#maybe something to do with saffron...?

[poltergeist-coffee]

could i convince you guys to play my new favorite gfame ever if i made a qsmp au about it

[lady-arcane]

—Nothing Special—

Nanami doesn’t believe in doing things halfway. Not work, not fights, and certainly not meals.

----

It’s something you notice early on, the way he approaches cooking with the same quiet precision he applies to everything else. No shortcuts, no half-hearted attempts. Just careful, deliberate movements—measuring, chopping, stirring, tasting. He doesn’t rush anything, and there’s something almost meditative about the way he works. Like cooking is one of the few things in this world that make sense.

And yet, every time he sets down a plate in front of you, he shrugs it off with a casual, “It’s nothing special.”

Which is, frankly, insane.

Because Nanami’s cooking isn’t just good—it’s absurdly, unfairly good. The kind of good that makes you reconsider every meal you’ve ever had before. It’s balanced and flavorful and just indulgent enough to make you wonder if he missed his true calling.

He didn’t, of course. Because as much as you hate to admit it, he is a good sorcerer.-Even if you’d much rather see him somewhere else, somewhere safer. Somewhere with a kitchen instead of a battlefield.

-----

“You know, most people don’t just whip up a three-course meal on a random weeknight,” you tell him once, staring down at the plate he’s just set in front of you. “This is not ‘nothing special.’”

Nanami exhales through his nose, unamused. “It’s just a simple meal.”

“Nanami, there’s saffron in this.”

He barely reacts. “I had some left over.”

“Of course you did."

It’s a pattern, this quiet form of care he offers. He doesn’t say much about it, doesn’t expect praise or gratitude. But you see it in the way he portions out the food, always making sure your plate is full before serving himself. In the way he adjusts the spice level just enough to match your tastes. In the way he always, always makes sure there’s something comforting on the table after a particularly rough day.

You don’t always call him out on it. Sometimes, you just let it happen—this wordless, steady kind of love that he insists isn’t anything grand.

-----

But one night, after a long, exhausting day, you sit down at the table, take one bite of his cooking, and blurt out, “I think you love me more than I love you.”

Nanami pauses, chopsticks halfway to his mouth. Raises a brow.

You gesture at the food. “This is ridiculous. This is devotion. And I—what? I just show up? I sit here and receive all this?” You shake your head, overwhelmed. “It’s embarrassing, honestly. I need to step up my game.”

For a second, he just looks at you, unreadable as ever. Then, very quietly, he says, “You do more than you realize.”

And maybe it’s the exhaustion talking, or maybe it’s just the way he says it—calm, certain, like an undeniable fact—but you find yourself falling silent. Because when Nanami says something like that, you believe him.

The rest of the meal is quiet. Easy. And when you finish, setting your chopsticks down with a sigh, Nanami gives you a look and says, “So? How was it?”

You meet his eyes, dead serious. “Nothing special.”

The corner of his mouth twitches, just barely. But he doesn’t argue.

He just gets up, takes your plate, and starts cleaning up.

-----

Greetings, Dreamers and Readers ✨🌸

You know, I’ve been thinking—maybe cooking is a love language. My younger Bhai (cousin brother), for example, is an absolute menace most of the time (as younger siblings tend to be lol)

But when he’s in the kitchen, he always makes something for me too. Not in an overly sweet, “look how much I care” kind of way—more like a casual, “I was already making food, so here, take this” way. No big declarations, no dramatic gestures, just... an unspoken understanding.

Which, honestly, is kind of unfair. Because while I can barely cook to save my life, this little brat could probably become a chef if he wanted to. 😭✋

Meanwhile, I struggle to flip a half fry egg without cracking its yolk. Life is cruel like that. 🗿

But anyway—maybe food is one of those quiet ways people show love. No grand speeches, no poetic confessions—just a plate of something warm, made with care, set in front of you without a word. Feels very Nanami-coded, doesn’t it? lol

---

What about you guys? Do you express love through cooking? Or does someone do that for you? Let me know—I’d love to hear your stories! 🎀

[meat-fr]

Color Guide for matching Festival Genes + Primal Eyes

Now i want to say this is not meant to be some definitive guide. These are just my attempts at matching colors as closely as i could find with what's available on the color wheel currently. Some of which were quite tricky to find a good match for (or is maybe not even the best use for the gene, looking at you Crystalline...). Will list the colors used for the scries above, but I'll also have some notes for some other similar matches or other color ideas. Overall, this was just a fun little project to work on as the genes released, and maybe some will find some use from it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Light: Sanddollar (Flaxen is a very close 2nd, if you want a very slight warmer color. Banana could also pass, but i find it a little too dark compared to the eyes)

Lightning: Robin (This one's tricky since the color IS the lightning rather than the outline, but Robin is bright enough to give the illusion of being white with a matching blue outline. Aqua is a close 2nd, but again is a little to dark in comparison)

Fire: Sunshine (Saffron if you want darker, more orange fire. Marigold if you want a lighter, more yellow fire. Sunshine is the middle ground of these two. All 3 of these match very closely, so up to your personal preference here)

Arcane: Bubblegum (Matching to the little runes. If you want to match to the eyes themselves, Orchid is the closest match without being too dark in color)

Plague: Vermilion (Berry if you want something less egregiously bright. But i do think Vermilion is technically a closer color match, tho both are very close. If you want a color flipped match, Chartreuse matches the colors pretty well, or Crocodile is you want a similar pallet but less bright (and also has a slight bit more red to it's accents). Bonus color: while it doesn't really match the eyes, Red has a very good Plague-y vibe, if you're a fan of the red+green aesthetic)

Earth: Pumpkin (This one has been the most difficult one to match with all the colors going on with both the eyes and genes. But it leads to a bunch of potential options that just kinda almost match. Ultimately tho there's not really a perfect match for these, just go by your own preference. Ginger matches close for a solid color match. For multi-toned picks, some other good options are Caramel, Peach, Ivory, Seafoam, and Cream. Sadly there's not really any colors that adds more pink secondary tones. (also as an added bonus for these: if you want to match with the geode currency used for the festival: teal, ultramarine, and splash are some good picks)

Ice: Eggplant (Indigo if you want just a very slight more saturation, but ultimately the two are nearly indistinguishable from each other. if you want some really dark blue ice in the same hue, Sapphire works well. If you want a lighter ice color: Sky, Periwinkle, Twilight, and Storm are the closest without going just full on white)

Shadow: Grape (Royal or Violet for a more subdued color, tho i find them a little too bright. The strong highlights on this gene make it tricky to match perfectly, especially when we don't have many darker purples as is. But at the same time, you really can't go too wrong with most of the purple range with this gene, it's just a matter of preference)

Wind: Peridot (Not much to say about this one. This color is incredibly spot on. I guess, if you want something a little darker, Pear matches the darker tips of the eyes)

Water: Cornflower (The whole Lapis-to-Sky range works here, for varying degrees of saturation and brightness, but i think overall Cornflower has the best balance out of all of them? (it looks the closest on adult dragons at least). Idk, this one's really tricky too xP And i am once again painfully reminded that we don't really have any good super vibrant colors in the sky blue range T___T All the closest colors are either too green or too faded. Also as a bonus option: If you want a foamy look, Ice and Pistachio work really well for this)

Nature: Orca (I initially thought Peridot would win this one, but then Orca came out of nowhere. Peridot's still another good option tho, the flowers are just a little more on the green side than the ones on the eyes (but they do match with the actual 'eye' part of the eyes). Also for a bonus color, Pearl also looks really nice paired with nature eyes, even tho it does have a lot of purple in the vines. the leaves and flowers still match really well. And as far as i can find, there's not really a good way to match the vines to the vines of the eyes, since that parts seems to stick to darker colors and browns)

[dionysianfreak]

Hey there, this might be a bit of a heavy question (not sure?), and it's just about Dionysus and gender dysphoria. I'm trans (identifying as non-binary, but I think I'd be happier as ftm; just can't in the current living situation). I've been struggling a lot with feeling ok in my body and with my identity. I've been thinking of reaching out to Lord Dionysus about this issue (I do already worship him), but I feel scared for some reason. I think it's because I'm really used to adverse reactions when I've asked for help with these things, since I don't have any close trans friends who understand. I'm sorry if this question is a bother or if you wouldn't really know, but do you have any experience asking Dionysus for help with this stuff? This is gonna sound silly, but is he kind about it? Is this maybe something I shouldn't ask for help with? Thank you, and I apologize if this was a bit serious. I understand if you don't choose to answer, obviously, and I hope you're doing well.

hello love. I'm trans as well and I completely understand how hard it is to hide your identity. I'm not out to my family, nor my professional life. especially with how trans people continue to be attacked, I am so genuinely sorry that we live in a world where you feel afraid to live your life comfortably. Dionysos is my trans safe haven, so is Aphrodite/Aphroditos, because I struggle to find a place that's comfortable in the outside world.

I want to say first that Dionysos is certainly a favorite among fellow trans worshippers. there is a historical reason for this. you may hear some say that Dionysos is a God of queer people, or a transgender Deity, or that He was raised transgender. these truths have been heavily modernized (there was no unified idea of being "transgender" in antiquity) but nevertheless, Dionysos is historically a gender-challenging, effeminate Deity that fostered a non-judgemental environment for His followers. here are some examples:

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 3. 28 (trans. Aldrich) :

"Hermes took him [the newborn infant Dionysos] to Ino and Athamas [the nymphai], and persuaded them to bring him up as a girl."

In some accounts, Dionysos is raised as a girl-child in order to hide Him from the wrath of Hera. below is an expert from Oedipus hinting that Dionysos's female childhood made Him partial to feminine clothing and presentation.

Seneca, Oedipus 418 ff (trans. Miller) (Roman tragedy C1st A.D.) :

"Fearing thy stepdame's [Hera's] wrath, thou [Dionysos] didst grow to manhood with false-seeming limbs, a pretended maiden with golden ringlets, with saffron girdle binding thy garments. So thereafter this soft vesture has pleased thee, folds loose hanging and the long-trailing mantle."

another gender-bending aspect of Dionysos is that He is noted as taking on the "female" role within homosexual relationships. in antiquity, men who were penetrated were seen as more naive, young, and feminine than the men who enacted penetration during intercourse. this is where we get the epithet Androgynos, the God who has sex both in the male form and female form. this was sometimes seen derogatorily unfortunately, especially with later writers.

Suidas s.v. Androgynos (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek lexicon C10th A.D.) :

"Androgynos: [A word applied to] Dionysos, as one doing both active, male things and passive, female ones [in sexual intercourse]. Alternatively ‘effeminate’ (anandros), and hermaphroditic (hermaphroditos) [also men who have lost their virility including eunuchs]. Also [in the genitive plural, meaning those who are] weak and have the hearts of women."

**context: this quote is from a 10th century Byzantine author, so take this with some salt

I think it's important to note too about one of Dionysos's birth stories. this interpretation is modern, but I see His birth from Zeus as another way Dionysos has challenged sexual and gender binary.

Euripides, Bacchae: "Daughter of Akheloios, venerable Dirke [spring on Mt Kithairon], happy virgin, you once received the child of Zeus [Dionysos] in your streams, when Zeus his father snatched him up from the immortal fire and saved him in his thigh, crying out : ‘Go, Dithyrambos, enter this my male womb. I will make you illustrious, Bakkhos, in Thebes, so that they will call you by this name.’"

like I said before, there wasn't really a concept of "transgender" in antiquity. there were cross-dressers and events that encouraged the practice, especially in Dionysian imagery (like Pentheus, Dionysos's childhood, and Euripides's descriptions of Him). He was a phallic God of women and a protector of the vulnerable.

now comes the fun part. In Modern Times, i absolutely consider Dionysos the God of transgender people and the protector of queer individuals. I say this because of my own experience and because a large chunk of Dionysos's mythology and theology is a great allegory for trans-ness.

Dionysos is born in secrecy and raised as a woman in hiding. Dionysos is born from a male womb. Dionysos is torn to shreds by titans and then His heart reforms His body. Dionysos is ritually torn apart by worshippers (sparagamos) and sometimes His flesh (in the form of a bull or animal) is consumed raw (omophagia). Dionysos is a shape-shifting God in The Bacchae and other times is personified as a bull or goat. Dionysos is effeminate; Dionysos is an elder, bearded man. you see my point. MANY aspects of Dionysian culture can be viewed as allegories for the modern transgender experience. these themes were prominent enough to follow writers all the way into Rome and to appear in later writings like Nonnus's.

everything above is my long, winded way of saying "YES, Dionysos understands". He understands deeper than many see and I worship Him as a transgender Deity. Dionysos is the reason I explored my identity in the first place and He is my safe space for expressing myself unapologetically. my depictions of Him are always gender-nonconforming and I generally view Him as a God of Transitions. Gender transitions yes, but also life transitions: moving home, finding new opportunities, social changes, etc. He is a God that helps us through these massive life events and eases the pain that comes with it. I find Him similar to Hekate in these aspects (upg), a Deity of the liminal in-between stages and the celebrator of the end-goal.

I sympathize with your unease. I have felt scared to approach the Gods with hard topics because it would feel devastating to be rejected by our own Gods. However, I have never once experienced berating for the act of asking nor for sharing my fears and pain. the Gods are here to build us up, not knock us down. you won't know if incorporating your trans identity into your religion works for you unless you try it. I'll bet that Dionysos would be happy to hear your voice and see your face regardless of what you're asking of Him.

I wouldn't be where I am today without Dionysos. I would probably still be a messed up, insecure mess. I had no idea my lack of confidence and hatred of my body was my dysphoria weighing me down. not until Dionysos pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to dress how I want to. the first step is the hardest in my opinion, but it's so so so worth it. Dionysos supports all of our intricacies and changes. even if I decide to detransition or change my identity once more, I know He will always be in my corner.

I sincerely wish you the best anon. the confidence it takes to speak about topics like this is massive and I'm proud of you for taking this step of inquiring about it ! whatever you decide, the Theoi will be by your side. also, thank you for giving me the opportunity to rant about Dionysos's trans aspects and my upg 🫶💕🍇 cheers !

[astroyongie]

Hey yongie! I seen how you’re tired so maybe in the future but you should definitely do the scent thing for seventeen also! 🎀

Seventeen Scents They Would Find Attractive

Scoups

ᝰ.ᐟ Based on his chart he might enjoy scents that feel and are luxurious, that give that old money vibe on their partner. The touches of Amber scent and soft florals might be something he appreciates a lot

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Baccarat Rouge 540 – Maison Francis Kurkdjian: It's a perfume with a scent of saffron but we also find some undertones of amber and woody florals. It's a radiant perfume and ultra-luxurious just how Scoups enjoys it

Wonwoo

ᝰ.ᐟ For won woo, he likes his partners to smell bold and for people to notice them as they pass by. He might really enjoy the scent of warm vanilla for exemple which is stronger than the regular one

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Yves Saint Laurent – Libre Intense: Not only it's a deep vanilla scent just how Wonwoo likes, it also has tones of orange blossom and amber. that combination makes this perfume a bold statement. Perfect to seduce him

Mingyu

ᝰ.ᐟ Mingyu is a man of strong perfume but when it comes to his partner he loves a scent that is cozy, that feels like home and an embrace. For example the smell of caramel would be something he loves a lot

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Dior – Feve Delicieuse: It's a perfume which main topic is tonka bean but we find the cozy with the undertones of caramel and cocoa. so its a pure indulgence scent which would make Mingyu want to bite you

Vernon

ᝰ.ᐟ Vernon likes his partner to have a very own scent, something that is unlike anything else, so the more original the best. Metallic notes might be the type of scent that he really likes and feel more skin to skin

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Comme des Garçons – Concrete: that's a perfect example of a perfume which has the main metallic tone to it but also offers an industrial-chic vibes due to the spicy sandalwood notes on it

Hoshi

ᝰ.ᐟ He likes when his partner smells light so it doesn't feel too much for nothing. Hoshi might enjoy smells like bergamot but finding perfumes with that note is hard as well, so anything with those citrus fresh scents would work

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Hermès – Un Jardin Sur Le Nil: Hoshi might appreciate this perfume because its light and refreshing on its scent. his partner would smell like watery green mango and citrus which are tones he appreciates

Jun

ᝰ.ᐟ Jun also is fan of scents ones that feel like a warm embrace, something like vanilla scent because yes it's pretty basic but it does offer comfort and that's a win. he wants his partner to be comforting wen he is hugging them

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Guerlain – Mon Guerlain: it's a warm vanilla scented perfune with a few tones of lavender but also of sandalwood. so its a perfume which is elegant and soothing, a perfect combination for Jun

The8

ᝰ.ᐟ This man loves a partner that smells sensual, something that has character and is quite seductive to his nose. Dark florals scents like for example black orchid can be something he really finds attractive

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Tom Ford – Black Orchid : without a doubt one of the best dark florals perfumes out there but it also has tones of chocolate, and even truffle which makes its scent a combination of intense and seductive. Really the jackpot to seduce this man

Dino

ᝰ.ᐟ It's weird but based on his chart, Dino might enjoy scents that feel futuristic and which people either love ro find it super weird. unconventional musks smells might be something that he really likes to smell on the skin of his partner

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Le Labo – Another 13: it's an Ambroxan and musk scented perfume mostly and it really has that futuristic feeling to it but most importantly it also smells like a second-skin-like which would make Dino float

Woozi

ᝰ.ᐟ For woozi his favorite smell on people are definitely exotic perfumes and scents. for example undertones of saffron and other spices might be something he finds super attractive

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Jo Malone – Pomegranate Noir: Based on tones of dark fruit, this perfume also has undertones of spices scents which makes this perfume rich and exotic exactly the way Woozi would love

Joshua

ᝰ.ᐟ Classic would work the best with Joshua, he is someone who doesn't need too much, just something classic and order and he likes that enough. The scent of leather is probably something he appreciates a lot

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Le Labo – Santal 33 : it's a real Iconic woody leather scented perfume so honestly nothing best to get his attention and smelling different from all those sweet smells. it is modern yet timeless.

Jeonghan

ᝰ.ᐟ Jeonghan is a man who loves a partner who has a scent that is nothing too extreme or overpowering to his senses but still need to be gentle so the smell of vanilla is a to go that never misses

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Valentino – Donna Born in Roma: It's such a good perfume really, it has a beautiful smell of jasmine and vanilla yet also feels like cashmere which provides that feeling of modern yet timeless just like Joshua's perfume

DK

ᝰ.ᐟ A fresh scented person is honestly all that DK likes, nothing too extravagant or too bold so the person isn't the main attraction. He might really enjoy the smell of violet leaf

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Byredo – Mixed Emotions: I think this perfume would be perfect to seduce him because it was tones of black tea and violet as he likes bit also some hints of wood which make this perfume moody yet fresh.

Seungkwan

ᝰ.ᐟ Now finally, Seungkwan is the type of men that loves rich scents on his partners since it feels more intimate. Smelles like tobacco, spices and our might be the smells he likes the most

ᝰ.ᐟ Perfume Idea: Acqua di Parma – Oud & Spice: It's a perfume which has a touch of richness without excess. It has a subtle oud scent to it with cinnamon hints

[r0-boat]

Omegaverse WHB

part 2 Smells & Scents

Part 1 is right here

More lore

Hell:

Most Devils in hell are either alphas or betas. But even then the strongest of alphas cannot compete to the kings. Omega Demons are very rare less than 1%. And even then they're still unable to reproduce without Lilith's help.

Heaven:

Angels are neither Alpha, beta or omega but at the same time all of them at once. They have a scent They appear omega to appeal to humans and other angels or people they like. But they appear Alpha when they're near devils or creatures they feel intimidated by.

Satan

His scent will be spicy yet sweet but all around powerful, a fiery woody tone, vanilla. I would say frankincense, with a hint of cinnamon with a little more Amber, or maybe roasting marshmallows next to a campfire.

That sense that is hard to get out once he's marked you. No matter how much other devils will try to wash it off it never goes away. And he sent increases with his anger. It's so overwhelming he could clear an entire room of alphas and betas leaving Even omegas to cower away, overwhelmed by his natural scent.

The angrier he gets, the more the cinnamon stands out A lot of devils feel like their nose is on fire if they're not used to it.

Leviathan

Leviathan has a tart sour citrusy scent, His Alpha scent is naturally fruity. If you peel away all of the sour citrusy nodes You noticed that with the sour there's also sweet. His sent naturally isn't as strong as Satan but is definitely up there as being the most intimidating to the more sensitive noses. The more jealous he is the more sour it gets. If you can handle The more tardiness of his scent. You'll be very surprised to find out that Levi's sweet side of his scent smells like grapefruit, oranges and somewhere peaches (a scent he tries to hide very frequently)

Most of the time it's more tart than sweet. But when he's alone with you,or God forbid he's in a good mood That's sweet scent will start to take root. Most of the time Levi smells like lemonade as the sweet and the sour are equaled out.

That peach node seems to only show up when you are around... How interesting. It's weak Not even his other devils knew that was part of his Alpha scent It is only reserved for you.

Mammon

Very rich and woody always make you wanting more. Oak, coffee, saffron, patchouli, His scent isn't strong but it's not shy It's nice, bold and smells expensive. Many devils tried to recreate the scent of Mammon but none have succeeded. Devils do note that his scent does get stronger when there's someone in the same room he's trying to show off to.

His scent is never strong enough to initiate other alphas as a challenge, Even though his scent can be overwhelmingly as strong as Satan or perhaps even rival the sin of lusts irresistible Alpha scent He doesn't usually get to that point.

His scent is there to show off of who he is and what he is not intimidate he'd rather let his money or his fists do the talking.

Beelzebub

Sweet, nutty and addicting, you'll notice if you focus that sugary scent is closely akin to Maple, with hazelnut and honey. With a hint of vanilla, Beelzebub's Alpha is very fall—something to make your mouth drool. He also has the uncanny ability to erase his scent completely. And for some reason his clones have different varieties of his scent.

The vanilla is not as strong as the maple, hazelnut or honey. But damn is it the cherry on top. If your mouth isn't watering now I bet it would be when he's aroused since when aroused The hazelnut and Maple seems to transform into butterscotch or pecan begins almost completely out of nowhere.

That butterscotch or pecan isn't as prevalent all the time however that's more of Bael's scent. Beel's Alpha scent is a whole dessert at Thanksgiving.

Belphegor

Has the weakest scent of the kings the most calming that's probably because that his scent is able to put any devil to sleep, It is naturally calming and is also used to help with concentration, His scent is very floral and herbal with lavender chamomile Rosemary and or germanium. Beleth smells of mint and tobacco as well as sandalwood as well as rum. Given their close proximity their sense tons of mingle off each other a lot.

Belphegor always hears how relaxing his scent is. It's too bad that he's nose blind to it... Because it would be pretty nice to fall asleep to it. He thinks your scent is pretty relaxing. Any alpha would crave the scent of an omega and buried with all of the scent that makes you; you is that node that is so distinctly familiar he can't help but nuzzle into you to smell more. He can't quite put his fing on what it is but familiar scent that smells of old books in a dusty old magic tomb a sense that would enchant any devil.

If you like his scent So much then you should come over often He's too lazy to scent things for you he'd rather just sleep in your bed or you sleep in his bed. Beleth on the other hand will happily sent everything and anything you own just ask him please...

Lucifer

Lucifer's scent smells clean and herbal some hints of earthy nodes mixed in. Sage and lime, water lotus and lilac, cedarwood and petrichor. His scent feels very angelic and harmonious than the more chaotic and bold devils. So his tend to be a little more intimidating to other devils. But to humans other than smelling like a fresh load of laundry too clean for them to touch. I don't doubt it would smell unpleasant if he was ever angered.

I can see why devils would find his scent unnerving, since it wouldn't feel like a natural scent. It smells clean and sterilized Even though yes it is 'natural' It probably smells uncanny to devils.

Humans would probably have no problem with it. But Lucifer smells more like a sterilized object than a person. Which bodes pretty well to the fact that he is not a demon or a human he is an angel technically. I bet it would be pretty relaxing to go to sleep too.

Asmodeus

Sweet and rich, chocolatey with a hint of coffee and cardamom with fruity nodes like cherries and pomegranates. His scent is built to attract. It is always there. He is so strong that it tends to nullify other scents until he is the only thing in the room. Because of this, Asmo starts wearing scent blockers when he goes to meetings. His scent is built to attract. Depending on his mood, each note gets stronger. Like all other kings, the most common thing you'll smell is coca and cherry.

It would help if you never tell him how attractive you think his scent is. Because Asmo loves sending you materials for nest building which is great if it weren't for the fact that his sent sends you in a mindless heat if you're not prepared.

Asmodeus's is so strong that even with scent blockers it's still as strong as Levi's or Satan once it sticks it stays for weeks. And that chocolatey sent makes it so well with other kings not only that The coffee node in it tends to wipe away any other scent in there.

[flawseer]

Jade Mountain Academy students

#7 - Rainwing chapter

Ah yes, the Rainwings, a.k.a. "the ones where my friends will disown me if I get them wrong". I ended up making some changes here; particularly with Coconut, who is depicted as green in the graphic novels but described as lavender in the books. I tried to do something with elements from both. This had a bit of a knock-on effect on Siamang, because having two purples in the set seemed a bit lame for a group that's supposed to be really vibrant and colorful, so I went a bit off-script there. This is the result; I hope it is palatable.

Also, that makes 36. 36 dragons.

Kinkajou

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Jade

Color - Saffron yellow and pink (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Moonwatcher (Nightwing), Carnelian (Skywing)

Favorite subject - "All of them"

Least fav. subject - did not disclose

Physical characteristics - kinked horns; triangular patterns along neck, torso, and tail; venom scars on right wing membrane; small size, slight build

Other characteristics - very energetic; good work ethic; has signed up for every extracurricular activity available (commendable, but maybe monitor, encourage proper rest); currently displays no immediate signs of post-traumatic stress, but continue monitoring on suggestion of Queen Glory (make aware of counseling options)

Tamarin

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Gold

Color - Cobalt blue and yellow (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Onyx (Sandwing)

Favorite subject - Anatomy

Least fav. subject - Literacy

Physical characteristics - light, oval-shaped patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; medium to heavy scarring along ventral neck and torso; hatched blind, eyes are a milky blue; smallish size, plump

Other characteristics - good work ethic; inclined towards care of plants; appears capable of navigating premises by herself, has requested not to be offered aid unsolicited; has suggested a class/seminar about medicinal plants

Boto

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Silver

Color - Lime green and light gray (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Changbai (Icewing), Thrush (Skywing)

Favorite subject - Homeroom

Least fav. subject - Anatomy

Physical characteristics - splotchy patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; freckles; average size, average build

Other characteristics - appears to have integrated well; average work ethic; no particular issues to report

Coconut

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Copper

Color - Lavender and green (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Marsh (Mudwing)

Favorite subject - Cultural Exchange

Least fav. subject - Exercise

Physical characteristics - circular patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; smallish size, plump

Other characteristics - tends to forget about assignments often; falls asleep in class and hallway; appears to have trouble acclimatizing to academy life and school rules (currently in counseling, consider pulling from student body if behavior cannot be improved)

Siamang

Tribe - Rainwing

Winglet - Quartz

Color - Autumn leaves (resting color)

Relatives - none on site

Clawmate(s) - Arid (Sandwing), Garnet (Skywing)

Favorite subject - Cultural Exchange

Least fav. subject - Science

Physical characteristics - long, bent horns; dark patch on ventral side of neck; semi-circular patterns along neck, torso, tail, and limbs; small horn-like thorns protruding from center of forehead; tall size, slight frame

Other characteristics - mellow, seems to get along with most dragons; interested in locally available fruit; appears to enjoy experimenting with fruit juice to create drinks (encourage, make space available, but also monitor)

[h1nanii]

Silent tunes, played by you.

[CH1] [CH2] [CH3 ]

(Sanji x Deaf!Reader | F!Reader) inspired by the 2004

Japanese Drama "Orange Days".

[Fluff, Angst, maybe smut as the story progresses.]

Genre: Romance, Drama, Adventure, Slice of Life (with canon-verse context)

Setting: Post-Enies Lobby, during the "calm" moments on the Thousand Sunny

Pairing: Vinsmoke Sanji x Deaf!Female Reader (former musician)

Inspiration: Orange Days (2004 Japanese Drama)

———————————————————————————

Hands that can speak.

The next morning on the Thousand Sunny came soft and golden. The sea was calm, and the breeze carried the scent of breakfast—coffee, eggs, and something sweet.

But Sanji wasn’t in the galley.

He was on the deck with Robin.

You stood by the stairs, unnoticed, watching from a quiet corner as the two of them talked. Well—he talked. She listened, arms crossed gently over her book, an amused tilt to her lips.

You couldn’t hear his voice, but you’d come to recognize the way his hands moved when he got excited. Animated, almost theatrical, like he was performing a recipe with every word.

He pointed to the air, then made a clumsy sign with his fingers.

Robin corrected it patiently, adjusting the angle of his hand.

You blinked.

He was learning sign language.

For you.

Your stomach turned in a strange, fluttering way. A violin string pulled too tight.

Earlier That Morning

Sanji had knocked lightly on Robin’s door just after dawn.

“Robin-chwan,” he said, tone unusually quiet, “you know sign language, right?”

Her eyebrow had lifted with curiosity. “A bit. Why do you ask?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, lighting a cigarette with a flick. “There’s someone I want to talk to. Properly. Not with a damn notepad.”

Robin closed her book and looked at him for a long moment. Then she smiled.

“All right, Cook-san. Let’s start with the basics.”

⸻

Back in the infirmary, Chopper was flipping through papers—your medical file, notes about your hearing loss, neurological tests, recovery status. He was a careful doctor. He didn’t gossip.

But Robin had come to visit, and somehow, the topic shifted.

“She doesn’t talk about it,” Chopper said softly. “But she played music before.”

Robin tilted her head. “Violin, yes?”

Chopper nodded. “Her inner ear was damaged by a concussion. She might have heard the explosion—right before it went silent. That’s the worst kind of silence, I think.”

Robin’s eyes were gentle. “It’s not just hearing she lost, then.”

“No.” He looked up at her. “She lost the part of her that listened.”

Robin didn’t respond right away. Then she looked out the window, toward the upper deck where Sanji practiced a new word in sign: “Beautiful.”

“She’s beginning to find it again,” Robin said quietly.

⸻

That evening, you returned to the galley.

Sanji was waiting.

The room smelled like saffron rice and grilled fish, but the second you entered, he stood a little straighter. Nervous. You noticed the absence of the notepad.

He moved slowly, deliberately.

First, he pointed to you.

Then, he formed the sign: “Thank you.”

Your eyes widened.

Then: “Music.”

He made the sign for melody—awkward but recognizable.

You couldn’t help it—you smiled.

He beamed like a kid winning a prize at a fair.

“Robin’s helping me,” he said aloud, then quickly added the sign for “learning.”

“I want to talk to you. Like you talk. Not just with food.”

Your heart ached.

Not painfully—but in that soft, blooming way that makes your fingers itch to create something beautiful.

You reached for a napkin and scribbled:

You already speak to me. Every time you cook.

Sanji’s grin softened into something smaller. Something real.

Then, carefully, you took his hand.

You guided his fingers, slowly, showing him the sign for your name again.

He mouthed it. “That’s you.”

You nodded.

“I’m Sanji,” he signed slowly.

You laughed—silent, but your shoulders shook. His fingers had been almost right. You fixed them gently.

Sanji looked at your hands for a long time.

Then he whispered, “I’m gonna learn everything. Every sign. Every word. If it means I get to hear your voice through silence.”

You touched your heart.

Then his.

And in that moment, with the ocean humming outside and the stars blinking quietly overhead, he understood.

Using all of his free time for the next month to practice, practice talking to you without having to read stupid scribbles or playing charades.

— — — — —

The storm started like a whisper.

The first drops of rain pattered against the sails like fingertips on a snare drum. The air was damp and hushed, and the deck groaned softly as the sea rolled beneath.

You were sitting under the awning on the upper deck, your knees tucked up to your chest, a blanket around your shoulders. The air was too quiet. Too thick.

You couldn’t hear the storm.

But you felt it.

Each rumble in the wood beneath you. Each vibration of the waves, traveling up through your legs and into your bones.

It reminded you of the explosion.

The last sound you ever heard.

You hugged your knees tighter.

Sanji approached without a sound. He knelt beside you, an umbrella clutched loosely in one hand, eyes warm and a little uncertain.

You looked at him, and he smiled—small and soft.

He offered the umbrella. You didn’t take it.

He sat with you anyway.

A minute passed. Maybe more.

Then his fingers moved awkwardly.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

You gave him a faint nod.

He waited, then signed again:

“You make the Sunny feel quieter… in a good way.”

You almost smiled.

Almost.

He kept going. He was talking too much. Not with his voice—yet—but with his hands, his mouth. Movement, motion, effort.

Effort that pierced something raw.

He signed something new.

Slow. Careful.

“I wish I could hear your voice.”

You froze.

His smile faded just a little, his hands pausing mid-air. He didn’t know what he’d just stepped into.

Your heart tightened.

You shook your head—not no, not yes, just—don’t.

But he didn’t stop.

“I keep thinking about it,” he muttered softly. “When you smile. When you laugh. When you’re frustrated. I want to know what it would sound like.”

Your body went stiff reading the words coming from his lips.

He leaned forward, gentle.

“Would you ever… maybe someday… try to speak to me?”

Your breath caught in your throat.

Your fingers started moving in a fit of anger before you could stop them.

NO.

STOP.

PLEASE.

But he didn’t read them fast enough.

So you smacked the deck with your palms—sharp, sudden, a thunderclap in silence.

Sanji jerked back.

You stood abruptly, blanket falling from your shoulders.

Tears blurred your eyes—damn them. You didn’t want to cry. Not in front of him.

Your hands moved furiously. Big, clumsy, angry signs that hit the air like punches.

YOU DON’T GET IT.

I CAN’T.

I CAN’T.

Your jaw trembled.

Then, more slowly—hands shaking now:

I don’t know what I sound like anymore.

You looked at him—really looked.

His face had fallen, stunned and silent, eyes wide.

You stepped back, chest heaving with breathless sobs. No sound. Just tremors. Just your shoulders shaking.

You reached for your notebook with trembling fingers and wrote in sharp, panicked strokes:

You don’t know what it’s like…

You don’t know what it’s like to not remember the sound of someone’s voice.

You ripped the page.

Shoved it into his hands.

Then signed, violently, painfully:

You won’t ever know what it’s like.

You’re a great man, a great crewmate, a great friend sanji. Handsome, smart, talented.

You slammed your palm into your chest.

But I’ll never get to know you by your voice.

Sanji’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.

You stood there, wind in your hair, rain starting to fall, trembling like a string pulled too tight.

Then, quietly, hopelessly:

And I don’t know what I sound like either. If my voice has changed, I’ll never know. If my name is called, I’ll never know.

The tears came silent and heavy.

Down your cheeks, over your lips.

You turned away and covered your mouth, as if it would stop the sobs from showing.

It didn’t.

Sanji stepped forward—slowly.

He didn’t touch you. Just knelt beside you again, like he had at the start.

Then, he reached out and signed:

“I’m sorry.”

You didn’t respond.

You sat there, shoulders shaking, face hidden.

And he stayed.

Just like that.

No words.

No more questions.

Just him.

And you.

And the rain.

And the sea.

And the aching, yawning silence between you.

You scanned his face gently as he sat with you, trying to read his expression, Guilt

Without thinking straight, your body turned—leaning in closer to the blonde, tilting your head slightly as you planted your lips onto his.

Maybe it was his effort to talk to you.

Or the way your heart raced with every glance you stole from him.

Whatever it was, it felt right to place that kiss—leaving the lovestruck cook in shock as the rain poured.

[swan2swan]

Yaz: *blearily answering phone* "Hello?"

Brooklynn: "Yaz? It's Brooklynn. Don't ask how I got this number. I need to tell you something."

Yaz: "Are we about to be eaten by raptors? Is there an operation we're getting too close to? Are you coming back? Or maybe going to talk to your boyfriend? And no, I'm not gonna specify which one..."

Brooklynn: "Ah-ha-haaa, classic Yaz...that's why I called you! Actually, that's not why I called you. I need to tell you something...don't get mad..."

Yaz: "Couldn't be madder. What's up?"

Brooklynn : "Okay, so you know Soyona? Santos? The Broker?"

Yaz: "The woman who basically kidnapped you after she--it turns out--failed to murder you and then tried to kill the rest of us and is still the reason why we're looking over our shoulders?"

Brooklynn: "Yeah..."

Yaz: "With the perfect hair, crisp suit, and expensive-looking heels?"

Brooklynn: ".....yeah...."

Yaz: "The one with the incredible cheekbones and the unsettlingly soothing voice?"

Brooklynn: "............yeaaah...."

Yaz: "And the--I assume--vanilla-flavored lips?"

Brooklynn: "..............it's saffron."

Yaz: "Bougie. Do you want me to tell Kenji first? Or Darius? Or is this girl talk, just between us girls?"

Brooklynn: "....I kinda wanted you to be angry at me."

Yaz: "Come home, and I'll consider it. Otherwise, you make that bed, you lie in it. Unless she's the one who makes the bed."

Brooklynn: "....you are mad at me."

Yaz: "From the day we met. Now let me sleep. It's three AM here."

Brooklynn: "It's a one-hour difference!"

Yaz: "Then get your sleep!"

Brooklynn: "I will!"

Yaz: "........was it your call? All yours?"

Brooklynn: "One hundred percent."

Yaz: "Okay, cool. We'll unpack that later."

Brooklynn: "You know your lack of rage is hurting me more than yelling, right?"

Yaz: "Have fun with Paul, Esther Stone."

Brooklynn: "HEY! You know Paul was the most forced, two-dimensional--"

Yaz: *ends call, turns phone to silent*

[vulpixisananimal]

(Siffrin) {Mal Du Pays} <Null> |Asterion| [Loop] [(Saffron)]

[Market day!]

[You and the party were staying in a little town on your way to Wolworth And as luck would have it, it was market day! So, what better a time to have a lovely little date with your wonderful Red Giant~]

[You and Isa were running through the crowd, laughing, smiling. The sun was bright, the day was perfect.]

[(Then why are you so anxious?)]

[Ignore it, you squeeze Isabeaus hand.] "See anything you like~?"

"Hmmmm. . ." [He puts a hand to his chin.] "I mean I like a lotta things here! What about you?"

"Me?" [You pull him closer.] "Oh I have all I need right here~"

"H-heywait!!" [He's blushing, and you were already laughing.]

[You kept walking, (trying to ignore what happened at the Jouvente market), looking around, enjoying things. There were honey sticks, homemade cookies, some nice wood carvings, it really was a bananza of creativity.]

[(And you're still going to ignore what you read this morning?)]

[It's ALL you could do!! STARS!! You wake up all nice and ready for a perfect day with your Red Giant, you look at the journal and there!! A brand new voice to add to the chorus. And none of us have even met him!!]

[(And so you'll ignore it like a coward.)]

[Yes! This ASTERION can wait for later!]

". . . Oh!" [Isa stops, looking at one stall.] ". . ."

"Oh?" [You mimic,] "Find something you like~?"

"Aaaactually, doooo you know that person? I think I recognise them but. . ." [He replied, pointing in a direction.]

[You move next to him and try and look over the crowd, who was he talking about. . . There were a lot of random couples, groups, strangers, and. . . A stranger by one stand Isa was pointing at. You didn't recognise, but, no you. . .]

[(YOU.)]

[You almost jump in place, do you mind?!?]

[(You Don't remember who that is?? Are you a blinding idiot?!?)]

[The prompting of lovely Saffron jogged your memory. Stranger, on the road, talked about stars, universe, had food, and- universe, Universe.]

[(THAT. BASTARD.)]

"H-hey what's-" [(Isabeau starts, but you were already pushing your way through the crowd, step by step, untill you finally got to the tall figure with lightless hair.)]

". . . Oh!" [(The Universe smiled.)] "Hello again!"

[(You grab it and pull it around to look at you.)] "YOU!"

"What are you doing here!" [(Every hair on your head bristled and anger filled your eyes.)] "What are you BLINDING doing here!"

"L-loop what's gotten into you?!?" [(Isabeau caught up, trying to get you to calm down.)] "P-please, maybe just, calm down a bit?"

"No I will NOT calm down, Fighter!!" [(You glare at him, then back to the Universe.)] "You, y-you come here, after everything, to, to, to MOCK me?!? Haha, hahahahAHAHaha--"

"That's enough, now." [(The Universe huffed and wagged its finger.)] "Your ruinning Loops date. Leave us alone, Saffron."

[. . . You blink a few times and shake your head. That, what- STARS. You let go of Jinn in disgust. You didn't want to make a scene but your mind is YOUR BUSINESS!!]

"Oh! Sorry! It did look like he was giving you some trouble." [It replied.]

[Isabeau was looking confused between you and Jinn.] ". . . I feel like I've just missed a whole conversation."

"Oh! Yes!" [Jinn does a little curtsey.] "I'm Jinn, you remember me, yes?"

[Isa taps a finger on his chin, then snaps his fingers.] "Traveler we found on the road!"

"Yes!! You'll be happy to know I've kicked my passing out habits-"

"JINN-YYYYY" [A new, high pitched, energetic voice joined the conversation, shortly followed by a smaller figure crashing into Jinn. Their outfit was either a fashion disaster or fashion masterpiece. Everything was clashing and felt like your eyes couldn't focus on one thing for long. Which was weird because the outfit was just a very simple shirt, dress, and such.]

"Nebby!!" [Jinn giggled and ruffled their hair.] "Wandering off again? You're almost as bad as I!"

"Nuh uh!" [They giggled and kissed Jinns cheek.] "I sensed danger and came running- YOU!!!"

[You were surprised by the accusitory finger pointed at you.] "M-ME?!?"

"YOU'RE THE MEAN ONE!!!" [The stranger, named Nebby, tried to wiggle free of Jinn, but was unsucsessful.]

"W-whhhaaaatisgoingon-" [Isa was looking confused between all of you.]

"Please, Nebula, relax!" [Jinn lets go.] "Loop just has a lot of anger, and it's not like they can hurt me."

"I know that! But it's, it's the, theeeeee-"

"Principle?" [Isa offeres.]

"It's the PRINCIPLE of it!! THANK you Zaza!!" [Nebby moved quickly and booped Isa on the nose.]

". . . Okay, what's going on, who are you?!" [You ask, since Isabeau was too confused to.]

"Aww, don'tchya remember me?" [Nebby says with a pout.]

"Loop never met you, dear. Siffrin did, would you like t-" [Jinn was cut off by Nebbys enthusiastic nods.] "Alright, come on out, Siffrin."

(WhhUHHUH!?!!??!)

[?!??!??!?!?!??] "H-how, how, d-did you-" [You hold your head, you had a MASSIVE headache.]

(Nebby was practicly vibrating on the spot.) "HiSif!! Hiiii it's sooooo so good to see you again!!!"

(You look up, you, could recall some of what you did today. But, uh. .) ". . I, do, I know you?"

"Whaaat?!?" (Nebby looked shocked, then smiled!) "Oh RIIIIGHT! I have to do the THING!!!"

(The thing?)

[The thing?]

"Y'know! The thing! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧"

"The thing?" (Isa asks.)

[. . . . . Is that-]

"O-OH!" (T-THAT'S-)

"YAAAAY!!! ※\(^o^)/※" (The Change God flapped their hands excitedly.) "You remembeeerrred!!"

"Siffrin, Loop, why don't you introduce us?" [Jinn leans down and asks you politely.]

"FINE." [You hunch down, frustrated, but, you had to, for Isabeau.] ". . . . Jinn, Nebby, ttthhhhiiiiis is Isabeau. And, Isa, this is. . ." [You take a breath.] "Nebby, the Change God. A-and, Jinn, The Universe, or Ke- k-keao--."

"Oh!! Oh no need for the full name please!!" [Jinn frantically clarified as you massaged your throat, stars, that hurt.]

". . . . . ." [Isabeau was, completely silent for exactly thirteen seconds.] ". . . O-OH!"

"You're bigger in person!!" [The Change God stepped up to Isabeau, and poked him.] "Sooo much bigger!! Wow I should get out more!!!"

"Nebby, dear, let the mortal have his existential crisis for a moment."

"Awww, but he's so cute!! AND cool looking!!! And a real go getter with changing things up, too!!" [Nebby turned back to Jinn excitedly, then back to Isa. Who, at this point was still processing everything.]

(What the, the stars is going on.)

"Myself and my bonded are just taking a trip together! A little, 'date' you could say~" (Jinn giggled into its hand.)

"YEAH! 'Cause you OWE me, Jinny!" (Nebby pouted and teased their bonded.) "With the whole timey freezy timey loopy thing?"

"Y-yes, ah, I, did. . . A-anyway! What about you two!"

[You squint.] "Don't you know?"

"It's called being POLITE, Loopert!" [Nebby stuck their tongue out.] "YEAH I remember that cute widdle nickname, heheh."

[STARS.] "Fine! Just, we're on a date too. I wanted a nice, relaxing day at the fair. Clearly that's not what the Universe had in mind!" [You say, momentarily forgetting just who you were talking to.]

"Oh no, your day will be far from spoiled, dear." [Another small giggle from Jinn.] "It's your day with Isabeau. You all like him, don't you?"

"YEAH!! You and everyone in that head of yours!!" [Nebby interrupts.] "All uh, one.. Two.. Seve-"

"Don't spoil it, love!" [Jinn bapped Nebby on the head.] "Let the mortals figure that out by themselfs!"

"I- wait." [Seven-]

"Would you like to go on a walk with us, you two?" [Jinn interrupts.] "We would enjoy the company.

". . That sounds good to me!" [Isa finally speaks up again. His expression was one you had never seen before; some mix of horror, curiosity, confusion, and disbelief.] "Double date with two gods? Why not!"

"Dawww Zaza!! That's suuuch a good idea!!" [Nebby was still flapping in glee.] "Y'get all those confused thoughts outta your head yet?"

"Uh, I-"

"Didn't think so!! That's okay c'mon lets go!!!" [Nebby interrupted Isa, then grabbed Jinns hand and started excitedly pulling it in a new direction.]

[Despite your absolute disgust and horror, you were compelled to follow. Isa holding your hand. You look up, he looks pale as a ghost.] ". . . Are you. ."

"The Change God knows about me?" [Oh he was deffinatly not over any of this.]

"I, y-yeah."

"The Change God is dating your god and knows about me?"

"It's okay, just get it out of your system."

". . . . . . Okay!" [He laughed nervously.] "I'll try and be normal about all this!"

"Stars, my wonderful Red Gaint you have no need to be normal about THIS!"

"OH!!!" [Nebby pointed excitedly at one stall.] "Let's look at that one!!"

[They ran over, Jinn, and by extention you both, running to catch up. Nebby had found a setup from a craftsman who was showing off all kinds of nicknacks. Statues, masks, clothes, a scouple swords, art, the style looked familiar.]

"This is SO COOL!!!" [Nebby was taking in every little detail, and started talking to the person running the stand. Oh if only they knew just who Nebby was.]

"It is pretty good craftsmanship. . ." [Isabeau, naturally, had gravitated to some of the clothes, you could have sworn the style was familiar.]

[You wander over to the few swords on display, they were-]

"A curved Ka Buan blade!" <Your eye widened.> "And that's Ka Buan calligraphy, did you make these?"

"Aye!" <The Craftsman answered.> "Ma 'Nan was from Ka Bue and they taught me a lot and I kept it up!"

<You beamed like you hadn't before, looking over the arts and crafts. Such intricate and delicate work, masks with little details that a fine eye was needed for. You joined Isabeau in admiring the clothes, Nebby looking at the small statues, Jinn at admiring the art. You were too absorbed in admiration to remember just who you were next to.>

[?!?!?!?!?!??!?!!???!]

<Ah. Sorry.>

"Everything alright, both of you?" <Jinn asked. It took you a second to realize it's talking to you.>

". . Yes." <You looked away. Take front back, Loop, please.>

[Of course~] "Just got surprised, is all~"

"I understand. . ." [The two of you stood quiet. You look back to see Isa was getting over his shock, since he was talking casually with Nebby.]

<. . .>

[. . .] "Jinn. . . Why."

"Why? Why what?"

"You know why."

". . . I'm. . ." [It looked at you for a moment, then away.] ". . . I have no excuse, Loop. I'm. . . I'm sorry."

<What.>

[What.]

[From the back of your mind, you could hear echoes of others saying that one, simple word.]

". . ." <It, took Jinn a moment to continue.> ". . . I am bound as a God to grant any wish if done right. And all I remember of our home is that whatever wish I granted to cause. . . That, was one where there was no other option."

"What you remember?" [Shouldn't it-]

"No. I don't." [It looked, sad.] "My memory of it is gone. And many of those who followed me no longer do. . . Do you know a gods existence is tied to those who believe in them?"

". . . No. . ?" [Your eye widens.] "Then, wouldn't that. . ."

"Oh they still believed." [Jinn nodded.] "But they knew not that they did. Directionless, nameless. If it weren't for the strong cultural ties to Vaugarde, I would be naught but dust. . ."

". . ." <Your mind was clicking things into place.> ". . . Let me guess. After all of that, it left your skills of wishmaking in tatters?"

<You glance at it and it has its head in its shoulders, embarrassed?> ". . . . Y-yes, that, yes. . ."

"Buuuuut it's getting better!!" [In a flash Nebby was back by Jinns side nuzzling up to it. It had a statue from The Craftsman in their hand.] "Sooooo much better considering the LAST few wishes!!"

"I-it wasn't for anything so major!" [It reassures your horrified face.] "I, I-I am trying my best to not cause, more grief."

"Right. . ." [You think back to Wren and his wish, Vixul, Polaris-]

"Oh I'll keep him in mind!" [Jinn interupted your thoughts, smiling.] "All of them, actually. You'll see them again in time."

". . . . ." <You sigh.> "It's. . . Fine."

"Hey Loop!" <Isa calls to you, he was looking at the sword. You lift up your eyepatch.> "O-oh- Null you weeeere interested in these?"

"Maybe. . ." <You go back to the swords, one of them called out to you. You turned to The Craftsman.> "May I pick it up. . Thank you." <At their nod, you pick up the sword. Or TRY to.>

"Too heavy?" <Isa says at you struggling a little.>

"Blind it all-" <You scowled, why did this body have to be so, frail. So weak. So. . . No, it had some of its own upsides, at least. But. . .> ". . . Where it not for the weight, and price, I'd. . ."

<Isabeau glances from you, then to the duo of gods, then back, to you.> "I mean, if-"

"Shall we move on?" [Jinn stepped forward and out of the stall without waiting for an answer. You set the sword down and followed, of course.]

[It stops right outside of the stall, and turns back to you. You squint.] "What are y-"

[It cuts you off with a hug.]

[It's, it's an impossibly warm, comfortable hug. A hug that felt like one only a parent could give. One that, that was saved for those who needed it most. The kind of hug that could fix a person. . .]

"I'm. . . So proud of you, Loop."

[The words hit you stronger than any of the Kings attacks.]

[. . . It lets you go, and curtsies.] "Even with my blunders, you did so, so well, I'm proud of you."

"Uh huh!!!" [You felt Nebby punch your shoulder, then walked to Jinns side.] "And look at you now!!! Going on a DATE!!! You!! On a date!!!"

"Even sharing a body as you are, you're still finding ways to survive, no, thrive."

"Thrive is right!! You should have fun while you're here!! Maybe ask your new boyfriend about Vaugardian Culture!"

[They both giggle at that, what? What does THAT mean?!? You stared at them both in disbelief. The God of Change and Entropy, time, and decay. The God of the Universe, of everything that ever was, and ever will be. . . And they're. . . You're, you're crying. Isabeau's at your side, taking your hand.]

". . . . Until next time." Take care, Siffrin.

"Bye bye!! See you around!!" I'll be watching, Siffy ♡⸜(ˆᗜˆ˵ )⸝♡

[In a blink, they dissapeared. The crowds around you moving on like nothing ever happened. You were left standing there, trying to understand what, just, happened. . .]

". . . . I uh. . ." [Isa starts, then coughs into a hand.] ". . . Heading back time?"

"Y-yes please." [You mumble, the two of you heading off-]

"Aye!! You two wait up!!" <You turn, The Craftsman had walked up to you and shoved that sword into your arms.> "Can't be forgetting this, aye? Those friends of yours got it for ya!"

<What. The Craftsman walked back to the stall and now you were left dumbfounded. They, BOUGHT it for you?!?>

[Weren't we struggling to lift it earlier???]

<I- You're holding the sword easier. You unsheeth the blade a little and, no, it's a real sword. A well crafted, well made sword of steel yet, it was, light.>

<You look up at Isabeau, squinting. He's looking away.>

". . . Isabeau?"

"Y-yes, Null?"

"Did you make a wish?"

"N-no!! No I didn't- I, uh-" <His head sinks down.> "I-Iuh, just, asked, N-nebbyforafavor--"

". . . . . . ."

[He's gone mad, how could-]

<You walk up to him and tug on his shirt untill you're face to face.> "If you wanted to get my attention, Isabeau, a sword is the perfect gift."

<You give him a small kiss, then let go. You can see his mind break in real time. You take his hand in one of yours, your new weapon in the other, and head back to the inn.>

[. . . You got the AIRY KATANA!]

[Lowers speed, increses attack, and gives a chance to reflect some attacks!]

[. . . Just like you remember it. . .]

[whysoblue2]

Since Leshy's blind, he distinguishes by scent and hearing right? What do you think his siblings smell like? Heket's giving mushroom risotto vibes personally

Oh, this is quite interesting to explore! Yes, he would have a smell to associate with each of them, a smell that would inspire images and feelings. I am 100% with you on Heket, she would have mushroom risotto vibes BUT I would add saffron to the mix. it makes the risotto very autumnal, very yellow and it's quite a distinct flavour and valuable. Leshy treasures his sister and adding that to the mix feels suitable and would remind him of earthy home flavours. Something safe, cosy and warm. Kallamar would have different smells. When he is at home or off work, he smells like the sea mixed with his floral perfumes (probably lavender, it smells nice, clean and fresh). It would bring Leshy to images of those secluded lagunas where flowers grow very close to the shore and the smell is carried by the salty sea breeze. When he works he smells mainly of disinfectant, being germophobe he rubs it on himself every 2 seconds to avoid catching whatever his patients have (he gets sick easily too). He would also detect a hint of infused leaves and medicine and deep down the undertone of his natural scent. To Leshy, Shamura smells like paper, ink and candlewax. It was a familiar smell of his childhood when his sibling picked him up to lecture him and their hands would always have that smell. Contrary to Kall, Leshy has only experienced the god of knowledge more than the god of war, so to him that's another safe and homey smell. Something he is very glad that carries on through the mortal life. Sometimes though, he detects a faint hint of venom, it's sickly sweet like the nectar carnivore plants use to lure bugs to them and it feels like danger. Gladly that only happened once or twice, maybe Leshy was mistaken. Narinder smells like old bones, iron, rust and lanolin. Yeah Narinder, your brother is on your case. But his older brother did not smell like that all his life, when they were young he would smell like the flowers growing around tombstones, the moisture of the earth disturbed to make way to another body. Sometimes he still detects that smell on him but it belongs to another life, making him sad and nostalgic. Thank you for your ask! Lemme know what you think!

[burningcheese-merchant]

You have fully covered me into a burningcheese fan. I absolutely love how you write these ships with them!

But one question if burningcheese ever decided to have a wedding, what do you think it looked like and play out?

*inhales deeply* MY FRIEND! MY GUY! I'M FOUR PARALLEL UNIVERSES AHEAD OF YOU! (also, welcome to the cult and thank you so much for your support! I'm happy to bring people joy with my stories!)

I'll just give a few bullet points, because a) I have a lot of thoughts, and b) I haven't finished planning their wedding in full lol

Biggest. Wedding. Ever. Not exaggerating at all. It would be the biggest, most grand and beautiful wedding in the history of the world. Eclair will be there and he won't even be fully enjoying himself; he'll be too busy taking notes on EVERYTHING he sees, because it's such a fascinating culture mix/clash, there are so many guests (many of which are important figures), there are so many unique traditions and rituals and artifacts on display and and and... This isn't even his field of study, but he would absolutely be remiss to NOT document the wedding extensively, if only to pass it along to colleagues that actually specialize in cultural history (and help author some textbooks lol)

As said above, a big, fun culture clash. Members from both of their kingdoms worked together and went above and beyond to blend Egyptian Golden Cheese Kingdom aesthetics and with Indian Wild Spice aesthetics to create something traditional, yet brand new and exciting. Who would've thought they would work so well together? (You can say the same thing about the bride and groom tbh lol)

Our lovely couple's outfits would have bits and pieces from each other's cultures as a respectful homage to one another (and to show that they will be unifying their peoples through their marriage). Golden Cheese will dress mostly in her own traditional style, but with a good handful of pretty, tasteful Wild Spice accessories to accentuate her look. Same with Burning Spice; traditional Wild Spice wedding clothes, but with a touch of GCK to honor his wife

Also, they would both have matching henna (or mehndi, as they're actually called in India) tattoos. Very elaborate and beautiful, done by Wild Spice artists. (Henna/mehndi are mostly for women/brides, but from what I understand, men/grooms can get them too. I want to do this because I LOVE the idea of GC and BS having matching tattoos/makeup)

Everyone is invited. Literally everyone. They don't even have to know you. Just show up and have a good time (and be in awe of their love and devotion lol). It's very common for Indian weddings to be big ragers with many, many, MANY guests, and I thought that would suit a BurningCheese wedding too (especially for GC, she honestly probably would want EVERYONE to show up, both to show off and because she genuinely wants to share her joy with others)

Wedding party(ies) is their closest homies. The other Ancients plus the Cheese Gang (Smoked Cheese, Burnt Cheese and Mozzarella) for GC, a handful of his best subordinates for BS (Nutmeg Tiger, Saffron Buffalo, Pepper Pangolin, maybe Cilantro Cobra too).

Burning Spice thought of having Pitaya Dragon as a best man equivalent of some sort because they're Crime Besties (in my headcanon lol) but Hollyberry walked him through why that's a terrible idea and just left Pitaya as a regular guest

Wedding lasts a whole week, the main ceremony plus other rituals and a whole lot of dancing and drinking and laughing and having a blast together and with their loved ones

A+++ food, both GCK dishes and Wild Spice dishes, plus an assortment of delicacies from other lands (there's food from the Dark Cacao Kingdom, Faeriewood, the Creme Republic, etc). Hollyberry came in clutch and provided most of the booze (her kingdom has the god-tier alcohol, it was a welcome choice)

You can rest assured that they enjoyed their wedding night very, very much lol. Especially because there were technically seven of them. (One of Mozzarella's wedding gifts to them was soundproofing GC's bedroom no strings attached. She Knew™️. She's a girl's girl lol)

I'll stop there for everyone's sake, but TL;DR: it's a enormous, gorgeous event that perfectly encapsulates and celebrates their love. (And I envision this as part of Burning Spice's redemption arc, so it's like the reward at the end of a long, arduous journey. The breathtaking sunrise waiting at the mountain summit.) And they live happily ever after and have a family in the future, but I'm not spoiling that for any of you just yet :)

[anjelicawrites]

Anon who sent the request for modern!dark!Aegon, obsessed with reader. Tumblr ate it! That's not stopping me from answering!!!

Aegon knows everything about you: the name of your first pet (Mr. Whiskers), how much watching cute animal TikToks makes you cry, your favorite way to make risotto (saffron with a dash of white wine). He knows you have been hoarding books you don't have time to read, and that you're trying to learn how to crochet in your spare time.

Warnings: DDDNE, stalking, disfigured Aegon, dark Aegon, obsession, non con fantasies (from Aegon to reader), masturbation, use of toys, talk of drug rape usage, voyeurism, talk of kidnapping, talk of reader becoming a basement wife, talk of a previous car accident, talk of drugs and alcohol abuse, talk of infidelity, Aegon enters reader's home to spy on them.

Read at your own risks. Be responsible for the fiction you consume!

NSFW and 18+ only please.

He knows all about the way you sound when you're pleasuring yourself, those high sobs, almost as if you're in pain, when you keep the toy against your clit, forcing another orgasm out of your body. He's learnt to know which one of the toys you're going to use, depending on the kind of porn you pick; he refuses to masturbate if he can't come with you, watching your lovely face contort with the pleasure you force upon yourself, through the screen of his laptop.

Maybe, just maybe, he could try to meet you the normal way, perhaps strike up a conversation in the elevator, or when you both are checking the mail, down in the lobby. Then he looks at himself in the mirror, the scars on the left side of his face and torso, those that plastic surgery couldn't cover, the partially missing hair and his limp: he's not the kind of man anyone would ever desire to date, not after his car accident at Rook's Rest.

If only that night he hadn't driven drunk, if only he had listened to his brother then, perhaps, you'd entertain the idea of dating him. In this parallel universe, so dear to his heart, he's still handsome and healthy, he would sweep you off your feet and stop using drugs, only for you. This other Aegon would be faithful to you, and he would never drive while drunk: he'd be your perfect lover, your best partner.

He'd be able to show you that he's the half of your apple, the piece missing from your soul, because you're the one he needs from his.

It's almost a joke the surgeons managed to save his dick and balls, only for him not to be able to use them anymore.

So, no, he can't try to date you the normal way, he decides after having stumbled upon you the second time. He can't talk to you, nor he can even imagine to ask you out for a drink: that's why he starts learning all he can about you, using every means possible, unconcerned with the money he spends, or the illegality of it.

He fully knows that putting cameras in every corner of your apartment it's wrong, so it's cloning your phone so that he can check on your messages, apps and phone calls. So is doing the same to every piece of electronics you own.

He doesn't care because he needs you in his life, and if he can't have you the usual way, he'd be happy to be with you like this.

Only, he didn't realize that Want is an ever famished demon that, day by day, needs you more and can't be satisfied this way any longer.

So he takes risks: stumbles upon you on purpose in the lobby and around King's Landing, he slips into your apartment when you're out, to touch and pretend to live among your things. Still, Want needs more, so he enters your place at night, when you're asleep, to watch you as you lay in bed and, when he dares, to slip next to you and pretend you two are sleeping together.

It's not enough, not anymore. He needs to know what your skin feels like under his fingers, how sweet your cunt is after he's fucked you with his tongue into multiple orgasms or how tight your hole will clench around his cock.

For days he has played with the idea of putting something in your food, to make sure you would not remember him fucking you for the whole night, his cock milked and milked by your hungry cunt, his tongue licking you clean, his lips at your clit, constantly.

But he wants to know if he could make you sound the way you do with your toys, and he can't find an answer if you're asleep.

And Want desires more: a full life with you, whether you're happy with this decision, or not.

Looking for a quiet, little place, somewhere in the country, where no pesky neighbors will come and ask unwanted questions, is the logical response. So is buying a special wedding ring, the kind that can't be taken off, because it has little knives on the inside that will come out the second you try to remove it.

Planning your taking is easy, finding the right people who will help him, for the right price, is a piece of cake. Now he's only waiting for you to return home, hidden by the shadows the empty furniture cast in your apartment. He's taken the liberty to cancel your lease and to send all your belongings to the house you will share with him, where you will have all the time to read your books and learn your crochet. Where you will be his, body and soul, his lovely little wife he will fuck every single time he feels like to, and Want is ravenous inside of him.

So, hurry up, your new life is waiting for you!

[the-kr8tor]

Sink or Swim II

Between the Devil and the Sea Masterlist

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CHAPTER 13 II >>> CHAPTER 14

The air gets warmer as Collette giggles next to you. Arm in arm, John leads the way with a pout from the teasing his sister is throwing at him. Literally, she throws hazelnut shells at him. It sticks in his curls, he shakes his head as shavings of browns fall off like snowflakes.

“I am about to say a rude word,” he says through annoyance.

“Say it!” Collette giggles again, ragging on her brother.

“You f—” John pauses, the three of you stop right in front of the manor. “What's all this?”

A dozen or so carriages are parked up front, filled to the brim with flowers and crates upon crates of ingredients. The smell of saffron and citrus hits your senses. The staff busy themselves with unloading the supplies, frantic feet skedaddling in and out of the manor.

“Are we having a party?” you ask, tilting your head at a peculiar yellow spiky fruit.

“Guess so.” John scratches his head, “why didn't they take the back entrance?”

“Maybe they're in a hurry?” Co utters next to you, already leading you inside as you stare curiously at the weird fruit.

“It’s a pineapple, dear cousin. Come on, you'll miss breakfast.”

“Whatever this party is for, mother and father are going all out.” John sighs out, following close, dodging a staff member holding a tray with hundreds of plates stacked on it.

You have an idea on what this party is for, or who it's for. But you wish that's not the case.

Entering the dining room, your uncle sits at the head of the table, hands cradling his heavy head, groaning loudly at the noises just outside the room. Your aunt seems unbothered, eating her plate of fruit silently.

They don't look up when their children greet them both. They only nod in their seats, not even bothering to look at them. You feel bad for the siblings but they don't seem to be concerned by it at all.

“Sit next to me please!” Collette chirpily says, patting the seat next to her.

The dining room is huge, fitting well with the rest of the manor. Narra floors and numerous paintings adorn the old walls. The table is the longest one you've ever seen, strong mahogany standing the test of time.

As you sit down on the plush seat, your aunt spares you a pointed look. More than what she gave her own children.

“Where's Miguel?” You bravely ask above the silence. “And Lyla?”

Frederick rubs harshly at his face before staring you down with his hungover eyes. “Miguel went out on a walk. And who's the other one?”

“Nevermind.” You take a breath.

A man dressed impeccably in a fancy suit, stands next to you. He clears his throat, looking at you through his nose.

“How do you like your eggs…” he thinks for a moment. “...my lady?”

“Oh,” you're suddenly nervous as the whole table waits for your answer with bated breath. “What are my options?”

“Everything.” He flatly says, hands tucked behind his back.

John looks at you across the table, mouthing something. You don't understand what he's trying to say to you, it looks like he's trying to say ‘collette’ or ‘goblet’ by the looks of it.

You shake your head and say, “I'll have an omelette.”

“Very good, my lady.” He says as he walks out with measured steps.

John subtly gives you a thumbs up, and you have no idea why.

Frederick chokes on nothing. You think he's about to get sick but he chugs water before he can. He blinks rapidly like he's trying to wake himself up.

“Oh,” he says, only now noticing his own children in the room. “Where did you two go off to?”

“The birds, with Y/N.” John monotonously says while he stabs his egg.

“That time of the year huh? I haven't noticed.” Frederick’s words falter.

Collette clears her throat. “Y/N told us about her time at sea! She's very brave.”

“She got shot.” John continues for her with a proud smile.

In truth, you told them just the tip of the iceberg. Not even half of it, you spared all the important details of it, names of people and places, the cruelest parts of it and the crew you've come to see as family and him. You excluded him in the story because you promised to him a long time ago that you'll keep his and the crew's secrets. You intend to honour it until you're in the grave.

“Oh I've heard,” your aunt says in a stiff tone.

“You know I've once encountered pirates.” Frederick says whilst he picks at his fruit. “While I was sailing the hazelside ship, they were a rowdy lot. Rowdier than I am!” He exclaims, “in the end, father didn't pay for my ransom so they just brought me back to the docks after three weeks.” Chuckling, his face falls at the memory. “Well anyway, we have a ship gathering dust in the capital’s docks. She's a beut! You might appreciate her more, dear niece.”

You inhale sharply, tucking the information in the back of your mind. “What is she called?”

“The Osprey.”

“We've only been aboard once, and we didn't even sail!” Collette recalls. “Maybe you can sail it with us!”

John grins excitedly, “yes! That would be amazing!”

“No.” Their mother says before you could say anything. “It’s too dangerous. The waters are plagued by pirates and god knows what.” Her daughter’s face falls. “No.” she says for emphasis.

Your omelette arrives, the butler gives you a nod and your eyes almost bulge out of its sockets at how appetizing it is. The egg is fluffy, cooked to perfection with cheese melting inside. Vegetables and meat are tucked aplenty, you can't help but dig in immediately.

As you gorge yourself, the conversation has ceased. The noble family are eating quietly, no words exchanged, not even an awkward one. Not when their mother dearest glares at her pomegranate.

You finish off your omelette, and a bowl of pomegranate seeds is laid in front of you, replacing the finished plate. Remembering the last time you ate it, and how the juice ran down your arm as he ate next to you, as his warmth spread through you.

Now you're the one frowning at the fruit.

So instead of eating it, you rekindle the conversation. “Are we having a party?”

With your question, Frederick perks up at the mere mention of it. As if he's not suffering from a hangover, he claps his hands together, a grin spreading across his lips.

“Yes! The party, oh I almost forgot!” He beams at you. “It's for you, remember? Back at the palace?”

“I didn't know you were serious.” You chuckle nervously. A party full of aristocrats is the last thing you want or need.

“Oh, I'm at my most serious when I'm drunk!” He guffaws loudly, “we're introducing you to society! It has to be huge—!” Your uncle pauses, his eyes look behind you, his smile faltering slightly, mouth clamping shut.

“What's this about a party?” Miguel stands behind you, freshly pressed dress shirt tucked neatly inside his pants, hair damp and eyes fully rested. He's the exact opposite of you who hasn't rested a wink. Nodding a greeting at you, he places his hand on the back of your chair. “Sleep well?” He asks like he can't see the tiredness under your eyes.

“Mm-hmm.” You nod.

“Liar.” He winks at you teasingly. Turning towards your uncle, his face turns flat. “Frederick, what party?”

“Just a little get together, O’Hara, nothing fancy don't worry.” he chuckles, hiding from Miguel's stare behind his cup of tea.

Miguel grumbles, chest rumbling at the thought of you surrounded by strangers. Leaning down, he asks you politely. “May I speak with you?”

Looking at him in the corner of your eyes, you speak with a tone that Miguel could only describe as annoyance and with the exact same tone as an angry teenager who didn't get what she wanted.

“Do I have a choice?”

“Always, Y/N.”

“Hmm, of course I do.” You mockingly say. Standing up, you leave the table and the uneaten pomegranate. There's eyes on your back, it's better than knives.

Miguel leads you outside and into an empty sitting room. The entire room is purple, lilacs spread around the room from the settee to the curtains.

“What is it?” You swivel on your feet to turn to him with your arms crossed on your chest.

“A party?” He asks, exasperated.

“Hey, I'm not the one who planned this, Miguel.”

“I know you didn't.” Sighing, he plops himself down on the fluffy settee. “It's just bad timing. I can't be there tonight and the next day.”

You stare at him with wide eyes. “What? You can't leave me here. I just got here, and you promised.”

He's leaving you in the vultures’ den. Granted, your cousins are nicer than you thought they'd be, but you can't say for sure for your aunt and uncle; moreso for all the strangers that will visit tonight. Wrong timing is an understatement.

“I haven't been home in years, Y/N.” Miguel avoids your eyes, he doesn't see the fear in them. “I promised my staff that I'll be home for a couple of days to settle my estate and affairs. I haven't seen to any family matters in a long time. I haven't visited my daughter.”

You sit across from him on the coffee table. Elbows on your knees, ducking down to look at his downturned face.

“You'll be back?” You clearly distrust the man to a point, but he's the only person you know well enough in the entire estate. You don't want him to leave because what if he doesn't come back? What if the nobility eats you alive tonight?

He lifts his face to give you a soft smile, understanding your fear underneath your words. “I'll be back, I promise. I'll only be thirty minutes away, so if you really need to see me you can always get on horseback and come visit me within fifteen.” That eases you a bit. “Besides, I'm leaving Lyla with you, just in case. Mudwood manor is always open to you, Y/N.”

“Alright…just— what do I do? Tonight I mean?”

“Just smile and tell your stories. Feed them bullshit if you want to, just don't let their pompous asses get to you, hm?” He pats your bicep. “Can you survive a couple of days without me?”

“Yes, I think so.” You shrug shakily. “I’ll just tell them the story of how I almost got eaten by a sea monster. I'm sure that's interesting enough.”

Miguel laughs from the belly, the sound bouncing off the purple walls. “That's the kind of bullshit they'd eat up.”

“...sure, bullshit.” You clam up. “Just come back?”

“I'll be back, I promise. I'm not leaving you here alone. Your mother will haunt me to death if I do.” Smiling at you, he pats your head before standing back up. He walks towards the door, he turns back, grinning ear to ear. “I left a present for you in your room. I heard you didn't like the color last time. See you in a couple of days, Y/N.”

With a wave goodbye, he leaves the room. You groan audibly, putting your head in your hands, rubbing the heels of your palms on your eyes until little specks of dust appear in your vision.

You need sleep, maybe it's best that you do before you attend the shit show tonight.

—

Even with your protest, the handmaidens assigned to you scour you clean in the opulent tub. They scrub and scrub until you feel like your skin is about to fall off the bone.

Now clean and free of any grime, you smell like any rich noble could be— strong flowery scent from the numerous spritz of perfume and heavy citrus from the soap they used.

The stockings itches, the corset pinches, making you want to run and get naked in the woods instead. But after seeing the beautiful ruby red gown Miguel gifted you, you feel all the ache from the intense scrubbing fade away. Just a tiny bit anyway.

As you stand in front of the large mirror, you finally see your whole self. All lace and silver ribbons. All elegance and none of the person you once were. You suddenly feel like you're staring at a different person. Drowning in red, and jewels that would have fed you during the times you starved on the road.

“I look like a very large apple.” You say out loud. Your handmaidens stifle a giggle. The dress is so wide that you have to place your hands above it. If you sat down, the dress could probably eat you up.

The women bow at you, stopping them halfway with a frantic wave of your hands, they still do it. You don't blame them for it.

As they leave you alone in your room that makes you feel small, you admire the silver bangle in your arm. The accessory is in the shape of a bird, wings stretched around your wrist, face facing you, beak poking your skin slightly.

You suddenly have an idea when you feel for the pearl that you hid inside your corset. Fishing for it like you hid money down your bust, you take out the dark pearl. It still shines in the low light of the oil lamps. Taking a red thread your handmaids used to fix the fit of the sleeves better, and a pair of scissors, you craft a necklace made from the thread and the pearl.

Tying the thread around the dark pearl using the same knot that James and Hobie taught you, you finish it off by doing it twice around the pearl to secure it properly. Tugging and testing the strength of the three threads woven together, you gingerly tie it around your neck.

It sits prettily atop your clavicle next to your mother's golden necklace. You think it fits well together.

With a soft smile and a sob rising above your chest and a deep inhale, you close your eyes while patting the necklaces in one hand, and in the other, you feel for the dagger hidden inside your stockings.

You could cry but there's a sudden knock at your door. Lyla comes inside the room with a curious look. She whistles, ogling your form.

“I knew you look better in red, because christ, I think I'm falling for you, your grace.”

“Stop,” you look at her through the mirror. She wears a dark blue dress, lace adorning her front and sleeves. Silver stars placed around her neck and ears. “I could say the same for you, Lyla.” You tease back.

“Oho!” She saunters over to you, heels clacking on the polished floors. Placing her cool hands atop your bare shoulders, she coos, “our duchess knows how to flirt back. Guess you do learn everything from the streets.”

You roll your eyes, “I didn't learn that in the streets, Lyla.” Scoffing, you shove her hands off. “You just remind me of someone.”

“Aww,” she pouts. “And here I thought we had something.” Giving you her arm, she smiles genuinely at you. “Ready to wow them, Y/N?”

“God no.” You still take her arm.

—

There's a lot of people, a sea of finely dressed nobles clamoring to talk to you. Amidst the crowd gathering around you, there's a few of them who sneer and turn their heads away from you. They hold their drinks like it's about to shatter in their hands, grips strong and clearly annoyed at the newcomer, who in their minds is trespassing in their small circle of nobility.

You turn down numerous drinks since you want to be ready in case something happens. Or someone doing something they might regret once they see the steel of your dagger.

Miguel was right, entertaining them with stories gets their attention away from questioning you with unsavoury queries. After the sixth crowd hearing the ‘fake’ story of the sea monster, they've dwindled out, finding something else to entertain themselves with.

Lyla filters through the people who want to dance with you. She turns down every person she deems unworthy of your hand. Which is most of the people in the entire ballroom.

Underneath all the stuffiness of the event, the gorgeous ballroom is a pleasant surprise. The ancient walls are decorated with lit candles that dance with the music. There's flowers in every table and corner, it helps mask the scent of cigars filtering through the air. The music crescendos as the dancers in the middle finish off with a twirl and a hop. Their dresses whoosh and flap as they bounce, tulles swishing and heels clacking.

You sip at your glass of water, letting the ice inside cool you down. With the amount of people inside the ballroom, it's getting hard to breathe. You're glad that you planted yourself near the balcony where the breeze outside helps you from passing out from the warm air.

Shaking your now empty glass, the ice clinking inside, you huff. Lyla notices the sound and she promptly takes it from your hand before the condensation drips on your expensive dress.

“Be right back, don't move.” She says, wagging her finger at you.

“Wasn't planning on it.” you say above the loud chatter of the crowd and the music from the orchestra, but not loud enough for the people to notice you unattended.

But someone does notice, he comes walking towards you with wide strides and with a wide smile. He bares a striking resemblance to the king, ash blond hair perfectly coiffed, suit perfectly fitted to his broad form.

You don't notice him at first because you have been watching Colette dance circles around the crowd. Her lilac dress dances with her, the flowers in her hair adds to her beauty. John secretly keeps a watch on her too, he stands near the dessert table, mouth full of macaroons, hand occupied with a flute of champagne.

The stranger escapes your attention. With a tap on your elbow, you almost unsheathe your dagger at the man.

“I'm sorry,” he smiles politely. “Didn't mean to scare you, my lady.”

“Who are you?” You feel for the dagger with your hand above your dress.

“Viscount Eugene Thompson, my lady.” He takes your hand, pressing a kiss above your knuckles. Staring up at you through his lashes, lips still near your hand, he smiles, a smile that could make anyone fall to their knees. But you've seen better. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Thank you?” You nervously glance towards Lyla who's currently eating an entire plate of cream puffs. “How may I help you, viscount?”

“A dance, perhaps?” Leaning away, Eugene waits for your answer. “You haven't been dancing and I've seen you watch the dancefloor with longing. I'm here to remedy that. If you'd do me the honour.”

“Uh… I have a bad leg that is currently not for dancing.”

“I'll help you,” Eugene squeezes your hand softly. “You can stand on my shoes and I'll dance for you. It's bad enough that you can't dance in your own party.”

No one comes to your rescue, meanwhile Lyla is scarfing down all the pastries on the dessert table.

With a deep inhale, you smile politely. “Sure, why not.”

Eugene beams at you like he won first place at a pony show. Guiding you towards the dance floor, you once again feel eyes on you.

“Take my hand, put your feet up on mine, and I'll do the rest.” He whispers softly to you.

With a nod of encouragement from (surprisingly) your aunt, you take his hand and the other placed behind his neck. Carefully and blindly feeling for his shoes, you stand on top of the leather that squishes under your weight. Chest to chest, he looks down at you with his sparkling eyes. Did you have a choice in this? Or did he back you into a corner? You guess you'd never know as he glides around the dancefloor whilst you let him carry you around effortlessly.

There are worse partners to be had in this situation.

“So, duchess—”

“My life at sea was tumultuous but rewarding and I learned a lot of lessons from it.” You recite the script you prepared for yourself.

“Not what I meant, my lady.” Eugene chuckles, “I was going to ask how you're faring in all of this. It must be…a lot.”

“Oh,” you suddenly feel embarrassed in front of the charismatic stranger. “It’s a lot, but I'll get used to it, viscount, don't worry about me.”

“Please call me Eugene or even Thompson, just don't call me viscount. It makes me sound old.” He laughs, it's light and honest. The sound fills you with ease.

You smile, “just don't call me duchess or my lady and I'll do just that.”

“As you wish, my la— Y/N,” he tests your name on his tongue. “I can't help but worry, you know. I just inherited my title so I know how it feels. Granted it's not exactly the same but I'm here if you need someone.”

“That’s— thank you, Eugene.” You smile genuinely, he squeezes your hands once, the act flinging memories back into your mind.

“Are you alright?” He asks, concerned. “You look like you're about to cry, is it your leg?” Stopping right in the middle of the room, he flits his eyes all over your face and twitching eye.

“No— I…”

“May I have this dance?” A familiar voice asks, and you feel like you're dreaming, suddenly floating through the clouds as your ears perk up from his voice.

Slowly, you crane your neck to look at him. You swear your heart stopped beating but the mere sight of him brought it back to life.

Hobie gives you the smile he reserves just for you, soft and endearing, all love and affection under the grey eyes you've come to love.

“I think she's done for the night—” Eugene tries to finish but you cut him off once you see Hobie's outstretched hand.

“Yes,” you say quickly. “Yes, you may.” Stepping off Eugene's shoes, you take Hobie's hand without sparing the other man a glance.

In your peripheral vision, you see Eugene smile through his annoyance. But your entire attention goes to the man whose hand you're currently holding, whose hand fits perfectly in your grasp.

“What are you doing here?” You say tearfully, voice breaking. The music hides your cracking voice and the crowd hides your unshed tears.

His calloused hands holding you aren't but a memory anymore.

“‘m sorry, I know you told me not to follow but—”

Laughing, you finally feel whole again. “Captain,” you say it with your whole heart. “Is it bad that I'm glad you did?”

“No,” Hobie lifts you up by your waist to place you atop his own shoes. His hand never left your waist as he dances with you. Letting your warmth fill his entire being, he resists the urge to take you away from the prying crowd. “It's not bad. Did you miss me, scuttlebutt?”

“Aye, I did.” You mumble, but you say the words truthfully. “Why are you here, Hobie?” Uttering his name audibly fills you with glee. “Not like I don't want you to be but—” you finally now notice his fine garb.

With a once over, you ogle him. The suit looks like it's tailored for him, cinching his waist perfectly. Even his shiny leather shoes fit him right. The red waistcoat matches your dress. The dress jacket covers his arms, you silently wish it didn't. A rose is pinned on his lapel, he smells of burgundy and sea salt. Home, you thought. You do miss the leather though. A well placed tophat on his head helps conceal his recognizable hair. You wish to see it again.

You haven't seen him dress like this the entire time you've known him. And based on his stories, he has never worn anything like it either.

He looks good, incredibly good in it, but you know him. And you know that he doesn't feel good in it.

Hobie admires you whilst you do the same. He feels like the fishbone stuck in his throat has finally gone away now that he can finally see you close, touch you and talk to you like he used to. Underneath all the silver and frills, he still sees the real you. But he's prepared to love both.

“You're ogling.” You beat him to it. “Where'd you get the clothes? The hat doesn't do you any favours.”

“A lord something something found himself unconscious after accidentally chugging down absinthe that he thought was gin. In his defense it was dark. He was lucky that I was there to catch him, eh?”

“What?” You giggle, hand kneading at the back of his neck. He missed that.

“It wasn't me though.”

“Sure.” You dress glides as he twists the both of you. Gasping, you hold on to him tighter. “Where'd you learn how to dance?”

“We all have our secrets, love.” Love, oh how you missed that.

“It was Finn, right?”

He sighs, smile still on his lips. “...yes.”

You laugh, placing your head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat wash over you. “I can't imagine.”

“I think it's better that you don’t.” He whispers. “Wanna get out of here?”

Lifting your head up lightning fast, you grin widely. “Please.”

“I'm walking out of here in five minutes, join me after three. And tell your bodyguard that you're just going to bed, yeah?”

“Are you finally going to kill me?” You joke, wishing that you could meld closer to him.

“Yes, I've got a pocket of pomegranate seeds at the ready.”

“Alright, wait for me?”

Hobie stops right where you two began. He helps you off with his hands on your waist. His touch lingers there for a second, a second more and it would've caused a scandal.

“Always, love. As long as you're comin'” He leans down, hand holding your own. Kissing your knuckles like a gentleman, his eyes never left yours, eyes crinkling the corners into a subtle smile. “I'll see you outside.”

“Yes.” You say breathlessly.

Hobie leaves, resisting the urge to look back at you.

As you watch his retreating back, your aunt suddenly appears by your side, making your skin jump.

“What—?”

“Who was that?” She commands.

“Lord…” You see a bee buzzing over an apple near the tables. “Applebees. Yes, lord applebees.”

“Huh,” She narrows her eyes, but accepts it as truth anyway. “Never heard of him. Do you know him?”

“Nope.” You act innocently. “Just met him.”

“Hmm, carry on.” Victoria finally leaves you alone.

Weaving through the crowd, avoiding Eugene and other people, you make your way towards Lyla with an excuse that you don't feel so well.

“I can escort you—”

“No need, I've basically memorized the manor now.” A big fat lie on your end. “Enjoy the rest of the party though.” You leave quickly, leaving her to her cream puffs.

—

The night air kisses your cheeks the moment you step outside. Scanning the field and behind the fountain, you see Hobie slink away towards the hedge maze, the top hat discarded just at the entrance. The greenery adds to your excitement.

“Little shit.” You say to yourself as you make your way towards the maze.

Hands lifting up your skirt, the fabric is silky soft and heavy. Yet you practically sprint towards the entrance with a smile despite the cold and spiky grass grazing along your feet. The full moon shines brightly, bronze braziers are placed along the maze, helping you find your way. The smell of dew and grass greets you.

Entering the thicket, you whisper yell for him. “Hobie!”

You jump when he answers somewhere inside the dim maze. “Place your right hand on the right wall, follow it and you'll find me, trouble.” You can hear his smirk through his words.

“You are such an ass!” You say with a giggle, following his instructions. The hedge is rough and pointy under your palm, your other hand is lifting up your dress so you could run faster.

Your leg aches but you don't care enough to notice.

“Hurry so you can beat the shit out of me then!” You now hear him a lot closer now. “Getting warmer, love!”

Huffing, puffs of smoke escape your cool lips. “Oh I'll fucking smack you upside the head.” You hear him laugh loudly at your words. Following the sound of home, you finally make it to the center.

Hobie yanks you immediately, pulling you close to his chest, laughs rumbling his chest as you screech. With a well placed hand on your mouth, you lick at his palm, earning a yelp from the man. Yet he doesn't let you go, instead he hugs you tighter against his chest.

After the laughter subsides and the sound of crickets permeates the air once again, you look up at him, back placed on his steady chest, arms around your torso. You stare at an upside down Hobie. He smiles, breath fanning across your heated face.

“Hello.” Your heart beats louder than a drum with the simple greeting.

“Hi, come here often?” You beam up at him, feeling his muscles relax at the sight of your smile.

“I come here every autumn, how about you?” Hobie pinches your sides, but you barely felt it through the thick corset

“Oh well I kinda live here now.”

“Really? Do I get a discount now?”

“Better, you get to stay here for free.” You stand on your tippy toes to lean further up until the top of your head is perfectly leveled to his lips. Just as planned, he places a feather light kiss that makes you shiver.

Eyes closed, his lips linger atop your skin.

“Are you alright?” Hobie asks, voice muffled by your skin.

“I am now.” You open your eyes to heaven.

He grins, “good,” taking a long breath, he feels like it's the first time he has breathed into you. “That's good.”

“Are you?” Your eyes flashes with worry.

Hobie pushes the thought of the crew leaving him in the void of his mind. “I'm fine, don't worry about me, scuttlebutt.” he turns you in his arms, concerned for the crick in your neck.

Hands splayed over his chest, you feel his heart beating faster. “The crew? Are they alright? No one got caught?”

He nods, cradling your face, noting every difference on your face since he saw you last. Eyes staying on your lips, he resists the temptation.

“Not our first escape. They're nearby and they're alright.”

You exhale, hands sliding up and down, blindly feeling for his skin under all the expensive cloth. It's still him underneath it all, and you're glad.

The dam breaks, thumping your head on his chest, you let out a sob. “I miss them. I miss you.”

“And I, you, love. You have no idea.” As he holds you in his arms, you tell him everything. From how Jessica found you, to how there's a conspiracy against your family.

“Mathias did the deed, Hobie.” He visibly stiffens at the sound of the navy captain's name. “He killed them under the behest of someone more powerful.”

“I know,” you lean away with a raised brow. “I was following you. I'm sorry, I had to know that he wasn't leading you towards your death.” Hobie expects you to yell and get mad at him. Instead you slap his chest weakly with a chuckle.

“Stalker.” You lay his wrinkled dress shirt down gently. “You could've let me know, I can keep a secret.”

“I tried, but I couldn't find an opportunity. You're popular now innit?” He stops your hand, placing his own atop it.

“Just a little bit.”

“I got close once but when I entered your room, you weren't there anymore.”

“I think that's when my cousins called for me—wait, how'd you get in?” Hobie finds your scrunched up face endearing.

“Employee tunnels, there's hundreds of them that connect to each room.” Before you could ask how he knew about them, he beat you to it. “Bribed a handmaiden with one of my necklaces.”

You stare at him with wonderment. “Let me pay you back then.” Untying the necklace you recently made, you place it in his open palm. You intend for him to keep it, in case your reunion is short lived.

Hobie takes it without question. He admires the dark pearl in his hand, the memory of your face after finding it is engraved in his mind.

“Help me tie it?”

You nod with a shy smile, pulse rapidly increasing. “Turn around, cap'n.” He obliges, mirroring your smile. With gentle and tender hands, you tie the red thread around his neck. He turns back around to face you, the pearl shines atop his skin brilliantly.

“Beautiful,” you whisper just to him, his own flustered face is reflected in your shining eyes.

A comfortable silence hangs above the both of you as his hands are placed on your waist, laying there politely. You do the same with your hands around his elbows. The two of you look like you're about to dance with the sound of the crickets as your choice of music.

You expect him to ask you to come with him. To run away and leave the manor, your family's legacy behind. But Hobie doesn't, cannot do that to you, now that you both have the same goal— kill Mathias.

“I’ll help you find whoever killed them, then…” you blink in surprise, heart pounding at his next words. “Come back with me to the mermaid's head? We can find a decent crew there. Then we can avenge them, every single one. After that we can sail wherever you want, see the real world.” His words are genuine, no lie or false hope in his tone. He believes that you and him can do it, do anything as long as you're with him. Gwen and the others are right, he needs to think things through more, and this is his chance to do so.

“You'll stay with me until then?” He nods, eyes serious but full of affection. Breath stuck in your throat, “With what ship?” You ask with a growing smile. Happy that someone finally wants to know the truth with you. Stay with you after so many people have left you.

“We'll find a way, we always do, right?” Hobie squeezes your waist softly. “Or after everything, if you want to stay somewhere, settle somewhere, we can.”

Oh.

“You've convinced me, you had me at ‘wherever I want’” You say, still in disbelief that he wants to stay with you.

You both feel it, the static in the air like lightning is about to strike where you and Hobie stood. He smiles sweetly and you give in.

Leaning in, hands wrapped around the back of his neck, you're prepared to seal the deal with a kiss. Hobie meets you halfway, his lips briefly brushes along yours and it's enough to send electricity through you from his skin alone.

His breath hitches in his throat, chest tightening, affection flowing freely from his fingertips. But before he could properly kiss you, a loud voice calls for you just outside the maze.

You both moved away quickly, flustered faces hiding the giddy smiles you and him both sport. His skin burns while his heart aches. Meanwhile, you can't stop thinking about his lips grazing yours. It'll keep you awake throughout the night.

Lyla yells like someone took her coin. Hobie quickly grabs you by the elbow, pulling you close and then whispering in your ear. His lips brush along the shell of your ear and you shiver from the touch.

“I'm staying at the barn.” Hobie kneads softly at the small of your back, eyes keeping watch at the entrance of the maze. “If you need to see me, there's a tapestry of a unicorn in your room. Flip it away and you'll see the doorway into the tunnels. There will be a fork in the path, take a right and it'll take you outside.” With every word he utters, you melt.

He subtly invites you, and you silently accept with a slow nod.

Backing away when he hears rustling outside, his warm hand remains a second on your heated skin. With a lopsided smile, he turns away.

Fading inside the maze, he disappears into view just as Lyla gets to the center.

“Christ!” She flicks a branch off her hair. “What are you doing here? You said you'd be in bed!”

“I went out for a walk.” Your tone is wobbly. “It's a lovely night for it.”

“Sure sure, you can walk anywhere you want. But come on, not in the ‘murder maze’ Y/N! Miguel's gonna cut my pay if I let you die on my watch!”

“And here I thought you really cared for me, Lyla.” You pout, you're in a good mood. But it could've been better if Lyla didn't show up at the wrong time.

“Pssh, come on, let's get you to bed. It's fucking freezing out here.” She beckons you over, grumbling about being a babysitter.

—

You lay on the soft bed, eyes wide open, arms spread across the large mattress. The blue canopy above you reminds you of the waves on your island. The windows are closed, while the fireplace illuminates the room. Shadows dance in your vision, and you wonder if he's cold.

With a shake of your head, you sit up, gathering enough confidence to visit him. After a minute of slapping your face awake and telling yourself to not be a coward, you finally stand up.

You're in your linen slip, frilly collar and sleeves, white roses adorning the almost see through fabric. It doesn't help much with the cold so you take your robe and hastily put it on. Gathering the thick blanket in your arms, you don't even bother folding it properly as you haul it out of bed to drag the heavy material across the room and into the tunnel entrance.

Stopping by the unicorn tapestry, you flip it open with your foot. A breeze passes by, peeking into the dark tunnel, you bravely walk inside.

You do the same thing like you did in the maze, right hand sliding across the right wall, following it to the exit. Your eyes adjust to the dark, soon after that you can see outlines of the chipped walls. You reach the fork in the path, and just as Hobie instructed, you head towards the right tunnel.

After walking the cool tunnel, you finally make it to a wooden door. It has seen better days, looking like it's about to collapse any second. With a creak, you push it open with your shoulder.

Finally making it outside, you beeline towards the barn. You remember passing it on your way towards the lake, so you strain your ears to hear the sounds of animals, using it as your guide whilst the moon shines a path for you.

The large doors loom above you, it's dark inside based from the crack on the door, a cow moos inside while a horse neighs. With your heart in your throat, you push open the door.

But Hobie flings it open before you could even touch the wood. His eyes are wide, mouth agape, hand trembling on the door. His surprise quickly turns into happiness.

“Can't sleep?” He asks like his legs aren't shaking, threatening to buckle under his nervous self.

“No, I thought you'd be cold.” A lie, in truth, you haven't slept well since you parted ways. “Don't just stand there like a tree branch, help with this.” You practically throw the heavy blanket in his arms. He catches it with an ‘oof’ but his smile stays on his lips. You remember how soft it was.

Hobie pats down the top of the cloth to get a good look at you, he wishes he hadn't for he thinks he died and gone to purgatory.

Your linen slip doesn't hide much as the moonlight perfectly aligns on your back, shining behind you, showing him every curve and dip of your body. The robe doesn't help as it's made from the same cloth, it just adds to his racing heart and rushing blood.

He swears the hay underneath his feet has burst into flames.

“Why are you sweating? It's freezing!” To add to your clueless cruelty, you step closer to him to wipe at the sweat streaming down his temple. “Yuck, Hobie!” You joke with a giggle.

“Are you trying to kill me?” He breathlessly asks, clutching the blanket tighter in his arms.

Your eyebrows knit adorably. “No? I left the dagger under my pillow.”

He clears his throat and his mind, “A-alright. D’you want to come inside?”

“O-oh.” It's your turn to be flustered. He looks beautiful in the low light, it illuminates his best features, which is every part of him in your opinion. “Are your friends alright with you receiving guests?” You tease to hide your current state.

Hobie looks over his shoulder with a laugh. The animals look back at him with blank faces.

“I think they're alright with it, as long as you pick up after yourself.”

“I can do that. I've heard I'm a wonderful guest.” You saunter towards the pen, Hobie’s eyes avoid your backside. “Hi, gorgeous.”

“Gorgeous? That one's new.”

“I'm talking about the horse, Hobie.” He finally looks at you petting the dark horse as the animal snorts in your hand. You giggle, cooing at the docile horse.

“I'm fucking done for.” He whispers lowly, a deep rumble under his chest. Closing the barn door, he tightly closes his eyes with a giddy grin.

“What was that?” You twist around to face him, the horse nudges you, asking for your attention.

“Nothin’” he saves face. “That there is Bernard,” he says while he places the blanket on top of a hay bail. “He's here at the barn instead of the stables because he won't let anyone ride him without bucking them off.”

“How'd you even know that?” You chuckle.

“The stable hand and I are best friends now. He's lettin’ me stay here as long as I stay quiet.”

“Best friends huh? Miles wouldn't like that.” You poke his bicep.

“He'd be devastated.” He jokes back, taking your finger right before you retract it back. Uncurling your fingers, he laces your hand together with his own. Your pulse quickens under his touch.

“Mm-hmm,” you could only say while he looks at you like you found a treasure chest just for him. It's the best you can do really.

“That one is Butter,” He gestures towards the cow staring intently at you like you're made of grass. “Don't try to pet her, she bites.”

“Noted.”

“The goat in the corner eating a shoe is Jack, he likes to ram people.”

“I already like him,” you say through a yawn.

“You can sleep here if you want.”

“As long as I don't share the bed with Butter.”

“Worse, you'll share it with me.”

“Oh that is definitely worse.” You giggle, squeezing his hand. “You drool in your sleep.”

“C’mon, up at the hayloft.” He guides you towards the ladder, grabbing the blanket on the way. “Careful, the second step is loose.”

“I can handle it, expert climber, remember?” Climbing up, you miss the way he averts his eyes.

Finally making it up, you roam your eyes at the small space covered in hay bales. There's a single circular window in the middle of the wall, the light filters through it, shining directly down at the laid out blanket on the floor.

“Nice, you're living in luxury, Hobie.”

He flings the blanket at your feet whilst he still climbs the remaining steps. “Cover yourself up, you'll catch a cold.”

“I’m fine,” your skin is on fire from where he touched you.

Hobie hums, avoiding flitting his eyes over to you where the moon shines a spotlight on you. He feels like he's not gonna survive the night, and you think so too.

Sitting down with a groan, he lays his head on the makeshift pillow filled with hay. It doesn't smell as much as you thought it would be, you wonder if these were fresh hay.

“How'd you get to stay here?” You ask, while you sit next to him. He scooches away to make space for you.

“The bloke knew who I was—”

“What?! What if he—”

“We're good, love. He won't tell anyone, he said I've helped his family once, I barely remember it but he was happy to keep everything quiet. Lie down?”

“Are you sure?” His hand guides you down on the blanket, hand on your shoulder, gently pulling you down. And you let him without apprehension on your end.

“‘m sure, you're not the only popular one. Don't worry about it, yeah?” Hobie grabs the blanket from your arms to lay it on top of you both. “This is nice, just like in the island eh?” He pats your arm.

“Only this time there's no sand in our knickers, just hay.” You lay on your side to face him, he does the same. “Hi.”

“Hello,” he smiles, hand splayed over your bicep. “This is a five star accommodation compared to the island.”

You bravely close the small distance, he's so close to you that you could hear his heartbeat.

With trepidation, you can't hold it in any longer, lest you regret never telling him.

“I love you, Hobie.” Staring at his swirling eyes, you feel yourself shudder. “And I know you only love the part of me that reminds you of her. And I'm alright with that.”

He swallows thickly, hands clammy.

“Don't worry, I've come to terms with it.” You choke back, smiling, accepting.

“I love you anyway.” He whispered in wonderment.

You can't believe his words. Eyes glossy, you shake your head. “Don't pity me—”

“I don't pity you, I love you. I-I may have liked you at first because of the similarities. But that phase has passed, the feeling is still there, it's stronger now.” He says truthfully, hands grasping your own, kissing your knuckles softly as tears flow out of your eyes. “Because I know you, Y/N, your hands are gentle when you sew me close. You give the same softness when you do it to my crew. Your eye twitches when you're annoyed. Your ankle never fully recovered after you twisted it, you talk to me like you fuckin' hate me but you smile at me like you loved me from the start.”

He holds you close, grey eyes calm, tears pooling in the corners. “I love the parts of you too. Similarities or not, I would have fallen for you either way.” With a nervous chuckle, he continues.

“I love you as you, not as MJ.”

With his confession, you sit up and then immediately pressed your lips against his own. He gasps, pleasantly surprised. You brace yourself on his shoulders, whilst he holds you in place by your waist. Lips moving in tandem, teeth clacking, breaths heaving above the sounds of the animals below—everything seems to fix itself.

Hobie holds you like how you hold rain in your hands— gentle and cradling the water like you would seep through his fingers.

You feel him smile through the kiss, it makes you snog him deeper. His fingers grasps at your slip, balling it in his fist, a proof that this is real and not a dream his lovesick mind concocted. Sliding his hand above your nape, he pulls you in closer, deeper and deeper the kiss goes, the less air he has in his lungs.

Reluctantly pulling you off with his hand lifting your chin away, you chase his lips before surrendering. “Fuckin' hell, let me breathe.” He chuckles out.

“Sorry.” You stare at his kiss bitten lips, and the sheer your lips left. “I got carried away.”

“Nah, don't be. I've wanted to do that for a while, you just beat me to it.”

Eyes downturned, nose kissing the tip of his own, you exhale like it's the first time you've breathed. “I'm not trying to replace her, I don't want that. I know she will always stay with you. So, let me ask you this— Are you sure? There'll be consequences.”

“I can handle the consequences. I'll fight the consequences.”

You smile. “We'll fight the consequences. Together.”

Hobie chuckles deeply, chest bobbing up and down, lifting you up and down on top of him. Your heart beats sync, grey eyes staring up at you with reverence, a whirlpool of affection swirling inside.

“I think I've got enough air now, do it again?” He asks like he's asking for a second heaping of lunch.

You nod with a grin, and you dig in.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please consider reblogging if you liked it! ❤️

[anotherscreed]

SORRY I FORGOT ABOUT THE MULTIVERSE THING. anyway this is like my fourth time trying to get this damn link to show up on this site so hopefully the fourth time'll be the charm or whatever since the third wasn't-

[A link is attached to a news website, apparently for the digital version of the Castelia Times. Upon clicking on it, the first thing that comes up—unless there is an adblocker involved—is a pop-up informing the website visitor that this is one of their five free articles for this month, and that they should consider subscribing to support journalism.

Once they've dealt with the pop-up as they will, though, the title of the article becomes clear: Anonymous Leaker Reveals Aether Foundation Involvement in 2017 Alolan Ultra Beast Crisis.

It becomes immediately clear after a handful of paragraphs that the reporter is not fond of Aether's recent expansion into other regions from Sinnoh to Unova and therefore is absolutely delighted that an anonymous hacker found and leaked security footage stored on Aether's own servers.

Previous leaks/data dumps provided by this particular hacker have ranged from revealing that a professor at Blueberry Academy was far more concerned with her ancestor's conspiracy theories than the well-being of her own students to leaking emails making it clear that the upper management of Silph Co. was not only aware of Team Rocket's plans to take over their Saffron City building but thought it would ultimately increase profits in the long run to allow the team to do what they wanted.

This, however, is something a little bigger. There are two main videos that have been shared with the wider internet, seemingly taken from security camera footage in the Alolan branch of the Aether Foundation.

According to the reporter, viewer discretion is advised, and they have provided warnings for Pokémon abuse, child abuse, and—for some reason—a woman named Lusamine Aether, who is apparently the current president of the Aether Foundation.

In the first video attached, Lusamine is shown verbally berating a young girl, referred to as Lillie, who looks very similar to her. She refers to the girl as disappointing in comparison to her companion—a girl of similar age referred to by Lusamine as Selene—before claiming that she doesn't have any children who would "reject her love" and that maybe if Lillie had been better, she could have saved Cosmog, something that seems from context to be a Pokémon that Lusamine will be forcing to "use its power."

The second video attached seems to pick up close to where the last one left off, albeit in a different room, and in one where there are numerous Pokémon implied from what Lusamine says about them to have been frozen solid and "preserved" while they were still alive. The girls from earlier are horrified before a boy in black who bears significant resemblance to both Lillie and Lusamine rushes in with another friend in tow.

The exact words "All I ever did was give you two all the love I had, and all you did was betray me! You have no right to ask for my attention now!" are uttered by Lusamine, before she declares in response to the other boy (who is apparently named Hau) that they once were family, perhaps, before her former children (who she describes as wretches) left her.

She then forces the Cosmog inside a container to use its power at the expense of its own wellbeing, opening Ultra Wormholes all over Alola in addition to one right there, before ordering someone working for her to "quiet those children for me" as she doesn't "want to hear from them again," which is a wild thing to say about a group of preteens (and one kid who looks like a young, particularly edgy teenager).

The reporter's article concludes with stating that neither the Aether Foundation's main branch nor their Unova branch have responded to a request for comment, and they're frankly unsure of how to get in touch with the hacker Sedici, but that the Alolan government is taking clear evidence of Lusamine Aether's involvement in the Ulra Beast Crisis very seriously and there are rumors of the International Police getting involved.]

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 (𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

( dialogue prompts taken from episodes 5 & 6 ( "eat at baratie!" & "the chef and the chore boy" ) of the netflix live action one piece series. feel free to edit and change as you seem fit. )

❛ how about we sail away as fast as we can? ❜

❛ about the battle, you wanna talk about it? ❜

❛ there's something on the breeze. smells like butter. soy sauce. and meat. ❜

❛ think he has brain damage? ❜

❛ i smell food, which means that there's someone somewhere cooking. ❜

❛ what's a... baratie? ❜

❛ let's eat! ❜

❛ you'll have to excuse them. they're idiots. ❜

❛ wanna take this outside? ❜

❛ are you asking me to dance? 'cause i kind of had my eye on that blonde at table eight. ❜

❛ i call it a true bluefin sauté. it's elephant tuna, seared asparagus, in a sweet soy reduction. ❜

��� if i gotta sling one more prime rib medium-well, i am going to drop dead of boredom, you old shitbag! ❜

❛ this ain't gonna be a fight. i'm just going to kill him. ❜

❛ hi, welcome to our shitty restaurant where the only thing worse than the ambience is the food. ❜

❛ one of our signature cocktails to help you choke down your meal? ❜

❛ apologies, madam, i didn't see you there. ❜

❛ something wrong with your eye? ❜

❛ just blinded by your beauty. ❜

❛ nami's got a boyfriend. ❜

❛ did i catch you in the middle of something? ❜

❛ just killing some time. ❜

❛ who's the quarry? ❜

❛ doesn't sound like much of a challenge. ❜

❛ why are you after me? ❜

❛ you woke me from my nap. ❜

❛ i can't eat another bite. but it's so good. ❜

❛ who the hell is monkey d. luffy? ❜

❛ i don't even think there's liquor in this. it tastes just like candy. ❜

❛ who's ready for another drink? my treat. ❜

❛ i don't really do regret. no point in looking back. ❜

❛ sometimes, when i try to look ahead, all i see is back. ❜

❛ you know, you're a really good cook. ❜

❛ if a man is hungry, i feed him. ❜

❛ what are you carrying around that's so heavy? ❜

❛ i bet i know more about you than you do about me. ❜

❛ i guess something about you, you drink. you guess something about me, i drink.❜

❛ i have business with your captain. if you know what's good for you, you'll hand him over. ❜

❛ i've been following your career since i was a child. it's an honor to finally meet you, sir. which is why it pains me to inform you that tomorrow... you're going to die. ❜

❛ accept my challenge. you'll see how serious i am. ❜

❛ you want me to say you're the best? you're the best. okay? ❜

❛ you're the best i've ever seen, but you are not better than him. ❜

❛ why do you give a shit? ❜

❛ because you're my friend, you idiot. ❜

❛ you said it yourself. you don't have any friends. ❜

❛ what is that? i'm here for a sword fight. ❜

❛ i don't hunt rabbits with a cannon. ❜

❛ you're brave. i'll give you that. ❜

❛ wounds on the back are a swordsman's greatest shame. ❜

❛ this world could use a few more wild cards. ❜

❛ it's too soon for you to die. grow strong and come find me. i'll be waiting. ❜

❛ you could never fail me. ❜

❛ look, i'm not gonna lie to you. he's lost a lot of blood. it might be too late for him. but it might not be. ❜

❛ he's got one foot in each world right now, caught between life and death. you have to find a way to keep him tethered to our world. ❜

❛ nice of you to announce yourself. ❜

❛ i don't take orders. not even from the likes of you. ❜

❛ what's the matter? don't like fish? ❜

❛ if you don't want the fish, i got two-inch t-bones in the kitchen. or maybe you're in the mood for saffron risotto? ❜

❛ i can make anything. just tell me what you want. ❜

❛ being a captain, it's the toughest job in the world, okay? ❜

❛ how'd you two meet? were you on his crew or something? ❜

❛ oregano's for savages! ❜

❛ you've got a sharp tongue on you, boy. how about i cut it out and fry it up with some pig fat? ❜

❛ do what you want, but i'm not gonna die here. ❜

❛ they're all dead, except for us. ❜

❛ you ate it? you ate your own leg? ❜

❛ you don't even know me. why would you do that for a stranger? ❜

❛ so i'm gonna need you to live on. and i'm gonna need you to fulfill that dream... for both of us. ❜

❛ have any idea what that's like? having someone lose a limb to save your life? ❜

❛ sometimes, when you are in charge, you have to make the tough decisions. ❜

❛ i'd do anything to save him. anything. except stand in the way of his dream. ❜

❛ isn't there something that you want? something more than anything else in this world? ❜

❛ not everyone gets to follow their dreams. ❜

❛ did you not hear what i just said? they are hunting you. we need to run. ❜

❛ i can't let innocent people get hurt because of me. ❜

❛ i hear you're looking for me. ❜

❛ so this is the pirate i've heard so much about? ❜

❛ do you know who i am, boy? ❜

❛ how'd you even know how to find me? ❜

❛ if you bow down to me, i might even let you serve in my kingdom. ❜

❛ i don't bow down to any man. ❜

❛ i told you in the bar i didn't have any friends, but the truth is, i couldn't let myself have them... because i always end up hurting the people closest to me. ❜

❛ why waste your time killing a devil fruit eater? let the sea do it for you. ❜

❛ what is your problem? ❜

❛ me? i'm fine. you're the one with the problem. ❜

❛ you're not gonna be anything, not if you stay here. ❜

❛ it's not like i can just leave. ❜

❛ don't you get it? it's one thing to have a dream. it's another to go after it. ❜

❛ you want my permission? you got it. ❜

❛ i didn't know what to say before, but i know what to say now, and it's so simple. i need you. ❜

❛ you gonna keep talking, or let me get some sleep? ❜

❛ i vow to stand by your side from now until the end. ❜

❛ you're my captain, and i'm your first mate. ❜

❛ heard you guys need a cook. ❜

❛ why are we bringing the waiter? ❜

❛ you keep your feet dry. ❜

❛ you know, all these years, living under your shitty roof, cooking at your shitty restaurant... i owe you my life! ❜

❛ thank you for putting up with my shit all these years, old man. ❜

❛ i'll never forget you! ❜