#good thing cat is there to lay down the law

[corroded-hellfire]

Throwing a fluffy idea out there: Eddie volunteering (possibly for community service after getting busted for something silly) at a pet shelter. The kittens trying to play with his hair, him rough housing with the dogs to help get them some playtime and exercise.

Eddie loves animals and no one can change my mind. All I want is to see him with these fuzzy little babies 🥺

Words: 3.1k

Hopper was a good guy. He knew deep down Eddie was a good kid and that if he was the worst criminal that Hawkins had, things were going all right. But that didn’t mean that the chief of police wouldn’t lay down the law once in a while with the small-time drug dealer. 

Eddie had gotten the choice between a few nights in the tiny town jail or volunteering at a pre-approved Hawkins business. Not wanting to spend time behind bars, Eddie grumbled as he took a look at the list of volunteer options. Spending any time at a medical facility was an automatic no and Eddie wasn’t sure how picking up trash would keep him away from drugs when all he’d want is to smoke a joint after the arduous task. 

The Hawkins Animal Shelter immediately seemed appealing, though. Growing up, Eddie had always wanted a dog, but his dad couldn’t afford to own one and Wayne is allergic. Thinking of spending time with the dogs and cats that didn’t have families of their own brought a smile to his face. Maybe part of it was that he didn’t have a stable home life before coming to live with his uncle, so he could relate to the sweet, innocent animals. 

His first day on the job, Eddie jumps out of his van and tosses his leather jacket on the passenger’s seat so it won’t get covered in fur or drool. The gravel crunches beneath his boots as he heads towards the front door. Barking can be heard before he even grips the dull copper doorknob. 

There’s an older woman seated behind a desk as soon as he walks in, who looks up at him over the rim over her tortoiseshell glasses.

“Munson?” Her voice is deep and raspy, the pack of cigarettes sitting in front of her the obvious culprit.

“Uh, yeah,” Eddie says.

The woman nods her head to a yellow door covered in scratches—mostly on the bottom half. “In there. The girl will show you what to do.”

The girl. Eddie doesn’t even know who she is, but he’s offended on her behalf by being referred to in that way. Giving the woman a quick nod, Eddie heads over and through the door, eager to be out of her presence. 

The sound of dogs barking and yipping is even louder in the back hallway, and now it’s joined by the high-pitched meowing of cats. It brings a smile to Eddie’s face as he shoves his hands into his jean pockets. He turns a corner and sees a girl bending over into one of the dog’s kennels. As excited as he is to see the animals he’s going to be spending time with, he admires the view of the nice ass in front of him first. A particularly loud woof from a Pomeranian has the girl standing up straight and Eddie is quick to avert his eyes, hoping he can keep up the facade of being a gentleman for more than five minutes.

“Oh! Hi, Eddie.”

At the sound of his name, Eddie looks back towards you. A smile breaks out on his face as he recognizes you from school. The two of you never really spoke before, but he couldn’t deny that he’d always thought you were very pretty. 

“Hey! I didn’t know you worked here,” he says.

“Nope, just volunteer,” you say as you wipe your hands off on the thighs of your jeans. 

“And I bet you weren’t even threatened with jail time,” Eddie says with a playful smirk. You giggle and it makes Eddie’s stomach flip in a way that’s unfamiliar to him.

“Let me guess, Brenda sent you back here with a huff?” A dog clamors for your attention in a kennel to your right and you reach in to scratch behind the chocolate lab’s ear. 

“I assume so,” Eddie says with a shrug. “She didn’t bother introducing herself before ushering me along, saying you would tell me what to do.”

“Hmm,” you hum, narrowing your eyes as if inspecting him. “Can anyone really tell Eddie Munson what to do?”

This makes him laugh and it scares a skittish poodle to his left.

“Aw, I’m sorry, pal.” Eddie crouches down and holds his knuckles up to the kennel door to let the white, fluffy dog give him a sniff. 

“That’s Stella,” you tell him. “Her brother Bruno is on the pillow back there asleep.”

Eddie’s eyes roam over to the dark gray poodle snoozing away in the back corner. He looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world and Eddie envies that. 

“Do you know all the animals’ names here?” Eddie asks as he stands back up.

“Sometimes it’s hard to keep track because they come and go, but yeah, I think so,” you say. “Hmm, okay, I was just about to go change the kitty litter. Want to come along and distract the kittens? You wouldn’t believe how much they get in the way.”

“Sure,” Eddie agrees as he follows you down the hallway. As soon as you open the door to where the cats are kept, a cacophony of meowing floods his ears. There are different volumes and different pitches blending together to create a song of cat chaos. Eddie realizes he must be staring when he hears a soft giggle coming from your direction. Ducking his head, he clears his throat and turns towards you. “What should I do, boss?”

“Well,” you say as you walk over to a few of the cubbies the cats are residing in, “I’ll let a few out at a time, you distract them with the toys or maybe even some treats and I’ll clean their boxes. Then we try to corral them back in and start over again. Ready?”

There’s an array of cat toys on the far side of the small room. Fuzzy mice, balls that jingle, some with feathers, and a few cat wands. Eddie grabs a bag of cat treats off the shelf–which means every little eyeball in that room is on him–and settles himself on the floor next to the toys.

“Ready.”

The first batch you let out consists of five cats–ones that you know for a fact get along, you inform him. There’s a calico named Turtle, an orange and white one named Eric, an all-white called Kissy with the bluest eyes Eddie’s ever seen, and two small kittens. They’re both tabby cats with stripes, but one is grey with black stripes and the other is a soft orange with darker stripes; named Pepper and Chili respectively. Unsurprisingly, the kittens are the first ones intrigued by their new visitor. Tiny paws pad over the linoleum floor until they’re both standing right in front of Eddie. Now that they’re this close though, they get a bit shy. Their eyes are so big for their little heads, Eddie thinks, and he can’t help but chuckle at how cute they are. Chili decides to be the brave one and takes on the scary task of crawling up Eddie’s leg. 

“Jesus,” Eddie winces as sharp little claws dig through the material of his jeans and prick at his skin. You pop your head out from one of the kennels and give him a sympathetic look.

“Yeah. I don’t know why but kittens’ claws are sharper than adult cats,” you tell him.

“God, you’re lucky you’re so cute,” Eddie tells Chili as the little furball stops to sit on Eddie’s thigh. As if seeing that his brother is safe, Pepper jumps up and follows the trail the ginger cat had led. “Ah, both. Great.” His words are joking, but the way he grits his teeth as Pepper’s claws do their little pricks of damage is very real. 

Turtle makes her way over and begins to chew on the top corner of the treat bag. Kissy immediately wants Eddie to pet her, and Eric is content to sit about a foot away and watch the others interact with the human on the floor. 

You peek over your shoulder as you empty the dirty litter into the garbage can beside you, and smile when you see Pepper standing on Eddie’s lap with her two front paws pressed right over his heart. Her tiny head bobs as she inspects Eddie’s face, little pink nose twitching as it works. 

Chili has to outdo his sister and jumps right up to Eddie’s shoulder, as if he were a pirate and Chili is his trusty parrot. The ginger cat noses at Eddie’s curls before deciding to take a taste. He opens his mouth and Eddie is glad that hair doesn’t have nerve endings when Chili sinks those little needles that he calls teeth into the strand. 

By the time you get finished cleaning out the litter and refilling the food and water, Pepper is up on Eddie’s other shoulder, chewing on hair on that side of his head. Kissy is curled up in Eddie’s lap, purring contentedly as she snoozes. Turtle is still trying to figure out how to get into the treat bag, and Eric decides he can trust Eddie enough to rest his head on Eddie’s ankle. 

“Well, don’t you all look comfy,” you say as you stroll over to them. 

“Cats have no boundaries,” Eddie says with a smile.

“Not a one,” you agree.

Eventually, you get them all back in their cubby condos and are able to move on to clean the other cat’s areas.

When you get to the last one, you open the cage door and reach in. Eddie watches as you pull out an older gray and brown cat and hug it to your chest.

“How are you, Perry?” you ask before planting a kiss right between the cat’s ears. You turn towards Eddie so he can get a better view of the large feline. “This is Perry. He’s the oldest cat here and an absolute sweetheart. I would’ve brought him home with me a long time ago if my sister wasn’t allergic.”

“Hi, Perry,” Eddie says, walking closer to the two of you. He holds his fingers up and Perry gives them a quick sniff. The cat ducks his head and Eddie takes the hint, scratching wherever his hand is guided along the soft fur.

“Wow,” you say softly. “I’ve never seen Perry let anyone pet him that quickly. He can be a grumpy old man when he doesn’t know someone.”

“I live with a grumpy old man,” Eddie says with a shrug. “Guess I just know how to deal with them.”

“Do you want to hold him while I clean?” you offer. 

“Sure.”

You hand the cat over and Perry quickly adjusts to being in Eddie’s arms. It’s another thing that surprises you. Perry isn’t usually a fan of being held—unless it’s by you. But the tabby seems quite content in Eddie’s arms. 

Since the last cage is the easiest to clean, you finish up with the cat room in no time.

“What now?” Eddie asks. 

A look down at your watch lets you know.

“Time for the first group of dogs to go outside.” You nod for Eddie to follow you in the direction of the dogs’ section. “We do it in groups since there’s so many of them. This way they can all get some attention and there’s less likely to be any issues or fighting.”

It’s not surprising to you that Eddie is a complete natural with the dogs when you get outside. He’s on the grass with them, rough housing, he plays fetch, and even runs laps around the yard with a few who just need to burn off their extra energy. The dogs all take to him so naturally—even the shy ones. It’s impossible not to smile as you watch the canines play with this golden retriever of a man. 

By the time the two of you bring the last round of dogs back inside, Eddie’s cheeks are rosy from exertion, his breathing is somewhat labored, and he has patches of dirt on him almost from head to toe. 

“Come here,” you say with a chuckle once you’ve snapped the last lock shut. 

There’s a battered door at the other end of the hall, and Eddie follows you over towards it. You jiggle the rusty doorknob and step into the small bathroom. There are a few stacks of towels lined up on the counter and you pull a teal one off the top of a pile. 

The scent of lemons fills the small space as you pump some hand soap onto the towel and wring it out with some water. 

You turn back to Eddie and motion for him to drop his chin. He does, and you push a few strands of curls back to wipe at the dirt on the left cheek and jawline.

“How’d you get this?” you ask with a chuckle.

“No idea,” he replies with a small huff of laughter. “I think it was when Yogi and I both dove for that tennis ball.”

The memory of Eddie and the chocolate lab both going for the toy brings a smile to your face as you clean off what you can of the dirt. 

“He’s a good boy,” you say. 

“What about me?” Eddie asks with a mischievous glint in his eye. 

You laugh and toss the dirty towel in the laundry bin. 

“Yes, Eddie,” you tell him. “You were a good boy, too.”

Even though he’s the one who brought it up, he feels his face get warm.

“So, I’m actually headed out early today,” you say as you wipe your hands off on the sides of your jeans. “But I’m sure Brenda will let you know what you can do next.” It’s hard to keep the playful smirk off your face at the mention of the cantankerous receptionist.

Eddie drops his jaw and stares at you with mock annoyance.

“Playing hooky and leaving me with someone who makes Ms. O’Donnell look like a ray of sunshine? How dare you?”

You chuckle and shake your head.

“I mean, if you want to go get my cavity filled for me, I wouldn’t complain,” you say with a shrug.

Eddie winces, fighting off the urge to run his tongue over his teeth.

“Oof, okay. That’s a good excuse, I guess,” Eddie says. 

“I’m so glad you approve,” you tease. “Are you coming back tomorrow?”

“Sure am.”

Honestly, Eddie has no idea if he’s scheduled to come in tomorrow or not, but he hardly doubts anyone would complain if he showed up for extra volunteering. 

“I’ll see you then.”

You give him one last smile before heading to grab your bag from the back room.

The next day, all the cats and kittens meow at you the moment you step foot into their room. 

“Hello, babies,” you greet them. “How’s my man Perry doin—” Your face falls when you see Perry’s usual crate empty of the senior cat. 

Despite the cries of protest, you back out of the cat room and hastily make your way to Brenda’s desk.

“Where’s Perry?” you ask without preamble.

“Got adopted,” Brenda responds, not looking up from the old issue of People Magazine she’s flipping through. 

“Oh.” You swallow and nod your head. “Good for him.” I didn’t get to say goodbye. 

A few tears fall as you head back to the cats and begin your daily cleaning routine. You are genuinely happy that Perry has found a home. Cats of his age don’t belong in a shelter, they belong with a family. Well, all cats do, but it’s especially harder for seniors. It’s the fact that you didn’t get to give him one more scratch between his ears or kiss the back of his head one last time that is upsetting you. He was so much a part of your daily life that it already feels empty in the shelter without him.

“Hey.”

Eddie’s voice startles you, causing you to jump and hit the back of your head on the roof of Chili and Pepper’s cubby. 

“Ow.” You wince and step back, bringing your hand up to hold the sore spot.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry!” Eddie says, eyes wide. “I didn’t mean to scare you—hey, are you okay?” Eddie frowns in concern when he sees the tear tracks running down your cheeks. 

“Huh? Oh yeah,” you say before wiping off your face with the sleeve of your shirt. “I’m fine. Just found out that Perry got adopted and I’m bummed I didn’t get to say goodbye to him.”

“Oh.” The smile forming on Eddie’s pretty face doesn’t hold the tone of sympathy that you were expecting. He clears his throat and brings his hand up to scratch at the back of his neck. “Well, um, actually, I’m the one who adopted him.”

Either your ears or brain are having a hard time grasping what Eddie just said, so it takes a few moments before it finally clicks.

“You? You adopted Perry?”

“Yeah.” There’s a prideful grin on Eddie’s face and it makes your heart rate pick up. “After you left yesterday, I went to say goodbye to him, and he kept pawing at me through the bars of the crate. I let him out and he wanted me to hold him. I kinda fell in love with him right then and there.”

Tears flood your eyes once more, but this time for an entirely different reason. 

“Oh, Eddie.” You chuckle and wipe at your misty eyes. “That makes me so happy. Perry deserves a good family, and I couldn’t have picked a better one. Thank you.”

“You can come by whenever you want to see him,” Eddie says, a nervous warble in his voice. He clears his throat and tries again. “I’m sure, uh, he’d love to see you more.”

A shy smile graces your features as you reply, “I’d like that, too.”

“So, no more tears,” Eddie says, stepping forward and using his thumb to gently erase any remains of your waterworks. 

“No more tears,” you agree, taking a deep breath. 

Before you can let the thought linger and overthink it, you lean forward and wrap your arms around Eddie’s neck, hugging his body close to yours. He tentatively wraps his arms around your body before holding you just as tightly as you’re holding him. 

Reluctantly, you pull away and take a step backward.

“So, what do you say?” you ask. “Should we get to work?”

Eddie drops into a bow and makes a grand sweeping gesture towards the cat cubbies. 

“Let’s do it.”

[roosterforme]

Always Ever Only You Part 33 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Getting through your second presentation feels like a battle of wits against your own body. Then after weeks of barely being able to stomach anything, you are presented with the most enticing dinner. But it's the food that's alluring, not your dinner mate, and Bradley has a few things to say about the mess you get yourself caught up in.

Warnings: Swearing, adult language, pregnancy topics, angst, fluff, phone sex, masturbation

Length: 5800 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

This was written to accompany my series Is It Working For You? along with a bunch of my one-shots and other series, but it can be read on its own! Check my masterlist for the reading order. Always Ever Only You masterlist. Gorgeous banner by @mak-32

You slept like a lovesick log after your long drive back to the hotel from the cemetery. Exhausted from throwing up in the shrubs, you curled up in bed and watched the video you took for your son or daughter. You had recorded yourself reading both headstones and having a little conversation with your in-laws about the baby. It was just meant to be something you and Bradley could watch one day with the nugget, but it brought a smile to your face. 

You were decidedly no longer smiling when you woke up on Wednesday and had to race to the toilet. "Why is this happening again?" you asked the bath mat as you curled up in a ball. You had another, longer presentation to give. You had admirals to chat with. You had a whole lot to get done today. You didn't have time for this right now.

Even brushing your teeth was a chore. Changing into your uniform was an issue. At least your pants felt a little looser today. You honestly could not keep up with the way your body was bloated half the time and normal the rest of the time. 

You realized your makeup was pretty much the only thing holding your life together at the moment as you swiped on some mascara. Then there was a knock at your door, and it felt like you were doing the same thing all over again today, because essentially you were. You and Cat had to struggle with the bin of equipment. You had to fight to stay awake in the rental car. The nausea was turning  your life into a game of sheer determination to keep the bagel that you ate from coming back up. 

"Are you okay?" Cat asked you a few minutes before the presentation was about to start. 

"Of course," you told her in what you hoped was a reassuring tone. "Why wouldn't I be?" You shrugged and smiled serenely at her. 

"Because you're sweating bullets. And you've been pacing around the hallway."

You cleared your throat and insisted, "It's just really hot in here."

"It's not," she replied. "Please. I'm begging you. Just keep it together for another ninety minutes, okay? After that, you can do anything you want. Hell, I'll do anything you want me to do. But we need to get through this presentation." 

Her voice sounded panicked, and now you were looking around the hallway for a garbage can. But it was too late. The two of you were being called into the presentation room. Commander Patterson and Admiral Klein were sitting in the front row smiling at you. Shit, more admirals were here today. Oh fuck, all of these people wanted to hear your extended presentaion. A bead of sweat rolled down the back of your neck, past your shoulder blades and along your spine. You wanted Bradley. You wanted Bradley to hold you and let you throw up everywhere and tell you that you were still pretty and that he loved you even if you cried on the toilet and ate crackers while you lay on the floor. 

Tears burned your eyes, and Cat looked like she was going to scream. Pull it together. Ignore the sensation. Clip the microphone onto your shirt. Start talking. 

"Good afternoon. Lieutenant Coleman and I are back to expound upon our research presentation from Monday which covered communications engineering at Top Gun. You can find a copy of our slides in the information packet in front of you. Please hold your questions until we pause for a break. Let's get started."

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

Bradley really wasn't doing well without you at home. He was barely eating anything besides cereal and sandwiches, and he was going to bed hungry at night. The only fun he'd been having was slowly filling up that pink and blue notebook with his musings for the little nugget.

He was having a hard time sleeping, and he didn't like how quiet the house was. Even Tramp kept looking for you, occasionally running to the front door and whimpering. "We'll see her on Friday," he told the dog as he had potato chips and coffee for breakfast on Wednesday morning. "Two more days of this bullshit." 

When he got home from work on Tuesday, he broke down in tears as he looked at the photos you sent him from the cemetery. You even took a video where you were talking to him and the nugget and his parents. He still couldn't believe you took the time to drive there and make it so special for him. After he finished crying, he made his way back up to the attic where he took the half wall down to the studs. Then he realized that he really needed to call some contractors before you came home and saw the mess he made. 

While he drove to work in the red Bronco, he left messages, hoping to get some estimates in the next week or so. One thing that he'd been slowly coming to terms with was the fact that you didn't need him to take care of you by paying for everything. Both of your incomes were going toward the mortgage payments and all the necessities. You'd both been saving money for the future, and he figured the future had arrived since there was a baby on the way. 

When he parked in the garage on base, he noticed he had some new texts from you.

Baby Girl Bradshaw: I miss you. I'm struggling today. I think the nugget hates me. I'll call you later after my presentation and all of this other shit is over. 

He wanted to text you back, but he didn't want to be a distraction, so he tucked his phone into his pocket and ran his fingers through his hair. He had been reading every pregnancy article online that he could find, but none of the tricks he saw were helping you with the nausea. You were probably just going to have to wait it out. He would be ready to rub your shoulders and put a cool washcloth on the back of your neck when you got home.

Bradley walked the long way around to the classrooms since he was early and didn't need to stop in the locker room to change. When he passed the stairwell that would have taken him up to your office and the engineering labs, he swore he heard Bob's voice. He paused, and he definitely heard Bob's laugh. When the door to the stairs opened, he heard Bob say, "We can always find out later tonight if you want to invite me to your room again." And then there was a very familiar, feminine laugh before Bob appeared ten feet ahead of him.

He stared at Bob, and Bob stared back as the door closed, leaving the two of them alone. Bradley thought back to the way Bob and Maria were looking a little cozy at brunch last Sunday. This was interesting.

"Hey, Bob," Bradley said with a grin. "How are you enjoying your new apartment with Maria?"

His cheeks immediately flushed pink, and Bradley bit his lip to keep quiet as Bob started stuttering. Frankly, he was proud of his friend for sounding so much more self assured a few seconds ago when he was tucked inside the stairwell with Maria. "I-I d-don't know... are y-you... I d-din't think that..."

Bradley let him flounder through a few more partial sentences before he said, "If you're hooking up with Maria Wilson, then good for you, man. Well done."

Bob cleared his throat, adjusted his glasses and ran his hand along the back of his neck. "Thanks," he muttered as he stared at the floor. 

"You want me to keep this information to myself?"

Bob's blue eyes went wide as they met Bradley's. "Please." He swallowed hard. "I don't think she wants anyone else to know." His voice was just a whisper as he said, "I'm sure she'd be embarrassed if people found out."

Then he turned and left Bradley standing there alone. He'd been in that position before with you. Before you made things official. And he had been miserable. "Poor Bob," he muttered as he followed him at a distance. The best case scenario would be if Maria confided in you when you got back from Annapolis. Bradley would have to be cool about you going to brunch on Sunday even though he already wanted you and the baby all to himself again all weekend.

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

You made it. Somehow you got through the full hour and a half. You nailed your parts, and so did Cat. You and she answered questions for at least an additional thirty minutes, and now she was packing up the equipment while you sent a quick text to Bickel. 

"Your research is very compelling, Lieutenant Commander."

You looked up into the eyes of Commander Patterson, and he smiled warmly at you. Unfortunately, the only thing you could really think about was the way you'd been picturing Bradley's cock the last time you talked to him. At the moment, you were so fucking horny, you felt like rubbing yourself against the wall and crying until you got some relief.

"Thank you, sir," you managed to say while you tried to focus on his face and his words. "It has really become a passion project, trying to keep actual aviators in the air versus the drone agenda. Real people making real decisions based on their surroundings and the immediate threats they are facing will always win out against a laboratory manufactured software protocol."

"I couldn't agree more." He took a step closer and said, "And the way you presented your findings made it so clear that you're eager for others to understand how important that is as well."

"Absolutely," you told him with a smile of your own. "And the funding for communications research is so important." 

You were probably going to have to go to the cocktail hour tonight just to get your face out there since you skipped the previous one to drive to Virginia. But you were almost instantly saved from having to do that as Commander Patterson said, "I'm planning on having dinner this evening with a few of the admirals if you'd like to join us. Cocktail attire. Overpriced steaks. You know, the usual." 

His slight eye roll had you laughing and agreeing immediately. That sounded a lot better than trying to ditch champagne flutes all night. You'd still be able to chat with some superiors, and right now, you were actually hungry. "That sounds great. I'll see if Lieutenant Coleman can join as well."

With that, his smile wavered a bit, but he told you the name of the restaurant, and you promised to be there at seven o'clock. Cat had all the equipment packed up, and she was ready for you to help her carry the bin. "Hey, you want to come eat an overpriced steak later? With Commander Patterson and some others?" you asked as you tried your best to lift with your legs.

"Why didn't you tell me before? I already agreed to some stupid happy hour with a handful of admirals, but I love overpriced food when you don't have to pay for it."

You laughed and said, "That's probably better. We can divide and conquer this way. Bickel will like that."

As the two of you hoisted the bin into the rental car, Cat smiled and said, "You know what else he'll like? The fact that we nailed the presentation again today. I'm sorry I doubted you."

"Don't do it again," you told her with a smirk. Of course then you promptly started falling asleep while she drove back to the hotel, and when you got to your room, you passed out in bed until it was time to get ready for dinner. 

It was only three o'clock for Bradley, and even though you wanted to call him, you decided to wait a little longer. You inhaled a pack of peanut butter crackers while your stomach growled loudly. "What is with you today?" you asked the baby. "You're finally hungry? Or are you going to make me barf again?" You got a loud rumble in response. "I know you like Daddy better, and we'll be home in two days. Relax."

As you redid your makeup, you started thinking about Bradley. And then you thought about how delicious he smelled right after he finished a workout. And then you thought about how nice and big his cock is. And then you thought about all the sounds he makes and the way me moans your name when his cock is inside you.

"Oh hell," you whined, pressing your thighs together. You needed to get some relief with your toys until you could get back home, but you didn't have time for that right now. The combination of being so hungry and so horny was almost too much to handle, and you ended up calling Bradley on the short drive to the restaurant. It was barely four there, so you were surprised when he answered. 

"Hey, Sweetheart."

Two words. He said two fucking words, and you were moaning and having a hard time focusing to drive. "Roo. Oh my god."

"What's wrong?" he snapped immediately. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," you gasped, parking the car and squeezing the steering wheel. "I'm just so horny. And Commander Patterson asked me out to dinner, and I seriously need to get fucked, Bradley. Like you have no idea how bad it is right now."

You could hear him mutter something, and then you thought you heard Jake's voice before Bradley quietly said, "Baby Girl, I'll fuck the absolute shit out of you all weekend. In fact, I can't wait to do that. I'll take care of everything you need."

"Daddy," you moaned, realizing you should have masturbated instead of taking that nap.

"But please tell me who the fuck Commander Patterson is. All I know is that you said he's that guy who asked if Top Gun aviation is the right fit for you?" Another moan escaped your lips as you thought about being a tight fit for your husband. "Yeah, you sound wrecked, Sweetheart," he crooned in that raspy voice. "I don't think you should go to dinner with some guy I don't know. I don't care what his rank is.

You sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's not just with him. Some admirals are coming too. I need to meet the admirals, Bradley. And I'm already at the restaurant." When you looked further up the block, you saw Patterson heading inside.

Bradley made a frustrated sound. "Text me when you can? And call me when you're leaving later?"

"I will," you promised as your stomach growled. You were so excited that the nugget seemed to want to eat this steak, you almost hung up before you said, "I love you."

You straightened out your black cocktail dress as you practically ran down the sidewalk in your high heels which you rarely ever wore except in your bedroom with your husband. The delicious smells from the restaurant were wafting out onto the sidewalk, and you were going to cry if there wasn't some bread or something already waiting on the table. 

"There you are, Lieutenant Commander." 

Patterson was waiting inside the entryway where at least the sound of the air conditioner blasting and the conversation around you was blocking out your growling stomach. He was smiling as his hand found the small of your back. "Our table is ready. We can go right there." 

When he applied some pressure with his hand, you lurched forward. Perhaps he was just trying to help you navigate through the crowd, but he could keep his hands to himself. He must have known you were married. You decided to make a show of pointing out some hideous artwork with your left hand, practically shoving your rings in his face. "That's a lovely painting, Commander," you told him, but he just smiled and nodded at you before pulling out a chair at a table set for four.

"Please, call me Derek," he told you as he sank down into the seat across from you, and then he started using your first name without permission. The one blessing was the fact that there was an enormous basket of bread sitting right in the middle of the table along with a variety of spreads and dips. 

You moaned softly and had to bite your lip as you reached for a soft looking roll and the chive butter. Derek was staring at you with parted lips and wide pupils. Had he never seen a woman eat before? Had you ever been this hungry before? You licked your lips as you spread some of the butter onto the roll, and then you took a bite and moaned again. 

Holy. Fucking. Shit. 

After weeks of feeling miserable, you finally knew you could stomach this meal right now. You were still so turned on, and yet your exhaustion was bone deep at this point, but the bread was like a lifeline to normalcy, and you were grabbing onto it. 

Derek cleared his throat as he watched you take those first few sumptuous bites. "I've got to know," he said smoothly, "exactly what would lure you back to Annapolis for good?"

You popped the rest of the roll between your lips and chewed it up before you said, "Nothing."

"There would have to be something. Better research facilities? Your own lab? Both of your degrees and your work are so impressive, you must know there would be endless possibilities for you here."

You were shocked. Running your own lab was your dream. The idea of being in charge of a research team made your skin prickle with desire. You hoped that could be a possibility someday, but you weren't even thirty-five yet. You figured maybe ten years from now when Bickel was getting ready to retire, you'd be able to take his place. 

"My own lab?"

Derek smiled, all white teeth and handsome expression, and then the waitress arrived. You wanted to jump out of your seat and hug her when she asked if you'd like to order any appetizers.

"Do you know when the others will be here?" you asked Derek. "Should we wait to order?"

He shook his head vaguely. "They'll be late. We can order. Get whatever you want."

You almost laughed giddily as you ordered three appetizers and then a steak dinner complete with garlic mashed potatoes and two vegetables. "We can share the appetizers," you said when he looked at you in surprise, even though you didn't want to. You placed your hand on your belly, trying to subtly thank the baby for cooperating right now. 

When the waitress finished taking his order and then departed, you asked, "Which admirals are joining us?"

"Hmm? Oh... uh, Rivera and Silverman."

You were not familiar with either of them which made you panic slightly. You should have done more research on who was attending each of the lectures. Why hadn't you done that? Oh, right... because you were too busy throwing up. The bread basket called to you, and before you knew it, you'd eaten more than half while Derek droned on about how amazing you'd be running your own lab. He didn't even know you, which made this more annoying than anything else, but your stomach was holding up spectacularly, so you could overlook it. You could have kissed the waitress when she came back with the appetizers.

"So, do you live alone?" he asked as you dipped two mozzarella sticks into some marinara sauce. You paused before shoving them into your mouth so you could chuckle. 

"No. I live with my husband and our dog." Then the fried cheese hit your tongue, and it was like you were living in a world of color after weeks in black and white. Your stomach gurgled pleasantly, finally accepting food once again. Tears of joy stung at your eyes as you took a forkful of crispy brussels sprouts and a potato skin.

Derek laughed and asked how old you were, but your mouth was full, so he said, "Let's just say, my career in Annapolis outlived my bad marriage. And that's been the case for many, many officers."

You swallowed the potato like it was a lead weight. That had definitely been the case for Cat, unfortunately. And you'd heard a lot of stories, sure, especially when you were at the Naval Academy. And perhaps that was part of the reason you fought against the mere idea of being with Bradley at first. One officer in a relationship with a civilian was bad enough, but two officers trying to make it happen together usually spelled disaster.

But you felt stronger with Bradley. The two of you worked hard to get through your struggles and end up in a better place. You and he were going to be parents, for fuck's sake. 

"Just sharing my two cents with you," Derek added, still smiling. "You're young, and you haven't lived it yet, but I can tell you that you'll go farther here than in San Diego. Especially if you're already open to the idea of having more."

You wanted to check the time on your phone; you must have been sitting here for over half an hour by now. The other two chairs were still empty. Derek was starting to get under your skin. 

"I'm open to the idea of pursuing my career at Top Gun along with my husband."

"He's an officer as well?" Derek asked with a laugh. "I'm sure he's having a great week back in San Diego without you."

You felt heat flame up your neck and into your cheeks as your steak dinners arrived. "Yes, he's an officer. He's a Top Gun aviator."

"He deploys?" Derek asked in disbelief before laughing harder. "You should make the move back to the east coast now, before he ruins your life. If he hasn't already."

He had gone from complimenting you to trying to humiliate you in a matter of minutes. You'd been blinded by the glorious meal, but the truth hit you square in the chest. As he picked up his fork and steak knife, you asked, "Why did you lie to me about two admirals coming? Do Rivera and Silverman even exist?"

Somehow his smile was still persistent as he said, "Sure, they exist. They went to the cocktail reception on base." You watched the knife sink into his steak as he added, "You're gorgeous. I wanted to get you alone. Let you know how much better things could be. Offer to set you up for a one-on-one meeting with Admiral Jennings tomorrow if you come home with me tonight. It's on the table if you want it."

In one quick movement, you snatched his plate away from him with the fork still stuck in the steak. "Okay, well fuck you, Derek," you snarled, standing up and waving for the waitress. "You're disgusting and delusional if you thought I would even consider going home with you."

"Can I get you anything?" the waitress asked cautiously, and you realized you were causing a bit of a scene now in the crowded restaurant. 

"Yes. I need boxes. Like a whole bunch of takeout boxes," you told her. "I'm taking all of this food with me."

"Right," the waitress replied, her gaze drifting to Derek who looked very unamused. 

"I'm taking his meal, too," you snapped. "Hurry up with the boxes."

She scurried away as you piled all of the food onto one plate and said, "You're so fucking stupid, Derek. I already have Admiral Jennings' phone number. I met her last year. I told her to her face that I'm staying in San Diego."

"Well then you're making a bad choice," he told you.

Then the waitress set down some takeout containers while you practically tossed the empty plate back at Derek. You scraped as much of the food into the first box as would fit before moving to the second one. "He's paying for dinner," you told the waitress. "And I'm taking one fork and one steak knife with me. He'll pay for those as well." You shoved the rest of the bread into the last box and then stacked them all up before meeting Derek's eyes. "You just ruined the first meal I've been able to stomach in weeks, asshole. And my husband is a nice man. Very sweet. Treats people with respect. But if he were here right now, you'd have a bloody face and some broken ribs." 

You picked up the boxes, grabbed the utensils, and made your way toward the exit. You went straight for your rental car and climbed inside before cranking the engine. Then you took a massive bite of garlic mashed potatoes before cutting off a piece of Derek's steak while you called your husband. 

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

Bradley was working out in the garage when your ringtone cut across the playlist you made for him. He practically dropped his barbell to the cement floor to get his phone from where it was sitting on the tool chest. "Sweetheart. I wasn't expecting to hear from you quite yet. Didn't we just get off the phone?" he asked with a smile as he ran his forearm along his sweaty face. "Not that I mind one bit." He was about to ask if you were done with dinner, but then he realized that you were crying. The sweat on his skin turned ice cold as he quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

"Roo," you wailed, and he started looking around the garage as if there was something out here that would help both of you calm down. "He ruined my fucking dinner!" you sobbed.

"What are you talking about?" he asked as he paced the length of the garage, running his fingers through his damp hair. "Who ruined it?"

"Commander Patterson."

Bradley honestly could not fathom how that guy had ruined your dinner. All he knew was that you told him you were horny as hell when you got to the restaurant, and that he didn't trust guys he didn't know around you. Most men were disgusting, and you were lovely and also pregnant with his child.

"Can you explain what happened so I can understand?" he asked as calmly as he could.

"Yeah," you sniffed, and he heard a car engine start up in the background. "The nugget and I were both really enjoying the food. Like really enjoying it, Bradley. You know how I've been, and this was delectable and exactly what we both wanted. Like it was so good, if you'd been there with me looking super sexy, I would have probably had an orgasm in the middle of the damn restaurant."

Bradley swallowed hard as he stood in the garage, wondering where the hell this was going. "I understand. You haven't been able to eat much, so that must have felt amazing. Now can you tell me what's wrong?"

"He ruined it!" you replied loudly. "He lied to me! There were no admirals planning on joining us. He tricked me into meeting him there, and then he gave me fake compliments and accolades about my work. He told me that I could get ahead with a career in Annapolis if I slept with him, all because he wanted to fuck me!"

Bradley almost dropped his phone. "Did he touch you?" he growled, switching to speaker phone as he rushed through the backyard toward the house and looked for flights to Maryland at the same time. "Did he fucking touch you?!"

"No!" you practically shrieked. "No, he didn't touch me! You think I'd let him get anywhere near me after he ruined my dinner?"

"Where are you now?" he demanded. "And what's this Commander fucking Patterson's first name?" 

Bradley was seeing red as he walked inside and slammed the sliding glass door behind him, and Tramp ran whimpering into the spare room. The earliest he could get out of San Diego on an eastbound flight was a red eye that left at 9:30, and that was nearly four hours from now.

"I'm not telling you his name," you said softly with a little sniff at the end. "I'm afraid you'll strangle him."

Frankly, if Bradley got his hands on the asshole, he'd probably wish all he got was strangled to death. "Where are you now?" he asked again, trying to keep his voice calmer.

"In my rental car."

"Alone?

"Yes!"

"Good," he replied as he clenched and unclenched his fist and headed for the shower. "Go back to your hotel room, and text me the address. I'll stay on the phone with you until you get there, and then I'll be out on a red eye that lands in Annapolis at 5:55 tomorrow morning local time. And then you'll tell me his first name, and I'll beat the shit out of him for ruining your dinner and acting like my wife is his for the taking."

"Bradley," you said firmly. "I do not need you to come out here. I already feel better now that I told you about it."

"Well, I sure as fucking hell don't," he grunted, peeling off his sweaty clothes in the bathroom. "Does he know which hotel you're staying at? And where the hell is Cat?"

You groaned and said, "No, he doesn't know. And Cat went to the actual cocktail reception with the actual admirals. I seriously hate Commander Patterson. But I did steal his dinner, so that's making me feel a little bit better."

His thumb was hovering over his phone screen, ready to purchase a seat on this flight. "Wait, you stole his dinner?"

"Yes. I took it. When I tell you the food was that good, Bradley, I am not joking. I housed most of the appetizers and the bread basket, and then I took his plate before he even got a bite of his porterhouse. I dumped all of the food into takeout boxes, took some silverware, told the waitress he'd pay for everything, and then I left."

Bradley burst into laughter in spite of himself. He could actually picture it so clearly. The haughty expression on your face. Your biting wit once you figured out what was going on. The way you must have looked dumping the steaks into the containers. "You're a damn force to be reckoned with, Baby Girl. Are you driving back to the hotel with all the food?"

"Yeah. I mean I did eat a few bites when I first got back in the car, because the baby was demanding it, but I'm absolutely going to eat the rest in my room. Fuck that guy. He doesn't even deserve his overpriced steak. It's mine now."

Bradley cradled his forehead in his hand and laughed. "Do you really not need me to come out there?"

He heard you take a deep breath before you said, "I miss you a lot, but I really do not need you to come out, okay? The nugget and I are fine now, ruined dinner aside."

"Alright," he murmured. "If you change your mind, you have two hours to let me know, and I'll be knocking on your door by 7 in the morning."

You moaned and whispered, "God, that does sound good. I'm back at the hotel. Heading up to my room now. Any chance you feel like having phone sex before I eat my two steaks and roughly four pounds of potatoes?"

"Fuck," he grunted, his cock already getting hard as he looked down at himself. "Yeah. A hundred percent. Let me just get in the shower here."

"Okay, Daddy," you muttered, and Bradley was practically tripping over himself as he started up the spray of water. Once you were safely inside your room, you told him, "I'm ready when you are."

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

You got off twice to your vibrator and your husband's sexy voice. It was so easy to imagine him in the shower with the sound of the water in the background. You could picture the steam snaking around his body while he held his thick cock in his hand. You could practically taste his skin and smell the body wash he was definitely using as lube. 

"That's my sweet girl," he crooned as you started to peak for the second time. "When I get you home on Friday, my mouth is going to be all over that pussy. I miss you so much. I want my wife and my baby with me."

"Bradley," you whined, legs bent and shaking as you got closer. "I need you to fuck me. I'm so goddamn horny for you!"

He grunted right into the phone and said, "Keep it up, and I'll break your new car at the airport, too."

And then you came. Hard. Your chest was sweaty. Your back was arching off the bed. The vibrator rolled out of your grasp, and you stroked yourself with your fingers and whispered his name over and over. 

"I'm about to come," Bradley moaned. And you could hear the exact second he was probably making a white mess all over the tile wall. You imagined it on your belly instead. 

You just wanted to go home, and when your back finally settled against the bedding you said, "I need you to promise to fuck me at least twenty times between Friday night and Monday morning."

"Make it thirty, Sweetheart," he crooned as he panted. "At least. I fucking need it, too."

You turned your head to the side where a photo of him was still pulled up on your phone. "Sounds perfect. Don't forget, I'm having dinner with my mom and dad tomorrow, so please FaceTime when you're walking out of work if you can."

"For the love of all things holy, please don't talk about your parents when I'm still holding my cock."

You giggled, and then he laughed. "I won't do it again," you promised as you sat up in bed, eyeing the takeout containers on the desk. "I love you, Roo. I'm going to eat Derek Patteron's steak, take a shower, and then pass out."

"I love you too, Baby Girl. Can you put your phone down by your belly?"

"Mmhmm," you hummed, pressing your lips together to keep from squealing at how sweet this man was.

"And I love you, too, my little nugget. Be nice to Mommy."

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

BG is all over the place... Roo probably has whiplash. Derek should be punished for ruining that meal for her and the baby. Just a few chapters left, and we'll have another series for them in the books! Thanks for reading! Thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 34

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[mindofharry]

Anything

pyscho!harry is my absolute fav. obviously he comes with warnings so if this triggers you please do not read. kidnapping and m!rder mentioned. please send in your thoughts!

Harry liked to watch her. 

At first, it was for simple pleasure. He enjoyed going to see his favourite girl after a gruelling day of work. It did not consume him. Not until now. Not until he saw Y/N, his perfect, beautiful, Y/N with another man. Of course, Harry had to do something about this. 

And that is why a man is on his basement floor, choking on his own blood.  

“Do you get hard thinking about her?” Harry asked manically, kicking the man who lay on the floor. He didn’t wait for a response, moving towards a little desk in the corner of the room. Harry smiled wiggling his fingers at his toys. A gun would be too quick, too messy. A knife is exactly right. He picked up the butcher knife, humming to himself softly. The poor guy was still on the floor in a mixture of blood and vomit. This sight is the only thing that could get him hard, other than Y/N.  

“This is going to be incredibly fun. Not for you, but definitely for me,” 

Y/N had been stood up. For the fourth time. She wonders if there was something wrong with her. Four times cannot be a coincidence like her friends keep telling her. The men seemed desperate for even a second of her attention and then when given it – radio silence. She just didn't understand. She would get excited, finally having a guy to tell her mother about. And then after three days, that dream guy disappears.  

Lana, Y/N’s roommate, and best friend of three years sits in front of her, “You just haven’t found the one that's right for you. “Everything happens for a reason,” she said trying her best to comfort her best friend.  

Y/N rolled her eyes. 

“I’ve got work. I’ll see you later,” she said, kissing her friend on the cheek and walking away. Y/N had worked at the diner on main street since she was a teenager. Thats where she met most of her admirers. Mostly the elderly locals and the odd few college students cramming for their next exam. Y/N used to be like those students too. Until she dropped out and thought working full time at the diner was better than a law degree.  

Y/N quickly pulled her leggings down, along with her pink panties. She walked over to her wardrobe and pulled out her work uniform, which was a white dress, apron, and knee-high sock. She pulled her hair into a ponytail, not giving much thought to it or the make-up that adorned her dresser. Quickly, she put her comfortable sneakers on, grabbed her phone and jacket and made a beeline for the apartment door. 

“Working the night shift, so don’t wait up,” Y/N yelled, she heard a quick mumble from Lana and then grabbed the keys on the table beside the door. She always forgot them. The last time she did a night shift, she wobbled home and had to sleep in the hallway as Lana was fast asleep and couldn't hear the calls or bangs from her roommate. 

Harry’s day started like it usually did. 

He got up. Showered. Got changed and had food. Brushed his teeth and checked on his cats. 

And then he butchered someone. Cut them up piece by piece and then throw them in the river. It was a normal morning for him. 

He felt hard at the thought. 

His alarm on his watch beeped and he sighed happily, it was time to see his girl. Although Y/N didn’t know him and had never actually spoken to him, he knew she loved him the way he loved her. There was no other choice and Y/N is a good girl. She would grow to love him one way or another. Harry looked at himself in the mirror, straightening his tie. Today is the day he would introduce himself, claim her if you will. Every time he saw her, he wanted to ravish her and today would be that day.  

While Y/N was serving customers, harry was rechecking the rope in the car. When Y/N started to clean the counters, Harry tripled checked the security cameras. Finally, when Y/N was closing the diner, early in the morning, Harry was behind her.  

Instead of flowers behind his back, he held a cloth full of dangerous chemicals. 

Y/N spotted him, startled dropping the keys. 

“I am so sorry, we just closed,” she apologised bending down to pick up her keys at the same time as this mysterious man. She gazed up at him, being met with green eyes, pale skin, and hot breath. She thought he was beautiful. Tortured, but beautiful. 

“It’s ok,” Harry murmured, his ring covered fingers grazed her own sending a shock through her system. Y/N swallowed heavily, not sure if her stomach was producing anxiety or arousal.  

“I feel like I know you,” Y/N hummed, finally picking up the keys and straightening herself up, the man did the same. 

“Maybe we’ve met in another life,” He smiled, for some reason, Y/N blushed. That would have never worked with any other man. To be honest, she would have made a run for it the minute she saw him if he was not this man.  

She put it down to the little male validation she got. 

“Maybe,” Y/N replied after a few beats of tensioned silence.  

Harry’s heart was beating wildly, not because of the possibility of getting caught but because of this woman. She smiled at him. Blushed at his words. 

Oh, he was going to keep her, there was no doubt about it. 

“Anyways, I have to get going, I’ll see you around?” Y/N asked, hope invading her voice.  

“You’ll be seeing me,” Harry said, grabbing her arms, holding her tight as she squirmed. He placed the cloth to her lips and within seconds her body lay still. 

“Mine,” 

[herzzgeist]

One Piece Headcanons - As If It Was Yesterday

Characters: Zoro, Law (pre-relationship) | Trope: Their little 'first' moments special to them | Content: For fem!readers - Wholesome and a tiny bit angsty in the end- enveloping you in bunny plushies

A/N: A 'little' headcanon for my favorite swordsmen, which 'first' moments they shared with you and cherish the most

Dividers by cafekitsune ~

Inspired by @themushroomofdeath - I really hope you like it

1st time you sparred together Your powerful blows, ferocious attacks and eager upkeeping grabbed the swordsman's attention. It's rare he lets a woman fight him, countering your advances with everything he's got. Usually, Zoro's one to lay low on fighting a woman - but you? He hasn't had this much fun in quite some time.

Swords clash against your weapon, sparks of friction restricting your vision as you notice the devious grin of your sparring partner, Zoro.

"Not bad. I feel like fighting a feral kitten."

"Oh shut it!"

Dodging and parrying every last counter of the pirate hunter, you can hear an amused huff, panting at you in nearing exhaust.

"Hold still already!"

"Only to be Lion song'd by you? Are you kidding me?"

Too fast you spin around, trying to face him while you reply, losing your balance in the process. Very smooth (Y/n). However it was a close call - Zoro caught you just in time, sneering at you in victor.

"Didn't need a fancy attack to sweep you off your feet eh?"

He most certainly did not. Zoro's face is close, too close - you feel his hot breath fanning against your skin. Clearing his throat in the faintest of abashment, he straightens you again and compliments you. Yes, compliments you.

When it's due, the swordsman isn't one to withhold you from earnest opinion, thus he grumbles:

"You did good. Just work on your focus and you'll be rocking the battlefield in no time."

"Thank you, but-"

The onyx of Zoro's eye sparks up, glaring you down in sheer annoyance.

"Just take it."

Seeing the tinge of dusted pink on the tip of his ears, it indicates you to simply accept his final resort. He sure is flustered . . for a reason you cannot explain, one he will remember all too well.

1st time you took a nap together How dare you take in his favorite spot? He loves snoozing on that exact spot, and you sat there, all curled up like a cat and snoring like a woodcutter. Might be an overstatement, at least the woodcutter part, however he cannot help but find it inviting to scoot over next to you and let your head fall down onto his shoulder.

Growling in irk, Zoro scratches the back of his neck - lost in what to do with you. Little you, who lies on his favorite spot to nap on.

"Ugh, what now . ."

Easier said than done, he decided to take a seat beside you. A bit stiff and insecure on his feet, he lowers down and shuffles closer, your legs touching slightly. By the warm sensation you rustle up in your sleep, yet only for a split second - practically jumpscaring the man.

Luckily, Zoro was able to keep his grunt of surprise at a lower volume and his gaze shoots to your mellow, sleepy face. Your head rests on his shoulder, breathing in steady pace. Adorable, is what comes up in the pirate hunter's mind - observing you closely and a smile hushes over his lips.

"Annoying little thing."

As annoying as he likes to describe you, he swiftly adds, giving a kiss to the crown of your head:

"Sweet annoying little thing."

And all that he muttered, whispering to himself in disbelief how warm and soft he feels in your presence. Truly calm and at ease. Something only you can provide him.

1st time you gave him a nickname What did you just call him? Wait. It actually sounded nice, coming from you. (Not like that shitty cook) The way you cood, almost singing it to him all sweet and with a hint of tease. Zoro knew you weren't a person to test him by calling him names - you simply showed your rosy, loveable side. Oh and he knew - and how he did, to this day.

"Hey tiger, got a minute?"

"Erm, are you talking to me?"

"Do you see anybody else around?"

Confusion is beyond what plasters over Zoro's face. He is utterly dumbfouned - uncertain on how to react to that highly unusual 'nickname' you just shot at him. Tiger?

"Say it again."

"What, tiger?"

"Again."

"Uh . . tiger."

It grows on him, not to mention bears a flattering effect on the stoic swordsman, thinking he's as strong as that striped beast. He does like the sound of that, especially how your voice melodically hums it to him.

"One more time."

"Zoro, come on don't play that card on me I-"

"That's not my name anymore."

A wide grin flashes at you and he approaches you slowly, making you a tad bit rattled. You feel how the heat in your cheeks saturates your skin softly, earning a vexed sigh out of you. However, the booming call of a certain cook lets the so called 'tiger' gnash his teeth in gremlin like manner.

"Oi Marimo! Get your ass over here!"

"Can't you see I'm busy, curly brow?!"

He isn't done with you, oh no. After losing the cussing battle against Sanji, Zoro swears to come back and make you say it. Again.

"Don't move a muscle. You and I have to settle something, sweet thing."

Oh dear . .

1st time he saw you There you were, your wanted poster. It was the high bounty that caught Law's attention first, then remembering the rumours of your foolish doings and last but not least - analysing your appearance. The surgeon isn't prone to be attracted to the outside of a person, still you withheld a certain esteem that he finds vaguely intriguing, even upon your first meeting. This is a feeling he dearly holds in his memory, to say the least.

"Well, nice to meet you. I'm (Y/n)."

"Trafalgar Law."

His hand is cold, calloused, rough around the edges. The firm grip tells you he isn't likely accustomed to this sort of introduction - a calm one, where individuals can actually look into eachother's eyes and not throw curses of rivalry against one another's heads for once.

Though that you are rivals, you thought it to be a more decent, mature way of greeting a fellow pirate. Strange? Yes, but it's extraordinarily welcoming for the Surgeon of Death, knowing there are in fact less numbskulls around than expected.

Grey irises basically scan you, closely following the outline of your feminine frame. You're smaller than he ought you to be. Staring down at you, he notices an intesity within your eyes - one that captivates and lures him to think you are smarter than you give yourself credit for.

Modesty is something he dare say deems attractive - he remembers the moment he realized what kind of woman you are.

"Let me make this clear, don't cross me. I don't take kindly to idiots hindering me, understood?"

"Oh I would never."

It's the mischevious tone in your voice, mixed with a coy sneer that opts him to click his tongue and roll his eyes. She's a rival alright, a supernova at that. She's dangerous - more than in one aspect.

1st time he fought beside you Law was astounded by your endurance and bravery throughout the first battle beside you, not to mention your cunning - knowing where and when to engage and find possibilites to support your partners. Yet also, it wasn't a surprise that you are too naïve, too impulsive and impatient for the next move. Speaking of, Law found himself staring whenever you strike with all your power - it left him rather entranced seeing your gracious demeanor, unadmittedly for certain.

"Watch where you're going idiot! Wait for the right moment!"

"I'm not yours to command, Trafalgar!"

Of course you run off by yourself. Law is used to that kind of behaviour, to his misfortune. Sprinting after you, he watches in horror as a giant's hand is about to grind you into dust and pounds the earth with an ear deafening rumble.

"(Y/n)-ya!"

Out of impulse he cuts the enormous fist in two, only to find . . nothing beneath. It was then where a sudden booming groan takes Law aback, coming to notice the giant loses his conciousness and slams to the ground face foward.

"What the?"

"Were you looking for me?"

Tapping his shoulder, you stand next to the panting doctor, who subsequently snaps at you for scaring him like that. How dare you!

"Y-No! Absolutely not! I knew you were alright, his hand was just . . conveniently in my way to be torn to shreds."

"Ah, I see. And it wasn't my name you called out to I assume."

"I didn't call for anybody, you're simply imagining things, (Y/n)-ya."

An arrow aims straight for your head, which you dodged in a swift move, almost effortlessly. More and more arrows follow, a rain of wooden projectiles threatening to pierce every inch of your skin, yet you scoff at the Heart pirate and beckon him nonchalantly.

"Come on, Law-ya! This isn't over yet! Let's find the others!"

With his mouth wide agape in appall he glares daggers into your back, grinding his jaw in rage as he yells close behind you:

"Mock and boss me one more time and I swear I'll hold your heart hostage."

"How romantic."

It's how you chuckle while hurdling the battlefield like a cat, parrying and countering attacks along the way, leaves Law tongue tied. He growls - deftly supressing the wave of emotion he hates the most. Fluster.

1st time you hugged/kissed him Never has he thought of getting this close to you, or you to him. And to his absolute demise, he never imagined to 'long' for more, after you wrapped your tiny self around his neck to console him. Nevertheless, the kiss was nothing but malice, taking him off guard - oh how he wanted you to do it again. He reminisces in that past moment almost daily.

"What was that just now, Heartstealer?"

"It was nothing! Can you just not? I'll treat this laceration with a quick precautionary stitch and cauterize. Just- have my back will you?"

You notice distress in his quaking frame, shaking and riled up as if seen a ghost. His hand takes care of the deep wound on his forearm, which he only recently caught, not accepting a unanticipated infection. There's too much blood loss and Law feels his concentration fading.

Without further ado, you support the man who gnarls at you immediately. Not keen on your kindness.

"Don't touch me!"

"You need my help right now, dumbass! Hold still and tell me how to stitch and cauterize!"

He obeys - for now. Unwilingly he instructs you how to lead the needle and burn the tissue in order to close his wound. The process is quick but rather painful, seeing how Law grits his teeth and hisses by the contact of the searing heat.

"You're distraught."

With your voice low, you attempt to find the reason for his unease.

"It was the burning chapel wasn't it?"

No words are needed to see the overwhelm in Law's expression. Never have you thought to witness this man in genuine worry, almost fear. He mutters, swallowing the clump of sorrow to maintain his pride.

"They didn't deserve to pass like this. They haven't done anything wrong . . I was too slow. Too weak. I couldn't -"

"Hey, hey . ."

After you wrapped up his lower arm with bandages, you enclose the distance between you and Law - slinging your arms around his neck to sufficate the dark thoughts fogging up his mind.

"Sshh, don't dig into a scar that's still healing. Calm down."

Your warmth singes his heart, earning a surprised 'Mhm' out of him as he earnestly enjoys being hugged by you.

"Oi, what are you-"

It's forgein, still unpleasant somehow, nevertheless he cannot bring himself to turn you down. Slowly, his functioning arm glides over your back, subtly pulling you closer, movements hestitant out of uncertainty.

Drawing back, you look deeply into his eyes, smiling bright enough to reassure he isn't alone. Not anymore.

"Now isn't the time to talk. If you ever wish to get rid of the weights on your shoulders-"

A tad bit awkward - your face inches closer to his, your hot breath fanning against Law's cheeks - making him . . feel. Thus you continue with the sweetest of consoling hums:

"- know you can put your trust in me. Your sense of security is important to me and I will never force anything out of you. Just pay mind to your mental stability. Alright? We need you as the Surgeon of Death in battle right now . ."

Unexpected, lips, soft and sweet as honey, peck the round of his face, dangerously close to the corner of his mouth. Law is left speechless, unsure how to respond, dumbfounded by your gentle gesture he cannot fathom if he ever received.

Besides Corazon's affection he earned, this is fairly different. He sighs as he sees you walking out the room to check the battle's situation outside.

Fingertips drift along the spot you placed your velvet skin upon. Why does he want you to do it again?

"Tch, this woman . ."

No, this is bad. He needs to forget this ever occured, but he couldn't, he never did.

[brokenpieces-72]

I know that soap is closer to reader than some of the others, but I was wondering what her dynamic with the rest of the 141 is? - 🇰🇷 anon

Hey 🇰🇷 anon. In terms of dynamic it’s a few things for each person.

Johnny is the older brother who sometimes has to fill the dad role. He owns it too. While he doesn’t have a good grip of what being a jackalope hybrid that can shift into a wendigo is like he does what he can to at least make you comfortable. You are top priority, and it can become difficult to set aside your bond to get serious with you.

Kyle is your buddy. He looks out for you as does the rest of the team but if you just want to sit and not talk much or just chill he’s down. If necessary he helps keep you in line, while still being a bit softer about it. After hearing your story, he made sure to be close and watch over you, talking to your mores, encouraging you to be a teenager and try to make friends your own age if you can.

Simon at first thought you were going to be around for maybe a month tops. It’s been much longer than a month and he’s become your shadow. He keeps an eye on you from a distance. Simon lost his brother some time ago, over time he’s come to find a similar attachment. Simon doesn’t baby you, in fact it was his original goal to scare you off. He gives you the benefit of taking you seriously, especially after he learns you didn’t get to have much of a childhood.

Price is still trying to figure what exactly the dynamic between you two is. Not a man who spends too much time with kids and he originally didn’t want to have you on the team, you were an obligation. Some wild card that was being thrown in to the game because the rules said it could be there. Now he’s got a bit of a dad side to him, messing with you from time to time, keeping you in line and laying down the law when he has to.

Rodolfo is your mentor and friend. The dogs like having a younger human around and while Rodolfo might not be a dad he’s still a good teacher. Like Price he wasn’t sure how he felt about someone so young coming to the base, but it didn’t stop him from teaching you everything you needed to know or wanted to know. He likes having you around.

Alejandro is like your uncle, which means he gives you his opinion straight. There are still expectations he has and he pushes you hard, you don’t have limitations in his eyes. Despite this, he knows you can run low, and if you can’t go to Johnny then Alejandro will come to you. Rudy might show you the basics but Alejandro teaches you how to go beyond.

Horangi sees you as a stray cat that keeps coming by his back door. You’ll meow a couple times see if he comes around to greet you. Recently he’s started thinking about his own family, having distanced himself from them to keep them safe. Your habit of getting him to chuff in haetae form has made you into a bit of a brat in his eyes. You went from being the stray, to Horangi becoming the antisocial cat. He comes to you if he feels like, if he finds himself longing for that sense of family and companionship.

König is your big bestie. You’re each other’s safety net. You help each other every mission, and if either of you aren’t on a mission you wait patiently for the other to come back. You check in with him before and after, making sure he’s okay. If he passes out you come by regularly to see if he’s woken up yet. You tease each other, cuddle, and yes at one point you tried braiding König’s hair. König is intimidating in his size but next to you, he comes off softer.

Taglist: @yourlovely-moon @kaoyamamegami @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @sans-chara @1mommyrose4ever29 @smitten-haematite-quartz @talia-the-gemini @yuki2129 @whitetiger846 @graystorm444 @chibiduck @reaperxxxxzz @danielle143 @sobbingnshtting @cringeycookies @cryingpages @dcnocap207 @reaper-chan666 @bestbookfriends

[jesterwriting]

Hellooo! I hope ur well !! Would it be a bother to ask for a head cannon/scenario list, with Zoro, Nami Sanji and Law? Reader’s lost in their own head, tries to let it out through battle- ends up with just needing to be in the comfortable, silent presence of their crew-mate/captain afterwards? You can take it however direction you want-!

Feel free to skip if it’s too much to ask!! Sending you lots of love and good wishes, hope you have a good day/night and take care of yourself 🫶💞

pairings: nami x reader, zoro x reader, law x reader, sanji x reader

word count: 1.8k words

contents: fluff, gender neutral reader, slight descriptions of depression, don’t fight when youre distracted or youll make your blorbos grumpy and worried

note: this was cute! my favorite way to spend time with someone is sharing a room with them hehe :3 i hope you enjoy these headcanons!!

Cat Burglar Nami

She is so focused on her own fight, she doesn’t notice how lost in your head you are until it’s over. Once everything dies down, that’s when Nami scolds you. If you’re in a fight, you give it your full attention, you could get seriously injured if you don’t. Nami knocks you upside the head for it, with love, of course. You’ll be nursing a bump for the next few hours, though Nami will grab you an ice pack if you whine about it enough. She rolls her eyes, but loves how you lean into her touch when she places the ice on your aching forehead.

Your thoughts are still racing as you pace up and down the length of the Sunny’s deck. If you looked in the mirror, you would swear your eyes were spirals. You couldn’t be alone, not right now, not unless you wanted to go crazy. To make things worse, your head still hurt. Nami sure packs a punch, though you know it's only because she cares. You’re lonely, and while you know she is busy navigating right now, you want her company.

The first thing Nami says when you find her is, “I’m still mad at you!” However, she doesn’t make you leave when you sit on the floor and lean your back on the wall. You watch her hands move, fingers curled around a pen as she works on a map. She narrows her eyes at you when she catches you staring at her, reminding you, yet again, that she’s still angry about you putting yourself at risk. When you give her a sheepish grin, she sticks her tongue out at you before getting back to work. Neither of you speak. As time passes, she relaxes, shoulders slumping and brows furrowed as she focuses. The comforting sound of pen on paper soothes your ailing mind. By the time you realize the sun is dipping under the horizon, your ice pack has melted and is nothing more than a sack of water.

Nami looks at you out of the corner of her eye. “Do you need another one?” When you say yes, she smirks and calls for Sanji, who comes running equipped with dinner and another ice pack for you. Her food is so good, you have to try it, stealing a sneaky indirect kiss from you when you share her fork. With Nami as company, you feel a lot better than you did before.

Roronoa Zoro

He notices quickly that you’re lost in your own head mid-fight — Zoro trusts you, but he can’t help but keep an eye on you during battle — and barks at you to get it together. You were hoping to take out your frustrations on the enemy, only to have clumsy footwork because you couldn’t stop thinking about how upset you feel. Zoro is blunt, but his harsh words come from a place of care. If you get hurt because you’re not paying attention, it’s no one’s fault but your own. That doesn’t mean he won’t worry if something were to happen. After the fact, he will double down on his reprimands. Everyone on the ship is counting on you, not only yourself.

You’re even more frustrated with yourself because he’s right. It’s hard to keep his words out of your head, mingling with the thoughts from earlier until you feel absolutely exhausted. You need peace. Somewhere quiet to lay and stare up at the sky for a while to remind yourself how little you are in the grand scheme of things. To you, your problems may seem big enough to swallow you whole. To the sea, they are nothing. The moon doesn’t care how inadequate you feel, the stars cannot fathom how tired you are. You climb up into the crows nest to be closer to them, in hopes that their indifference will rub off on you.

That’s where you find Zoro. He’s napping, though he acknowledges your arrival by cracking open an eye and giving you a nod. You take that as a sign that it’s okay to join him. With a deep breath, you settle next to him and stared up at the sky, tracing the constellations with your pupils. Zoro’s breathing eventually evens out, his loud snoring filling the space enough to drown out any of the negative thoughts that threaten to spill over. No words are spoken between the two of you, they don’t need to be. You enjoy having the presence of another body next to you, the heat from his skin so close by warming you from the nighttime chill. With the white noise of Zoro’s breathing, and the warm blanket of his presence soothing your thoughts, you drift to sleep.

The next morning you wake up with your head on his chest. Zoro is awake, acknowledging you with a grunt before he scoots out from over you and leaves the crow nest. Not before sending you a smirk, as if he hadn’t been letting you cuddle him for the better part of an hour, “Sleep well?”

Trafalgar Law

He notices you’re lost in your own head before the fighting even starts. Law is observant, he knows you like the back of his hand, studying your expressions and mannerisms until he can name your emotions before you can even recognize them. It’s likely he recognized your frustrations the night before, choosing to give you time to work them out on your own. If you don’t, he benches you. Don’t try to fight him on it. Unless you’re able to work through what you need to work through in the next ten minutes, you’re sitting this one out. It’s not that Law doesn’t trust you or have faith in your abilities, he knows that the enemies you’re about to fight are strong and you need to have your whole head in the game. He can’t have you getting hurt on his watch because he failed to recognize the signs that you might be suffering under mental duress.

After the battle, the ship is loud and full of celebration, none of which you want to take part in. Maybe you don’t feel like you deserve it because you didn’t do anything, or maybe you were just too exhausted, being alone with your negative thoughts while the fighting went on. Unable to stand it, you left in search of somewhere quiet. Not alone, you weren’t sure if you could handle being alone right now, but with someone to breathe the same air. If there is one place on the Polar Tang that would be quiet, it would be wherever Law is.

Law raises an eyebrow when you slink into his office. He’s in the middle of reading a book, one leg crossed over the other as he lounges in his chair. “What do you need,” He asks. You shrug and say you don’t want to be alone right now. Law can understand that, gesturing quietly to the chair across from his desk before he’s absorbed back in his book. You share the silence well. While you count the ceiling tiles, you listen to the sound of Law turning the pages of his book. Occasionally, Law will clear his throat, but that’s the only sound you get from him. It’s comfortable, companionable even. You could do this more often. Law’s presence is sturdy and makes you feel safe, the thoughts that run rampant in your head quiet in your captain’s presence.

Hours pass like that, until finally, Law closes his book and announces he’s going to bed. That’s your cue to leave. Before you’re out of your seat, Law asks if you feel any better, smirking a little to himself when you confirm you are. He enjoys sharing a space with you, even if he wouldn’t admit it out loud. You’re welcome back in his office anytime.

Black Leg Sanji

He is always watching you during a battle, just out of the corner of his eye. Sanji is naturally protective, especially of those he loves. Asking him not to worry about you during a fight is like asking a dog not to bark. Due to this, he notices how lost in your head you are almost the second the fighting starts. He takes care to watch your back, driving back the worst of the assailants to make up for your worse than average performance. After the fighting dies down, he asks if you’re doing alright and reminds you to take care of yourself in case something happens. He won’t always be there to protect you. Sanji doesn’t know what he’d do if you got seriously injured on his watch. More than likely, he’d blame himself for not protecting you properly.

You don’t have to seek Sanji out. After the fight, he asks if you would like anything to eat, offering to let you spend time with him in the kitchen while he cooks. Whether you’re hungry or not, you at least take Sanji up on his offer to spend time together. You still can’t think straight, the battle being nowhere near satisfying in getting your emotions out. Being alone right now is not high on your list of priorities. The two of you fall into step with each other as you make your way to the kitchen, and already his presence is a balm to your racing thoughts.

Sanji is truly at home in the kitchen. You know that now more than ever as you watch him cook. It’s like a dance, one he knows perfectly, and there’s a certain sense of grace to his every move. At first, Sanji will try to make conversation, though he slips into a comfortable silence when you explain you would rather not talk right now. He understands, offering you a kind smile before he’s back to work at the counter, chopping vegetables and sprinkling spices into the food. The comfort of a home cooked meal is just what you need, especially since Sanji cut the vegetables into the shape of little hearts. So focused on your meal, and Sanji’s beautiful blue eyes, you can’t remember what you were so upset about.

After you finish your meal, Sanji is insistent that you let him know you feel better before you leave. Give him a big smile and watch him flush, starry eyed at your expression. He feels better now that he knows you feel better. Anytime you need, you can come find him and he will spend time in silence with you, happily cooking you a meal.

[deansapplepie]

Till THE DEAD do us part | Chapter 1

A/N: This story will take place in all the seasons, but it’s not exactly a rewriting cause I’d have to re-watch everything to use the exactly lines of the characters, also I think it’s better if I tell a side story without changing the main facts of the story. I’m not good with synopses, so sorry about that.

This story has a Female Reader, but I don’t describe her appearance, so anyone can identify with her.

Summary: Y/N Grimes is Rick’s younger sister, when the world ended she had Lori, Carl and Shane. But did she really have them? Her brother was dead, her sister-in-law was sleeping with her brother’s best friend and her nephew was just a small kid. She had him, Daryl Dixon was no knight in a shining armor and she was no damsel in distress, but maybe they were exactly what each other needed.

*gif is not mine, credits on the gif.

Chapter 1: Vulnerable

Summary: Y/N sees something she wasn’t supposed to see, she need to vent about it but she can’t do it with Lori or Shane, because they are the main reason about it. So she goes to the woods hoping to find some peace.

Warnings: mentions of sex, swearing, kinda angsty, a little bit of fluffy, comfort, mentions of death, mentions of violence

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Grimes!Reader

Word Count: 2,072

Extra notes: I proofread the text, but English is not my first language, so feel free to correct any mistakes, of course with a lot of love.

Chapter 2

It was again one more boiling hot day in the Quarry near Atlanta, you thought the temperature would for sure kill you, but there was another thing threatening to take your life and it wasn’t a Zombie.

Before everything, before the world ended, life wasn’t easy. You wanted it to be, but you were living one of the worst moments of your life. You had just lost your job as a vet because you couldn’t save a rich man’s cat and he demanded that you were fired. You felt bad for the poor cat, for your lost job, for your name as a professional that was now forever marked and also for your dog a female German Shepherd called Luna that had to see you not acting like your usual self.

On top of that your older brother, Rick, got shot working… he was a Sheriff’s Deputy. That’s what made you stop feeling sorry for yourself, because you couldn’t. You needed to see your brother laying on a hospital bed in comma, you had to hold things together and take care of Carl and Lori.

Lori and Carl had you, but you had no one, Carl was just a kid and Lori couldn’t even take care of herself at the moment. There was Shane, he was like a brother to you, but even with him there… it was as if you were alone. You just had Luna.

You went to their house and stayed there, you were going to stay until Rick got better, yes, he was going to get better and you would stay just a little bit more to help during his recovery, and everything was going to be fine again. But it never was. The world ended. The dead were walking as if they were alive and Rick died.

Now you lived in a Quarry with Lori, Carl, Shane and a bunch of other survivors. Most of people were pleasant and easy to live with, the exception was Ed, Carol’s husband and Merle Dixon, Daryl’s brother, but this was the apocalypse and you don’t have much choice on the people that are going to be around you.

It had been almost two months since everything happened and the camp was created, almost two months your brother had died… and today, while you were picking some wood, you saw something that felt as if someone was pulling your guts out of your stomach and squeezing your heart.

Lori and Shane. Not Lori and Shane friendly doing what they usually do, they were in the middle of the forest, fucking, and there was no other word you’d use to describe it other than fucking. There wasn’t even two months Rick died, and his best friend and wife were fucking.

You felt nauseated, you went back the same direction you came and knew you had to do something to calm down. You couldn’t afford causing an scene or any uncomfortable situation, you could not hurt Carl.

“Hey! Aunt Y/N, did you already pick all the woods?” Carl shouted to you from the spot he was, playing with Sophia and Luna, Carol watching them.

“Er… wood wasn’t good that side, I’m going to the other side see if I find anything better.” You gave a lame excuse, you just wanted to be alone, cry all this shit out, in silence cause you didn’t want anyone to know and you didn’t want to attract any walkers near the camp.

“Can you look after them a little more, Carol?” You asked the woman, you were sure she was not going to say no, she loved being with the kids and even with Luna.

“Sure, don’t worry.” She said, you nodded and then walked to the opposite side from where you came the fastest as possible, looking down so others wouldn’t see you had started to cry.

You walked until you found a place far enough so no one would find you, but not so far that you would have any trouble. You had a gun and knife, you knew how to defend yourself, but you couldn’t make it easy to the dead to kill you, you were not that dumb.

You sat behind a tree, brought your knees to your chest and hid your face crying. Your thoughts were racing and all you could think was about what you saw, your brother and how you missed him. You listened to some light leaves hustle, but You didn’t give it importance, thinking it was probably the wind, it was so light that it couldn’t be a walker. So you continued minding your own business crying what you had to cry so you could look at your sister-in-law’s face without letting her know how upset you were.

“Ya shouldn’t be out here vulnerable like that” you jumped startled by the redneck’s voice. ‘So that was him,’ you thought, ‘of course, only he could walk with light steps, he was a hunter after all.’ You wiped your tears, not that it would help they were still falling and there wasn’t anything you could do to stop them.

“I’m not vulnerable, I just needed some time alone.” You answered, he was really trying to not be too rough on you given to your situation, but his lack of tact was something he had much difficulty to overcome.

“Ya could cry in your tent, it’s safer”

“I don’t wanna Carl and Lori to see me cry. I don’t wanna have to explain myself, things would get bad if I had to. I don’t wanna upset Carl.” You sniffed, that was one of the worst parts of crying, getting a damn runny nose.

“Shane can’t help?” He asked, you didn’t know but he probably already had some idea of the reason you were crying.

“He’s part of the problem Dixon, if I could I’d punch him and kick his balls” you answered, tears still running down but a little bit calmer.

“Did ya see him and…” he didn’t finish the question, because you completed it for him.

“Lori? Yeah”

Talking about them made you remember everything you saw and how it hurt you. You were still mourning Rick, and Shane and Lori apparently were already moving on. What hurt the most is that even mad at both of them, you still loved them. Lori was like a big sister, a sister that you wish you had while growing up, and Shane? He was your brother he taught you how to defend yourself, he gave you shooting classes, he brought you home the first time you got drunk and even took care of you while you were hangover. When Rick wasn’t there, he was. At this moment you hated him as much as you loved him.

“Do you know if anyone else know about them?” You asked after a long time, you were so lost that you didn’t even noticed that Daryl walked a bit ahead and stoped with his back turned to you. He wanted to give you privacy to cry, but he also couldn’t leave you behind, it was dangerous to you staying so vulnerable at the forest. He knew you could defend yourself, but you didn’t even listened him approaching, you sure were not going to listen to a walker too.

“I don’t know. Probably not. I’m much into the woods, so I caught them a few times.” He answered at distance, not turning to look back at you. “Do ya like him?” Daryl asked and right after he just regretted having opened his mouth, why would he ask such an intimate thing to you? He should just stay there and make sure you’d go back alive to the camp.

“Ew! No! He’s like a brother to me. We grew up together.” You answered disgusted to the idea of liking Shane any other way. “It’s not that. My brother, he died. Well, you probably know. And I know Lori needs to continue living and they are adults, but there’s not even 2 months and she moved on that fast and Shane… he was his best friend. I’m still mourning him, the world still doesn’t make any sense without him here and they are already fucking. I know I’m being selfish and emotional but…” you spoke so much that you had already lost your line of thought. Daryl was probably tired of you, he wasn’t one to talk much, but here you were opening all your thoughts to him.

“It’s about yer brother. Ya have the right to feel.” He understood, he had never lost his brother and he hoped he’d not lose him anytime soon. Merle was a dick, and he made him mad most of the time, but he was his brother, so he understood you.

You wiped your tears, calmer and ready to continue. You were still mad and sad about everything, but now you didn’t feel like you were going to die anymore, you were not suffocated. You got up, shook the dirt from your pants and approached the archer.

“I was going to take some wood for fire. I don’t want to go back empty handed. Can you help me?” Now you gave a look at him, and noticed he had some rabbits and squirrels hanging from a rope. He was being essential to maintain everyone fed, he was not one to be socializing around the camp, but he was good and you could see it.

He just nodded and started walking by your side collecting the good woods he found along the way. “Thank you.” You said collecting a branch that you saw.

“For what? I didn’t even take the woods to the camp.” Did he not understand or was he faking?

“Not about the woods. Well, that too… but thank you for staying with me and talk to me, you didn’t have to” ‘but you did’, you completed in your thoughts. “Also, thank you for always bringing us food. I don’t know if I ever told you that.” He grunted, sometimes you wish you could know what he was thinking, you never knew if his grunts mean something good or bad.

“No need to thank me” he never knew how to react at moments like that. Should he say thanks back? Should he give another compliment?

Soon you returned to the camp, he helped you put the woods near the makeshift kitchen and was going to clean the rabbits and squirrels so they could be cooked.

“Luna likes you” you said, you saw how your dog acted around him. He was a little surprised with the comment. “You can take her with you when you want, I see that you like her too.” You smiled, a beautiful one just as if you were not broken or had cried your soul an hour ago.

“She likes my food too” he joked, it was not intentional but after what he said he even got a little smile at the corner of his mouth for some seconds. You giggled before answering.

“I know, she makes the cutest puppy eyes. It’s not her fault if you can’t resist her charms.” He snorted and for some seconds, just few seconds, he thought that maybe she wasn’t the only one he couldn’t resist. As he went to clean the hunt, you went to Carol to say you got the wood and offer to take care of the kids while she started to prepare the food.

You couldn’t take that smile from your face and you didn’t were sure why, you ruffled Luna’s fur while you sat close to the kids and released the dog so she could run around a little. You hated having to let her tied, but you were too afraid of what could happen if she went too far. She ran around the camp and soon approached the archer he pet her and she made her happy tail dance to him, he looked in your direction and you smiled watching their interaction. Your day wasn’t lost, there was still good things to be grateful for, even in a world like this.

Final notes: Please tell me your thoughts. There is a long time I don’t write and publish fanfiction in English so I’d be glad to hear from you.

[heartfeltcierra]

Dude where's my submarine? Part 3 (Final) Isekaied Law X Female reader

It's time for Law to go back.....

Word Count- 6.9k

Part one here Part two here

Masterlist

“The end of a melody is not its goal: but nonetheless, had the melody not reached its end it would not have reached its goal either. A parable.” ― Nietzche

AN-I had so much fun writing this story , but as they say all good things must come to a end. I hope you enjoy the final part! -Love Cierra ʕ •ᴥ•ʔゝ☆

Side note-There are a few links in the story for reference you can use.

Warnings/content-Nightmares, Mentions of Violence, Modern Day references, Character death

  “You can’t run forever Y/N~ Fufufu” Doflamingo’s voice echoes through the dark forest.

  “Leave me alone you creepy bird bastard!” You yell without daring to turn your head as you run from the pink pursuer. How did I get here? The rapid heartbeat in your chest mixes with the sound of breaking twigs and the whooshing of strings. 

 “There you are.” The devilish voice was too close for comfort. You pick up the pace, desperate  to make some distance between you and him. “Bullet string.” The ball of string shoots past your face, taking a few strands of hair in the process. “Just give up already.” One of the trees ahead of you gets sliced and comes crashing down.

 “I’ll give up when your hairline grows back!” You jump over the tree and continue your frantic running. The moonlight glows  and reveals the end of the woods. Almost there. A sense of false relief washes over you as you leave the mess of trees and brush. Looking ahead you realize you are cornered, leaving you two options. 1. Jump off the cliff you’ve found yourself at. 2. Doflamingo kills you. 

 “The mouse has found itself between the cat and a trap~” You turn around to see Doflamingo standing a few feet away. “You know what that means Y/N?” He slowly inches closer to you. “No matter what you do, death is the only sure result.” Am I going to die here? You take a few steps back, closer to the edge of the cliff.

 “Help.” 

 “Help?” Doflamingo mocks you with a sadistic grin. “Who the hell is going to help you?” 

 “LAW!” You jump up from the bed with your hand over  your pounding heart. It takes a few moments to realize you were in the safety of your room and not in the woods being chased down by a psychotic ex-warlord. 

 “Y/N are you okay?” Your jolt hearing the bedroom door slam against the wall. “I heard you scream.” The light in your bedroom flickers on revealing a menacing looking Law holding his sword in an offensive position. 

 “I’m fine.” You give him a glance done before smirking. “Nice boxers~”

 “I came in here with full intent on killing something or someone for you and all you can say is nice boxers?” Law deadpans before laying his sword down. “But seriously, what caused you to scream?” 

 “A nightmare.” 

 “What about?” Law questions with a raised brow.

 “I’ll tell you, but just know it was pretty horrific.” Law nods his head, letting you know to continue. “So I was in a dark forest being chased by Doflamingo.”

 “Damn that does sound horrific.” 

 “Trust me it gets worse. I reached the edge of the forest only to find a cliff waiting for me. So I could jump or wait for him to slice me into pieces.” You grimace thinking about being turned into a million little pieces via strings. 

 “Which did you do?” 

 “Neither. I called for help.” A soft smile forms on your lips. “More specifically, I called for you.”

 “And I came.” 

 “That you did, my knight in shining red plaid.” Law rolls his eyes as you start to laugh.

 “Since you're obviously okay, I’m going back to bed.” As he walks away you remember that tonight was his last full night here.

 “Wait. Stay.” You could feel heat rise to your cheeks considering your request, but you also wanted to make the most of the situation. “Please.” You bat your lashes and pat the empty spot next to you.

 “Fine.” You watch Law crawl under the covers with a huge grin on your face. “I’m starting to think you planned this out.” 

 “I did not!” You reject his statement. “The nightmare felt so real, when I first woke up from it I thought Doflamingo was in my room!”

  “I doubt that will ever happen, but if it did…” Law gives you a teasing look. “I’m sure you could handle him.”

 “Me?!” You nearly jump up from the bed. “What do you suppose I do Law? Refer him to a really good therapist? Maybe they could convince him to take antipsychotics.” You doubt there is a person or pill strong enough to handle the pink bastard.

 “I had something different in mind….Something much simpler.” Law turns on his side to face you. “All you have to do is call for me..”

 “I will.” You blush as his hand reaches out to stroke your cheek. “And you better show up.”

 “As if I’d let you down.” Law winks. “Now if I recall you said we had big plans for my last day tomorrow.”

 “I do.”

 “So we better get some rest.” Law gets up to turn the light off before laying back in the bed. “Good night Y/N.”

 “Good night Law, sleep well..” 

 You lay on your side, facing Law. He was so close you could smell his body wash and feel the warmth his body produced, but not him. Not that you were expecting him to cuddle up with you, well actually you were. Maybe I should ask? But if you did he would probably tease you until the sun came up. 

 “......”

 “......”

 “.....”

 “ROOM.” 

 “What are you doing?”

 “You told me to sleep well.. SHAMBLES.” The soft pillow beneath your head is replaced by something firm and warm. “So this is me sleeping well.” Your heart leaps in your chest hearing his voice so close to your ear. That could only mean..

 “Ummm Law…. am I laying on your chest right now?” It was a stupid question and he didn’t answer it. Instead he adjusts your head until your ear is right above his heart. The calm and steady thumps are the polar opposite of the borderline cardiac arrest you had going on. “I have to say using your devil fruit power to teleport me was a little extra considering I was barely a foot away to begin with.”

 “Want me to send you back?” 

 “NO.” 

 “Are you sure Y/N?” He asks like he didn’t just wrap an arm around you to pull you closer.

 “I’m very sure..” Your eyes were already struggling to stay open.

 “Good, now go to sleep.” 

~~~~

 I don’t think I couldn’t be any more grateful to the moon as I am right now. The once dark room was now illuminated, giving Law the perfect view of your face laying on his chest. A lazy smile forms on his lips seeing the small trail of drool leaving your glossy lips. I'm definitely going to tease you about that in the morning. 

 “Law..” He tenses up hearing your sleepy voice call his name. “........” She must be dreaming.

 “I’m right here Y/N.” He gently whispers before placing a kiss on your forehead. His action causes your sleeping body to shift ever so slightly. Your hand that was thrown lazily over his body moves until it stops over his heart. 

  It was now official. The infamous heart thief named Trafalgar Law just got a taste of his own medicine.

~~~~

 “Y/N.” Your body was being slightly shaken, pulling you from your sweet dreams. “Wake up before you drown me.”

 “Huh?” You raise up and see Law smirking at you. “How was I about to drown you?”

 “See for yourself.” He points at the pool of drool on his bare chest. 

 “Crap, I'll be right back.” You ran and got a towel before wiping the drool off of him. “I am so sorry, Law.”

 “Don’t be sorry, I was expecting it.”

 “How?”

 “I mean you drool over me when I’m awake, so it makes sense you do the same thing while you're asleep~”

 “I’m so over the teasing.” You throw the towel into a hamper. 

 “That’s too bad because I’m not~” Law grabs your hand and pulls you down beside him on the bed. “And considering it’s my last day, prepare for a lot more.” That’s right, today is his last day. “Y/N you're frowning, what’s wrong?” 

 “I know you don’t want me to be sad about you leaving tonight. But I can’t help but be bummed out.” You stare up at the ceiling thinking about the days to come.

 “It’s okay, I am too.” His golden eyes join yours. “I’ve grown quite fond of this place. I will definitely miss it.”

 “I think you’ll miss the laptop more than anything.” You laugh thinking about all the crazy youtube videos he watched.

 “I won’t miss any of it more than I will you Y/N.” The sincerity in his words brings a blush to your face. “Sure I had fun learning about this world, but you were the one who was with me through all of it.” His hand wraps around yours as your eyes meet his. “When I first got here I was confused, but when I saw that goofy little smile of yours I knew I was in good hands.” 

 “My smile is not goofy.” You pout as Law’s laughter fills the room. “Besides I was just really excited to see you.”

 “Oh I could tell~” You grab a pillow and throw it on the cocky man's face.

 “Is teasing me all day really what you want to do?” Law pulls the pillow off his face and smirks.

 “Maybe.” He sits up on the bed and comes face to face with you. “I doubt you’d mind, right?” No words came out of your mouth seeing just how close Law was. Your first thought was to kiss him. You could tell he was thinking the same thing about you, but you were both hesitant. 

 “Law. I” His hand came up to cup your cheek.

 “I know Y/N.” The words were unspoken, but the feelings weren’t as silent. You smile and bring your hand over his. “Me too.”

~~~~

 “Hey Law, come help me pick things out for us to do.” You plan to take Law out of town to a city with plenty of attractions.  “I already have a surprise for dinner tonight, but I want you to pick out some things to do as well.” Law sits besides you on the couch and watches as you scroll through the list.

 “What’s a selfie museum?” Law points at the picture of a couple in front of a color background.

 “It’s a building filled with aesthetic scenes for picture taking.” You click on the website to show him more pictures. “I’ve never been to one myself, but I think it would be fun if you want to!”

 “Yeah, that does sound fun. Plus I’m sure you want to take plenty of pictures with me.” Damn straight I do. “That also looks interesting.” He points to the museum of life and death. 

 “It does.” And it’s right up his alley. “They  have real human skeletons and animal ones too. Plus the backstory on how they died.” You look at Law’s cute expression. We definitely have to go now. 

~~~~

 You and Law get ready for your final day out. You decided to wear something cute but comfortable considering you were going to be walking around alot. 

 “Y/N are you dressed?” Law knocks on the door. 

 “I am!” With that Law steps in and looks you up and down. “Are you enjoying the view?” You smirk and twirl around in the outfit. 

 “Yeah I am.” Instead of getting flustered like you wanted him to, you met with his cocky smirk. “Did you get all dressed up for our date?” Date? DATE?

 “So this is a date?” After all this time playing coy, Law finally breaks down blushing.

 “Well, yeah. It is.” His eyes never left your awe stricken face. “And we better get going, you said we had to drive a few hours to get there. ROOM.” Law grabs onto your hand. “SHAMBLES.”

 “Wait Law I need my.” He teleported you to your car but you didn’t have your-

 “Purse, phone and keys.” He jiggles the keys while your purse sits in his lap. He even had your phone already plugged up into the car. “Your most important things, besides me of course~” You reach over and pull his hat down over his head, causing him to grunt in annoyance.

 “You sure exploit your favorite character privileges.” Your eyes roll and put the directions in on your phone. “So since I’ll be driving that means you're in charge of music. You remember how to get to my playlist?” Law nods and grabs your phone. “Good, you’ll make a fine passenger princess~”

 “What does that even mean?” 

 “Nothing~”

~~~~

 “Wow this place is huge!” You and Law walk into the selfie museum. “There’s so many rooms. Where do we even begin?”

 “Let’s go this way.” Law grabs your hand and leads you towards a rather dark looking section. Figures.

 You see a sign above the door that says ‘Nightmare room’. Creepy. When you and Law first enter your met with what looks like a fun house. There was a giant clown that pointed towards a path that said ‘This was to your death.’

 “Death?” You gulp.

 “Yeah?” Law mockinly answers.

 “Just because you have death tattooed on your hands does not make you death! But that clown may just be.” You subconsciously move closer to Law. “I thought this was a cute place to take pictures?”

 “It is, so why don’t don’t you go take a picture with the clown?” He nudges your side.

 “Which one?” You give your companion a dose of side eye

 “Are you insinuating that I am a clown?” He bends down until you are face to face.

 “I sure am.” You reach up to his face and grab his nose in between your thumbs and index finger. “Honk Honk.” You pinch his nose a few times, grab his beloved hat and run away before he can kill you.

 “Y/N L/N!”  His voice echoes the long hall you were running down. Oh no he used my full government name. 

 You run past a room full of trick mirrors before ending up in a dimly lit room full of dracula style coffins. Glancing around the room you find a perfect place to hide from Law’s wrath. You open the pink coffin and shut the door. Loud footsteps start reverberating in the room causing your anxiety to skyrocket.

 “Oh Y/N~” The intimidation in Law’s voice made you even more on edge. “I’d come out if I were you.” Your eyes peek out of the small window on the coffin. He had a malevolent smile on his handsome face. “Because I promise you won’t like I do to you if I find you.” 

 You slam your hand over your mouth as a small squeak leaves your lips. Law’s hat in your other hand shook with your trembling hand. Good going Y/N, pissing off the freaking surgeon of death. You lean back in the coffin causing it to creak. Oh fuck. 

 “Fount ya.” The door to the coffin swings open causing you to scream out of surprise “Say cheese~” A flash blinds your horror filled eyes. “Now who’s the clown?” Law holds your phone up to display the very unflattering picture of you clutching his hat for dear life as you screamed.

 “Not funny.” You jerk the phone out of his hand. “How did you even get my phone?” Your hand goes into your back pocket and pulls out an admission ticket. “So that’s how. Smart.” You didn’t even notice him using his ability, but you were  running for your life so it makes sense.

 “Here.” Law takes his hat out of your hand and places it on your head. “Pose.” You lean back in the coffin and hold up a peace sign. “You know when I think of death and coffins a peace sign isn't the first thing that comes to mind.” He snaps a picture of you.

 “I thought it was cool.” You come out of the coffin and take your phone with a pout on your face. “Well it’s your turn now, see if you can out do me.”

 “Oh that won’t be hard.” You scoff as law grabs his hat from your head and puts it back on his. You hold the phone up and wait for him to pose. He smiles before crossing his arms behind his back, leaning into the coffin. “It’s quite comfy in here.” He looks at you through lidded eyes. You shamelessly snap three pictures. I’m so making this my background. “I’m not done yet.” He brought his hands down to his shirt before pulling it up enough to expose his abs. You blink a few times and try to keep your jaw from hitting the floor.  “Go on Y/N~” Your finger rapidly hits the screen taking pictures.

 I take that back, I’m making this my background.

~~~~

 After escaping the nightmare fuel room you end up in a room called the ‘Clean and Chill’. The room was filled with mirrors and attached from the ceiling were bubbles.

 “This reminds me of Sabaody.” You and Law say in perfect unison, causing you to look at each other. 

 “Bright minds think alike.” Law smiles at you before taking your hand. 

 “Hey Law, let's take a mirror selfie.” You walk over in front of the mirror and drag Law with you. You pull your phone out and hold it up. He brought his head down so it rests on your shoulder. You snap the picture and pull it up to look at it. “Who taught you that?” You notice he gave you bunny ears.

 “I looked up different things to do in photos last night.” It didn’t shock you one bit. “I just wanted to be prepared.” 

 “I have an idea. Take your hat off.” He does and looks at you in the mirror. You bring your hand behind his and give him bunny ears. He does the same to you as you take the picture. “It’s such a cute photo.” You look at the picture and swoon.

 “It is.” Law smiles seeing how eccentric you were. You are what made it cute

~~~~

 “This is the last room.” You walk into the ‘Sweet room’. It was filled with human sized deserts, a colorful ball pit and a slide that takes you out of the museum. You and Law walk around taking pictures with all of the deserts, unaware of the eyes that were on you.

 “Umm excuse me?” You and Law turn around to see a girl smiling. You notice right away she has a one piece shirt on. “I just wanted to say I liked your Law cosplay! It’s almost crazy how much you look like him.” She studies Law who’s giving you a look that screams ‘What do I do?’ “Wow you even have the tattoos! Are they real?” Law awkwardly nods his head.

 “Yeah they are!” You place a hand on Law’s back. I got this Law, don't worry. “And I like your shirt by the way!”

 “Thank you!” She smiles and pulls the shirt out more, revealing all three supernovas, Luffy, Kid and the man standing right next to you. “It’s my favorite to wear because it has my favorite character on it!” Your body tenses up. What if it’s Law?

 “And who would that be?” You ask nervously. Law smirks at you knowing exactly what’s going through your mind.

 “Kid!” Suddenly the girl whips out an Ita bag filled to the brim with Kid’s face. “He’s such a himbo and I love him.” Your body relaxes. 

 “That’s cool!” She was truly dedicated to Kid. “My favorite character is Law!”

 “I figured that much considering..” She looks at Law and then back to you. “Wait a second.” She opens her bag and rummages through it before pulling out a keychain with Law on it. “Take this!”

 “Are you sure?” Your geeky smiles plaster your face, she nods. “Thank you!”

 “You're welcome.” Law nudges your side. You look into his eyes and know exactly what he’s saying. “I’ll let you guys get back to enjoying the museum!” 

 “Wait!” The girl stops. Words get caught up in your throat as you freeze. 

 “Sorry, my girlfriend is a little shy.” Law is now the one holding your back. “She’s working on making friends.”

 “Oh I see. I’d love to exchange numbers!” The girl pulls her phone out and you do the same. “My name is______.” After exchanging numbers you part ways. 

 ~~~~

 “Thank you Law.” You take a deep breath and fall into the ball pit. “She seems like a really nice person.”

 “You're welcome.” Law laid right beside you. “And she did. But I bet you would have said differently if I was her favorite character.” You grab one of the balls and throw it in his face.

 “Says the one who called me girlfriend.” Your eyes blow wide. Earlier you were too frazzled to process it, but now. 

 “I did.” Law picks up a bunch of the colorful balls and throws them at you one by one like a snowball fight. “Do you have a problem with that?”

 “I guess I don’t, boyfriend.” You throw a ball and it knocks Law’s hat off his head, revealing his spiky black locks. 

 “You catch on quick.” He winks before picking his hat back up. “Are we ready to go?”

 “Yup.” You get out of the ball pit and head towards the exit slide. “I’ll get in first and you get behind me.” You sit on the slide and Law straddles his long legs around you. “Are you ready?” 

 “Not yet.” His voice was right up against your ear, causing shivers to snake down your spine. “Hold onto this for me.” He hands you his hat before his arms wrap around you to pull you against his back. “Now I’m ready.”

 Your laughs echo the slide as Law holds onto you for dear life. You see the light at the end of the tunnel and Law does too but in a different context. You and Law exit the slide and come to a halt.

 “That was so much fun.” You lift up with your hands in the air, while Law falls back on the slide. “You okay Law?” He doesn’t respond. I’m taking that as a no…

~~~~

 After Law recovers from his trip down the ferocious slide you make your way to the Museum of Life and Death.

 “Welcome everyone!” The tour guide dressed in white waves his hands. “I’m Life!”

 “Hello, I am Death.” A girl dressed up like the grim reaper swung around a foam scythe. “Follow us.”

 “Here, so we don’t get separated in the crowd.” You blush as Law laces his hands with yours.

 “Aww Law if you wanted to hold my hand you could have just asked.” You elbow his side as he glares down at you. Much to your surprise he releases your hand. Your lips part out of shock. The audacity!  “Law…” You try to grab his hand again but he keeps avoiding you. 

 “Aww Y/N if you wanted to hold my hand you could have just asked.” He mocks before grabbing your hand again. 

 “Your a brat Law.”

 “Takes one to know one.”

~~~~

  The two tour guides took you from exhibit to exhibit explaining their role in the birth and demise of each specimen. You look up at Law and see his eyes sparkle with delight. Only he would be this happy about seeing the skeleton of a tree frog.

 He stole your phone and took pictures of anything and everything. But he suddenly stops and quirks his brow.

 “Is that what I think it is?” He points to an exhibit that had two skeletons in a very ‘suggestive’ position.

 “Umm.” You and him look at the exhibit and then back at each other. “Yeah they are totally screwing.” You watch as Law holds back laughter.

 “So I’m sure some of you have already caught onto this act of love.” The man known as Life points at the exhibit. “It's also the start of all life.”

 “It is also the start of death.” The girl known as Death pipes in. “From the moment you are born you inch closer and closer to the inevitable fate bestowed onto all living beings.”

 “As grim as that seems.” Life takes over again. “Life is still beautiful.” Life and Death smile at one another “If you take anything away from today's tour, let it be this. Live your life and enjoy the life you live.” And with that the tour ends.

~~~~

 “So did you have a good time?” You buckle up and look over at Law.

 “I did, thank you for bringing me.” His stomach grumbles. “But I’m starving.”

 “Me too.” You smile thinking about the surprise. He’s going to love it.

 “So what exactly is this surprise dinner of yours?” You shake your head. 

 “You’ll just have to wait and see~” 

~~~~

 You have Law close his eyes before pulling into the parking lot of the destination. The outside of the building is a dead giveaway considering it’s shaped like a ship.

 “I swear if I fall I will never forgive you.” Law grips onto your arm as you guide him into the building.

 “I won’t, besides we are almost there.” You walk him up a few stairs before opening the door handle that was shaped like a sword hilt. Air rushes out of the building and into your face. 

 “You can open now!”

 Law scans the room with a look of pure confusion on his face. All around were people dressed up as stereotypical pirates, fake treasure chest filled with plastic gold coins sat in every corner and the room smelt like salt water.

 “Y/N?” Law grabs onto your forearm and leans down.“What exactly am I looking at?”

 “It’s a pirate themed dinner show!”

 “I see.”

 “So what do you think?” You look up at Law’s expression and feel a little sad. He looks unamused.  “I’m sorry Law, this was a stupid idea we can leave if you want to.” The disappointment in your voice alerts Law. Yes he thinks it's very weird, yes he’s confused. But he also sees the amusement of this place.

 “No actually, I think this will be fun.” He pulls you close and feels a wave of relief seeing you smile again. 

 You and Law walk into the main venue. The seating was colosseum style around a huge stage where the actors would perform. Once you got to your seats a waiter came around to get your drink orders. 

 “This is.” Law took a sip of his iced tea. “This is the best tea I’ve ever had.” You watch as Law downs the entire sweet tea. “What’s in this that makes it so good?”

 “Sugar… lots and lots of sugar.” You take a sip out of your own drink. 

 “It slays.” 

 “Law....” You nearly spit your drink out while holding back a laugh. “Do you just say..”

 “I did. Because this tea slays.” The waitress came up to fill his cup. 

 “What other modern slang terms do you know?”

 “Rizz. And according to the internet I have it.” 

 “Yeah, I'd have to agree.”

 The lights in the auditorium dim as a loud bang resembling cannon fire echoes in the room. Most people jumped in their seats, you included. But Law didn’t move a muscle, probably because he was used to the sound. 

 You watch as a huge crowd of pirates come on stage and start fighting one another over a treasure chest. Law chuckles when the captains walk out on stage to fight. 

 “I wonder what they would think if they knew a real pirate captain was In the crowd?” Law whispers in your ear. 

 “They’d probably think you're crazy.” You scooch closer to him “Especially if you mentioned your navigator was a polar bear.” A very cute one at that~

 “What do we have here?” You and Law froze when a spotlight was put on both of you. “What a fine maiden we have here.” The ‘evil’ pirate captain came up to you. “I think I’ll take you with me.” 

 “Like hell you will.” Law wraps an arm around your back. The gesture gave you butterflies, but your curiosity gets the best of you. 

 “Sure.” You shrug your shoulders and wiggle out of the firm hold he had you in. “Lead the way.” You walk away with the evil pirate leaving a very confused Law behind. 

 The pirate takes you up to a platform. It was a little nerve wracking to be high up. The pirate wraps his arm around you before walking to the end of the platform. 

 “If you want yer woman back you’ll have to take out my men!” You see Law standing up in his seat below. He looks absolutely feral and you're living for it. “And if you survive you’ll have to fight me!” The crowd cheers as a staff member hands Law a fake sword. “Now my lady, any words of encouragement for your daring fellow.”

 “Go easy on them.” You wink at Law who’s finally catching on to what’s happening. He gets to play hero. 

 You watch as Law skillfully but gently, takes down each pirate one by one. From time to time you would yell out a “Save me.” just to egg him on. 

 “Are you ready for the real fight!” The captain yells out as Law climbs the ladder up to the platform. 

 “I could say the same to you.” Law smirks before jumping onto the platform. “I’ll take my girl back now if you don’t mind.” You step back and let the two captains duke it out over you. The actor whispers something to Law before they begin to battle. 

 In the end Law of course won. With one final swing of the provided prop sword, the evil captain went falling into the water below. You ran up to Law and stood by his side. 

 “Thanks for saving me, how could I ever repay you~”

 “Like this.” Law grabs your cheeks and turns you away from the crowd before smashing his lips against yours. The crowd around you starts to whistle and cheer as Law kisses you like there’s no tomorrow. In reality that is the case.

 “Let’s hear it for the new King and Queen of the pirates!” The announcer's voice echoes the stage as Law pulls away. 

 “I guess I beat Strawhat to it.” Law smiles before giving your forehead a quick kiss. To say you were on cloud 9 would be an understatement. 

 “That you did, Captain.”

~~~~

  “Hey driver princess, what was the name of that song again?” Driver princess? Law was scrolling through your playlist. You think for a second and it clicks.

 “Oh I know.” In the days Law has been with you he has started to like listening to music. But the music he likes is not what you thought it would be. In your head you imagined him like grunge music or something more on the edgy side, but to your surprise.“It’s called For the first time.”

 “Yeah, that’s the one.” Law finds the song and smiles hearing the song start up.

 You can’t help but smile hearing him hum or ever so quietly sing one of the lyrics. He was out of his element, but at the same time in it. The song comes to an end and Law scrolls through once more to find a song.

 “Can I tell you something  Y/N?” You glance over to see Law tapping his tattooed fingers against his thigh. Is he nervous? With a curt nod from you he continues. “When I first listened to this song it made me think of you.” You think of the lyrics and what they mean. “I know it’s my last day here and all, but I have a feeling that I will see you again one day.” Comfort washes over you at his words.

 “I feel like I will too.” Your hand reaches over and intertwines with his. The tension in the car diminishes as Law gives your hand a reassuring squeeze. 

~~~~

  By the time you got home it was already 11:30PM, meaning Law leaves in half an hour. Your phone buzzes and you see another text 

 “Your wish must be in the same room in which it spawned.” 

 “Hey Law.” You knock on the door outside of his room. The door opens and you see he’s wearing the outfit he had on when he first arrived. “I got a text saying you need to be in my room at midnight.” 

 “I’m almost ready.” You nod as he walks into the bathroom. 

 You look at the neatly made bed and the piles of folded clothes that he wore during his time here. A sharp pain daggers through your chest. He is going to be gone soon. Tomorrow he won’t be here when you wake up, you’ll be alone. Your eyes start to sting but you stop before tears could form. I want to be smiling before he goes. 

 11:55PM

 You and Law talk about everything that’s happened with smiles on your faces.

 11:56PM 

 You give Law printed pictures of the photos you took today. He smiles and tucks them into his coat pocket.

 11:57PM 

 Reality comes crashing in for the both of you.  Law sits down on the bed with you and holds you close to him as you fight back tears. 

 11:58PM 

 Law stands up from the bed and goes to the spot in the middle of your room where he first showed up. 

 “Law before you go. I want to give you something.” You run out of your room and come back with something in your hands. Law's eyes glass over seeing what you're giving to him. 

 “Y/N… Are you serious?” You smile and place the Corazon figure in his hands. 

 “Yes I am.” 

11:59PM

 “You won’t forget me, will you Law?” You wrap your arms and take in his scent for one more time.

 “I could never forget you.” Law did the same. “You gonna keep that promise?”

 “I will.” You pull back long enough to kiss him one last time. 

 “Good girl.” He smiles and looks at the time 20 more seconds. “If you ever find yourself In my world, come find me. I just know the crew would love you.”  Just like I do 

 “Is this my invitation to the heart pirates?” 

 “It sure is.” Law wraps you in his arms. “And I’m not a very patient captain, so don’t leave me waiting too long.” 

 “I’ll try not to.” 10 seconds 

 “I’ll hold you to that.” Law holds you closer to his body. “ROOM.” “SHAMBLES.” “I left you a little surprise, you just have to find it.”  

 “Good bye Y/N.”

 “Good bye Law.” 

 The arms that were wrapped around Law come around your own body. 

 12:00AM

 Law is gone. 

 The breath you’ve held for the past half hour starts seeping out of your lips. The tears you fought back cascade down your face. He was truly gone. Through your blurring vision something white and fluffy caught your attention.

 “Is that?” You look at your bed and see the squishmallow on your bed had a familiar hat on it. “Law.” You rush over to the bed and take the hat off the stuffed animal. A small note was tucked inside of it. 

 “You can toss that crappy replica out, you’ve got the real deal now. Take good care of it. Thank you for everything Y/N, take care and keep your promise. 

                                              -I’ll see you again soon                         

                                                       Love Law

                P.S I stole one of your squishmallow’s :) 

              What did you expect, I’m a pirate after all?

 You frantically look around the room to see which one he took. “THAT JERK! HE TOOK THE RAREST ONE.” 

 ~~~~Keeping your promise~~~~

 In the weeks since Law went back to his world, your life changed dramatically. You texted the girl from the museum and started to meet up with her. She even introduced you to her other friends. Slowly but surely you had an abundance of good people who truly cared about you.

~~~~

 It had been years and years ago since that week and not one day has passed where you didn’t think about it.  Even after one piece ended, even as your hair got greyer, not once did you forget about Law or the time you shared with him.. 

~~~~

 The heart monitor beeps slowly as you take in shaky breaths. Death is creeping up on me. It was a strange feeling knowing you were about to die, but it didn’t feel like you thought it would. You felt no fear or no real pain. It felt like going up a hill on a rollercoaster. Scary but at the same time exciting.  I’ve lived a good life.  Your weak hands grab the white, blacked dotted hat that belonged to Law. The one he gave you all those years ago. The comfort you felt when you held it against your chest was enough to let you know.. It’s going to be okay.  Your vision was becoming darker and darker. It’s time to go, Y/N…

~~~~

 “Miss L/N it’s time for you to take meds.” A nurse comes into the door to see the flatline on your heart monitor.  The pills drop into the floor as she yells for a doctor. 

 By the time the doctor got to the room it was too late. You were gone.

~~~~

 Death was strange. One moment you were on a bed dying, but now it felt like you were traveling through time itself. Your senses are heightened as colors fill the void. So this is the afterlife? Then suddenly the rapid momentum stopped, as if you were on an elevator that stopped at the floor it wanted you on.  Then once again the darkness enveloped you.

~~~~

 “Bepo give her some room.” Bepo?

  “I’m sorry, it’s just I’ve been wanting to meet her for a while now.” That voice..

  “We all have. She is the captain's favorite character after all.” Favorite character?

  “Wait, I think she’s waking up! Let’s go get the captain!” Heavy footsteps echo in your head. 

 Your eyes open to the unfamiliar room. Where am I? The walls were made of what appeared to be metal and it felt oddly familiar. Have I seen this before? Your eyes land on a small dresser that sat in the corner of the room. Wait, that's…. You stood up from the bed and walked over to the dresser. The corazon figure I gave to….

 “Look who finally showed up.” Your hand clasps around your mouth as tears run down your face, realizing where you were. You turn around and see the man you loved more than anything. He too had tears in his familiar golden eyes. “I’ve been waiting for you.” No words could form. I’m really here. His arms open and you run into them. The warm embrace brought back the happy memories of his time in your universe. And now here you are, together once again. 

“It’s good to see you again, Y/N”

~End~

 

~~~Bonus~~~

 “You guys can come in now.” Law kissed your forehead and pulled away. The metal door swung open and the crew rushed in one by one. “Everyone meet Y/N.”

 “Hello!” The crew said in unison while gathering closer around you.

 “Garchu!” You found yourself surrounded by a blanket of white fur. 

 “Garchu Bepo!” You wrapped your arms around the polar bear and nuzzled into him. “I always knew you'd be soft.”

 “Quit hogging her Bepo!” Bepo let you down with a small ‘sorry’. “I’m so excited to finally have another girl on the crew!” You found yourself yet again in an embrace. “I’m-”

 “Ikkaku!” 

 “I told you guys.” Law smiled seeing how shocked his crew was. “She already knows every single one of you.”

 “Come on, let's show her around!” Penguin came up and grabbed your hand.

 “Follow us!” Shachi grabbed your other hand. 

 Law watched as his crew fawned over you and vice versa. They showed you every inch of the ship while telling you stories about their adventures. Finally they wore out and Law could be alone with you again once more.

 “I still can’t believe I’m here.” You sat on Law’s bed with a huge grin on your face. 

 “Me either, but I always knew you’d show up eventually.” Law walked over to a closet and started rummaging through it. “Especially since I had this~” He held up the very rare Squishmallow he stole.

 “I almost forgot about that!” You ran and took the stuffed animal from his hands. 

 “That’s not the only thing I have for you.” Law once again rummaged through the closet before pulling out a uniform. “When I was in your world I saw a drawing on your computer of the outfit you would wear if you were on my crew.” You remembered drawing it, but had no idea he saw it. “So I had it made for you. Try it on.” You put the uniform on and it fit your body perfectly. 

 “I look so cool!.” You spun around in the mirror and admired yourself. “So I take this means…” 

 “It does.” Law smiled. “F/N L/N, welcome to the heart pirates.”

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

ATLA

all my skeletons out for the taking by 136108

Azula wins the Agni Kai, and the playing field shifts.

The Owl House

Grom Knight by ObabScribbler

Belos is dead. The Collector is defeated. The portal door is working again and everyone now just has to move on with their lives and rebuild normality as best they can. This is easier for some than for others.

When Willow invites Hunter to Grom, he assumes it is so that he, as a non-student of Hexside, can still be there to help Skara in her duties as Grom Queen. Emerald Entrails stick together, after all. Clearly there could be no other reason for Willow to invite him. This is all set to be a simple, friendly combined dance and fight with a demonic entity that reads minds and conjures your worst fears into reality. No biggie.

Except with Boscha and her crew of bullies around and feeling braver than ever, this Grom might not be as simple as they all hoped. Especially when Hunter discovers that being the reincarnated container of hundreds of years of Golden Guards' fears is a bad thing to be around a fear demon.

Clone Wars

and through the spaces of the dark by blackkat (+ podfic)

Jon's attempts to avoid a war he wants no part in are ended when Dark Woman drags him to Coruscant and straight to a posting with the Guard. He intends to keep his head down and do his work, but the mysteries around the Guard - and Fox - immediately have him in out of his depth and on uncertain ground.

Nine Worlds / The Lays of the Hearth Series

Friday Keeps Coming Next by rattyjol

Cliopher's first morning with the Sun-on-Earth was everything he could have dreamed of, until it wasn’t.

or: Cliopher and his Radiancy break time. Again.

soon, they said, if not today by Ariaste

Cliopher passes the Imperial exams on the first try.

It changes everything.

one for sorrow, two for joy by Ariaste

The Emperors of Astandalas did not have daemons.

Cliopher knew this could not, technically, be true. Thinking this thought, even in the quietest whisper in his deepest heart of hearts, was undeniably treason, but…. facts were facts: The Emperors of Astandalas, though worshipped as gods on earth, were each of them born a human being before they were apotheosized by the crown and by law and custom. Every human being had a soul; therefore, every human being had a daemon.

So the Emperors of Astandalas must have had daemons.

But by tradition and ritual and magic and taboo: The Emperors of Astandalas did not have daemons.

you laugh and you gleam with that roguish air by lindsayraindrops

Notorious rebel-poet Fitzroy Angursell is captured and brought to the Palace of Stars. Cliopher... copes.

(A reunion.)

with a winged heart by celebros

"Cliopher. Cliopher. Cliopher."

I blink. It's Conju, standing with his hands on my shoulders, and I go to answer him and realize that I am already speaking, babbling, and Franzel is behind him, wringing his hands and looking near tears. I try to focus on what I'm saying, but it's like a stream, light and splashing past me, too quick to hold, not enough to catch, somehow, somehow –

(A few weeks before the start of the viceroyship ceremonies, Kip finds himself the unwitting recipient of a truth serum)

The Virtue of Being True by electropeach

"You're under an enchantment, Cliopher. The good news is that the protections his Radiancy has placed on you have shielded you; the bad news is that the protections that block the spell are also reflecting it, meaning that instead of you it affects everyone who comes near you. You may have noticed an unusual propensity for candor in your vicinity today?"

A reverse truth serum plot leads to Cliopher having a very strange day.

even a cat may look at a king. by mage-pie (looselipssinksubs) (Note: This fic is marked as abandoned, but it has some really great scenes that it's still worth a read imo)

"Hello, hello, hello!” said his Radiancy’s serval. She said it, in words, in Shaian, in a pleasant voice that came from her little snout quite naturally. “Good morning!” “Good…morning…?” said Cliopher, too shocked to control his voice. His mongoose got out of his bag and scrambled up onto his shoulder with an excited little squeak, her claws prickling through the tunic. “I have good news and bad news!” the serval continued happily. “Don’t you want to know what it is?” Cliopher could only stare. “Good news, I’ve figured out how to talk!” She lashed her tail excitedly, and finished with her voice full of enormous glee, “Bad news… I’ve figured out how to talk.”

The entire city of Solaara wakes up one day attached to magical animals that display each person’s innermost self with no regard for court protocol or even basic manners. It’s pure chaos… and that’s before the Emperor accidentally gives the soul-animals the power of speech.

[hiskillingjar]

that law hypnosis hc was hot, I’d kill for an xReader of that

HEM HEM...WHIMPER...

this is a massive kink for me so i'm being vulnerable and spilling it to you guys. i'm weird. you're weird. that's why you're here.

1500+ words, it/its for dehumanisation, contains piss n brain-break

"I'm home. Where are you?"

It was nice to have a pet to come home to.

Or, at least, that was the exceptionally dark joke Lawrence told themselves every night when their apartment door was closed (locked, sealed and practically sound-proof) and their clueless pet slowly shuffled over to their feet, whimpering a greeting through thick layers of duct tape, its restrained limbs creaking as it moved.

It wasn't as excitable as a dog or as independent as a cat, but Lawrence could handle that. 

They could handle it.

Lawrence smiled placidly (the best they could manage), shaking off their work jacket and sliding off their shoes as the poor thing keened back on its knees, relieving its bound arms and waiting for a ‘hello’ petting from its master mistress owner.

"Hey there," They murmured, considering it almost fondly for a moment before tilting their head to the side, the sharp scent of ammonia hitting their flaring nostrils over the normal smell of damp and plant matter. "Hmph...did you have an accident while I was at work, silly thing?"

Their pet let out a weak moan as a positive reply, hesitantly spreading its legs to reveal the sodden (yet somehow still clinging) duct tape that normally sealed up their crotch, just as it bound wrists to shoulders, ankles to thighs, and masked off any potential face their pet might have had before all of this.

It didn’t need a face, just as it didn’t need eyes to see, ears to hear, or limbs to run, anymore.

It just needed to please them.

Lawrence wrinkled their nose with a slight grimace as they stepped around the hopeless pet to look for the puddle of urine in their apartment, leaving their pet to wallow in its mess for a moment.

They almost pitied the poor thing for a second, feeling some kind of empathy they were generally unfamiliar with. It probably didn’t feel good to wet oneself, after all, but the thought didn't last that long, replaced with still indifference once they found the mess in the corner of the room.

"You should do a better job looking for the right spot,” Lawrence complained, ripping open the packaging of a new puppy pad and laying it over the mess. “I do take the time of laying new pads out for you every day…" They swished it over the floorboards with the bottom of their foot. “You could stand to use them.”

Their pet moaned softly, almost apologetically, doing its best to crawl towards the sound of their voice, elbows and knees trembling as it held itself up the best it could. Despite its effort, Lawrence could only find the energy to scoff at the pathetic display, looking down at its trembling form with a mixture of cold pity and disappointment.

"Naughty..." Lawrence chided again with a dull look in their dead eyes, cleaning up the last of the mess before looking back to their pet.  "I suppose I'll need to replace your tape, too...dumb, little thing."

"Hmpff?" It let out a quiet groan in recognition, shifting its thighs apart to reveal its cunt, as it had been told to do before.

“Not good enough,” They then replied curtly, raising their foot to their pet’s shoulder and giving it a mean shove backwards, its bound limbs and blind eyes unable to stop itself from falling back with a pained grunt and a useless flail of limbs, sticking straight up and displaying their uselessness.

Duct tape in hand, Lawrence then settled down on their knees between its legs, taking a wrapped thigh and pinning it to the ground, keeping it still.

“Keep still. Stop struggling.”

When it was bound like this (as it had been for the last week or so without any modicum of relief or intention of release or respite anytime soon), it was easy for Lawrence to pretend that its limbs hadn’t been contorted into uncomfortable bondage, but had, instead, been cut off and removed completely, rendering it more toy than human, and making it all the needier and dependent on their mercy just to survive. 

This was a good replacement for that desire, though. Or, at the very least, it sated their desire until it had been broken in completely.

“No more accidents,” Lawrence chided softly (their voice soft and sickeningly maternal) as they peeled away the sodden duct tape from their pet’s soaking cunt, their nose wrinkling again at the acidic smell. It hadn’t been drinking enough water, they noted, and they should probably address that soon. “If I have to come home to any more messes, I’ll have to start punishing you.”

"Hmmf," It groaned weakly with a hesitant nod (it still had enough of a brain to agree or disagree, it seemed), trembling with pain as the stickiest part of the tape was painfully torn away, revealing red and sore skin and irritation bumps.

Its mound had only been shaved a few days ago (as they had done previously to the hair on its head, before they had bound them like this), but the hair was already starting to grow in, dark and stubbly. 

Next time the tape was removed, so it could use the bathroom or engage in play, they'd have to clean them up again, Lawrence thought, rubbing a thumb over the prickly skin.

"Hmmph..."

Its bound thighs trembled and its hips jerked when Lawrence squeezed the outer folds of its cunt together with one hand and sealed them up with strip after strip of duct tape. The drag, flourish and twist off of plastic tape had been long practised, after years of sealing packages and boxes at the warehouse.

They were glad they were putting that particular skill to use.

“Almost done. Feels good, doesn’t it?”

They knew that it had been an odd choice to render the (former) pretty, young girl, with a good body to match an oblivious personality, to a mostly neutered pet, as opposed to the live-in, brain-broken sex doll that any man might have given his left arm to own, but… 

If anything, the act of sealing up its orifices, rendering each hole as a blank slate rather than a potential toy to be used and fucked, aroused them more than anything else they could have done to their pet.

They had always had peculiar tastes though.

They hummed in appreciation (and arousal) as they lay down a few more layers of tape, before running a finger over the taut material (the thick plastic masking off anything recognisable, anything pitiable or deserving of empathy, anything close to human) and relishing in the shot of pure pleasure it gave them.

"There we go...now you're pretty again.” They murmured with a slight smile, sighing as they felt their cock stir. “Smooth and perfect."

Their pet's trembling relented, if only for a moment, at the praise, each bound limb spreading on the floorboards, as if framing a masterpiece, an autopsy, a coroner report.

Dead. Wrapped in plastic. Not yet, though.

Nobody was perfect.

Something about the sight sent a thrill down Lawrence’s spine, though, their breath catching in their chest as their dead eyes darkened slightly with a hint of desire.

"You know how lucky you are that it's me doing this to you?” They murmured, dragging trembling hands over the creases and folds and layers-upon-layers-upon-layers of tape that made up their bondage. “If it was someone else, they'd take advantage of you...use all the holes that I've sealed up like you were some kind of…sex toy, or something.” They let out a low ‘tsk’, pressing a palm to their bound-up cunt. “You wouldn't like that, would you?"

Their pet's hips jerked upwards slightly, bound feet curling to try and arch its body towards pleasure.

Lawrence couldn’t help but titter at the sight, the grim smile of a corpse spreading on their face.

"No, I'm not going to do that to you," They gently pushed their pet's hips back down with a firm hand, eyes boring into it as it wiggled helplessly back against the ground. "I like you more like this…docile and sweet and useless for anything but something pretty to look at."

It let out a needy little whine and a frustrated huff through its nose, which was hooked and pulled up uncomfortably high to prevent suffocation.

That was the one mercy that they’d give it. It wasn’t to die by anyone else’s hand but theirs.

"Nobody else is ever going to be as kind to you as I am..." They murmured, bringing up a hand to run over its face. “You know that, don't you? And you know that if anyone else ever gets their hands on you, they'd do things to you that I'd never do, isn't that right?"

They let out a resounding hum, almost like a laugh (but not quite, never quite there), before leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to its taped-off mouth.

“Nobody loves you…and nobody ever will, again. Not like I do.”

[withahappyrefrain]

Abby m'dear, I'm not sure if it's the spring fevers or if it's something else, but I had some thoughts for Rhett x Cottagecore!Reader.

Rhett loves seeing his little Bambi painting all those pretty little flowers and plants on the door and the walls because it makes the place just a little happier and brighter. You guys have lots of handmade quilts, blankets and little things on the wall hutches that you've collected over the years and have had passed down from family members (Royal gave you a little stone donkey that his grandfather had carved along with his tobacco pipe). Your home is always sunny and bright during spring and summer and smells so good because of the dried flower bundles.

You guys even have a full fledged nursery for the baby animals and strays that have come your way. You and Rhett have nursed so many orphaned puppies and kittens, dogs and cats that have wound up on your doorstep after escaping abusive and neglectful owners along with other farm critters. You've had baby cows in your nursery too along with bunnies, lambs and a little fawn who grew up and had a family of his own. Wilbur, by far was your favorite, the runt in a litter of piglets who was too small to nurse and had to be bottle fed (Royal loved the little oinker because he always found edible plants in the woods when he went out on a forage with Cecelia). Timothy was a favorite companion of Rhett's, the poor little field mouse having been pounced on by one of the barn kittens. Poor little guy had a broken leg but luckily, your husband and father-in-law were super crafty and made his broken leg a tiny little splint out of a toothpick so he would heal.

*BONUS!!!!*

Rhett loves when evening hits and it's time to bed the animals down because you know how to call the cows, the horses and the sheep with all the old school Viking and Native American calls for the animals and they all rush right to the fence when they hear your voice. It's something you two passed on to Amy when you adopted her and she got older.

MARY YES!!!!!!

I will never shut up about Rhett and cottage core reader. He calls her Bambi because when he first saw her, Rhett mentioned to Perry that she "looks like a fucking Disney princess. Like Bambi or somethin'." Rhett does not know much about Disney movies.

One of Rhett's first memories of his Bambi was walking into the kitchen to find her sitting at the table, bottle feeding Wilbur. Rhett asks her what the hell she's doing and she explains "he was the runt of the litter. Poor thing, brothers and sisters wouldn't let him in." Ceceila knew she had a way with animals, which is why Bambi was there.

Rhett thinks she's too soft for him, so Bambi had to lay it on thick. What got through to Rhett was when she asked him what his favorite baked good was. No one had ever asked, so he just shrugs and is like "idk, chocolate chip?"

And she brings him a whole batch of cookies just for him! He is just in awe, shocked that someone would take the time to make something for him. He can't remember the last time someone did that for him

[fyonahmacnally]

Carterhaugh-Wood Academy (Fae AU)

READ THE FULL STORY ON AO3 HERE.

BIG thanks to BigMammaLlama5 for her artwork!  (@bigmammallama5)

Special thanks to @lovesastateofmind1 for being the best beta on the planet, but even more so for being a phenomenal friend and beautiful soul.

Shoutout to @chaotic-super for being supportive, encouraging, and hugely distracting. :) 

Chapter 1 - The Candidates

January, 2019 - Somewhere near the border of Scotland; Carterhaugh-Wood Academy & Training Center, administration conference room.

A pile of thick folders lay stacked in the center of the conference room table as J’onn Jones and Catherine “Cat” Grant, co-headmasters of Carterhaugh-Wood Academy & Training Center file into the room to discuss applications and recruitment of new trainees. In both of their long lifetimes, neither have come across such an elite selection of candidates. Most of them still have two more years left at their respective colleges before they can even set foot on the grounds of the academy, but J’onn and Cat both know they need to be proactive and keep an eye on this bunch.

“How do you want to tackle this, J’onn?” Cat asks as she perches her glasses on the end of her delicate nose, scans the room for coffee, flicks through the folders neatly stacked on the table, and takes a seat. “Looks like we have about twenty files to get through before we can narrow it down to start the official recruitment and acceptance process. Do you know how many are applicants versus strictly recruitments?”

J’onn casually walks around the table curiously taking in the petite faery while sampling her thoughts with his telepathic powers, watching as she takes her seat at the imposing mahogany table. Both are powerful faeries with telepathic abilities and have been headmasters at the academy for centuries. They’ve seen some of the most elite minds in fae history pass through these walls and spend every January sorting through the latest applications and desired recruitments.

“Well, not sure really. I haven’t had a chance to flip through them yet. I say we start with the applicants first. It’ll be easier to narrow those down, then focus on the recruitments since those will take longer. Recruitments usually take more…convincing.” J’onn smirks as he reaches across the table and grabs the stack of folders, handing Cat half.

J’onn opens the first file in his stack. “The first applicant is Nia Nal. Areas of focus include psychology, cultural history, and paranormal science. Loki fae with powers of astral projection, illusion casting, and several other interesting things that could be very useful. I believe her mother was a professor of paranormal science and psychology here many years ago. Looks like she is currently attending National City University and is expected to graduate in Fall of 2021. Her skill set would definitely be useful. Let’s keep an eye on her. It’s a yes for me. What do you think?”

Cat grabs the file, flips through the transcripts with an impassive look on her face. “Mmm. Yes, I think she is worth keeping an eye on. Moving on. Applicant Lucy Lane. Areas of focus are legal, forensic, and investigative studies, elite research skills, and combat strategy. She is a pixie with teleportation, earth manipulation, magical misdirection, and…oh, nice - I like her other abilities, too.” She pauses to remove her glasses and places the arm on the edge of her bottom lip. “I believe her father was kicked out of here when he attended. If I remember correctly, he was a condescending asshole. Her skills are impressive, as is her transcript, but if she has her father’s ideals or attitude, I’m not sure she’d be a good fit. However, I’d like to keep an eye on her. She is scheduled to graduate Fall of 2021 as well. You agree?”

“I know her brother-in-law, Clark. He’s a bit of a know-it-all, but a good guy. Her sister, Lois, is a spitfire and nothing like their father so I am willing to bet Lucy is more like her. I think Lois mostly raised Lucy anyway. She could be a good asset.” J’onn pauses to look Cat in the eye and grabs his next file. “Next up, James Olsen. Hmmm, nope. His grades are terrible and he’s already been kicked out of one program for disruptive behavior and fighting. He sounds like a liability that we do not need. What’s your next one?”

Cat picks the next file from the stack, rolls her eyes, and scoffs at the folder in her hand as she flips through it. “Next applicant is Michael Matthews. Areas of focus are bartending, socializing, and…debt collection? Seriously? Like hired muscle?" She scoffs, again. "No real life experience. Still lives in his parents’ basement playing with himself because no one else will. He may as well have listed his preferred pronouns as frat boy dude-bro." She says haughtily, wrinkling her nose before tossing the file in the no pile. "Next up, Jack Spheer. Areas of focus are computer, investigative, and forensic sciences. He’s, oh, haven’t been around his type in quite a while. An Incubus with powers of manipulation, aura reading, accelerated healing, and mmmhmm, yeah, yes he’s quite interesting. His transcripts are all top level and he is scheduled to graduate Summer of 2021. He’s definitely a good fit. What do you think?”

“Agreed. We can add him to the stack to keep an eye on. What do you have next?” J’onn glances at his next folder with a shake of his head, slowly removes several from his stack, and pushes them aside. “Some of these are just…I have no words, Cat. I suppose they get points for the courage to apply?”

Cat glances over at the gentle faery, sighs, and grimaces at her stack as well, removing a few more. “Here we have applicant Imra Ardeen. Areas of focus are psychological and legal studies, combat strategy, and elite research skills. She is a nymph with powers of photosynthesis, scent/pollen air manipulation abilities, and regeneration of nonlethal injuries. Excellent transcripts and letters of recommendation. She is a yes to watch for me, graduates in summer of ‘21 and seems like a brilliant addition to bring aboard. Next applicant is…” She pauses to flip through several pages of the file. “Eve Teschmacher. Meh, she is just average. Her transcripts are good, but I have seen better applicants already so I think she’s a pass for me. And another one, applicant Dey, um, William. Also rather mediocre and his smile is…unnerving." She says, eyes scanning over the attached photo before thumbing through the rest of the stack. "And these three aren't very impressive either. Add these to yours and let's move on to recruitment. Perhaps there's something promising there."

Cat sets the files aside and pulls her glasses off to rub the bridge of her nose. These meetings always give her a monster headache. It baffles her how some of these folks even have the cajones to fill out an application, much less send it. She has to give them points for gall. She is pinching her nose when J’onn breaks into her thoughts.

Feeling her discomfort, J’onn gently prods her. “You want to take a break before we dive into the last few files?”

Cat sighs, “No. No. Let’s get through these so we have a better idea of what we are looking at for the next two years. If these recruits are anything like what they’ve been hyped up to be, we'll need to act quickly. The offers will be rolling in and I will not be one-upped by that pompous, egotistical man-child running Heatherwood Institute again."

“Alright, well, let’s dive in. First up, Querl “Brainy” Dox. Specialties include…” J’onn flips through the file for a quick look at the transcripts. “Mathematics, advanced tech,  probability, and statistics. Wow. This person has genius level intellect. I can see why that moniker would stick. No wonder they go by the moniker of ‘Brainy', it fits.”

Cat grabs the file from J’onn and parses through it herself as she taps her dainty fingers along the pages. “They’re Loki, too. That could prove quite useful. They’re able to shapeshift and it also says here that they have mastered molecular rearrangement. Fascinating.”

J’onn chuckles as he stands from the table to stretch and walk over to the refreshment bar at the back of the room. “They do seem to be a good fit for this recruitment class. Would you like some tea, Cat? I need something to get through the rest of this stack. I’m starting to get a headache from staring at all these files.”

A deep, dramatic sigh escapes Cat’s mouth as she drops her glasses onto the dark wood in front of her. Rubbing her temples, she leans back in her chair. “Yes. Please, J’onn. Fortunately, we only have…” She pauses to count. “Five more files to sift through. From the looks of it, these are the best of the best of the recruits.”

J’onn sits a steaming mug of tea in front of the feisty woman and heads back to his chair with his own cup. A mischievous grin crawls across his face as he chuckles. “Then let’s get on with it. I have professors to visit and trainees to torment.”

“So, this Querl is definitely a yes for me. They are set to graduate in Fall of ‘21. Seems like most of these, no, all of these applicants and recruits are two years out from starting. That could be good and bad for us.” She shuffles Querl’s file to the ‘yes’ pile, picks up another one with a dramatic flick of her wrist, and tosses one to J’onn.

“Winslow Schott, Junior, also known as Winn.” Cat rolls her eyes and sips her tea before continuing. “Set to graduate in Summer of 2021 with specialties in computer science and software engineering. Says he has high level coding and hacking experience. Wonder how that was determined? And do I want to know what kind of government watch list Mr. Schott is on?”

J’onn reaches for the file and scans over the paper in front of him. “Hmm, his father was the notorious Pixie that caused the deaths of all those workers at that toy factory several years ago. Looks like he has done everything he can to distance himself from that. His abilities would certainly be useful. Teleportation and hallucination inducement. He’s a yes for me. Thoughts?”

Cat purses her lips and taps her chin as if in deep thought. “Yes. He seems like he would be useful to have around. As long as he doesn't share his father's questionable viewpoints, he'd be a great addition. Next." She drops the folder onto the modest pile of acceptable candidates and looks to J’onn for the next one.

“Samantha Diane Arias. Goes by ‘Sam’. Specialties are economics, business, chemistry, and linguistics. Graduation date of Summer, 2021. Excellent grades and looks like she got her bachelor’s degree in business at the same time she finished high school. Powerful too. Rare elemental nymph with control of all four elements. That would certainly be useful in dimensional crises." He nods to himself, impressed. "There is very little limit to what she can do. This list likely barely scratches the surface, Cat.” J’onn can’t believe what he is looking at. He’s been around a long time and hasn’t seen a fae that can command all four elements in hundreds of years.

Cat shakes her head and rests the arm of her glasses against her bottom lip. A habit she loathes, but can’t seem to break. “Her expertise in chemistry paired with her abilities could prove unparalleled. Definitely add her to the stack.” She agrees. “Now, moving on. God, this gets more tedious every year. Here we have Alexandra Marie Danvers. Goes by ‘Alex’. Specialties include biology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. Graduation in Fall of 2021.” She pauses to sip her now cold tea with a shuddering grimace. “Looks like she’s a shapeshifter, but, oh, she’s not just any shapeshifter. Unusual, she can shift into both human and animal form. Also has advanced healing abilities. Right. Yes. These are absolutely an asset to us. J’onn, these candidates are quite impressive.”

She closes Alex’s file and places it on top of the other seven that have made it to the ‘yes’ pile, her mind racing with all the possibilities of what these potential trainees could accomplish. She is broken out of her marathon of thoughts by J’onn’s light gasp. She hears him murmur across the table and looks up.

“Kara Zor-El Danvers. Wait...” J’onn scratches his head and his mouth drops open for a moment. He’s heard of this kid. If he remembers correctly, this one is from one of the most powerful, ancient families known to their species, but the last name doesn’t match.  He knows that middle name though. Zor-El. As in, one of the original families of their kind. Cat must pick up on his thoughts. She grabs the folder from his hand and flips through it with increasing interest and barely contained excitement.

Cat is very impressed with this Kiera person’s file. Not only is she from one of the most powerful families of their kind, her intellect is quite impressive as well. “We definitely want her here and need to do whatever we can to make it so. According to this, she is a Valkyrie with seer and oracle abilities. J’onn, if this is true, she is one of the most powerful fae alive right now. The ability to cause doubt, confusion, and intimidation while also being able to see the past, present, and future? We need her on our side, in our ranks. Look at this.” She hands the file back to J’onn, mouth open wide in awe.

J’onn sifts through the transcripts and lets out a low whistle. “Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Masters in Physics. Set to graduate with PhD’s in both Biomedical Engineering and Physics by Fall of 2021. Barely 24 years old? I’d say we need to make her our number one priority in this recruitment class. I don’t see how there will be anyone else that could compare.”

Across the table Cat lets out an inelegant snort-laugh, then clears her throat. “Hold that thought, Mr. Jones. Lena Kieran Luthor. Yes, from that family." She pauses for dramatic effect. "Bachelors in Business - achieved before she graduated high school, might I add. Masters in Computer Science. Set to graduate with PhD’s in both Biomedical Engineering and Physics by Summer of 2021. And she’s 22." Cat lifts her pristinely sculpted brow at the dark-skinned man across from her.

J’onn raises a dark brow in return and slides the file across the table, pulling it into his eyeline. “I guess the rumors were true. This is the most elite class we’ve had in centuries. Miss Luthor is a Succubus. And a powerful one at that. Powers of seduction and manipulation, of course, but aura reading and enhanced strength are not typical. She’s on par with the power of the Kara Danvers kid we just saw. Could you imagine what the two of them could do together?” The possibilities are endless, he thinks. “Cat, I think we’ve found our top two recruits.”

January, 2020 - Somewhere near the border of Scotland; Carterhaugh-Wood Academy & Training Center, administration conference room.

There’s a quiet rustling in the crowded conference room as Cat takes her place at the head of the deep mahogany table. J’onn quietly sits to her right observing the other women in the room. The rest of the room falls into silence giving the tiny, yet fiery woman at the helm the respect she commands. She glances around the table at the collection of six women with a knowing smirk on her lips. Each of the formidable professors were hand-picked by her for this precise reason and it makes her almost giddy to see it coming to fruition. Every one of them attended this academy and learned with and from J'onn and herself throughout several years, then each were offered a lucrative contract to step into their current roles. Dual roles, really. Professors and trainers, first and foremost, but also seats on the committee about to commence at this very table. The decision and preparation committee for the most impressive and elite class of candidates to cross the threshold of this building in a very, very long time. Cat nods her head and makes eye contact with each of them as she prepares to begin.

“Well, now that we are all here and settled, let’s get started, shall we?” She smiles as she pours water into the glass in front of her, sips it and lifts a perfect brow. “I see that some of you have been poking around in the files in front of you. Good. Each of you has a copy of the files on our next class of students. These ten candidates are set to comprise the most impressive class I have seen in decades, likely longer. Two in particular, are the most powerful of our species to set foot through these doors, ever. We have roughly two years before we start to prepare for them. One year before their acceptance and recruitment letters go out. That means, you have very little time to create a curriculum to teach, guide, and mold them.”

She glances sideways at J’onn and tilts her head. “Do you have anything to add, Mr. Jones?”

J’onn folds his hands across his stack of files before looking at each of the professors individually. “I do, Cat. Each of you will have a responsibility to teach and guide these candidates to be even better than they already are. They will need to hone their skills, fortify their knowledge, and make us all proud of who they become. They are the future of our kind and you have a highly coveted role in creating it. Don’t waste it.”

Cat nods and grabs her glasses to place on the bridge of her nose before digging into the process. “Each of the files have been separated into sets of two. These sets are how they will be roomed together. If any of them do not accept our invitation, we will address that on an as needed basis. One, and sometimes two, of you will be assigned as advisors to each pair. That is what we will be addressing now so you are better prepared to develop the required curriculum. Any questions so far?”

A dark-haired, olive-skinned woman raises her hand and brings all eyes to her. “Ms. Grant, Jessica Huang, or Jess, in case you don’t recall. Will we be teaching all of them or just the ones we are assigned to? Should we all work together to develop the curriculum? I guess I am unclear as to what exactly you need from us.”

“Yes, Ms. Huang, I indeed remember who you are. Excellent question. You will all need to work together on the curriculum. However, each of you will have your usual specialties and will be the primary advisor to the pair that are within that specialty. There will be some overlap, but please, work together to make it smooth and compatible as a whole. Anything else?”

“Leslie Willis. Ms. Grant. Mr. Jones. Is this going to be an accelerated program or the standard two years? That makes a difference in how we design it too.” A white-haired woman with a raspy voice asked. “When we came through the academy, it varied, but all of us had the full two years to get through it.”

This time, J’onn spoke up. “Ideally, Ms. Willis, we would like to keep it at two years with everything that needs to be covered, however, I think if you want to try to get it all in within eighteen months, give it a try. Nothing less than that though. I don’t want to rush through this. Not with the level of these incoming candidates.”

Cat lets the information settle in for a moment  as she taps her glasses on the files in front of her before continuing. “Okay. Now let’s get into who is doing what and advising whom.”

“To start, let’s direct our attention to the screen to my right.” Cat stands and walks toward the projection screen on the far wall. “Beside each of your names is the candidate or candidates you will be advising. Again, there are overlapping areas of study so I will encourage you to swap information and help each other. This is a team and we will be wise to work together.”

She pauses for effect and continues her pacing in front of the group. “Meegan Morris. You will be advising Winslow Schott and Jack Spheer. Their areas of study are your areas of expertise so I expect it will go well. You will likely also be assisting Andrea Rojas with Querl Dox’s advisement since there is some overlap.” The short blue-eyed woman locks eyes with Andrea and receives a nod.

“Next up, Lena Luthor and Kara Danvers, our top two candidates. They will be with you, Ms. Prince as they are both within your wheelhouse. However, you will likely have some overlap with Ms. Huang in advising both Alex Danvers and Samantha Arias." Diana nods in agreement. "That brings us to Lucy Lane and Imra Ardeen. They will be with you, Ms. Willis. You and Gayle will have some overlap as well. And Gayle, you will be advising Nia Nal. She has very unique capabilities, Ms. Marsh. Take heed.”

J’onn clears his throat and stands as Cat takes her seat again. “All of you were chosen specifically for this task and this committee. We expect a great deal from you and know you can rise to the occasion. Having said that, please know that we are here to assist you should the need arise. If you need help with anything along the way, no matter what it is, make sure you reach out. Is that understood?”

His dark brown eyes scan the room as his powers scan their thoughts to make sure he is indeed being understood. “Good. Now, I would suggest all of you stay and start working on some ideas. In the grand scheme of things, you really only have 18 months to prepare for their arrival. Cat and I will let you know if any of them decline our invitation. If you don’t have any further questions, the meeting is adjourned.”

With the continued silence in the room, both Cat and J’onn gather their files and head back to their own offices. Both lost in thought and wondering what the next few years will  bring. She does have a few concerns about what she knows are a few dark secrets lurking in the halls of this place and the two potential top candidates they're  recruiting, but she can’t deny that she is more excited than she has been in centuries. Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor could change the fae world as they know it. She just hopes some things remain secret.

January, 2021 - Apartment of Lena Luthor and Samantha Arias just off the MIT Campus; Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Sam barrels through the door of the apartment she shares with her best friend, hands full of coffee and the mail she just collected on her way back from class. “Luthor! Lena!!” She yells. “Where the hell are you?”

“Jesus, Sam! What the fuck?!” Lena peeks her head around the doorframe of the office they share, eyebrow raised and arms crossed. “Is the building on fire? Is something chasing you? Why the hell are you screaming?”

Sam just chuckles as she drops everything on the island in the spacious three bedroom apartment they’ve lived in together since graduating high school. She sighs. She knows they will both be sad to leave it behind after graduation at the end of the summer. Neither have any idea what they want to do yet, but plan to take the rest of the year, September through December to travel and figure it out. They deserve a break, after all. As she drops everything on the island, she sees two letters mixed into the pile. One addressed to each of them from none other than the Carterhaugh-Wood Academy. Shaking her head she stares at the envelopes in curiosity.

“Hey, don’t get your underwear in a twist, princess! I was just excited to see you and wanted to know if you wanted to go out tonight. But first, look at this.” She glides over to the dark-haired woman still stationed in the doorway. “We both got something from Carterhaugh-Wood. Did you actually apply without telling your best friend?" Sam pouts.

Lena grabs the letter and stares at it with a very puzzled look on her face. “Of course not, Sam. I would have told you if I had. You know that." She says gently. "To be honest, it hadn’t occurred to me to apply. It isn’t a terrible idea. They have some archives and research I would love to get my hands on. I just hadn’t thought of it. What do you think it’s for? I mean, what could they want?”

Sam shrugs and grabs the letter opener off her desk to pry hers open, gently passing the piece of metal off to her best friend as she pulls the letter free. Her face scrunches and her lips purse as hazelnut eyes scan the words in front of her. “Wow. This is interesting. I never thought about applying either, but it looks like they want to recruit us anyway. According to this, they want me to start with the next class in January, 2022. If I accept…room, board, all texts and supplies will be covered. Plus, I will get a monthly stipend on top of it. Holy shit, Lena!" She exclaims, slapping at the ravenette’s arm. "They’re offering to give me $4,000 a month on top of covering all the usual living expenses.” Her eyes are wide as she glances up at her roommate. “What does yours say?”

Lena pulls her letter from the envelope and scans over it. She shakes her head and raises her emerald eyes to look at her friend. “More or less the same as yours. The last part says that upon completion of the two year academy, we are basically guaranteed a job within the realm of the fae or an undercover human role. Sam, this could be exactly what we have been looking for. Can you imagine the type of research we could do and how much good we could do in the world?! The type of technology that this academy has access to is unmatched! Why haven't we considered this before?!”

The brunette laughs at her raven-haired friend and shakes her head. The excitement etched across her porcelain features is one of the cutest things she’s seen from her in a long time. It’s almost child-like. Something she hasn’t witnessed on Lena’s face since they first met in boarding school all those years ago when Lena was only thirteen. God, that seems like eons ago. Here they are, both about to graduate with dual PhD’s from MIT. Warmth spreads in her chest and she suddenly has a lot of  hope for their future.

January, 2021 - Apartment of Alex  and Kara Danvers just off the CalTech Campus; Pasadena, California.

Kara lets out a dramatic sigh as she unlocks the apartment door after a dreadfully long day on campus. The workload is heavy enough with two PhD programs at the same time, but she just had to volunteer to tutor some of the undergrad students, too. To say she is relieved to be home is a gross understatement. She barely gets her shoes off and bag dropped by the couch before she hears Alex’s key in the door. She pulls the door back open and has to stifle her laugh when her sister almost faceplants on the floor.

“Seriously, Kara! I could have broken my nose! What’s wrong with you?!” The redhead scowls. “See if I bring you takeout again. Asshole.”

Kara lets out a breathy laugh as she takes the bag from her sister and closes the door. “I was just trying to help! Calm down.  Why are you always so, bristly, Alex? Gosh.”

Alex just glares at her as they both walk toward the couch and drop down onto it with a sigh of relief. “I cannot wait until the end of the year to be done with this and figure out what we’re going to do next. Speaking of, have you thought about it?”

The blonde glances at her sister and shakes her head. “A little, I guess. I talked to Eliza about working for her company, but I also kind of want to travel a bit or find something outside of what we’ve always known. Ya know?”

“Yeah. I get it. Me too. My friend Vasquez works for this agency that does a lot of research for various biotech companies. I may reach out to her and see what she thinks about me applying there. Not sure yet though. Oh, I grabbed the mail on the way in.” Alex reaches out to grab the mail as Kara starts dishing up the takeout.

She hears Alex grumble something and turns to see what she is griping about, popping a potsticker into her mouth. Realizing her mistake, she pauses to chew and swallow before asking. “What are you mumbling about, Alex?”

As she looks up and makes eye contact with her sister, an envelope gets shoved into her greasy hands. “What the heck, Alex?! My hands are greasy, you jerk.” She sits the envelope down to wipe her hands when she realizes who the letter is from. Her eyes bolt back up to Alex’s.

“Yeah. That’s what I was grumbling about. What do you think they want? I know we talked about applying there a couple years ago, but I never did it. Did you?” She asks the blonde with a concerned lilt in her voice.

“Alex, come on. You know if I did, I would tell you beforehand. Do you think they’re recruiting us? They recruited Clark when he was still in college. Maybe that’s what this is?” She could feel the dreaded crinkle on her forehead broadcasting her anxiety, but couldn’t do anything to stop it. “I mean, it wouldn’t be a bad thing. They have some of the biggest, most accurate archives known to the free world. Plus, can you imagine the technology and research we would have access to! Alex, we could do tons of cool things!”

Alex laughs and runs her finger underneath the lip of her envelope as Kara does the same. Both women scan over the words as their eyes collectively get wider with each passing second. The redhead lets out a soft gasp and looks back at her sister. “Kara, this is something we almost can’t refuse. Do you see this? We could actually make money while we are there! They want to give us a monthly stipend on top of everything!”

The blonde is blankly looking at the letter in front of her. She knows her mouth is likely gaping open without her permission, but she can’t help it. “Alex. I think we know what we're gonna be doing after graduation. Guess we better start getting our response ready. Holy wow! We’re going to Carterhaugh-Wood!!”

July, 2021 - Somewhere near the border of Scotland; Carterhaugh-Wood Academy & Training Center, administration conference room.

The clicking of heels and the sound of muffled voices fill the hallway outside the conference room as Cat glides confidently through the door. It’s more or less six months away from the beginning of the next round of training and the deadline for all candidates to give their responses has just passed. The committee is just beyond the doors in front of her and, thankfully, all of their coveted recruits and candidates have responded in agreement to attend. Now she has to make sure the curriculum is set and the texts, supplies, and whatever else is needed, have been taken care of. Nothing can stand in the way of these candidates’ success.

That reminds her, she needs to check in with J’onn after the meeting, making sure certain things are buried very deeply in the archives to prevent their discovery. She doesn’t necessarily want to keep the information hidden, just really hard to find. It seems more honest that way, but she knows it would be best if it remains where it is until this class graduates. Maybe even longer. She sighs. Cat is a lot of things, but deceit isn't a tactic she has employed in a long time. Her integrity is quite crucial for her role at the institution. However, she doesn’t think anything good will come from these secrets being discovered. She sighs again, straightens her spine, and opens the door with her usual haughtiness.

“Good morning, everyone. Let’s get started. We all have important things to do and places to be.” She glances around and takes her seat. “J’onn, can you stay afterward for a few minutes or meet me back in my office to discuss a few things?”

Dark brown eyes lock onto hers. She can feel him pressing into her thoughts and allows it. He raises a brow and tilts his head to the side as he sifts through her mind. “Of course. I have to teach a class at one, but we can meet after. Your office at 2:30 this afternoon?”

She nods her head and turns her attention to the rest of the group seated around her. “Today is a good day. All of our candidates have agreed to start in January. Each of you has a copy of the acceptance letters. Please read over them and put them in the files you already have on each new trainee. Now is the time to let me know if there are any issues with the curriculum or related materials. We have just under six months before everyone will be at orientation. So, let’s get started, shall we?”

Cat looks up when she hears a soft knock on her office door. J’onn is standing there with his signature stern smile. She nods her head for permission to enter as he does so and closes the door behind him. The tiny woman leans back in her chair and taps the arm of her glasses on her bottom teeth.

She signals for J’onn to take a seat in the chair opposite her and places her glasses back on her nose. “I think you know what I asked you here to talk about, right?

Dark eyes connect with blue ones across the expanse of the desk between them.

“I do.” He nods and allows the silence to settle before speaking again. “Four of our new trainees have connections in their pasts that we have to be careful about. Given the skills and levels of intelligence they have, it will not be an easy task. We can bury them a little deeper in the archives and put an encrypted key on them. However, it will be a matter of time before they get to it. You and I both know they will, eventually.”

Cat knows he’s right. The best they can do is bury the information in an obscure place with encrypted protection and hope they are deterred long enough to at least get through the program first. “You’re right. We can only hope they are busy enough with the program and don’t have the time to focus on it. Let’s just hope they don’t get too curious. If they start pulling at the threads and team up, we’re screwed.”

J’onn can’t help the laugh that escapes him as he listens to Cat finish her thoughts. Not because it is even remotely funny, but because the truth in that statement scares the absolute fuck out of him. “Yes, let’s hope.”

September, 2021 - Somewhere in the Greek Isles on the beach.

Lena glances over the top of the book she is reading at her best friend lying next to her on the beach lounger. She can’t believe they are both doctors now. They’re finished with school, soaking in the sunny leisure of the Greek Isles, and set to start Carterhaugh-Wood in January. If someone had asked her younger self, she wouldn’t have believed this was possible.  Yet, here she is. Happy. Relaxed. Ready to begin the next chapter of her life. Getting her freedom from her evil brother and mother…no, not mother. She had a real mother. Lillian is a monster. Lex, well, he is just an extension of what Lillian is, but possibly worse if she thinks about it. He’s a lot more charming than Lillian. He’s more of a wolf in sheep's clothing.  

She shakes her head. How the hell did she go from thinking about how happy and relaxed she was to those two? They certainly don’t deserve her thoughts. Not after the way they treated her. She’s suddenly drawn out of her thoughts when something pelts her in the forehead.

“Oww. What the fuck, Sam?!” She rubs her skin and glares at her best friend. “Why are you throwing shit at me?! What are you, twelve?”

Sam just laughs. “Sorry, sorry. You were just staring at me and then I could tell you got lost in a thought spiral. So, I fixed it!”

She laughs even harder as Lena starts picking up random things and tossing them at her. It shouldn’t, but when she gets her best friend to act like this, it makes her seriously giddy. When they first met, Lena was the most serious and quiet thirteen year-old she had ever met. The teen was more mature than even she was at sixteen. While that isn’t saying much because well, she was sixteen, Lena acted more like an old lady than some of their teachers. So yeah, seeing her act her age right now is a source of tremendous joy.

“Hey, for real, what had you so stuck in your head, Kieran? I haven’t seen you like that in a while. Care to share?” She watched her friend closely. This could go one of two ways - deflection or sincerity. She wasn’t sure which would win out.

The green-eyed woman paused and dropped her eyes to her lap for a moment before subtly nodding her head. She locked her eyes onto Sam’s and shifted her body toward her before she spoke. “At first, I was thinking about how happy and relaxed I felt. But then Lex and Lillian crashed the party again." She says self-deprecatingly. "Getting my freedom from them truly couldn't come at a better time. I hate that I lost my father, but at least he made sure I wouldn't be dependent on them anymore."

The brunette reaches out and gently squeezes Lena’s hand. “I’m glad too, Lena. You didn’t deserve to be subjected to them and I hate that you had to live in that hellscape for so many years. I’m just glad we met and got to room together. You had me to corrupt you! What more could you ask for?”

They both laughed and let the silence and the warm breeze wrap them in an embrace that carried the somber thoughts away. They didn’t have much more time to enjoy themselves and wanted to soak up every bit of their freedom before entering the doors at Carterhaugh-Wood. They both somehow knew their lives were about to change forever.

Mid-December, 2021 - The Danvers home; Midvale, California.

Alex pulls into the long drive and takes a deep breath as she shuts off the moving truck. She and Kara didn’t have much time to get their whole apartment packed up and make the trip from Pasadena to Midvale. It isn’t a terrible drive between the two cities, but doing it in a moving truck makes it take longer and definitely makes it infinitely more stressful than either of them would have liked. Not only is the truck big and clunky, they also have their shared car attached to the back of it. To say that she is glad to finally be in their childhood driveway is an understatement. They now only have approximately five weeks to figure out what they are taking with them to Carterhaugh-Wood and what they need to store at the house in front of them. As much as the two of them want to travel a little before starting their training, they know it isn’t feasible.

“Hey, wake up, Kara. We’re here. Kara!” The redhead pokes her sister in the forehead and shakes her shoulder. ”Wake up! We have to say hi to mom and unload the truck.”

The blonde finally opens her eyes and blink owlishly at her surroundings before stretching. A giant yawn cracks her jaw before she is awake enough to speak. “Ugh. Unloading the truck sounds like a terrible idea, Alex. Why can’t we do it tomorrow?” She whines as they both get out of the truck.

Alex rolls her eyes, even though she knows her sister can’t see it, it’s the principle of it. “Kara, you know we have to have the truck turned in by ten in the morning. Do you want to get up early enough to unload everything and have the truck back by ten? Because I have known you most of your life and I know you are not a morning person. So, if you are okay with getting up at the ass-crack of dawn and unloading it, go for it.”

Alex makes her way around the back of the truck to unlatch the car and park it next to her mom’s car. The sooner she gets moving on this, the better. She really just wants to eat her mom’s famous lasagna, shower, and go to bed, but knows she has to prioritize. Now if she can just get her sister in gear. She peeks her head around the passenger side to see that the blonde is finally making her way to the back of the truck with their mother in tow.

“Hey, mom!” Alex says as she jogs up to give Eliza a hug. “I forgot how much of a pain in the ass driving a moving truck is.”

Eliza chuckles and gives her daughters each a kiss on the cheek. “Language, Alexandra. I am glad you made it safely. Was the drive okay?”

Kara chimes in as Alex unlocks the roll-up door on the truck. “It wasn’t horrible. Just long. It’s not so bad when we are in the car, but that truck is just a behemoth! Plus, the initial traffic getting off campus was gross.”

They make idle conversation as they unload the truck into piles of what needs to go where. A majority of the furniture is going into the finished basement since they had taken most of it from there when they left for college anyway. The rest of it is going into their bedroom and guest rooms to sort through over the next month. Figuring out what to take with them is going to be an exercise in patience. Especially since Kara is such a sentimental sap that struggles to part with things. Getting her to part with something for two years is going to be a serious pain in the ass for Alex. It took her longer than she cares to admit getting Kara to reduce what she took when they left for college. Now they're going to be continents away.

As the sun is setting, the truck is finally empty. The last of the boxes are stowed away and ready for them to deal with later. They head into the house and shed their shoes at the door. Both sisters sigh as their shoulders sag from the long day of travel and heavy lifting. The mouth-watering aroma of fresh pasta lures them toward the kitchen before either even realize it, too excited to have their first home cooked meal in a while. Conversation is light and jovial, catching up with Eliza and learning about all the new projects she’s working on. Kara and Alex help clean up, pack what little leftovers away, and tell their mother goodnight before heading up to their shared childhood bedroom.

“Phew, I am beat. I feel like I could sleep for a week, Alex.” Kara says, settling into bed. She shifts around for a moment, and then right on cue lets out a little squeal and kicks her legs like an excited toddler, completely contradicting her claims of exhaustion. “I can’t believe we’re finally doctors! I mean, I know we worked our butts off, but it still doesn’t seem real. Ya know? And, in a few weeks, we’re going to be a world away from everything we’ve ever known. I’m excited, but also a little bit scared. Are you?” Kara looked over at her sister as she rolled over onto her side.

Alex pulls the covers over herself and rolls to her side as well. “I’m definitely excited. Maybe a little scared too, but mostly excited. It’ll be cool to see new places and be able to learn more about our species. I mean, mom has taught us a lot, but being able to have access to some of the biggest and oldest research archives related to the fae as a whole will be so fucking cool.” Alex pauses before continuing. “Plus, part of me wants to see if I can find anything out about dad. He worked so closely with one of the headmasters so there has to be something there, right?”

“I’ve thought about that too. Wondering if there is anything there about my parents or Jeremiah. Surely there is something. Even if it’s just a tiny breadcrumb, at least that is more than we know now.” She makes sure her sister is looking her in the eye before she continues. “We just need to be careful, Alex. We both know that what happened to my parents and Jeremiah is shrouded in secrecy. I don’t want either of us to get in trouble before we even have a chance to make our way. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I can use the money we’ll be getting. It will go a long way in starting out in life and I don’t want to ruin it before I get the chance to enjoy it. So, promise me we will at least wait until we settle in and get a feel for the way things work before we start a side project. Okay? Promise, Alex.” Kara looks at her sister with wide blue eyes and her cute little pouty, puppy face.

“Ugh. Fine, Kara!” Alex sighs and pulls the duvet over her head. “Just put that fucking pout away. That thing is deadly!”

The blonde laughs and pulls her own duvet up as she snuggles into the mattress to try to get some sleep. She has no idea what the next two years will bring, but knows she is definitely ready to find out.

Mid-December, 2021 - The Arias Residence; Metropolis, New York.

Sam and Lena try to relax at the Arias Estate after storing most of their belongings in the basement. They’re currently sorting through their clothing, electronics, and books, trying to decide what to take with them for their journey to Carterhaugh-Wood. When Lionel died, Lena removed all of her belongings from the Luthor Estate as quickly as she could. She knew she had to get everything out of there before Lillian tried to get her hands on anything she valued. Fortunately, Sam’s father let her move everything here prior to the two of them moving to Cambridge for college. Storing everything here while they are at the academy is much the same and she is incredibly grateful Sam’s father has somewhat taken on Lionel’s role. As distant as he is from Sam, he at least treats Lena the same, much like his own daughter.

“Hey, where’s your dad?” Lena asks. “Have you talked to him since graduation?”

Sam looks up from her task and tilts her head. “I talked to him when we got back from our trip to let him know we were having everything delivered here, but not since. I figure we will see him sometime this week and for sure for Christmas. He’s probably at work. Same as always. That’s where he spends most of his time anyway.” The brunette hesitates for a moment before continuing. “I still can’t believe he went to work for The Luthor Company after your dad died. It doesn’t make sense to me. He left a lucrative position with a reputable company to work with Lex and Lillian? Something about that doesn’t sit right with me. Every time I try to ask him about it, he deflects and changes the subject. I know he’s a good man, but the fact that he is working with those two makes me wonder and I hate it.”

Lena quietly listens to the taller woman. She has often wondered that same thing and has no idea why a brilliant scientist and reputable man like Samuel Arias would choose to work for the devil and her spawn. It’s a subject they haven’t spoken much about, but have both often questioned independently. “Yeah, I agree, Sam. Something about it is suspicious. Have you ever wondered if he and Lionel figured something out before he died?” The dark-haired genius wavers a bit before continuing. “It’s just weird that Lionel dies and your dad leaves his position at Loki Tech to work for my evil family. I wish I had been able to get more out of the house after Lionel died. I know there was something in his office that they didn’t want me to get my hands on. Lex hovered around me like a buzzard when I went in there to get some of my father’s books. If I hadn’t wanted to get out of there as fast as I could, I would have poked around a bit more. There’s no way that this is just a coincidence, Sam.”

“We’re on the same page, Kieran. There is a rat somewhere and I think my dad might know something. We need to figure out a way to get some information from him before we leave. Let’s snoop around in his office while he is at work this week. There’s bound to be something we can find.” Sam sighs. She has often thought her father knows more than he is letting on. A mischievous smile spreads across her lips. “He’s pretty good at keeping his cards close to the vest, but between the two of us, I think we can get him to share something. Though, it might take a bit of the good scotch to get him talking.”

Lena chuckles and shakes her head at her best friend. “I won’t say no to the good scotch! And, snooping around in your dad’s office has always been fun, Sam. We both know he will be long gone when we wake up in the morning anyway. Do you think he knows something about Lionel’s death? The timing of him going to work for the family company is just weird. Add that to the fact that his death was suspicious…” She pauses to blink the tears away. “Anyway, I feel like there is so much that we aren’t being told and I fucking hate it.”

Sam walks over to her friend and wraps her in a warm hug. Releasing her, she lets her hands slide down pale arms, and latch onto delicate hands. “I know, Lena. Between both of our mothers disappearing, your father dying under odd circumstances, and my dad suddenly changing companies, there’s too much for it all to be a coincidence.” She rests a comforting hand on Lena’s cheek, pats it, and pulls away. “My gut says there is at least a connection between Lionel’s death and my dad going to work for the Luthors. The company my dad worked for prior to that did a lot of work for the fae elders. I know he traveled to Carterhaugh-Wood and met with Catherine Grant, one of the headmasters several times. We both know that he and Lionel were good friends. Do you know if Lionel ever traveled with him?”

“I don’t know for sure since I was at boarding school for so many of his trips, but I know he mentioned traveling with your dad a few times. Never about where they went, but he did talk about them traveling together.” The emerald eyed beauty tilts her head, grabs Sam’s hands, and stares at her best friend. “Wait, Sam, do you think we might be able to dig around in the archives at the academy? Do you think there might be something there? I want to see if I can find anything out about my mother, Elizabeth anyway, but if there is even a slight chance that there is anything about my father, I want to know.” The dark-haired woman squeezes tan hands and steps back to her pile of books. She desperately wants to know more about her mother, but she also wants to know what happened to her father. She is absolutely convinced his death was not of natural causes like it was claimed. Her gut instinct is that Lillian had something to do with it. Those archives could hold the key to unlocking years of unanswered questions.

The brunette sighs and locks her hazel eyes onto the hazy green of her best friend. “Who knows if that place has the answers we want. I think that if any place would, it’s there. But, Lena, we have to be careful. There is no telling what we could find and how much danger it could put us in.” She holds her hand up to stop the incoming protest. “I’m not saying we won’t look, but promise me we’ll wait until we adjust to the place first. We need to figure out how things work before we start pulling threads to things we don’t know about. Please, promise me. Okay?”

The pale beauty nods her head and reaches out to squeeze Sam’s forearm. “You have my word, Sam. We’ll wait, but just know that I plan to dig around in those archives. With or without you, I am going to be looking. There’s no way I can pass up an opportunity like that.”

She raises her eyebrow at the woman standing across from her and dares her to say anything different. They have both lived through some serious trauma and have helped each other achieve more than either ever thought possible already. If she has the chance to dig into the two evil monsters that are still alive and find out more about her biological parents or what happened to them, she’s taking it. Even if Sam doesn’t help, she’s going to dig.

Sam laughs, pulls her best friend close again, and squeezes tight. “Oh my dear Kieran, I would expect nothing less. Not even close.”

Remaining chapters on AO3: Carterhaugh-Wood Academy (Fae AU)

@supercorpbb

[bonefall]

I think jayfeather would absolutely love skyclan. they steal from twolegs. they’re innovative. their leader kicked out a guy that was causing problems with no hesitation, didn’t even consider keeping him around to see if he continued. i feel like they’d have a morbid sense of humor, like shadowclan. they’re also the kind of clan to have a garden, let’s be honest. theyre also the kind of clan to not care if you’re blind or deaf or have a bad limp, you can still hunt or fight or make sure cats are actually doing their jobs, you’re more than capable of being a warrior! plus, they don’t even care if their medicine cat has a mate or kits. it’s a stupid rule just let them live. also strike me as the kind of cats to not take shit from starclan. starclan let them be kicked out, starclan didn’t do anything to help them, starclan may be powerful but so are they

Jayfeather and SkyClan when a StarClan warrior comes down to 'advise' them to lay down and die

[image id: Meme of awkward party staring at the camera]

I really like SkyClan as cats who really don't buy into the same Battle Culture that the Forest Clans do. Their culture is heavily influenced by cats who have been taking advantage of humans for a few generations.

So to the other four, SkyClan can seem almost alien. They're constantly appropriating things from humans, their curiosity will lead them right into towns, they have an otherworldly understanding of vehicles and have unique words for different types (bike, car, and truck).

Their humor though? I don't see it as particularly morbid, to be honest. ShadowClan's is dour and unsettling for living in a harsh environment, and because the other Clans have seen them as 'weird' for eating frogs and leeches. Stuff like that.

SkyClan has revived in peace and mainly has housecat inspiration, I see their humor as a lot more based on absurdity and politeness. Misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication.

It's very... British.

I do imagine they ARE quite pious though, but not the way the main clans are. They believe strongly in THEIR ancestors, the ones who had followed them into exile. Thing is that their own ancestors have a much older idea of the Warrior Code.

It would have 9 Commandments, actually, as opposed to the Pre-Lake Forest Clan's 14.

The Medcat's Vow being corrupted and codified into law happened in response to SkyClan leaving; so it tracks that SkyClan doesn't have it. If anything, they prefer if their Medcat HAS raised kittens because that means they are attached to SkyClan, and not the temptations of kittypet life.

So, yeah, Jayfeather and SkyClan would get along swimmingly.

They both have issues with the Forest Clan concept of StarClan and he would probably make some really good friends he can argue it with.

And last note-- he would ESPECIALLY enjoy that SkyClan culture would be "chatty." Since they're descended from kittypets who were communicating with humans (meowing, hissing, yowling), their 'dialect' would be more vocal than the other four Clans.

[galacticwarpedlense]

Bachelorettes as parents!

Finally got the part 2 to this.

Let’s start with-

Abigail

I think Abby as a mom would be an over correction for her own parents. Like too freeing. She seemed to feel controlled in her household so she may be afraid to control her own kid and that kid may lack some motherly guidance until the farmer steps in and gives Abby the confidence to guide the child. On the bright side, that child will definitely get to experiment with style and identity without feeling unsafe or stifled. Also Abby would probably attempt to help her kid with homework only to be stumped to because the wording was weird or because she was never good at the subject.

Leah

Leah… lowkey, I have no idea. She just doesn’t seem like the mom type. If I were to make a guess, with her and the farmer having pretty unconventional jobs, the child will at least feel confident that they can choose any way of living and with enough effort, it would work out. Sorry this one is short, I genuinely think Leah and the Farmer would be more like a childless couple. The farm animals and their cat/dog are their children.

Haley

At the beginning of her arc, she was giving entitled mom, but with her learning to be more caring and understanding, I feel like as a mom she would be more like a neo entitled parent, like she seems entitled but she’s actually really nice and reasonable. Also with her being a photographer, she has a full album of photos with her spouse and child throughout the years. Probably calls up her own mom or the moms of the town for advice when she doesn’t know what to do with her kid. If her kid is sporty, you bet she’s going to every single game, even if it’s just the little practices in the yard. Maybe with enough bugging, the kid could get her to participate in the practice too.

Maru

Let’s start with her flaw, she has way too high of expectations for herself, the farmer and probably their kid. As a parent, she would have to learn to put those expectations down for her child’s sake. And while she loves her dad, at this point she would probably be aware of his favoritism in order to not repeat it with her own kids. In fact, she would probably be the type to lay down the law and force Seb and Demetrius to get their act together if they want to spend time with her kid. There will be no familial fighting around the child, they must get along. That’s Maru’s biggest asset, once made aware of an issue, she’ll solve it and this goes double for her child.

Emily

The hippie mom, it is written in stone for that one. She is the funky hippie mom that embarrasses her kid for shits and giggles. Very overly affectionate and fun loving. Another parents that just wants her kid to enjoy childhood. Will that child be very embarrassed by their mom? Yes. Will that child also have oddly effective life skills and emotional stability that other children their age will never have? Absolutely. Like Abigail, that child will get to freely experiment with things that other parents would be more restrictive on.

And last but certainly not least with parenting

Penny

Now canonically you can only have 2 kids with each spouse but we don’t need to worry about that because I killed canon behind a Denny’s. Anyways, big family. There is no only child with Penny. She would be the one to have like a LOT of children and be stressed out of her mind and then ask the farmer “So when are we going to have another?” However raising children is harder than just teaching them so she would have a few struggles thanks to her own messy home life. Pam would be another case of “Get your act together before you can see my children”. Also NO alcohol in the house. None. It might actually get a little controlling how much Penny won’t allow drinking. But it has a good reason.

[idyat]

Deimos x shy reader

Good morning

Requested on Wattpad

Summary: Idk this is just really bad

Warnings: Mentions of sex, suggestive

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

It was early morning...probably. The Sun is fucking dead so there's not really any way of knowing aside from one's own sleep schedule and hoping the clocks are still telling the truth.

Anyways, according to the clock on the nightstand it was 6:27AM and 15 seconds.

And somehow, despite his fucked up sleep schedule, falling asleep and waking 4 hours after a normal person at LEAST, Deimos was fully awake.

But it's not like he could do anything anyway because his lover just so happened to still be slumbering in his arms as we speak, which meant the cat-on-lap law applied and he could. Not. Move. A millimeter.

Anywho, like most of us Deimos is dumb and can't stay still for more than 5 minutes so of course you eventually woke up from all the rustling of the bed.

"...Love...?" Welp, time to feel bad

"Uh, hey, Honeypie. Sorry for waking you up."

"No, no, it's okay. What time is it anyway?" They asked, but not before noticing the petname.

"Uuh...6:35AM and twenty- no twenty-seven seconds."

Visibly, the love of his life was shocked.

"6:35AM and 27 seconds? And you're awake?"

"What? Shawty gonna get fussy 'bout it?" He cooed at them while squishing their cheeks.

"No I'm not. And- also- stop that!" Despite the angry tone they were giggling"

"You want me to grab your other cheeks?" And now they were blushing

"Hehehe, look at you getting all red!" The smoker-man laughed out loud, to which his 'shawty' just snuggled in his chest for warmth and because they couldn't think of an answer.

And then they layed in the bed for a few minutes. Before Deimos opened his mouth once again:

"Maybe the reason I woke up so early is because our little 'show' last night knocked me out cold."

"Stop that!" They yapped, but thet couldn't stay mad anyway because of this stupid man's strained-ass laugh.

"You're lucky I'm bad at imposing myself!" They joked. Visibly they also found the situation humorous.

"Aww, don't say that darling! You can do whatever you want, it's not like anyone cares anymore!"

"...Thanks."

"Y'know what? Go on, say something you'd be too self-concious to say normally!"

"..."

"..."

"The only thing that would be knocked out from last night would be your throat with how much you screa-"

"Ok that's enough."

Despite the rude interruption, they smiled. Because everyone knew deep down, despite the light-hearted bantering, the couple would always be there for eachother. Whether that be through self-esteem issues or amputated limbs.

Everyone also knew Deimos was loud as fuck in-

[buriedlove]

Hey Buried Lovers,

Just a little birthday something for you. Hope you’re all surviving September - all is busy but good for me - looking forward to some quieter times and getting back to writing! ❤️

The Party

Alex clears his throat and looks around the dome, running his hand through his hair.

“Do you think we’ve got enough balloons?”

Zein snorts and kicks their foot at one of the balloons now bouncing around on the ground. “Alex, if we had any more balloons I think this place would start floating to the surface.”

Alex grins sheepishly. “Ok, I accept I might have gone overboard.”

Balloons are floating around in the air. Some rising to the top of the dome, but others hovering in mid air, or bouncing their way along the ground.

Rota eyes them suspiciously. “Why aren’t these strange orbs following the laws of gravity?”

“That would be one of those questions it’s better not to ask,” Eli playfully bats one of the balloons with his hand as he walks past everyone and makes a beeline to the bar.

“A more important question is what drinks am I going to mix tonight? I feel like trying something new. Something spicy?”

Aayush raises an eyebrow but says nothing, instead walking through the swirling mass of balloons, somehow managing to avoid touching a single one. He lays down on a sun lounger and closes his eyes.

“Aayush!” Fleur calls out, “aren’t you supposed to be on outfit duty? There’s no time for relaxing!”

Aayush smiles and waves his hand. A sea of balloons parts to show a clothing rack with beautiful outfits hanging off of it. Fleur squeals as she runs over and picks up a hanger that has a label with her name written on it. A dress that looks like it’s made from thousands of delicate lilac petals hangs from it. “It’s perfect! Aayush how did you find these…?”

Aayush smiles. “You don’t get to live through all of the ages without getting a certain sense of style. This will be the best dressed party this dome will ever see. Guaranteed.”

Abe appears carrying trays of food. He looks wholly uncomfortable as he looks around the dome. “Where am I putting these?” He looks to Fleur who has assumed the role of party coordinator.

Fleur points to some tables over to the side of the pool. “Over there next to Cerri. While you’re over there could you ask her to go and throw all of the inflatables into the pool? It’s going to look so cute.”

Abe swallows and looks like he’s been asked to fight a bear, but he nods obediently and walks over to Cerri who is glowering at everything happening around her.

“Uh Cerri,” he starts, his deep voice shaking ever so slightly. “Fleur asked if you could get the pool ready? Uh. Please.”

Cerri rolls her eyes but doesn’t protest and wanders over to Cat who is standing proudly surveying a menagerie of inflatable pool animals.

“Cerri! Hey! Help me get these in the water will you?”

Cerri grunts but picks up a giant flamingo and throws it through the air with ease, watching as it lands in the pool with a splash. Cat smiles. “Finally an outlet for all that tension, huh?”

Cerri responds by throwing an inflatable panda.

Cat laughs quietly and walks slowly over to Alex, placing an arm around his shoulder. “Wow, when you were put in charge of balloons you really went for it, huh?”

Rota interjects, “I believe there may be more orbs in here than there are stars in the sky.”

Alex starts to protest but instead closes his mouth and his eyes rest on a point in the distance. Everyone turns to see what he’s seen, their eyes all fixed on one thing that has just entered the party.

You.