#i need to “become someone else” to be around them

[allbark-no-bite]

don’t write checks you can’t cash.

jake seresin x reader (wc: 3.6k)

summary: jake seresin is under your skin. or maybe you’re under his. either way you’re going to eat each other alive. jake isn’t about to take the fall

warnings: mentioned age gap, heavy sexual tension (the smut is coming i promise)

author’s note: back on my topgun bullshit bitches (respectfully). i’m not usually one for multi part fics but i actually wrote something with plot for once so please just bear with me. part two coming soon! loosely inspired by Zach Bryan’s ‘nineball’. please note this fic title is subject to change bc i hate it

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You don't believe in love at first sight. You think the whole concept is some foolish idea that people who have already fallen in love have the liberty of saying they believe in. Then people who have been through failed relationship after failed relationship are convinced that they're never going to fall in love because it just doesn't happen. The whole idea pretty much just sets the rest of the population up for failure from the start.

Even the concept of finding the right person one day and growing to love them is hard for you to grasp. Because how can you love someone that much? How do you know you love them enough?There are some days that you don't enjoy the presence of even your closest friends for very long, friends who you would do anything for. Even family, you only tolerated so much.

Your high school boyfriend hated that about you, the fact that you realistically needed so little of him—or anyone for that matter. You have always been violently independent, able to provide what you require, and therefore having to maintain a simplistic relationship became nothing but a monotonous task. Even most of your closest friendships faded with time.

Eventually, you prosed the question: what can someone else give me that I cannot give myself?

The answer was companionship. Because when you strip away everything from a person and all they have left to offer you is themself, you have to be willing to choose them. And sometimes that's not the most appealing quality.

Something did happen, the first time you made eye contact with Lt. Jake Seresin, but it was far from love. It was something terrible in your chest, like an aching. Like you knew in your gut that he was going to change your life. Good or bad, you didn't know, but it was certain to happen.

You don't even believe that you two were destined to meet — you just happened to, and in that moment, the damage was done, it was your fate to ruin each other.

——

You like the way he says your name. You like that he says your name on purpose, like he is intentionally seeking out reasons to say it. It's not as harsh sounding coming from his mouth.

"You from around here, [L/n]?"

You're wiping down the glass hatch of your F/A-18 when he approaches you from behind. You swivel your head to catch sight of him behind your back but he's already making a wide circle around you, his chin tipping up then down as he inspects your plane from behind his tinted aviators.

As you watch him scrutinize your aircraft, you regard him with a certain level of apprehension. Jake Seresin was nothing short of gorgeous. He was six feet of bronze skin and lean muscle, withbright green eyes, and a movie star smile. Not to mention the southern accent that had girls drooling over him.

"Austin," you correct him. "Austin, Texas."

You'd been transferred over to Miramar a little over a month ago, becoming the newest addition to the Dagger squad. California was a nice change of scenery, and everyone you had met so far had welcomed you with open arms. That is, everyone but Lt. Seresin— Hangman as they called him. You were still trying to find your footing with him.

You genuinely don't know what his problem is with you. The guy had hardly even given you a glance since the moment you'd arrived. Your first guess would have been that he was one of those dickheads who didn't like women working in the field, but his relationship with Phoenix disproved that theory.

Your answer seems to warrant his attention, and he looks up. His expression twitches at the correction but he doesn't say anything in response. For the first time since you arrived at Miramar, still, unsmiling green eyes catch yours from across the aircraft.

You hold his gaze. After a moment, your stomach twists in an unsettling way, like even it doesn't know what to do with itself. Your first instinct is to look away. Your brain is telling you that if you do, you can avoid any sort of confrontation that may happen as a result. But it's like you can't.

This is the first time he's looked at you, and now you don't dare to look away.

Even from behind the tint of his perfectly polished aviators, you can make out the distinct color of his green eyes. They're so distracting that you have to remind yourself to breathe.

After what feels like eons of uncomfortable staring, he breaks your gaze —surely it couldn't have been longer than a few seconds. Flustered, you glance around to see if anyone else has picked up on the affair. Fortunately, or unfortunately, you're not quite sure which, it's nearing 6pm and the base is on the better side of empty. It's a Friday evening and everyone is eager to head out for the weekend.

Someone clears their throat. Hangman is still standing there, hands shoved in his pockets like he doesn't have anywhere better to be. You want to say something but your gut is telling you that there's some sort of game going on here and you're not sure of the rules.

Finally, he faintly nods his head, as if to excuse himself, and turns to walk away. You watch his retreating back and relax a little, breathing a bit easier.

As you're turning back to your plane, relieved that the interaction is over, you hear him call back over his shoulder.

“The team is heading to the Hard Deck at nine. Don't be late."

And then he's gone, disappeared between one of the hangars.

——

For nine thirty on a Friday evening, the bar isn't nearly as busy as you'd expected it to be. You don't have to fight for a parking spot out front and there's not even a line at the bar. Other than a rowdy looking gaggle accumulating at the pool table, the atmosphere is pretty laid back. Looking around as you walk further in, there is a handful of people in civilians, but the majority of the crowd is composed of off duty aviators in their summer khakis.

You're about to head over to the bar top, where you were sure you had spotted Captain Mitchell, when someone shouts your name.

"Hawk!"

Your head swivels at the sound of your callsign, and you catch sight of Rooster beckoning to you over at the pool table. Immediately you recognize the familiar faces of the Dagger squad around him. You acknowledge him with a smile and head over to join them.

“And here we thought you were going to be a no-show," the brunette pilot chirps, his arm wrapping around your shoulder as soon as you're close enough. You lean into his embrace while touching his chest with a friendly pat of your hand. Bradley is by no means close to drunk but most definitely more than a little buzzed if you're going off of the smell of beer and lime on his breath and the occasional involuntary twitch of his mustache.

"I thought about it, but I can't keep letting you guys have all the fun," you laugh, holding out your other arm so that you can greet Natasha with a hug as Rooster releases you.

After hugging you, she presses a sweating bottle of beer into your hand. "Coyote bought everyone a round so I figured I'd save you one before the boys wiped them out. Sorry if it's a bit warm, you did show up fashionably late."

You playfully roll your eyes at her, taking the beer anyhow. "Thanks, Phe."

Payback places a large palm on the top of your head, diverting your attention towards him as he returns from the bar. "Don't let her fool you, we're just getting started over here. Rooster isn't even drunk enough to get on the piano yet."

Laughing, you glance over at the brunette aviator. "Now that I've been waiting to see. I hear you're quite the show, Bradshaw."

Since you transferred over to Miramar, you had been hounded nonstop to go out drinking with the team for weeks, and Rooster's infamous performance had been one of their key selling points. That and the fact that the owner, Penny, often gave them free drinks. Apparently she had a thing for Captain Mitchell.

Rooster grins, leaning against the pool stick in his hand as he waits for Fanboy to take his shot. "Let me get a couple more beers deep and I promise you won't be disappointed."

As you go about making your rounds to greet everyone else, you can't help but notice that there's someone missing. After you take a seat beside Bob to watch Rooster and Fanboy play, you glance around the bar a few times, convinced that you've somehow overlooked him despite the fact that the place isn't busy enough for that.

An almost disappointed feeling pulls at you despite how ridiculous the realization makes you feel.

After spending the better part of an half hour trying to push the feeling away, you finally spot a familiar head of blonde hair over at the dartboard. He's by himself, about three darts in and half a bottle of beer down. So much for the personal invitation, you think.

You watch as he throws a dart, practically without so much as aiming whilst contemplating whether or not you even have it in you to muster up the courage to face those green eyes again.

Without giving yourself the chance to back down, you swallow back the rest of your now warm beer and head over.

He tosses another dart just as you reach him, and it finds itself dead center with the previous three.

"With a hand like that, you should be kicking Rooster's ass over there in pool," you say as you come to a stop behind him.

Walking away from the dartboard, Jake turns to grab his bottle of beer from the table beside you.

"I'm not much of a betting man," he huffs, leaning back against the table. The muscles of his biceps bugle distractingly against the sleeves of his uniform.

You look back over your shoulder, watching from a distance as Fanboy's cue clips the eight ball and sends it ricocheting off the sidewall. He groans, and Rooster whoops triumphantly from behind him.

"It wouldn't be much of a bet. Even with his winning streak, I think you'd give him a run for his money."

Hangman takes a sip from his bottle, mouth lingering on the rim before he sets it back down and crosses his arms. "Rooster's all luck and no skill. The table's got a lean."

You raise your eyebrows at the confession, half laughing at his lax confidence. "Oh? And you would know this how?"

"C'mon, son. Fuckin' hit it in."

Body tense, his arm quivers ever so slightly and the pool stick bobs shakily in his hand. He closes his eyes and takes a breath in.

"I haven't got all day, kid."

He breathes out and breathes back in. The smell of cigar smoke and cheap beer swims in his head.

"What're you doin'?! Quit wastin' time."

He exhales, opens his eyes, and hits the pool stick forward. The white cue ball shoots out to the left, bounces against the eight ball, and sends it hurdling towards the side pocket. At the very last moment, it veers off to the left and falls into  the back corner pocket instead.

The man standing on the other side of the table curses, his pool stick dropping to the ground, but Jake pays little mind to him. He straightens, looking around eagerly for the only set of eyes that matter. The grin falls from his face when he realizes the old man isn't even watching, too busy counting out his prize money and yanking out a ten to hand to the bartender.

Jake looks up at the clock on the wall over his shoulder.

12:57 am

"Dad, I wanna go home."

"Not yet, son. I've already got fifty put down on another round."

"Want me to show you?"

His offer makes you pause, and you can't help but cock your head a bit as you try to weigh out just where this is heading. For weeks he has acted as though you barely even existed and now you're engaged in the longest conversion the two of you have had since your arrival.

Jake finishes his drink and sets the bottle down whilst walking over to you. "Final offer. Take it or leave it."

You laugh a little before stepping back so that he can make his way to the pool table. "Lead the way then." But before you can make it too far, his palm finds the flat of your back, pressing you forward so that you're in front of him. You're glad he can't see you because your face flashes hot at the unexpected contact.

"I'm not the one playing, kid. I'm just going to show you the ropes."

"Oh, I didn't-"

Any objections you have about the situation are ignored as he pushes you firmly in the direction of the pool table and asks Payback for his cue. "Look alive, Bradshaw. Hawk is about to show you how this thing is done."

Straightening his wide shoulders, Bradley grins, smug and easy as you and Hangman approach the opposite side of the table. "And here I thought you were here to reclaim your throne now that I'm intoxicated."

Jake grins back. "You don't need to be drunk for me to do that."

Bradley's mustache twitches, but he's still smiling. "Sure."

Jake turns back to you, placing the pool stick in your hand. You can't help but think that his expression is all too confident for someone who has never even seen you play pool.

"Nervous?" he asks as you take the stick from him.

"Should I be?" you ask back, turning your head to watch as Rooster takes the liberty of breaking the rack.

He shakes his head, his green eyes glowing with a warmth that you've yet to see from him. "Not as long as you don't totally suck."

Seeing that it's your turn, you brush past him to stand at the table. "I guess I'll let you be the judge of that."

Thankfully you've played your fair share of pool and so you're able to hold your own for most of the game. Jake remains criminally silent as you play, arms once again crossed as he leans against a nearby stool, but you can feel his gaze burning into your back the entire time. It isn't until the end of the game and you've missed the same ball multiple times that he steps in.

"Shift left," he directs you. When you glance over at him, he nods his head as if to insinuate where you should move but doesn't move from where he's planted himself since the beginning of the game.

Hesitantly, you shuffle over a half step and take the shot. The ball comes closer than you have been but still hits the sidewall just short of the pocket. You huff in frustration, and Rooster steps forward to take his turn, sinking his second to last ball in the same pocket.

"I hope you're ready to buy the next round, Seresin. Looks like Hawk is losing her nerve," Bradley goads, unable to keep himself from boasting a little at your expense. When it comes to Hangman, he can't resist the chance to taunt him.

You roll your eyes at his comment, not bothered so much by it as compared to the fact that you're losing. When it's your turn again, you line up the ball and lean down to assume your position when Jake stops you.

All the sudden he's right beside you, palm pressing into your hip to scoot you to the side. "Move over." When you look at him like he's crazy, he huffs. "C'mon, do you want my help or not?"

It isn't so much of a question as it is a statement and the press of his hand against your side doesn't leave you much of an option and so you shuffle over to the far right side of the pool table.

Before you can even comprehend what's going on, he's leant over you, his impossibly tall frame pressed to your back so that he can reach around you and guide your hands. One wraps around your hand on the stick and the other cups your opposite elbow.

It takes everything in you not to jerk away, overwhelmed by his sudden proximity. Instead you try to focus on controlling your hammering heart and pray he can't tell how clammy your palms suddenly are.

"Hey, that's not allowed," Rooster complains. "Is that allowed?"

Coyote shrugs. "It's not not allowed."

Distracted by their bickering, his voice in your ear nearly makes you jump. "Hit the cue ball. Hard."

The lean press of his body is almost enough to distract you from the fact that he's done a god awful job of lining up the shot. There's not one alternate reality where you make this shot.

"You can't be serious."

He's so close that you feel him smile beside your ear. "Dead."

"Any day now," Rooster prompts, as if you aren't aware that Jake Seresin has been pressed against you for an uncomfortably long amount of time. And if Hangman has noticed the fact that your heart is fluttering erratically inside your chest or that your skin is flushed hot to the touch, he doesn't let on. 

"I'm waiting," he reminds you, his voice placid in your ear.

Against your better judgement, you take the shot.

The white cue ball hurtles into the black eight ball with a hard clack and sends it flying across the table. It smashes against the sidewall, exactly as you had expected it to, and you release a breath of defeat. And then something unexpected happens. The ball slows, but instead of bouncing to a stop, it continues to roll left across the table. You all watch as it rolls directly into back corner pocket of the table.

"Well I'll be damned," Payback mutters aloud.

"Hell yeah, [L/n]!" Phoenix shouts, her loud and robust voice ringing out across the bar. "Shots are on Bradshaw!"

"Thanks buddy," Coyote laughs, teasingly grabbing the back of the brunette aviator's shoulders as he heads off for the bar.

Bradley waves them off, looking a bit miffed but still good naturedly accepting his defeat.

"How about it? You're a cold blooded killer."

Like a bucket of ice water being dumped over your head, the sound of Hangman's voice coming from behind you jerks you back to reality. You haven't even noticed that he'd stepped away. Something inside you twinges at the loss of his body pressed against yours.

You turn around to face him, your brain still trying to comprehend what just happened.

"How'd you do that?" you ask incredulously, your tone almost accusing. A deeper part of you wants to ask 'why did you do that' but the smile on his face stops you.

His top row of pearly white teeth that you glimpse is pristine, however brief, before his pink lips come back together in a more subdued smile. It's an expression that is so very genuine and carefree that it sends a spark straight through to your heart. You've never seen him actually smile before, and especially not at you.

"You're smiling," you accuse before you can stop the words from coming out of your mouth, half giddy at the discovery yourself.

Jake looks slightly away, turning his head briefly in order to suppress his smile before looking back to you. “Yeah? So?” His green eyes are twinkling as he says it, like he knows he’s been caught.

You jab the short end of the pool stick into the center of his chest, but he’s quick to grab it before it can find home.

“Up until yesterday, you could barely stand to even look at me,” you say.

He bites the inside of his cheek. “That’s not true.”

“So you’re saying that I’m seeing things.” You try to tug back on the pool stick but Hangman doesn’t release it.

“I’m saying you shouldn’t be seeing things.”

With that, a larger portion of the previous smile is gone from his face, a more sober look replacing it.

Just like that the spark fades. Even though you want to shut down, turn your back to his face and just walk away. You force yourself to keep talking, holding your voice steady. “I don’t think I’m following you.”

Inside you know exactly what he means.

His eyes flicker up over your shoulder but the Dagger squad has already moved on to crowd around Rooster at the piano.

You clamp your jaw together as he releases the pool cue and crosses his arms in front of his chest. It makes him look more relaxed than he is.

"Look, whatever this is—whatever you think I am, I'm not." He says this with the realistic conviction of someone who knows that even if it is, you can't. He says it like he’s trying to convince himself.

You’re not quite sure how old he is—barely thirty if you had to guess— but he’s older. Too old. Not to mention fraternization is deeply frowned upon.

"I know," you answer firmly. Because you do. Because even if it isn't, you want it, whatever it is.

He stares down at you with those green eyes, his pupils pinpoint sharp. After a moment he heaves a sigh and releases it, nodding his head. “So we’re in agreement?”

“Yeah,” you answer. “We’re in agreement.”

“Good.”

“Good.”

[anxiousnerdwritings]

Yandere Wanda Maximoff Headcanons (platonic-ish)

She doesn’t quite know when or how it happened but somehow her darling came into her life, even after everything. Wanda hadn’t thought she’d ever grow close to someone again, she never thought she’d end up gaining a friend after all the loses she’s had to endure. She didn’t even really know how much she desperately craved having a friend until she had you.

Wanda tries not to come off clingy, she doesn’t want to risk you pulling away because of it. She really doesn’t know what to do with herself when it comes to being around you. She doesn’t want to do anything to ruin the wonderful thing she’s been gifted. It would really take for you to be the one to instigate showing her even the slightest bit of affection or just the smallest amount of physical contact for her to allow herself to feel like she can do the same to you now. And now that she can she can’t help herself, she just wants to give all the love and affection she can muster. She never wants you to feel like you’re going without, no matter how small it may be.

Wanda knows what it’s like to be touch starved and lonely, she would make it her purpose to ensure you don’t ever have to feel that way. That you never have to go without or question whether you even deserve any form of affection to begin with.

Wanda would do her best to appeal more to you, she doesn’t only want to be what you need but what you would want too. She would adopt whatever trait or habit you seem to be drawn to if only to ensure her place in your life.

You would never have to ask for anything with Wanda. Except maybe some space and privacy, even then you’re most likely to never really get any again after she’s come into your life, but other than that your needs are all met and more. The thing about Wanda is that she puts her all into everything. Your care is her utmost priority, even if she believes you need more than you actually do. Wanda is a nurturer and in her mind you came in to her life when she had nothing at all, when she was completely lost. You saved her, you brought some meaning to her life again and she wants to repay you by taking care of you, by becoming something similar to what you’ve become to her.

She’s lost so much. All she’s ever wanted was something she could hold onto and love. Now she has you to do just that. She finally has something, someone to give her love and attention to, to hold in her embrace once more. And Wanda is not going to lose you, not after everything else she’s had taken away from her.

I think given everything that Wanda’s been through, everyone she’s had torn away from her, I could see her platonic and romantic feelings kind of mixing together. Her darling starts out being strictly platonic until she delves deeper into her obsession and the boundaries of her affections begins to blur together at some point. Her darling has inevitably become her everything so there for she in turn gives them her all, her everything.

Wanda would be extremely fragile in more ways than one. After everything she’s been through it’s to be expected. She’s really tried taking in and living as normally as she could after you came into her life but there’s only so much she can take. Having to watch her darling interact with others on a daily basis it really starts to stir something deep inside her, something very possessive.

It really wouldn’t take much for her to come to the conclusion of taking you away from the life you’ve known and bringing you into her new world, an entire place she’s made just for the two of you. She’s spent a lot of time working on it, not to mention she’s learned from the Westview situation too so it’s entirely secluded without anyone else having to be or ending up thrown into like before. It’s strictly just you and Wanda.

Wanda wouldn’t be able to handle any animosity or resentment from you. Any kind of negative response would just break her all the more. She’s trying her best, can’t you see that? Can’t you just be good and give in to the world she’s created for you? This is all for you after all, just a world meant for you and her to be together in with no interruptions or obstacles. In this life, you two are the only one either of you can truly depend on in her mind.

You may not see it, yet, but you need her and she needs you more than anything else. You’re her last shred of being able to experience the life she’s always wanted, her last hope for normalcy, even if your situation isn’t exactly ‘normal’. She doesn’t even know she’s doing it but she’s putting her everything onto you, plunging you into her darkness along with her, unconsciously. If she knew what she was doing she would hate herself all the more for it and try to protect you from herself but at this point she just can’t see it. And honestly she doesn’t want to see it. Any of it. As far as she’s concerned this is fine, everything is fine and if it’s not then she’ll make it that way.

Her overprotectiveness is out of this world, especially at this point in time. She’s lost so much, has had so much ripped away from her but she won’t let it happen again. Not with you. You’re her last chance, her last bit of sanity clinging on still, if she loses you too then what’s the point to anything anymore. What’s the point to anyone getting to be happy if not even she can experience her own shred of happiness. Why should she be the only one to suffer? There was a time where she would gladly take on any suffering to protect others from ever having to experience it themself but now it’s all she knows and she desperately wants it to end. Wanda just wants to be happy and you’re her new found happiness so you can imagine how far she’d go to protect you, ensuring you stay by her side.

[cera-writes]

Pretty pleeeease some nightcrawler smut with a more sub!nightcrawler?😭 Or just reader spoiling him and calling him a pretty boy, praising him, etc

A/N: say no more... ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Pairing: Kurt Wagner x gn!Reader Tags: nsfw, oral sex (giving), praise, and just pure smut

Nothing but Praise

It was late into the night at the X-Mansion, the usual sounds of mutant powers and training sessions replaced by a serene silence. You were in the library, a book open on your lap, but your mind was elsewhere. Your thoughts kept drifting to Kurt, the enigmatic Nightcrawler, whose presence had become a constant in your daydreams.

As if summoned by your thoughts, Kurt appeared in a puff of smoke and brimstone right beside you. His sudden arrival startled you, causing you to drop your book with a soft thud.

"Kurt! You really need to stop doing that," you chided gently, though there was no real heat in your words.

He offered a sheepish grin, his blue fur shimmering slightly under the library's soft lighting. "Sorry, mein Freund. I forget sometimes how my teleportation can startle."

You shook your head, smiling as you picked up your book. "It's okay. What brings you here so late?"

Kurt hesitated, his tail flicking nervously behind him. "I... I could not sleep. Thought maybe I could find a book to help pass the time."

You noticed the slight tremor in his voice, the vulnerability hidden beneath his playful exterior. "Come here," you said softly, patting the seat next to you.

Kurt sat down, his proximity sending a thrill through you. You could see the fatigue around his eyes, the weight of recent battles and missions taking their toll.

"You know, Kurt," you began, turning to face him, "you don't have to be strong all the time. It's okay to let someone take care of you."

His yellow eyes met yours, a mix of surprise and something deeper, something yearning. "I... I do not know how to be anything else," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

You reached out, gently touching his cheek. "Let me show you," you whispered back, your thumb brushing against his fur.

Kurt's breath hitched, and he leaned into your touch, his eyes closing briefly. When he opened them again, they were filled with a mixture of desire and uncertainty. "Ich verstehe nicht, was du willst," he murmured, his German accent thickening with emotion.

"I want to spoil you, Kurt," you explained, your voice steady despite the pounding of your heart. "I want to tell you how amazing you are, how beautiful."

His tail wrapped around your wrist, a silent plea for reassurance. "Really?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

"Really," you confirmed, leaning closer. "You deserve to be praised, to be taken care of. Let me be the one to do that for you."

Kurt's eyes searched yours, looking for any hint of insincerity. Finding none, a slow smile spread across his face. "Then show me, bitte," he whispered, his voice husky with anticipation.

You leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "With pleasure, pretty boy," you murmured against his skin, feeling him shiver at the term of endearment.

As you pulled back, you saw the trust and desire in his eyes, a promise of what was to come. Tonight, you would show Kurt just how much he meant to you, in ways neither of you would ever forget.

You led Kurt to a more secluded corner of the library, where plush armchairs and a soft rug promised comfort. The dim light cast shadows that danced around you, creating an intimate atmosphere. None of the other students were permitted in the library this late, so it was just the two of you.

"Kurt, you're not just strong or brave," you began, your voice low and soothing as you sat down, pulling him gently onto your lap. His body was surprisingly light, his tail coiling around your leg in a silent affirmation of trust. "You're also incredibly gentle and kind. It's one of the many things I adore about you."

He looked at you, his eyes wide with a mix of surprise and pleasure. "Danke, mein Freund," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Ich... ich weiß nicht, wie ich soll..."

"Shh," you whispered, placing a finger on his lips. "Let me do the talking for now. You just enjoy being taken care of."

You ran your hands through his fur, feeling the softness under your fingers. Kurt leaned into your touch, a soft sigh escaping his lips. Encouraged by his response, you continued, your hands moving down to massage his shoulders. He tensed briefly before relaxing under your ministrations, his head falling back slightly.

"You're so beautiful, Kurt," you said, your voice husky with desire. "Every part of you is perfect."

His cheeks darkened under his fur, a shy smile playing on his lips. "Du bist zu gut zu mir," he whispered, his eyes half-closed in pleasure.

You leaned in, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss. He responded eagerly, his tongue darting out to meet yours. The kiss deepened, filled with a passion that had been simmering between you both for too long. When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless.

"I want to make you feel good, Kurt," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me what you like."

Kurt hesitated, then spoke softly, his German accent making each word sound like a melody. "Ich mag es, wenn du mich streichelst, und deine Zunge auf meiner Haut... you-your tongue, Liebling. Just... anywhere on me."

You nodded, understanding his desires. You began by trailing kisses down his neck, each one eliciting a shiver from him. Your hands roamed over his chest, tweaking his nipples gently, causing him to gasp.

"Ah, ja... genau so," Kurt moaned, his voice a mix of pleasure and desperation.

Encouraged, you moved lower, unzipping his jumpsuit slowly. His chest heaved with anticipation as you exposed more of his blue skin. You kissed every inch of newly revealed flesh, your hands caressing his sides.

"You're doing so well, pretty boy," you praised, watching as his eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan escaping him.

You reached his erection, already hard and straining against his suit. With a gentle tug, you freed it, admiring its size and shape. Kurt whimpered, his hands clenching in the fabric of the armchair.

"Suck me, bitte," he pleaded, his voice shaky with need.

Without hesitation, you moved in front of him, letting him take the chair as you wrapped your hand around his shaft, stroking him slowly. Then, you leaned in, taking him into your mouth. Kurt cried out, his hips bucking slightly as you took him deeper.

"Mein Gott, du bist so gut," he gasped, his hands tangling in your hair.

You bobbed your head, swirling your tongue around him, enjoying the taste and feel of him. Each moan and plea only spurred you on, eager to bring him closer to the edge.

As Kurt's moans grew louder, his body tensing with the impending climax, you knew this was just the beginning of a night filled with exploration and pleasure.

You continued to lavish attention on Kurt, your mouth working diligently around his shaft as you felt his body tense with each passing moment. His hands gripped your hair, guiding you gently but firmly, a silent command for more intensity. You complied, increasing the pace of your movements, your tongue swirling and flicking in ways that made him gasp and moan.

"Ah, mein Gott... du bist wirklich gut dabei," Kurt panted, his voice thick with desire and a hint of awe. His tail tightened around your leg, a physical sign of his growing pleasure.

You pulled back slightly, teasing the tip of his erection with the flat of your tongue, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him. "You like that, pretty boy?" you murmured, looking up at him through your lashes.

Kurt nodded, his eyes half-lidded and filled with lust. "Ja, bitte, mehr," he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.

Satisfied, you engulfed him again, this time taking him deeper than before. Your hand moved to cup his balls, gently rolling them between your fingers as you sucked. Kurt's hips bucked involuntarily, caught in the throes of pleasure you were expertly weaving around him.

"Du... du bringst mich um," he gasped, his body trembling as he neared his peak.

You hummed around him, the vibrations adding another layer to his building climax. With one final, deep suck, you pulled back, letting him slip from your lips with an audible pop. Kurt's chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, his eyes wide and unfocused.

"Not yet, Kurt," you whispered, your voice a sultry tease. "I want to feel you come undone completely."

Standing up, you guided him to lie down on the soft rug, his body compliant under yours. You straddled him, your hands roaming over his chest, tweaking and pinching his nipples until he moaned beneath you.

"Please, I need... I need to feel you," Kurt begged, his hands reaching up to pull you down for a kiss.

You obliged, kissing him deeply as your hands moved lower, teasing the sensitive skin around his erection. You stroked him slowly, watching as his face contorted with pleasure, his mouth forming silent words of encouragement and praise.

"Tell me what you want, Kurt," you whispered against his lips, your hand stilling.

"I need you, I need to feel you," he breathed out, his eyes locked onto yours, pleading.

Understanding his desire, you positioned yourself above him, gripping his shaft to line it inside of you. His precum coated your fingers and it was enough to coat yourself for him before letting him enter you.

"Ready, pretty boy?" you asked, your voice husky with anticipation.

Kurt nodded, his hands gripping your hips. "Ja, bitte, tu es," he urged.

With a slow, deliberate movement, you rolled your hips, feeling him deep inside of you. Kurt's breath hitched, his eyes fluttering closed as he tilted his head back in pure ecstasy. You gasped, your own breath shallow with the effort of holding back.

Once Kurt nodded, you began to move, slowly at first, then picking up speed as he moaned and encouraged you. Each thrust brought him deeper into you, the friction building deliciously between you.

"Mein Gott, du fühlst so gut," Kurt cried out, his hands moving to your back, urging you closer.

You leaned down, capturing his lips in a fierce kiss, your movements becoming more urgent. The sound of your bodies slapping together filled the room, mingling with Kurt's increasingly desperate cries.

As you felt your own climax approaching, you bit back another moan, biting your lips as the sight of Kurt panting and nearly crying from pleasure nearly sent you over the edge.

"Cum for me, Kurt," you commanded, your voice rough with desire.

Kurt cried out, his body arching off the ground as he came, his release spurting between you as he pulled out. The sight of him losing control sent you over the edge, and you stroked yourself a few more times just before climaxing, your own cry echoing his.

Collapsing beside him, you pulled him close, both of you breathing heavily, your bodies slick with sweat and other fluids. Kurt nuzzled into your neck, murmuring soft thanks and praises in German, his voice content and sated.

"Anytime, pretty boy," you whispered back, kissing the top of his head. "Anytime."

[violetteshoneybee]

WIP. (remus lupin x reader)

remus lupin x reader

In which the marauders and their girls are on summer holiday in South of France and Remus realises he wants you.

Warnings: fluff (maybe smut, we’ll see); not proofread!!

Remus had no idea when he agreed to go to the Potter’s summer house in south of France that the summer holidays would go like this. He thought it would be just the four of them boys in a little house. But he did underestimate the Potters wealth a bit.

The taxi stopped in front of the iron gates of a three-story house. The path to the front door was lined by pine trees. Remus could hear some repetitive melody coming from the trees. He attributed that to some kind of grasshopper. The scorching sun, although filtered by the branches, was making the boy’s head ache and sweat. And the noise from what he had gathered to be a cigale was worsening it. Still, he was pleased to discover the house with its walls made of put-together stone, its shutters needing fresh paint, and the small fountain beside the floral arrangement that would go all around the building. James had pushed its faucet to bathe his head in cold water, but Remus was focused on something else now. He had seen someone in the window. Someone he didn’t know would be here.

The door opened in a hurry, and all he could think was, when did he miss that information?

“We were starting to worry, what took you so long?”

“James had forgotten his pacifier, that’s what took us so long. You know how he is when he doesn’t have it.” Sirius climbed the stairs, his sunglasses in his hair and his bag on the shoulder. “Insufferable!” He muttered loud enough for the four girls to hear.

Remus combed his fingers through his hair and took a long breath before opening his mouth

“Well! Hello-”

“What are you doing here? I thought it was just us four!” Peter asked joining Sirius and the others inside.

You stayed in the corner of the door looking at the two boys left.

“Had a nice trip?”

Remus nodded. You looked ethereal in your blue and white sundress, your hair braided together.

“And you? You didn’t wait too long? Lils is not mad right?”

“Don’t start, Prongs.” Remus lifted his luggage. “I like the dress”

“You’ll get burned if you don’t put sunscreen on, Potter.”

“It’s alright, Evans. He’s a big guy.”

“I have some sunscreen if you'd like.”

James shook his head no, not glancing at them, his arm covering his eyes to cover himself. He had decided he was done with Lily Evans. Too much running around, not enough results, he said. And, too busy becoming a better guy, he was not seeing how Lily’s attention toward him had changed. That’s what everyone understood, though.

Remus’s gaze turned from his three friends to the girl getting in the water. You chuckled a bit listening to Lily’s attempt at catching James attention.

“Not too cold?”

You immersed yourself fully in the pool and let yourself float around.

“It’s parfait!”

Remus smiled at your French pronunciation. You and Sirius had been going around throwing random French words in conversation since the first day of the holidays.

“Is it? Should I join you?” You shook your head.

“Don’t ruin it. It feels good like this.” You hummed plunging your head underneath the surface.

Remus looked at how your body moved expertly under the water. The way your hair floated above your shoulders and how sunshine seemed to rain on your back as you swam. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from you. Away from your legs moving so delicately under the water like a dance he did not know of.

He watched you like this the whole time you were enjoying the nice and cool pool in the back garden of the house. He was sitting on a lounging chair in the shadow of a pine tree. He had kept his shirt on despite the warm weather, too embarrassed to show his scarred body. Remus’s face was already reddened by the sun, and some freckles had started to appear on his nose and cheeks. You had found them quite adorable on him. It betrayed his soft personality that you loved so much.

You had been in love with Remus for two years now. Stealing glances at him when you could, but keeping your feelings for yourself. You were worried you might ruin your bond and your friend group dynamic. As if getting serious with Remus would stop you from enjoying time with the others. Particularly if Remus were to reject you. You couldn’t even think of how your friendship would go after that without being embarrassed to death. Still, from time to time, when you were brave enough, you would attempt to flirt with Remus. Just to see if you had a chance, or if he really was too good for you. You were wondering at that moment, fully aware of the attention on your body, if you could say something to him. Your face was red just at the thought of it.

“My eyes are higher, Rem.” You managed to say without stuttering too much. You had swum to him and were now looking up at him through your lashes.

Remus was speechless. You looked so innocent, so beautiful at that moment. He wanted to take a picture of you, just to keep you in his wallet, and maybe, just maybe, sometimes say to strangers, “That’s my girlfriend, isn’t she beautiful?” He dreamed of that, of saying you were his.

Dividers credit to @benkeibear

Tag list : @innerloverpainter

[appleblueberry-pie]

I need a guy that isn’t “I almost lose my mind when I’m with you” but actually does. Like get lost in the sauce of our love fr fr. Go crazy go stupid. On GOD I need a pet boyfriend 😔 a devoted, all worshipful, loyal servant. Like please bae glare at everyone.

Anyway- can we have some feral obsessed hcs for Yuuta, Gojo, and Geto? I have an actual obsession problem with uninterested reader so that’s the plot. Just a couple of besties with one who wants to not just be besties 🫶😔

ok lightwork.

Yuuta

Everyone you're close with gets in the crossfire.

He doesn't give a damn. If they know you, he knows about them with or without their consent. It's uncomfortable, the amount of information he knows about every single person that you know. If you have enough knowledge to remember at least one significant thing about them, he will find a way to find out who they are, where they life, how they know you and other important things. Like age, sex, where they work and live.

Will fight people. Just not in front of you because you don't deserve to see that. When you're not there, he will not be seen by anyone in the public eye. People that hit on him get ignored completely or told off in a very rude way.

When you give him attention? He's soaking up every single piece of it and even tries to pull so much more out of you. Worships your body, every single action you take, every word that leaves your lips and even just loves when you're just being. You being present is enough to send him over the edge. Period.

Gojo

No one else matters but you. Only you and him exist in his universe. Where you live, what you've done in your life and what you two plan to do together later in life are the only things that matter to him. Don't ever mention hypothetical scenarios where you and him break up because it will never ever fucking happen, don't even try it.

When someone breaks the space between the two of you, he will not hesitate to intimidate him. That american type of angry. Stare them down, size them up, back them into a corner type of pissed. Won't give a fuck. If he has to eradicate someone in front of everyone, so be it.

Loves to stare at you. You're all he sees. If you're mad at someone, don't worry. They'll be gone by the time you wake up tomorrow. Everything revolves around what you want, what you need, and what can become possible with him at your side.

Geto

Him and Yuuta are the most similar at what type of worship they bring to the table. Please. He will give you all of his body, time, soul, every damn thing. Just take it. He doesn't care. Have eeeevery piece of him.

Wake up and he's there asking what you need, and he's there at night cradling you to sleep. Hates taking you outside because of those monkeys surrounding you, ruining your personal bubble and stinking the air. It's so easy for you to calm him down when he gets riled up. Just the thought of you being taken away from him by a monkey just pisses him off to no end.

He loves seeing you with his girls. It really makes his heart light and his stomach bubble with happiness. You are everything he's ever hoped for. So strong, so smart, so caring and selfless. You deserve the sun and moon being put in your arms just to keep you happy.

You deserve everything. He'll find a way to get you everything you deserve and more. Just give him a little time to do so.

[beetheyapper]

MUSIC I THINK THE POETS WOULD ENJOY

this is not time period accurate but i do not care. i at least tried to keep it pre-2000s. also i’m 100% projecting my music taste onto them. deal with it? spotify playlists, each of which has around 30 songs, are linked below each description ! i spent forever on this 😭

Charlie Dalton

i’m not sure that i could pinpoint very many artists he’d particularly like, but this is a classic rock boy right here. he’d be into ac/dc, motley crue, led zeppelin, etc. perhaps a bit of duran duran (this is where i’m projecting the most.) songs about s3x and women, and songs that make him feel like the rebel he is.

Neil Perry

oh i just know this kid would be into some funk and pop, especially 80s and perhaps even new wave (i’m again projecting). now THIS is a duran duran fan (specifically their early stuff), which is unsurprising since the lead singer has a drama degree. he’d also probably like fleetwood mac, and would be well-versed in the band’s drama. duran duran, wham!, fleetwood mac, abba, maybe even some hall & oates. songs with complex lyrics and also songs that make him wanna dance. lots of upbeat stuff because though he has things that bother him, he’d rather do anything but dwell on them.

Todd Anderson

honestly, considering they’re roommates, i feel like neil would’ve had a bit of an impact on todd’s music taste, so there’s some band influence there—but regardless, i think todd would be into more mellow and emotional songs. jeff buckley comes to mind, along with the eagles, the beatles and maybe a splash of the smiths also pls pretend now and then didn’t come out last year. he would also be letting it linger i fear

Knox Overstreet

knox would be similar to Charlie, as they probably bond over shared music taste just as much as everything else. very heavy on the classic rock, but a lean more towards songs about needing someone and love songs as he pines for Chris. Tom Petty, Robert Palmer, The Cars, and a bunch of songs introduced to him by Charlie. He sticks more to genre/theme than to a specific artist methinks

Richard Cameron

contrary to what some may think, i think Cameron would absolutely groove to some rock n roll. HOWEVER. he is a 60s-70s rock n roll elitist. he thinks Billy Idol’s cover of Mony Mony is a disgrace. he wholeheartedly believes the Beatles are the best band to have ever graced the planet. The Beatles, The Beach Boys. The Rolling Stones, etc. Maybe even some Simon & Garfunkel. Him and Charlie argue a lot about which decades were the best years of rock music

Gerard Pitts

free my boy. he just wants to dance he ain’t do nothing wrong. his music taste has definitely been influenced by some of the other poets, in the sense that if he hears a song with a funky beat that makes him want to dance, it’s added to his mixtape IMMEDIATELY. for this reason, i’m thinking lots of funk and groove. play that funky music white boy! Bee Gees, ABBA, Talking Heads, Pet Shop Boys, etc. as long as he can dance to it he could care less who it’s by

Steven Meeks

another old rock, but more on the calm side with some hints of folk and fun. Donovan, The Beatles (paul is his fav for sure), The Beach Boys, and he definitely loves every white person anthem, including Sweet Caroline. he likes to groove with Pitts but also like soothing music to study to !!! i had to consult my friend on this one i fear i was drawing a blank

AND THAT is my opinion on each of the poets’ music taste. did i squeeze Duran Duran into almost all of them? perhaps. they’re my fav band let me live… feel free to listen to the playlists (please listen to them. pls i don’t want to have made them in vain.) and maybe even become spotify moots with me :D

[rollinouttahere-writes]

May I request Ace with Y , X , S , N , M and A please?

The limit is 5, but since I already answered A and N in another post, I'll let it go lol

Affection: How do they show their love and affection? How intense would it get?

Answered here.

Mask: Are their true colors drastically different from the way they act around everyone else?

Yes, Ace's darling absolutely gets special treatment in terms of how he behaves around them. Other people will definitely be able to see that he loves and adores you, but to them Ace just looks like a normal boyfriend. In general, he comes off like a pretty friendly and reasonable guy. No one would ever suspect his yandere side or how messy his emotions can get.

When he's alone with you, everything is more intense and raw. His confidence is largely gone and you see how uncertain he truly is in life. You are the only person that he'll fully confide in, so you'll know him much more intimately than anyone else could ever hope to. He isn't even this open and honest with Luffy.

Naughty: How would they punish their darling?

Answered here.

Stigma: What brought about this side of them (childhood, curiosity, etc)?

His childhood and the issues that he's carried with him ever since those days are the reason he's like this. Even with his brothers around, he always had this gnawing loneliness from feeling like he was a uniquely evil individual because of who his father is. When your own grandfather can't even look you in the eye and tell you that you deserve to be alive, that is going to ruin your psyche. If you aren't worthy of life, obviously you aren't worthy of love.

But then he finds someone that loves him. Despite everything, his darling can love someone as monstrous as him? It doesn't matter if you haven't said it. Actions speak louder than words, so you being generally kind and loving when you two first meet is enough to have him feeling like he's found his soulmate. He's sure that he'll never get this lucky again, so of course he'll never let you go.

Xoanon: How much would they revere or worship their darling? To what length would they go to win their darling over?

This man worships the ground you walk on and cherishes the air you breathe. You're everything to him. You're a perfect angel that gives him the sweet comfort of someone to have and to hold, heart and soul. Someone that gives him something so precious only deserves the best treatment possible.

Before he takes you, he's pulling out all the stops to get you to come with him willingly. He'll be giving you gifts and bringing you on dates while only displaying his best qualities. Ace can be extremely endearing and charming, so there is a very high chance that you will initially be compliant with him. His darling being cooperative in the beginning is kind of crucial to him becoming yandere for you. If you reject him or get too harsh before he's completely fallen for you, it'll make his heart clam up and he won't form that intense connection.

Yearn: How long do they pine after their darling before they snap?

It is not a long process. Two weeks tops. Ace falls hard and fast if his darling gives him what he craves. Their warm comfort makes his own flames feel cold by comparison, and he gets addicted quick. As soon as he feels like you've "accepted" him, your fate is sealed. You are coming with him whether you like it or not. Putting up a fight won't be enough to deter him once he's fallen for you. At that point, he feels like he needs you too much to back out now. He's hopeful that you'll come around and go back to your old self sooner or later.

[shaunashipman]

hiii it's petty anon again. i've been trying to focus on the positive but i simply cannot keep quiet on the rallying cry about buck needing to branch out and explore his sexuality. it's such biphobic BS and i'm so glad you keep calling it out as such.

what, exactly, do they think buck is doing with tommy, if not trying new things with someone of the same gender for the first time? how is that not 'exploring his sexuality'?

i know they actually mean they want him to revert to buck 1.0 and far be it from me to slut shame anyone because that was super hot at the time! but have they not watched the same show as we have and watched buck grow and mature in a way that finds him looking for a more steady relationship with someone he loves? he's not the same 27 y.o. rookie he was back then. he's settling into the man he's become and has a new and surprising and exciting relationship with a man who understand him and the requirements of his career.

(and as you and others have said, there would be no cries for exploring if he had his first same-sex relationship with you know who. personally i think they're fuming about buck having a lot of first queer experiences with someone else and i wish they would just stop being cowards filled with faux concern for buck and say what they really mean.)

heyyy petty! yeah, I've been focusing on the positive too, and the fandom's been great about it, there's been so little negativity in the tag the past few days

but a girl's gotta eat and I live off pettiness soooo

every time I hear that buck needs to "explore his bisexuality" I want to ask them what, precisely, they mean. explain to me in explicit detail how you want buck to explore. cause there are in fact many ways he can explore it, none of which have to do with who he dates/sleeps with, but we all know what they mean.

and as for the buck 1.0 "slut phase", that was actually a whole lotta tell and very little show. we only saw him with 2 girls before he started talking with abby, and with one of them he tried to make it more and the girl didn't want to. not saying he didn't sleep around a lot, which is fine, but I get the feeling there's a bit of unreliable narration going on.

buck wants a deep, serious relationship, that's literally what he's been wanting since s1, it's one of his main storylines, his search for a real, meaningful, romantic connection. it may have been relegated to the background in some seasons (like s3), but it's continuously been something he's been searching for.

so to say you want him to start sleeping around with everything that moves just because a new avenue has opened up for him is biphobic, plain and simple. people who are saying this are putting harmful biphobic stereotypes above the actual character

[stervrucht]

'Proximity' Part 3 ● Part 1 ● Previous ● AO3

cw: sexual content

“You have a lot of stuff.” 

Steve looks around Eddie’s room, which is small and crowded. It makes Eddie nervous and he shifts his weight from one leg to the other as he studies Steve’s face. He is looking for a trace of judgment, maybe disgust, but it never comes.

Eddie’s room is nothing like Steve’s. 

Where Steve’s room lacks any trace of him, Eddie’s room nearly explodes with it — every object a piece in the puzzle that is him. It feels deeply personal, almost naked, to have Steve observe it and touch it. It exposes a part of him — the real him — and Eddie has no control over the interpretation. 

It’s a type of vulnerability he purposefully left behind when he started dressing more provocatively. 

People think shit about him, but at least he knows what he makes them think. Like sacrificial metal — one of the few things he remembers from Chemistry — where they put Zinc on the metal hulls of ships, so the Zinc corrodes rather than the ship itself.

Guide their thoughts.

Keep the ship untouched.

“Eh, yeah, I’m sorry. I should’ve cleaned it before you came over.” Eddie quickly kicks a pair of dirty socks under his bed — like that would make a difference.

“No, I like it. It’s very you.” And that is a positive, right? 

He isn’t sure.

Eddie’s bed is unmade, clothes are strewn about, and he has been sleeping with about ten cassettes in his bed for a week now. At least, for the days he had slept at home, which admittedly, hadn’t been a lot.

Steve looks around his room, touching his stuff with curious fingers. Curious but careful, even though it’s nowhere near as expensive as a single glass in the Harrington house. 

Well, except for his guitar maybe.

“I’ve never heard you play,” Steve says while he runs a finger along the snares. The touch elicits a faint sound and its echo rings in Eddie’s head.

“I could, sometime…if you want.”

“I’d like that.” Steve smiles, and Eddie feels like the sun is exploding in his face, smacking him death-center with heat and radiance.

Like freaking Helios.

Steve puts his bag down on Eddie’s bed; clothes, a toothbrush, and that ridiculous Farrah Fawcett hairspray he uses. Steve doesn’t need much else. For someone with such a big house, Steve has surprisingly little stuff.

He sits down while Eddie clears one of the shelves on his wall. It’s mostly junk and trinkets and he tosses it in a drawer that has become a catch-all for random things.

“You play any instruments?” Eddie asks Steve as he kicks the drawer shut.

“I can play the piano — only sheet music though, no improvising. I’ve had lessons since I was a kid. Only quit after I made it to the swimming team…”

“That’s cool. You should play me something too when you get the chance.”

“You have yourself a deal, Munson.” Steve smiles and he seems relaxed — more relaxed than he ever was at home.

It’s nearly dinner time when Eddie realizes the fridge is empty. Steve finished unpacking a while ago and Eddie had frantically organized his room and changed his bedding after he settled Steve on the couch. 

He’s a little embarrassed by the state of his room, but Steve insists that it's fine — that he likes it even. And that is just a crazy notion to Eddie because Steve’s house is like a castle and it's clean. 

It has a pool for fuck’s sake. 

But Steve hates his house and he likes Eddie’s room, and that’s, well, it’s nice actually.

They go grocery shopping together and that’s something they’ve never done before. Steve makes sure the fridge is stocked whenever Eddie stays over, or Eddie arrives with take-out.

It feels weird to be out in public with him; to be amongst people who know them — or at least know Steve. Eddie thought Steve would feel more ashamed to be seen with him in public, but he has absolutely no qualms with it. Steve doesn’t seem to notice the lingering gazes people give them, even though it’s something Eddie is acutely aware of. He can sense the difference in the way people stare, different from how they look at him when he’s alone. Less disapproving, more curious — maybe even a little bewildered. 

They must look like an odd pair. 

Eddie exaggeratedly swings the shopping basket as he helplessly follows Steve through the aisles. Steve seems to know exactly where he is going. Of course, he does; Steve must do groceries all the time, living alone and all. 

Eddie doesn’t like grocery stores. They’re domestic, a watering hole for Hawkin’s grape vines, overwhelming with colors and bright TL lights. 

Uncle Wayne usually does the shopping.

“Where did you learn how to cook?” Eddie asks while Steve scans different packages of spaghetti. Eddie twists the shopping basket in his hand and a package of ground beef moves over its plastic surface. Steve absent-mindedly grabs hold of Eddie’s hand to steady the basket — only for a moment. The touch feels electric and the ghost of it prickles his skin.

Steve stands on his toes, reaching for a package at the top shelf and Eddie can see a sliver of skin peeking just above his shorts when he does.

“Hard wheat.” Eddie hears Steve whisper to himself while scanning the back of a package. He nods, seemingly satisfied, and gently places it in the shopping basket. 

It’s strangely adorable to see him fuss over the grain type of spaghetti noodles of all things. Even in the harsh artificial light of the supermarket, Steve looks good, especially when he’s fussing like that; furrowed brows and worrying his bottom lip.

“Sorry, Eddie. What did you say?”

Steve catches him staring and now Eddie is the distracted one.

“O-oh, right. Where’d you learn to cook?”

“Ah, my au pair taught me when I was a kid. We used to cook together. A girl from Italy, somewhere around our age now I think.”

“Sounds adventurous.”

“Being an au pair? I suppose so. It’s a hit or miss. She was nice though. Taught me some authentic tricks.” Steve winks at him and Eddie feels his knees go weak.

Steve pays for the groceries and if Eddie had kept a tally, he’d probably be in the red. 

They cook together and Steve is just as fussy cooking as he is shopping. The noodles have to be perfectly al dente — whatever that means — and the vegetables have to be cut a specific way, which Steve makes sure Eddie gets right. And it’s good; probably the best spaghetti Eddie has ever had, although that’s a low bar. 

The bathroom in the trailer is small.

So small they can’t brush their teeth at the same time; Eddie stands in the doorway while Steve occupies the mirror. Part of it is fogged up from their showers earlier, Steve’s face reflected only where he wiped away some of the condensation. He runs a hand through his damp hair while holding his toothbrush with the other. 

His hair is missing its signature swoop and Eddie’s isn’t much better — flatter and softer without the hairspray. It’s like they have shed their skin.

He thinks of the snake again.

Eddie pushes Steve’s thigh with his foot when he’s taking too long and Eddie wants to spit. Steve doesn’t move, instead raises his eyebrows at Eddie, challenging him. 

And that’s a mistake, because Eddie pushes himself into the bathroom, between Steve and the sink, and leans forward to spit. Eddie can feel Steve pressed against his ass and yeah, he didn’t really think this through. But Steve, like always, seems perfectly oblivious, even when Eddie can spot the blush on his own cheeks from a mile away.

“I’ll just be…out,” Eddie mumbles as he squeezes himself out of Steve’s bubble. Steve shoots him a curious glance before leaning over to spit as well. 

Eddie turns the lights off and slips under the covers of his bed. He tries to steady his breathing, the insistent thumping of his heart, and the little spark of excitement growing in his lower stomach.  

The sheets smell fresh and his room is the most organized it has been in a long time. From his bed, he can see Steve’s little shelf, stacked with clothes and a few hygiene products, illuminated by light that drips in from outside. 

Eddie feels fondness settle in his heart, just looking at that stupid shelf.

“Hey.” Steve pokes his head through the doorway and he’s carrying a glass of water that he puts on the bedside table on Eddie’s side. Then, he crawls into bed as well, the side that sits against the wall and throws the covers over them both.

They’re lying in bed, facing each other. Steve smells like Eddie’s shampoo and it's making his head spin a little.

Eddie’s room isn’t as dark as Steve’s. The curtains are thin and the trailer park is well lit at night. It’s also nowhere near as quiet as Steve’s house. Outside, people are talking, laughing, yelling — people yelling at people who are yelling — and in the distance, several dogs are barking. 

With Steve facing the window, Eddie can make out his features in the dim light; his eyes are open and he’s looking at Eddie.

“Why are you here?” Steve asks after a moment. When he speaks Eddie can feel his toothpaste breath on his face, hot and ticklish.

“Uh, weird question. I live here.” He grins and he’s sure Steve can hear it in his voice.

Under the covers, Steve gives him a playful slap. “I mean, why with your uncle, you dickhead.” 

He doesn’t pull his hand away; leaves it there on Eddie’s upper arm.

Eddie hasn’t actually told anyone about his past; kept it intentionally vague because he hates being a victim and he hates pity.

Yet, when he is with Steve, there is no Zinc, just the exposed metal hull.

“Long story very short: Dad’s in jail, mom’s an alcoholic. CPS placed me with Uncle Wayne and thanks fuck for that.”

Steve is silent for a moment. “I'm sorry.” Steve’s hand on Eddie’s arm squeezes slightly, reassuringly.

Eddie winces. 

That’s exactly what he hates. But he can’t blame Steve; it’s normal. How else would you respond to someone who got dealt a shitty hand in life?

“Don't be,” Eddie starts, and places his hand on top of Steve’s.  He wants to pry it off, to make Steve stop feeling sorry for him. Instead, he does nothing.  “It’s better this way. Besides, I’m aiming for that tortured artist kinda charm.”

He gives Steve’s hand a reassuring squeeze and smiles.

Steve just frowns at him. “Right.”

Silence hangs between them and the fold between Steve’s eyebrows draws a dark line.

“What’s it like in the Harrington house?” Eddie asks.

“Besides being empty?” Steve shifts, pulling the blanket a little higher/

“I mean, a regular normal day, with your folks and all.”

“Not that different. They have very rich lives and I’m not really a part of it — except when they fight.”

“Fight?”

“Yeah, like argue? Not physically. It’s usually minor stuff, but my parents have very different coping styles. My dad, he closes himself off completely and needs to be left alone, and then magically a few hours later, everything is fine. It drives my mom crazy because she wants to clear the air right away — talk about it, get it over with. And when dad’s like that, you can’t get anywhere with him, so then she comes to me, and frankly, it’s exhausting. Makes me wish they would just…stay away.”

A silence settles between them and Steve’s hand feels rigid under Eddie’s. Eddie feels like he should say he’s sorry too, for Steve, but those are just words and they don’t help. Perhaps just being here, listening, is all Steve really needs.

“And what are you like, Steve?” Eddie’s voice is careful and soft, threading the line. 

“I don't know. Maybe a bit of both? Actually, neither I hope.”

Eddie gives Steve’s hand another squeeze.

“Then neither you shall be.”

When they emerge from Eddie’s room in the morning, Wayne is already home from work. Eddie hasn’t given a lot of thought to what it would look like to have Steve sleep over, but he supposes Wayne is used to Eddie’s antics by now. Having a friend sleep over is hardly the worst of Eddie’s offences.

Call it his impulsive nature.

“I don’t believe we’ve met.” Wayne puts the paper down on the table. He is still in his work clothes; probably just got home from the plant. He stares Steve up and down. 

“Steve Harrington.” Steve steps forward and shakes Wayne’s hand. It’s a good shake, firm and formal. He sees the tightness in Wayne’s face disappear.

“Harrington, huh? Don’t see your folks much around town.”

Steve’s gaze falls to his socked feet, one foot moving over the other, before looking up again. He puts on that classic Harrington smile, pretends it’s all okay. Eddie can see it, clear as day now that he knows what to look for. 

“They're away often — conferences, business trips. That kinda thing.”

Wayne hums in response and he opens his paper again but doesn’t yet start reading. 

“Classmate of Eddie’s?”

“Used to be. I graduated two years ago.”

Wayne lets out an unamused laugh. “Took him long enough, huh? Now all he needs is a job. You got a job, Harrington?”

“Yes sir.” Steve looks deeply uncomfortable and Eddie gets it because Wayne is not a warm man. He probably can’t allow himself to be because they’re just scraping by. 

Wayne most likely knows Eddie is making some money on the side — knows it isn’t clean either — because Eddie never asks for anything. No gas money, nothing. 

Eddie probably should get an actual job now that he graduated. Clean up his act.

Dealing isn’t durable and it isn’t safe. Just because he hasn’t been beaten up and robbed in a while doesn’t mean it won’t happen again. 

“My nephew could learn a thing or two from you.” Wayne appears to be done grilling Steve and looks over to Eddie. “Eddie, I expect you boys to be quiet. I’m hitting the sack in a few.”

“We’ll be out of your hair, old man.” 

Wayne sighs audibly and returns his attention to the newspaper.

Eddie gets started on boiling water for coffee and Steve leans against the counter, their sides pressed together as he watches Eddie’s hands. He can still sense tension in Steve, who is rubbing his own hands while his jittery eyes follow Eddie around the kitchen.

Eddie hands him his coffee — black — and Steve receives it with grateful hands. 

They move to sit down on the porch and their legs dangle off the wood. In front of them, the sun is peeking above the trees and the first rays of sunlight hit their faces. The light is warm and yellow, and when it hits Steve’s eyes, they burn auburn.

Eddie wonders if Steve ever studies him like Eddie does Steve. By now, it feels like Eddie can dream Steve’s face, every crease when he smiles, every mole on his skin. 

Behind them, Eddie hears the sound of curtains being drawn — a sign that Wayne is getting ready to sleep — and he turns his attention back to the line of trees in the distance.

Eddie sips his coffee and lets the sweet bitterness bite itself into his tongue.

He writes this Steve in his mind as well. Calm and open, eyes burning auburn. The smell of coffee and the warm press of skin on skin, thigh against thigh.

Eddie takes another sip of his coffee. The sky is optimistically blue and Steve doesn’t have to work today. 

They have the whole world stretched out before them.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you play,” Steve says while he tosses his shirt aside. 

They’re in Steve’s driveway, which has a basketball hoop. The garage door is still open from when Steve went in to retrieve a basketball from it.

He picks it up from the ground in a smooth scoop and bounces it between his hands. 

Eddie allows himself to stare, just a little. The heat of the sun is glaring down on them, even at eleven in the morning and Steve’s chest is already gleaming with a thin layer of sweat. His chest is tanned, although a faint imprint of sleeves is visible on his arms.

“I may have skipped PE a time or two.” Eddie laughs sheepishly.

“Or always.” Steve corrects him as he throws the ball at Eddie. He catches it — barely — and it feels hard beneath his fingers.

He gives it an experimental bounce and it feels clumsy. He has to lunge forward to capture it again. 

“Damn, you’re bad at this.” Steve laughs at him, but it's not malicious, merely amused.

“Everyone has their talents, Harrington. I don’t see you writing a campaign.”

“What? A presidential campaign?” Steve gives him an incredulous look. 

“A D&D campaign!” Eddie throws the ball back to Steve. “Seriously, do you ever listen to your rugrats?”

Steve catches the ball easily and gives it a few bounces. “I frankly don’t care about that stuff. Too complicated. All this jazz about forgetting ‘initiative’ or something…”

Eddie runs a hand through his hair. “Fuck, they always forget initiative!”

“Yeah, dude…still don’t know what that means. Now quit stalling, I’m teaching you how to dunk.”

Steve runs at Eddie, bouncing the ball, and when he is right in front of him he does a little swirl, taking the ball with him effortlessly before jumping and slamming it into the hoop. 

“Now you.” Steve throws Eddie the ball and he catches it two-handed, so flat on his palms it actually hurts a little.

Eddie gives it his best, he really does, but he’s not good at sports. He dribbles, or at least does something that should pass for it, but it comes nowhere near Steve’s effortless movements.

Which, honestly, is fine by him.

Steve’s more of a gross motor kinda guy and Eddie has nimble fingers, good for playing guitar or painting figurines — both have their uses and both can be extrapolated. Like, in bed. Steve probably has great stamina too.

“Dude, pass the ball.” 

Eddie feels heat rise to his face and he hopes Steve doesn’t notice, because his thoughts just really went there. Right in front of Steve.

He throws the ball at Steve, and it’s a weak throw. The ball lands in front of Steve’s feet and bounces away.

By now, the sun has climbed its way higher into the sky and Eddie is sweating. His hair sticks to his neck and forehead and he doubts it does the same for him as it does for Steve; who is — as previously thought impossible — looking even better, all slick with sweat and chest heaving.

Eddie leans forward, hands resting on his knees, panting heavily. He realizes he's had enough of this jock nonsense.

When Steve goes for another dunk, Eddie jumps and actually manages to intercept his throw. Steve makes a noise when Eddie captures the ball with two hands and clutches it to his chest.

Eddie makes a run for it.

“You can’t run without bouncing,” Steve yells after him.

But it’s too late because Eddie is stealing the ball away. Maybe if he throws it in the middle of the pool, Steve will give up on his geek conversion therapy.

Eddie is clumsily opening the gate to the backyard when he hears Steve’s footsteps hitting the concrete. 

“Shit,” Eddie mutters under his breath. He shoves the ball under one arm and swings the gate open. Eddie isn’t good at sports, but he’s excellent at sprinting. 

Steve may have endurance, but as long as Eddie has a head start, he can outsmart him—

That’s his last thought before the pool water rushes up to meet him. The basketball wrenches free from his grip as he crashes into the water. Chlorine stings his eyes and water floods his nose. Somewhere around his waist, he feels Steve’s fingers dig into his flesh.

When his feet find the bottom of the pool, he pushes himself up and once he breaks the surface he takes a deep breath, pushing his hair back and rubbing his eyes.

Steve is grinning at him, hair soaked and dripping on his face. They’re both still in their clothes, Eddie realizes, and he kinda wants to drown Steve.

He kind of wants to kiss him too.

Somewhere behind him the basketball floats forgotten. 

Steve moves closer and the water suddenly feels impossibly cold against Eddie’s hot skin, because Steve reaches for his head and Eddie feels like he suddenly can’t breathe. And then, Steve runs his fingers through Eddie’s hair, pushing it back, slick with water and Eddie feels his heartbeat in every fibre of his being. Steve’s eyes are focused, scanning over Eddie’s face, before locking on his eyes and then, Steve smiles.

“You look so weird, dude.”

Eddie takes in a shuddery breath and swats at Steve’s hands. 

“Don’t be mean. I’ll cry.”

Without answering, Steve lets himself sink below the surface. For a moment, Eddie thinks he will swim away, but then he feels arms wrap around his thighs and Steve’s face is buried against his hip as he hoists Eddie into the air, only to slam him back into the water.

Eddie yelps and his mouth is still open when he breaks the surface.

There’s water in his mouth and nose, and when he resurfaces he coughs a good few times, just a tad more dramatic than he has to. Steve has a shit-eating grin on his face and Eddie thinks he may actually prefer drowning Steve now instead of kissing him.

“You’re so dead, Harrington,” he says grinning as he swims over to Steve. 

Eddie doesn’t stand a chance against Steve on-the-swimming-team Harrington, but that doesn’t stop him from trying.

They lay their clothes out to dry on some sun chairs and Steve gives Eddie what is possibly the ugliest polo in his collection.

He does that on purpose.

Eddie stands in front of the mirror in Steve’s room and what he sees is straight-up bizarre. The polo is grey with red and blue stripes, he’s wearing Steve’s shorts, and Eddie’s hair is flat and soft. He looks at Steve through the mirror, who is sitting on his bed, smiling at Eddie’s back.

“I take back what I said in the pool. I think you look weirder now,” Steve says leaning back on his elbows.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, darling.” Eddie turns around, hands on his hips and he probably looks more confident than he feels wearing Steve’s ridiculous get-up.

“Oh, I will.” And then, Steve stands up and walks over to Eddie. He still smells like chlorine, despite the change of clothes, and his hands find the hem of Eddie’s polo.

“You’re not wearing it right though.” Steve’s voice is soft and Eddie feels his heart rate pick up as Steve proceeds to tuck the polo into his pants — feels Steve’s fingers dip below the rim of his shorts, gracing his ass, moving to the font and running past his hip bone—

Eddie’s breath catches and his hands hang uselessly at his side as Steve adjusts the polo. It’s too intimate, too close, and suddenly Steve’s room is too hot despite the AC. 

“A-ah, that’s fine.” Eddie finally sputters taking a step back and raising his hands to create some distance. 

For a moment, Steve’s expression becomes unreadable and Eddie wonders if stepping away is an exaggeration. But Steve is straight and he is dangerously close to finding out Eddie is not. 

It’s for his own good.

After an awkward few seconds, Eddie feels like he needs to break the silence. “I should probably head home…catch Wayne before he leaves for work.”

Steve’s eyes do not leave Eddie.

“My parents expect me for dinner,” Steve says. 

They stand there, in Steve’s room facing each other and suddenly the room feels impossibly large; the distance unbridgable. 

Eddie feels his heart sink. Maybe Steve’s parents do expect him for dinner, but right now it feels like Eddie has somehow done something wrong. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Eddie has to try — reach out — make Steve understand he didn’t mean it like that. 

Whatever ‘that’ may be. 

Steve nods but the small crease between his eyebrows doesn’t escape Eddie.

When he is outside, Eddie grabs his damp clothes from the sun chair. They feel warm from the sun when Eddie digs his finger in hard. He forces himself not to look back when he heads towards his van.

“What the hell are you wearing?” Wayne asks when Eddie arrives home. He is tying his steel-toed boots on the couch and can’t seem to fight a small smile off his face at Eddie’s attire.

Eddie is really not in the mood right now. 

“I fell in a pool.” 

“A pool of fancy clothes?” Wayne chuckles.

Eddie scoffs and heads for his room, closing the door behind him.

After a while he hears the front door fall shut, announcing Wayne’s departure, and he realizes he’s alone. The loneliness contrasts so heavily with the warmth of the day that Eddie feels himself shiver.

He stares at the ceiling, purposely avoiding Steve’s shelf on the wall. The polo Eddie is wearing still smells like him.

The absence of warmth and weight on his side feels foreign, even when Steve’s presence is only a second to a day.

He thinks of Steve’s face, hair dripping wet as he runs his fingers through Eddie’s hair; Steve’s fingers digging beneath the band of his shorts. 

Eddie closes his eyes and moves his hand beneath the waistband of Steve’s borrowed shorts, fingers dragging over his hip bone. 

Steve’s face resting there as fingers dig into Eddie’s thighs, hoisting him from the water—

Something treacherous clenches at his chest as he wraps his hand around himself, strokes his cock until he’s fully hard. He’s edging the line and he knows it, yet he can’t stop himself. Steve is too close, too much. Somewhere along the way, the edges have started to blur and Eddie isn’t sure what is friendship and what is more. He isn’t sure if Steve knows either.

When he opens his eyes, he looks at Steve’s shelf through filtered lashes — desire pooling in his gut. 

He is breathing hard now.

Steve’s smile in the mornings, eyes burning auburn, chest slick with sweat and panting from exertion—

When Eddie comes and his desire wanes, guilt washes over him. The evidence of his thoughts on his fingers; a line crossed that cannot be uncrossed. 

He looks at Steve’s shelf and wonders if Steve thinks of him too.

---

'Proximity' Part 3 ● Part 1 ● Previous ● AO3

---

[avocadorablepirate]

What Do We Call This? - 11

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Pairing: Trafalgar Law x fem!reader

Summary: On a quest to find what you've been looking for, you acquire the help of the Straw Hat pirates, who've agreed to let you temporarily join them. There are however many challenges that come along with your temporary recruitment - an alliance with a certain Trafalgar Law being one of them.

Word Count: 2.9K

Warnings: fluff, angst, kinda slow burn, swearing, the occasional OP spoiler, unwarranted sexual advances (from unnamed character), but nothing explicit

A/N: Okay so this is pretty terrible •_•, and will probably feel terribly rushed but I was struggling to write and then I had like one moment where everything just came out and I didn't want to think about it anymore. I'm just glad I managed to even write this part. Anyway, I hope you like it!

—⁠☆✿☆—⁠

You heaved a sigh as you untied the apron from around your waist. Yet another day of getting absolutely no information from Orochi's people. It had been this way since you got here, and the job was slowly starting to eat at you. While you had definitely done far worse than serve a bunch of rude customers, the discriminatory and sexual remarks were starting to get to you. Fortunately, the week was over, and you could go back to report to Kin'emon.

As you packed up your belongings and made your way to the back entrance, a strange yet familiar sensation washed over you. A blue orb surrounded you, pulling you abruptly from your surroundings.

"What the-"

The sudden shift in the room had you momentarily dizzy until your surroundings came into focus and you regained your balance. A glare took over your expression, but quickly softened as you realized it was Bepo who stood in front of you.

"Where is he?" you spoke through gritted teeth, anger simmering just below the surface. Right on cue, Law entered the room, his expression one of annoyance.

You're late," he stated flatly.

You crossed your arms, your irritation evident. "I was finishing my shift. You can't just teleport me like that! What if someone saw?" you snapped, your anger slowly bubbling over.

"You hadn't returned at the agreed time," Law said, his tone sharp and unyielding. "I had to make sure you were safe."

"I can handle myself, Law! You didn’t have to do that!" you retorted, your voice rising in frustration. Your irritation with him had been building since your arrival at Wano, and to Law's disappointment, you had yet again taken to ignoring him, only making him all the more agitated. But for you, having him be overprotective of you all over again only added fuel to your already burning rage.

Law's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched in frustration, but he took a deep breath, attempting to keep his temper in check. "I did what I had to do to ensure your safety. One wrong move and the entire mission is ruined."

"Don't you think I know that? But this—this overprotectiveness is suffocating, Law. I’m not some fragile thing that needs constant guarding! It's like you don't trust me!" you yelled, your patience snapping under the pressure of his constant supervision.

Law's expression hardened, his eyes flashing with anger and something else—hurt, perhaps. "I'm only looking out for you. For the mission," he said, his voice quieter but no less intense.

"Just leave me alone Law. I can take care of myself," you replied coldly, turning away to find Kin'emon.

"(Y/N)-ya," Law called after you, but without another word you stormed out of the room. You knew this wasn't the end of your disagreements, but for now, you needed space - space to breathe, and to think.

_______________________________________________

Another week passed in a similar fashion. Each day, you would end up in the same back room, heaving a sigh as you felt the weight of the day's frustration lift slightly as your shift ended. Serving Orochi's people had become increasingly unbearable, yet you remained vigilant, hoping for a breakthrough.

As you packed up your things and made your way to the back alley of the restaurant, you couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. It wasn't unusual, you had felt for sometime now that there was always someone watching you, and you had done well to not act suspicious, but this time it felt different. Your grip tightened on the hidden knife at your side, and you readied your hands to use your powers if necessary.

"Hey, you," a voice called out, breaking the silence. You turned around and against the dim lights of the alley saw a middle-aged man, leaning on the wall, glazed eyes and crooked smile suggesting he was drunk. You had heard from Kin'emon that there was a banquet at the palace today, but in a country where alcohol was banned, it was odd to see one of Orochi's men so openly intoxicated.

"You're not from here are you? Looking for information on Orochi, I'm guessing?"

You masked your surprise with a smile, taking a step back as you readied your knife, "What makes you think that?"

"No need to hide it. I'll give you what you want, but it'll cost you." You tried to hide your disgust as he stumbled towards you and reached out, his hand brushing against your arm, lingering a bit too long for your comfort.

"Sure, we can work something," you replied, taking another step back. But despite his inebriated state, he managed to swiftly grab onto you, grip tightening around your arm.

"Well I'm sure you can give me just what I want," he said, his voice low and slurred, eyes roaming over you suggestively. You felt a wave of revulsion, but you also couldn't shake the feeling of worry. You subtly tried to pry your arm free, but to no avail, his grip only tightening. Luckily, your other hand was still free, and you began to focus on using your powers to take control of one of his muscles. But a flash of movement caught your attention, distracting you before you could lay your attack. In an instant the man was yanked off you.

"Get your hands off her," a familiar voice growled. You looked up to see Law, eyes blazing with fury as he threw the man against the wall.

The man scrambled to his feet, eyes wide with anger. "Who the hell are you?" he spat, drawing a knife.

In a swift movement, Kikoku was out, and the man found himself staring down the blade. But before Law could strike, you noticed a group of men emerging from the shadows, surrounding the two of you.

"Looks like we’ve got company," you muttered, slipping into a defensive stance.

"Shit," Law muttered under his breath, glancing around. He looked from you back to the group, considering his next move.

"You take those three, I'll take-" you began, but before you could finish, a blue orb enveloped you, and instantly you felt your blood begin to boil.

"Law-," you tried to yell at him, but he had already transported you to the hideout.

"Fuck!" you yelled, kicking at the wall in frustration.

"Y/N? What's wrong?" You turned to find Bepo, Sachi and Penguin looking at you concerned.

"Law's what's wrong! Your stupid captain got us into a fight and then transported me here!" you shouted, pacing back and forth, reeling in your anger. The three men remained silent, letting you rant as you tried to calm yourself.

When Law finally returned you turned to him with an evident glare. "What the hell were you thinking!?" you snapped, frustration and adrenaline making your voice sharp. Bepo, Sachi and Penguin immediately took that as their cue to leave.

"You blew my cover! God I thought I would at least last longer than Zoro!" you continued, your voice rising with each word.

Law's eyes flashed with anger, his jaw clenched, "I was thinking about your safety. He could have taken advantage of you!" he retorted, his voice equally heated.

"I could’ve handled it," you shot back, stepping closer to him. "Now we’ve lost a valuable lead because you couldn’t stop yourself from interfering."

"You've been there for weeks and I've not seen anyone come in there and just give you information! That guy was just there for you!" Law's frustration was evident, his voice rising to match yours. He couldn't understand why you were more focused on the mission than what could have almost happened to you.

His words echoed in your mind, and you suddenly recalled the feeling of constantly being watched. Something finally clicked. "You've been spying on me!? What the fuck Law!?" you exclaimed, disbelief mingling with your anger.

Law’s expression hardened, his frustration clear. "I’m not going to apologize for protecting you."

"This isn’t just about me! We’re on a mission, and you keep treating me like I’m incapable of doing my job," you snapped, your voice rising even more.

"You don't understand how dangerous this is," he countered, his voice low but intense. "If something happened to you—"

"Stop," you interrupted, shaking your head. "I don’t need your protection, Law. I need you to trust me to do my part."

Without waiting for a response, you turned and walked away, your heart pounding with frustration and hurt. You could feel Law's eyes on your back, but you refused to look back. From that moment on, you resolved to keep your distance from him, determined to prove that you could handle things on your own.

_______________________________________________

The days that followed before the raid on Onigashima were relatively quiet. Due to Law's actions, you were now both wanted criminals in Wano, and you were forced to stay within the confines of Oden's castle. However, you did what you could to be of help.

Law had also chosen to give you your space. Although you could tell by the way Bepo never seemed to leave your side that he was instructed by his captain to follow you around. It would have bothered you if not for how much you actually enjoyed the Mink's company. While he did try to help you out with every little thing, he at least didn't try to stop you from doing them which was far more tolerable than what Law did. Plus, he was fun to be around, his clumsiness always finding a way to make you laugh.

One evening, as you were sorting through a pile of supplies for the raid, Bepo approached you with a hesitant look.

"(Y/N), can we talk?" he asked, his voice gentle but concerned.

"Of course, Bepo. What's on your mind?" you replied, setting aside a box.

"I know you're upset with Captain," he began, shifting uncomfortably. "But he's only trying to protect you. He's worried about you, more than he lets on."

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "I know, Bepo. But it's hard to do my job when he keeps intervening. I need him to trust me, to believe that I can handle myself."

Bepo nodded slowly. "Maybe you should talk to him about it. Clear the air before our journey continues."

"What do you mean?" you asked, confused by the phrasing of his words. Bepo's eyes immediately widened as if he had said something he shouldn't have, and he shook his head furiously, "Nothing. I just mean that maybe it would be better to resolve things before the raid."

You considered his words. Despite your anger, you knew Bepo was right, but you had already made up your mind, you were not going to be the one to compromise. "Believe me Bepo I've tried countless time to get Law to see things from my perspective, and as much as I'd like to mend things between the two of us, I'm going to need some more time."

The Mink shook his head in understanding, a little disappointed with your reply, but he hid it away, choosing to help you instead.

_______________________________________________

During the battle of Onigashima, you fought alongside the samurai of Wano and the members of the alliance. It had seemed that everyone was caught up in the battle, each one doing their best to win the fight against Kaido and Big Mom, and yet even in the thick of battle, you could sense Law's presence. Despite having to deal with his own battles, he still managed to keep an eye on you.

Your main task had been to keep the enemies away from Chopper as he tried to work on a cure, and you had been doing well so far. At one point, you found yourself surrounded by a group of formidable Beast Pirates. You readied your powers, preparing for a fight you knew would be challenging. As you engaged the enemies, you felt a sudden shift in the air. A blue orb appeared beside you, Law materializing in its place a second later, his nodachi slashing through the air to take down a pirate who had been aiming for your blind spot.

"I thought you were fighting Big Mom?" Despite being annoyed with his interference, you gave him a nod of acknowledgement before your attention shifted back onto the enemies.

Law sensing your displeasure with his appearance, heaved a sigh as he deflected a blow aimed at you. "I'm not here to undermine you," he replied curtly. "Just stay alive."

You gritted your teeth while you took control of the next pirate that had tried to lay an attack on you. Despite your best efforts to ignore him, Law continued to fight alongside you, a silent protector in the chaos. His actions were a paradox both frustrating and reassuring. Every time you thought you were about to be overwhelmed, he was there - helping you get back on your feet, but also proving that you needed his help.

The battle raged on, and you were separated from Law several times, each of you battling your own foes. Yet, no matter how far apart you were, he always seemed to find you, ensuring you were safe before moving on. His determination to protect you was unwavering, even if it irritated you to no end.

Finally, as the battle came to an end, you found yourself standing amidst the wreckage, exhausted and worn out. You could feel your legs start to buckle, the after math of using your powers starting to take its effect. As if he had a sixth sense, Law appeared beside you, his expression one of worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and weariness as he helped you settle on the ground before you could fully collapse.

You nodded curtly, refusing to meet his gaze. "I'm fine."

Law hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but held himself back, instead scanning the area around you. "I'll get Bepo to help you."

_______________________________________________

The people of Wano were celebrating their freedom from the tyranny of Orochi and Kaido. The country was once again under the safe ruling of the Kozuki family. To celebrate their victory, a grand banquet was held throughout the country - lanterns lining the street and various different stalls everywhere you went.

You had taken to the streets with Chopper, Tama, and Nami, relishing in the music, laughter and food. And when that had become too much for you, you stood a little away, nursing a drink as you silently watched them excitedly make their way from one game stall to the next.

However, despite the celebratory atmosphere, you couldn't shake the lingering tension between you and Law. He had tried to approach you several times, but you always found a reason to move away, to avoid talking to him.

Law, however, was not one to give up easily. As the night wore on, he finally cornered you at one of the stalls, his expression serious.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice low to avoid drawing attention, as he gently pulled you along to a quieter part of the festival where the sounds of laughter and music were a distant hum.

You sighed, setting down your drink on a nearby barrel. "There's nothing to talk about, Law," you replied, your voice carrying a note of finality.

"Yes, there is," he insisted, stepping closer, his eyes searching yours. "We can't keep going like this."

You crossed your arms, your gaze fixed on a point beyond his shoulder, not wanting to meet his eyes. "You're right, we can't."

You contemplated your next words, you knew they would hurt, but you had come to the conclusion that your decision was for the best, even if you were still unsure of whether or not it was what you truly wanted. "Your alliance with the Straw Hats is over. That means you won't be sailing with them any longer." You paused to take a breath, hesitant to continue. "And since I'm onboard their ship that means we won't be sailing together any longer."

You kept your eyes averted, feeling the intensity of Law's gaze on you. His expression was a mix of disbelief and pain, and you knew looking at him would make you doubt your decision. While he hadn't directly asked you to join him, it had been something you thought would inevitably happen. You had spent almost as much time with him as you had with the Straw Hats, and to say that you hadn't grown fond of each other's company despite the bickering, would be a lie.

"It works out," you continued, trying to sound firm. "This way, you don't need to protect me, and I don't get frustrated with your overprotectiveness."

Law's eyes narrowed, his face a mixture of worry and hurt. "(Y/N)-ya that's- that's not what I meant," Law started, desperation creeping into his voice.

"It's for the best Law. This way, I can continue looking for my island, and you can continue with your mission. Neither of us will come in each other's way." You could see the reflection of festival lights in his eyes, now dulled by the sadness you had inflicted. You noticed his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides, a sign of his internal struggle. His usually stoic demeanor was shattered, replaced by a vulnerability that tugged at your heart.

"But (Y/N)-ya—" he tried to interject, his voice laced with urgency.

"I'll see you later, Law," you said quickly, cutting him off before he could say more and change your mind. "Maybe if we get the chance, we'll see each other in the future." Without giving him a chance to respond, you turned and walked away, your heart heavy with the weight of your decision. You knew it was the best choice given how things were between the two of you, but that didn't make it any easier.

_______________________________________________

A/N: this might actually come as a surprise, but the next part will probably be the last part. I've written the ending, and kinda just need to add one or two parts before that. But if it ends up being too long then maybe I'll split it into two parts. Who knows, we'll see how it goes ┐⁠(⁠ ⁠˘⁠_⁠˘⁠)⁠┌.

taglist: @trafalgardaria @deathsmajestysworld @cottoncandyloverrrr @magnificenttaledreamland @kitsunechan707

[shiny-crocodile]

the best person i’ve ever met

lucy bronze x ona batlle

Summary:

lucy and ona origin story; semi-slow burn, semi-quick; multi chapters that will get a little smutty

chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4

CHAPTER 3

Chapter Summary: angst and tears

Notes: sorry in advance

“Lucy?”

“Lucy?” Ona asked again, being completely ignored.

“Are you ok? We can go somewhere else?”

Lucy snapped out of it, turning to the younger girl, “do you mind?”

Ona stroked Lucy’s arm in comfort, which didn’t go unnoticed by a surprised Keira, who obviously had no idea the two even knew each other.

“Of course not. Let’s go,” the Spaniard responded and spun the pair around to leave the restaurant.

Ona didn’t want Keira to think she was being rude by not going up and saying hi, but more than that she wanted Lucy to be comfortable and it was clear to see that she wasn’t with the concerning shade of green she had gone.

“Well of all the restaurants in Barcelona,” Ona said as they walked down the street, trying to make light of the situation but Lucy was still in another world, stopping them in their tracks.

“Is it ok if we call it a night? I’ve completely lost my appetite.”

Of course Ona didn’t want to call it a night but she wasn’t going to force Lucy. She didn’t know her well enough to know how much she could push or pry. “Yeah, ok, if that’s what you need,” Ona said, trying to be as understanding as possible and hide her disappointment.

“I can sort us Ubers,” Lucy offered, getting her phone out.

“No I’m ok,” she was too buzzed off the cocktails to end her night there, even if her date was leaving.

While she didn’t want Lucy to feel uncomfortable, she did find this dramatic reaction to seeing her ex on a date a little strange. “Jana and some of our friends are in a bar round the corner, I’ll go meet them.”

Lucy nodded, continuing to order her own Uber, paying no attention to the sad looking girl in front of her, who was becoming irritated now.

“Well I’ll see you around,” Ona said, not loving the quick change in mood and change in treatment.

Lucy carried on looking down at her phone, vision blurring as she watched the driver get closer on the map. “Yeah, see you around,” Lucy said, unable to get much else out apart from that, in a state but just coming across as plain rude.

With that, Ona was done. She ripped off the puffer jacket, throwing it at Lucy and turning away to head off down the street, feeling incredibly dejected but completely unaware she was leaving a panicked Lucy behind her.

Lucy stumbled backwards, dizzy. She lowered herself against the wall and down to the floor of the street, while her puffer jacket that she failed to catch lay on the floor in front of her.

Her breathing got sharper and faster as she held her head in her hands, tears slipping from her eyes as she tried to control her breathing, doing the exercises that her therapist had taken her through many times.

It wasn’t the first time she’d had a panic attack, but it had been a while. She was better at managing them than when she was younger, but not this time.

She pushed herself up as her ride arrived, picking up her coat before sliding herself into the backseat where she continued with her breathing, forced to ignore the small talk from the driver.

Meanwhile Ona was sharing the details of her evening with Jana and friends, leaving out the names to not give away any identities.

She was happy she never mentioned it was Lucy, that would have made this even more embarrassing given both Lucy and Keira were Jana’s teammate. She would probably tell her she was stupid for even involving herself with someone just out of a 7 year relationship. And even stupider for flying all the way to Barcelona to do it.

After she had recounted the strange encounter, all her friends were in agreement that if a girl has that reaction to seeing her ex in a restaurant, she clearly isn’t over them and you have to run a mile.

Ona agreed, this was not a situation she wanted to be involved in. At all.

/////

Lucy hadn’t messaged or spoken to anyone for two days following the disaster date. She had thought about messaging Ona but she couldn’t really remember what happened after seeing Keira and she had no idea what she’d even say to the Spanish girl.

She looked through the various messages she was currently ignoring, one from Lucy Stan about a Barcelona visit, one from her brother about a birthday present for their mum, a few work ones and one from Keira.

Keira - let’s talk please x

Lucy wasn’t in the mood. She probably should have responded as she was now on her way to training where Keira would likely try and ambush her in person. Thankfully she saw Alexia on the way in so glued herself to her for the rest of the morning.

/////

“Lucy, wait,” Keira called after her mid-jog, managing to catch Lucy at a time where she was alone for the first time. “Please let me explain.”

“I’m honestly so not interested in what you have to say,” Lucy said with a sharp cold tone. This was a tone that didn’t even come out when a bad tackle came in on the pitch or after a bad referee decision. It was unusual to even Keira.

“I promise you it isn’t what it looked like,” Keira pleaded.

To most this would seem like Lucy was making a meal of this, considering the two girls had been broken up for months and both had been dating other people. But both Lucy and Keira knew that this was more than that. Keira just hadn’t expected to get caught.

Lucy took a deep breath, was she really going to do this here?

“Well,” Lucy started, “it looked to me like you were on a date with the same girl that people told me you were fucking behind my back 4 years ago.”

By the end of that sentence her voice was raised. She was annoyed at herself. She didn’t want to engage but she couldn’t take it back now.

Out of nowhere Alexia appeared from around the corner, hearing the outburst, and called Lucy over, trying to prevent a public spectacle.

“Please just let me explain,” Keira called after her as Lucy walked off guided by Alexia, completely done with the conversation now and mad at herself for reacting so publicly.

/////

“Hey, hey,” Alexia said, rubbing Lucy’s back as she burst into tears, unable to control the sobs soaking Alexia’s shoulder, “come let’s sit down.”

Alexia pulled her in to one of the empty offices, instructing her to sit on the sofa where the captain sat next to her, facing the brunette straight on, now rubbing her arms to comfort her between tears.

Once Lucy finally caught her breath she revealed everything, from 2019 to now, even referring to Ona by name.

She felt comfortable with Alexia, who was so understanding and just nodded along, never passing judgement or shock, just a good person to talk to. And she knew she would never share any of this with anyone else.

Alexia calmed Lucy down, encouraging her not to suffer alone or shut people out. Then she gave Lucy a warm hug and left her to herself.

Once she was on her own, Lucy pulled her phone out, taking the captains advice.

Lucy - Hi Ona, I’m so sorry for the other night and for my radio silence since, it was not ok and I’m sorry it ended like that.

Lucy - Feel free to say no, I wouldn’t blame you, but could I call you to explain? Xx

She waited in the room in the off chance that Ona would reply to her quickly and they could speak there, but she didn’t.

In fact days passed and Lucy still hadn’t heard a peep. She would have been tempted to message again or get their mutuals involved, but she completely understood why Ona wasn’t responding. Lucy would give her space and leave her alone if that’s what she wanted.

A few months ago if a date didn’t go well, she would have just gone on another one. But this was different. She was in a funk, and had no idea how to get out of it.

Despite Alexia telling her not to suffer alone, she couldn’t help it.

Avoiding Keira and avoiding questions about why she was avoiding Keira meant she couldn’t socialise with her Barcelona teammates. Lucy may have been angry at Keira but she would never turn anyone against her, it wasn’t her style.

Then she found it difficult to talk to people back home because she was struggling to process the situation herself, so she definitely didn’t want to detail the run in with people thousands of miles away.

She was completely isolated.

Missed calls came through from Jordan, Lucy, her mum but she wanted to sort her head out before she spoke to them, knowing they would sense something was up instantly, forgetting that they could tell that already from her radio silence.

/////

Two weeks later she was finally coming out of her funk after a good session with her therapist, even chuckling as she received a text from her best friend.

Lucy S - saw a goat today and thought of you. hope you’re ok. here for you always. x

She would have replied immediately had she not been feeding Narla and then lost track of time.

An hour or so later her phone rang from the other side of the room and she made her way over just knowing it would be the other Lucy scolding her for not acknowledging her hilarious joke.

But it wasn’t Lucy S ringing.

“Hi,” Lucy said, answering but unsure if she was imagining this.

“Hi,” Ona said, a complete lack of emotion in her voice.

“What took you so long?” Lucy joked, trying to break the tension but it didn’t really work. It was harder over the phone.

“I don’t have long, I’m just heading out,” Ona said, not joking back, “what did you want to explain then?”

Lucy started nibbling her nails nervously. She really wasn’t prepared, resigned to the fact she wouldn’t get this chance and suddenly feeling very tense.

She breathed deeply, taking a second. “Firstly, I’m so sorry. I was a dick to just leave you mid-date, I just completely freaked out,” Lucy said, not providing all the details.

Lucy could hear Ona moving around on the other end of the phone. Ona responded, “yeah, kind of got that.”

“This is hard over the phone. I’m in London next week for a shoot, I could come up and we could go for coffee?” Lucy offered.

Ona paused for a minute, silence filling the phone line.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Lucy. I’m not really sure what you want to get out of that. I’m not looking for a friendship and you’re clearly not ready for anything more if you have that kind of reaction to just seeing your ex on a date,” Ona said, slightly taken aback that Lucy would even have the guts to ask to see her again after ditching her, while tipsy, in the middle of Barcelona at night.

Lucy sighed, knowing the explanation would have to come right now if she even wanted to even be friends with the Spaniard. She took a deep breath as Ona was gearing up to end the call.

“It wasn’t just Keira I was reacting to seeing,” Lucy said quietly.

“What?”

“The girl she was with,” Lucy continued, “she’s called Lola.” Lucy paused, some people in the Manchester football circles had heard of her and heard of the situation, so she was giving a second to see if Ona had, but there was nothing.

“So Lola used to be the Social Media manager at Man City the first time I played there and after I left for Lyon,” Lucy felt sick even talking about it.

“And she’s dating Keira now?” Ona asked, not really seeing the big deal.

“Well apparently they were also sleeping together a few years ago,” Lucy said, pulling a cushion from next to her on the sofa to push into her stomach that was feeling sicker and sicker, doing her best to keep her breathing under control.

Things were starting to add up in Ona’s head, “but you were with Keira then?”

Ona stopped getting ready, fully focused on what Lucy was telling her now.

“Yeah, we were together but I was at Lyon then. Keira always denied it but my friends saw them on 1-on-1 dinners and there were rumours all over Manchester.”

“Shit, Luce, I had no idea,” Ona said, the friendlier nickname showing her anger was softening, prompting Lucy to continue.

“She always denied they slept together. She admitted they had a drunken kiss at a Christmas party but that it meant nothing and I believed her and loved her so we moved past it, but it was still the most difficult time of my life and being so far away made it worse,” Lucy said, her voice cracking as she started audibly getting upset through the phone.

Ona could tell she was crying now, feeling bad that she couldn’t comfort her and slightly guilty for acting cold towards her.

“Of course. You were alone in a foreign country and all this was going on back home, it’s completely understandable.”

“Seeing them together just felt like being hit by a ton of bricks,” Lucy explained, wiping her tears away with her sleeve. “I can’t even really remember exactly what happened in the aftermath, I completely blacked out, but ending our date and not messaging for days was totally unfair of me. I’m so sorry for how I handled it.”

“Don’t apologise. I could have reached out too to see if you were ok. I was hurt but I understand now,” Ona said, really not wanting to add any more difficulty or sadness to Lucy’s plate right now.

Lucy hummed, still feeling sorry but appreciative that Ona was as understanding and mature as this. “So what made you respond to me anyway?” Lucy asked, acknowledging the 2 weeks it took Ona to respond.

“Yeah, well I really didn’t want to speak to you or hear you out, but Stani made me,” Ona admitted.

Lucy laughed, yet again grateful for her best friend, “gosh, the list is growing of things I need to thank her for.”

The conversation went on, moving on to Ona trying to take the burden off Lucy by sharing stories of when she’d found it difficult living away from home.

Ona had to drop a text to Tooney telling her she was going to be late for the team dinner and to go ahead without her, she didn’t feel she could leave Lucy until she was confident the English girl was ok.

“Aren’t you meant to be going out somewhere?” Lucy asked, over an hour into their phone call.

Ona looked over to the clock, “ummm yeah, it was just a team dinner though and I see them every day for training, they’ll understand.”

Lucy felt flattered but also guilty she’d taken so much of Ona’s time.

“No, no, you should go. I have to take Narla out for her evening walk now anyway,” she said. “Thank you for hearing me out though, and I’m really sorry for how I handled it, wish I had just told you at the time, would have saved me a lot of tears I think.”

Ona’s heart melted slightly at that, Lucy’s voice croaky now with exhaustion. “Well I hope I could help, and please no more apologising.”

“You could, good night bonita,” Lucy said, using the nickname she knew made Ona blush.

“Night Lucia,” Ona said, happy that Lucy couldn’t see her flushed cheeks as both girls hung up the phone.

Lucy grabbed Narla’s lead and got her sorted for their walk, still feeling regret that she didn’t make the most of her one night with Ona and thinking of ways she could make it up to her.

The Spanish girl was in a slightly different head space. She was glad she listened to Lucy because it was hard to be angry at her, especially when her TikTok algorithm was currently all Lucy edits. But she was still wary that anything romantic might be a bit soon for Lucy. Ona really didn’t want to get hurt, which going by the way the English girl made her feel after minimal time spent together was very very possible.

Friendship was definitely the safest route, but Lucy wasn’t going to make that easy.

[citylighten]

Storytelling Secret Saturday

I was tagged by @havenroyals 😘

Secret One! Let's Talk About Relationships In my first half-formed draft for Sink or Swim, Pietro was an absolute mess, but as I planned things out more thoroughly, he gradually became better and my angle around him shifted. Pietro was originally very devious, cunning, and a tad extroverted. He was actively plotting to kill Raphael, which, yeah, he is now, but the plotting wasn't really justified. Rosaria was going to end up working for Pietro due to Franco's situation with Raphael and be manipulated by him into thinking he was a good guy. They still would have had their sexual relationship. Eventually Sal would've found out, took issue with it, and Pietro set Sal up to be arrested. But then, I decided to dial it back some 'cause that would have been A LOT of drama and confusion. I remember thinking, okay what if he DID have a heart? What if he DID grow to love Rosaria? Then, I rambled out some thoughts at @ladygangsters and she was a sucker for an office romance, and that prompted my heart to soften towards Pietro and Rosaria more. I started to think of how there would be a significant sexual relationship between them, how Pietro would lead to changes in Rosaria and accordingly, Raphael became the antagonist. In regards to Rosaria, she and Ben were never meant to be a lasting couple. It was always meant to be something brief that led her to someone else. Originally, I swore I was going to have Adriano and Rosaria be end-game, but no matter how cute I felt they were, I couldn't visualize a story for those two. Neither of them changed. Similarly, before simblr, Rosie's old college friend Tariq and she were a thing. But, they also felt like a directionless pair. Pietro, even when he was at his worst character-wise, was the first person I could see her having a 'story' with.

Secret 2! The hit on Ben was suppose to be muuuuch different. So, what was going to happen was originally this: Ben was the one who harassed Rosaria on instagram. However, instead of Ben and Bethany being at the bar when Sal was on stage? It was Ben and McNeely. Sal would still follow the men outside the bar, but instead of Ben (who was passive as always) he would have instead fought McNeely and been arrested for that. Rosaria would have been pissed and told Pietro, but the punishment would have been different. Pietro would have contacted Iris from @digital-deluxe's Public Enemies who would have placed a virus on Ben and McNeely's computers. And that was it. This was my plan for awhile. But then I thought. I need to go harder than that. I thought Ben's harassment would have been more meaningful if it was shown that he was dating someone new and still had Rosaria on his brain. I thought, for Sal to directly call out Ben on stage and fight Ben would have been meaningful 'cause he's hated Ben since Dear Diary, and this action didn't sideline Ben, who is the issue and has been a core character since the beginning. I did want Ben to be written out appropriately, not in a, "well, he and Rosie broke up and they never crossed paths again and it's all good." As said above: I needed to go harder than that. I decided that Rosaria would give Ben's name to Pietro after this whole fiasco. HOWEVER, she was going to be more conscious in what she did. She was going to tell Pietro, "don't hurt him" and Pietro would agree to it. Then I thought, "nah, I need her to be totally blinded by her rage and speak through the lens of seeing nothing but red, only to be stunned when disaster happens." Why? Because she needed the character development for this chapter! She needs a little arc! Pietro has told her a bit about his world, sure, but she's only seen the glitzy and calm side of organized crime. She needed to see how brutal things could get and work through it in order to become the woman she is in the future. Secret 3!

The scene I'm depicting in my next update? It was always envisioned for Sink or Swim. But, it was actually meant to be a turning point for Pietro and Rosaria's relationship - the beginning of the end of the first half of the story, if you will. But if I squeeze out this update tonight or tomorrow? I'll be elaborating on this more lmao

Tagging @sirianasims @digital-deluxe @swiftviolets @rebouks

[council-of-beetroot]

Thoughts on soviet bloc hetalia (mostly interested in lithuania and prussia)?

Okay so I have some controversial opinions on Gil here

1. I don't think he's the rebellious suave spanner in the works people think he is. IRL DDR actually distrusted Poland because they thought the Poles were always up to something breaking the rules.

Here's an article about Polish East German relations

Gil is quite fine with having people having authority over him as long as it plays into his ego or suits him for the time being in some other way.

Gil is the type to mock someone else for not standing up to Ivan then go and do everything Ivan tells him to.

Sure he dislikes Ivan but given that he gets to be a nuisance to people like Tolys is always a plus. Unfortunately Tolys is in a rough place at the moment so he's not as fun to poke at. Gil will bring out that old fierce Lithuania he knew at Grunwald somehow. Until then he can mock lithuania and be an ass, along with the occasional act of kindness because he's the type.

And no, this doesn't mean he can't engage in the debauchery that he usually does in canon in fanon, it means he is simply like letting a dog run wild in a yard for a few hours before calling it back inside for the evening.

2. I don't think Gilbert deserves the amount of sympathy he gets for this period of his life.

He's Prussia, and I, like Tolys, know the history and call bullshit to his tale garnering sympathy.

If anything it's poetic irony that the person who betrayed and double-crossed in the name of power and divided the commonwealth putting Tolys at the mercy of Ivan, has ended up right in Ivan's hands, his country divided in half.

Moving on

Okay anyway I think if it weren't for Ivan's personality, Gilbert would be far more accepting of this situation. Ivan's just weird and canonically Gil is uncomfortable with him. Ivan also likes seeing Gilbert submit to him.

I think Gil mainly just is the type that tries to mold situations to his benefit rather than fighting against the situation.

This delights someone like Ivan though as Gilbert is like a new toy to him.

I've never seen this image before but I love it

Speaking of Ivan

Oooh Ivan is the one holding the red strings of fate that brought Tolys and Gilbert into this predicament and it's perfect for him, now between that an the purges surely ivan's delusions dreams of having a wonderful family will be realised.

So naturally it's fun to keep these two together and watch them interact, making sure they know that they need to get along as they are are all equals here beneath Ivan and family. I totally see him doing things to force Gilbert and Tolys to bond. In a way though this backfires because Tolys is reminded of who he used to be when he sees Gilbert and the urge to break free from the restraints his current situation holds him in, and just beat the shit out of Gilbert just because is almost greater than the hold Ivan has on him. Gil likes it more when Tolys is more of a challenge so I think he weirdly lifts Tolys up slowly, both emotionally and mentally. Gilbert is a reminder to Liet that the current Tolys doesn't have to be permanent.

I can see Ivan doing that thing they do in sitcoms where someone "accidentally" locks two people in a storage closet to get them to figure out together how to get out and bond in the process.

It's fun for Ivan to watch them bicker only to remind the two of them that they belong to him.

See image: The face of someone who will never forgive you for being the reason you had to become a Catholic

I'm going to get into lithuania's psyche around this time a bit more in the next ask

[marymary-diva17]

School lessons

Jake x reader x neytiri + sully kids

Passing down the baton from one person to another, can be hard when there is so much to live up to from the previous person that once held the position. Now that time had come when it relates to the topic, of teaching the youth and how it will go down. From a previous teacher to now someone else, who has taken up the position from her from mentor. Now it was time to go down that path and see what happens.

Y/n “ they agreed for me to teach their children”you are looking at your mates as they stand, in front of you. They had taken you away from the home saying, they need to have some private words with you.

Jake “ yes after days and days of talks with tonowari and ronal, they agreed to the arrangement to happen”

y/n “ oh okay”

neytiri “ the other clans will come around after they hear what tonowari, has to say about this whole situation”

y/n “ it looks like my school days lessons are, going to get a bit more interesting”

y/n “ they are fine with I and others teaching the children, of the reef clan”

Jake “ well yes and no after meeting with you and rest of the crew, tonowair had deemed you right to teach his children along with the other kids as well”

neytiri “ ma y/n you will do well with the job as you had taught our kids and nephew, along with the rest of the clan youth as well”

y/n “ okay I can do it and it will be beneficial for everyone in the end”

Jake “ you are going to be an amazing teacher”

y/n “ thank you my loves”

neytiri “ so how are you going to do this in your avatar body or human body, as I wish to know you are safe here”

y/n " well I will be do before so the kids can get use to me as human and avatar, it will be good and other might do the same as well"

Jake " we should speak with the others as well so they know and can decide on who wants to be a teacher"

y/n " yes come along we can gather them right now it will be good, and I think we might get more volunteers teacher later on as the process goes"

neytiri " then come along lets go I still wish to have some time with you today" the couple had meet with everyone else an told of the news everyone seem to be happy about it, norm along with many agreed to be teachers later on if the program becomes bigger.

norm " we can use this area as it not the far from the village so no parents will be worried and it can be in distance with anything, happens to anyone mask as we need to be careful"

Tsutey " this will be a good place to learn ma norm with some additions of human stuff as well"

y/n " yes we have to make sure everything will be okay in our make shift school, it will never be like grace school but we hope to live up to her reputation"

neytiri " ma y/n you will be amazing grace always said you are wise, she knew you will be get teacher among the youth and everyone ... you will do amazing job along with everyone else"

y/n " thank you"

Jake " hey if you were good enough to tutor me in ways of the navi way and everything else you will be good"

y/n " thank you"

tsu'tey " so what will be teaching the children"

y/n " well some of the way of humans and help them understand the rda as well, as most of them seem to be getting lessons on human tongue from all our children"

y/n " I was thinking about some them of any different stuff that we bought from earth, and how life on earth was like as well"

y/n " there will be music, food, entertainment, and many other stuff that I will be thinking about along with education knowledge as well"

Jake " that sounds amazing babe I can't wait to see what you, do and I might give some help if you don't mind from a jarhead like me"

y/n " I will love it"

neytiri " that sounds wonderful"

norm " we will be teaching all the other stuff we had learn in school, when we were younger and our careers as well"

Jake " that amazing as being a solider is already covered by being a warrior"

y/n " yes this is going to be good le hope the program will be accepted, by all the other clans if they are willing to do it"

Jake " I and neytiri will be here to help"

neytiri " yes because if any mother has any negative words to say a out you, I will hear about it and we will have a very nice conversation" you knew neytiri will fight any women who talked about you, she had nearly got into fights in the past over someone calling you a horrible name.

Jake " well the kids are going to like this"

neytiri " they will definitely love it and the children of the clan have been missing some school"

later that night

tuk " yeha mama is going to be our teacher again along with uncle norm and uncle max"

y/n " yes our clan kids and metkayain clan kids will be doing some school days with us, full of lessons"

lo'ak " that cool tsireya said she wanted to learn more of the humans"

y/n " well now she does and it going to be and help bring a good alliance as well"

neteyam " this is wonderful news for you mama we are all proud of you"

y/n " thank you kids"

kiri " wait mama can we request anything we wish to learn"

y/n " yes if you wish"

kiri " flora and fauna please"

y/n " I was going to do that sweet but yes we can make that happen"

Jake " we are going to need you kids to be on your best behavior, and no fighting"

kids " yes dad" the kids seem very happy about the upcoming lesson that will be coming, soon spider cam by after hearing the news and he is happy as well. Now you were taking on the opportunity and responsibilities of teaching the youth, just like your mentor grace.Deep down you are hoping that you will make her proud and not let her down.

[oscill4te]

Why does it simutaneously feel so good and bad to avoid family

[icewindandboringhorror]

Some fantasy traveler inventory details (like what they would carry in their bags), based on two of the recent costumes I did.. love finding random little scraps and items and putting them together lol