you really want the bad boy boyfriend of your dreams and you’ll get him exactly and you imagine him! But for others of you this – OK, idk wtf I just pressed but my computer like glitched almost and I deleted half of everything I wrote before pressing Ctrl + Z to bring it all back. KEEP THIS MINDSET THAT YOU HAVE AND DO NOT CHANGE IT BECAUSE BABYGIRL YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!! The only warning I am getting is to NEVER settle for less, because for a lot of you, you might fall victim to depressive energies and wanting to heal someone else and trap yourself in toxic relationships with shitty guys who use rock music and punk aesthetic and “nonchalantness” as an excuse to be dickheads to their partners and the people they’re supposed to love. NEVER settle for less, you paved the way, maybe some of you have been in past toxic relationships already LET THIS GO and never fall behind again, pick yourself back up Queen (or King or Your Majesty if you’re male or a they/them <3) and PUSH!! PUSH FORWARD YOU GOT THIS!!

And finally some of you don’t give a damn about no future spouse or tarot stuff but you just wanted to pick a pile and read something for fun haha. For others of you your spouse themselves may be reading this together with you in the same room, haha, I’m rooting for you!

Anyways, whomever you are, I hope you get the experience of your dream with this person and that they treat you like absolute royalty, don’t always remember this, that you don’t need to be reminded by someone else that you’re worth treating correctly, you are and have always been special, you are and have always been worth loving <3

“See ya, princess <3” (they may call you this, that’s for a few of you)

I hope to see ya again soon!

[quarterlifekitty]

I'm gonna need to know how mermaid!reader and merman!ghost fuck

For... scientific purposes 👀👀

(my tentacle kink is showing shhh)

Who am I to deny a fellow marine biologist???

cw: graphic description of mermaid anatomy lmao

I tend to imagine mermaid girls having vaginas a bit similar to dolphins— a very muscular slit so it can stay closed in the water. And because I’m insane, I like to think that mermaids need a lot of coaxing to open up (you can’t just grab one and fuck it lol)

In regards to Reader and Ghost’s particulars from their species:

Yes, I do know the octopuses have one tentacle that’s special and secretes spermatophores or whatever but I’m going to give ghost more or less a regular penis underneath his tentacles (one that comes out of a sheath) because I don’t like the idea of his cock constantly being out and him using it to grab things lol

Sea angels are hermaphroditic (I mean this in purely the zoological sense) and able to self-fertilize, so I think it would be fun if reader had the ability to switch lmao she just chooses to have a pussy rn cause it’s more convenient I think.

Almost every time you fuck, he does a little courting beforehand. Mating rituals. Feeds you soft-bodied mollusks, easily cracking their shells and hand feeding you. (There is some evidence to suggest certain mollusks are aphrodisiacs 👀). It shows he’s a good provider.

Anyways, the tentacles come in handy for Simon, cause you’re a lot smaller than him. Their tapered ends give him a lot of precision, and he spends an inordinate amount of time coaxing your slit open and stretching you out so you can take him. He can spend hours just on foreplay, and the tentacles he isn’t actively using will idly curl and wrap up your tail, holding you still as if you were prey. To a passerby it probably would look like he was attacking you, with how he’s so curled around you while you arch and cry out.

“My angel needs a lot of prep, don’t she? Can’t have just anyone havin’ their way with this sweet little princess pussy, yeah?”

He makes you cum at least once before he fucks you proper, his tentacles able to curl and reach your most sensitive spots— it’s almost laughably easy for him to get you off. And the idea of that gets him off— like he’s proving wrong anyone who thought you’d be incompatible due to species difference. In fact, it seems to him like you were made for each other, really.

It takes a couple of mating sessions before you can take his cock all the way. It takes some stretching. But as soon as he does get it all the way in, he’s fucking you relentlessly. Man wants you bearing his clutch!!!

[muniimyg]

♡ 06: before the i love you

series m.list // taglist unavailable

note: make out session (not descriptive),, slight angst (so tiny) ,, da vibes !

//

you’re in his room, half tangled in sheets.

jungkook’s hoodie is hiked halfway up his chest, and the hello kitty plushie on his shelf has been deliberately turned to face the wall like it’s being spared the visual. not that what you two are doing isn’t hot—no… 

it’s inappropriate. 

you and jungkook will never let your child see such things. 

in your commitment to keeping hello kitty’s visual pure—you don’t do a great job with the audio. 

no. 

you’ve been moaning his name a little too loud lately. he’s been huffing and groaning; “baby,” over and over again… and tonight? instead of your words, the room is filled with breathy exchanges. 

you and jungkook are both breathless. 

honestly? a little dazed, still chasing the heat of the last kiss when you pull back slightly, your palm resting on the middle of his chest.

“i thought the point of dating a nerd,” you murmur, teasing, “was so he could do my homework or something. not distract me and make out with me for an hour.”

jungkook doesn’t move. 

he just blinks at you, glasses askew, lips kiss-bitten. 

“…this is homework.”

your brows pinch. “how?”

he exhales like you’ve asked him to explain quantum mechanics. his hand slides up your thigh, slow, then curls around your waist like he’s scared you’ll float away.

“we’re home,” he mutters, “and making out with you is a lot of work. homework.”

“w-what? how is this work?”

he shifts, sits up a bit, arms still holding you snug. one hand cups your cheek, thumb brushing along the dip of it like he’s memorizing the shape. 

“well, for one—you were supposed to be studying. then you told me something that made me sad. and now you’re trying to make it up to me.”

he kisses the corner of your mouth. 

just a press. barely there.

then, he continues. 

“it’s a lot of emotional processing,” he whispers, almost sulking. “i’m horny. i’m sad. i’m horny again.”

you pout at him. 

he taps it with his index finger, then leans forward and kisses it gently. then your nose. then your forehead. then just stays there, forehead to forehead, eyes closed.

“babe—”

kiss.

“mhmm?”

kiss. 

“baby—”

kiss.

“j-jungkook—”

“i’m really sad you’re not coming to auckland with me.”

this time, you make the move. 

you tilt your face up, try to catch his mouth again, but he tucks a hand into your hair to still you. doesn’t kiss you back.

“i can’t say no to this clinic internship,” you whisper.

his heart drops. 

it dropped when you called him two days ago and told him that you the application you sent in for a clinic a few months ago finally got back to you. you never mentioned it to him because well.. they took three months to get back to you. you had lost hope. but… they called. 

made an offer you couldn’t refuse. 

so you didn’t. 

you couldn’t. 

… and jungkook immediately understood. because his life was going the same way. he’s just heartbroken your paths aren’t crossing. 

“i know.” his fingers are combing through your hair now. “and i can’t say no to auckland. my little nerd fellowship—”

“marine conservation environment internship,” you correct. his voice was teasing, but it still made your chest ache. “my handsome boyfriend and his long ass title.”

he rolls his eyes. “you always call it something else.”

“just trying to annoy you.”

jungkook scrunches his nose at you. “you’re cute when you try to annoy me.”

you boop it. 

“thanks. i don’t have to do much. you’re always grumpy.” 

then, he narrows his eyes.

you grin, leaning in. 

this time he kisses you back like he means it. palms framing your face, fingers splayed under your jaw. it’s warm, desperate in the way he holds you closer mid-kiss, like he could climb inside your lungs if you let him.

you part just long enough to breathe, and he mumbles against your mouth, “so… we’re gonna be long distance for two months?”

you sigh. “maybe we should make a game plan. a schedule or something—”

“we’ll have phone sex, right?”

you blink. 

“i… i d-don’t know how to do that.”

he smiles, forehead pressed to yours again. “wow. this is actually awful for me.”

“how so?”

his hands are still on your face. his thumbs brushing across your cheekbones like you’re the most fragile thing he’s ever wanted to ruin. “you just… always ignite my corruption kink.”

you snort. 

“how romantic.”

“mhm,” he hums. “and other feelings.” 

“what other feelings?”

“like grumpiness.” 

you huff at him. jungkook laughs and without missing a beat, he rolls you back onto the bed, mouth on yours again like he has two months of missing you to prepare for.

and he’s already feeling it.

he loves you. 

he’s known it for so long. the words are there in his head, heart, and mouth… but it just… never comes out. and moments like these—before the i love you—make it so much harder for him to leave.

god, he’s going to miss you so much. 

because he loves you so much. 

… so this summer? he’s screwed. 

so fucking much.

[lvmimis]

cw: set after dressrosa. reader has a vaguely described devil fruit power. selfship-coded.

“I’m not gonna lie, this freaks me out a bit,” you whisper to Robin and she giggles as you watch Bartolomeo, the only person you think might love Luffy more than you do, continues to show off the rest of his boat to the crew.

As if the eerily well done bow of the ship bearing the likeness of your boyfriend wasn’t disturbing enough, the fact that you are now looking at your own framed bounty, nicely rounded at 50 million Berries, is even more disconcerting. Prior to this, you’d escaped being noted by the Marines, and now you were staring at a picture of yourself - a far away shot of you dragging along the little girl you’d helped escape at Dressrosa. You’d think they’d aim to use a picture of you looking less sympathetic, but slap enough money on the bottom of the poster, and you’re as good as dead.

All of your hopeful attempts to not become noteworthy down the drain. While you watch Usopp panic, you wonder if you should start to panic too, but as you watch Luffy practically beam at the idea of his bounty going up, you try to realign your mindset to match his.

Your mentor at home back at your island is probably shaking his head, but at least you’re still alive and have helped do some good.

—

Robin is still asleep when you wake up in the middle of the night, even if you remember her head in a book as you dozed off next to her in a small portion of the ship carved out for the female passengers. As you come to, you feel the heaviness of a full bladder, and frown remembering that you’re not sure where the bathrooms are on this ship full of men. Remembering that it’s unlikely you’ll end up in an unsavory situation on this ship also carrying your treasured and extremely protective friends, you shift carefully with hopes not to wake up Robin and try to find your way through the vessel at night. 

Drawn to each other intuitively like moths to a flame, it’s not long until you practically bump into Luffy as you turn the corner. He’s surprised, but quickly wraps you in a hug before you hiss at him to let you go, keeping your voice low.

“What the hell are you doing up?”

His stomach growls in response and you shake your head before he can even speak.

“Hungry…” he moans.

You twist your mouth to the side, but you can sympathize with the call of nature, whichever one it may be. You squeeze his hand, a motion that’s become all too natural these days.

“Let me find a bathroom first and then we can try to figure out where the fridge is. I’ll make you something.” You offer, despite knowing he’d eat practically anything, even raw.

…

One pee break later, you’re seated in the ship’s kitchen, trying your best to coax Luffy into waiting for you to make him a quadruple decker sandwich with the leftovers from the feast earlier today, rather than leave him to his own devices and risk tearing up the Barto Club’s reserves for the next three months. Luffy is being surprisingly patient, but you’ve realized by now he tries a little harder to be considerate when it comes to you and as you slide the sandwich across the table and settle down with a glass of water, he looks at you quizzically.

“Not hungry?”

He’s already eaten half the sandwich in one bite.

“Nope. It’s 2am, Luffy."

“So?”

You should expect this answer from him.

“Is it good?” You ask. Luffy nods, then swallows the remainder in another record bite.

Before you can say anything else, he lets out a loud burp and pats his stomach.

“That definitely hit the spot! Sucks you didn’t have much of an appetite though.”

He frowns, and you consider reminding him that it’s 2 fucking am, but there’s no use. Instead, you smile, appreciating his good humor, and decide to take this rare opportunity alone together since you first set foot on Dressrosa to speak to him seriously.

“Thank you Luffy.”

He looks at you for a moment - really looks - as though he’s trying to parse out the meaning behind your simple words of gratitude, then smiles.

“Don’t mention it,” he says, casually. Dressrosa, despite being relatively recent, is already in the past in his mind, as he focuses on the future still on the horizon for him, but he can tell quickly that you’re still processing, as you rise. He can see the longing in your eyes, anxious attachment tugging your body towards him.

Perhaps you didn’t get up because you needed to pee, but because you needed to see him.

Luffy’s arms envelop you naturally as you slip into his lap. It’s been a while since he’s held you like this, and there’s a cathartic sigh that arises from you that seems to be unearthed from the very pit of your stomach. Your forehead presses against his chest, and you hug his waist tight as you straddle him. A few moments pass as your heart begins to thump in your chest, revved up by every feeling you’ve kept suppressed up to now.

“I was so scared,” you finally admit.

Luffy’s chin rests on your shoulder, and he kisses the side of your face gently, before humming in assent. Luffy doesn’t feel fear like you, but he does understand you deeply; he notes the slight twist of his shirt in your clenched fingertips, the slight tremble in your body. You’re not crying yet, and you probably won’t actually let a tear ruin his clothes, but all the emotion you’ve held in leaks through the very pores of your body into his.

“I thought we would all die. I knew we wouldn’t, I believed in you, but what if-”

And then you’re back there again -

A man with a broken leg, sitting in despair. Another man, trapped by rubble; three people help you uncover with the help of the hospital staff. A child who is too tired to run. 

All bodies that rattle in your head, contained in capsules, as you attempt to carry them to safety.

King Riku’s speech rings overhead.

You just have to survive for a few more minutes.

Even though your head is starting to wear heavy with the bodies of people who need just a little bit of time, you’re surrounded by others who stomp the streets, their hearts yearning for freedom, stalling with you for just a little bit of time, and you look towards the sky where Luffy does just that.

Fight with every bit of life in him to give you all just a bit more precious time.

Just as the others have trusted you, you trust him with your life and theirs.

Luffy’s hand rubs carefully along the length of your back.

“I’m here safe, and so are you,” he whispers.

“I’m thankful, of course… but I’m scared. What if next time…” your voice trails off. Luffy doesn’t need a coward as a crewmate, nor does he need a partner that only knows how to make a sandwich and shake like a leaf.

“I’m sorry, I’ll shut up now. I wasn’t the one up there fighting Doflamingo.”

Luffy says nothing else, and there’s a small comfort in that for a moment, that he neither pacifies your emotions nor berates them. Instead, he continues to rub your back carefully as he thinks.

What do you tell someone you love who’s crumbling under pressure?

“It’s just that sometimes I feel like I’m not cut out for all this.”

Luffy freezes for a moment; you feel his body hardening like stone, the held breath in his chest likening his form to a marble statue. Almost immediately, you find yourself apologetic, but there is nothing for you to apologize for.

Pulling back so that you can look at his face again, you find that he looks crestfallen.

“Luffy, I-”

“I’ll get stronger,” he says, quickly. “I’ll be able to protect you and I won’t lose any fights, ___. Just don’t-”

He doesn’t say the word ‘leave.’ He knows you have the right to leave at any time, he promised you it when the idea of joining first floated between you two. So rather than influence you, he waits to see a flicker of regret or hesitation in your eyes, if you have truly been thinking of deserting him - he knows that it’s within your right to, after all, your dreams can still be achieved without him in some way, you are tagging along out of love more than mutual benefit.

And you have no doubt that he’ll become King of the pirates some day. The question is if you’ll be able to see him through.

You take his hand and squeeze it tightly. “You’re strong enough already,” you offer him this meager reassurance.

“Not if you’re still this worried,” he’s quick to reply. You sink into his hold again, pressing your head against his chest.

“I’ll worry about you forever, even if you become some sort of invulnerable god.”

“You’re not truly free if you don’t feel safe. I want you to feel safe with me, all the time. I don’t want you to worry.”

His earnestness is impossible sometimes, but you can feel your body warm with his fondness and determination.

Your hands settle along the sides of his handsome face. One of the strongest men in the world and one of the sweetest. Adored so much that this borrowed safe passage is filled with his fans.

And he loves you somehow, and terribly so. 

You can try a little harder for him, can’t you?

“I trust you, Luffy.”

His hands carefully rest over yours. He nods and there’s a solemnity to the motion.

However, even if now a bounty rests on your head and the impending risk of death draws nearer and nearer, you trust him and you realize there’s no real reason to be afraid.

[thereoncewasagirlnamedjane]

SOME TYPE OF SKIN (1).

PAIRING — billy russo x reporter f!reader

CONTENTS — ficlet; fluff; tiny bit of angst if you squint really, really hard; a dash of pining; references to some canon-typical violence; some very mild innuendo.

SUMMARY — after a harrowing experience, billy surprisingly takes the matter of your personal safety into his very own hands.

WORD COUNT — 1.6k

NOTES — so I decided to write something short and fun for @elixirfromthestars’s cinema writing challenge and honestly, i’m not 100% satisfied with this (when am i ever tho?) but also trying not to overthink this too much. please excuse me while I continue to scream into the void about this stupidly beautiful man. I apologize in advance for the person I have been and am going to be for the next few weeks; ben barnes has such a firm grip on my fucking throat lmao 🤭

✩ masterlist ✩ library blog

When he asked you to meet him here at Anvil headquarters so you could finally interview him for that story in the Bulletin, this isn’t exactly what you were expecting. 

Instead of being seated in his second floor office overlooking the main part of the warehouse, you’re standing in the basement dressed in your crisp white blouse, hastily pressed pencil skirt, and low heels. You toy with the press pass hanging around your neck, unsure what to do with your hands. 

Your interview subject, however, seems quite relaxed save for the slight wrinkle between his dark brows as he very deliberately lays out several objects on a table in the middle of the room. He’s switched out his usual sharp business attire for a green pullover that looks soft to the touch, dark cargo pants, and a pair of combat boots. 

It takes you a few seconds to find your voice, because does he have to recline against the damn thing like that? He looks tall and lean, but damn it when he’s like this, showing off the corded muscles in his arms and shoulders, you cannot doubt that he’s an ex-Marine. 

“Russo?” 

“Hm?” He hums distractedly. 

“Are those knives?” 

Well, that gets his attention. He lifts his head and finally makes direct eye contact, and a shiver shoots down your spine. 

“Yeah, they are,” he confirms casually, as if you’ve just asked him if the sky is blue. He leans his hands on the table, shamelessly giving you a slow and careful once over before he frowns a little. “You’re gonna have to change.” 

“I feel compelled to tell you Karen knows I’m here,” you say quickly, raising an inquisitive eyebrow when he just chuckles like you’ve said something adorably funny. “Also, I thought we were doing an interview?” 

Billy Russo stares expectantly at you for a few seconds, lips slowly turning upward into a mysterious smile that you know has captured hearts all over the city. 

But you won’t fall for that, will you? 

Nope. Not in the slightest. 

“Nah, not yet anyway. Sorry, darlin’.” 

Ignore that! You scream mentally, but your brain does not cooperate. “Then what am I doing here, Lieutenant?” 

Whoops. His head snaps up again, his already sunless eyes getting darker by the second. Without breaking the intense eye contact, he just gestures around the room as though it’s oh so obvious. 

“Self-defence training.” 

“And why would I need—ugh, I don’t have time for this, Billy.” You heave a sigh, dropping all pretenses now, pinching the bridge of your nose in frustration. 

You’ve always known that Billy marches to the beat of his own drum, ever since the two of you met when Karen introduced you a few months ago while you were researching for a story about army veterans—a friend of a friend’s, she’d said, but never elaborated—but this seems excessive. 

“You wouldn’t have come if I were honest,” he says, his smile falling away in an instant, the glint of amusement in his eyes disappearing like smoke in the wind. “I don’t need to remind you of the… unpleasantness that happened last week.” 

“And yet here we are,” you scoff, crossing your arms over your chest. “I’m fine.” 

“You were attacked,” Billy corrects, walking around the table to perch himself on the edge closest to you. You roll your eyes; as if you’ve forgotten. Getting ambushed in front of your apartment by two masked assailants isn’t exactly an easy thing to forget. 

“Everything worked out, didn’t it?” You uncross your arms and saunter over to the table, ignoring the heavy weight of his gaze on you. And it really had! 

Just as one of your would-be kidnappers, whatever it was they wanted, hit you in the face in retaliation for you kicking him in the shins and biting the other on the arm, your neighbour had come out of the apartment building just in time and began screaming bloody murder. They had no choice but to drop you and run, leaving you dishevelled and bruised, but otherwise fine, on the sidewalk. 

“They could come back,” Billy points out, since they obviously didn’t get what they’d come for, the same thing the police had said when they arrived just minutes later. You didn’t think much of it, though. Karen had had her fair share of run-ins with such undesirables, and she assured that this just meant you were pushing precisely the right buttons as a reporter. 

Even so, she still urged you to call Billy for protection.

You wonder if he gets all of his clients to undergo this self-defence training, or if he always personally offers to instruct them.

“Can’t guarantee it won’t happen again,” Billy doesn’t seem to want to take no for an answer. The two of you stare for a moment, engaging in a silent battle of wits that you, of course, end up losing when you’re the first to look away. He nods at the various knives and daggers strewn across the table. “C’mon, pick one and we’ll start small.” 

“Small?” You squeak as you eye the particularly ornate handle on one of the knives that honestly looks more like a short sword. 

“Aw, don’t be scared,” Billy chuckles and pats you on the shoulder, watching with those hawkish eyes of his as you consider your options. “This is a safe space.” 

Is it though? You wonder as you pick up a small dagger closest to you. “Wouldn’t guns make more sense since I’m not exactly trained in hand to hand combat?” 

“I am training you. And you’re not ready for guns yet,” Billy grins when you unsheathe the dagger, eyes widening just a fraction at the way the blade glints in the light. “‘Sides, picturin’ you with a knife is way hotter. You gonna wear a thigh holster?” 

You flick the tip of the blade in his direction, “Watch it, Russo. I’m armed.” 

But he just laughs, a sound that comes with a dangerous surge of pride in your chest, “That’s not how you hold a dagger.” 

“Oh, shut up,” you bristle, cheeks warming and trying not to watch, enraptured, as he stands up to his full height, his boots thumping heavily on the concrete. 

“Careful,” he warns, but he sounds more amused than offended as he closes the distance between you in just a few small strides. “You’d better play nice if you still want that interview.” 

But there’s nothing professional about the way he steps behind you, the way his arms pull you back against his chest, or the way his hand lands on yours to adjust your grip on the dagger’s handle. 

“Not all of us can be badass ex-Marines, can we?” It takes everything you have not to stammer, not to gulp nervously when you feel the calloused ridge of his trigger finger caressing the same spot on your own hand. 

“Yeah, well, I believe in you,” you can hear the smirk in his voice as his free hand comes down to rest on your hip, warm and heavy as it guides you slowly into a proper stance. “Bend your knees a little.” 

“Pretty sure I hired you so I wouldn’t have to take matters into my own hands like this,” you huff in annoyance, grumbling but following his instructions anyway, feeling a bit silly doing this in your work clothes. He never did give you a chance to change. 

“Please, you couldn’t afford me,” Billy murmurs so low against your ear that it sends a shiver down the side of your neck, all the way to a certain part of your anatomy you refuse to acknowledge at the moment, his beard slightly rough against your cheek. Is he doing this on purpose? “Also, did you technically hire me if I’m doing this pro bono?”

“Yeah, and on that note,” you grow bold when he squeezes your hip in encouragement, leaning back against him with your arm extended, your hands joined together, the tip of the dagger’s blade angled upward at an imaginary assailant. “Why are you? The Billy Russo I know never works for free.” 

You see, you know precisely the kind of man Billy is. He would never invest this kind of time and energy into something like this, not unless he had something to gain from it—

Even without looking back, you feel his dark obsidian gaze on the still healing bruise that’s formed on the side of your face. His fingers tighten around yours, there’s a slight hitch in his breath you can feel with his chest pressed to your back, and the hand on your hip slides forward and around to your other side in an almost embrace. Protective, possessive, and maybe even a little petrified.

—or unless he had some type of skin in the game. 

And suddenly, despite the way you’re dressed and your hilarious lack of experience, you start to feel pretty invincible. You allow yourself a proud grin, squaring your shoulders so you stand a little taller in his arms.

They fall instantly, however, when Billy steps away and moves to stand directly in front of you. You feel immensely colder at the loss of proximity. 

“Alright, let’s see what you got,” he’s smirking again, all that vulnerability and whatever warmth you sensed in his body language once again hidden away behind a layer of arrogance and swagger. He beckons you with a come here gesture of his hand. 

“What?” You blink. 

“I’ve just broken into your apartment,” he states matter-of factly, “what do you do?” He coaxes you again with another wave.

“But wait!” You almost shriek, your bout of confidence once again faltering. “You didn’t even teach me anything yet!” 

“I need to see where you’re at first before I can teach you, darlin’,” he’s still smirking, half condescending and half amused, and your hands twitch to fling the knife at his stupid head.

“I’m at nowhere! I’ve got nothing! And you don’t even have a weapon, I could slice your damn face off!” Or worse, scar it. 

Billy laughs again, his eyes crinkling warmly at the corners. “Oh, sweetheart, you can certainly try.” 

to be continued…

PART 2 »

© 2025 by thereoncewasagirlnamedjane. do not repost, translate, or copy to third party sites. no part of this work may be fed into any AI software or websites. minors are asked not to interact with my blog; you are responsible for your own media consumption. blank/ageless blogs will be blocked.

[zorosangell]

I’ll request for Cora then! I don’t really know what to request tho 🤔 but I love all your writing so I’m sure I’ll love whatever you write. how about just general headcanons? thank you! ❤️

⛥ﾟ・。corazon general and specific headcanons

synopsis: just some headcanons for the nine-foot tall blonde of my dreams

cw: none

a/n: this was so fun to write! thanks anon for the ask. i think i'm gonna open up my inbox for headcanons on other characters like kid or law or whatever

a/n 2: stay safe and rive carefully y'all. happy new year <3

general headcanons (you both are in a relationship)

— while i've seen others view cora as an overall shy, introverted person, i actually think the opposite, at least in some cases

— granted, he's not shouting from the mountain tops or actively going out of his way to talk to others, he is very extroverted with the people he knows and trusts

— like you, queen <3

— he likes to tell jokes and use his clumsiness to make you laugh, even if it isn't on purpose most of the time

— and when you do, he feels like he's on top of the world

— he's also very protective of you

— certain things in your relationship he likes to take a back seat on, but your safety is not one of them

— he's seen some things, and he'll be damned if something happens to you because of his negligence

— in a crowded room, he'll position himself behind you, acting as a guard dog as he keeps tabs on all possible threats

— in a bar, he'll keep a watchful eye on your drink and make sure an arm is around your waist at all times

— on the sidewalk, he will always, always make sure he's on the street side

— but that ties in with him being a perfect gentleman

— that being said... YOU NEVER HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING

— actually gets offended if you try

— you're his lady; when you're with him, you don't lift a finger

— he may be on a marine's salary but when it comes to you he acts as if he has all the money in the world

— loves to splurge on you

"aw, baby, look! that necklace would look great on you, wouldn't it!"

"cora, honey, it's 90,000 berries... and you just got me a 70,000 berry bracelet last week"

"and?"

— honestly not very opinionated, doesn't really have many preferences when it comes to material things

— often has you order for him at restaurants, or pick out his clothes for the day

— hates arguing and fighting in general (though arguments are few and far between for you both anyway)

— if you don't like kids, that might be a bit of a deal breaker, seeing as law is a large part of his life

— not only that, but if you just are not a kind or decent person, this is not the man for you

— but trust, if you hit it off with law, you will have this man's heart forever (easier said than done tho)

specific headcanon (story-ish i guess)

— for the sake of whatever, let's say you're the nurse of doflamingo's crew (by circumstance, you're still a good person)

— when you first joined, cora was floored by your beauty; like actually, he fell flat on his face when doflamingo introduced you to the crew

— he was baffled that someone like you was a pirate, and even more so when you opened your mouth to reveal that you were incredibly kind and warm hearted

— (he would later learn that you had been blackmailed by his brother into joining the crew—the warlord promised no harm would come to your family if you joined him)

— initially, he was both enamored and suspicious, seeing as only those with cruel intentions joined his brother's crew

— but as time went by, he was quick to learn that it was quite the opposite, and quick to grow a certain fondness for you

— i imagine cora as a slow burner, so of course all of this happens over a decent amount of time

— but within that time you manage to weasel your way into his heart

— being the ship's nurse, you are always tasked with patching him up after his mishaps

— even though you do slip up and let out a chuckle or two, it never comes from a place of malice, unlike the others

— and even still, you scold and warn him about being careful around fires and hot liquids

— though, most of the time, it goes in one ear and out the other

— sometimes he's too preoccupied with your soft hands on him, or your pretty eyes locked with his

— sidebar: he blushes like a school girl because of his fair skin, i'm talking full on tomato

— anyway, it isn't long before you two become incredibly close

— communicating is a bit of a hassle given his silence, but he appreciates your constant effort

— he makes a point to keep you as far away from doflamingo as possible, often sending you on "errands" to avoid the two of you from interacting

— and when he can't do that, he floats around, not straying too far away as his brother pulls you aside for a chat or asks you to check a pain on his abdomen (barf)

— that doesn't just apply for his brother, btw

— he does that for everyone on the crew, executive or not

— no one gets you on your own without him knowing about it

— on the outside looking in it might sound stalker-ish, but in his mind he justified it as performing his duty as a marine

— all he was doing was protecting a helpless... sweet-smelling... adorably-laughing... angel-looking... young woman

— but in actuality, he was protecting his dream girl

— his dream girl who absolutely loves kids! (if you don't, then, once again, cora might not be the one for you)

— you always treat baby 5 and buffalo with such kindness, even when they act like little monsters; making sure they take their baths, making sure they eat, giving them their monthly check-ups

— it's one of the many things cora loves about your personality

— as well as nurse, you play the role of nanny to the kids onboard

— and your mothering only expands when law and dellinger join the crew

— fast forward to when cora is about to take law away, he comes to you first, severely surprising you by reciting a passionate dissertation as to why you should join him

— he couldn't imagine leaving you behind in the clutches of his brother; no protection, no one to shield you from the horrors of the family

— so it was only natural that his heart fell to his ass when you declined, but your reasoning was that doflamingo still had your family hostage

— though, on one particular night, when you had happened to walk past the door to his study, you overheard him talking to the other executives about how gullible you were, as he had killed your family years ago

— distraught, you ran away with cora and law that night

— and it was bbq chicken from there...

[froggerland]

Asking on anon because your art is really good and I'm a bit anxious to talk to you haha... but I really REALLY love how you draw Tommy Armitage (and Tozer, my beloved) and if it isn't too much trouble I was wondering if you might do more armitozer... I'm HoH and Tommy is my blorbo because of this haha, so I thought there was no harm in asking just in case you have time!! If not that's okay I really love your art style it's amazing!!! Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff, it's fun to see what other people request!!! 🫶

Dude pls dont be scared to dm me or something i can guarantee you im 1000x times more nervous than you ;;

I’m not the same since I’ve learned that irl Armitage was 38 but ofc we’re gonna keep the twink version we got in the show. I’m just really obsessed with the whole “tommy wanting that marine dick so bad” so here’s Tozer giving him his marines uniform jacket bc he has his weird 1840s depression hoodie now

The vibe here is basically the “are we gonna start a second mutiny” “nah hickey will see reason” (hickey did, in fact, not see reason) scene but make it more romantical

(This accidentally turned into a fully rendered piece abdbsn but i think i’m finally finding my “formula” how to draw digitally)

[lizbetlovesbyler]

ex milkvan ride-or-die shipper and i am convinced the majority of modern day milkvan shippers are people who didn’t watch the show until it became super popular in 2022 when s4 was coming out.

like, there is a difference between binging all four seasons of a show and having years of wait between each one.

the time between each one gives you time to reflect on what you might see next season. as a milkvan truther after watching the first 2 seasons of the show in 2018, i was super excited for season 3 because we could see mike and eleven finally be together after their sweet reunion in the s2 finale.

and then…they literally break up in the first 2 episodes 😭

all my expectations flew straight out the window. i remember sitting there like “oh…wait what?” not necessarily disappointed (probably idk i was like 13) but super confused. even when they kissed at the end i hated it because it was just such an awkward kiss omdsssss😑

fast forward 3 years then i’m 16 and in a lesbian relationship and milkvan is just not hitting any spots. can’t remember what my expectations were for them, but i hated their reunion and didn’t have high hopes for them after that. (high hopes looked at the “i love you” scene, laughed, and left forever)

it was after vol2 was out and marinated when i started to see byler for what it was, because much like milkvan itself, each new season broke down all the expectations i had for them whilst byler only thrived.

binging all four seasons completely in one go strips this kind of trial and error experience away from you, you’re less likely to have grown accustomed to the writing and predict what will happen next time. (not suggesting bingers who joined in 2022 and post cant have picked up on byler too, it’s just a bit more difficult for the average person so pat yourself on the back if that’s your experience)

hence why i see so many new milkvans claim s5 is gonna be the season where they’re finally the power couple we thought they’d be back in 2018…and they weren’t.

“they’re gonna get married and 🤫 and have superpowered babies!”…what in the muthr fokc?

the only power they ever had was the power of heteronormativity

still love their pairing, but they’d be so much more powerful as friends like they were in the beginning

[one-sunny]

Cabin by the Lake | Fireworks

Portgas D Ace x F!Reader, Modern AU series

08- When Luffy’s birthday turns into a group get away to a small cabin by a lake, you cannot deny his own brothers an invitation. Surely the week long get away would leave a lasting impression with his eldest sibling.

Friday: Fireworks

Today was the day.

It was the day you had all gathered for.

And the kitchen was in full swing. Sanji had woken up a bit early to start the preparation for the absolute feast meant for your very own Monkey D Luffy’s birthday. It seems that most of the others are off with their own plans as well- Franky, Ussop, and Zoro heading off for their very own “secret mission” while Nami and Robin do a last minute general store run.

You had spent the morning in attempt to clean up after the rowdy group so the following day of packing up would not be as large of a task. Once finished, a bit sweaty, you move to check in with Sanji. There, you are met with flurry of movement and absolute focus.

“Sanji, this is,” You cast a look around the kitchen in awe and slight concern. It seemed that every counter space was covered with some form of meal prep. The fridge was absolutely stocked with the same- bowls and freezer bags of chopped vegetables, marinating meat, and copious sweet. “Insane. Are you sure you have this handled?”

“Please, darling, i’m a professional.” He waves you off with a sly grin, fingers coated in a flaky breading.

“Well, yeah, but you usually have help. Like a lot of-“

“The only help I need is for you to keep those black holes out of the kitchen. All three of them. Nightmare brothers, they are.” Sanji shakes his head dejectedly.

“Sanji!”

The loud voice squeals from outside. Despite how distant it was, Luffy is standing in the kitchen in mere moments, water dripping from the ends of his hair. “Luffy! You’re getting water everywhere!” The chef barks, but Luffy simply ignores him to peer at the many bowls scattered about.

“Oh! What’s this?” Luffy reaches forth, water running down his forearm and threatening to contaminate the food with lake water. Sanji smacks his hand in effort to stop him. “But I’m hungry.” Luffy withdraws with a pout.

As Ace and Sabo waltz into the kitchen, towels bunched up in their hands but still dripping water, Sanji gives you a pointed look. “This is dinner.”

“But I’m hungry now!” Luffy whines out. “What about lunch!”

Ace’s laugh is a melody to your ears, his grin bright and catching your attention. The water dripping from the ends of his hair and down his collarbone then steals your focus. “He’s not your personal chef, Lu.”

Yet the brothers all take interest in the various bowls. Sanji grumbles under his breath as he attempts to keep an eye out in three different directions for the sake of his prep work. Ace manages to swipe a julienned carrot as Sanji wards off Luffy and Sabo from a batch of frosting, his brows quirking up at you as he comes to lean on the counter at your side.

You hold back a laugh as Sanji picks up the target bowl, waltzing across the kitchen, “I’m gonna start kicking people.” He mutters as he brushes past you. Ace holds up his hands innocently, but chews the carrot stick with a smirk falling on his face.

“Hey, why don’t we go to the diner for lunch?” You prompt in attempt to put Sanji out of his misery.

Luffy instantly lights up, shoving a pie filling covered finger into his mouth. “Great idea, you’re so smart, let’s go eat.” He nods, before glaring at Sanji. “Since he’s a big meanie.”

“Smart, Luffy’s a big baby when he’s hungry.” Sabo smirks, ruffling his brothers hair.

“Hey! It’s my birthday, you can’t be mean to me.” Luffy protests.

“Awh, come of Luffy, let’s go change. I doubt the diner will be as gracious as Sanji is with you dripping lake water all over his food.” Ace offers a kind smile to the man, before waltzing over to collect his youngest brother in a head lock. Luffy squeaks in protest at this as Sabo laughs joyfully, the three trailing off towards the bedroom with Luffy still squeezed into Ace’s bicep.

Sanji hums in acknowledgment, shoulders easing. “Thank you.” He returns back to his place at his cutting board. “I can see why you like him so much.”

Your eyes widen in shock at the comment. “What are you talking about?”

“Ace.” Sanji replies easily. “Seems like he was at least taught manners.”

“I, uh, I don’t-“

“Come on,” Sanji narrows his eyes. “I told you before- It sucks to lose one of my girls, but I guess it’s okay if it’s a guy like him.”

“Sanji-“

“Go get ready. I want those guys out of here so I can actually focus.” He smiles at you in effort to stunt any or your protests.

“Fine.” You huff off upstairs.

After taking a moment to freshen up and collect your thoughts, you meet the brothers out front by Ace’s car. He offers you a bright smile in greeting before moving past his brothers and opening the passenger door. Your brows shoot up but Ace simply tips his head in a silent answer.

Heat floods your body, “How chivalrous.”

Ace opens his mouth to speak, but his brothers are soon at his side. “Ace, are you gonna open the door for me?” Sabo teases.

“No, open mine! It’s my birthday!” Luffy interjects with a bright laugh.

“Get in the car.” Ace snaps at the two, offering you an apologetic smile, then shutting the door. He quickly rounds the car as Sabo and Luffy climb into the back. Ace settles into his seat and a loud conversation instantly sparks in the back seat.

“Let me play music.” Sabo leans between the front seats with his phone in hand.

“No,” Ace laughs, waving the guy off. Instead, his phone is plopped into your lap as a silent request and you feel your heart flutter as Sabo turns his eyes, brow lifted.

The blonde hums in thought.

You clear your throat as the car is thrown into reverse, Sabo nearly falling with the sudden movement before he is settling back into his seat. “You can give me requests,” You turn to look at the two. “But I will veto it if it’s bad.”

“It will be bad.” Ace mutters.

“Really?” You quickly turn to look at him, a teasing smile on your face. “You remember that i’m holding your phone, right? Your music taste is crazy-“

“He hates anything we suggest.” Sabo dramatically rolls his eyes.

“Not true.”

“Is so.” Luffy agrees.

You laugh as the brothers bicker back and forth, making your song selection and queuing up a few more to follow.

Sabo is then tapping you on the arm, “Play something by The Neighborhood.”

“No.” Ace groans.

“And what if i already had one of their songs queued?” You look expectantly at the driver.

Ace frowns, glancing over at you, “Did you?” You simply stare back at him to give nothing away. “I’ll allow it.”

“You’re so predictable.” Sabo scoffs.

The remainder of the ride is full of loud conversations shouted over the music, Ace eventually pulling into the gravel lot. The brothers explode from the car as Luffy complains of how hungry he is as he approaches the building with a large grin. The bell jingles as the door swings shut behind you all.

“You’re back!” The cheery smile you’re greeted with is familiar as Jana, your waitress from last time, meets you all at the door. “Thought blondie was preparing some big feast for you today?”

“Oh he is, but i’m starving right now.” Luffy offers a toothy smile.

“I’m sure you are, honey.” She laughs, collecting four menus and gesturing for you all to follow. The booth she leads you to is significant smaller than the last time but perfectly accommodates your smaller group.

The way everyone falls into the booth is entirely natural, no thought put behind it as Luffy bounces into the seat across from you with Sabo sliding in at his side. It seems like you’re the only one who considers the way Ace moves in beside of you. He sits a bit too close, your shoulder pressed against his and his knee bumping yours as he manspreads into the booth. It’s such a man thing to do. Such an inconvenience. But it’s him.

So you say nothing.

“I want one of everything this time.” Luffy hums in thought, eyes glancing over pictures of food rather than the listed items.

“Just remember, Sanji is putting in the work, so don’t order too-“ Your words trail off as Luffy blinks absently at you. After all, you were talking to the men affectionately deemed black holes due to how much food they could put down. No matter how much the brothers ate now, they would certainly be starving come dinner time. “Nevermind.”

“Oh! They have fancy lemonade drinks, looks like something Sanji would make for you, Nami, and Robin.” Luffy thrusts his menu forwards to show you the picture of the nonalcoholic mixed drinks. “We should all get one, because it’s my birthday.” His reasoning has you all laughing, but easily giving in. You were almost certain that wasn’t going to be his last abuse of the birthday power.

Jana reappears to collect your drink orders, making comments and offering suggestions on the best drinks. She quickly waltzes away to put in the orders and it is not long before she is back with four glasses, the small diner being rather empty at the odd time of day.

“Here we are.“ She hands out the brightly colored drinks respectively. “And why don’t i go ahead and take your orders?” Going around the table, having to flip her page at least once, she collects everyone’s orders and it off to put those in.

Grabbing one of the straws, you watch as a straw wrapper flies past your head to hit Ace. His is then swiftly shot back at Sabo. Luffy makes an attempt to shoot his at you, but it simply falls unceremoniously to the table before you. You quickly twirl the end of the wrapper to shoot Luffy right between the eyes before he could attempt saving his and reshooting.

“No fair! It’s my birthday.” He pouts, rubbing the spot between his eyes as if any damage was dealt.

“You started it.” You stick your tongue out before plunging the straw into the cherry limeade. Taking a sip, the lime flavor immediately attacks your taste buds and has your nose wrinkling.

“Don’t like it?” Ace prompts.

“No, it’s good, the lime is just crazy sour.”

Ace smiles, “Try mine. It’s mango lemonade.” He moves the bright orange drink over to you, tilting his straw in your direction.

You hesitate, “You sure.”

“Yeah?” Ace laughs as if your hesitation was odd. As if sharing food and drinks- something you had never seen him do with his brothers- was entirely normal. Natural.

So you trade him drinks, telling him to try the sour drink. His lips pucker as the red liquid touches his tongue, “Oh man, you’re right. That’s sour.” He shakes his head like a dog, all exaggerated and floppy hair.

His drink, however, was a striking sweetness that you certainly favored over your own. “Oh wow, that’s good.” You mutter and take another small sip, before offering the glass back to him.

Ace takes another slow sip of the limeade, nose crinkling, then decisively placing the glass out of your reach. “We’re switching, yours is better.”

You roll your eyes at the notion, “You’re definitely lying. Give me my drink back.” Your hand hangs in the air as you motion for your glass.

“I’m not lying, now take your drink.” Ace nudges the red glass back over to you.

Sabo watches the interaction closely, a lopsided smile falling on his face as his eyes zero in on his brother. “Thought you didn’t like cherry?” Sabo lifts a brow.

Your eyes narrow at Ace, “We don’t have to switch-“

“I like any food, okay, now drink your drink.” Ace easily waves you off. Sabo opens his mouth again, but any words are subject to a sudden yelp as he jumps in his seat. Ace holds a satisfied smirk at this.

↟ ↟ ↟ ↟ ↟ ↟ ↟

The day has grown dark and Luffy is more than restless in anticipation. He was banished from going outside… what ever projects Ussop, Franky, and Zoro were working on now being shifted onto the sand. He was kicked out of the kitchen… Sanji would go insane if the guy tried to swipe one more piece of meat. And you have now lost count how many times Nami has yelled at him for pacing and complaining in his wait, unable to keep his focus on the card game Robin attempted to initiate.

You were certain the guy would have been throttled by now if not for it being his birthday.

Then, Sanji pops into the living room with an easy air about him, meaning only one thing. Luffy practically leaps out of his seat in his haste to get to the kitchen. The guys are already gathered there, Sanji very well knowing that Luffy wouldn’t have waited for them to trail in from outside.

So everyone settles around the table with mouths watering from the smell of each and every dish meticulously crafted and somehow still hot. Sanji settles in his seat with a proud smile as his friends dig into the food. Compliments are thrown around and the food is absolutely devoured. Hours upon hours of work that didn’t even hold up for a whole hour- but every dish was reduced to crumbs and every piece of meat picked clean from the bone. You were almost certain those would have been consumed too, if possible.

With a few helping hands, plates are cleared away, and Sanji is throwing the fridge open for the final piece. He collects the tray and presents a three tiered cake, covered in white frosting and chopped pieces of fruit. Perfectly crafted. Perfectly detailed. And absolutely gorgeous.

Dipping three candles into the top, Sanji flicks his golden lighter and all eyes fall on Luffy.

Cheerful voices echo the words of happy birthday and Luffy drops his head as feelings overwhelm. To be in a room full of his loved ones, all gathered for him, all planned for him. Monkey D Luffy was the richest guy in the world.

He blows the candles out and Sanji quickly cuts him a pieces before the cakes integrity could be compromised. There would be no face smashing or cake biting while the chef was around. Plates adorning the decadent birthday cake are passed around and the flavors absolutely burst in your mouth. Not too sweet. Fruit not too bitter. Everything a perfect balance.

You almost think you see tears in Luffy’s eyes.

With the food devoured in its entirety and the dishes stacked by the sink, Franky calls everyone but Luffy outside to put the finishing touches. Luffy groans at the prospect of being stuck inside alone for a moment, but he relents.

However, as everyone trails outside, he catches your arm.

“Hey, keep me company for a minute?” He prompts. You signal Nami to let her know and she quickly waves you off. Luffy’s eyes are glossy but he looks full of nothing but joy. “I think I forgot to say it, but I just wanted to thank you for this entire week.” Luffy smiles his bright, toothy smile.

“Don’t mention it, really, it was a group effort-“

“And i’ll thank all of them too.” He rolls his eyes playfully. “But now, I’m thanking you. You really are one of my best friends. I was…” Luffy’s head tilts in thought. “Lonely… as a kid. Before i met Ace and Sabo. So it means a lot that you would do something like this for me of all people.”

“Of course, i’d do anything for you.” You smile back at him. “We all would. None of us would be together without you, and i’m sure that would be a horribly boring life.”

Luffy laughs through his grin, throwing his arms around you and pulling you tight to his chest. “I am fun, aren’t I?” He hums happily.

Lost in the conversation, you’re entirely unaware of the man lingering just outside of the room. Ace feels his heart in his throat as the words ring through his mind. You would do anything for Luffy. For his little brother. Is that something he could mess up?

He doesn’t realize the two of you have moved until you nearly knock into him. Shaking out of his daze, he offers a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “They’re all ready for you.” He informs Luffy.

You slow to a stop before him as Luffy excitedly runs for the door. “Everything okay?”

Ace nods slowly, “Of course.”

Lips purse, unsure if you believe him, you shake your head and relent. “Right, well, we better head out before we miss the big surprise.” Ace nods silently.

The two of you trail outside just in time to see Luffy excitedly crouched down, a lighter in hand. His laugh echoing in the air is followed by a low whistling. Then, something shoots into the night sky to explode into a flurry of red and orange lights.

A grin falls on your face, “A fireworks show.”

“Oh yeah, and they’re stacked.” Ace chuckles, nodding his head towards the huge display of fireworks. “We, uh, we should take a seat. I don’t think anyone’s getting that lighter from Luffy or Ussop, so we can just, ya know, enjoy the show.” The way he speaks is muttered and clearly something seems to be bothering him.

But you let it go. Just for the night.

Instead you settle beside of Ace on one of the many blankets, watching as the night sky explodes in every color of the rainbow. It seems that the trio didn’t hold back in their selections. Not only were there the common starbursts, but fireworks that erupt into the shape of skulls and food and anything else you could imagine.

As one particularly loud one booms into the night sky, you can feel eyes on you. Your lips press together as you try to focus your eyes ahead but you can practically feel the heat radiating off of the man at your side.

Your head turns and your eyes lock with his.

Completely entranced. Neither of you can tear your eyes aware from each other despite the booming that echoes in the air. The colorful reflections sparkle in Ace’s eyes and draw you in even closer.

A warm hand falls to your cheek as his thumb brushes gently over your skin. His gaze softens before flickering down to your lips. You swallow hard and your lips part in anticipation. He finally meets your gaze again and you’re both leaning in closer, as if being pulled by an invisible string.

Your lips are only inches apart and you can feel his breath on your face. You lean in even closer, about to close the gap…

When he turns his head.

He turns his head.

And suddenly an overwhelming anxiety strikes inside of you. Heat fills your entire being and you’re certain he can feel it against the hand still on your face. “Doll, i’m sorry, I-“

“No,” You immediately cut him off. You jump at the sound of the next firework, unexpected. “It’s, uh, yeah.” Muttering the words that you can’t even seem to form, you’re unable to meet his eye at the embarrassment that squeezes at your throat. Scrambling to your feet, you break away from his side and rush towards the cabin. Tears sting at your eyes and the entire week comes crashing down on you.

How could you be so stupid?

Series Masterlist | Chapter 09

tag list: @flooofity @certain-tragedies @zzzzzoey @stuckinmymind22 @kanekisheart @lxpofthegods @weirdothatreads @dailybrekker @spyderst4r @nejilost @thekatisspooky @narnian-neverlander

[godhandler]

Cottagecore life with Sukuna, who’s already packing his bags out the suburbs as you paint a picture of blue-green countryside idyll amid the mountain grass carpet, warm hearthstone, and sweetfish fresh from the stream. 

“Pick your favourite.” He scoffs at your delighted face. He won’t show you how much time he spent planning the whole thing: a surprise trip to a sheep ranch. Your laugh warms a blush all through his tan skin. “We’ll take it with us.”

A quick peck of gratitude later, you spend your time examining through the bleating herd. Cloud-balls brush past your knees. You decide on a youngling: fat little candyfloss on stubbly legs, a few weeks old at best. You’re already planning on the barn you’ll make for him– watch him grow up into a spoilt old ram. 

Sukuna, hanging back against the fence, rustles your hair as you return with your baby in your arms.“Good choice, looks soft too.”

“He is!” You pet his little head as he nuzzles into your neck, already taking to you. “His name’s Yuuji, I’ve decided, it’s perfect for him!”

“I’m not gonna call the pest that.”

You two walk back to your car, strapping your new pet into the backseat the best you can. The journey back to your homestead is pretty short anyway. “You’ll start loving him in no time, I tell you. C’mon, just call him by his name once!”

………..

“You don’t like it, brat?” Sukuna is confused seeing the tears in your eyes. Is it the smoke from the sizzling dish? Or were you not feeling meat-ish today? The lamb has been roasted to perfection, he made sure of that, topped it with your favourite lemon-cilantro too! “I’m even calling it ‘Yuuji asado’ instead of ‘cordero asado’.” 

“My baby…” You reach out to touch his now-crispy skin. 

Sukuna’s a bit hurt– you didn’t even try it once before reacting like that. Sukuna might not be a very experienced cook, but he actually followed the recipe to a T, putting his heart and soul into the dish to make you happy. On top of that, you did pick the lamb out yourself, so there’s no reason for you to be so ungrateful. 

Still, he carves out a leg, pouring extra garlic oil onto your plate, and forks off a bit for you to taste. You don’t want to hurt his feelings. You take the bite he’s offering. 

Yuuji. You’re sobbing now. You’re heartbreakingly delicious.

“Do you … like it?” His first culinary attempt: He just wants you to appreciate his efforts. 

“It’s the best lamb ever, baby.”  It’s true. Well-marinated meat, so tender you could tear it with your lips. Juicy on the inside, the flavours seeping through and through. You can’t even pretend that you don’t want another bite. “Tears of happiness, don’t worry about it.”

“Damn right.” His smile is back to cocky again, having conquered the art of the kitchen. “Play nice and I’ll make it again for you next week.”

a/n: this happened to me. I was 7. dad's side of the family yk.

[narrators-journal]

Don't make things awkward

Okay, so! Sorry this one took a bit of time. I’ve slowed down on the asks to focus a bit on my personal writing project of redoing Kinktober for my own ego lol, but I also sort of just kinda struggled with this one. I don’t know what it was, but man it gave me trouble. I was gonna go with headcanons, but I decided not to do that and make a scenario. Granted, it’s short, but I hope it’s cute.

Stanley Snyder was never the best in school. Granted, he’d never been a flunkie, slacker, or anything like that, but he was far more into the physical education aspect than his childhood best friend Xeno Wingfield had been. So, when Xeno had gone on to work for NASA, and Stan had gone into the military, it felt very appropriate.

Equally appropriate, Xeno had found himself a new friend who’d shared in his intelligence and passion for sciences. So, Stan wasn’t at all surprised to be introduced to them over lunch during his weekend visit to his friend.

So, as the marine sat in the cafe’s baked-good-scented air, a coffee sat in front of him while he watched Xeno chatter and ramble to the new person. Both of them too absorbed in the conversation to pay much mind to how the silver-haired man looked the new person over to admire their body, face, and taste in clothes. They weren’t half bad to look at, and while they hadn’t talked much with him, their voice was nice to listen to, and they had oozed charm pretty easily.

Relax, Stan.A voice scolded in his head as a spark of warmth flared in his chest at the memory of Xeno’s new friend’s smile at him. This is the first time you’ve met them. You barely know this person. Don’t go getting too attached. But, it did little to tamp down the small ember of excitement they’d given him. Don’t be stupid, don’t make it awkward. That voice continued, but as Xeno got up to go to the bathroom and his friend turned their attention back to Stan, he knew he was done for.

The smile that returned to their face simply fanned the ember in the man’s chest. The way their eyes twinkled in the sunlight that illuminated the cafe, the friendly tone in their words as they asked, “So, you’re in the military right? What branch?” it was all to feed that warmth. “Yeah, I’m in the marines. Pretty new to it though, so I don’t have any titles or cool stories.” he said with a small laugh that they returned.

Fuck, I’m such a goner.

[dean-winchester-is-a-warrior]

Starting at the End Chapter 1

Summary: Lily Crawford has been receiving disturbing letters from a worrisome fan. On the advice of an acquaintance she goes to Winchester Private Security and seeks out Dean Winchester to keep her safe. Will this troubled ex-marine be able to save her, and can she save him too?

Series Warnings: Angst. Smut. Fluff. (as usual, of course!) Discussion of war, loss, trauma, PTSD, grief. Stalking. Obsession.

Chapter Warnings: Talk of stalking and bad, dangerous exes.

Pairing: Dean x ofc (Lily Crawford)

Word Count: 3,467

A/N: This is my Dean "Bodyguard" AU. (Technically he calls himself Private Security and not a Bodyguard, but 🤷‍♀️) I've never written a bodyguard AU before, so I hope you all enjoy this one. It's been a while since I've written an ofc, so I hope you like Lily. I'm enjoying writing her. I know OC's aren't the fandoms favourite, but I really felt like I needed Lily to be Lily in this one. Hope you give it a chance anyway. ❤️

I'm gonna post the Prologue and Chapter One today because the Prologue is very short. But going forward, I'm going to do my best to post every Friday. There will be 14 chapters and a Prologue and Epilogue...so kind of 16 chapters all together. Enjoy!!

Series Master List || Main Master List || Dean Master List || Tag Lists

Pasadena California, 9 years later

The ancient analogue clock that hung on the police station’s wall was ticking away more minutes as Lily Crawford tried desperately to get the men in front of her to listen.

“I told you,” she repeated, “I have no clue who might be doing this. The letters started a month ago. They seemed innocent enough at first. They just,” she shrugged, “they just said he was a fan, and that he thought I was an amazing actress.” Lily looked at the floor, embarrassed.

Slightly flustered from having to try and explain her situation once again, she glanced up at the two cops taking her statement. The older man, a detective, was chewing on the end of his pen as he held a notepad in his other hand. He had black hair that was graying in just one tuft on the top, making it look a little like he was wearing a gray-haired toupee. 

The detective nodded a bit absently before tapping the wet end of his pen on the paper, pointing to the notes he’d already taken. “But then he got weird, huh?”

Lily crossed her arms and looked at the other man, an officer with a plain face, and watery blue, slightly bulging eyes. His face was placid and unbothered, and Lily was suddenly very annoyed by both of them. They’d had her repeat her story three times now, neither of them showing much urgency.

“Yes.” She answered the detective, pointing to the letters that sat on his desk. “The last two letters have referenced places I’ve gone, private get togethers that he shouldn’t have known about. And that last letter from four days ago talks about a Salvador Dali painting that’s in my house.” She felt a shudder run through her. “He shouldn’t know that.”

The detective shrugged and it made Lily want to scream. “Well, is it possible it’s an old boyfriend, maybe just trying to scare you? Or, you know, paparazzi can get a lot of photos, maybe there’s a picture of the painting out there somewhere and this person is just using the information to get your attention.”

She shook her head. “No, there are no random pictures of my house floating around on the internet.” Her voice was tight and the frustration was obvious.  

The detective heard it and became slightly defensive as he sat up. “Well look, Ms. Crawford, there’s not a lot we can do here. There haven’t been any threats made, or violent acts committed. There’s no proof of trespassing or anything else we can charge a man with. Writing letters isn’t illegal, even if he is a weirdo.”

“So, you can’t do anything until I’ve been assaulted or…worse?” Lily asked, her voice raised. It made the detective frown deeply. 

“We can’t do anything until some sort of crime has been committed, miss. I’m not sure what you expected us to do. Maybe you thought your famous name would make a bit of hoopla? Maybe make the media sit up and take notice? I know it’s been a while since your name has been mentioned anywhere.”

Lily felt her cheeks burn with anger and embarrassment. “Are you saying you think I made this up!”

The detective waved his hands. “No, no miss. I’m sure that’s not the case.” His tone didn’t match his words; it smacked of disbelief. “Now, we’ll make a report that you came down, and you be sure to come back if you hear of anything that sounds like a threat.”

He was clearly dismissing her and Lily felt her heart plummet. They really weren’t going to do anything. She looked over at the younger officer, a little desperately, but he just smiled blandly. 

“I loved you in Cobra Strike Team. I think Part 2 was my favorite.”

Lily closed her eyes and stood up. She nodded at the officer as she turned away. “Thanks.”

Later that afternoon, Lily rushed through the doors of a brightly lit office and walked briskly to the desk that was manned by one very bored secretary.

Lily smiled at her. “Hi, I’m Lily Crawford. I’m here to read for Theresa?”

The receptionist didn’t smile back. She passed her a clipboard with a pen attached. “Fill this out and wait with the others.” She pointed to a door and Lily followed her finger.

She pushed through the door and entered a room with six other actresses all of whom looked a little like her. She was about to sit in the nearest chair when she heard her name called. She looked up to see her friend Tasha waving her over. 

Friend was maybe too strong a word. She’d acted alongside Tasha years ago in a terrible play they’d both been in to pay the rent, and they’d met up in countless audition waiting rooms just like this one over the years. They had a very similar look, medium height, curvy. Tasha’s hair was red and her eyes were brown, while Lily’s hair was more auburn and her eyes were a light amber color. But otherwise they looked very alike.

She sat down next to Tasha and gave her a little side hug. “Hey Tash, I wondered if I’d see you at this one.”

Tasha nodded. “Yeah, gotta keep trying, huh?”

Lily hummed noncommittally. “Guess so.”

“So how’ve you been?” Tasha asked. 

Lily wasn’t going to get into it, but the words just sort of fell out of her and she ended up telling Tasha about the letters. It was so frustrating and scary, she was hoping Tasha could give her some perspective and convince her that it wasn’t that big a deal. 

But as she finished Tasha’s eyes were wide. “Jesus, Lily that’s so fucking creepy! And the cops seriously said they wouldn’t do anything?”

Lily shrugged. “Well, they said they couldn’t, which I guess I get. I mean nothing’s happened.” She looked at Tasha hopefully. “It’s probably just a weirdo, right? He’ll go away?”

Tasha looked dubious. One of the other actresses, a strawberry blonde sitting across the room, leaned forward. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help overhearing…you said some creepy guy is after you?”

Lily shrugged. “I mean, I don’t know if he’s ‘after me’.” She said, using air quotes. “I’ve just gotten a few strange letters.”

The blonde nodded and stood up, coming to sit beside Lily. “No, listen, my ex was a total stalker, and I knew he wouldn’t stop coming after me. I went to the police, but, of course, they didn’t care either. So, I found this guy online. He’s like a private eye, or like security, or whatever. I have no idea what he did to that loser, but he never came back into my life again. The last I heard he was living out in Boston somewhere. Sent him packing across the country!” 

She grinned. “The guy’s name was Dean and he was worth every penny. You should look him up. The place is called…” She paused to think. “Winchester Guards or Security, or something.”

Before Lily could say anything, a young guy stepped into the room. “Erin Tyler.” 

The blonde raised her hand. “That’s me!” The guy waved her forward and she stood to go, but then turned back to smile at Lily. “I just have to say that I thought you were amazing in Cobra Strike Team. Number three was the best, hands down.”

Lily smiled a little wanly. “Thanks. Break a leg.” 

Erin Tyler bounded out of the room, her nervous energy palpable. When did I lose that kind of feeling for this job, Lily thought. Did I ever have it?

Tasha grabbed up her hand. “I say you follow her advice. If the cops don’t have your back, somebody should.”

Lily shook her head. “I don’t know, Winchester something? Not sure how great that endorsement was.”

“You heard what she said though, dude got results.”

“But she knew who was after her.” Lily argued. “That was probably a pretty easy job. I have no idea who’s sending these letters, or how to find them.”

Tasha rolled her eyes. “Well, no kidding, Lil, I’m pretty sure that’s part of what you’d hire him for.” She pulled her phone out and searched for a minute. 

“Aha!” She said a little too loudly, turning her phone towards Lily. “I found him. Winchester Private Security. He’s got an office in L.A. It’s like a twenty minute drive. You could go right after the audition.”

The young guy came back into the room and called Tasha’s name next. She stood up and put a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “You should check him out. The last thing I want is to be part of a documentary about some psycho fan who murdered you and threw you into a wood chipper.”

The woman certainly had a way with words.

Two hours and one horrible audition later, Lily found herself walking up an old wooden staircase towards a door at the top of the stairs that said, “Winchester Pr  ate Secur”. A few of the painted letters had been scraped off the window in the door. The building was old, and seemed to also house a dubious looking law firm and an office for an exterminator on the main floor.

The Winchester office was on the second floor, next to another office that was obviously abandoned. She knocked, and then pulled open the door with the peeling letters. She stepped halfway into the room and looked around. 

Given the state of the building, the office was surprisingly neat. The furniture was threadbare and ancient, but it looked clean and comfortable. A beige couch sat along one wall and a few office chairs sat against the other. There were a couple of obviously plastic plants standing in the corners, and straight across from the door was a big, old, wooden desk with a leather chair behind it. There was also a coat rack and a little table on the right side of the room.

There was a door to the left of the desk that opened suddenly just as she caught sight of it, and a man stumbled out of it. A squeak of surprise left Lily’s throat and the man looked at her blearily. He scowled at her.

“Do I know you?” He asked, his voice was deep and gravelly and sounded as though he’d just woken up. It was almost five o’clock.

Lily shook her head. “No, I’m…hi, I’m Lily.”

The man nodded absently and reached into a drawer in his desk to pull out a small bottle of whiskey and pour some into the glass that sat on top. As he swallowed down the drink he threw his head back slightly and grimaced, and Lily suddenly realized that the man was ridiculously attractive. 

It sort of hit her like a bolt of lightning. His beauty didn’t really match his surroundings; he looked out of place in the drab office.

He was wearing black suit pants that fit him snugly, showing off powerful thigh muscles and a trim waist. A white, tank top undershirt was tucked into the pants and fitted nicely across his broad chest. His shoulders were bare and wide and heavily muscled. His bare arms were powerful and enticing and Lily couldn’t help but notice how beautifully shaped he was. He was tall and solid - strength evident in every line of his body.

But his face was something else entirely. It was stunning. He had short, light brown hair, and a few days growth of beard; his cheeks were a bit scruffy, but it suited him very well. He’d clearly been drinking, and his eyes were a bit red-rimmed, but it only seemed to highlight their gorgeous emerald green color. His cheekbones were high and his lashes were insanely long. His mouth was wide and his bottom lip was lush as he sucked on it for a minute as he swallowed another sip of whiskey.

He set the glass back down on the desk and then sat on the corner of it, before rubbing his hand down his face. He looked back at Lily as she stood awkwardly in the doorway. 

“Sorry, you’re who?”

Lily stepped further into the room, but left the door open behind her. “My name is Lily. I’m looking…I mean, I was referred here to find Dean Winchester?”

He held out his hand as though revealing something. “And you found him. Well done.”

Lily swallowed self-consciously, but before she could speak Dean snapped his fingers and pointed at her. “That’s how I know you! You’re Lieutenant Sarah Crosby, leader of the Cobra Strike Team!”

She smiled indulgently, trying not to cringe internally. “It was, ah…Susan, actually, Susan Crosby.”

Dean nodded. “Right, right. Loved those movies. You were so hot back then.”

Lily’s eyes widened. “Um, excuse me?”

Dean waved away his comment and stood up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it…I mean, hey, you’re still hot, very hot.”

Lily felt her cheeks turning bright pink. “You know what, this was not a uh…not a good idea.” She turned to go, but Dean strode past her quickly and closed the door before she could walk through it. 

She nearly collided with him as she came to a sudden halt. She frowned at him and took a step back. 

He scrubbed his face with both hands this time as he turned to face her, running his fingers carelessly through his hair. 

“Look, I apologize, okay? I’m a little…” He trailed off as he caught her eye. She saw something a little raw and battered flash in his gaze for a moment, before he lowered his lashes and gave a humorless half smile. 

“It's just a shitty day. But, I’m sorry. You came here for a reason.” He raised his hand towards the couch. “Why don’t you have a seat and tell me about it?”

Lily hesitated a moment as he moved away from the door and over to his desk. He opened another drawer and pulled out a folded white shirt. He pulled off the dry cleaning tag, and shook it open before sliding his arms in and starting to button it up. He sat in the squeaky leather chair behind the desk and nodded to the couch again.

Lily walked slowly over to the couch and sat gingerly on the edge of the seat. As Dean finished buttoning his shirt, he waved his hand to urge her on. “So, who was it that referred you?”

Lily thought for a minute, trying to remember her name. “Erin Tyler. She said you helped her with a bad ex.”

Dean nodded. “Oh yeah, that douchebag.” He shrugged. “It was an easy case; he was a coward, most of these guys are, and he just needed a push in the right direction, a gentle nudge out of his ex-girlfriend’s life.”

Lily nodded, deciding she didn’t want details. 

Dean continued. “So, you got an ex you wanna get rid of too?”

“Oh, no, it’s not an ex…I don’t actually know who it is.” She took a deep breath. “About a month ago, I started getting these…fan letters. The first ones were fine, you know, nothing too crazy, just the basic, like compliments and stuff.” She sped through her words, uncomfortable talking about this part of her career. 

“But the more recent ones were…well, they were sort of strange.” She said, trying not to over exaggerate or make them out to be more than they were. She didn’t want to be accused of freaking out over nothing. Men didn’t always get how vulnerable it could feel sometimes, being a woman. 

Dean nodded. “Okay, can I see the letters?”

Lily paused. “Oh, no I um…I left the bad letters with the cops. I have some of the early ones at home, but…”

Dean stood up and opened his belt and the button at his waist. Lily was about to start screeching when he started tucking his shirt into his pants. She was immediately relieved but stood up. 

“Look, I’m not sure this was a good idea. You know, I’m probably freaking out over nothing. I’ll go and you-”

“No you’re not.” Dean said as he tightened his belt and then grabbed the leather shoulder holster that hung on the coat rack. He spoke as he buckled it into place. 

“You know it’s not nothing. That’s why you’re here. You went to the cops and they did nothing, you came here on a whim, and you stayed in spite of the fact that I was hungover and let’s face it, pretty unprofessional.”

Lily listened to his explanation, slightly dumbfounded. Dean walked over to a small safe that sat on the table, and used his thumbprint to open it. He pulled out a beautifully detailed, silver etched pistol, with a pearl grip, and slid it into place as he continued.

“So, now you’re gonna drive us to your place so I can take a look at those other letters.”

Lily laughed a little wildly, completely off balance. “Um, no I’m not. I don’t even know you. I’m not letting a strange man with a gun into my house.” She said pointing at the lethal weapon that sat comfortably beneath his arm. 

Dean grabbed the suit jacket off the coat rack and shrugged into it, hiding the gun away. “Yeah, you will, wanna know how I know?”

Lily crossed her arms over her chest. “No, I don’t care what you think you know.”

“You’re scared.” Dean said over the end of her sentence. “More scared than you’ve admitted to anyone so far.”

Lily shook her head, denying his accuracy, but he pushed on, walking to her slowly. “And you’re embarrassed because when the first letters came, you liked them. You found comfort in them. They made you think that maybe there was still life in your career that has been stagnant for a while.”

Lily frowned and started to object, but Dean cut her off. “And then the letters got a little more personal, they started to make you feel a bit uncomfortable. They were too familiar for a stranger. But you convinced yourself they were still harmless, he was just being nice.”

He stopped in front of her and she couldn’t help but look up into his slightly hypnotizing gaze as he continued. “Then came the letters that made you know he wasn’t harmless, that told you you needed help. They were scary, they knew something they shouldn’t.”

Lily nodded, tears inexplicably filling her eyes; her voice was soft, almost a whisper. “He mentioned a painting in my bedroom.” She shook her head. “There’s no way he should know about that. I’ve only lived in the house a year or so, and I haven’t had anyone into my…” She blushed at what her confession would reveal about her love life. “No one has been in my bedroom except me.”

Dean nodded. “And now, you don’t want to go home at the end of the day. In fact your home has begun to feel hostile and unsafe.”

Lily dashed away her tears, embarrassed by them. “I’m always afraid I’m gonna open the door and…” She trailed off, frowning up at Dean Winchester’s perfect face. “How do you know all this?”

“Because I’ve dealt with assholes like this dozens of times in the last six years. I told you, they’re always cowards, and I’ll tell you something else, in the interest of being straight with you.” He paused. “These guys don’t just go away. They don’t get bored and fade back into obscurity. He’ll just keep trying to get closer to you.”

Lily shivered and Dean reached out a hand to cup her shoulder. “Now do you wanna hear the good part?” She nodded. “I’m really good at catching them. So, I’m gonna go to your house now. I’m gonna walk around and look in all the nooks and crannies and make sure there isn’t any kind of unwanted surveillance-”

“Oh god!” Lily gasped. “I hadn’t even thought of that.”

Dean just continued. “And then I’m gonna look at those letters and we’ll figure out a game plan.”

Lily sighed deeply, admitting that for whatever reason, she did feel safe with Dean, and thought she’d feel safer at home after he checked things over at her house. So she nodded and then frowned. 

“Wait, I don’t know what you’re charging me for all of this.”

Dean gave a slight grin and Lily noticed it made his face look a little younger. “Don’t worry, I know you must be running outta that Cobra Strike Team money, so I’ll go easy.”

Lily eyeballed him. “Ha. Ha.”

Dean’s smile grew a bit wider. “Come on Lieutenant Crosby, lead the way.”

@lyarr24 @lacilou @deans-spinster-witch @globetrotter28 @suckitands33

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@fanfic-n-tabulous @traiitorjoe @lastcallatrockysbar @b3autyfuld1sast3r

[nyarlathotep-thecrawlingchaos]

ANOTHER CHAPTER ALREADY?!

I mean

I dunno what happened

It kinda wrote itself, I had no real hand in this

Please consult with my muses on the subject, I didn't know they were this cracked out tonight

Anyway awaaaay we gggoooooooooo

Flight Risk

Young!Mihawk x AFAB!Marine!Reader

Ch. 7 of something there's gonna be at least two more chapters

First Chapter link Previous Chapter link

Brief summary of The Story So Far: Your mission, as a Marine and Zoan type devil fruit user (gray parrot), is to gather intel on Dracule Mihawk, a pirate on the Grand Line who has become a thorn in the Marines' side over a relatively short period of time. He's discovered your secret, and your life hangs in the balance of his mercy.

Possible !!Trigger Warnings!! in this chapter!! Largely for imprisonment and psychological turmoil, though not necessarily psychological torture yet. I will say, for readers who are used to my writing characters with a relatively gentle depiction, I likely won't be taking quite as gentle of an approach here. There is some Yandere possessiveness prevalent here that I haven't written much before.

Tags: Enemies to lovers, eventually NSFW, idk maybe more later

Word Count: 3,095

Taglist: @i-am-vita @browneyedhufflepuff @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @littleleelee @nerium-lil @schanwow @dragon-bubs @animefreak818

I'm happy to add anyone that asks. Still flabbergasted that the list is this long.

I forgot to do a music thing last time bc I was so sleepy but I'mma do one this time but IT'S NOT FRATELLIS?? WHO IS EVEN RUNNING THIS BLOG?? SHOULD YOU CALL THE AUTHORITIES??

♫♬The Game- Disturbed♬♫

Tell me, exactly what am I supposed to do, now that I've allowed you to beat me?

Do you think that we could play another game? Maybe I could win this time

Dead, you were dead, he was going to kill you, and all he would have to do to get the job done would be to leave your right there in the shallows and let the tide slowly wash in until you were submerged, drained of strength and helpless.

To tighten his powerful grip around your neck until you ceased gasping for air.

To pull the golden cross from around his neck and plunge the small knife hidden within it into your torso, drag the sharp blade across your neck, watch the light leave your eyes.

So many ways he could kill you, in this very moment.

And yet his hand moved up your neck slowly, his grip unwavering as his fingers wrapped around your jaw instead. He tilted his head the slightest bit as he turned your head to one side, taking in your features with an air of both amusement and vague interest.

“And you were doing so well,” he said lightly, letting out a small sigh as he shook his head. You flinched as the rough pad of his thumb brushed across your cheek. “If you could have just refrained from making that silly little call to your boss last night—aw,” he added, an edge of mockery in his quiet words. “Did you think I was sound asleep the whole time? Poor thing.”

It hadn’t appeared as if he had done more than shift from his back to his side in the time you were gone last night—there had been absolutely no sign that he had gotten out of bed, not a single sound outside the cracked door of the study.

You should have known better.

“Though I must say, I do appreciate the vote of confidence.” Mihawk stood in a swift motion, tightening his grip around your jaw to pull you up with him, drawing a sharp gasp of alarm from you as your feet lifted a few inches from the ground. Still drenched in seawater, you didn’t even have the strength to lift your arms, held up only by his grasp, limp as a ragdoll. “‘No weaknesses.’ I’m almost flattered.”

You swallowed as he brought you closer, lifting his eyebrows a bit, the corner of his mouth curving the smallest bit into an almost imperceptible smirk.

“Provided it wasn’t a lie. You have quite the penchant for fooling others, it seems.” He quirked his brow a bit higher, his eyes darting up and down your limp form before settling back on yours. “Well? Was it a lie?”

“Mm—n-no,” you managed to choke out weakly, your eyes wincing and beginning to burn as his fingertips dug harder into your jaw and cheeks. “No…”

“No?” he repeated lightly. “Now, I’m sure you can do better than that, considering how polite you were with your employer last night. And I’m afraid it’s not them you’re answering to anymore. Try again.”

You swallowed dryly, your eyes flickering down toward his hand. “N—no, sir,” you whimpered.

“Ah, much better. Now, then….” The spark of amusement remained present in his yellow eyes as he rubbed his thumb against your cheek once again. “I suppose we should get you back inside and dried off, yes? I’d hate to see you get sick, pet.”

Your stomach felt as if it had dropped out of your body when he lifted you abruptly and flung you over his shoulder, your consciousness wavering between the complete sapping of your strength from the seawater still drenching your clothes and the state of shock you were left in. You drifted in and out during the trek back to the castle, your muscles limp and useless. You didn’t jolt back to a remotely aware state until he heaved you off and dropped you onto the cold stone floor of an unfamiliar part of the castle.

“I do just hate to have to cage you after all this time,” he said as you gazed around, your eyes squinted against the darkness. Judging from the lack of windows, you were below the ground level—and this was confirmed when he lit a torch along the wall opposite the one you were leaning against. “Nearly two months, it’s been, hasn’t it? Hmm. How the time flies.”

The dim orange light of the flame expanded as he lit another, and you realized he had deposited you in a small, square cell. The stone walls and floor were the same as the rest of the castle, if a great deal dustier, but the heavy iron bars and door made it clear that you were in the dungeon beneath the fortress.

“But, you’ve really left me no choice,” he went on with a soft, disappointed sigh. You could just make out his silhouette against the flickering firelight, the rattle of chains as he dug around in the drawer of a heavy desk just within your line of sight. “At least for now. I can’t have you escaping before we have a proper discussion about…” He lifted a heavy pair of iron shackles, examining them before giving a short nod. “About several things, really.”

He stepped slowly into the cell, his pace one of leisure, and stopped a few feet away from you, looking down at your pitiful form as you leaned back against the stone wall of the cell, struggling to steady your breathing, shivering in your damp clothes. He frowned as he looked you up and down, and gave a nod toward you.

“Off,” he said, his voice low but commanding enough that you jumped slightly, your brow furrowing as you tried to discern his meaning. “Off,” he repeated. “Can’t have you getting sick. We have a great deal to talk about.”

Your clothes. You glanced down at the wet fabric clinging to your skin, your stomach turning—he was telling you to get out of your clothes.

“Oh, modest, are we?” he said dryly, lifting an eyebrow. He took another step forward, crouching in front of you. You flinched back a bit when he reached a hand out and tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear. “Two months you’ve spent constantly at my side. I’m certain I’ve changed clothes in your presence more than a handful of times.”

“I...I didn’t...look,” you whimpered out, swallowing, closing your eyes as your face flared with heat.

“No, you didn’t,” he agreed. “I did find that curious, but you were quite the curious little bird.” You opened your eyes when you heard the chains of the shackles clink lightly, and watched as he stood, rolling his eyes as he turned around, his back to you. “Fine,” he said. “You may keep your undergarments. They’ll dry quickly enough.”

You almost wished that he had just killed you out by the shore. The embarrassment, the utter humiliation of pulling your tank top over your head and letting it fall to the floor with the towering form of the swordsman only a few feet away was enough to make you wish you could drop dead on the spot. You fumbled with your belt buckle, the buttons at the fly of your pants, before kicking them off along with your boots, wrapping your arms around your knees and clenching your eyes shut, trembling from more than just the cold, damp air of the dungeon now.

You heard a rustle of fabric in front of you, and before you could open your eyes you felt the material land in a heap at your feet. You cracked an eye open and frowned at the white heap.

Glanced up at him, your eyes widening as you realized he had removed his flowy, ruffled shirt, his back and shoulders bare as he crossed his arms, still facing the door of the cell.

“Put it on,” he commanded, stepping out of the cell. “And quickly. I pride myself on many things, my dear pet, but patience is not among them.”

You were already picking up the shirt and shrugging it around your shoulders before he finished, fumbling with the buttons with unsteady hands. The shirt was large enough on your much smaller form that it covered you from your shoulders to more than halfway down your thighs, the hem brushing your knees as you tugged it down, staring down at the floor, listening to the chair at the desk scrape across the stone. He set it down in front of you and tossed the shackles down at your feet, taking a seat and crossing an ankle over his knee.

“Those as well,” he said.

The moment your hand touched the shackles, you felt what little strength you had managed to regain begin to drift away from your body all over again. He chuckled when you drew your hand back as if you had been shocked.

“Seastone,” he said. “I salvaged them from the wreckage of a Marine vessel a handful of years ago. Thought they might prove useful one day. Go on.” He nodded down at them as you briefly met his eyes. “Around your ankles. So long as you remain compliant, I will allow you the continued use of your hands. You may need them at some point.”

You didn’t dare ask what that might mean.

You did, however, do as he told you. The seastone shackles felt as if they weighed fifty or more pounds, and it took some effort for you to drag them up even to the height of your ankles and clamp them shut.

“Very good,” he commended, leaning back in the chair and crossing his arms, his eyes never leaving you as you slumped back weakly against the walls. “Still such an obedient pet, aren’t you?” Every breath you drew in took a herculean effort, felt as if it might be the last you managed to draw before you passed out from sheer physical exhaustion. “Now, this is a first on my part. I’ve never been one to waste time taking prisoners. You ought to consider yourself privileged. Grateful for my continued hospitality despite your blatant betrayal.”

You swallowed, unable to do anything but give a weak nod.

He gave another small chuckle. “You’ve been trained to handle being the victim of a potential hostage situation,” he commented—it wasn’t a question. He cocked his head slightly to the side. “You’re quite small for a Marine. What rank are you, little bird?”

“Cadet,” you forced out—and, when he lifted an eyebrow, you quickly added, “s—sir.”

“Cadet,” he repeated, leaning back a bit further. “Hm.” He lifted a hand to his chin, his expression thoughtful as he brushed his thumb across his short goatee. “And they saw fit to send you after me.” You nodded again. “Your commanding officers either have a great amount of faith in your potential or they were trying to get rid of you. Which do you think it was?”

“T...they offered me the mission,” you said quietly. “I could have turned it down.”

“Faith in your potential, then,” he said lightly. “What a pity for them Of course, they weren’t wrong,” he went on, lowering his hand down to his knee, strumming his fingers there slowly. “You did play your role well. Well enough to fool that charming pet shop owner in Acacia, even. A veritable expert on the subject. You must have done your homework. Breezed through all your tests with flying colors. I did my own homework, as you know. Amid my reading, I recall mention that wounded or sick pets might show signs of decreased appetite. Interruption of sleep. In extreme cases, potentially isolating themselves from their owners. You see…” He tilted his head once more to meet your eyes, his gaze holding your own with an intensity that made it impossible for you to break the contact. “Had I not woken last night we might not even be having this conversation. Had I not noticed your absence and worried enough to go looking for you.”

Your worry over your mission. Your inability to eat or sleep regularly. Of course he had noticed. You were an idiot to think he wouldn’t have noticed.

“Had I not heard a voice coming from the study below my chambers,” he went on, lowering his voice, “you might have been able to complete your mission without a single hitch. I would have been forced to assume when you left that you had flown off somewhere to die.”

You flinched at that, closing your eyes and lowering your head.

“Oh, now what is this?” He chuckled. “Are we feeling guilty?”

“Yes.” You spoke through gritted teeth—there was no point in lying. You were already compromised, already at his mercy. “I…made the call last night because I…I couldn’t leave with nothing to show for it. Or without…” You swallowed once more, lowering your head to your knees. “I only had four days left. I was expected to slip away unnoticed and rendezvous with my commanding officers at a designated location before returning to Marineford to report on any potential weaknesses of yours I might have discovered.”

“And you claimed you found none,” he continued for you.

You nodded. “But...caring for another living creature is always a potential weakness,” you said quietly.

“Aaah.” You swallowed dryly, clenching your eyes shut tighter as you heard him push the chair back. The whisper of his boots on the stone floor as he took a step forward, the quiet rustle as he crouched down in front of you. “And you were unwilling to list your own presence as a potential weakness. Is that it?” You nodded again, and tensed as he caught your chin in his hand. “And here I’ve already admitted to having worried for the well-being of my pet. You certainly did do a stellar job, didn’t you, my little bird?”

His tone, his touch was almost gentle, despite that edge of persisting amusement at your predicament.

“Open your eyes.”

You obeyed his command once again—though your eyelids fluttered in your growing state of exhaustion brought on by the effects of the seastone shackles wrapped around your ankles, you did your best to maintain eye contact, only vaguely aware of his thumb brushing across your bottom lip as you gazed into his yellow irises.

“I may yet have use for you,” he murmured, his voice still light and amused. “I suppose you are a pretty little thing, if nothing else. And your abilities...well, you managed to fool me, now, didn’t you? Don’t,” he added, his tone sharpening as your eyes began to drift shut, and they shot back open. “There’s one more matter. You spoke of some offer while you were making your call last night. What is it?”

“W...warlord,” you forced out. “The World Government wants to offer pirates they consider too dangerous to combat status as ‘Warlords.’ No more than seven. Bounties expunged in exchange for an agreement to cease hostility against Marines and other World Government officials, and potentially being called upon to assist with other threats.”

“Warlords,” he repeated, letting out a quiet chuckle. “And you’ve been granted permission to extend me this offer?” You gave a small nod, blinking slowly, fighting to keep your eyes open. “Since you’ve reported to your commanding officers that I have no weaknesses they can exploit.” Another nod, and a quiet affirmative hum. “Mm-hmm,” he repeated, smirking. “I suppose it’s worth thinking over. At least until you’ve regained the ability to discuss the subject coherently.”

“Four days.” He lifted his eyebrows at your mumbling, waiting for you to continue. “Need to make contact in four days or they could send a Buster Call.”

“Ah.” His thumb brushed across your cheek, and you found yourself leaning unconsciously toward the warmth of his palm. “So they would sink this entire island into the depths of the ocean with you still on it, would they?” The hum you gave this time was neither affirmative nor dissenting—it was simply in acknowledgment that he had spoken at all, as your lessening coherency made it increasingly difficult to follow his words. “That does sound quite like the Marines. Heaven forbid they should have any loose ends to worry about.”

He expelled a slow sigh, one that might have been of resignation or annoyance, or perhaps some melding of both. Either way, the warmth of his breath across your face made your eyes drift shut, made you fall fully limp against the wall behind you.

You barely registered anything beyond that. Not his light shake at your shoulder in attempt to rouse you, his exasperated sigh as he caught you before you could fall sideways and hit your head against the stone floor.

Not his irritated grumble of, “Troublesome woman,” as he drew one of your hands up to cushion your head against the hard stone floor before he pulled himself to his feet to frown down at you.

To wonder why he hadn’t shoved his way through the door of his study the moment he heard your voice last night and throttled you in that moment.

To wonder why the hell he still had any concern at all for your continued safety and well-being.

You had spent two months, two months deceiving him, abusing his good will, masquerading as a loyal companion when you were nothing more than a dirty little spy.

His hands twitched into fists for a moment as he stared down at you, gritting his teeth. He could end your life right now. It would be only too easy. Crush your throat beneath the heel of his boot. Wrap a hand around your delicate neck until the labored rise and fall of your chest ceased entirely. You had already warned him of the Marines’ potential intent to destroy this island. He could dispose of you and leave on his own before that ever came to pass.

You shifted in your sleep on the cold stone floor, shivering slightly and laying a hand over the toe of one of his boots.

Mihawk swore under his breath, reaching behind him to drag the chair back into place and sit down heavily, crossing his arms over his chest as he surveyed your slight form below him on the floor covered only by his own shirt.

“What exactly am I supposed to do with you?” he grumbled under his breath, shaking his head, not completely aware himself of how his own gaze softened as he looked down at you. “Useless thing….”

His prisoner.

His pet.

His pretty little bird.

He would be damned if anyone but him were allowed to decide your fate.

First chapter and Previous chapter links again for your convenience