#cabbage muttering

[trisscar368]

Thoth save me from armchair linguists.

No, author of this now-entirely-dubious mermaid lore book; the french mer (sea) is descended from the latin mare. The word mère is descended from the latin mater. They’re not related. The french language is not “suggesting the sea is mother to us all.” There’s plenty of extant folklore that would, but the french language is not.

[stupidphototricks]

The Way of Mrs. Cosmopilite, as recorded in Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett.

"Is it not written in the sacred text, 'There's a lot goes on that we don't know about, in my opinion'?" said Lu-Tze.

"For it is written: 'I can't be having with that kind of a thing.'"

"For is it not written, 'It does you good to get out in the fresh air'?"

"For it is written, 'There is no time like the present,' which is Mrs. Cosmopilite's most profound understanding."

"For it is written, 'You can't tell a book by its cover.'"

"It is written, 'You've got to learn to walk before you can run,'" said Lu-Tze, putting his broom over his shoulder.

"It is written, 'Well, I'll go to the foot of our stairs!'" he said.

"Truly it is written, 'You could knock me down with a feather,'" he muttered, as they headed up the sloping passage.

"It is written, 'I've got a feeling in my water,'" said Lu-Tze.

"Hah! It is written, 'I'm not as green as I'm cabbage-looking'!" snapped Lu-Tze.

"For it is written, 'Wrap up warm or you'll catch your death.'"

"Is it not written, 'Every second counts'?"

"Oh, well, in that case," said Lu-Tze, "is it not written, 'If you want a thing done properly you've got to do it yourself'?"

"However, is it not written, 'When you have got to go, you have got to go'?" said Lu-Tze.

"And also that 'You should always wear clean underwear because you never know if you will be knocked down by a cart'?"

"But is it not written, 'If you have another one, you won't have an appetite for dinner'?"

"For is it not written, 'You never know what's going to turn up'?"

[writers-hes]

t-shirt | c. berzatto x reader

A grey shirt reveals your secret.

gif not mine navigation

It started with small clues that a keen eye should have seen and a sharp mind should have figured out. But then again…it’s not like you were making an effort in telling everyone in the kitchen that their boss and their boss’ business manager was in a relationship. You took over Sugar’s role when it came to accounts when she gave birth to her beautiful daughter. It made the most sense. Save for the fact that you had a degree in business management, you grew up with the Berzatto’s, you were the favourite daughter of Cicero’s friend (which made you his most trusted in that goddamn wormhole of a restaurant), and you were Carmy’s girlfriend.

Bottom line is, you were the most trusted and most capable and—-

“Babe,”

“Hm?” He shuffles from his side of the bed and hides his face deeper into the pillow. 

”You told me to wake you up five minutes ago,” you whispered, chuckling when he threw the covers over his face.

”Five more minutes…”

”But Syd’s coming over here soon and she’ll see you,” 

“Fuck Sydney,” he mumbles, remembering the plans that you and Sydney had today. She was taking you to the best breakfast spot in the city. Carmy pauses and wonders if it would be worth it to disrupt the peace that your relationship had by letting Sydney in on your shared secret. 

You sighed, going under the covers with him. His eyes were still closed and his arms pulled you closer instinctively. 

”Just…five more minutes,” you told him. He smiles sleepily and nods.

He leaves your apartment just less than ten minutes before Sydney knocks on your door. He had to pull your Disneyland beanie on his head to hide his distinctive golden hair and even covered his face with a surgical facemask that you had. 

You greeted her with a smile and told her to go inside. Before you left though, she swore she saw one of Carmy’s coats on your kitchen counter. 

-

Tina asked if you could pick her up on the way to The Bear. The produce that she was able to buy was not ideal for a public commute and you always told her that you’d be happy to accompany her anytime.

”Hey, T,” you smiled, opening the trunk of your car to help her load the produce. “How’s the market?”

”Not much produce,” she frowns. “But I did find these cabbages that we can probably grill over a really creamy sauce,”

”Will you let me taste it?” you asked, closing the trunk.

”Of course,” she replied. You both got in the car and she looked around as you drove out. ”You know, isn’t it the age where you’re supposed to date?”

You coughed, not expecting the question. 

“Uh—I mean, I…I am dating,” you replied. “Just…I’m just not telling everyone,”

”You can tell me,”

”Oh, but the guy I’m seeing would like to keep things lowkey, you know? Like-like not really—“

”I know what lowkey means,” You chuckled at her tone. “But…he’s treating you good? Is he keeping it a secret because he’s ashamed? There’s no reason to, you know? I bet Richie and I will beat that son of a bitch—“

”He’s fine, T!” you laughed. “Thank you, though…for caring but he’s fine. He’s great. He treats me great and-and I’m happy,” you told her. “We just want to keep the relationship between us for a while,” Tina sees the small smile on your face and she’s convinced that you’re happy. 

-

“So, we’ll need 27 more little spoons,” Carmy said, looking at the mathematical equation he just solved in front of his staff.

“58, ba—Bear,” you replied, cursing yourself for almost saying ‘babe.’ “You, uh, need 58,”

“Oh,” he nods, suppressing a smile from your slip-up. He looks at you from his peripheral vision. “Well, she says 58. Oh, uh Y/N? Can you come to the office for a bit?”

You looked at Sydney, as if asking her for help but she just shrugs. 

“Sure, be right there,” You followed Carmy to the office while the rest of the staff looked at the prep for tomorrow. Carmy locks the door and envelops you immefiately. 

“Tina’s been talking about a little boyfriend of yours,” he mutters, his head on your shoulder. “What do you have to say about that, hm?”

“He’s distracting me at work,” you chuckled, running your hands through his hair. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“You'll wait for me?”

“Of course,” 

“Hm,” he hums before completely detaching himself from you. “Anyways, Y/N,” he clears his throat, switching his voice to a more serious one. “I need you to run some spreadsheets,”

“On what?” you asked, he didn’t miss your teasing face. 

“On…logistics. Yeah,” he nods to himself. He mouths “Go” and you nodded, pecking his lips quickly before leaving. 

“I’ll send the files to Sugar and CC you,” you told him before leaving, just loud enough to make everyone else hear. 

Marcus was just about to go to his station when he saw Carmy come out of the office. The head chef was blushing and he was looking at you.

-

It was a busy day at the Bear. There were shipments being made on top of the prep work that they have to do for that night. You were at the dining area with your laptop, some receipts, sales invoice, and disbursement forms. The Excel sheet glared at you from the brightness of the laptop screen. Carmy had kept you up all night last night and the bags under your eyes were proof.

You were taking note of Computer’s recommendations and trying to work everything out when Richie came in. 

“Hey, can you help me with picking out Eva’s gift—Motherfucker!” he suddenly shouted, causing you to look up in alarm. 

“Richie?” you asked, clueless as to why he was having his third meltdown of the day.

“Motherfucker!” he repeated, pointing at you and you looked at him, even more puzzled. The staff came running to him, with Carmy rushing out to see what his cousin was screaming about. Carmy’s eyes widen as he sees the t-shirt that you were wearing. 

“Yo, cousin—“

“Don’t cousin me!”

“Richie?” you asked. Sydney, Tina, and Marcus watched everything unfold from the side when it suddenly clicks. You were wearing Carmy’s shirt. It’s a pretty common shirt, a grey t-shirt with a logo on the sleeve that he’s worn multiple times before. 

“Does your dad know you’re dating this jagoff?” Richie asked, making you sputter the coffee that you were sipping.

“What?”

“That’s his shirt!” Richie points at the grey shirt and you paled, looking at Carmy who was looking at everything but you. 

“The guy that you were dating is Jeff?” Tina asked. “Oh…oh!” she gasps, realization dawning upon her. It now explains why you’d disappear with Carmy to the office randomly or going home together under the pretense that his apartment was on the way. 

“I knew it! It was Carmy’s coat that I saw in your apartment two weeks ago!” Sydney exclaims. “Oh, you’re good,”

“Fine! Fine,” you gave up, playfully glaring at a bashful Carmy. “We’re dating, get back to work,”

“Since when?”

“How did that happen?”

“I’ll answer these questions and then no one’s going to talk about it anymore, alright?” you asked, pursing your lips. “We’ve been…we’ve been dating for two months after I started working here. My father doesn’t know yet nor does Cicero. He’s…he’s uh, been really nice to me since I started so we dated and uh…that’s all,”

-

When the restaurant closed, you waited for Carmy in the passenger seat of your car and you both drove home. When you were about to sleep, you turned to him. 

“You have no help, you know that right?” you teased.

“Sorry…I-I didn’t know what to say,” he replies, the guilty feeling sinking in his stomach. 

“I’m kidding, Carm,” you said. “I’m happy they know,” 

“Yeah?” 

“Of course. I can’t believe Richie was the one who figured it out, though,” 

“Me too…but now I can kiss you more without hiding,” he says, pulling you closer. 

“Yeah?”

“Mm,” he nods, inching his face closer to yours. He looks at you and smiles before kissing you. “Good night,”

“Good night.”

A/N: Hope you liked it!

[alitheakorogane]

Ununusal Hilichurl in SAGAU

This is separate from my "Reader Protection Squad" fics, so in this SAGAU fic, Venti has the personality he had on some Cult/Imposter SAGAU fics we usually read on this site. It's an old fic of mine, made in December 2022. It was supposed to be longer when I first planned it, but I forgot how it ends, so I apologize in advance for the ending.

So enjoy this little fic involving the Unusual Hilichurl, who happens to be the Genshin persona of one of MiHoYo's CEO, Liu Wei!

You were just chilling out on the Wolvendom, looking out for any patrolling Knights of Favonius that could potentially hurt you once they spotted you. You just wanted to relax from being chased once in a while, and Andrius agreed to let you stay at his place and let his wolves patrol for any strangers coming into the place.

As you lie down on the grass and stare at the clear blue skies above, you noticed a certain Hilichurl staring at you with a curious look on its face. It was wearing clothes that are very strange for a Hilichurl with a briefcase lying beside it, and on its mask bears the character "伟." You immediately recognized this certain Hilichurl, as you had encountered it occasionally while you were playing Genshin Impact back at home.

"Ah yes, the Unusual Hilichurl..." you silently muttered as the strange-looking Hilichurl greeted you with a wave of its hand.

"Olah," the Unusual Hilichurl responded as it approached you and sat down beside you, while you sat up immediately. You should have stayed away in case it became hostile, even though you know that it would just attack if you provoked it, but you just sat back and stared at it silently.

Then you noticed the Unusual Hilichurl's hand holding something greenish, and you realized that it was a cabbage, probably giving it to you. You suddenly remembered that cabbages were one of its gifts, as it references a certain character from Genshin's sister game, Honkai Impact 3rd.

Wait a minute...

"I remembered something, your name is Wei, right?" You asked the Hilichurl as you realized something about the Hilichurl in front of you, "I remembered that you must be the Genshin counterpart of Hoyoverse's co-founders... Liu Wei, I think?"

You waved your hands as if you were doing the jazz hands as you spoke in a curious tone, "But if that's the case, you should be the Divine Grace by technicality since Hoyoverse was the one who made Genshin Impact. It makes sense, right?"

Your hand went to your chest as if to emphasize yourself, looking at the Hilichurl who was looking at you curiously, "But why me... or someone who shares the same face as me? That's because I'm a player of this freaking game?"

You closed your eyes as you continued your rant, the frustration stemming from your bad experiences in this version of Teyvat had now on its limit, "There are more than a million Genshin Impact players out there, and some of them dreamed of meeting the characters here... but I was thrown in this world... a world who doesn't even want me to begin with."

You opened your eyes and glared at the grass on your feet, the feelings of spite and anger etched on your face, "They just wanted to slice my head off the first time I show my face out here because I look like someone who I knew was never seen or even mention in the game."

The Unusual Hilichurl, Wei, just said nothing and you sighed, watching the dandelions from a distance, their seeds flying through the air.

"I must be crazy, I was talking to a Hilichurl of all people."

As you stared at the scenery before you, you then noticed how Wei stood up from their sitting position, reached for its briefcase, and opened it, before grabbing something from inside. Your eyes flitted to the object in its hands, and as Wei's hands reached out to give you the object it had scavenged in its bag, your eyes widened in surprise and gently picked up the object.

It was a phone... Your phone to be exact.

You were confused over the matter, why would Wei give you your phone when the last time your phone was left in your world, the world where you really belong?

You carefully opened your phone, wary of any possible traps embedded in it. Since your unfortunate encounter with the viscious people in this cursed world of a video game, you were always wary of everything, your eyes alert and peeled for any danger and suspicious activity.

The screen lit up, but instead of your usual wallpaper of (Character) on them, it was the log-in screen of Genshin Impact, complete with its serene log-in song and the beautiful view of pillars and a walkway with clouds adorning them.

To be honest, you kinda missed the serene log-in music you always listen to whenever you opened the game. Even though the game associated with it now brings traumatizing memories on you.

But instead of a log-in area where you typically log in to your account or a door to enter you into the in-game version of Teyvat, it was a message, similar to what you usually see every time you log in while still on maintenance time or you lost your connection to the internet.

But the message isn't the typical error message, you realized that it was a letter from the developers of Genshin Impact themselves.

"Dear Traveler, we apologize for some inconvenience of any issues you encountered while you're traveling in this beautiful world of Teyvat. Rest assured that your exploration in Teyvat will be safe and fun like you had experienced in-game. As compensation, we will give you an apology gift to guide you in your travels and make your journey worthwhile.

Good luck and may your unwavering guidance be witnessed by the stars and to the abyss!"

-Hoyoverse

If this was a cartoon, you could see your jaw drop to the ground.

How ridiculous!

"Did Hoyoverse just make me one of their beta players for their rumored virtual reality world?"

You remembered the article you had read months back about Hoyoverse wanting to make a virtual reality world by 2030, and Genshin Impact's open world theme is more like a prototype of this project. The knowledge and the message by the developers kinda connected the dots and it suddenly makes sense.

Wei just shrugged, making you stare at the Hilichurl with a deadpan look. Then you grumbled curses to the developers for putting you in a situation like this. And for what? A test subject for their beta test?!

When did you sign up for this?

Then another message appeared, this time it was more informal and more like it had replied to your concerns, making you a little bit scared.

"No, Traveler, this isn't for the virtual reality world that our developers had been working on. There's something wrong with the system and we tried our best to fix the problem caused by it."

You were flabbergasted. You looked around for more suspicious stuff that could make anyone from Hoyoverse monitor you from your world, but only Wei was the suspicious one around the area. You narrowed your eyes on the Hilichurl but the said creature just shrugged and returned to his usual business, curiously looking at you while playing with his cabbages.

When you found nothing, you released a relieved sigh and raised an eyebrow as you looked at the message on the phone. Apparently, Hoyoverse was involved in this isekai scheme, but they encountered a technical problem that involves the codes of the game.

But you wondered how did they send a real person to the game?

As you lost yourself in your own thoughts, the message suddenly disappears, leading you to the fancy door you usually see when you open the game, a gateway to the in-game Teyvat, complete with the "touch to start" message below.

You pressed the button and waited for the loading button to start the game. It was weird since you were currently in Teyvat, and you were playing the game where this place came from. You wondered how this will all be turned out. Will the phone acts like a CCTV where you could spy on your favorite characters while they try to catch you like a rabid person on drugs?

And it really did. You looked at the Unusual Hilichurl, who was still focusing on his cabbages, with a flabbergasted look on your face, but you know that he was just helping you navigate this world that his real-life counterpart had created to compensate for the troubles.

(Venti was spotted sneaking on the cellar of the Dawn Winery while people were currently on a meeting for something regarding your recent escapades. You facepalmed as you saw him through the phone, gleefully stole one bottle and decided to share it with Kaeya who was waiting for him to show up.)

As you started to see what's going on the other side of the field, you were grateful that you were given a chance to fight back and make the first step against them.

[illdowhatiwantthanks]

The Cabbage (The Surprise, Part 20)

Emily Prentiss x fem!reader Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI, smut, mutual masturbation, phone sex, mentions of AFAB genitalia, explicit language (if I've missed anything, please let me know!) Word count: 1.4k

Summary: It's late. You can't sleep. You're needy as hell, and your wife is out of town. So you call her. 😉

Week 30: The Cabbage

You tossed and turned in bed, trying and failing to get comfortable. No matter which way you moved, your belly was in the way. You huffed, maneuvering a pillow between your legs. And to think there were two more months of this left.

You wished Emily were here. She’d been out on a case for nearly a week, and you never slept well when she was gone. Not only that, but you wanted her. You’d felt desperate and horny for days, but for whatever reason–likely pregnancy-related–all your usual methods of getting yourself off weren’t doing it for you. Last night, you’d gotten so frustrated with yourself when your vibrator died after an unsuccessful hour of trying to orgasm that you’d cried. Actually cried. You needed Emily.

Finally deciding that you couldn’t sleep, and hoping that maybe Emily could at least talk you through it, you called her. She picked up on the first ring.

“Wow, you must really miss me.” You could almost hear Emily’s smirk.

You groaned. “You have no idea.”

Her voice grew concerned. “You okay? Is the baby okay?”

“Yeah, we’re fine,” you muttered. “I just miss you. A lot.”

“I know, baby. I should be home soon.”

“How soon?” You tried to hide the whine in your voice, the desperation, but Emily caught it anyway.

“Oh, that’s the problem?” She chuckled. “Are you a little needy tonight?”

“Don’t laugh, Em,” you groaned. “It’s not funny when you’re not here to fuck me.” 

“Sorry, honey. You know I would if I could.” She paused, and then her voice brightened. “I could help you, though.”

You could already feel that familiar ache, a dull throb radiating from your center, reddening your cheeks.  “Please.”

You heard the FaceTime ringtone, and immediately answered, and you knew the smile that covered your face when Emily came into view was dopey and wide and ridiculous, but you didn’t care. God, you missed her.

“Alright, honey,” Emily prompted. “Show me what we’re working with.”

You threw off the covers and panned the camera down the length of your body–from the tank top that left little of you to the imagination to the pillow held firmly between your legs.

“God, you look so pretty,” Emily said, and now it was her turn to whine. “I wish I was there.” She shook her head and smirked. “I wish I could take care of you the way you deserve to be taken care of.”

You shuddered, your body already tense in anticipation of what was to come.

“But since I’m not, you’ll have to do the work for me. Got it?”

You nodded, probably a little too enthusiastically.

“Good girl.”

A shiver went down your body, and you pushed your hips into the pillow, excited to notice that you felt well and truly turned on–and escalating–more than you’d been able to manage in days.

“Prop the phone up so I can watch you.” And you did as she said, trying your best to give her a good view.

She bit her lip, watching you, raking her eyes over your body, and you let out an impatient huff, bringing one of your hands up to play with your nipple.

“That’s it, honey,” Emily said, and you could hear in her voice–how deep it was, how much rougher–that it wasn’t just you who was turned on now. “Just like that.”

“Em,” you begged, your voice thick with effort as you started to thrust into the pillow, slow and steady. “Please, I want to see you, too.”

Emily propped her phone up on the hotel desk, giving you a perfect view of her, perched on the edge of the bed, hand in her sweatpants running slow circles around her clit.

You let out a moan, your body quick to respond to the sight of your wife getting off on watching you.

“You sound so pretty right now, babe.” Emily’s voice was low, almost hypnotic, enough to make you feel yourself grow wet and slick, enough to send you higher than you’d been able to take yourself this last week.

You felt your body growing more desperate, more anxious to build toward release, your hair damp with sweat as you rutted into the pillow you held hard between your legs.

“Can you touch yourself for me, honey? I want to hear how wet you are.”

Jesus, she had to know what she was doing to you, what her voice did to you. You brought your hand down to your entrance, dragging your finger through your wet folds, turned on by your own sinful sounds.

“Fuck,” Emily breathed, watching you buck into your hand as you circled your clit with your thumb. “You’re so stunning, Y/N. I love seeing you like this. You’re so wet for me, and I’m not even there to touch you.”

You whined, approaching your high, pressing your head against the mattress, your breath hitched and frantic, your face red and coated with sweat.

“Come with me, honey,” Emily said, her own voice shaky as she hovered at the edge of her climax. “Come on, you can do it. I know you can. You’re so close. Do it for me.”

Blood pounded in your ears as your orgasm rocked you, rushing through your body from head to toe, all the stronger, all the more satisfying for how many failed attempts you’d made in the last week. That and the fact that you could hear and see Emily coming apart over FaceTime, face red, chest heaving, hands clutching the covers at the edge of the bed in an effort to stay upright.

“Fuck, that was hot,” she gasped.

“And you said I was needy,” you teased, trying to catch your breath. You smiled, pushing a sweaty strand of hair out of your face.

Emily grabbed the phone up and suddenly her face was close again, so close, and as much as you loved her body, it was her face, her smile that was dearest to you, that you loved the most. She raised her eyebrows.

“I’m sorry,” she said, voice dripping with sarcasm, even as she smiled adoringly at you. “Of the two of us, which one called for phone sex?”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t pretend you didn’t like it.”

“Like it!?” Emily exclaimed, hair flopping over as she laid on the bed. “That’s the understatement of the year.”

“I really do miss you though, Em,” you said, your voice quiet as you watched her, feeling the distance a little more than usual tonight.

You couldn’t get over her eyes. They always made you feel so loved. She looked at you with all the devotion in the world, so much that you never once doubted her when she was away. You were it for Emily. You could see it in her eyes.

“I miss you too, honey. So much. Just think–in a little while I’ll be on parental leave, and I’ll get to be home for months.”

You painted your face in an exaggerated grimace. “Oh, I don’t know. What if I get tired of you?”

She rolled her eyes, but smiled. “I know, I’m hard to put up with.”

It was a joke, you both knew it. But sometimes you wanted to be extra sure Emily knew you were just teasing, that you loved her more than breathing.

“You’re not, though, love,” you said, your tone turning earnest. “You’re the only person I don’t get tired of. My favorite person. I can’t wait for you to be home.”

“You’re my favorite, too, baby.”

And for a moment you just sat in comfortable silence, just watched each other, dreaming you were next to each other instead of a whole country apart.

Emily fought off a yawn, and you smiled at her. Your pretty, sleepy girl.

“You should get some sleep,” you observed

She nodded. “I should. But I love you.”

She moved to hang up the call, and you cried, “Wait!”

Emily hesitated, brows furrowed.

“Let me make sure you get to sleep okay,” you said. “I’ll hang up after.”

Emily nodded and yawned, curling herself around a pillow, and you wished with everything in you that you were that pillow. “Thanks, honey,” she said, eyelids drifting shut. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” you replied, watching for several minutes as her breathing grew even, as she snored lightly–which she swore she didn’t do–and you knew she was out.

“So much,” you whispered before hanging up.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Just One Reason: When We Met

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Lloyd Hansen

masterlist - to be added

Summary: A chance encounter at the sandwich shop doesn't end how you expect.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

As you approach the sandwich shop, another pedestrian comes up from the other side. You open the door and hold it for them, waiting patiently for them to go first. The place isn’t very busy, you can wait an extra turn to get your food. 

The man barely acknowledges you as he enters. You’re used to that. In the city, manners run down the gutters with the rain and litter.  

You follow him inside. As he stomps to the counter, poking his ear in agitation, you stand back in a single-person queue. You check the chalkboard menu for the soups of the day. Oh, cabbage. They make the best cabbage soup you’ve ever had. 

You bounce on your heels as your gaze wanders over the monochrome wall art over the handcrafted wood tables. You open and close the flap of your crossbody purse. Your father always said you flutter like a hummingbird. Never quiet still and a little skittish. 

Behind the glaze of your distraction, the man’s deep snarl breaks through. You blink and lean to see around him. The cashier bats her lashes and puffs out her cheeks, “sorry sir, we discontinued the Mexican wrap, but the chipotle is similar--” 

“I don’t want the fucking chipotle,” he cups his ear and growls as he pushes his head into his hand.  

“They don’t send us the cilantro lime sauce anymore, sir,” the employee explains. “But I could add some peppers--” 

“Can’t you understand me?” He snips. 

“Erm, if you... if you put a bit of cilantro on, it would be close, wouldn’t it?” You ask, cringing as your thoughts spill out without intention. 

The man glares over his shoulder as his cheek pits derisively. He squints and shakes his head. He throws his arms out and faces the cashier again. “Whatever. Give me the damn chipotle with cilantro. I’m starving.” He reaches back for his wallet, “some fucking week...” he mutters. 

He slides the leather wallet above his pocket but it catches and falls from his grasp. He growls and bends to retrieve it. “Another fucking thing...” 

You watch him pick up his wallet and finger his ear again. It seems to cause him pain. The cashier watches helplessly. You feel bad for both of them. It just seems like a miscommunication. 

“Um, excuse me,” you wave two fingers at the cashier. “Can you add a cabbage soup and I’ll for both?” 

The employee blinks and the man snaps up with a scowl. They both stand in silent surprise. He finally shakes his head. “Why would you do that?” His tone makes it sound like an accusation. 

“I don’t know. Seems like you’re having a bad day and I can?” You shrug and cautiously step forward, “can I also get an iced raspberry tea?” 

“Uhhhh, sure,” the employee keys in the items. 

“Sir, did you want a drink?” You twist back to the man as he stands aside with a leery squint. He just shakes his head. 

“Alright, that’s everything. No cookie today,” you dig in your purse. “Debit, please.” 

She hits total and you pay. The receipt juts out of the machine and you step to the side to wait with one last thanks to the cashier. You tuck your card away and slip your phone out as your hands long to fidget. You know the man is staring, you can feel it, but you don’t want to piss him off even more than he already is. 

The lull that follow is torturous. The man’s wrap is up first and you wait for him to take it. He hesitates and you hand it to him. 

“I hope it’s still good,” you say with a smile at his throat. You’re too scared to look him in the eye. 

“You know I have money,” he grits. 

“Oh, no, that’s not... it isn’t... just a nice thing. Like, maybe one day you can pay it forward. I don’t know,” you rock sheepishly and look behind the counter. 

He nods and backs up. The cashier puts your soup up and your iced tea. You thank her and take your food.  

“Have a good one, sir.” 

You shuffle away to the table in the corner. You sit, self-conscious as the man lingers. Is he mad? You don’t think you were rude. 

The man sighs and goes up to the counter, “hey, look, I’m... sorry,” his words are stiff as if he could choke on them. “Thanks for the wrap.” 

“Oh, uh, okay, sir,” the cashier sounds shocked. “Um, enjoy.” 

You stir the soup and blow away the steam. As you scoop up a spoonful, the man approaches. You look at the velvet toes of his loafers then follow them up. He sits without invitation. 

You stare at him and lower your spoon. 

“Thanks for the wrap,” he says. “I was being a—jerk.” The last word is stunted as if he meant to say something else. “Mind if I eat with you?” 

You look around. The place is empty. You shrug. 

“Sure,” you grab the iced tea and swirl the ice. “Be nice to have company, I guess.” 

He hums and shifts in the chair. He peels away the wrapper and you sip from the straw. You put the cup down and stare into your soup. Your eyes flick up again and you find him staring. 

“Lloyd,” he offers his hand across the table, “but you can just call me that jackass who yells at people.” 

You give your name in return, his change in tone soothing your nerves. 

“You been here before?” He asks. 

“Once in a while,” you say. “When I can afford it. It’s a special treat. They have good soup.” 

He nods and looks down at the wrap, “yeah, food is pretty decent.” He lifts the wrap but doesn’t bite into it. He hovers it before him. “You know, you didn’t have to be nice to me.” 

“You never know what other people are going through. Sometimes, they just need some kindness,” you say. “And if they’re just a butthole, well, you’re not going to change that by matching their energy.” 

His brows arch, and he tilt his head. He sucks in his cheeks thoughtfully, “well, I think I’m just a butthole, as you put it. Thanks for giving me a chance.” 

You don’t know what to say. It’s awkward. You usually eat alone. You don’t have anyone to eat with, not since dad passed. Still, not all change is bad, is it? You’ve already faced the worst kind of change. 

You lean forward and take a bite of your soup. Sometimes making someone’s day easier makes your own a little brighter. As of late, none of them have been more than gloomy. 

[faetima]

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬. .

. . you’re cursed with hanahaki and shyness, while scaramouche is fated to forever hide his feelings behind a mask of indifference.

// tws ; blood ! ; gn reader ; modern & high school au, hanahaki au 

a/n: i love safety scissors by tiffi

there were many things you didn’t know about scaramouche. his family life, his favorite type of flowers, what his favorite kind of dessert was.

what his personal feelings about you were.

but, one thing you did know about him was that he liked cherry cola.

much, much more than the regular kind.

that was too bad though, since you hated cherry cola.

but you couldn’t fault him, your tastes just didn’t match up.

—

there were many things you didn’t know about scaramouche. his favorite sport, if his love language was physical touch like yours, if he didn’t like shy people.

if he was romantically interested in someone.

but, one thing you did know about him was that he wasn’t rightfully yours.

and that he would never be.

—

your life was slipping away like delicate grains of sands falling through your hands.

you gagged, pale pink and pristine white candytufts slipping out of your mouth and flopping onto the floor, the ungraceful motion contradicting to how elegant the flowers actually looked.

the flowers were dotted with dull, red spots of blood, standing out on the otherwise light colored blossoms.

you clenched your hands into tight fists, suddenly feeling how cold and clammy they had gotten.

you hunched down, heaving and coughing up more of the damned flowers. they were clumped together and were glistening from being coated in mucus and blood.

the cabbage-like scent of the candytufts combined with the metallic, iron scent of blood was starting to make you dizzy, your stomach turning. you gagged on nothing, queasy from the miasma.

maybe you had no chance with scaramouche.

—

you sat in class, shoulders slumped forward and lips turning downwards just the slightest bit. you rubbed one of your eyes, tired.

you let out a shaky sigh, not noticing your right leg bouncing up and down unconsciously.

“can you stop that?” a sharp voice cut through the silent haze that had been set over the classroom. you glanced up, finding indigo eyes narrowed in annoyance. scaramouche’s hands were clenched into fists and his jaw was clenched. he scowled at you, pretty face contorting into one filled with exasperation.

”sorry,” you mumbled, immediately dropping your gaze down to the desk, swallowing hard. nervousness crept up your spine, and you took in a shaky breath.

”whatever,” he muttered, rolling his eyes. his ears had the lightest tint of pink to them, of which you didn’t notice, too caught up in your own embarrassment.

—

you had bought new clothes because you thought you were going to see him that day.

you had cut your hair in your bedroom with safety scissors.

it was so embarrassing. especially because that was the only way he would even notice you, taking the fact that you were too scared to talk to him because of being so goddamn shy.

—

there was some distant memory you had of scaramouche and you back in seventh grade.

you had both been working on a project, and somehow you had wound up sharing your earbuds with him.

his nose had scrunched up in what had seemed to be disgust.

”you listen to this fucking stuff?” he asked you, staring at you with a scrutinizing gaze, a hint of curiosity in it which you hadn’t noticed.

you had stayed silent, not exactly sure what to say.

it wasn’t his fault that your music tastes hadn’t quite aligned.

— 

you had texted your friends.

they had said not to do it.

but you, being stupid, didn’t want to listen to them.

so you had cut your hair on impulse, all because you wanted to look nice for scaramouche.

now your hair looked so, so damn stupid.

and the worst part? 

you had cut it with safety scissors.

you should’ve listened to your friends.

—

coughs wracked your feeble body, draining all the energy it had left with the motions.

candytufts fell out of your mouth, piling up on the ground.

sharp pains in your lungs came in intervals, making you wish death would just come and take you already.

but no, it just had to be cruel. it was taunting you, making you feel like you were going to die, make you wish that you were going to die, only to never actually take you.

instead it put you through this suffering.

you felt like you were coughing your lungs out, wanting to rip your throat out from the pain.

you sobbed, wishing to just die, wishing for the world to just end your pain and suffering.

but, alas, death would never come for you.

all because scaramouche hid his feelings for you under a mask of indifference, hidden from anyone’s knowledge.

[bookofthegear]

You decide to take the safest route down—i.e. the stairs. Climbing safety involves actual anchor points, not vague architectural suggestions.

You pass the big metal grille and your foot is actually on the first step down when you hear something move behind you. It sounds like the scuff of a footstep on stone. You whip around, Grandma’s knife at the ready, but there’s nothing in the hallway behind you.

But wait, is there a slightly darker patch of blackness in the darkness behind the grille?

You stare at it until your eyes water, not quite sure. That could be a person—or something shaped like a person. If so, they aren’t moving.

If it is, they can see you through the grille. A lot better than you can see them.

You almost think you can hear breathing.

You stand there for God knows how long, until at last your arm muscles start to tremble with the strain of holding the lantern aloft. You have to lower it and switch hands, and when you raise the light again, the shadow—if it was ever there—is gone. Was there a rustle of fabric, or was that just your pack shifting as you moved?

“Mind’s playing tricks on me,” you mutter, hoping that it’s true.

At any rate, the stairs are standard issue concrete stairs. They go down to a landing, turn ninety degrees to the south, and continue on.

There’s a pipe opening on the floor of the landing. It appears to contain a mouse nest.

[ellecdc]

Okok can i overstay your house party by asking for one more???

♧ here for the drinks:

I actually dreamt about this, it was so funny

so basically one of the black brothers is injured and the shy and soft reader is trying to help but she faints when she sees blood😭😭 so then the poor injured guy has to help her and be like bitch no it's my turn to pass out

but also kinda hot coz he's assertive and telling her stay tf awake

i've always loved your comedic fics

it's a weird one but I hope u like it, if not that's okay!!! love u and congratulations once again🩷🩷🩷

-🩷

pink heart emoji, I am almost upset with you that you sent such a funny and cute request as a head canon blurb!!! this would make such a cute fic!! but, since I'm working slowly on fics rn and idk when I'd get to it, here's your head canons <3 also, I'm going with Regulus for this simply because I think it'd be funny to see him be soft/stern

you walk into (what was supposed to be) an empty herbology classroom to find Regulus crumpled over a desk

you make a startled sound, causing him to look over at you though he doesn't straighten up his posture

"Oh, erm, I- I'm sorry...I can...come back later if you're using the room?" he shakes his head quickly at you and looks back down at his lap

"No..you're fine just...mind the cabbages" he says, voice taught as you spot the Chinese Chomping Cabbages rolling their ways back towards their bed of soil

"Are you alright?" you ask cautiously, deigning to head towards him, he makes a grimacing sound

"they got me...the cabbage, that is, I'll be fine but I should probably get to the healer"

when you finally make it to Regulus' workbench, you see why he needs to go to a healer. "oh...oh! oh, uhm, huh, uhm, okay." you sputter, swallowing around your gag reflex and trying to stay upright, leaning your weight heavily on the workbench as your vision starts to blur

"Do you mind passing me my scarf?" he asks, motioning to it with his head as he applies pressure to the wound with the hand of his uninjured arm

you do mind, but you can't very well say that, so you do as asked and hand it to him not without your arm violently shaking

"you alright?" he asks you slowly, making a surprised sound when you sway slightly on your feet "Merlin, y/n, what's your problem?"

you try to mumble something to the effect of "shit I'm sorry" but you're not sure how effective you were when it feels like your mouth is filling with cotton

"oh for Salazar's sake" Regulus mutters, quickly tying his scarf around his arm tightly twice before reaching for his wand and vanishing the blood as best he can, though his white uniform shirt is a lost cause

"okay, we're both going to the infirmary, but you have to stay awake y/n, can you do that?", you think you say yes, but he asks you again. "can you stay awake for me?"

you nod your head because yes you would do that for him, but it was a mistake as you nearly land on your knees, only upright thanks to Regulus' good arm circling around your waist

"Nope. none of that. hey-" he heaves you up further so he can support your weight "no fainting, if anyone's going to faint, it should be me, yeah? come on, stay awake for me"

and for the love of all the gods you do your damned best, keeping your eyes shut and pretending you can't smell the blood on Regulus' person until you make it to the infirmary where he sets you gingerly against a bed, but as you open your eyes and catch sight of him again, you fall unconscious

you wake up to Regulus sitting at your bedside - a fresh jumper sans blood over him and the end of a bandage you can see near his wrist, and he's smirking at you

"why're you still here if you're all fixed up?" you grumble as you sit yourself up, and that only seems to cause his smile to grow. "it'd be terribly rude of me not to thank the person who got me to the infirmary, no?" - "you practically had to drag me here" you argue, only for him to shrug his shoulders. "semantics, anyways, I figured I better walk you to your common room too, you know, just in case"

well didn't he just about walk you everywhere in the castle from that moment forward <3

[trisscar368]

The problem I am having with incorporating affirmations in therapy is that they frequently rely on “because I am a good person” to justify why you get to be happy or deserve care.

What if I don’t believe in humans having a good or evil nature, doc? What if people just are? What if our actions are what matter, not to define or exhibit our true internal nature, but because we are creatures in a system and our impact on the system and people is important?

What if bad people still deserve basic human rights and care? What if I don’t believe in a world where criminals suffer?

What if I want to throw the framework out the window? What if we discard a concept that incorporates a fundamental fail state? Because being a good person implies the option to stop being good and I don’t want that on the table anymore. Why would I leave that anxiety lying around to bite me in the ass, “am I really good though or do I just have you fooled?”

How are you even defining good anyways? Kind? Nice? Polite? Haven’t broken any laws recently? Is the point to program a desire to be good and reinforce prosocial behavior, or is self confidence the only thing that matters here?

How is proposing unfounded, unfalsifiable statements to a mirror supposed to help?

And do they train you to deal with pedantic smartasses at school?

[the-kr8tor]

Seafoam on the shore

Pairing: Pirate! Hobie Brown x fem! Reader

Word count: 2.8k

Tags: Use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader (except for her clothing), CW drinking, CW food mentions, TW injury.

Between the Devil and the Sea Masterlist

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CHAPTER 1 >>> CHAPTER 2

You run as fast as you can, your feet flying off the muddy uneven streets. Huffing while a local copper yells at you to stop, his yells get more exhausted every second he chases after you. So far he isn't even near you, one of the few benefits of staying at a provincial fishing town is that the police are either too out of shape to catch you, their bellies round, definitely full of ale. Or they simply don't give a damn about a pickpocket, muttering to themselves how they're not paid enough to do a city cop's job.

Losing your balance, you silently curse at your worn down work boots. Sliding off the ground, skidding off down the streets, disturbing the hustle and bustle of the market. You hit a vegetable cart along the way, wood splintering, scratching your arms. Cabbages and carrots fly off, there's yelling and screaming around you and your legs are aching from the impact.

“Sorry!” You yell back to a disgruntled vendor.

He curses at you and your entire family for ruining his sale. You take a mental note to pay him back somehow when you're not currently occupied.

Digging your heels in, you come to a halt, you're lucky enough to get a hold on a lamp post. Glancing behind, you don't see the cop running after you but you're not taking any chances so you enter a tight alleyway. You know this village like the back of your hand, you have to or else seeing the inside of the jail would be waiting for you in the future.

Knowing there’s a pipe somewhere along the walls, you run your muddy hands along the bricks, the cramp walls touching your back and chest, you stop when your nail hits something metallic.

Your ears perk up at someone snitching, “fuck” without hesitation, you climb up the rusty pipe.

Hands digging into the metal. It creaks and groans, but it seems like lady luck is on your side when you reach the top with no problems.

Hearing hurried footsteps down below, you immediately lie low on the roof. Hiding yourself from his gaze. The cop glances around the alley, scratching his head, confused as to how you escaped without a trace.

“Damn” he mutters, completely winded.

You smile to yourself as he leaves. The sun bares at your back, cotton blouse sticking to your skin. Needing a bath is an understatement.

Standing up, you carefully tread the roof, avoiding floors that look damaged. You definitely don't want a repeat incident of what happened six villages ago. You can never get used to the view from up high, the sea blends in with the orange sky, melting together, blues, greens and reds mingle in harmony. The setting sun paints a picturesque scenery, draping everything it touches in its heavenly light.

Ships and fishing boats float above the waves as if they're dancing to the sound of the water splashing on its wooden sides.

Your hands instinctively reach for the necklace hidden under your blouse. Fingers tracing the etching of a flying bird that you know like the back of your hand.

Despite the open sea, you can't help but feel trapped. The docks beckon you over to somewhere you can't remember, somewhere where you can rest in peace, somewhere across the deep dark treacherous sea are people you can call your home. People who may have been looking for you all this time. Their faces are but a blur in your mind, voices a mere echo lingering in your heart. The pendant leaves a circular indent on your palms as you grip it tight.

Is it possible to miss someone you don't even remember?

Your train of thought gets interrupted by movement from a ship floating along the dock, a large sailboat whose wood differs from each one of its structures. You can tell from how some of it is painted gold and silver like the ones on royal ships, it looks like it was hastily hammered into regular oak with intricate carvings. Some wood blends better together, dark timber melding with ashen wood. Three cannons are lined on the sides, its metal having seen better days, no longer glimmering in the sunlight.

From where you're standing, the figurehead on the bow looks peculiar, like nothing you've ever seen traveling along coastal towns. A fierce creature with sharp teeth opening its jaws, eyes wide and alert. Its red scaly skin adds to its terrifying image. What's more peculiar is the lack of flag flying on its mast. An unknown ship from an unknown place tickles your curiosity.

You slink back down on the roof when a woman emerges from below deck, her blond hair shining under the sun. Another much taller one follows behind her. Raven colored hair flowing in the soft wind. They seem to be arguing, but you're completely bewildered as to how they're allowed to sail. All this time, you can't believe that you can actually step foot inside a boat, moreso sail on it.

This changes everything, you suppose.

You leave the roof, letting the women argue amongst themselves. Expertly hopping from awning to canopy, you land at your final destination, the White Salmon pub.

Jumping down, you land on a cart full of broken fishing nets, it's a miracle that you weren't tangled under all the mess.

Entering the rowdy pub, the smell of ale and pickled fish enters your nostrils. A bunch of sailors sing off key in the middle, too drunk to care about the ruckus they're making. You try to blend in with the drunk crowd, hiding behind people, weaving around them to sneak past the bar and upto the stairs leading up to your room.

“Oi! did ya think I wouldn't notice ya?”

You stop just about the foot of the stairs. Groaning in exasperation, quickly taking off the bandana tied around your face to conceal half of your face. You try your best to put your best smile, turning your charm up to a hundred.

“Hi, aunty Janet” you walk towards her like a child caught with their hands inside the cookie jar. “I got the butter you asked”

Janet huffs, eyes narrowed, her brows furrowed. You place the stick of butter in front of her like an offering to appease an angry God.

“Please don't tell me the coppers will be knocking on my doors again”

“That was one time! Besides I actually paid for this one” you push the butter towards her with your finger. She stares at it like you're giving her contraband.

You give her one charming smile, she sighs, taking the butter from the counter. “You're on thin ice, Y/N. Don't make me regret taking you in.”

“That was a year ago and look, I'm still here!”

“A year and a half, I counted because with every shit ya manage to pull, a strand of my hair turns white.” she points at her hair that's almost completely white. “This used to be black”

“I know, I'm sorry. I just need to–”

“To what? It always seems like you're hiding shit from me and Thena” She tries to hold your hand on the counter but you flinch away.

“Won't happen again, I promise.” A clear lie on your part, you'll just have to be better at sneaking. You vault over the counter to roll up your sleeves, clean yourself up and put on your apron.

“When will you learn, girl?”

“When the king sentences me to death himself!” grabbing an empty tray, you start clearing a nearby table. Janet pinches the bridge of her nose.

After dodging rowdy customers and a flying pint, Thena takes a break with you in the tiny corner of the tavern. She unabashedly sighs loudly, smelling of ale and lavender she hastily rubbed on to mask the scent of alcohol.

You side eye her with a tired smile, Thena sighs again, louder this time, a few patrons gaze your way.

“Alright, what's wrong?”

“Oh nothin' it's just Arthur's back again and he hasn't even glanced my way”

You flick your eyes towards the blonde patron nursing a pint, his green eyes meet yours, he smiles with his yellow teeth and you look away immediately, not from embarrassment, no, but from how you don't want his eyes on you.

Why in the world is Thena so smitten by someone like Arthur who comes and goes into the pub more than he goes inside a bathroom?

“You could do better, Thena. One that actually brings in coins instead of using them all in the pub or a brothel.”

“I know,” she sighs once again. Leaning closer to your side so you slide further away. “But he's the fittest bloke here though” whining, she puffs out her cheeks.

As if some divine comedy, Arthur beckons you over with a twist of his hand. You internally cringe.

Thena gasps, “I think he's finally taking notice of me!” She stands up, sauntering over to his table with the confidence of a newborn deer.

Before you could rescue her though, Janet yells at you from the other side of the room. “Get back to work, Y/N!” She signals with head, pointing towards a table by the corner.

You groan, lumbering your way towards the customers. His large back is turned away from you, brown hair neatly slicked back, clothes looking too neat and expensive for a dingy pub like the white salmon. His companion thumps her head on the wall lightly like she's trying to get water out of her ears. Her hair is cut short, glasses over her almond shaped eyes, clothes equally looking expensive but less neat than her large companion.

Her lips turn upwards once she sees you. “Finally some service” she stretches her legs out, noting how she's wearing trousers instead of the usual frilly skirts rich women wear.

“Sorry, what can I do for you?” You put on your customer service voice that's laced with mild annoyance. The man sits still like a rock, his back still turned away from you.

“Fish and chips, some pickled eggs and a pint.” She glances at her friend before groaning with a sly smirk. “And he'll have plain porridge, no seasoning, just porridge. It's better if it's days old. Right, Miguel?”

The man huffs, craning his neck to look over his shoulder. The single candle light on the table illuminates his chiseled face, turning his eyes crimson.

“A pint will do” his voice is gruff yet calm.

There's alarm bells ringing in your head, the tray falls from your shaking hands. Your heart thumps louder than the clanking metal.

“Careful there, it's bad to drink on the job” His friend’s comment falls on deaf ears as you stare at the man before you. His expression doesn't change except for how his eyebrows lift slightly.

It's been years, surely he doesn't recognize me as an adult, right?

You clear your throat, mustering the best smile you can do. “Sorry about that, I'll get your orders right away” leaning down to take the tray from the sticky floors, your necklace slips out of your blouse, the gold shimmering in the candle light.

He could burn you with just his stare.

Walking briskly, clutching the tray, its metal is uncomfortably cold on your skin. The pub seems to get louder and louder with every footstep, the laughter and rowdy singing makes you dizzy. Janet calls after you as you run up the stairs to your room.

Thinking fast, you lock the door, pushing your dresser to further lock it. Your mind races to the floorboards beneath your threadbare bed. With your bare hands you hastily take the wood out revealing a hollow hole containing your possessions.

There's loud booming footsteps climbing up the stairs. Followed by his voice calling your name.

“Fuck” without thinking, you take the bag from its hiding place, slinging it over your shoulder before you cross the small space to the window.

“Y/N, Please!” He keeps calling after you. “Let me just,” thump, “fuck!”

That's your signal to jump down.

Landing on your heels, you feel your knees aching from the fall. You hear your bedroom door slam open with a force that surely broke its hinges.

You run like you've ran from him like last time.

Suddenly, you're thirteen years old, weaving through the forest, vines prickling your legs as you wade through the thicket. White lilies are but a blur as tears flow freely from your eyes as you keep running without a destination.

Why? Aren't you enough? Did she not love you like you thought she did? What did you do to deserve being abandoned twice?

You're back to the present when he yells your name again. Your heart pounds loudly on your ribcage, lungs burning, you feel like you're about to collapse.

His companion also runs after you, screaming your name desperately.

But you have the upperhand. Using the moon as your guide, you climb up a house, its bricks protruding out of the walls, the place you used to climb to practice, but now you climb it to save your own skin.

Running from roof to roof, you feel a presence behind you. His thunderous footsteps echo into the cold night. You don't dare look behind.

The woman follows you from the ground, her heels clicking on the uneven sidewalk. “Y/N! Wait up–shit!” Without looking down, you hear her fall.

He screams your name again, the same one she called you back then.

You run furiously, jumping off the side only to keep running towards the docks. Panicking, you see a ship leaving the docks, its fishing net left hanging on the side. Without thinking, you make a break for it.

Sprinting on the old docks, you leap the huge gap. Miraculously, you take hold of the net, clinging to it with all your might. Entering the net, you ignore the smell of fish, watching as the place you once called home gets smaller and smaller.

You say goodbye to Janet, who kindly took you in without asking for anything in return. Who gave you a job and a room so you don't freeze and starve outside. Who took care of you when you fell ill to the cold.

You say goodbye to Thena, the only friend you've ever had, the longest friend you've ever had. The same Thena who taught you how to sew and mend your own clothes. Thena who taught you how to throw a punch when a handsy sailor tries to touch you.

Thena whom you've grown accustomed to calling you her sister.

You say goodbye to the fishing town you've only recently called your home.

You say goodbye to the man at the docks who's staring at your fleeing form, whose eyes are narrowed, almost pleading for you to come back.

A/N: There's no Hobie appearance in this chapter yet :( (next chapter though 👀)

Hope you like it, thank you for reading!

[coryosmin]

Feel Better - Coryo x GN!Reader

Coryo x GN!reader

warnings: sick coriolanus, reader taking care of coriolanus, no nsfw, ooc coriolanus probably, reader notices that coriolanus has an itty bitty cold and they just want to be there for him. oh and reader and coriolanus are best friends with romantic feelings for one another. this is definitely fluff.

AN: there’s just something about vulnerable Coriolanus Snow that just makes me swoon. All terms in here should lead to a gender neutral reader but if there’s any indicators I might’ve accidentally put otherwise, please let me know! Sometimes I make mistakes and miss them 😭😭

2,000 words

Coriolanus had woken up feeling groggy. His throat was parched, his nose was a bit stuffy, and his head hurt a little bit. He didn’t think too much of it. The apartment, being so old, was prone to giving Coriolanus allergies. He was probably experiencing post-nasal drip from the dust and mold. He sit up in bed, clearing his throat. With his head hurting, he forced himself to get out of bed, grab his clothes, and head to the shower. A hot shower should help clear things up, right?

Wrong.

It didn’t help. It gave a sense of relief while in the shower but as soon as he finished and got himself dressed, he was back to feeling all groggy. Coriolanus looked at himself in the mirror, noticing the paleness in his face and the small circles under his eyes. He rolled his eyes to himself. Of course he just had to get sick. Coriolanus has a cold. It’s no surprise really. He should’ve seen it coming.

It was winter and many students at the Academy had been getting sick lately. Livia Cardew had been sneezing and coughing all day yesterday without even having the decency to cover her mouth and nose while doing so. Begrudgingly, Coriolanus walked out of the bathroom and back into his bedroom to put his socks and shoes on, grabbing his satchel as well.

Even if he wasn’t feeling well, he had to go to school. How could he land on top if he missed a day? It would be no good for him and his future plans to be the President.

Coriolanus walked out to the main room, the cabbage soup already boiling on the stove. Tigris was standing there, sipping a cup of tea as she waited for the soup to finish. She looked up at Coriolanus, seeing his pale complexion and the bags under his eyes. “Oh, Coryo,” Tigris said, placing her tea down. “You look ill.” She said, walking over to him. She felt his cheeks and forehead, pursing her lips. “No fever though.”

“I’m fine,” Coriolanus muttered, his voice certainly hoarse. It hurt a bit to talk.

“Are you sure?” Tigris asked, concerned for her cousin. She walked back into the kitchen, pouring some warm tea for Coriolanus. She handed him the mug. “Drink.”

Coriolanus grabbed the tea cup, taking a sip. It definitely helped to soothe his throat. But it was just regular black tea which ultimately, he knew, didn’t help sore throats at all. “I can rest when I get home from school,” Coriolanus replied, looking at Tigris. “I’ll be fine.” He gave a small smile to soothe Tigris’ worries.

“If you say so, Coryo.” Tigris replied, serving Coriolanus a bowl of cabbage soup.

Coriolanus began to eat the soup, though he didn’t have much of an appetite. He forced himself to eat it because something is better than nothing and if he were to survive the day, he needs as much energy as possible. He ate as much as he could stomach before stopping. He drank the rest of his tea before standing up. “I’ll see you later, Tigris.” He said, getting ready to head out the door.

“Take care of yourself, Coryo. If you start to feel worse, please come home and rest.” Tigris said, looking at her cousin.

And with a simple nod, Coriolanus left the apartment and began his walk to school in the cold weather. He sniffled as he walked to the Academy, the cold temperature making his nose run.

Coriolanus arrived at the Academy, seeking refuge in the warm building. The cold helped to at least clear his head from the fogginess. As Coriolanus walked through the hallway to get to his class, he felt someone take hold of his arm, interlocking it with theirs. He looked down to see you with a smile on your face.

“Good morning,” You greeted, looking at at Coriolanus.

“Morning,” Came the sound of his voice, hoarse and stuffy.

Your eyebrows furrowed as you looked at Coriolanus, stopping in your tracks with him. Though you didn’t remove your arm from his. “Are you feeling okay?” You asked softly, looking up into Coriolanus’ blue eyes. You could see the bags under his eyes and the more pale complexion that was outside of his normal pale complexion.

Coriolanus simply nodded his head. “It’s just a stupid cold,” He said, reassuring his friend. “It’ll go away quickly.”

You hummed in response. “Just don’t overwork yourself, Coryo.”

The two of them walked to class together, sitting down at their desks.

As the day went on, Coryo’s symptoms got worse. Coriolanus tried his hardest to pay attention in his classes. The fogginess from this morning was coming back and he began to feel hot but cold at the same time. His throat was hurting more than it had been earlier. He sniffled every few minutes. He even began to develop a small cough! Which unlike Livia Cardew, he covered because he actually had the decency to try not to spread his germs. He was even going to the bathroom frequently to wash his hands, thank you very much.

And as he tried to get through the day, you noticed how bad he was starting to feel. By lunch time, Coriolanus had grabbed his food and sat down. But hardly had the appetite to eat it. And usually, Coriolanus would munch down his food immediately. You sighed to yourself as you looked at your friend. You cared about him a lot and didn’t like seeing him so ill. He used to get colds a lot when the two of you were kids and it was always you who would take care of him as you had the financial means to do so.

“Coryo,” came the soft tone of your voice as you put a hand on his shoulder. “Perhaps it’s time you go home and rest?”

Coriolanus shook his head no in stubbornness. “I’m fine, Y/N. Please don’t fret about me.” His voice was so hoarse and he sounded so nasally, you couldn’t help but pout in sympathy. “Just trying to get through the day.”

“Sleeping would help.” You said, rubbing his shoulder soothingly. Your other hand moved to his face, feeling his forehead. “You’re burning up, sweetheart.”

Coriolanus leaned into your touch, the coolness of your hand providing a relief that he didn’t realize he needed. “I don’t want to go home though.” He said softly, closing his eyes for a moment.

You gave a small smile. “Then let me bring you to mine.” You replied in the same tone. “I’ll take care of you.”

And with that, Coriolanus couldn’t deny you. He knew he couldn’t focus on anything else. His body was on fire while also being so cold. He felt miserable and wanted nothing more than to sleep. “Okay,” He agreed, opening his eyes to look at you. “You’re probably going to get sick though too.”

“And I’ll have you to take care of me.” You smiled, looking at Coriolanus.

So, the two of you left the Academy early. You had told Sejanus to let the professors know that you had taken Coriolanus home due to him not feeling well. You and Coriolanus arrived to your high end apartment after a bit of walking. Coriolanus looked as miserable as he felt. As you walked into the apartment, you were grateful that your father was working and your mom was out and about.

Coriolanus took his shoes off at the entrance, just as he usually does. You did as well. “Go lay down in my bed. You need to rest.” You said softly, looking at Coriolanus. He simply nodded and didn’t say anything else, walking to your bedroom. He took his uniform jacket off before crawling into your bed, covering himself with your lush blankets. Your bed was so soft and welcoming. Coriolanus couldn’t help but sigh in contentment as he closed his eyes and eventually, sleep consumed him.

Coriolanus awoke awhile later, still feeling relatively the same. Except when he awoke, you were sat right next to him with a cold cloth on his forehead. You smiled as you saw his blue eyes open. “Hey.” You said, smiling. “I had one of the maids make you some chicken noodle soup.” You spoke in a soft tone. “Would you like some?”

Coriolanus gave a small smile, unable to help himself. He nodded his head slightly, sitting up in the bed. The maid walked over, placing a tray in Coriolanus’ lap. He looked at the soup, remembering the times when you and him were kids and that time the both of you got sick. Your mother decided to take it upon herself to take care of both you and Coriolanus, ensuring that you both got the nutrients and medications necessary. Chicken noodle soup had become one of his favorite things because whenever he saw it, he thought of you.

“Thank you.” He whispered to you before eating the soup. He relished in the taste as he hadn’t had it in a long awhile. Coriolanus couldn’t remember the last time he had gotten sick like this. It must’ve been years ago. Really only four years but who’s counting? So yeah, Coriolanus might’ve actually been counting. But to be fair, it’s really good soup.

You simply smiled as you grabbed the cold cloth off of his forehead. “You’re welcome, Coryo.” You whispered back. You leaned in, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Coriolanus couldn’t help the burning in his cheeks. He was grateful that his cheeks were already flushed from the fever otherwise, it definitely would’ve been obvious that he was blushing. He cleared his throat and continued to eat the soup.

When he finished eating, you reached over to the nightstand, grabbing a glass of water and some pills for Coriolanus. “Here. A fever reducer and some anti congestion medication.” You said, smiling softly at Coriolanus. “It’ll definitely help relieve some symptoms.”

Coriolanus grabbed the glass of water and took the pills, swallowing them before drinking the water. He handed the glass back to you. The maid came back to grab the tray from Coriolanus’ lap. “Now lay down, Coryo. Get some more rest. I’ll let my mom know when she gets home that you’ll be spending the night.”

“Will she be okay with it?” Coriolanus asked.

You simply smiled and nodded your head. “Of course, sweetheart.” That nickname always made Coriolanus’ heart flutter. “You know she cares about you as much as she cares for me.”

And with that, Coriolanus smiled a small smile before laying back down. “Stay with me?” He asked, getting himself comfortable.

You nodded your head. “Always, Coryo.” You whispered to him, your e/c eyes looking into his blue orbs.

He grabbed your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours and holding it to his chest before closing his eyes. He was laying on his side, facing you. He was almost asleep when he heard, “I love you, Coryo. I hope you feel better soon.” Your tone had been so quiet and soft, as though you didn’t want to disturb him. And Coryo couldn’t help the small curl of his lips as he drifted off to sleep again.

So, maybe getting sick wasnt so bad. Especially because he had you to take care of him.

And a few days later when he felt much better and you had come down with a cold? He stayed with you at your house to help take care of you. Because Coriolanus loves you too.

[odiesbun]

...♡Their kid asks where babies come from♡... | Hyung-Line + Sunoo

!Warning! All memebers in this part are mentioned in the future tense, so you two will be much older than you are now!

There may be errors in the text, as my native language is not English. Thank you for your likes!

genre: fluff.

warning: children, sex references, awkwardness, awkward questions.

w.c: 1.4k

a.n: i did it! BUT I want to post something else, so my requests are reopened.

♡Heeseung♡

•The person who doesn't hesitate to explain ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING to children, even if that's not what the children wanted to hear at all...

•You were not ashamed of sex in your family and you were able to explain it to your teenage children (without a colorful description, of course), but one day Heeseung decided that it was time for your children to learn about the real world. And that's why he gave a talk on sex education.

- „So, you guys, both of you should always take precautions. Whether it's condoms or birth control pills.“ - You slowly walk into the house, listening. Heeseung is sitting on the couch, and your oldest son and youngest daughter are sitting on the floor next to him.

- „Yeah, I see. Decided to give our kids a lesson?“ - You smirk as you take off your shoes and make your way into the living room. Heeseung greets you with a soft smile, and the children rush toward you. You wouldn't tell by the look of them, however, that they're happy to hear such words from their father.

- „Well, I thought it was about time they knew that. I knew a lot of things when I was their age.“ - He shrugs, coming closer to you and kissing your cheek, and then he rubs the kids' hair, ruffling it slightly.

- „Well, you didn't have to tell them what condoms and birth control pills were... I thought you were just going to explain how babies are made.“ - You hum, then sigh.

- „Yes, but if I didn't explain all the points to them, they would keep asking more weird questions!“ - Heeseung exclaimed, furrowing his brow and ready to defend his point to the end, making you giggle.

♡Jay♡

•Says the first thing that comes to his mind. Or says what his mom and dad told him when he was little.

•He knew your four-year-old son would ask this question sooner or later, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon. So when it happens, for the first few seconds, Jay doesn't know how to properly respond to it.

Jay blinks in surprise, smiling awkwardly. He looks at you, asking you to help him, to which you just smirk and raise your eyebrows, looking at him expectantly.

- „Well, how can I put this...“ - Jay's breath caught in his lungs, a faint blush covering his cheeks. - „Kids are found in cabbage at the store. Yes.“

- „In the cabbage?“ - Your son raises his eyebrows in surprise, his mouth open. You and Jay look over at each other, continuing to smile.

- „Um, yeah. Well, son, when Mom and Dad love each other very, very much, they open a special store with cabbage that babies are born in...“ - You giggle awkwardly. Your son giggles and, finally getting an answer, contentedly walks out of the room.

You and Jay exhale blissfully, wiping the sweat from your forehead. As soon as you realize the awkwardness of the situation, you blush, giggling.

- „That's a miss...“ - Jay leans on the armrest of the sofa, licking his lips.

- „You're resourceful, you got away with it.“ - You giggled, nudging Jay lightly in the side with your elbow.

- „It was the first thing that popped into my head. Besides, my parents told me the same thing when I was younger.“ - He mutters, blushing and looking away before gently kissing your cheek and lips, thanking you for helping him get out of his situation.

Your son obviously won't calm down after this question, for his interest will increase even more, but Jay has proven to be too thoughtful a daddy, so he'll make up his own mini story about how your happiness came to be.

♡Jake♡

•He's actually trying to present his explanation to the kids intelligently, but it turns out to be as absurd a situation as possible, which will make not only him blush, but you as well.

•Since your twins were very restless and curious, they were always asking this kind of question of you. But this time Jake was alone with your children while all three of them were waiting for you to come home from work.

You'd only gone to work for the first day after a long vacation, so you were a little late, and that's why your husband entertained your kids as much as he could...

Well, almost could.

As soon as your foot steps on the doorstep of your house, two weirdos swoop down on you, bellowing and muttering incoherently. You look up at your husband in surprise as he smiles guiltily.

- „Daddy said that babies are brought by the stork, which means that we are unwanted and adopted children!“ - They exclaim in one voice. Your eyes visibly widen in size, you open your mouth in surprise.

- „Wha...? They're four years old, Sim Jake, how do they know about the concept of an unwanted and adopted child?“ - After your question, Jake guiltily scratches his neck, looking away innocently.

- „Well... They heard it from a woman on the street this morning, so I had to explain it to them, too. And then they just suddenly asked where babies come from.“ - He shrugged, continuing. - „But as soon as I told them that the babies are brought by the stork, they started bawling... And it's been going on for half an hour!“

You giggle, beckoning Jake over to you and smiling before hugging the twins.

- „Oh, no. Of course we've always wanted you and always will. The stork who brought you said you would be the best.“ - You smile, gently stroking the children's hair. Jake exhales tiredly, realizing that now he won't be the only one puffing away in front of the children.

♡Sunghoon♡

•He'll almost tell the kid everything about sex if you don't intervene in this situation.

•He gets very nervous when your daughter asks him that question. So he obviously can't do it without your help, otherwise your child will get sex education a lot sooner than you two would like and it will all be Sunghoon's fault.

Hoon awkwardly opens his mouth, his eyes visibly widening in size. He sits his daughter on his knee, starting to speak in an old-fashioned way.

- „Well, it's a little early for you to know this, but... When people reach a certain point in a relationship, they retreat to be-...“ - You suddenly appear at the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb and looking questioningly at your husband and daughter.

- „What are you two talking about?“ - You snicker as you watch Hoon's face change in an instant and gently nudge your daughter in the back, forcing her to come to you.

- „Oh, honey, it's nothing. Daughter, actually, that's a question you should be asking your mother.“ - Sunghoon folds his hands in a pleading gesture and presses his lips together, asking you to help him just by looking at you. You giggle as you pick up your daughter in your arms and bring her back to Sunghoon, clearly intending to show her how to raise her child properly.

- „When your daddy and I got married, we really started to dream about you...“ You giggle, touching the tip of your daughter's nose with the pad of your finger and continuing. - „And that's why God sent us you.“

Your daughter opens her eyes in surprise, looking now at Hoon, now at you.

- „But Daddy said...“ - She begins, stammering.

- „Daddy was just kidding, honey.“ - You smile, and then you turn to Park with a malevolent smile and whisper with one lip. - „I'm saving your hide for the last time, hubby.“

- „And I love you, wife!“ - Sunghoon replies, bursting into laughter and going back to torturing you and your daughter with hugs.

♡Sunoo♡

•Can't explain himself, so child development books and Internet pages come to the rescue.

•Since your child was already a high schooler, you knew he was one hundred percent likely to overhear something strange from his classmates, but surprisingly, that didn't happen.

When your child, on one of those typical days, came home from school, ate and sat down for lessons with Sunoo(because Sunoo always does lessons with your son), your son paused for a few seconds before turning to his father with a strange expression on his face.

- „Dad, how did I show up?“ - The son asks the question. Sunoo's eyes visibly widen in size, but he holds his nose proudly in front of his son, making a proud appearance. The son continues to ask questions.

- „How do babies come into being?“

- „You came out of mom's tummy when we got married and...“ - Sunoo looks up at the bookcase. A book that you bought not too long ago about parenting comes into his eye. Included in that book were sections on how to explain to a child how babies come into being.

- „Oh! That's what you and I are going to read now!“ - Exclaims Sunoo, grabbing the book and starting to flip through the pages at a nervous pace.

Dad and son spend the whole evening reading the book, speculating about many things. But really, the child only asked questions, and Sunoo, at first, was uncomfortable answering them, but then he realized that the son couldn't tell if it was true or not, so your husband began to feel much more confident.

- „Mom! Dad told me how babies come!“ - As soon as you show up in your son's sight, he runs toward you with a happy squeal. You smile awkwardly, raising your eyebrows.

- „And how? What did your daddy say to you?“ - Your gaze slowly slides to Sunoo, who awkwardly remains seated in the same spot with his book open.

- „After the wedding, when the uncle and aunt love each other very much, they have a certain process after which they have children.“ - Explains the son, awkwardly going over his fingers. Your cheeks flush slightly with embarrassment, and you look up at Sunoo, who gains even more confidence.

- „Yup... We also chat as he comes out of Mommy's tummy.“ - Sunoo smirks. But his confidence immediately fades and he looks up at you, also blushing. - „So our son now wants a little brother. Or a little sister.“

[cosmichorrorsarestillnicerthanme]

Can we have a Retsu, Soi Fon, with With Powerful Himbo

I had a blast and a half writing this.

Now! Your Wish Is My Command!

“Oh! Hey Retsu! I was gonna find you myself but Hanataro here screeched and shoved me in here as soon as I walked through the door!” you exclaimed with a smile as you sat on the edge of the bed, ignoring the massive chunk of flesh a hollow had taken out of you while Hanataro was on the verge of tears, trying to stop the bleeding and keep you from making the wound any worse.

“P-please captain Unohana, he’s insane! He tried to go find you himself! Looking like this!” Hanataro cried, tears pricking at his eyes.

He has always been such an empathetic young man.

“That will do Hanataro, please take a rest while I take it from here.” Unohana kindly told the shivering young man who instantly let out a deep sigh of relief before stepping away, allowing the Captain to take over.

“Now then, how did you get yourself looking like this?” the raven haired woman asked with a cold smile usually reserved for her enemies and those who tried to disturbed the bedrest of those who were injured.

Undeterred by this, unlike every other single creature in existence, you beamed at her as you went into detail of your exploits.

Graphic detail in fact.

Poor Hanataro nearly fainted as you spoke.

Eventually, you came to the conclusion of your tale, telling her of how you had to push one of the soul reapers in training out of the way to stop them from getting their head bitten off, and that if it weren’t for your Zanpakuto you would probably be down an arm but that you made sure to deal with it just as she taught you to.

Retsu chided you at first, before congratulating you on a job well done.

That is when she made her slip up.

“That is good, I am glad my little bits and pieces of instruction were able to help you dear.” she told you with a happy smile before realizing she had said that in the company of someone else.

Instantly she whipped her head towards Hanataro, who went ramrod straight and felt as if his soul was about to leave his body from the deadly look Captain Unohana was giving him.

“Now Hanataro, how much of that did you hear?” the captain asked the terrified squad member with a look of murder on her face, as if she was imagining all of the ways she could gut him like a fish if she so wished.

“N-nothing at all! Not a single peep!” Hanataro stuttered out, wishing desperately he was far, far, FAR away from where he was at the moment.

Then, like a switch had been flipped, Captain Unohana’s face returned to its usual, kind smile.

“Good, I just wanted to make sure you didn’t mishear what I was saying to my patient here. Now, I do believe you have taken a long enough break. Don’t you?” Captain Unohana asked her terrified subordinate who shook his head up and down before bolting out of the room.

“You didn’t have to scare the poor boy like that, you know?” you asked Retsu as you let out a yawn and leaned into her.

“I know, but I have a reputation to maintain, and… you are mine. No one else's.” she muttered, her voice taking on a darker tone towards the end.

“I know love, I know.” you whispered, listening to the beat of her heart.

Sui-Feng stomped through the streets in a rage as Omaeda did his best to steer her away from any brash action she may take.

He was doing this at great personal risk to himself, as she WILL eventually notice that the two of them were going in circles.

However, he seriously doubted that would be any time soon considering how absolutely livid she was at the moment.

He had genuinely never seen her so pissed before.

What in the Soul King’s name happened?

It was here that she began to rant.

Something about black cats, rouge cabbage carts and strings that were as soft as silk but as strong as iron and lighter than air.

That last part lit up a lightbulb in Omaeda’s head as he slammed his fist into the palm of his hand and said “Oh! You met my little buddy!”

Near instantly, the captain of the second division and the commander in chief of assaination within the soul society spun on her heel, a maniacal grin on her face.

“Now then Omaeda, what did you just say? That I met your “Little Buddy”? Is that right?” Sui-Feng asked with a scary voice that told her Lieutenant that there will be no arguing or lying to her unless he wished to suffer immense pain.

He offers a silent apology to you before telling his Captain everything she wanted to know under the pain of a violent death which she would most definitely give him if she was irritated enough.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You walked across the many roof’s, across the many streets, and through the many forests of the soul society as you patrolled your sector, looking for any trouble you could stop either with words or force if needed.

Now, imagine your surprise when you noticed a missile speeding towards you at incredible speeds the second you arrived in a clearing.

In this moment, you made a split second decision.

And that decision was perhaps the single most stupid idea in a long, sad, depressing history of stupid ideas.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The Head Captain liked to think he was a patient man.

At the very least more patient than he was in his younger days.

However, the sight before him right now was pushing that.

It was tea day for Squad 1, and they had an impromptu fireworks show going on.

The Bankai of the captain of squad two, something that was once rather crudely but aptly described as a “Giant Fuck Off Missile” had been let loose alongside another Bankai.

The other Bankai in question was your own.

A massive tree made of silk strings which were as hard of iron you controlled with ease and capable of slicing through everything you so wished.

And now, he was going to have to deal with this.

Why were young people so troublesome?

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You stood at attention next to Sui-Feng, both of you covered in scrapes, cuts, and bruises alongside both of your clothes being singed.

Across from the both of you, the head captain was sitting at his desk, glaring holes through the both of you.

“Do either of you wish to explain what that mess was about?” the head captain asked with an even voice.

Instantly Sui-Feng pointed her finger at you and exclaimed “This brute manhandled me in the market!”

“You were about to be crushed by a CART OF CABBAGES!!!” you shot back.

“THAT DOES NOT GIVE YOU A REASON TO TOSS ME AROUND LIKE A RAG DOLL AND CARRY ME LIKE SOME FAIRY TALE PRINCESS!!!” Sui-Feng retorted.

“A CART OF CABBAGES WERE ABOUT TO CRUSH YOU LIKE A BEE!!! THAT WAS NOT THE SITUATION FOR DELICACY!!!” you hissed back.

Sui-Feng began to ready a retort but was stopped when the head captain shouted.

“SILENCE!!!”

“YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF THE SECOND COURTYARD SQUAD!!! YOU ARE NOT SOME PETULANT CHILD WHINING ABOUT HAVING YOUR DRESS TORN!!!” the head captain roared at Sui-Feng before setting his eyes on you.

“AND YOU!!! YOU ARE A SEATED MEMBER OF THE THIRTEEN COURTYARD SQUADS!!! ONE THAT HAS ACHIEVED BANKAI AT THAT!!! YOU MUST CONDUCT YOURSELF AS SUCH!!! NOT AS A GALLIVANTING FOOL WHO RUNS THROUGH LIFE LIKE A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP!!!” the head captain shouted, his indignation at both of your actions cowing both you and Sui-Feng’s irritation at the other.

In response to his outburst, both you and Sui-Feng gazed at the ground, waiting for the Head Captain to dole out his punishments.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Omaeda felt as if his heart was going to give out at any moment from the stress of the situation he was currently in.

Before him, both you and his Captain were sitting on the floor, facing away from one another or as best the two of you could with the Kido that was binding you together at the hands, and both of you were being very obvious at how irritated the two of you were at this.

However, as he saw it, before him was a grenade that had its pin pulled and the only thing keeping it from going off was the fact that nothing had disturbed it.

This was going to be a very, very, VERY long month for all of Squad Two.

Omaeda especially.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Needless to say, you and Sui-Feng really hit it off after the first week of being attached to one another.

Before that… well… let’s just say there were a LOT of… let’s say emotionally charged moments.

More so after the two of you started catching feelings for one another, but in a WILDLY different way.

That being said, Omaeda was a bit concerned to begin with.

Not just because you were his little buddy and Sui-Feng was… Sui-Feng.

But because Sui-Feng was his comrade, his captain and she didn’t have people to look out for her like he did with his family.

But, once Sui-Feng started to research how to court someone officially as a Captain Of The Court Guard Squads, he got the feeling things were gonna be a-okay.

Also, the two of you were terrible when it came to controlling your spiritual pressure and emotions around each other.

Seriously, the two of you need to get a room, preferably far, far, far away from him.

[sailtomarina]

Charlie and the Chomping Cabbages

Watching Charlie Weasley had never been so rewarding. He’d done you the favour of pulling off his shirt in the midday heat, sweat perfectly outlining every single one of his ridiculously toned muscles. Shoulders and chest broad enough to wrestle young dragons and abs you could bounce a roll of Galleons off of. The leather breeches he wore clung to his arse as he squatted down to inspect the garden.

“And you think a dragon did this?” He pointed at the long gouges in the earth marring the once perfect line of Chinese Chomping Cabbages. A fair few still remained, but more still had been ripped from their cradles and strewn across the plot.

“I don’t think; I know.” You raised a challenging brow. No matter how fit you thought him, you knew he was dead wrong in this matter. “I saw it happen.”

This time he fully stood up, both hands propped on his hips in a decidedly aggravated manner. “Why didn’t you just say so from the start?”

“I did,” you stressed, already near your boiling point from the sheer thickheadnesses of the Dragonologist. “And I quote, ‘That can’t be right. I need to see the scene first hand’.” 

He scowled at your impression. Perhaps dropping your voice to a comical low and waving your arms about wasn’t quite the best way to convince him. What he didn’t know was that you’d never have teased anyone you didn’t like in such a way. Your usual tendency was all straight backs and stiff collars.

“Well, I stand by what I said then. I see no reason why a dragon would attack your cabbages like this unprovoked.”

You pounced. “Aha! So you admit that, if provoked, a dragon very well might have dragged their stabby claws right through?” Only, instead of jumping in place like you meant to, your ankle rolled upon landing. “Ahh!”

Your arms flailed as you fought to stay upright, and Charlie threw his arms forward in an attempt to catch you. All of his mass amounted to nothing with your legendary clumsiness, and you both hit the dirt in an unceremonial thud that knocked the breath right out of you.

The loss of air could also be attributed to his body on top of yours.

“Ow.” He started to shift, then froze before he could fully lift his weight. “Don’t look to your left.”

You looked to your left.

A gigantic cabbage bared its teeth an arm’s length away from your face. How you’d tended your garden without noticing what could be an award-winning Brassica you’d have to consider later.

“Ch-Charlie? How is not looking at it going to help?” you whispered. Who were you kidding? It’s not like speaking quietly was going to save either one of you.

“Merlin, he’s huge,” the wizard muttered. You stifled an inappropriate joke. Difficult, given the way your smaller body fit against his.

You knew you only had precious seconds before the produce launched itself at you. Your magic wasn’t quite fast enough to cast anything particularly useful before those teeth ripped out your throat. You needed something hard, and fast.

Hard and expendable, so obviously not that.

“On the count of three, shove off,” you instructed Charlie, keeping a close eye on the twitching leaves. You felt him nod, the bristle of his cheek rubbing against your own.

Inner green leaves started to arch inward. “1.”

The outer layer flared open like a lizard’s crest. “2.”

Clenched teeth loosened. “3!”

Palms flat to the earth, Charlie pushed himself away in a surge of power, and you brought your far hand around in front of you.

The weapon: a stray carrot that had rolled against where you lay.

The attack: jamming said carrot straight into the jaws about to devour you.

An average-sized Chinese Chomping Cabbage can be slowed down by a larger-than-average root vegetable. This, however, was the largest specimen you’d ever seen, and your carrot was on the smaller end of the spectrum.

Beggars can’t be choosers.

Its sacrifice gave you just enough time to roll away and for Charlie to sweep you up and into his arms. The cantankerous comestible hesitated just long enough to snap straight through the carrot before rotating to follow.

By this point, Charlie had whipped out his wand, while his other arm held you close against him where he could keep you safe. Unfortunately, this meant that you couldn’t quite reach your own wand jammed below your armpit. With a series of slashes, Charlie attacked.

“Diffindo!”

The slicing spell would have sheared straight through a regular cabbage. This one? Only the top couple of layers peeled away, further enraging their attacker.

“Charlie! This isn’t your average dinner cabbage! You have to use something stronger!” You fought his hold so you could grab your own wand.

“I’m trying! It’s not like I’ve ever done this before!”

Your wand came loose from its holster just as the behemoth rolled towards you, teeth clacking the whole while. The two of you stood with arms extended, sending spell after spell at the monster that never seemed to shrink or slow.

You could stand your ground and be forever known as the first recorded humans on the Romanian Reserve to die by Chomping Cabbage, or you could run and henceforth be labelled as the tamer and researcher who fled an overgrown vegetable.

Decisions, decisions.

One that was made for you with the loud roar that filled the air, then a gush of wind that nearly knocked the two of you right back to the ground. A flash of red filled your vision.

“Norberta!” Charlie cried. 

The Norwegian Ridgeback couldn’t quite flatten the cabbage with one swat of her powerful talons, but she could follow it with a slash of her tail and a stream of fire. An overwhelming stench of burnt vegetation filled your nostrils.

“Ugh. So long cabbage rolls and salad,” Charlie said in disgust. He gently turned you to look up at him. “You alright?”

Sweaty and covered with dirt as you both were, sex should have been the last thing on your mind. You’d just escaped death. A deadly dragon continued to stomp through the remaining rows of cabbages. Your crops were a lost cause. But Charlie looked down at you and only you, the deep blue of his eyes drinking you in while he continued to cradle you close.

“I told you Noberta had it out for my cabbages.”

His jaw dropped at your words, and you laughed aloud. As if you’d let his hunkiness deter you from proving yourself right. Charlie threw his head back and laughed along with you, the fullness of it invading your chest and giving you the courage you’d lacked until this point.

Up went your hands into his wild auburn locks, threading fingers through the curls and tugging his lips down to yours. He jerked in surprise at the touch, then deepened the kiss with a tilt of his head and a swipe to the seam of your lips.

And that was the story of how you snagged Charlie Weasley, one you told time and time again over countless flagons of beer and fresh-from-the-oven cabbage rolls (minus the teeth).

WC 1203

Cross-posted to Facebook, Tumblr, & AO3.

Hump Day drabble written for the Weasleys, Witches, & Writers Facebook group.

Prompt: “I’ve never done this before.”

Okay, so I blasted past the 1k word limit. See what 2 weeks away from home does to me? (and coffee too late in the day)

I have an intense craving now for cabbage rolls, the likes of which my childhood friend’s mother used to serve up to us on a regular basis. I haven’t tasted that nostalgia in what feels like years.

Chinese Chomping Cabbage users unite! Who needs spells when you have carnivorous vegetables?

I almost forgot to note my infrequent use of 2nd person. I recently started playing with this following a pov workshop in one of my writing discords. Let me know what you think!

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirate's Promise

Chapter 33: The Unseen Battle: Allies, Rivals, and the Quest for Justice

A/N; We are back with another chapter! I promise you guys I wasnt holding these chapters hostage, Its my birthday today! I officially turn 27!. And we are getting two new chapters!. I cant wait for you guys to read these.We starting off with that Sanji POV. As always thank you guys so much for everything! As without further a do let the adventure begin! 

Word Count: 7.3K

Sanji X Reader, Sanji X Y/N, One Piece X Reader 

Sanji POV.. 

I must have dozed off in Y/N’s room, because suddenly the ship’s motion changed and we had arrived at Zou. The familiar sound of Brook’s voice roused me from sleep. “Sanji? Where are you?”

I stretched my arms and got up from the comfort of your bed. The room still smelled faintly of you, and I took a moment to tidy up your bed, leaving it just as you had it. Sighing, I glanced around one last time before heading out to the deck.

“There you are,” Brook greeted me, still holding his tea. “Get changed. We’re heading out to explore.”

I nodded and made my way back to my quarters, my thoughts consumed with worries and hope for you. As I changed into my usual attire, I muttered to myself, “Mosshead, I can only hope for your sake, I get Y/N back.”

After getting dressed, I joined the others on the deck, ready to explore Zou alongside Caesar. 

Y/N POV… 

As we dashed through the chaos, Zoro glanced at me. “Luffy, is that squawking peacock guy a friend of yours?”

“Oh, you mean Cabbage?” Luffy answered, clearly unbothered.

“Yeah, Cabbage. What an odd name for someone too!” I said, trying to catch my breath.

“He’s a real weirdo, huh? I met a whole bunch of people at the Colosseum,” Luffy said.

“Well, at least we aren’t being chased—that’s a relief,” I said. But just as I finished my sentence, our path was blocked by a swarm of citizens and pirates hunting us down.

“Damn, spoke too soon,” I muttered.

“There they are! Make sure the princess is caught too!” one of the men shouted.

“Don’t let them get away!” another yelled.

Grabbing one of my blades, I activated its power, the electrical current mixing with the bright yellow light. Luffy used his Gomu Gomu Whip to kick attackers away, while Zoro employed his Two-Sword Style Rhino Cycle to blow his opponents back. I focused on my attackers, and with a determined smirk, I drew on my blade’s power. “What’s she going to do? She’s surrounded!” one of the men said.

I grinned, clenching my left hand to activate its power and forming a circle. “Now, Rush!” I commanded. A surge of electricity shot through the crowd, causing them to fall one by one.

“We’re still dealing with more!” we shouted in unison.

“What’s the plan, Luffy?” I asked.

“If we handle this mob, we’ll be here all day,” Zoro said, knocking down another opponent.

“He’s got a point,” I agreed, taking down another attacker.

“There you are, Strawhat!” a voice called out from the debris.

“Luffy, do you know him?” I asked.

“Uhh, thought so! We need to go!” Luffy said urgently.

As we fled, I struggled to catch my breath. “We’ve got more company!” I yelled.

Looking at Zoro, I tried to lighten the mood. “If we get out of this one, I’ll work out with you and spar for a week,” I said with a smile.

Zoro smirked. “Looking forward to that!”

Just then, Luffy turned around. “Just go away already!”

“Hey, stop all three of you!” the man shouted as he lunged toward us. “Y/N, look out!” Zoro yelled, pulling me out of harm’s way to avoid being crushed.

The man began to laugh. “Just hear this old man out for a moment. I wanted to let you know I have forgiven the grudge I held against your family,” he said.

“Luffy, I didn’t know you and him go way back,” I said.

“We are here for one thing: to eliminate Doflamingo’s immoral business. We don’t care about the money. A puny bounty like that is mere change for us,” said the man next to the old man.

I let out a breath of relief, placing my hands on my knees. “Well, that’s a relief.”

The old man placed his hands on Luffy’s shoulders. “I must thank you and your friend God Usopp, who rescued me in my darkest hour.”

I turned to Zoro. “Looks like Usopp really outdid himself.”

“That’s why I’ve decided to repay my debt to the Straw Hat crew by obliterating Doflamingo and his monarchy,” the old man said.

“Huh, you too? The only guy kicking his ass is me!” Luffy retorted.

The old man’s expression darkened. “Speak up. What did you say?!”

“You heard me. I said don’t bother!” Luffy shot back.

Just then, the floor rumbled beneath us. “Strawhat! I was searching for you,” a giant’s voice boomed.

“Oh, the giant guy,” Luffy said.

“I say we bury the hatchet between us. As a proud warrior of Elbaf, I’ll slay Doflamingo for God Usopp,” the giant declared.

“Huh! Get lost, I said I got this!” Luffy insisted.

“Now, boys,” I said, as Zoro grabbed my wrist, halting me. “Just wait one moment. I’m here from the Providence Kingdom. We long owed King Riku an enormous debt. I’ll bring down Doflamingo with my own two fists!” he vowed.

More people began to approach us, eager to take down Doflamingo thanks to God Usopp.

“You really attract some oddballs, huh Luffy?” Zoro and I said in unison.

“You’d be a fool to forget about me!” Cabbage said, riding in on his horse.

“Ehh, not this guy again?!” I said, moving closer to Zoro.

“Hey, are you all serious about helping?” I asked, stepping forward.

“Ah, Princess, might I say you look dashing in red,” the old man said.

I raised an eyebrow. “Uh, thanks?”

“Alright, now this is getting annoying,” Zoro said, scratching his head. “What if we do it this way!” he yelled. “Us three will handle taking down Doflamingo, while you guys watch our backs. Sound okay?”

“Absolutely not!” they all yelled in unison.

“This might be a tough negotiation, Zo,” I said, giving him a playful nickname.

“Forget it, there are way too many egos involved,” Zoro said, clearly frustrated.

I agreed with him. “Alright, everyone, listen up! I’m making the call here!” Luffy said, raising his voice. “If anyone’s going to kick Doflamingo’s ass the way it needs to be kicked, it’s going to be me!”

“What did you say?!” one of the men barked, grabbing Luffy roughly.

As I moved to intervene, a spear flew through the air and stopped me mid-step. “What the... a spear?!” I exclaimed, looking in the direction it came from.

“That’s where they were!” one of the voices said. “Splitting up all those bounties could be quite the haul!” said another.

“And the princess is looking rather good for someone with that high of a bounty,” another man added, making me step back uneasily.

“Let’s get that bounty!” one of them shouted.

“Weren’t they the toys from the factory?!” another man exclaimed. “Bastards, how dare they!” said another.

“You ungrateful swines, I’ll see you in hell!” roared the giant as he dealt with the hunters.

“Let’s go, guys!” I urged, turning to Zoro and Luffy.

“Yeah,” Zoro agreed. Just then, a bull charged out of the alley.

“It’s Ucy!” Luffy shouted. “I’ve got an idea!” With determination, Luffy led us to climb onto the bull’s back, and we started racing through the streets.

I clutched the tiara tightly as it began to slip. Zoro noticed and moved closer, his hands finding their way to my legs to secure me on the bull. His touch was firm and reassuring, and I could feel his warmth. “Hold on tight,” he said with a teasing grin. “Wouldn’t want you falling off now, would we?”

“Thanks, Zoro,” I said, trying to suppress the blush on my cheeks. “I appreciate the support.”

Law, still in sea prism stone handcuffs, glared at Zoro from a distance. His eyes were filled with frustration and jealousy. “I should be the one protecting her,” he grumbled under his breath, unable to hide his irritation at seeing Zoro so close to me.

"Master Pika! I spotted the Strawhats! They came right to us! Don’t let them get away!" one of Pika’s subordinates shouted as they began firing at us.

“What, Strawhat!” the old man’s voice boomed.

I turned slightly, still gripping my tiara, Zoro's arms tightening around me for security. “Looks like they followed us here, huh?” I said with a sigh.

“Huh, I told ya, I got this! Get lost!” Luffy shouted, as more and more of the group caught up, trying to attach themselves to the bull.

I shook my head, placing a hand on my forehead. “Well, this is... eventful,” I muttered.

“Luffy, what should we do with all this extra weight?” Zoro asked, his grip still firm on me.

“You bonehead, stop talking trash!” came Pika’s high-pitched voice, which caused all of us to burst out laughing in unison.

“Why is he so squeaky?!” we chorused, unable to hold back our laughter.

Pika’s face twisted with rage, launching a massive attack toward us. “Hope it was worth it! You’ll be laughing in your graves!”

Just then, two of our new allies sprang into action, managing to shatter Pika’s arm with their attacks. Zoro and I exchanged impressed glances.

“Way to go, guys!” I cheered, a smile spreading across my face.

But the celebration didn’t last long, as the bickering resumed almost immediately. The arguing over who would kill Doflamingo first started again, their voices rising over the sound of the crumbling debris.

“Why does it always come back to this?” I said, rolling my eyes as I looked at Zoro, who shared the same exasperated expression.

“Yeah, well, at least they managed to break something useful,” Zoro added with a smirk, still holding onto me as if it was second nature.

As the debris began to fall, Lucy (the bull) managed to dodge them with ease. "That was close. Yeah, giddy up!" Luffy shouted, excited to be riding the bull.

"Easy, boy, we’re all counting on you!" said one of the men on Luffy's side.

"Ah!" I yelped as I suddenly noticed a few more of the men clinging onto the bull. "When did they get here?!" I exclaimed, trying to keep my balance while still holding onto my tiara.

"Ah!" I gasped again, feeling Zoro’s grip on my leg tighten, his hand moving slightly higher.

"Zoro!" I whispered sharply, my face heating up.

"Relax," he said with that familiar, lazy grin. "Just making sure you stay on the bull."

I rolled my eyes, muttering under my breath, "Yeah, right."

Luffy, completely oblivious to the tension, was laughing as usual. "Zoro, hold on tighter! This ride’s getting crazy!" he shouted, clearly enjoying the bull ride and trying to get the men clinging to us off.

"Oh, don’t worry, Captain, I’m holding on real tight," Zoro said with a smirk, causing me to blush at his comment. His hand on my leg felt both reassuring and heated.

"Don’t worry, Y/N, I’ve got you. Wouldn’t want you to fall off now," Zoro said, his eyes taking in my figure with a lingering gaze. The way he looked at me made my cheeks flush even more.

"You sure it’s not because of something else?" I teased, though I couldn’t help but smile faintly at his possessiveness.

Law, clearly frustrated and feeling a pang of jealousy, shot a glare at Zoro. "Roronoa, can you stop gripping her like that?"

Zoro’s smirk didn’t falter. "Hey, I’m just making sure she’s nice and secured. Wouldn’t want her to fall off with all this chaos going on."

Law, still handcuffed and unable to join the fray, grumbled under his breath. "Yeah, well, try not to enjoy it too much."

Despite the chaos, I found some comfort in Zoro’s presence. His confident grip and protective stance provided a sense of stability amidst the turmoil.

As we continued the wild ride, I leaned closer to Zoro, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. "Thanks, Zoro. I really do appreciate it."

Zoro’s eyes softened slightly as he looked down at me. "Just doing my job. And keeping you safe is part of that."

As the allies continued their fierce battle against the subordinates, we dodged bullets and struggled with the chaos around us. The argument over who would take down Doflamingo escalated, and tensions were high.

"He’s mine! Go away!" Luffy shouted, his frustration evident. Suddenly, rose petals began to drift down around us, settling on the bull and us.

"When did these get here?!" I exclaimed, brushing one off my hand.

"Haha," came a familiar, infuriating voice. "There’s no way…" I muttered, recognizing it immediately.

Cabbage appeared, landing gracefully on the bull’s back. "Cabbage!" Luffy said, clearly irritated.

"Ah, not this guy again?!" I said, trying to distance myself from Cabbage.

"Destiny, conquested its melody, bringing me back," Cabbage declared dramatically, holding a rose aloft. His gaze shifted to me, and he reached for my hand, pressing a theatrical kiss to my knuckles. "Princess, have you reconsidered my offer?"

"What part of ‘I’m not interested’ wasn’t clear?!" I said, exasperated.

Cabbage completely ignored me, leaning closer with a smirk. "Ahhh, such a feisty young princess. I could get used to that."

Before I could react, I felt a sudden jolt and found myself seated firmly on Zoro’s lap. His strong arms wrapped around me, his grip tight and commanding.

Zoro’s eyes narrowed, and he glared at Cabbage with a fierce intensity. "What the hell do you think you’re doing, Cabbage?"

Cabbage, undeterred, attempted to pry me away from Zoro. "Princess…" he cooed, reaching for my hand.

Zoro’s grip on my waist tightened even more, his hold almost possessive. "Don’t you dare touch her," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "She’s not going anywhere with you."

Cabbage’s persistent kisses on my hand only intensified Zoro’s protective stance. His hands remained firmly on my waist, making sure I was securely held against him.

"Get off me!" I demanded, trying to wrench my hand free from Cabbage’s ironclad grip. Despite my efforts, his hold remained unyielding.

Cabbage’s gaze was unwavering, his smirk persistent. “Ah, such a spirited princess. You’re even more captivating when you’re resisting.”

Zoro’s eyes flared with anger. “I said don’t touch her. Let go of her now!” His voice was a growl, filled with authority and frustration.

Cabbage’s grip didn’t waver as he leaned in, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that bordered on obsession. “Princess, you and I are destined to be together. Why resist such a fate?” His tone was both fervent and invasive.

I struggled to keep my balance on Zoro’s lap while desperately trying to shake off Cabbage’s unrelenting hold. “Are you out of your mind?!” I snapped, my voice a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Law, glaring at Cabbage with palpable anger, tried to intervene. “Cabbage, get your hands off her!”

Despite Law’s threat, Cabbage remained undeterred, his focus solely on me. Zoro, his protective instincts fully activated, tightened his grip around my waist, his expression a blend of concern and possessiveness.

Seeing the situation escalate, Luffy acted swiftly. With a powerful kick, he sent Cabbage flying off the bull. “Get lost!” he shouted, his irritation clear as he watched Cabbage hit the ground.

Cabbage landed roughly, his face contorted in frustration as he glared up at us.

“Thanks, Luffy,” I said, relief evident in my voice as I tried to steady myself.

“Don’t mention it,” Luffy replied, his eyes still fixed on Cabbage. “The guy was being a creep.”

Zoro, still holding me securely on his lap, looked at me with a protective concern. “Are you okay, Y/N?” His voice was soft but edged with a possessiveness that was hard to ignore.

I nodded, managing a small smile despite the chaos. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks to you.”

Zoro’s gaze remained focused on me, his hand still firmly around my waist, ensuring that no one else could get close.

I took a moment to check my belongings, my mind racing with the need to ensure everything was still in place. “Rings, check. Bracelet, check. Anklet, check. Swords, check,” I muttered to myself, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as I confirmed that everything was secure.

Cabbage’s grip had been surprisingly strong, and with the tug-of-war between him and Zoro, I needed to make sure my rings and other items hadn’t fallen or been misplaced. Satisfied that everything was still intact, I took a deep breath and looked around, grateful for Zoro’s unwavering support and Luffy’s timely intervention.

As we continued to ride the bull, the allies and Cabbage remained hot on our tails, their bickering with Luffy about who would take down Doflamingo only escalating. The commotion around us seemed endless.

Feeling a mix of exhaustion and frustration, I laid my head on Zoro’s shoulder. "This constant bickering is getting out of hand," I sighed, closing my eyes briefly to collect my thoughts.

Zoro’s grip on me tightened slightly, his presence offering a comforting sense of stability amidst the chaos. "Tell me about it," he replied, his voice steady and calm. Just then, our unexpected guests froze, their bickering cut short. "What is it now?" I said, clearly annoyed. We all turned to see Pika towering before us, his massive form looming over. "I won't let you get near Doffy!" Pika growled, his arm regenerating and growing back to full size again.

I sighed, glancing at Zoro. "What a pain," I said, watching Pika’s arm slowly piece itself back together. The bull, Ucy, charged faster up Pika's arm as Luffy jumped off, ready for a fight.

"Mr. Strawhat!" one of the stowaways shouted in panic.

I smirked. "Don’t worry, he's got it!" I turned my attention to Luffy, who was already in full battle mode. "Third Gear! Armament Hardening!" Luffy shouted as his fist, now enormous and hardened, landed a clean hit on Pika's head. The impact was tremendous, and Luffy laughed triumphantly as Pika reeled back.

Zoro, meanwhile, carefully released me from his grip, his eyes narrowing with that sharp intensity he always had before a fight. He rolled his shoulders, getting ready.

"You sense something, Zo?" I asked, my gaze softening as I watched him. There was something captivating about him in moments like this, the way he stood so confidently, always prepared to face whatever came next. 

"Hey, Luffy!" Zoro suddenly shouted, drawing my attention back. Luffy was running alongside Ucy, laughing as usual. "Don’t celebrate just yet, the head you shattered was a stone decoy!"

“What?" I whispered in surprise. "So, does that mean squeaky got away?"

Zoro smirked as a massive figure emerged from the stone. "Well, well, looks like somebody’s pissed off. His real body’s up ahead!"

"You mean to tell me that huge guy is Pika—and he’s got that squeaky voice?!" I said in disbelief.

"He's got a huge katana! It’s not too late to turn around!" the unwanted guests on the bull screamed, clearly terrified.

Luffy grabbed Ucy—and us—leaping into the air just in time to dodge Pika’s colossal strike. "Hahaha, that voice gets me every time!" Luffy laughed, despite the danger.

"He's going to hit again!" someone yelled. Instinctively, I reached for my blades, preparing to defend us. But Zoro’s hand was already on mine, stopping me.

"Zoro, what are you—" I began, but he cut me off.

"I got this," Zoro said, his voice steady, never taking his eyes off Pika. His grip on his swords tightened, his entire body exuding confidence.

"Zoro..." I said quietly, concerned but trusting him completely.

"Y/N, stay with Luffy and Law!" Zoro ordered, his tone firm yet protective. "I’ll handle it from here!"

I nodded reluctantly as Luffy and I settled back on Ucy, the bull charging forward. "Be careful, Zoro!" I shouted after him as his figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance.

The guests, tears streaming down their faces, looked on in awe. "God, you have such badass friends," one of them cried.

Zoro smirked, glancing back one last time. "You go get him, Captain!" he yelled toward Luffy, before turning his full focus back to Pika.

"I'm gonna give Mingo the beating he deserves!" Luffy declared with fire in his eyes.

Minutes passed, and Ucy was gliding gracefully downward, inching closer to the palace. "Woohoo! Go, Ucy!" Luffy cheered, clearly exhilarated by the ride.

Taking advantage of the moment, I clenched my left hand, activating its power. With a burst of energy, I adjusted my balance on Ucy and leaped into the air, gracefully shifting to sit beside Luffy and Law. The unexpected guests below stared in awe, unable to hide their amazement. "How did she—" one of them exclaimed, while the other murmured, "She really is lethal!"

Ignoring their stunned reactions, I focused on Law, who was still in his cuffs, lying on the bull. I gently took a seat next to him, placing a hand on his forearm with a flirtatious smile. "You don’t mind if I sit next to you, do you, Law?" I asked, my fingers lightly tracing his arm. "I thought I'd offer a bit of company."

Law’s initial surprise was quickly replaced by a soft blush as he felt my touch. He flexed his forearm slightly, trying to appear nonchalant despite the rosy tint on his cheeks. "Comfort is always welcome, even in these circumstances," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of flustered amusement. "Especially when it comes with your company."

"Just you wait, Mingo," Luffy declared, his fist clenched in determination. "I don’t want anybody kicking your ass but me."

"Hey, Strawhat," Law said, grabbing Luffy's attention. "I realize we have no choice but to kill Doflamingo now." I reached for one of my blades from the thigh halter, feeling its familiar energy channel within me.

"I know that’s not the plan we had earlier," Law continued, his voice filled with resolve, "but to be completely honest with you, I want to make him suffer with my own hands. I won’t let him defeat me again."

Law hesitated for a brief moment, and I gave him a reassuring nod with my other hand. "Thirteen years ago, there was a person I cared for deeply, and Doflamingo killed him," Law said, his voice filled with pain.

"Law..." I whispered, my heart aching for him. I couldn’t imagine the suffering he must have endured.

"His name was Corazon. He was a top executive for the Donquixote Family."

I was stunned. Glancing at Luffy, I saw he was also processing this new information. "Mingo killed his own friend?" Luffy asked, incredulity in his voice.

"Corazon was the man who saved my life," Law continued, his gaze unwavering. "Corazon was more than just a member of the Donquixote Family. He was... his younger brother."

My hand went to my mouth in shock. "He... killed his own flesh and blood?" I whispered, unable to fully grasp the magnitude of Law's revelation.

Before I could say anything more, one of the unwanted guests interjected, "This is it, Strawhat! We are about to reach the bottom, and we have unexpected guests too!"

As Ucy glided down, I slowly rolled my shoulders, wincing slightly from the bullet wound on my left. I clutched my blade tightly, ready for action. "Yeah, we are the first ones to make it!" Luffy said, his excitement palpable. "That means we get first dibs on Mingo!"

"That’s what I’m talking about, Captain!" I said with a smile.

"Fire!" Luffy commanded as another round of bullets rained down on us.

"Allow me, Luffy," I said, smirking. Clenching the blade with my left hand, I felt the familiar fire blaze around it. With a swift motion, I leaped into the air, heading straight toward the subordinates. As I swung my blade, the bullets transformed into blazing fire, redirecting their trajectory back toward the enemies.

With precise control, I guided the fiery projectiles to impact the subordinates, sending them scattering in retreat. The flames danced around me as I landed gracefully back onto Ucy, “You made it look easy!” Luffy grinned, clearly impressed.

I chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “It’s all about confidence and control.”

Law, his cheeks slightly flushed, watched me with admiration. His eyes were wide with awe as he took in the display of power. He couldn’t help but smile, though his face betrayed a noticeable blush. “That was... incredible,” he managed, his voice tinged with genuine admiration. “The way you control the flames... it’s something else.”

I glanced at him, noticing his reaction. “Thanks, Law. I’m glad you think so.” 

His blush deepened as he spoke, making it clear that he was both impressed and somewhat flustered by what he had witnessed. “You really have a way of standing out,” he added, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide his admiration.

One of the unwanted guests, still trying to process the spectacle, stammered, “Did she really just turn those bullets into fire? That was incredible!”

We finally made it to the palace, still riding Ucy with the wind rushing past us. "Only an idiot would mess with the Strawhats!" exclaimed one of the unwanted guests behind us. I turned around, glancing at them in disbelief. “And why are they still here?” I muttered to myself, shaking my head slightly.

Luffy, clearly fed up, chimed in. "The idiots behind me can hit the road too!" He shot a look over his shoulder, causing them to nervously chuckle.

“Come on, Strawhat, you don’t mean that! We’re your buddies!” they said, laughing nervously.

I sighed, turning toward Luffy. "Looks like we’re stuck with them, huh?" I said, shaking my head in exasperation.

Before Luffy could respond, a voice shouted from the front, "Die, Strawhat!"

“Gomu Gomu no Stamp Gatling!” Luffy called out as he launched into a series of rapid-fire kicks, each one landing squarely on the faces of the subordinates ahead of us.

Amid the chaos, a sudden crackle on the transponder snail grabbed my attention. "Strawhat Luffy, Law, and the princess are all at the front part of the palace!" a subordinate yelled, trying to alert the others.

Without hesitation, I clenched my left hand, the fire still blazing within me, and fired a burst of flame straight at the transponder snail, hitting it dead-on. The subordinate yelped in fear as the device burst into flames.

“We won’t be needing any of that now, will we?” I said, turning my gaze back with a smirk.

The unwanted guests stared at me, wide-eyed and stunned. “She really is lethal!” they said in unison, admiration mixed with fear.

I just rolled my eyes, clearly unimpressed by their reaction. “Alright, let’s go!” Luffy shouted, full of energy. Ucy picked up speed as we continued toward the palace. 

Sabo POV… 

The heat of the flames surrounded both me and Fujitora, the air thick with tension and embers. He stood there, calm as ever, but I wasn’t backing down. "I don’t suppose if I asked nicely you’d move out of my way?" Fujitora asked, as if this were some casual conversation.

I grinned, flames flickering around me. "I suppose not. I stand with the Strawhat Pirates and those who’ve risen up to join them. So, if you or anybody else gets in their way... you won’t be taking another step." I wasn’t just speaking for them—I meant every word. I’d be damned if I let anything happen to them. The groans of fallen soldiers echoed in the background, a reminder of the destruction my previous attacks had caused.

"Is that the Revolutionary Army’s job?" Fujitora inquired, still maintaining his calm demeanor.

"It is now," I responded with a cocky smirk, standing tall. "And I think I can say that, seeing as I’m the Chief of Staff." My voice held firm, but there was something deeper in my words. "More so, I say that as a brother."

The marines were stunned, whispers circulating through their ranks. Fujitora remained unphased, but I could tell he was curious. "I see, that begs the question of who your sibling might be," he mused, still calm, even as chaos surrounded us.

The marines began cocking their guns, preparing for another pointless assault. "Don’t bother," Fujitora interrupted. "I know he’s our enemy, but you'd only be wasting ammunition."

"But Vice Admiral—!" one of the marines protested, looking between me and Fujitora.

"You’re leaders, right?" I said, flames swirling around me. "None of you stand a chance."

Just then, a marine, not heeding the warning, fired a shot at me. The bullet was no match for the Flame-Flame Fruit’s power; my flames absorbed it effortlessly. I smirked, relishing the surprise on their faces. "Told ya," I said, glancing at them. "I ate the Flame-Flame Fruit."

The marines stood there, stunned by the revelation. A few more bullets followed, but they all met the same fate—burnt to ash before they even touched me.

"What the hell, man!? Nobody’s fingers should be that strong!" a marine shouted, his voice shaky with disbelief.

I chuckled, feeling the power surge within me. "These aren’t fingers—they’re claws." With a swift motion, I grabbed one of their weapons and crushed it like it was made of paper. Then, with a flick of my wrist, I sent a Fire Fist crashing into the marines, flames erupting and engulfing the area. Some fell immediately, unable to withstand the heat.

"Physical attacks don’t work on him!" one of the vice admirals shouted as he launched his own attack, swinging a sharp cleaver in my direction. I caught it mid-strike, stopping the blow with ease before breaking the cleaver in half with a single motion.

I smirked again. "By the way, once these claws grab a human skull, they can shatter it like an egg."

Before I could follow through with another attack, I felt something—a sudden shift in the air. A meteor. Fujitora’s doing, no doubt. The Birdcage sliced it into pieces before it could fully descend.

"Ah, man, should’ve thought that one through," Fujitora said, his tone almost amused.

I emerged from the smoke, holding onto the vice admiral’s mask. "I know admirals are nothing to scoff at, but that’s one hell of a trick." I wasn’t hiding my admiration, though I made it clear I wasn’t backing down. "I’m still getting used to my new powers," I said, flashing a confident grin.

"You’ve really caused quite the mess," Fujitora commented, though I could tell he wasn’t entirely blaming me.

"Not half as much as you," I shot back, incredulous at the destruction around us.

Fujitora’s eyes softened, as if recalling something. "You mentioned your duty as a brother. It reminds me of Fire Fist Ace. He said that Strawhat Luffy was his brother, though not by blood. Are you his brother?"

His question hit me harder than expected. Memories of Ace, Luffy, and I flashed through my mind—the day we exchanged sake cups, the bond we swore to never break. "The three of us… exchanged a cup of sake. Even in death, our bond will never break," I said, my voice steady though the weight of the memory pressed down on me.

Fujitora remained silent, listening.

I clenched my fists, feeling the familiar pain of not being there for Ace when he needed me most. But this time, I swore things would be different. "Mark my words," I continued, my eyes locked with Fujitora’s, "no matter where I am, or what I’m doing, even if I have to abandon my duties, I won’t let him down. I’ll be there for Luffy."

Fujitora seemed to understand the depth of my promise. But this wasn’t over yet. His next move was coming. I could feel it.

As his first attack launched, I readied myself, gripping the metal pipe tightly in my hands. The flames engulfed me once more, power surging through me.

"Luffy, I swear… I’ll protect you," I thought, as the battle began again.

Y/N POV… 

"Go! Go! Go!" Luffy’s excitement radiated as Ucy barreled forward, knocking down subordinates like they were nothing more than mere obstacles. I tightened my grip, not wanting to be thrown from the bull with all the chaos unfolding around us.

"Luffy? What’s that ahead?" I squinted as the debris began to clear, trying to make sense of the figure coming into view.

Suddenly, Ucy halted abruptly, throwing me forward into Luffy, while Law—ever quick—caught me from behind, softening the impact before the two unwanted guests behind us could knock me over entirely.

"Oww!" I groaned, rubbing my head, feeling the weight of my tiara, making sure it was still secure.

"Cabbage!" Luffy shouted.

I stared, completely stunned. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!"

Before I could fully comprehend the absurdity of the situation, I felt a hand settle firmly on my waist. Looking down, I saw the familiar "DEATH" tattoo on Law’s knuckles. His touch sent a jolt through me, not just from the contact but the possessive energy behind it.

"Don’t worry, princess," Law said, his voice low and dripping with possessiveness. "Even in these sea prism cuffs, I’m not letting him try anything." His tone was both protective and slightly irritated, adding a layer of tension that made my heart race.

I glanced forward and, to my absolute disbelief, Cabbage was there, sitting tall on his white stallion, with a rose in his mouth like some ridiculous storybook hero.

"This man can’t be for real," I muttered, barely able to believe my eyes.

And then, in true dramatic fashion, Cabbage pulled out a megaphone. "Pardon me, but I'll be taking the lead!" he announced loudly, as if we were all here just to witness his grand performance.

"You mean to tell me he actually has that?" I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

Cabbage's gaze landed on me, his voice filled with exaggerated charm, "Why, princess, it seems destiny keeps placing you in my path. Could it be fate that brings us together?" His declaration was loud enough for the whole world to hear.

That was it.

I clenched my blade tighter, feeling the familiar surge of energy pulsing through it. My patience was thinning by the second.

"You idiot!" I snapped. "Why don’t you just scream it to the heavens while you’re at it? Are you trying to get me taken?!" My frustration echoed through the battlefield, as I gripped my blade, ready to unleash its energy if I had to.

Law’s hand on my waist tightened, his presence grounding me, but I could still feel the tension radiating off him. He rolled his eyes slightly at Cabbage’s antics.

Cabbage simply laughed off my frustration, as if my outburst was nothing more than a playful jest, before charging ahead on his white stallion, heading straight towards where Doflamingo was waiting.

"Damn it! I thought I was taking a shortcut for sure," Luffy groaned, his eyes set on Cabbage speeding off. "We gotta pick up the pace, Ucy!" He urged the bull forward, but the gap between us and Cabbage was widening.

Just then, I noticed the crowd we had left behind earlier was now catching up. "How are they catching up to us?" I muttered in disbelief.

"This sucks! We’re losing!" Luffy growled, gritting his teeth in frustration.

As if on cue, the subordinates started firing again. "Shoot the bull!" one of them yelled. Ucy bucked and dodged as bullets whizzed past us, causing all of us to bounce precariously. We clung to Ucy as best as we could, but the wild movement was making it harder to maintain grip.

"Damn these idiots!" I cursed, feeling my grip slipping. Just then, a figure launched himself at the attackers, throwing punches left and right.

"Hey, crapbags! Keep your paws off Strawhat!" the man shouted, knocking subordinates down with each hit.

"Luffy, you know him?" I asked, squinting at the guy in confusion.

"Not a clue," Luffy replied casually.

The man let out an exaggerated groan, clearly offended. "Why, you're breaking my heart, Strawhat! I was in Block C, remember? It's Kelly Funk!" He pouted, trying to jog Luffy’s memory.

Luffy blinked, clueless. "Who?"

Funk let out an exasperated sigh. "Your buddy God Usopp saved my tail today! Just bein' friendly!" he explained, landing another punch on someone sneaking up from behind.

"Anyways," Funk continued, "I found a shortcut you can use! It'll take you right to the Sunflower Field and straight to the palace!"

"Really?!" Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's awesome! Thank you so much!"

"Yeah, thanks!" I added, trying to maintain my grip on Ucy. But as Funk turned around and his eyes met mine, his cheeks flushed a deep pink.

"Wh-Why… Pr-Princess…" he stammered, swallowing hard. "I… I must say, seeing you in person is truly a rare sight indeed."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised at his sudden bashfulness. "Why do you say that?"

"Because… when I saw your name pop up on Doflamingo’s list, I couldn’t believe it! Might I say, red really does highlight your features more." He smiled nervously, clearly flustered.

I returned a polite, short smile, feigning sweetness. "Can you take us to this shortcut you found?"

"Of course! It’s the least I can do! Right this way!" Funk exclaimed, still blushing as he led the way.

As Ucy continued to follow Funk, I leaned closer to Luffy, lowering my voice. "There's something off about him, Luffy," I murmured, glancing at Funk suspiciously. "I don’t trust him. Keep your guard up."

Luffy looked at me, confused. "Huh? You think so? He seems helpful."

I narrowed my eyes at Funk’s back. "Just a gut feeling. Let’s stay sharp."

As Funk led the way, I was still processing the unexpected situation when Law’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Hey, Strawhat, we need to find the keys to the cuffs. There’s no point in reaching the palace if I can’t fight. At this rate, Doflamingo will just kill me.”

Luffy paused, his expression thoughtful. “Eh, it’ll all work out. Or at least I hope it does!” He said, chuckling to himself.

Law’s frustration was evident. “What if it doesn’t? If we don’t win this fight, then we’re all dead!” His voice was a mix of urgency and annoyance.

Sensing his mounting frustration, I stepped closer to Law, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “Hey, don’t stress too much,” I said, offering him a teasing smile. “We’ve handled worse. And if anyone can get us through this, it’s Luffy. 

Law looked at me, his frustration softening slightly. “You make it sound so easy.”

I leaned in a bit, my fingers lightly brushing against his arm. “Well, it might be easier if you stay calm. I’ve heard that a little distraction can go a long way.”

His eyes widened slightly as I gently traced a finger along his cuff. “A distraction?”

I flashed him a playful grin. “Yeah. You know, just to keep your mind off things. It might help you stay focused.”

Law’s cheeks reddened a bit as he tried to maintain his composure. “And how exactly do you plan on doing that?”

I chuckled, giving him a flirtatious look. “Oh, I’ve got a few ideas.

I started, but before Law could respond, Funk abruptly stopped and revealed the passageway. “There’s something unsettling about this,” I said, eyeing Funk suspiciously.

“Luffy? Are you sure about this?” I asked, still feeling uneasy.

“It’s our only shot to the palace faster, Y/N,” Luffy said confidently.

I glanced at Funk, then back at Luffy, and sighed. “Alright, captain, if you say we should trust it, then let’s go.” I smiled, trying to push away my concerns.

“Ucy! Let’s go!” Luffy called out as we entered the narrow tunnel. The unwanted guests, who had managed to hit their heads on the entrance, tumbled off the bull.

“Ah well, we didn’t need them, did we?” Law remarked, glancing at the two fallen guests.

“Nope, no turning back now. To the sunflower field!” I said encouragingly as we continued riding Ucy.

Just then, we heard the sound of a transponder snail. “Looks like it’s coming from your pocket, Law,” I said, noticing the source.

“Get it,” Law instructed. I reached into his pocket, retrieved the snail, and handed it to Luffy.

“Hello, this is Luffy, the man who’s going to be the King of the Pirates!” Luffy announced with his usual enthusiasm, causing me to chuckle at his exuberance.

“Hi Luffy, it’s me,” came the familiar voice.

“Robin!” we both exclaimed, relieved to hear a familiar voice from our crew.

“Right now, we’re at the plateau, same as before. And you?” Robin asked.

“We’re at the bottom of that other plateau, on the way to some sunflower field,” Luffy replied, keeping his focus on the path ahead.

“Good news, Viola found the keys to the cuffs. Let’s meet up,” Robin said.

“Oh, thank goodness!” I said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Let’s hurry.”

Law, visibly relieved, looked hopeful. “This is Leo, from the Tontatta tribe. Soon, Ms. Rebecca, the rooster guy, and Robin will be heading over there at supersonic speed,” Leo added.

I couldn’t help but gush at his adorable voice. “Aww, his voice sounds so adorable,” I said with a smile.

With that, we ended the call. “It’s pretty dark down here, huh?” I said, looking ahead.

“See, it all worked out!” Luffy said with his characteristic grin.

“Yeah, by coincidence?!” Law retorted, still visibly frustrated

I gave Law a teasing smile, leaning in despite his cuffs. “Progress is progress, and you’ve definitely earned this,” I said softly before pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek, leaving a faint red lip stain.

Law’s face immediately flushed with color, and he shifted uncomfortably, unable to touch his cheek due to the cuffs. “Y/N…” he stammered, his usual cool demeanor cracking under the sudden affection.

I chuckled at his reaction, finding his flustered state endearing. “You look cute with a little blush on your cheeks,” I said, enjoying the sight of his reaction. 

I said, enjoying the sight of his reaction. As I turned my attention forward, I heard Law’s concerned voice.

“Hey! One second, feels like this passage is sloping down,” he warned.

Suddenly, we found ourselves in a flooded area. “Turn back! This place is flooded!” Law said urgently.

“Crap,” I muttered, glancing around at the rising water. “I knew I had a bad feeling about this,” I admitted.

“Huh? I thought this was a shortcut to the top of the plateau?” Luffy questioned, his confusion evident.

“It’s a dead end!” I said, trying to think quickly. “We gotta get out of here now!” I commanded, urging Ucy to navigate out of the water.

“Wait, you guys hear that?” I said, my senses alert as slow footsteps approached.

“This is nothing more than a sideways water well, more of a trap if you will,” a voice echoed through the passage.

“It’s…” I began, clenching my blade tightly.

“It’s Doflamingo!” Luffy said, his voice filled with determination.

The tension in the air was palpable as Doflamingo’s presence became more pronounced. I felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety, readying myself for whatever confrontation lay ahead.