#so I normally grab those when I need to eat but genuinely feel like I can’t

[bread-of-death]

Why does sesame make me gag??

Like the smell of it & the taste of it

I mean gagging is an overstatement, but it makes me feel sick and I don’t want to breathe near it lol

[baby-yongbok]

Don't Go Insane

Neighbor!Bang Chan x afab!Reader

✧Genre - Smut ✧Warnings: Unprotected piv (Wrap it up ya'll) ✧ Masterlist ✧

A/N: I have never ever written a fic in this format but it was the only was for my brain to process the idea😭This is a product of those fucking SINFUL photos that Chan took for Nylon Japan. I'm sorry if it sucks, I'm trying to get back into writing again so I might suck for a bit, sorry! Hope you enjoy! (not proofread)

You weren't expecting to actually like your new neighbor since your previous one was such a dick but when you meet Chan he's more than kind to you. 

He always greets you in the hallway, helping you bring your bags up to your place when you get home from shopping and checks in on you when he hasn't seen you for a couple of days

You find yourself going out around the same time that he would usually get home from his morning workout just so you can talk to him. He's so sweet and charming and hot. Oh so hot. 

He brings you food when he's made too much dinner to fit in his fridge which is code for he wanted an excuse to talk to you and gave you 50% of his meal just to see your face. 

You invite him in to eat the first time that he brings you food and it quickly turns into spending Sunday nights eating together and laughing at his stories. It's your favorite day of the week now. 

You drop by his place to ask if he needs anything from the store every time that you go now. He's memorized the pattern of your knock and jumps to his feet every time he hears it. 

You're in line at the store one day when a magazine catches your eye. Is that…Chan!? You grab it, looking through with wide eyes before buying it and nearly forgetting about the rest of your items. 

You don't tell him that you saw it. He never said what he did for work and yeah he's hot - Oh so hot - but you never thought that this would be his occupation and you defiantly didn't think that this is how you'd find out.

You flip through the magazine all night. Staring at his beautiful chocolate gaze and his perfectly blushed lips. How is he even real?

You may have also stared at his shirtless pics for an hour too long. No one has to know that though.

He brings over a new recipe that he tried this Sunday. Setting up your usual spot on the living room floor when his eyes land on a familiar photo on your side table. It's him. You bought his magazine? He tries to act normal about it but his red ears and blushed cheeks give him away. 

You catch on when he glances at it for a second time and you internally body slam yourself for forgetting to put it away. You both eat quietly, blushing and trying to find the right thing to say next. 

“I'm sorry about that.” You speak first and he glances up quickly, straightening himself up with a shy smile. “It's fine, I'm just embarrassed I guess.” He's shy about being hot?? Why does that make him hotter?

“Are you always the shy type?” Your question was genuine but your tone was suggestive, almost teasing. It creates a shift in his demeanor that makes you shiver. “Not always, no.”

You don't know how it happened. It's all a blur. One second he was talking to you, confident and sweet. He was telling you about the shoot for the magazine when he got to the topic of the shirtless photos. The air around you thickened and the words that started it all slid off your tongue.

“You look so good it could drive me insane.” You chuckled but his eyes darkened in response. 

“Do you want me to?” His eyes are on yours, his gaze is heavy and intense. “What?” You drop your fork, swallowing hard. “Make you go insane?”

That's how you ended up with his lips on yours. He swallowed each and every strangled moan and replaced it with one of his own. His hands explored your body, fast yet cautious. A gentleman.

He pulls you into his lap, one of his large palms gripping your ass over your leggings and the other cupping your cheek to keep you still for him. He pulls you close, chest to chest. He's been waiting to feel you since the moment he first saw you. He feels like he's dreaming and he prays that he never wakes up. 

His breathing picks up when you plant sloppy kisses along his jawline. Mind numbing groans and hisses falling from his lips. “You're gonna make me go insane, fuck.”

His lips feel like heaven against your skin. Soft and all-consuming. He leaves marks along your collar bones, sucking and flicking his tongue over the delicate skin. Your head is spinning as you take him in. This beautiful man that you've been dreaming of for months finally has his hands on you. 

You grind against him, his fingers digging into your hips as he presses up into you. The way that he looks up at you with his lip caught between his teeth is intoxicating. “You're so fucking beautiful.” He smiles at your compliment, blinking a blush away and trying to keep his composure. “Took the words right outta my mouth.”

You pull back, sitting on the shaggy rug and frantically undressing. You're desperate, antsy, absolutely insatiable and Chan isn't too far behind but you could never tell by how composed he looks. How does he have that much self control?

He moves to sit on the couch and watches you as you strip. Taking in every beautiful inch of your body while he makes himself comfortable. You look up at him as he sits, man spreading at the edge of your couch and giving you the perfect view of his aching cock straining against his jeans. 

Fucking sinful

"Crawl to me, baby. Come here." He beckons you with two fingers that you're dying to be acquainted with. The smile on his face while you follow his order is enough to make you explode already.

He leans forward, cupping your face and kissing you with such soft hunger. So much passion and desire. A promise, like his kiss is asking you to be his. You palm him softly over his jeans earning a soft moan from him. "You want it?” He leans back, resting against the back of your sofa, giving you full access to his zipper and button. “Go ahead, take it, princess."

His teeth sink into his bottom lip as he watches you free his cock and his eyes roll back when you fist it confidently. Pumping him at a deliciously slow place. You want to drag this out. You don't ever want this to end. 

He puts his hand over yours once he gets fed up with your teasing. He loves how your hand feels around him but he needs more of you. He taps his leaking cock against your lips and you allow your spit to dribble down his shaft. "Stick that tongue out. There we go, baby. That's my girl. Look at that.”

He holds your hair back as you slide his length into your mouth, swirling your tongue around him. His fingers massage your scalp softly making you hum around him. He's a gentleman, a filthy one. 

He couldn’t wait to switch places with you, falling to his knees so fluidly that you couldn’t help but to groan at the sight of him. His gaze never left yours. His eyes were constantly asking for permission to continue and you eagerly granted it every time.

He ate your pussy like a fucking starved man. Lick and sucking the expanse of your cunt like he’d never see you again. Your moans encouraged him as he lapped at you, he wanted - no, needed - you to cum on his tongue. It’s all that he’s been dreaming of for the last month. 

He made you cum twice and had to hold back the urge to keep going. He’s definitely found his new favorite thing.

Nevermind, kissing you is his favorite thing. The way that you sigh into his mouth, tasting yourself on his tongue and biting his bottom lip drives him wild. 

You’re seeing stars as soon as he slips into you. His strong arms on either side of your head as he hovers, kissing you softly as you adjust to him. “Fuck, you’re a dream come true, ya know that? I’ve dreamt of this, princess.” You can hardly reply once he fills you to the hilt but you try to anyway, moaning out as your vision blurs. “Wanted you so bad, Channie.”

That was enough to break him. He snapped his hips into you, giving you everything that you ever wanted, ever needed, from him. He fucks you deep, speeding up gradually just to hear you moan his name a little louder. He wants to be gentle with you but with a cunt that feels this amazing he can’t help but want to make you fall apart underneath him.

You always imagined being on top when you finally got to be with Chan but it looks like that’ll have to be another day. The way that his cock is splitting you open makes you feel like you might have to call out of work tomorrow. 

“Look at me, babygirl. You liked seeing my pictures, huh? Did you touch this pretty cunt while looking at them?” You nod your head with such urgency that you’re positive that you look absolutely pathetic but Chan thinks that it’s cute, he’s in love with how fucked out you look drooling under him. “All you had to do was ask for the real thing.” He rolls his hips into you and your eyes roll back right after. 

He holds both of your hands as he slows down a bit, he wants to make love to you. Wants to treat you like the precious gem that he knows that you are but your cunt keeps fucking squeezing around him. He curses under his breath as he tries to compose himself but it’s no use. He watches as he disappears inside of you, groaning when he sees just how perfectly your pussy is taking him. “You’re gonna make me cum, baby. You’re too much. Too good.” 

Much to his surprise you cave before he does, chanting his name like a prayer while he rocks into you at the perfect angle. You feel dizzy as you unravel under him, nails digging into his strong arms and your legs wrapping around his waist in a desperate attempt to feel grounded. 

The way that you look cumming on his cock drives him over the edge. He picks up the pace, fucking you through your orgasm while he’s chasing his. The overstimulation draws out your climax causing a new wave of pleasure to hit you harder than the last. “Yeah yeah yeah, oh fuck such a pretty girl cumming on my cock like that, that's it baby.” He doesn’t even know what he’s saying but he doesn’t care he’s so close so so so close.

You forced your eyes open when he pulled out, you needed to watch him stroke himself over the edge and cover your stomach in his cum. You need to take in the way his eyes squeeze shut and his brows furrow while he moans for you. “Oh fuck fuck fuck.”

The giggles that you share after may be Chan’s new favorite part. He cleaned you up and wrapped his arms around you. Pressing kisses to your hair as you both talk about what just happened with smiles on your faces 

“This is a bit backwards but uh, can I take you out? Maybe next weekend?” The butterflies in your stomach go crazy as you blush into his chest, nodding happily and answering with a muffled ‘yes’ that makes Chan chuckle. “Maybe afterward I can fuck the sense back into ya, since I drove you insane tonight.”

[seoltzuki]

Persona

jihyo x gn reader

fluff, very unserious, suggestive (kinda), not proofread

wannabe player jihyo

You know it’s not the smartest idea, but it feels like it’s the only option to shake things up.

Nayeon’s been urging you all evening, saying, "Just get on a dating app, y/n. It’s easier to find someone who wants to hook up on there. And better yet, with no strings attached since you’re so allergic to falling in love and settling down."

You huffed and rolled your eyes. No need for her to be so… brutally honest. And so caved in. You downloaded the app and started scrolling through it. You swiped on pretty faces, ignoring those seeking long-term relationships, until one profile grabbed your attention.

Despite its douchy and fuckboy-ish vibe, you couldn’t help but be drawn to this person’s profile.

Jihyo.

Her photos showcased her with well-defined abs glistening under gym lights, another captured her in full hockey gear, while another showed her casually sporting a backward cap, adding a touch of laid-back douchiness.

Let’s not talk about her bio, which ew by the way… You cringed as you read it,

6’1 when I stand on my money.

ps: my couch pulls out, but I don’t when I’m strapped up👅💦

You gag at this but still swipe right. It’s clear she’s looking for the same casual fun as you are. And as expected, you both match, confirming your mutual interest in a no-strings-attached connection.

You begin texting Jihyo, and the conversations quickly become flirty, bordering on explicit. This back-and-forth continues for a week until Jihyo takes the initiative to set up a date to meet in person.

She suggests grabbing a quick bite at a fast food joint near her place. You find the idea crass and somewhat unappealing; after all, why bother with a lame meal when you could just head straight to her place for some action?

Nonetheless, you agree. Jihyo manages to sway you with another teasing message: “You’ll need energy if you wanna keep up with me, angel ;)”

The day arrives, and despite knowing it’s just a one-time thing, you find yourself oddly excited. You debate whether it’s worth dressing up for the occasion, knowing you’ll likely never see her again after tonight, but you make the effort anyway.

As you commute to the shitty fast food joint, a text from Jihyo pops up: “hey! I’m already here. I’m gonna be waiting for you at the bus stop, no rush :)”

You frown at first, but then a small smile creeps onto your face. It’s strange to receive such a normal and sweet text from her.

You feel a flutter in your stomach, but you quickly dismiss it. This is just a one-time thing, you remind yourself, as you gather your things to to hop off the bus.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, you glance around, expecting to spot Jihyo. However, she’s nowhere in sight until you hear your name being called. You look past the man who was hiding Jihyo, and as she steps forward, you realize she’s even shorter than you had imagined.

"I hope the ride here wasn’t too bad. Ready to eat?" She smiles wide, and you can't help but notice how much cuter she is in person than you had imagined.

You nod, following her into the restaurant. She walks with a pep in her step, and you can't help but admire how cute she looks in her baggy jeans, oversized shirt, and that damn backward hat. It's nothing like the pictures she had on her profile.

A cutie.

She orders and pays for both of you, and you can't help but slip out, "You must be really rich then."

She frowns, her lower lip popping out in a pout. "I mean-" she starts to explain, but you cut her off, "your bio. 6'1 when I stand on my money, remember?" You tease, then casually munch on your fries.

Her eyebrows arch in surprise, and a blush tinges her cheeks. "Gosh, I forgot about that. I’m sorry, it’s-"

"You’re cute."

Her blush deepens, and she adjusts her hat, offering you a shy smile.

As the conversation flows, you find yourself enjoying Jihyo’s company more than you expected. Her easygoing nature and genuine laughter put you at ease, and you start to forget about the initial awkwardness of the situation.

You notice her little quirks—the way she looks incredibly angry when she takes a delicious bite of her hamburger, that big smile that makes her eyes almost disappear, the way she gives you her full attention when you speak… It’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the flutter in your stomach.

She then offers you to come over for some dessert, and you can't say no. After all, this is what you originally came for anyway.

The walk to her place is short, and when you arrive, you brace yourself for the typical "fuckboy" house—a mess, dishes piled in the sink, and a less-than-ideal bathroom. However, when she welcomes you inside, you're taken aback. The place is pristine and beautifully decorated. You start to wonder if her dating profile was all just a facade.

You prepare yourself for the "dessert" as she instruct you to get comfortable. Taking a seat on the couch, you anticipate what's to come, but to your surprise, she returns with a tray to the coffee table in the center of the living room. The tray has an array of treats—brownies, cookies, and mochi—and hold up, are they homemade too!?

"I’ve made them for you! For tonight! Have a taste!" She says with pride, her smile wide and chest puffed out.

You take a cookie and bite into it, moaning at the delicious taste. It's so good that you kind of want to murder her for being such a good baker, but also for messing up your flow.

You guys should’ve been in bed by now.

She flops beside you, still smiling. “It’s so good,” you remark, savouring the last bite of the cookie.

“Yeah? I’m glad you like it, wasn’t sure what you were gonna be into,” she says, her eyes fixed on you.

As you meet her gaze, you sink further into the cozy couch. She removes her hat, allowing her curls to cascade, and you're taken aback by her beauty.

She runs her fingers through her hair before settling in, her arm draped over the back of the couch, hand supporting her chin. She continues to watch you, and you feel your cheeks flush under her gaze.

"I don’t think I’ve had the chance to tell you how beautiful you are, y/n," Jihyo says softly, her eyes scanning your face.

She bites the inside of her cheek and briefly lets her eyes drift down to take you all in. You smile shyly, noticing the subtle shift in her demeanor. Perhaps the "fuckboy" from her profile is finally making an appearance now.

Your hands sink into her sofa, and you hum, "This isn’t a pull out couch."

Jihyo’s eyes linger on yours, a teasing glint dancing in them.

"Never owned a pull out couch," she responds, her tone low and suggestive, "but I do have the strap."

You roll your eyes, but the shiver that runs down your spine betrays your true feelings. She smiles softly again, her gaze locked with yours as you edge closer to her.

"You're too crude, Jihyo. It’s not charming," you tease, allowing your fingers to trace a pattern along her arm, the tension between you growing.

"I may be crude, but hey, having a pretty person right beside me makes up for it, don't you think?" she whispers, edging closer. Her breath grazes your lips, igniting a surge of excitement within you.

And then, with a delicate touch, her lips meet yours in a tender, lingering kiss. The sensation is electric, your body melting into the moment as you get lost in the softness of her lips against yours.

A shared breath and she gives another kiss, deeper than the last. Her lips press against yours with a newfound urgency. You feel the softness of her touch as her hands slide to the back of your neck, gently pulling you closer.

A soft moan escapes your lips in response to the sensation, and she pulls back, breathless, her eyes locking with yours as the intensity of the moment hangs in the air.

“Y/n,” she starts, her voice gentle as she takes a deep breath to steady herself, “I know we’re both into the one-night stand thing, but I think I like you more than I should. And I know you should’ve been on your third orgasm by now, but for some reason, I can’t bring myself to sleep with you unless we go on, at least, two proper dates.”

You stare at her, surprised by her honesty. The air between you is charged with tension as you process her words. Despite the initial intentions of this encounter, you can’t deny the flutter of excitement in your chest at the thought of spending more time with her.

Taking a moment to collect your thoughts, you reach out and gently cup her cheek, brushing your thumb against her skin. “Jihyo,” you say softly, “I feel the same way. I’d like that.”

A smile spreads across her face, relief evident in her eyes. “Really?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Really,” you confirm, leaning in to place a tender kiss on her lips. It’s a promise of what’s to come—a beginning rather than an end.

A relieved sigh escapes her lips as she leans back against the couch, holding your hand tightly.

“Let’s watch TV and finish the sweets?” she proposes, her voice tinged with shyness.

You smile warmly at her, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “Sounds perfect,” you say, feeling a rush of affection for her. “But I need the backstory behind that insane dating profile of yours.”

Jihyo chuckles, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “Oh, that,” she says, running a hand through her hair. “Well, you see, I had a phase where I was tired of all the boring conversations on dating apps. So, I decided to spice things up a bit and I may have gone a little overboard with the whole ‘fuckboy’ persona.”

You giggle, intrigued by her. “It definitely caught my attention,” you admit.

She smiles sheepishly. “Yeah, well, I may have exaggerated a bit,” she confesses. “But hey, it worked, didn’t it?”

“Definitely,” you agree, squeezing her hand affectionately. “But I’m glad to see the real you now.”

With a warm smile, Jihyo leans in closer, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “Me too,” she whispers, before pressing a soft kiss to your cheek.

"However, I do give the best strap. No one can beat me to that and I mean it when I say I don’t pull out and-"

"Ew, you’re crude Jihyo!" you exclaim, playfully scolding her with a mock grimace.

Jihyo lets out a hearty laugh, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Hey, just keeping it real, sweetheart."

You may not be allergic to falling in love after all.

[izvmimi]

nanami returns from an evening jog to find you lounged on the couch, a bag of chips nearly decimated in front of you, crumbs the only survivors. you have never looked so much like a sloth, your hair in clear disarray and pajamas wrinkled as though it isn’t nearly 5pm.

“have you been there all day?” he asks. there is less condescension in your voice and more curious concern.

you try to sit up to look at him but raise your arms up instead making grabbing hands in his direction. he glances at you, then shakes his head and walks past into the hallway, but then you can see him reemerge in backwards steps back into your view from the living room.

your arms are up still and while he rolls his eyes, he pulls you up to sitting. The chip bag crumples in his hand as he cleans up your mess, and he’s looking at your lips for your curse since you haven't spoken yet, but gets a cheeky grin instead.

“i’m off today, you know?”

nanami moves the coffee table pulled closer to the couch to be within your reach back into its original position.

“it’s not like i haven’t seen you just laying around when you are working.”

you cross your legs and frown.

“only on night call!” you protest. he’s walking away now, but your apartment is small and you can still see him through the window of the kitchen, throwing away your mess.

“aren’t you the one who says man isn’t designed to labor forever?” you say, louder.

“that doesn’t mean you can just make messes!” he yells back. “did you eat real food today even?”

you pause to think.

did you eat anything other than those chips? when he comes out and sees you genuinely pondering, his frown deepens.

“you need to take care of yourself,” he says. his voice is stern but his volume is low so it’s somewhere between a grumble and a gentle demand. you look at him, then rise suddenly, pressing your hands on his distinctively sallow cheeks before he can pull away.

“are you really going to press me about eating with no meat on those cheeks?”

he grips your wrists gently pulling them off so you can’t feel the sudden burn in his skin.

“you know damn well i’m not skinny.”

you twist your mouth to the side, and then your brain drifts very briefly to the last time you’ve accidentally seen him naked and it’s time for your face to burn.

quickly you change the subject. he’s digging through the fridge now and you catch him off guard with a bottle of water in his hand. he drinks, and you find something else to focus on aside from the curve of his forearm and the way his neck looks extended back, eyes still focused on you. he doesn’t sweat a ton, but a drop of water misses and mimics dripping sweat and you wish he’d hurry up and fall in love with someone so you can focus your thinking on code and curses.

and only that.

“do you want to order food tonight then?” you ask. “so i get some real food?”

“satoru invited us out actually,” kento says.

you tilt your head.

“what do you mean ‘us’?”

nanami smiles. “i don’t want to third wheel and ___ wants you there.”

“so what am i doing? fourth wheeling?”

kento looks at you for a long moment and then sighs loudly before walking around you.

“what?”

you watch his form get smaller as he retreats to his room to ready himself for a shower.

“a normal person would have said double date,” is what you can faintly hear him grumble. you pretend you can't hear it but your cheeks warm on your way back to your bedroom.

[dreamwritersworld]

favorite crime. (Miles morales x reader)

For as long as Y/n and miles could remember they’ve known each other since they were children! Anytime Y/n needed comfort from her two parents constant arguing or miles was just far too stressed, you know they were with each other.

Everyone could see except them, that something was growing and they yearned for each other. That was until there was a shift and something became between them.

Every Sunday Y/n would come over for family dinner, bringing a meal she prepared with the happiest smile….it started with him missing the most important dinner.

“Hola, Mrs.Morales! How are you? I made arroz con leche for tonight, hope you like it!! Where’s miles?”

Rio’s face smiled any chance she could when she saw the way Y/n loved miles, he was always the first one she’d look for.

“Miles!…Miles!”

The mother put her head to her forehead sighing as silence was the only response to her calling.

“Ugh he must be asleep. Go get him please!”

Rio rushed the food to the table setting up her meal.

“Miles…”

Y/n walked in quietly to see an empty room and her whole demeanor changed, for the first time Miles missed dinner.

“I-um miles isn’t here. Maybe he went to go grab something-“

“Miles?! He would never miss a Sunday dinner with you! Must be something super important, you know he wouldn’t do it on purpose hun-“

Jeff gave Y/n hope that, that’s all it was.

“Oh- Hi Mr.morales, you’re probably right!”

They all sat down and began eating their meal, although Y/n enjoyed the moment of calmness compared to her normal home…there was an ache in her heart that something was wrong. Even with all the spider duties Miles promised he’d never miss anything with her.

Those promises were broken. The closer miles got to Gwen, the farther Y/n came to mind. The poor girl would come home soaking wet after waiting for miles at the places he told her to meet him at. All Y/n could do was text him and hope for the best, it was harder to talk to him nowadays. When they did hangout Miles couldn’t be any more distant than he already was.

At least In those small changes when they hung out there wasn’t a deep sadness, maybe boredness from Y/n not being Gwen…but now Miles was hard to hangout with, something was clearly always on his mind and bothering him. It hurt Y/n to see him so frustrated, sad and quiet…so she finally asked him.

“Miles what’s wrong? Is it the spider stuff? You haven’t seemed as happy..”

The boy looked up with a surprised face, it had been so long since they had a genuine conversation that he forgot Y/n knew him like the back of his hand.

“It’s just- ugh it’s Gwen. She’s gone now. I miss her, I need her.”

Y/n’s heart broke hearing the words and behavior miles used to do for her, complain about missing Y/n to his mother. He used to always miss Y/n. However, Y/n was far too kind to deny his clear emotions of frustration right now so she passed a smile.

“It’s ok miles, if she left it’s just because she returned to her world. That’s ok if it means she’s happier.”

Her own words hurt her, she loved miles so much…if he were the rain she would never open an umbrella. Instead, she’d lie down on the concrete and enjoy every drop that laid on her skin, she’d drown there even if it meant drowning in him.

“What? No. She’s the happiest she ever was here! You don’t know her! You don’t get it.”

Y/n’s eyes widened at the anger and yelling Miles was now putting towards her, Y/n was the only one miles could talk about Gwen with and she didn’t get it, not the way he wanted her to.

“Miles..you don’t have to yell I- I do get it! I see it. You’re displaying exactly how you feel for me to know all of it-“

“Just be quiet and go Y/n.”

Y/n’s eyebrows furrowed and tears built up when she turned around to grab her backpack. No matter how upset miles was he never yelled and was never seriously mad at her. He was just so frustrated that it was Y/n there, not Gwen. Miles could feel the tension..he felt bad but not enough to apologize so when Y/n took one last look at him while he faced away from her she could feel her heartache and he could hear her rapid heartbeat, her hushed panic breaths, and the small tear falling onto her jacket..although it was very faint.

For some reason miles got a sense, a bad one…something to do with Y/n but he ignored it. What he didn’t know was that it meant their paths were changing…

!❤️💙!

Hope you like it! This is my first story about something other than avatar so it’s not the best, sorry about that! Love you guys though! Hope your doing good!

[gliphyartfan]

@yanderelinkeduniverse @stars-for-thought @imprisioned-in-the-hole @screaming-until-god-hears-me @crestfallenmermaidan @ice-cream-writes-stuff @linked-heroes @eternadreeblissa

heeheeee....(I haven't slept yet) (Buut i will now!)

Legend made me write too much!

--

---

----

Link was no stranger to nightmares. 

At this point, they happened like clockwork as his subconscious weaved and re-weaved each moment for his mind to relive. 

And at the end of every nightmare, whether he woke in a cold sweat or with his old wounds aching, Link always felt bitter about how real those dreams felt to him. At the time, the places and faces that haunted him felt perfectly captured and the fatigue and pain within them were so genuine to his memories.

Ha! If only he could see just how much of a shoddy job those nightmares had done.

Because, even if that traumatic moment would always be a core memory to him, the truth is that years had past and Link had grown up; that wound had scabbed over and scarred, he didn’t need to carry the bleeding pain everywhere anymore.

And as such, those night terrors turned out to be quite the vague recollection in the long run. 

There was always crucial details that would eventually be left out. 

Because in those dreams, Link couldn’t feel the weight of his Uncle’s sword in his too small hands, couldn’t feel the way they wouldn’t stop shaking. He couldn’t feel the stinging pain of his bare knees digging into the stone ground and scraping them. And he couldn’t feel the traces of wet blood that lingered on the hilt.

But this, this was all too real.

The gods could only be this cruel, to make him relive this pain. 

----

----

Occasionally he wonders what his uncle, a former knight, would think of him? 

Would he look at him with anger? Shame? Or with horror, covered in the blood of Hyrule's 'noble' knights. 

Some knights his uncle no doubt once served alongside. 

He recalled the stories his uncle once told him, the acts of bravery and courage that the knights preformed. How could he forget when his uncle would happily tell it to him whenever he asked? 

Yet when he was staring down at the bodies of those knights, his tunic splattered with their blood. Men who's only crime was being brainwashed to serve Agahnim. He felt nothing.

How would his uncle react to him? To witness him staring down at the cooling bodies without a single trace of grief or guilt.

Would he recognize him as his nephew? Or think him an impostor? 

It was irrelevant in the end, he could speculate on that for years and still never come to a conclusion.  

He was numb to it. 

(...Even though a part of him feared the answer all the same..) 

---

---

"While I can't tell you what to do Mr. Hero, I can assure you that having something to eat would help put some life in that body of yours all the same." 

"...I'm not hungry." 

"Please...All you've had was a bowl of broth two days ago..." 

"..." Ravio wrung his hands anxiously, staring at the young hero seated in the corner of the room next to a window where the sun could shine it's days over him. 

Eyes stared blankly at nothing in particular, staying utterly silent unless Ravio urged an answer out of him. 

It was rare for to see him stay in one place for long, normally Ravio would only catch sight of him when he came to restock his supplies, only to swiftly leave as silently as he came. 

If it wasn't for the fact that it would mean never seeing him period, Ravio would have preemptively prepared his usual stock of items and set them aside for him to grab at his leisure. 

He always left after restocking, gone for days at a time before returning for an hour or two at most. Looking more haggard each visit.  

But this time, it's been a week since his most recent return, and he has stayed put since. 

The only benefit to his recent return was now Ravio could actually check on his injuries, with him bruised and wounded whenever he came by.

 It always scared Ravio, that every return could very well be his last. 

Yet, no matter the injuries, he never showed signs he was in pain. 

 Never much of a said a word. Just eyes staring blankly from a pale bruised face.

Ravio knew on the rare occasion he caught him, his eyes were red and puffy, as if he had finished crying. But no tear stains were ever seen. 

He didn't dare ask for the cause of his state.

(In a way, it looked like he was mourning. He couldn't imagine the level of loss needed to send someone like Link into such a state.) 

 Ravio felt so utterly helpless, yes he provided Link with items and weapons. But now he feared doing so would lead to his death. 

Because that's how it looked to him, like he was purposefully walking to his death. 

But to think that wouldn't imply that Link wanted death. 

and the young hero who silently accepted to help him did not seem to have even the slightest sense of purpose to even have an urge for death. 

A enjoy shell that simply did what was needed and if it died... 

...Well he may as well be half way dead with the way he rarely took care of himself. 

That was why he always tried to get Link talking, tried to ground him in the present, even if it was a failing effort.

He wanted to offer help, yet he feared any wrong word could be the final thing that tipped the hero over the edge.

What could he tell him that didn't sound strange? That didn't make him look like a fool? 

He didn't know, and he refused to risk it, so he played it safe. 

"Alright...could you at least drink some broth?" He asked, reaching to the tray of food he placed on the nearby table and grabbed the small bowl of broth. 

An exhale escaped from the Hero's lips. "No...Maybe later.."

"Please, just a little bit, it'll settle your stomach." Ravio insisted, holding the bowl out, "I know it must be unhappy with the lack of food you've had lately." 

For a while there was silence between them.

But before Ravio could pull the bowl back,  Link finally gave in, and slowly took it from his hands and brought it to his lips. 

The room was silent, save for quiet gulps as he drank the warm liquid.  After a few gulps, he set it on his lap, staring down at it. 

"Thank you."

Ravio blinked in surprise, "For what?"

Another sigh. "...Being kind." Link finally spoke up again, his voice soft and quiet as if he was speaking to himself.

"...Well...you're welcome." A shaky smile twitched on Ravio's face. 

Legend nodded but didn't look back up. 

Ravio frowned slightly, then decided to change the topic.

"Do you think you'll be able to get some sleep tonight?" He ventured,  looking away from the hero to look at the sky outside the open window.

He didn't expect an answer, nor was he disappointed at all when he got none.

Instead of asking questions further, he turned and moved towards the door, softly saying, "Please at least finish the broth." before closing it behind him.

Eyes followed him until he vanished behind the door. 

—

—

If Legend had the energy, he would have felt bad for stressing the Lorulian, yet the pressure the weighed down his body left him much too tired. 

He didn't want to deal with the things that surrounded his life right now, he really didn't. 

So instead he simply sat there and allowed his mind to wander, hoping he could just cease to be, for just a moment. 

It was difficult, considering the amount of thoughts bombarding his brain.

If Ravio had asked him about any of his previous journeys, he would have answered with full honesty. 

He barely recalled any of it. 

Just pain. 

So much pain it made him utterly sick. 

Enemies that should have easily been slain with a simple swing of his sword left his utterly breathless with exertion. 

His endurance, his strength, every pain filled experience that earned him the skills he had accumulated over the years. 

All of it, reduced to nothing. 

He had scars in areas that shouldn't be scarred. 

He had unscarred skin in areas that should have been scarred.  

He had memories he wished he hadn't, things which he did not wish to dwell in the slightest.

(To realize it may have all been one beautiful dream-No...no he couldn't dwell on it. Not for one second. It would break him.) 

And despite this, despite everything that he'd gone through, he remained the hero he always was forced to be. 

Had there truly been a point in time where he felt any pride for his title? (Had it truly existed at some point?) 

 Had there been a time where fighting for the sake of the kingdom, even when he thought he was about to collapse from the constant battles, was worth it? 

If he had a chance to recall any such moment visually, he certainly couldn't recall it emotionally. 

Couldn't even pull up a scrap of the pride he may have once felt. There was none left. (Because it may as well not have-stop right there.) 

He was just...so tired. 

...What was the point of going on.

—

—

Link left the next morning. 

The empty bowl of broth next to the tray of cold food the only indication he had been there. (At least he finished the bowl.) 

Ravio sighed at the sight of the empty chair, turning his gaze down to the letter in his hands. 

It was a strange request he received a while back. (Very strange, He was a merchant, not a postman.) 

Deliver this to the Hero, Link. That was what he had to do.

He could have refused, but his curiosity (and self-preservation) got the better of him.

It seemed rather personal, and although Ravio found it suspicious he felt compelled to follow through, because it could very well be something important.

He didn't need to know what exactly was written inside this mysterious envelope, just deliver it and be done with it.

But with the state Link was in. He was uncertain when was a good time to hand it over. 

He had decided to swallow his anxiety and simply give it to him. But it seems he waited too long to make his decision. 

Now he doesn't know when he'll will return. 

Perhaps Mr. Hero won't return for several more weeks. 

Ravio sighed, shoving the letter into his pouch, heading back towards his room. 

----

----

His limbs hurt. 

The Gibdo continued to approach. 

He had been too focused on eliminating them, so much so he had forgotten the white Bari. 

Electricity had coursed through him, leaving him stunned long enough for the Gibdo to strike him. 

It was all he could do to block each attack aimed at him, blocking and dodging even as he grew weaker by the second.

Each hit that landed (hits that shouldn't have landed, he should have been better than this.) it landed hard, making his head ring and his vision become blurry.

With his strength spent, with his body weakening by the second due to exhaustion. it took all he could give to finally defeat them. 

He allowed himself to collapse on the floor. Even as his body protested the sudden movement. 

He gasped, closing his eyes for a moment. 

The pain he felt in every inch of his body pulsed strongly. He felt dizzy...sick...heavy...

How utterly laughable. He genuinely would have chuckled if he had the energy to do so in this state. 

He couldn't even handle such weak enemies, even when he knew their weakness and strengths. 

He should be able to handle this better. What did it matter if he was bleeding from several cuts. He should be able to fight longer, fight more fiercely. 

Why couldn't he fight like he once did? 

What was the utter point of these memories, (they were real, they had to-stop, just stop. It'll break you.) 

"Why..." he rasped out, hand weakly clenching the handle of his sword as a large shadow covered him. 

"Why can't I just let myself give up..?" 

The Wallmaster descended on him, he didn't bother to struggle, and the Wallmaster did not hesitate to pull him into it's grasps. 

"I want to give up." he continued to speak, his raspy voice echoing into the dungeon room as he was pulled from the ground.

"I want to give up..." 

 He repeated over and over again, tears falling from his eyes as his eyelids fell heavy with weariness and exhaustion.

All he wanted to do was give up, because this wasn't just a nightmare. A nightmare he could wake from. This was crueler than any nightmare. 

This was actually happening. This was real.

Everything that was supposed to be true had become false. (No one was where they should be. Nothing was as it should be. It was all so very wrong.) 

And yet, he couldn't give up. 

He wanted to give up, yet he kept going. 

There was no point in giving up. Just as there was no point in going forward. He wouldn't get to return to where he wanted to be even if he did.

Return to everyone. 

Was he still going forward because a part of him believed there was still a chance? 

That if he continued on, he'd see everyone again? 

He never learned from his foolishness did he? 

The world around him faded to black as the Wallmaster carried him away in it's grasp 

and he let it. It’s not like it was going to hurt him.

He simply didn't want to think right now.

-----

-----

He's dying. 

If not physically, than certainly mentally. 

Ravio didn't know how to feel, staring at the unconscious form lying in the bed. 

He wasn't going to even try to understand how Link managed to return in such an injured state. No healing items in his pouch, his weapons and shield in terrible conditions.

If Sheerow hadn't brought his attention to the weak rise and fall of his chest. Ravio would have considered the collapsed body a corpse. 

The thin trail of blood indicated he brought himself here. (hopefully the dark clouds in the sky meant rain, blood trails were bad for business.) 

Yet here he was, alive.

He looked so broken, so exhausted. He was paler than ever and looked as though he hadn't eaten for days even if the lack of food in his pouch indicated he had eaten something. 

He had bags under his eyes that spoke volumes of his lack of sleep and he was shaking, breathing uneven and irregular breaths causing Ravio's stomach to turn in response. (a fever?)

What kind of land was Hyrule if it allowed it's hero to become like this? 

A land that didn't seem to care about it's hero who had suffered for its sake. 

(Even after everything he seemed to have done for this place..) 

"You really are a useless one..." He said to himself. His smile was fragile, his tone harsh. 

All he could do was offer Link items and minor assistance. He doubted his companionship was worth much right now.

But it was all he could give. 

"...I'm sorry..."

---

---

He didn't know how long he sat there. His head down in his knees, arms wrapped around his legs.

The sound of waves almost soothing in a cruel way. The sand beneath him, a gentle cool feeling that briefly distracted him from the ache he was experiencing.

He knew without looking that the moon was large and full, that the stars were plentiful in the island's sky.

It was peaceful. Peaceful and familiar and he hated it. 

He didn't have to open his eyes to know it wasn't real. That this was a dream and eventually he would awaken, find himself in bed being watched over by Ravio most likely. 

(He never slept well anymore. When was the last time he felt rested? He never knew if it was a blessing or curse that he could when he was dreaming. Everything he remembered always ended with cruel realizations.)

 So he simply sat there with his head buried in his knees, forced to listen to the waves and waiting to awaken once more. 

He ignored the scent of sea salt floating along the breeze, the touch of mist from the ocean spray tickling his skin. 

And he did everything to ignore the (false Not real) presence next to him. 

Because if he acknowledged that presence, then he would be forced to endure the pain that came with it, and he did not need to relive those memories again. He had lived with that trauma far too often.

But the presence next to him remained. And still he tried to ignore it.

But it didn't work. It never worked.

"Are you going to keep pretending I'm not here?"

His heart jumped at the voice.

"I'm afraid so." (He didn't mean to answer, didn't mean to react, but he could never deny her when she spike so kindly to him.) 

Soft laughter was his answer, and he could feel his traitorous heart quicken with joy. 

He didn't want to acknowledge that someone was there beside him. (That she was there.) 

That it was the person that could bring him peace when he needed it most.

Just as he didn't want to acknowledge the feeling he felt whenever she spoke to him, that warmth in his heart. The joy he felt whenever she laughed joyfully at him. 

 The happiness he felt every time he was around her.

"I guess we're stuck together, aren't we?"

She moved closer. He could hear her. He tried to tell himself she wasn't there. He tried to tell himself he was hallucinating. He tried to remind himself he was dreaming. Yet his breath quickened. He swallowed heavily against the lump forming in his throat.

But he could never refuse to acknowledge it.

He knew it wasn't possible. And he knew it was a dangerous thing to admit to himself but still he couldn't help it.

"Don't tell me you are truly mad at me for being here?"

She teased him lightly. (She had a wonderful laugh, he wanted to hear it more.) 

"I could never be mad at you." He answered honestly, never daring to make her think he felt anything less than affection for her. 

Because he couldn't dare imagine spending a life without seeing her smile. Hearing the genuine laugh that escaped her lips. Seeing her eyes sparkle with happiness when he told her funny stories.

It was unfair. All the things he remembered. All the happy moments they had shared together. He wanted to forget.

Because they were nothing but a dream he had been forced to wake from. 

 They could never be real just because he wanted them to be true.

They weren't real. She wasn't real. (How that thought hurt)

Everything here was fake. Everything he was experiencing right now, was all a lie, a dream.

(Nothing here is real.)

Everything was an illusion. There was no hope for it to be real. 

A dream of which tore itself from him when he finally gave in to it's sweet allure. 

"Then why does your face look so upset?"

"Do I appear upset? Do I have something to be concerned about?" He replied. (because he couldn't let her ever believe he was upset with her. He couldn't bare to handle the hurt that would cross her face.) 

"Yes. You don't sound pleased to see me."

"...I will always be happy to see you." (Never a lie)

"...Then why don't you lift your head up?"

He was tired, but he didn't care about any fatigue. He just wanted her to go away. (No, he wanted her to stay. To never leave. she should never leave. He needed her here. Hecouldn'tloseheragain-) 

"Please..leave me alone." (Why did he say that? He didn't want her to leave? Please, she mustn't leave-) 

"Why?"

"I can't stand the sight of you right now..." (Shut up. Why won't he shut up? Why was he saying those things to her when he didn't want to let her go?) 

"Is that what is making you upset?"

"Yes." (No)

"Then why won't you look at me?"

"..Because.." (He was terrified.) 

"You should look at me." 

But he couldn't.

He wasn't strong enough.

(Why was he always unable to resist temptation?)

"So you don't want to see?"

"See what? I'm sorry."

"I'm asking if you don't want to see my face?"

She was close now, he could hear her breathing. Could almost feel her next to him. 

A part of him prayed she would close the distance, reach out and pull him towards her so he could be wrapped her warmth. 

(To have her lift his head up to gaze at her, caressed his face, run her fingers through his hair...) 

When he thought about her it made his whole body shiver. And there was nothing that could calm him down, save the simple fact that it was her presence that filled his entire world. 

"Link-"

"Just go!" He could feel the tears gathering in his eyes as he raised his voice at her. (Don't say his name. Don't say it. It's too much. It'll weaken him further. He'll give in. He'll give in if she says his name and give her what she wants.) He refused to allow those tears free rein.

(It was stupid and selfish of him, but he didn't think he'd resist it if they fell.)

"Just leave..." He rasped out, hugging his knees tighter. "Just leave me." 

(Please...please, I beg you…don't leave. I'll have nothing else left. Don't leave me. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.) 

"I'm not leaving you Link, not while I'm right here." He flinched as her hand touched the top of his head. 

(Warmwarmwarmwarmsowarmsoutterlywarm) Her fingertips  running across the top of his skull.

"Please look at me?" She whispered.

"Leave me.. please…"

Her fingers continued to brush his scalp.

(He didn't want her to stop. He didn't want her to leave. Pleasedon'tleaveme.)

Slowly, she moved her hand down, he shivered as her touch left a trail of wondrous fire in its wake. Slowly and gently, she pulled her hand away from his head, and he nearly whimpered.

He could hardly breathe as she placed the palm of her hand on the side of his face, sliding it under his chin and gently pulling his head up.

"There you are," Her voice soft and gentle. 

He felt a tear slip down his cheek, yet he was unable to look aware from her. 

Not when she looked at him with such a loving gaze. 

Her thumb wiped the tear away and it burned where her skin met his skin. A small sigh escaping his lips as her gaze traveled over his face. His eyes closed and he leaned into her hand as it cupped his cheek and allowed himself to get lost in the love he felt. 

 It was like the world disappeared around him. Nothing mattered anymore. He only cared about the warmth of her hand against his cold skin.

"Why do you keep crying over me?" She chuckled. Her thumb rubbing his cheek softly. She didn't know how much he loved when she did that.

(He couldn't answer her. He couldn't bear to hear her response.)

His eyes opened, and he found her smiling. It lit up her beautiful features perfectly. Her eyes twinkled with kindness.

He wanted to stare at her forever.

He reached out and took her hand in his, interlocking their fingers as he intertwined his fingers between hers, squeezing tightly.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that." He breathed.

She nodded. "Why?"

"Because then you'll realize what kind of a selfish fool I am."

"What makes you think that?"

He sighed heavily, trying to find the words to describe everything, but he was exhausted and it didn't take long until the tears started falling again.

"I hurt you..." He whispered to her. 

She stayed silent. 

"I hurt you and cared for only my own wants...and you suffered because of it." 

"..You must really feel guilt over that, don't you?" She commented softly.  He didn't answer her question out loud. She didn't need a response. 

(Yes...Yes I do...I never stopped regretting) 

He tightened his grip on her hand. He was trying so hard not to cry. To push back the emotions that threatened to engulf him and show her how much he truly regretted the pain he put her through. 

He squeezed her hand and he leaned forward. Her forehead was resting against his, both of their breaths mingling together. Her hand holding his tightly as well. It was a comforting gesture, one that he craved.

"I hate myself for what I did to you." 

"We all hate ourselves sometimes." she smiled, brushing the tears from his cheeks with her thumb. "We're human after all."

"What matters is what you do afterwards."  She looked at him kindly.

"So what do you plan to do, Link?" 

He couldn't speak for a moment, but her gaze never wavered from his face. Her eyes were filled with nothing but understanding. 

"Whatever it takes to make it up to you, I will." He answered honestly.  He wouldn't hesitate in doing anything to make her happy. Anything to prove to her that he still had a heart inside. "Anything I must."

"Then don't worry about it right now." She said. She slowly brushed his tears away and she rested her forehead against his once more. 

"Just relax and take a deep breath. The outside world can wait for a moment." She spoke reassuringly.

He shook his head, still trembling.

"If you keep shaking like this I might just think that you're mad at me." She laughed.

The laughter of a woman who was willing to give him another chance.

(How can she be so kind to him?)

"And then I'd start getting worried again." She laughed softly. He couldn't help but laugh as well. She pulled away from him, moving to sit pressed next to his side. 

 Her arm snaking around his waist to pull him closer.

He was able to relax and lean against her.

His heart was beating faster than it should be. He knew that he shouldn't, but he still couldn't bring himself to move away from her touch.

Her fingers began stroking through his hair. It felt nice.

They remained sitting in silence, watching the waves, simply enjoying each other's company. 

"...I don't want to wake up..." He murmured quietly, "I want to stay here, with you." finally admitting his true feelings out loud.

(He didn't want to return to a world where she wasn't there. It hurt. It hurt every second he was awake and away from this peace.) 

"We all have to wake up from our dreams eventually." She answered, smiling as he relaxed into her embrace. "Even the ones we enjoy." 

"But I'm not ready for that." (I don't think I'll ever be...)

"You're wrong." He twitched, realizing he had spoken that aloud, "You deserve everything good in life. You don't deserve to trap yourself in a dream. You deserve to be happy."

She gave his hair an affectionate stroke.

"And I'd be very happy if you gave yourself a chance." 

(I can't...not after what I did...) 

The tears were streaming down his cheeks. He felt a lump in his throat, as the tears threatened to choke him.

"...Close your eyes Link." She whispered softly.

 "I..." He hesitated but soon relented. (He could never deny her when she asked him so gently.) 

He did as she asked, and she held him close.

He leaned his head onto her shoulder, her scent calming him as he tried to control his sobs.

"Just drift away now, you shouldn't stay here forever you know." She said, pressing her lips to his forehead.

(She was warm and smelled good. Comforting. Like finally returning home.)

But how could this be? She was never meant for someone like him. She deserves someone

better. Anyone better. But he was selfish, he could never let her go.) 

"I wish I could." He sobbed.

"But you can't." She replied, "You'll see...you'll see...everything will work out."

He didn't reply; he just held her closer. He buried his nose into her neck, shoulders shaking, inhaling her fragrance deeply.

"Link?"

"...Yes?"

"...Good Night..." 

He sniffled and tried to burn every part of this moment into his memory. Even as a heaviness slowly pulled at him away from it all.

"Good night...(y/n)..." 

And then, he was gone. 

----

----

----

"I...um...I have this letter for you." The spoonful of stew paused it's trip into his mouth as he looked at Ravio. 

He blinked, "...Is that so?" and set his spoon down when Ravio nodded.

It had been two months since he had woken from that dream. A month since he stopped Yuga. It had taken him time to recover from both it and the injuries he had sustained. 

 He had been letting himself recover slowly, mostly at Ravio’s insistence; going about life as best as he could after the last battle. 

Yuga was slain, Ganon defeated once more, Lorule was restored, and Hyrule was at peace for the time being. 

Ravio had eventually returned a few weeks after everything was settled. Using the excuse that business was better in Hyrule than back home. 

(He threw a spare key at his head and told him to clean up after himself.) 

He never had that same dream again. A part of him felt angered that the only source of happiness he had received in so long was ripped from him once more. 

Yet another part of him felt both numb, yet somewhat accepting about it. 

(She did say he couldn't stay there forever. Even as a dream, (y/n) was always watching out for him.) 

He watched as his friend fiddled with the surface of the small envelope in his hand before handing it over to him.

He stared down at it, wondering what kind of letter it contained. He flipped it around, but the outside of the letter was blank. 

"Who gave you this?" He asked, placing the letter on his lap for the moment. 

Ravio fidgeted. 

"Nobody! I-I mean, no one in particular...Not to say it's not not anyone in particular...i" He laughed nervously, "P-Perhaps the contents of the letter can answer your question? It's a really weird story."

Link nodded, he doubted Ravio would hand him a dangerous letter. 

"I-I um...haven't looked through it yet." 

...Or maybe he would. At this point he wasn't sure anymore.

"Trying to get rid of me after I did your job for you?" He bluntly commented. 

Ravio sputtered and tried to defend himself but Link simply handed him his nearly empty bowl. 

"I'd like some more please." 

Ravio blinked and tried to decided between reacting to the now clear teasing or to immediately get him another bowl of stew. 

But his desire to see him eat more trumped his desire to complain. 

"...I'll make sure to heat it up." He said as he grabbed the bowl and left with a small huff. 

He relaxed against his pillow for a moment before he picked up the letter again when Ravio left,  and stared at it.  Something about this letter didn't feel quite right. But it didn't feel wrong enough. 

He eventually decided to open it. 

Peeking within, he saw several folded pictures. He could see images of the sky in many of them. Pulling them out, a small slip of paper slipped away and fell on his lap. 

Looking down, he noticed writing on it. It took him a moment to register what dialect it was written in, and only then did his heart begin to race at top speed. 

It shouldn't exist here. This dialect shouldn't exist in this era. 

How- 

Legend looked at the door. As if Ravio would come in at that very second. But the merchant didn't. 

Looking back down at the slip of paper, he swallowed. 

'To the Hero of Legend.' 

He wasn't called that yet. In this moment in time, he was just the Hero of Hyrule. 

 His title came later.

A shaky exhale left him as his hand trembled a bit harder holding onto the note tightly.

Looking at the folded pictures on his trembling hand, he slowly unfolded it, the contents within revealing- 

...Captain..? There was no doubt who was in the picture.  No other person could possibly come to mind.

He re-folded the photograph, as if to take a moment to gather his wits. 

(Was it real?) His mind whispered, (was it truly?)

His breathing quickened. His stomach felt like a knot. Every nerve in his body was on edge as his heart was ready to burst.

Slowly...he unfolded the picture again, gazing at the calm face of the Hero of Warriors staring back at him. 

It...It was him. 

There was no mistaking who it was. No mistaking the sword only a Hero could wield. 

(Could it actually be true?)

He looked through the next picture and a lump formed in his throat. 

The sailor, a bit younger than he last remembered (a bit thinner as well), but still so easily recognizable. (The captain must have used his Picto box)

Even young and without his markings, Legend could easily recognize the old man. (He looked as tired as Legend felt. Yet there was a sense of peace in his gaze that could only have come from being near his most trusted.) 

A genuine smile appeared on his face, the first one in...so long that he couldn't truly remember. 

Legend's breath caught in his throat. (It was him. It was actually him.)

His vision became blurry, and before he even realized it, tears were running down his face, his body shaking.

He quickly brought a hand up, swiping his eyes to try and regain composure.

He kept shifting through the pictures. Eyes devouring each and every new image that he saw next. 

Warriors. Time. Wind. He even saw Ravio. (And he suspected he could figure out how this letter came into the merchant's hands.) 

Each image sent his heart soaring. (It was new. new new new new and real) 

There was Zora Princess Ruto and the Goron Chief Darunia from the Old man's era. The Sage of Earth and the king of red lions from the sailor's. 

People he shouldn't recognize but did. it set his mind spinning. 

But it was the last picture that made him pause. 

The last one that left him breathless.

Her smile, her blue dress, the Hibiscus in her red hair. 

"M...Marin.."  He choked out.

It was impossible...she shouldn't exist...she had been a dream. 

But to deny her image in this picture would mean to deny the images of all the others. 

And he simply couldn't handle that possibility. 

It was her. It was truly her. 

"(y/n)..." He whispered, he stopped trying to fight the tears that continued to fall. "You were right." 

She had once told him of a possibility. 

'If there are parallel worlds that even you've been to. Wouldn't that mean Koholint was just a world that fell into the Windfish's dream like you did?' 

He had considered that possibility many times. But it never went far. because how would he prove it? By the time he met (y/n) and the others, Koholint was years behind. 

He had considered, but never truly believed. 

Because how would he go about finding evidence? 

...With a picture it seemed. A picture that showed her happy and healthy and alive. 

The realization shook him to his core.

All this time, he thought he mourned a life he had believed was forever lost.

 All those times he wondered why he had been burdened with that weight, even if it was a weight he carried by his own choice. 

The nightmares that haunted him for years. 

But this one image...It left him dizzy with joy. She hadn't disappeared.

She was alive.

He took in each picture over and over, trying to absorb every little detail he could. 

If Marin was alive... His brothers remembered...than that meant...that meant (y/n).... 

Legend covered his mouth, unable to control the sobs escaping.  He could hardly breath as he struggled to hold back the cries.

(Y/n) was alive. 

(Y/n) was alive.

All that he went through hadn't been for nothing. 

Marin was alive. Most likely back home now that the war was certainly finished. (Not gone. Not a mere memory.)

His sword brothers, they were all out there, waiting just like he was. 

Waiting to be reunited once more. 

It made him so utterly happy. 

"Mr. Hero?" Legend looked up at Ravio who nervously stood by the door with the tray of food. 

"Are...you okay?" He asked, slowly approaching, scanning Legend to see if he wasn't injured again. 

His eyes settled on the pictures that had fallen from his grasp and onto the bed, surprise crossing his face as he registered what the pictures contained. 

"I.." Legend breathed, a smile stretched across his face. "am more than okay." 

That's what mattered, after everything he had to go through. It was all real. 

Everything that mattered to him was real. 

All he could do was cry from the joy of that simple fact. 

[inkwolvesandcoffee]

I keep picturing this:

(Not yet bf!)John going short of ballistic with genuine worry when you refuse to hold hands.

CoD ML

Okay, obviously this needs context.

So, John tags along with you to the V&A. Now, being a proper gentleman, he first takes you out for coffee and a bite before you slowly make your way to the museum in South Kensington. After all, it’s one of those rare sunny and warm London spring days and you could do with some Vitamin D.

No, not Vitamin Daddy. What was that?

ANYWAY! As soon as you enter, you fall into the habit of wandering about without any regard whatsoever for your companion. It’s not a conscious decision, of course, but sometimes you need to turn your brain off and enjoy art while protected by your personal bubble.

When you’re in the Cast Courts, you feel a hand on your shoulder. It takes every ounce of self-control not to let the scream tickling the back of your throat escape, which would definitely break the amiable peacefulness of the museum.

“There you are! Do you have any bloody idea how worried I was?” John’s lightly panting, eyes wide and pupils dilated with a frenzy that leaves you wondering about the cause of it. “I let you out of my sight for one second and you have me run around the entire museum looking for you.”

“Well, you kinda invited yourself,” you mumble under your breath, masking the way you flinch with a step back.

“Pardon?”

“N-Nothing.”

“Nah, Y/N.” His fingers dig painfully into your cheeks as he grabs your face and forces you to look at him. “You’re a big girl so use your words. Go on. You know how.”

“Y- You wanted to come with. Invited yourself.”

“I guess that’ll have to do for a proper sentence.” He lets go and extends a bear-like hand. “Before you wander off again with that silly little head of yours.”

“No.”

“Hand. Now.”

“No.”

“I wasn’t asking,” John growls, forcefully entwining his fingers with yours. The grip on them is firm, iron-like. Fully aware you won’t be able to escape.

You slowly walk about the space like that for a few moments. Eventually, you find the courage to defy the seething rage you feel emanating from him.

“I… I’m sorry, John.” You’re not afraid of his mood, but it’s rather the guilt that sinks its claws into you which evokes tears in your eyes.

He stops in his tracks, lets go of your hand, and turns around so fast it’s like he’s trying to evade a bullet. Within seconds, he has you wrapped up in his arms, his fingers running through your hair in an effort to console you. “Hey, don’t cry. I’m not mad with you, just a little annoyed you don’t account for me and worried about what might happen when you’re alone. I know you’re a capable girl, Y/N, but I still care about your well-being too.”

The back rubs help soothe the storm of tears welling up inside you, waiting to come thundering out. Nevertheless, the kiss on the top of your head calms it. “How about we grab a coffee, hm? Maybe get something to eat too. My treat.”

He holds you at arm’s length, checking your expression while lovingly wiping the tears rolling down your cheeks away. “Does that sound good?”

You nod. You inhale and exhale deeply, feeling silly for acting like a child at your grown age. “I’m sorry you had to see that. And for me not telling you where I was.”

“Shh, ‘s alright, love.” While normally he wouldn’t allow himself to do it since you’re not official yet and he doesn’t know whether you reciprocate his feelings or not, he kisses your forehead and the tip of your nose. “Let’s go to the café. Don’t let go of my hand.”

And you don’t.

(Might make this imagine into a proper scene for my dad’s best friend!John Price story. It’s in the works, btw! I’m currently gathering inspiration and writing bits like the above here and there, organically creating the tale, so to say.😉)

[6okuto]

hello!! hi. i hope you are not too busy. i have been enjoying your 'falling in love' hcs for the ts characters, and i was wondering if i could ask for the same concept with kuras? if possible? please take your time with it. ^_^ i thinjk he would be silly with it but would also want to biblically smite the reader with his mind (/affectionate) . or you two are psychoanalyzing each other from opposite sides of the room FAR away from each other. I Dont Know. packingf my suitcase and leaving

KURAS FALLING IN LOVE

gn!reader | didn't realize how poor a read i have on his possible plot until writing this. my bad. good job red spring studio U and ur mysteries and kuras's identity in the overarching lore got me this time...

this is going to be the most normal start of a relationship of the LIs. like he's just ('just') a doctor. you're about to strangers -> friends this through coffee and chatting

kuras doesn't...seek you out? not at first. that's not to say he isn't interested by you, but he has a job (and secrets) to handle. but he welcomes your visits as long as he has a break!

it starts with offering to grab or buy something, then staying and helping, learning about a random medicine he has on the counter, and then you're a semi-regular presence at the clinic, and you know which cabinets to check for the average sickness/bandaging. his practiced smile turns into a genuine one when you come through the door. he's asking how your trip was, catching you up on what's been happening lately

one moment i feel might happen is you finding yourself in his clinic, needing his help again,, hopefully your clothes are in tact this time. he jokes about how he'd rather not see you on the cot if you wanted to visit again.

little pranks...!! the senobium or him. roleplaying to throw guards off your trail y'know. getting to see that playful side of him :3

if it's him, he pranks you back, shooting you the same 'innocent' smile he does the guards. be careful about spilling that ink. you've been misplacing papers and pens all day too, haven't you? are you feeling alright?

another moment is. it's hard to say what, but you unknowingly say something tied to his situation. you casually drop your opinion on guilt and atonement—smth smth how guilt will rot and your atonement will never end if you don't let it smth smth the evil that others do with your kindness does not corrupt you smth smth—and it gets him.. Thinking. ! maybe you find those stories about a teacher and harbinger of chaos, and after bringing it up to kuras, he asks you for your opinion on them.

!! one moment i hope we get is kuras 'letting loose' or being silly. laughing really loud and apologizing as it lessens to a chuckle. trying to eat food because you don't know he doesn't eat, and it goes terribly wrong so he gives up and lets you laugh at him

LOL the psychoanalyzing. you say something and he has a weird reaction like Hm. sure, of course. and you're like ??? and he tells you it's nothing, just that that makes sense for you. and you're like Woah you wanna talk about My observations about You? and kuras looks at you like [ !! ] [ ?! ]

there's also small things that suddenly feel more intimate—him cleaning up a wound on your face and holding eye contact, his fingers lingering as they brush your cheek. you instinctively reaching for him when someone bumps into you, and him making sure you're alright.

kuras starts taking more initiative by inviting you to join him places and talking about himself. (cue joke about how information is power and him saying he'll make an exception for you.)

but it won't be all sunshine and rainbows considering he's an incredibly old angel and he has. shit going on.... who knows what shit honestly

you notice how he still doesn't share everything, which is fair enough—you're not spilling your entire life story either. but you still don't know basic things about this guy, you don't even know how he's kept his clothes clean all this time or how Old he is

that distance kuras keeps between you grows again because he doesn't want you to get in harm's way, and it's inevitable if you stick too close. he's an expert at dodging questions, answering just enough to keep people satisfied, but what does this mean for you? someone he's unexpectedly grown fond of, and who keeps calling him out for it?

you voice what you're both thinking. he has a frustrated expression when you point out you both like each other, and you want to help him for once, because ??!! he doesn't know what to do here.

something something, kuras's true form, him invalidating all the good he's done for the chaos and ruin he's brought, the world before, being the one to help him find forgiveness, the divine as neither good nor bad, kuras defining himself outside of a teacher and sinner Something Somethigngggaaghhh

Honestly. i've been messing with both ideas in my head and i haven't picked one i enjoy more so.

there's kuras, who's never been in love and is suddenly fumbling for once, trying really hard to 'do it right' and figuring out what it means to be in a relationship and in love (he's overthinking) (he was doing alright) (he asks ais/mhin for their opinions)

and then there's kuras who goes with what he was doing before, just with more affection/intimacy, because seriously he was already doing a great job at being a good partner :sob:

i think kuras's feelings are a slow burn themself. like, he takes the time to get to know you, to open up, etc, and he wouldn't define what he feels as 'being in love' for a while ?? he knows you're incredible important to him, and know him better than...probably anyone else. but he thinks "i love you" is a very significant thing to think and say out loud and he wants to make sure he knows for sure.

if you wait for him to say it first, i think he'd make it a really special moment! ^^ he thinks for a while about how to do it and, maybe uncharacteristically, gets nervous. his face lights up in its own way when you say it back (not a huge face-splitting grin, but his smile does grow and it's obvious he's relieved/happy)

it isn't often that the doctor is thrown off his game, especially not for longer than a few minutes, so if you ever casually, and Very Quickly*, say "love you" while you're leaving, it's a Sight to See. imagining ais coming to see him and going ...?? when kuras opens the wrong cabinet for the most basic medicine. he applauds your work the next time you see him

*very quickly because if you're in a situation where you're alone and he isn't needed, he's going to stop you?? like what?? can we have a conversation about this (not mad just stunned and values communication and also in love with you and)

[nar-nia]

heeseung x reader

word count: ~ 700

warnings: angst

“I just need to prioritize my work right now,” Heeseung shrugged.

“And not me,” you almost whispered.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.” You buried your face into your book again, shielding it from Heeseungs glance.

“That didn't sound like nothing. What is it?”

“It's nothing. Forget about it - just go back to your work.”

You could feel Heeseung staring at you for one, two, three seconds, but finally he nodded and put on his jacket. “Fine. I offered to talk.”

It didn't take long until you heard the door close, your hands gripping the book tightly as you tried to hold back your tears.

~~~

“Do you want to say what's wrong or are you just going to stare at your plate?”

Heeseungs words made you look up, you hadn't even realized that you just kept digging around with your fork.

“Oh - I’m just thinking about some stuff.”

“Can you hurry up please? You know I’m busy, I barely have time for this dinner anyway.”

You didn't expect to hear annoyance in Heeseungs tone, but it was clearly there, accompanied by the constant tapping of his foot.

“I’m sorry… I didn't know you had to go back to work again. I just wanted to spend time with you.”

“I’m meeting up with some friends.”

“Okay...” He hadn't even acknowledged your wish. “You can go - I can eat alone. Have fun please.”

You barely had time to react when Heeseung put on his jacket and almost ran out the door, the sound of your heart breaking perfectly timed with the closing door.

~~~

It was almost midnight and you were tossing and turning around in your empty bed. Normally you would have gone to sleep 2 hours ago so you could at least function at your job, but you had been waiting for Heeseung, wanting to spend at least a bit of time with him. But he hadn't returned yet, no text, nothing. You couldn't stop the feeling of loneliness spreading all around you, covering you in cold darkness as you grabbed your phone, texting Heeseung a little goodnight message.

~~~

1 am. No answer.

2 am. Still nothing.

3 am. He had seen the message, but no answer.

4 am.

5 am.

6 am. You heard the door opening, a clearly drunk Heeseung stumbling into your bed as you just got up to start getting ready. He didn't even say hello as he walked past you.

~~~

“Y/n, please move. I told you I need to leave.” Heeseung groaned, his whole body screaming exhaustion. You were standing in front of the door, tears already welling up in your eyes as you just stared at him, trying to find the right words to say.

“You could make it less obvious that you don't care about me, you know,” you finally managed to get out.

“What?”

“I don't know what I did that made you stop liking me. Or stop wanting to spend time with me, but whatever it was I am genuinely sorry.” It was getting harder to hold back sobs, but somehow you managed. “I’m sorry, but I hate this. We have barely talked those last few weeks, you always say you're busy. Everything else is more important to you than your own girlfriend!”

“That's not true.”

You stared at him. “I understand that you're busy with work. And I understand that you want to meet your friends. But is it really too much to ask for some time with you too?”

“I haven't seen my friends in a while. You should understand that,” Heeseung huffed. “They're important to me.”

“I should be important to you too, Heeseung,” you mumbled. “I have barely seen you too.”

“You are.”

“Am I?” Now the tears were really flowing. “Because you're doing a shit job at showing it. And it makes me feel awful. I hate myself for how often I stare at my phone or the door, hoping you’ll come to spend some time with me. I can't do this anymore.”

Heeseung just glared at you. “Do you want to break up?”

“Do you? Because it doesn't feel like you want to be around me at all.”

“Answer my question first.”

Oh. Your heart sank, a sob breaking free. “I just want to spend time with my boyfriend.”

Heeseung nodded. You saw it almost in slow motion, the way he put on his jacket and walked towards the door, going right through it as you stumbled to the side. He had made his choice.

feedback is always appreciated <33 i'm sending you all a big hug.

[nurix0]

"WHO HURT YOU?" TROUPE

characters: bakugou

genre: fluff, comfort (??)

warnings: none, bruises (??), Monoma being a dick loll

relationship: platonic (can be interpreted as romantic ig)

we know that this guy doesn't get all protective over anyone but his friends are a little exception

he probably doesn't show how much he cares, well... not in a normal way; he prob just tells you things like: "YOU WANT TO DIE?! DON'T DO THAT", "don't get in trouble you're slowing me down", "you're so reckless for fucks sake!" or for better he'll give you the "you good?" look, nothing more nothing less

but accidents happened right? and they come along with unexpected reactions

It's been a day since Bakugou and Midorya house arrest started, and let me tell you Bakugou was NOT having it, and his colleges talking nonstop about the harsh training that happened today made him angry for not getting to participate

Although, that wasn't the only thing that was setting him off but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly

By the end of the day, he had figured out what worked him up, his friend group was missing one extra, you. It was almost curfew and there was no sight of you and no one even dared to say your name, so he knew something was going on but didn't care enough to ask, or so he thought...

Bakugou was in the kitchen getting something to eat and when he was about to head up he saw you entering the common room, mumbling something's he could quite understand

"Next time I'll get him" You mumbled entering the common room, gazing at the aching bruises that recovery girl couldn't heal "Seriously, i can't let him walk over me like that!"

Limping up to your dorm you heard a voice behind you "Why the fuck you're here so late?"

You turned startled to see Bakugou who was checking you up and down, he looked more pissed off than usual, you brushed it off by him being pissy for being excluded from training

"Ha, worrying about me now blasty? I'm flattered" you snarkily remarked, giving a checky grin, and turned to get back to your room, unknown to you, Bakugou wasn't having any of your bullishit and was determined to know what really happened, he didn't worry pondered about this all day to not get the response he needs

Going upstairs you misstepped with your injured foot but your friend grabbed your wrist giving you support, Bakugou didn't notice before that not only your foot was injured but your whole figure had bruises and that made his jaw clench "What the hell?" he muttered, he was inspecting every little bruise he could find, and tou were very much confused 'Where did this reaction came from?'

This weren't regular injuries, he knew you were kinda reckless but not enough to get hurt this much, than it clicked... someone did this, what happened in seconds seemed like an eternity for both parts, mostly for you who was just being stared at by really angry eyes

"Who did this?" those words left his mouth sharper then a knife, startling you "What?" and his intense grip on your aching wrist wasn't helping it thw intensity of the situation, "Who did this to you?" you couldn't comprehend why he was pressing so much about this, like he cared... nah, not happening

For the first time you saw Bakugou acting that way towards anyone, he looked genuinely concerned in his own way of course but still, it was difficult to comprehend the situation at hand but there was no way of lying to him now.

"It was just something in training, no biggie" you could feel his harsh grip slip off and his fingers slightly brush over some of your wounds, he probably didn't notice what he was doing "It's not that bad now either way" you spoke softly intrigued at the fingers that inspected the wounds, it was impossible to look away, this probably the first and only time you would see the Bakugou showing this kind of... affection??

He snickered at you noticing his actions that totally didn't match his thoughts about beating the bitch who messed with one of his friends, and his overall personally, "I asked who beat you up, not when" he contested back to himself, arms crossed and everything

"It was just that dickhead Monoma, he just kept going even when i was so dizzy that i was considered out already" sighing you told him what he wanted to know but upon seeing his face after processing this information you gave a second thought if you really should've told him that

You frantically started waving your hands in front of his face "Woa, Blasty hold your horses!" now pointing a finger directly at him "I see that look! he probably didn't notice i was a bit- a lot actually off!" now his attention was directed towards you, "HUH?! Didn't you just heard what you told me?!" from his face you knew that he was so back

"He's not fucking deaf or blind is he!? He might as well be the next time i see that 1B scum I—" the explosive monologue was interrupted with laughter, your's to be exact

He was just angrily gesticulating everything that you just couldn't help it "Pfft, you're funny sometimes Blasty i gotta admit, i even though you cared there for a second"

It dark by now but if you looked at the right angle you could even say Bakugou was flustered, but that didn't last long "Shut it, it's not that i care for you specifically, it's just that anything those extras do pisses me the hell off!" he was silenced by your unexpected response

"Sure you don't, but I'm not letting you take the credit from me for beating him after this! I'm very much capable even beat up" you smiled smugly to get on his nerves, but he looked at you dumbfounded, the thing is that he knew you were capable of getting Monoma back the ridiculous part was that you thought this was his point in all of this, call you weak and incapable

"Tch, of course I won't! You can do your job yourself, that doesn't make me want to explode him any less" it was your turn to stare at him "You're strong, you can take care of yourself" heat went straight at your face, making your cheeks red, you never imagined Bakugou could praise someone "Besides, when you're not is this state you can almost get to my level if you weren't this reckless anyway"

He walked up the stairs and looked back, upon seeing your reaction he snickerd and gave his usual grin, "Listen, extra, don't let that get to your head tho" you felt embarrassed reacting this way to something so bro-like from Bakugou of all people "Like that would happen haha" you started to go up again but tripped

Bakugou laughed but it was night and dark so it was difficult to see, and because you were hurt he felt in the mood to help out so he went down to help you "Be careful, you can't fight getting more injuries." you just snickered in agreement, jocking along "I'm serious, don't get hurt like this again"

BONUS:he prob helped you to your dorm so you, quote, "Don't wake anybody up by falling"

Thank you for reading, feel free to request<3

[possibilistfanfiction]

i’m begging for more ava + service dog

[teeny tiny thing for nye :)]

//

‘okay,’ bea says, surveying all of the decorations and food laid out everywhere, buttoning and unbuttoning the top clasp on her blouse, neatly tucked into her slacks. ‘i think everything is ready.’

‘everything looks great.’ you wheel over to where she’s anxiously straightening some napkins. ‘babe.’

bea swallows, waits a second before she takes the hand you offer her. 

‘hey,’ you say when you notice she might be about to cry. ’why are you so nervous? it’s a little party with people we love.’

she sniffles. ‘i know, i know. and i’m happy, ava; i’m so happy. there’s peace, and i have you and our home and our life.’

you wheel over to the couch so she can sit next to you; korra patters next to you dutifully, her tongue lolling in a happy little smile. bea sits stiffly, so you nudge korra, who happily moves to rest her head in bea’s lap, calming and gentle. 

‘beatrice, what’s wrong?’

she shakes her head, scratches korra’s soft fur. ‘sometimes i feel so anxious that the other shoe is going to drop.’

‘well, it kind of did.’ you gesture toward your chair with a small smile. your back had been really bad lately, even in the relatively mild cold in california, even after dr. salvius had done everything possible. it’s a new normal, different than when you’d been hurt before — there are so many people who love you, who want to make sure you have resources and accessibility and support and independence. you have korra, and beatrice, and a home that has grown warmer and more beautiful each and every day.  

‘you know i don’t think of anything you need like that,’ bea says, a little scolding, which makes your smile grow.

‘bea, i know that. i just — something hard happened. we dealt with it, we’re dealing with it. we have such a beautiful life, even with everything. because of everything.’ 

bea takes a deep breath and then meets your eyes; she lifts her hand to run it through your hair and then rests it on your cheek. 

‘life is going to happen, good and bad and mundane and revelatory.’ her face softens and she rests her forehead against yours, her new glasses — translucent sage green frames, round and, in your opinion, adorable — just barely slipping down her nose, over her freckles. ‘but, bea, we get to live it all together.’ 

she nods, and her smile grows more and more genuine. 

‘my love,’ you say, ‘it’s all i’ve ever wanted.’

she rubs her thumb along your cheekbone. ‘i love you. i love our life. i love it all, so much.’

you kiss her gently. ‘so then let’s celebrate, yeah? we have enough food and alcohol for a small army.’

‘small army?’ you hear, a familiar, laughing voice, after a whoosh somewhere in your kitchen. when you look up, camila, mother superion, and mary are there, along with lilith, who grumbles a ‘you’re welcome’ before grabbing a bottle of champagne and heading out to the patio. 

‘happy new year!’ camila says, and korra looks at you with eager eyes, her little butt starting to wiggle with how hard she’s wagging her tail. 

‘okay,’ you tell korra. ‘you can go say hi to your friends.’

she bounds over and bea stands with a smile, kisses the top of your head, and unbuttons the top two buttons of her shirt before walking over. mother superion wraps her in a tight hug and then bends down to do the same with you. no one comments on your chair — it’s been long enough now, and they never have, but it’s just part of your life, and who you are, and they love you. bea had been right all those years ago. everyone pets korra; even lilith wanders back in to scratch behind her ears. mary teases bea about her glasses and camila shows you the newest tech she’s designed. 

there’s ambient music and the waves outside, your friends all around. you eat too much food and drink probably too much champagne and, as it nears midnight, you take bea’s hand and settle out on the patio, korra asleep at your feet.

your friends — your family — count down from inside and you hold bea’s hand in yours, look at her so gently: the love of your life, in this one and the next. 

you kiss her as fireworks go off and camila blows a noisemaker; you feel her smile against your mouth. 

‘happy new year, bea.’

[lastleggysee]

Arcana M6 how do they act like in Ikea?

Thanks friend! I tried

Fun fact: never been to Ikea but damn does that store have lore

Asra Alnazar

Would absolutely go there just to hang out

Like "MC want to grab some tea and walk around?"

You agree because he promises "It'll just be an hour or two"

You should know better but you go with him anyways

Has no money but picks up every plant and piece of glassware and asks if you want it

Does the same things with the rugs

"Can't you just imagine this in our bedroom?"

You tell Asra that no, you can't, because it's way out of your price range of $0

Asra tries to bring Muriel along but Muriel declines because crowds

But Asra is persuasive and manages to get Muriel in the store one (1) time

The second Asra turns away Muriel has disappeared into the furniture

"Asra shouldn't we go after him?"

"It's a big store MC he's fine"

Asra wanders around for a while and finds Muriel sampling the meatballs

You've absolutely had to have staff call for Asra over the store intercom because he wanders so damn much

He's not even embarrassed by it anymore at this point so you've got to try and come up with a better way to keep him in your line of sight

You enter the store with him at noon and by the time you're leaving it's nighttime

Would also get the 5-finger discount on any and all items he could

Would also gift those same items to you later

Overall just wants to have a good time but has no sense of time management

Nadia Satrinava

Would normally send someone on her behalf to pick up whatever she needs but actually really cherishes running errands with you

So she comes up with a not 100% bullshit reason to go.

"The curtains are looking ragged, don't you think? I'd appreciate if you'd help me pick out a new set"

You know it's an excuse but you agree anyway because any excuse to go out with Nadia is a worthy excuse in your book

She stops for coffee on the way there and walks in like she owns the store because she probably could, if she wanted

Visits the section she "came for" first

Asks your opinion on everything and watches your face for reactions when she points out a piece she likes

Nadia just wants the home you two share to feel like it belongs to you both

That being said, she has standards.

You like picking out the ugliest pieces of furniture or art or whatever you can find and bringing it back to her like you've found your dream piece

"Nadia I can't believe they have it here! It's gorgeous, can't you just see it on the balcony?"

She plays along at first just in case you're being genuine

Like, asking legitimate questions about price and placement and what might go with it

When she realizes you're joking she doesn't stop either, she puts it in the cart and starts walking towards the registers

You run in front of the cart to stop her and she's already laughing

She would buy anything you wanted though, so you have to be careful about what you oggle at

HATES the meatballs

Hates that you love the meatballs

Tried to eat them once. Got about half a mouthful before declining any others and silently judging you for putting the rest down

Actually buys what she set out to buy so trip is a win

Takes you out for dinner afterwards

Julian Devorak

Let's be real he frequents there for the little jars and vases to put his leeches in

But he's developed such an attachment to all the furniture items he owns that he feels guilty about replacing them

His mattress has a perfect Julian-sized crater in it and that's how he likes it

Don't get him started on his desk chair

"I've had some of my best ideas in this chair, it's bad luck to buy another!"

You practically have to drag him into the store but once you're there he's fine

He does try to distract you from buying what you set out to purchase though

"MC, doesn't that desk look perfect for bending-"

You stomp on his foot and he gets the message

Has already put 3 bags of coffee in your cart before even getting to the mattresses

Not trying to distract you at all or anything

Absolutely picks up no less than 30 more jars because "You never know when you'll need them"

But eventually the time comes for you to look at the mattresses and for someone who'd rather swallow leeches than get a new mattress Julian really seems to be enjoying himself

He flops down on every display with his cape all spread out looking like an extra blanket

"MC, what do you think about this one? It's supposed to have cooling technology."

But this man has been tired for the past 20 years

Falls asleep on one of the mattresses but no one says anything because he looks like he needed it

You finish looking around at what you wanted to see and come back to him in the same position

You wake him up and let him know you're buying the mattress and there's nothing he can do about it

Maybe you're right sometimes, not that he'll admit it

Portia Devorak

Goes for the kitchenware, stays for the cat furniture

Half the cart is just things for Pepi

The other half are probably gifts tbh

She just sees things that remind her of you, or Julian, or Nadia, and wants you to have them

Gives the BEST, most thoughtful gifts by the way. From an IKEA. Don't know how she does it she just does.

When you go with her she tries to send you away to hide that and asks you to pick up something from the other side of the store

You get lost on your way to get it

But you know if you just hang out in the kitchen section she'll be back within the hour so you just wait it out

Sits on almost every chair to try it out

You legitimately feel the burn from getting up and down out of chairs after a while

"That one's nice, but you've got to check this one out MC" x 100

Some staff know her by name

It's actually kind of sweet because they bring her samples of food while she's shopping but not in a selling tactic way

Loves the food court

The sweets are her favorite

Anything chocolate is her favorite but the desserts have a special place in her heart

Brings home some of the fish for Pepi even though he's probably not supposed to have it

Spends the rest of the night arranging the things she bought in her home

Asks you to stay to do it all

You would've done it anyway

Muriel of the Kokhuri

Does NOT want to be there

Does NOT want you to be there

Would rather be almost anywhere else

Goes with you every time you ask

Mostly just follows you around the store while you're doing what you need to do

Will provide feedback if you ask but honestly mostly just likes watching you enjoy yourself finding new items to put around the house

Actually stops when you walk past the plant section

"Do you want to look at anything Muriel?"

"It's not important, I was just looking."

"It doesn't have to be important if you like it."

He just sighs and tries to walk away but you grab his hand and pull him to the plants

Knows the plant names without having to read the label

Walks away with at least 2 houseplants because you saw how he smiled when he looked at them

Thinks he's going to be too big for all of the chairs :(

You pass by a HUGE fluffy chair and sit in it

"There's enough room for both of us, come on!"

He loves the chair

He loves you

Likes that the store is so big that he can pretty much still stay away from everyone as much as he wants

He still wants to leave as soon as possible though

Lucio Morgasson

Claims to have the best way to navigate the store without getting lost or getting distracted by "extras"

Has actually been banned from no less than two (2) Ikea stores

Is also fond of the five finger discount

Spends most of his time in the stores he's not banned at in the food court

"It's better than most of the restaurants in the city you know"

If he sees you looking at something he's already trying to buy it for you

You try and tell him you just wanted a closer look but it's no use

"You should've seen how your face lit up, just let me get it for you"

You have to spend no less than 15 minutes trying to convince him that you honestly don't want it

He just wants to make you happy

Finds it hilarious that Ikea sets up a bathroom display in the middle of the store for some reason

Always jokes that he's going to head to the restroom just to stand near one of the display toilets

You still laugh every time because of the look on his face

Has tried to haggle with cashiers before

"Sir this is an Ikea, the prices are fixed"

Has tried to invoke the "Count's Discount"

"What do you mean you don't have that, it's in the name: dis-COUNT"

Asks to speak with the manager

[thesunshineriptide]

Adventures in babysitting

Overblot club

A Heart’s a Heavy Burden

Characters: Azul, Jade, Floyd, Lilia

cw// Azul Ashengrotto Typical Angst (self hatred, eating disorders, body hate, childhood trauma, past bullying) body horror (mild), fighting a fish, fish violence(?), Azul loses it part 23686482, Floyd leech typical behavior, jade leech typical behavior, Azul Ashengrotto typical behavior, bullying a child (self bullying), Cannibalism jokes

The potion swirls, delicate shimmers of pearl dust floating near the surface. Light emanates from it, blue and gold and white, sending shadows dancing around the ceiling.

“Are you sure about this?”

“I’m positive. These kids need it.”

It’s no accident that Azul found himself in the clutches of this spell. It was stupidity, and his own at that.

He had heard of the mystery potion that Sam was selling and it’s vastly wild effects it was having on others. He had even heard what happened with Riddle, and it did genuinely seem like it was helping.

And he wanted it.

He was so sure of himself, after shoving everything down for ten years, that he was already the best he could be. Yes, there was always room for better, but he didn’t need anything, not like those other poor souls.

As he sits on the floor of the VIP room, disoriented, he comes to terms with the fact he was very, very wrong.

He was dissecting the components of the potion, trying to reverse engineer the aspects, to figure out what was making it tick. Attempt after attempt to break it down, to essentially undo time and emulsification, and it was clear now that the potion had a mind of its own.

Heating and cooling and heating and cooling and stirring and un-stirring and inspecting and-

Poof.

Azul felt himself be knocked back, coughing as a mist hung in the air and clung to his every pore. He groaned, floundering to try and sit up.

When he looked down, he noticed that his pants looked…lumpy. His shoes had sipped off, and out the bottom of his pants appeared wriggling tentacles, attempting to grab onto something.

He stilled them, rubbing at his eyes. He still had his glasses on, and they still appeared to be working, so it seemed…

Half transformed. Below the waist were his tentacles, but above it he was human. He frowned, squirming. He attempted to shift back into his human form as he had done several times now, only to find he was stuck.

He grumbled, wiggling out of his pants, freeing himself from the cloth prison he was trapped in, wrinkling his nose at the feeling of the office’s carpet against his suckers.

He let out a sigh, scrubbing down his face with a free hand. This was certainly not what he was expecting to happen today, and he was not having a good time with it.

He paused when he felt something touch one of his legs, and nearly jumped out of his skin. He turned, slowly, to see what might be there.

He stared at the tiny octomer that stared back with his matching shade of silver hair and bright blue eyes, staring at him in confusion, with tears pricking at the corners of them.

“H-hello?” The tiny boy asked, hands clasping Azul’s desk.

No.

No. No. No. No. No. No. Absolutely not.

This thing…this child, it can’t be here. Azul frowns, staring blankly at the child. He didn’t want to respond, he didn’t want to acknowledge it’s existence, he didn’t want it to be here at all.

He inspected the child, though, finding that he was in much the same condition that he himself was in. Half human, half octopus, three hearts pumping warm blood rather than the blue normal. Gills missing, skin warm and pink, but tentacles still present and moving around, feeling at everything within reach. Ah, right, he hadn’t developed such conscious skill over them for quite a while, had he?

Little Azul stared at him, reaching out to grab his hand. “You’re an octopus, like me!” He said, trying to open a conversation again, “My name’s Azul. I…I think I’m lost.”

Azul stared at him still, trying to think of a response. What he should have said was something comforting to the lost child, but what came out was, “Man. I was truly a stupid child.”

In a second, his younger self looked like he’d been slapped, and moved away from him. It was clear he wanted to ask questions, that there was a lot on his mind, that he wanted so badly for this other mysterious octomer to like him, and…

“That’s really mean.” The kid said, tears finally slipping from his eyes, “What did I ever do to you?” He rubbed at his eyes, his gaze turning hard and cold against the older version of him. “I just wanted some help.”

Azul spluttered, surprised at his boldness. The slightest guilt tugged at him, and he glared back at the child.

“Fine. Since I’m ever so benevolent,” he gritted out, “I’ll tell you. You’re a younger, weaker version of me. We’re at night Raven college, in my office, where I run a business. People look up to me for help, because I worked hard and began an excellent mage. You,” he poked at the little boy, “Aren’t supposed to be here. So, we’re going on a trip.” He grinned maliciously, actually glaring at this child, “Nobody can see you. So we’ll need to get you covered in something.”

The elder looked around, desperately trying to find something to cover the child with in order to sneak him to the Octavinelle salt pools, just a floor away. He settled on the pants that he was previously wearing, then realized the slight issue with his plan.

Azul’s luck seemed to break even further, because when he finally looked up, he realized that the VIP room door was open.

And the child was gone.

Panic set in and he dropped the task at hand, rushing over to the door to look for the kid. It took him a little bit, since he had to work with eight legs and no water to help with movement, but he moved surprisingly fast for being on land.

He rounded the corner, only to immediately be met with Floyd’s surprised eyes. He was holding the bundle of octopus as the kid clung to him, sobbing into his shoulder.

Floyd’s expression was something Azul hadn’t ever seen before. It was equal parts angry, pity, sympathy, and surprise. He gently nudged the kid with one hand, hushing him for a moment, “Hey, baby tako, you wanna go for a swim? It’s been a while since any of us have done that. I can tell you all sorts of fun stories~” he baited, tickling Azul’s side with a soft grin.

Little Azul looked up, sniffling and wiping his eyes (and mouth, Azul noted. Floyd’s scarf was covered in ink now, which made his stomach twist with a rage he couldn’t explain) The kid finally gave him a smile, one that made his eyes crinkle and his chubby cheeks bulge and turn a little pink. “You wanna swim with me?” He asked, looking at Floyd with adoration, “A-are you sure? I’m not very fast…” He said, beginning to deflate.

“That’s alright,” Floyd said, “If you wanna go faster, you can just grab my fin. I can take us really fast.” He gave him a little mischievous wink, then adjusted his grip, sitting the tiny octopus on his waist.

The commotion around the VIP room caught the attention of Jade, who had previously been in the kitchen teaching Lilia some cooking techniques since Mostro wasn’t open. He dismissed himself for a quick moment, making his way over to his brother. When his eyes settled on the bundle of joy settled into Floyd’s arms, he was equally surprised and somewhat delighted. Now, that’s a sight he hasn’t seen since they were children.

“Oya? Is that a young Azul I spy?” He asked playfully, knowing full well of the answer, “I wasn’t expecting such a delightful visitor today, but it is surely worth shuffling around my schedule for.”

“Nee~ Nee~ we’re gonna go swimming in the pool!” Floyd cheered, leaning in to nibble gently on one of Azul’s squirming tentacles. He didn’t bite down hard, but it still made Azul yelp in surprise and retract it. “You’ll come too, right? Oh, and Big Azul has to come!” He said, turning to look at the merman sitting on the floor.

Jade leaned over just a bit to peer at him, looking even more surprised an amused than before. “I suppose he will. Azul, why are you transformed in your office?”

Azul frowned and crossed his arms, letting out a fussy huff, “I can’t turn back. I’m stuck like this. It happened when the…that,” he pointed at his younger self, “showed up.”

“He has a name, y’know.” Floyd said, sounding slightly irritated, “he’s Azul.”

“I’m Azul.” The 17 year old defended, glaring at the child, “That is a mistake.”

Little Azul looked ready to cry, but settled for glaring at his older self and spitting ink at him.

Four things happened at once. The twins burst out laughing, while Little Azul looked mildly terrified. Older Azul began crawling across the floor on all limbs at Floyd, looking utterly terrifying for once. Little Azul, in response, began to shriek in fear. And the cries of a child in distress alerted Lilia, who rushed out of the kitchen holding a pot and a kitchen knife, poised to attack the threat at hand. This did not help, and Little Azul began to cry on top of screaming, resulting in a lot of very uncomfortable eardrums and a whole lot of ink being spewed.

Lilia threw the knife to the side and made arms for little Azul, holding the blubbering mess close and trying to soothe him. Older Azul, on the other hand, was currently being lifted by Floyd in a nelson hold, arms trapped firmly due to having pesky bones, and tentacles dangling underfoot. It wasn’t easy for Floyd to do this, since Azul could still control his legs and was also larger than the eel by quite a lot, but he managed through the power of sheer Will and a little bit of non-gentle biting.

Jade had left to turn off whatever was going on in the kitchen, and returned with a giant cardboard box normally used for ingredients. Floyd proceeded to shove Azul’s bottom half into it, much to the octopus’s dismay.

With the elder Azul thinking clearly, he could see that, yknow, maybe he shouldn’t have picked a fight with a child. Even if he felt that since that child was him it was fair, it was still a bad call on his part, especially when missing the Appropriate Body To Fight. Now, missing part of one of his legs, he was tired and miffed and ready to give up because this couldn’t get any worse.

“Oh, look at you! You’re so soft and squishy, I could just gobble you up! Are you hungry, little guy? I can make you something and bring it to you.” Lilia cooed at little Azul.

Nope, no, nope, he can’t do it. This is officially the worst day of his life and he wants to stop existing right now, especially when the kid giggles and nods along, looking excited.

He shrieked further into his new cardboard octopus box, sulking and seething. His tentacles writhe in anger, and Floyd smacks one away from Lilia’s cape.

“Dude, what’s your problem?” Floyd asks, clearly annoyed and extremely bluntly, “Why are you bein’ mean to little Octy?”

Azul scoffed, “You haven’t called me that in forever.”

“You haven’t been that in forever.” Floyd says, “‘n you avoided the question. Why are you pickin’ on a kid?”

Jade took that moment to crouch beside him, “Didn’t you say after your overblot that you would stop trying to erase your past?”

Azul glared, watching Lilia play with his young self, “I’m not attempting to erase my past. I simply don’t wish to be reminded of it.”

Floyd groaned, reaching down and flicking Azul’s head, “you’re bein’ a buzzkill. Nobody’s here to see it but us-“

“And the Diasomnia Vice Housewarden!” Azul protested.

“And Flapjack octopus.” Floyd corrected, “But he’s harmless. C’mon, stop being so grumpy and just have fun.”

“This is a rare opportunity.” Jade added, eyes twinkling, “It’s not every day you get to see yourself like this.”

Azul frowned, then turned to where he could see Lilia and the younger Azul.

“Wow, they’re so cool!” Lilia was saying, bent over to his little tentacles, “and you can feel with all of them?”

“Yeah!” He cheered, face warm with all the praise he was receiving, “I learned how to write with them too! I can write grimoires super fast now!”

Lilia smiled, “That’s so clever! I’m not surprised at all you grew up to be so clever.” He said, reaching up to pinch Azul’s cheek playfully.

The little merman giggled, shooing away Lilia’s hand half heartedly, “You think so? The other kids say I’m clumsy and slow.”

Lilia shook his head, “Everyone has different strengths. If there’s something they can do that you can’t, there’s probably a lot that you can do that they can’t. Speed has nothing to do with it.”

Azul tilted his head, then slowly shook it, “No, I mean…well, yeah, physically slow, but like…mentally.”

Lilia’s eyebrows shot up, “They call you stupid?”

Azul nodded, eyes downcast, “You probably think that too now, right?”

The fae laughed, “No, of course not. That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard, and I’ve been around quite some time.” He smiled easily at the kid, “You know octopuses are considered one of the smartest animals on earth, right?”

Azul shifted, tentacles splaying in what may have been an attempt to stand, the suckers popping softly against the surface of the table he was currently perched on. “Really?”

“Really.” Lilia confirmed, patting his head, “They’re known as great escape artists, and they have a lot of brainpower. It doesn’t surprise me that you’re so smart.”

The child beamed at him, squirming a little in happiness. His tentacles began to move too, in their own little rhythmic dance, and he made little popping sounds with his mouth.

The faerie observed this with wonder and amusement, taking it in for a moment before joyfully joining him. He floated into the air and began to wiggle his legs around, kicking them back and forth while he made popping sounds with his mouth as well.

This seemed to please little Azul, who added in a lilting trilling sounds and began to flap his wrists excitedly.

The elder Azul simply stared on in wonderment. “Did I always do that?” He asked the twins idly.

“All the time.” Floyd grinned, “sometimes you still do some of it. The popping, mostly.”

“And the wrist flapping, when you’re stressed.” Jade agreed, “It’s rather…endearing.”

“Can we go swimming?” The kid called, “I feel all dry, I don’t like it.”

This brought everyone back to the task at hand, and immediately the twins jumped to action.

“Yeah, yeah, let’s get going!” Floyd cheered, scooping up the octopus box.

Jade came over to take little Azul, only to find that the octopus was rather attached to Lilia now.

“Mister Lilia, will you come swimming with us?” He asked with big, pleading eyes.

Lilia couldn’t say no to a face like that, he would be heartless. Azul, on the other hand, was completely capable and willing to decline for him.

“Lilia’s very busy, now let Jade carry you.”

Lilia rolled his eyes with no real heat and said, “I’d love to go swimming. Shall I carry you?”

Little Azul lit up, immediately clinging with all of his limbs to Lilia, giggling at the movement of walking. Jade followed behind, grabbing a few things like towels along the way, but nobody paid much mind. Floyd was too busy trying to shove Azul back in the box while Lilia tickled the little octomer with a serene smile.

Azul was unceremoniously dumped into the salt pool (which was more so just an opening to the rest of the ocean, since octavinelle is underwater). He spluttered and pushed hair from his face, only to see Floyd frowning down at him. “Stop being such an asshole about the kid. He’s just you.” He said before promptly jumping into the pool.

The other Azul is set down gently into the water by Lilia, who then went off to the side to begin undoing his 50,000 goth chains and belts so he could wear just a tshirt and pants in the pool. He could have used magic, like a normal person, but the little Azul seemed entranced by the sound of chains and buckles clacking against each other.

Actually, so did big Azul, who ended up unconsciously floating closer and closer to the edge of the pool next to his younger self until they were right beside each other, both staring at Lilia and trilling softly.

It was until Lilia stopped that Azul had realized what he had been doing, and practically sprung away from his younger self, face warm a soft purple.

Oh, look at that, now that they’re in the water he’s gone back to his full form. So has the child, come to think of it. The potion must change with triggers, he thinks idly.

He sinks under the water, blinking as his eyes adjust to the dark. He lets out a sigh, bubbles escaping his mouth.

He hates to admit it, but it feels nice being able to breathe for once. This spell…this curse, as he’s beginning to call it, is messing with him. Surely it’s a punishment of some kind. This is no blessing, it’s exactly as shady and twisted as the deals he makes, and he’s on the receiving end!

He lets himself float for a while, tentacles just barely touching the surface of the sand below him. He can hear water splashing above, and the muffled sounds of joy and laughter, and he simply can’t bring himself to be mad anymore.

The twins are right. That…. His younger self, he acknowledges. He hasn’t done anything, and even if he harbors that inner hate…he really is just a child. He doesn’t know what’s happened, or even what’s going on now. So why? Why does he hate that child so much?

His heart sinks as he hears the deep, rumbling sound of a predator nearby. A long, slim silhouette crosses above him, blocking out the sun for a moment. When he looks up, he sees the shimmery body of a large, hungry barracuda.

Headed for the little octomer he wants to be rid of.

The little octomer that has done nothing but try and be friends, he reminds himself. The little octomer who was pleased to see him. The little octomer that was also, literally his younger self. His past made manifest.

He grit his teeth, propelling himself toward the barracuda, fists clenched. No, he wouldn’t be feasting on anything today. And besides, maybe beating the shit out of a fish would make him feel a little better. Release some pressure, or something.

He wastes no time in grappling the barracuda, managing to latch onto it with his whole body. He’s got his fingers in it’s gills, which he knows is uncomfortable as shit, and is trying to shove its head in a different direction. He’s squeezing it intensely, making it wriggle and writhe in his grip, as he forces its mouth shut with one hand, the other still grappling its gills.

Unable to make it change course, he resorts to just smacking the shit out of its snout and screaming incoherently with the rage of two years of nonstop paperwork and ten years of pent up self hatred coming to light.

All the tussling catches Floyd’s attention. He slips down under water, leaving Jade in charge of playing with Azul for a few moments (not that either of them min) as he slinks down to where Azul is still smacking the 6 foot fish that’s literally 1/6th of his size.

“Ya need any help?” He drawls casually, a wicked smile playing on his lips, “Sharing is caring, you know.”

“I’m good!” Azul chirps, a slightly crazed look in his eye as he balls himself up before flinging the barracuda harshly against a rock, “Thanks though.”

Floyd pouts dramatically, “C’mon, I wanna play too! I left little Takoyaki to check on you.”

Azul sighs and gestures to the fish swimming away, “I suppose I’ve had my fun. If you wanna chase after it, be my guest.”

Floyd grins, planting a wet kiss mockingly on Azul’s cheek before darting after the fish, overtaking it in no time.

Azul lets out a little humph before turning and beginning to meander back toward the surface of the pool. He gets closer, then sighs again before coming above the surface to tread beside his younger self, looking entirely too awkward for someone that’s literally just near his own self.

Jade had the Azul on his ‘lap’, tail flicking over them to splash the kid with water. He looked more like a sea otter than an eel, Azul thinks, watching the two play. It’s odd to see the twins so soft, especially with someone who as literally just him but younger, but he supposes they’re softer with children regardless.

Jade leans in and whispers something to the kid that he can’t hear, glancing over his way. When little Azul turns to look at him, he realizes that something he isn’t going to like is about to happen.

Suddenly, the two mermen disappear under the water, going further and further down. When they don’t resurface for a bit, Azul can’t help but feel a little rejected. Yes, he knows that he rejected them first, he even recognizes that he’s being an asshole, but still. It’s just reopening some old wounds.

This spiraling thought process is broken by Lilia, who’s sitting at the edge of the pool with his feet dangling in.

“You know, Ashengrotto, it seems like you were a delightful child.” He has calmly, watching as Azul blushes.

“I appreciate your kind comment.” He says, scrambling for the upper hand, “I appreciate you taking time out of your day to attend to this matter, as well. If you’d like, I believe it’s under control at the moment, if you have other business.”

Lilia raised an eyebrow and let out a hearty laugh, leaning back, “You sound so serious. It’s really no big issue. I miss having children around, they’re always such a joy.”

“Oh.” Azul says, swimming a little closer, though he kept most of his body under the surface, “do you have lots of younger siblings then?”

Lilia laughs again, smiling down at him, “Something like that. For a long time, my home had younger kids in them. Childhood is such a gift. To see young people experience things for the first time, and develop themselves? It’s lovely to see who they grow up to be and where they came from.” He said nostalgically, gaze distant. His eyes train down on Azul quickly though, and he gives him a sympathetic smile, “I suppose, though, it might be upsetting to some. You, in particular, seem to harbor a lot of anger. Especially toward him.”

Azul contemplated this for a moment, tracing the black skin around his wrists. He thought hard before quietly admitting, “I wasn’t good enough.”

“Huh?” Lilia asked, seemingly surprised by his answer, “What makes you say that?”

“Too fat. Too slow. Too stupid. Too lazy.” He said, each with a pause longer than the last, “Just…not enough. Or too much, maybe?” He followed a crack between the edge of the pool and the concrete beside it with his finger, eyes trained with it, “I want to be better.”

They sat in silence for a while. Azul found himself relaxing into it, like a weight was lifted from his chest, while Lilia seemed to just be thinking hard on what to say.

“I think,” Lilia finally began, speaking just loud enough for him to hear, “perhaps, the issue wasn’t you. It was others expectations of you. You were simply doing what you needed to in order to survive as a child, right?”

The silence returned, and Azul felt that his silver tongue had turned to lead. “But..” he tried. He couldn’t find anything to refute that, no logical argument could be made. Everything left was stuck in his feelings, and, well…

It was quiet. Lilia gave him the grace and space to think as he splashed around in the water, sending little droplets across the top.

Azul lifted his head from his arms when he felt the gentle tap of a hand on his shoulder, and the intertwining of tentacles around his own. He turned to look, and was met with his younger self, as well as both twins. Jade was holding a collection of…something, while Floyd was swimming back and forth in circles just a few feet away.

Little Azul was right next to him, hopefully holding out something. It was a coin. Unpolished, and certainly not rare, but it still glittered against the light.

“Here.” The little merman said, “it’s for you.”

Azul stared, eyes flicking between the coin and his younger self. He gingerly took the coin from his outstretched hands, then clenched it tightly. He placed it against the lip of the pool, then smiled at the child, “Thank you.” He said softly, offering the child his hand, “Would you like to go find more with me? I’m sure your coin hunting skills are on par with my own.”

Both octomers finally smiled, together, and slipped under the surface.

The elder took little Azul’s hand, guiding him carefully. He could swim faster, since he was bigger, but decided to let himself move slower.

The slowly sink to the seabed below, tentacles splaying with the soft impact. The younger Azul immediately began to search for coins again, tugging on the elder, “I found the last one this way!”

He lets himself be tugged along by the child, hovering not far behind. The water is murky, and he can’t tell if it’s from being so far down or from feelings being let out.

His hand finds Little Azul’s, clasping it with a desperation he didn’t know he had.

“I’m sorry.” He says, settling down, “I’m so sorry.”

He feels little hands wiping at his cheeks, and looks up to see big blue worried eyes.

“It’s okay,” the kid says, “You did what you thought was best.”

Azul stares at his younger self, completely silent and at a loss for words.

“Can we be friends now?” The kid asks, looking hopeful, “Nobody else gets me.”

“They can’t.” Azul says softly, “They don’t have the brainpower.”

It earns a giggle from little Azul, and a wide smile. “Let’s find more coins!” He grins, beginning to swim off. His eyes are trained down into the sand, hands sifting through greedily.

Azul follows suit, using all of his tentacles to aid in the mission. He ends up disturbing a crab, who pinches one of his tendrils and scuttles off. He pouts for a moment when his younger self laughs a little, but it turns into surprise when he chases it and brings it back.

“I’m sorry Mister Crab.” He coos to the creature perched in his tiny hands, “We didn’t mean to disturb you. We were looking for coins!” The crab, as expected, has no reaction, but little Azul laughs anyway before swimming off with him. He perched him on a rock, carefully. “I won’t move you too far, but this way we don’t bother you again. Goodbye, Mister crab!”

The young merman returns to his elder self, smiling widely. “He said he’s sorry for pinching you.” He says seriously, “are you okay?”

Azul smiles, patting his head, “I’m quite alright. Shall we return to our hunt?”

The two spend hours at the bottom of the sea, sifting through sand. They find various things, several of which little Azul keeps, that are not coins. Shells, sea glass, various shiny pieces of what’s, quite honestly, trash, bottle caps, pieces of kelp, bleached coral, and even a few pearls and gemstones.

Azul is surprised at just how much they find, but more so what his younger self deems valuable.

“This shell is pink inside!” He chirps happily, showing his elder self, “It looks soft! I like it!” He then proceeds to hold it in one of his tentacles as he continues to search.

“This is so shiny!” He holds up a piece of foil from a pop tart, discarded carelessly into the sea, “I could look at it for hours!”

“Why did you choose that?” He asks, pointing at the stones in his hands

Little Azul looks up and beams at him, “They’re chlora…clo…chlololora…”

“Chlorastrolite.” He supplies gently.

“Chlorastrolbites!” He says, smiling, “yeah, those! They’re green, like Jade and Floyd. I wanna give it to them.”

He holds out the pieces out to show Azul. They look as though it’s been split in half, giving two even, matching pieces.

Azul gives a watery smile, scooping up his little self, “I’m sure they’ll appreciate them greatly.”

Little Azul smiles even wider than before, all of his pearly white teeth on full display. He wiggled around, tentacles thumping gently in time with him before he stopped, “I found something for you too!” Little Azul squirms around a little before one of his tendrils comes up to plop something in his hand.

He turns to the elder Azul, proudly holding out his treasure.

In his hand is a small chunk of lavender aragonite, slightly smooth due to probably tumbling around in the sand for quite some time. The little octomer looks proud of himself, and he should be.

Azul takes it from him, settling down in the sand to be at his level. He cradles it gently with both hands, looking between it and him. “This is beautiful,” he says softly, “thank you.”

The young Azul smiles, looking wiser than his years. He looks up to find Jade and Floyd swimming their way. Floyd wraps himself around the little Azul, scooping him up with his tail. He turns to Jade with a grin, saying, “I win!”

Jade merely laughs a little and nods, “That you did.”

Little Azul pats at Floyd, saying, “I think it’s time I leave soon.”

The three mermen look confused. Jade raises an eyebrow as he asks, “What do you mean, ‘go’?”

Little Azul laughs a bit, “I can’t stay forever. I have to go back soon. Azul’s almost better.”

“Huh?” Azul asks, “I don’t understand.”

“It’s okay,” the child says, snuggling himself closer to Floyd, “You will.”

It’s evident that they won’t be getting any answers from him about his cryptic words, and Floyd simply shrugs. He squeezes little Azul against himself, pressing his face into the kid’s shoulder, “You’re so soft. ‘Zul isn’t nearly as fun to snuggle.” He mumbles, “You’re so soft and cute.”

“Don’t bite me.” Azul says seriously, “I don’t like that.”

Floyd pouts and groans dramatically, “Fiiiine, I guess.”

Jade comes over to join and scoops little Azul from his twin’s arms, “I’ve barely had any time to spend with you, have I? I’d like to state for the record that I have missed you as much as Floyd has.”

Azul stares, wide eyed at the twins being so gentle. He couldn’t remember a time in his life that they were ever so soft with him, even when they were children themselves.

Jade and Floyd grin at each other before swimming in opposite directions, Jade still gripping onto the kid as they swim, which makes him giggle in delight.

Then, in a few moments, the twins are tossing Azul back and forth gently, using their tales to fling him and catch him in turn. They’re swimming fast, probably faster than Azul had ever gone in his life, and it looked like the kid was having a ton of fun.

It made him jealous for a moment, actually. It had been so long since he’d played. He was only seventeen, but he felt much older in that moment. When was the last time he had fun like that, he wondered? It had been years…

He reached out with one tentacle, snatching his younger self. Everyone turned to look at him as he grinned wickedly, then took his turn tossing the kid to Floyd.

Time seemed to no longer exist for them, the three friends and their younger companion. It felt like a summer day spent at the pool, warm and bright and cool all at once.

But like a summer day, things would have to come to an end.

Little Azul swam sleepily over to his elder self, pushing himself into his arms. “It’s time I go now.” He said softly, letting out a little yawn.

Azul frowned, petting his hair absently, “What do you mean?”

Little Azul looked up and smiled at him sympathetically, “It’s time I go home.”

Azul was at a loss for words. He tried to think, how could he explain this? They weren’t close to home, they were at college, he couldn’t just leave, especially not on his own! He’s just a little kid.

Little Azul settled himself completely in his arms, and he barely noticed. He felt the warmth at his chest, and the stares of the twins trained on him.

He looked down, to find the tiny octopus merman seemingly asleep. His eyelids fluttered with movement, but the tiny snores he let out told him that it was just REM.

He pulled him closer, murmuring a soft, “Sleep well, little guy. I’ll protect you.”

And with that, the child began to glow faintly, shimmering and shining like the potion had earlier. He leaned further into Azul, and he felt something odd. Then, with a soft pop, little Azul was gone.

Azul spluttered, as in the same moment, his legs returned. He yelped in surprise and confusion, but luckily Jade and Floyd were there. Floyd grabbed him and began to swim him right back to the surface, where Azul began to splutter, coughing out a little water and taking in fresh air.

Jade surfaced next to him, hopping out of the water. He transformed back to human, paying no mind that Lilia was still sitting near the pool, and walked to his clothes. With a wave of his pen, he was dry and fully clothed. He then returned to Azul, helping him out of the pool and doing much the same for him.

Azul shook, still reeling from what transpired.

Lilia came to stand beside him. He reached out, grabbing his forearm gently.

Azul jumped and looked up, frantic eyes locked on Lilia’s.

Lilia gave him a knowing look, and gently said, “Are you quite alright, Ashengrotto?”

It took him a moment to collect himself and find his words. He was leaning heavily into Jade’s grip, and could feel his questioning eyes watching him again.

“Azul!” Floyd yelled.

He turned, eyebrow raised, “Huh?”

Floyd smiled, crossing his arms on the lip of the pool and resting his head on them, “Can we have Takoyaki for dinner tonight?”

Azul flushed and stuttered out, “Wha- I- h-“

Floyd laughed, tail lapping at the waves behind him, “We were good, weren’t we Jade? I didn’t even bite the little octopus!”

“If I recall correctly, you did actually do that.”

“But not hard!” He pouted, “‘n I’m hungry. All that swimming worked up an appetite.”

Azul laughed softly, somewhat in amusement and somewhat in disbelief. He sighed, “Yeah, you guys can have Takoyaki tonight.”

“On the house?”

“Well now, that’s a little much don’t you think?” Azul said deadpan, though all three knew he was joking.

He turned back to Lilia, brain finally having caught up to his question, “I…I think I’m okay. I feel a little…weird. I’m not sure how to describe it. Heavier, somehow? Denser?”

Lilia laughed a little, patting his arm, “Yes, I suppose a heart is a heavy burden, isn’t it?”

Azul gawked and flushed, crossing his arms. “Are you trying to say you thought me heartless?”

“Well, I mean no offense by it, but I don’t believe you were in touch with it much, were you?”

He glared half heartedly, then blinked. “I…one moment. I forgot something.”

Jade lifted an eyebrow in confusion as Azul took off his blazer, then promptly dove into the water.

Floyd exchanged a confused look with Jade before diving down to follow the dorm leader, tail spraying Jade and Lilia with water ‘accidentally’ as he turned.

Azul had puffed cheeks as he was frantically looking around, grabbing at the sand below.

Mister Crab seemed to take pity on him, and brought him exactly what he was looking for when he saw that he was running out of air.

When Azul turned to look, Floyd was hovering beside him, watching in confusion.

“You get it?” He asked when he saw his full hands.

Azul nodded, letting out a bubble of air. He was beginning to panic, and his lungs were beginning to burn. Curse his forgetfulness, both in regards to his pen and to forgetting the treasures.

Floyd swam him back to the surface (again) and Azul spat out some water, dumping the contents of his hands on the edge of the pool before brushing his wet hair from his face.

“Thank you, Floyd.” He said softly to him.

Floyd hummed, wrapping himself around Azul, “Yeah, I know. You owe me double that Takoyaki though.” He teased, before resting his head on his shoulder, “What’d you get?”

Azul flushed, squirming in Floyd grip a moment before sighing a little, “Little me had something for you. And me, actually.”

Jade approached the edge of the pool, crouching down beside the two still inside. “Oya? And what’s this?”

Azul’s hands shook as he held up the twin pieces of chlorastrolite, “He said, ‘they remind me of Jade and Floyd, and I want to give it to them’.”

Floyd chirped as he took the gemstone, admiring it. He squeezed around Azul a little tighter, humming, “Aww, I knew you loved us.”

“Wha- no!” He protested, face bright pink, “I simply appreciate you a lot!”

“Mhm, sure.” Floyd said. He looked behind Jade, checking to see if Lilia was still around. Evidently, he had left while they were underwater. He bit his lip before saying, very casually and somewhat teasing, “Love you too, ‘Zul.”

Jade took his piece with the upmost care, resting it in the palm of his gloved hand. He admired each part of it, before muttering,“I second that, Floyd.”

Azul looked away, staring toward the doorway. He felt that if he blushed any harder he might actually catch on fire, “Good, good. We all love each other. Now, I, uh….I think I have…work.” He coughed into his hand, finally getting out of the water, his clothes completely soaked. “This was pleasant. I appreciate the time we had together today. I think it’s time to, uh…yeah.” He picked up his gem from where it laid beside the pool and shoved it into his pocket. “I’ll see you later.”

“Takoyaki!” Floyd called out after him, “I mean it!”

Azul laughed and waved a hand to let him know he heard him as he left the room, feeling a lot better than he had when the day started.

[geometricalien]

Akashi is the #1 A-list actor who's currently on the rise. With many audiences adoring him & plenty of critics praising his performances in every award-winning film he starred in, he's basically set for life in Hollywood. But when a scandal breaks out involving him having an affair with a married person, his career is threatened to tank down. His only choice to save himself is to stage a (fake) romance & release a statement to the press to dispute said scandal.

Furihata is a former child star who now works as a regular office worker. Having been exposed to the dark side of the entertainment industry when he was 12, he's more than happy to live a normal life & stay away from the spotlight permanently.

But after meeting with Akashi when Furihata was at the wrong place & at the wrong time, he has no choice but to step on the center of the stage & face the cameras again for one last take...

When I first read this I was so excited- you said the magic word- actor AU plus fake dating! Actors fake dating <3 !! And then I thought more about this and what dark side of the film industry this could mean. And it really could be any number of things like seeing a close work colleague give into drugs and alcohol, developing an eating disorder, or even sexual assault by executives or what not... and that's deserves extra thought.

Whichever dark side Furihata would've seen is really up to personal taste, whichever you feel most comfortable writing because each of them will require extensive care. Presuming this would be from Furihata's pov, this event was such a big life changer that it will always be at the back of his mind, influencing his life. I would never fully address it until a pivotal intimate moment between him and Akashi. Personally I'd go with the last one because it's A) the only one I could actually write and B) makes narrative sense with Furihata's character- after the event being unable to perform infront of said executive and unable to stop his nerves dropping out of the production and the spot light is just the next logical step. And it could be a legal action pursued later on by Akashi's legal team.

Second thing my brain is latching on to- AKASHI IS SOMEONE'S MISTER!? I needed time to conceptualize that. He's been in my head as demisexual for years that I needed to rewire my brain a bit jdksaflj Like, whomist even would it be??? Obviously someone else from the industry and probably someone he worked with somewhat recently but- who? It could be just a faceless character but since this is a character that launches them into this act I would rather have it be an OC than that but if it could be a character from the series (or any other sports anime) who would it be?

God this is hard, gotta consider who would be sleazy enough to cheat and/or who would have a compelling dynamic with Akashi.

From knb I'm leaning to Mayuzumi (but he doesn't even seem to like Akashi, but that smex though) or Nijimura- who would bring in more drama later on because I feel like he and Akashi could've had a solid relationship and genuinely liked each other.

From other sports anime... hmm... maybe Semi or Konoha from hq? Those are smooth cool hot guys who are reliable, kinda in the same vein as Nijimura.

Any way god yes please, im obsessed with this already! I'm feeling like Furihata starred in a major horror film in his youth like the kid from sixth sense.

idk why but im getting major- "oh hi, we ran into each other at the same convience store at 2 am." maybe Furi asked for a picture, Akashi said yes. Akashi exits first and is bombarded by a couple of paparazzi both asking about the images of him leaving XXX's house earlier tonight. Akashi quickly realizing "shit, that's why his publicist had been calling him." And behind him Furihata comes out of the store and before he can edge away from the cameras Akashi grabs his hand and gives him these fucking adoring eyes. "Are you ready, dear?" and just the mental projection of please go along with this. And of course, Furihata is a smart observant cookie. He heard the commotion outside, he knows the pressure from press and fans, and he sympathizes, however its just a little too late for this out of job actor. Akashi leans forward and presses a kiss to his cheek and whispers "play along" as he pulls back. And Akashi turns to the paparazzi saying something like, "My Kouki is a huge fan of XXX and he asked me to get his autograph before we wrapped up the film but I forgot. I couldn't return to him without it and that's why I had to make a visit so late." but more eloquently jfdklsajf

NOW Furihata has to deal with an A lister kissing his cheek and knowing his FIRST name- and not react in total shock. But he can't entirely hide his reaction so he leans into it. He turns into Akashi's body, hiding himself from the cameras but his red ears are clearly visible. He makes sure his shaky voice is just loud enough for the photographers to hear, "Y-you know I don't like cameras..."

Matched in volume, Akashi whispers back, "Of course. Excuse us. We must get going." He leads him back to the unmarked black car on the street a little down. And as they walk away Furihata makes sure to once again say in a natural voice that they can hear, "You didn't have to mention how much a superfan I am of XXX. It's so embarrassing."

All the while these two paparazzi are taking pictures until the car is out of sight and turn to each other like- "that guy looks familiar right? What did Akashi say his name was? Kouki?"

and boom- Furihata is once again entangled in the industry and more importantly in one Akashi motherfucking Seijuurou

[citrinebunny]

Why would I want to do that, sweetheart? You told someone else that you’re quiet. As much as I’d like to see how pretty you would look with your lips around my fingers, I would much rather hear all the cute little noises that I could fuck out of you, no matter how quiet they are.

I wouldn’t go easy on you, but I don’t think you would want me to. I would grab those pretty tits as they bounced from you riding the strap so good, tug and pinch and twist your nipples to see what sounds you make. I’d suck and bite marks all up and down your neck and tits, tug on the plug filling your ass until you squirmed on my lap, and if you asked like a good girl, maybe I’d press my thumb to your clit so, so gently that it wouldn’t be enough but you would keep chasing it with your hips anyway because you’re so fucking needy. You still wouldn’t be allowed to come, mind you, but I think hearing you cry and beg and whimper while you struggle to behave and fuck yourself on my strap like a good little bunny would be such a pretty sound. Besides, you want my fingers in your mouth. Should I give you everything you want just because you ask? So spoiled.

I would give you what you want only after you proved that you earned it, and not a moment sooner. I would have to put your mouth to good use. First, you would have to clean up the mess you made of the strap, and then when you licked it clean, I would shove you down onto your back, tell you to open that bratty mouth of yours and sit on your face. While you were eating me out, I would grab fistfuls of your hair and pull it too hard, just like you want it, tug your collar so it goes little tighter around your throat just because I would want to hear what those cute little whines sound like pressed against my cunt. I know you would do so good, sweetheart, and I know would be so desperate for it by the time I decided I was done using your mouth. How many times do you think you would have to use that pretty mouth of yours to make me come until I let you have what you want?

- 💕

i don’t know what i did to deserve this, but thank you so much <3 your writing is amazing, i’m genuinely melting.

i know i’m normally quiet, but i don’t think that would be the case with you. overstimulated is the only word that comes to mind as i keep rereading this, your hands and mouth, groping, tugging, pinching, and biting all over me would make me such a whiny girl. i promise not to cum until you let me, but dear god i know i’ll be a sobbing, dripping mess by the end of it. your thumb just ghosting over my clit would be the death of me, just ‘please please please’ spilling out of my mouth repeatedly as you ruin me. i am so spoiled, so it’s especially hard to be denied what i want, and cumming on your strap feels like more of a need. putting on a show for you as i clean off the strap would be so fun. pushing it nice and deep so you can watch my lips stretch around it, gagging lightly as it presses against the back of my throat. i’d keep eye contact the whole time, letting my tongue drag over every inch.

i would worship your cunt if you sat on my face, my tongue working over you until it’s sore, wrapping my lips around your clit to get you closer and closer. i’d probably be humping the air like a desperate little bunny, aching for release. i’d love to feel you grind against my mouth, using my hair and collar to keep me in place as you cum all over my tongue. it sounds like you’d love to see me fall apart, so my guess would be at least 3 times. i’d love to be your good little bunny though and make it 4, by then you could probably make me cum with just a single slap to my soaking cunt. finally being allowed to let go after all that would feel absolutely amazing, i think i’d see stars and cry out ‘thank you’ until i lost my voice.

i hope my response lives up to your ask!!!

/)/)

( . .)

( づ♡

[mamamittens]

The Perfect Gift

Day #9 of 2022 December Event

Fandom: One Piece

Ship: WhitebeardXBee(OC)

Warnings: Mentions of booze, teasing conversations, contemplated murder for said teasing, mild embarrassment, and sheer industrial sized cheese for the Christmas season.

Edit: (12/25/22) Properly edited to reflect proper formatting! Enjoy it as I originally intended!

Word Count: 1,613

@secretsnailor

“So… you’ve come crawling to me, eh?” Thatch cackled, leaning on his elbows over a cookbook with a wicked grin. “I should have expected no less considering my vast experience in matters of the heart~!”

Bee, with no expression save a twitch of her eyebrow, grabbed a handful of flour from the bowl on the counter and threw it at his face.

“Shut the fuck up, Thatch. I came here for baking advice. Ass.” Bee hissed through her teeth. Thatch’s face and hair was covered in a thin white layer of flour as he blinked, sputtering and coughing as he laughed. “I don’t know what you think I came in here for—which I did not—but I need help baking something!” She clarified, face hot as she glared.

Blindly, Thatch reached out for a rag and wiped at his face, still cackling. Most of the flour was removed, revealing a shit eating grin.

“Oh, whatever could I mean? I haven’t the slightest idea~” Thatch sighed before straightening out his back and rolling his eyes. “So, I guess this means you’re not giving Oyaji a bottle of booze and calling it good for the ‘Secret Santa’? You know he would never say ‘no’ to that, right?”

Bee briefly considered the merits of pouring the entire bowl of flour over Thatch’s head before deciding the effort it would take to reach that high simply wasn’t worth it. Damn his pompadour.

“No. Close though… How do you think he’d like a whiskey bundt cake?” Bee asked, holding up a vintage bottle. Thatch perked up, eyes wide as he finally gave a genuine smile.

“I think he’d love it!” Then he leaned in close with a smirk. “Now about that love advice~”

“Shut! Up!” Bee hissed. Naturally, the course of love baking, rarely runs smoothly.

Even with Thatch assisting her along the way, double checking her measurements and providing the gigantic proportions of bakeware she needs to make anything substantial for Edward Whitebeard, the cake sets itself on fire no less than six times.

Only twice with actual whiskey inside of it.

Yeah… that stumped Thatch too. After the fourth time, he stormed out of the kitchen to make sure someone wasn’t fucking with them. And yet, no one was. Somehow. Bee wrote it off as her piss poor luck. Just like the stack of letters she tried writing for several weeks now that simply never worked, for one reason or another.

To be fair, a few of those were because someone barged into the room and Bee panicked, spilling ink over the entire letter. The rest was just… long rambling letters about how sweet and handsome and kind and—Bee needed to stop thinking about the fight Edward had with the admiral a few weeks back or she’d toss the bundt cake pan into a wall—

The point was that Bee had a track record of failing to get her feelings across for a while now. Ending up on the Moby Dick was actually a result of a spectacular failure in communication that she will rue to her dying day. But she’d be fucking damned if she didn’t at least convey that she appreciated her captain with this cake. Even if it killed her, and because of the sly comments Thatch keeps making—him as well.

So, when they finally finished baking a delicious ass looking whiskey bundt cake, Bee suddenly found herself with a problem she completely forgot about.

She needed to wrap the damn thing.

“Hmm… we have wax paper but it’s not really gift-wrapping material, ya know?” Thatch offered sincerely. And Bee completely agreed.

For their captain and her ‘totally normal about this man and his beautiful smile and his laugh and his—’ crush, it simply wasn’t good enough to just slap some wax paper on it.

Thankfully, Bee had a heinous supply of beautifully crafted parchment paper perfectly to Edward’s size.

For reasons.

Shut up.

A quick dash to her room while Thatch guarded the bundt cake from thieves or spontaneous combustion solved the issue. With Thatch even graciously wrapping the massive cake himself to ensure it didn’t fall apart, choosing to layer multiple pieces of paper with a grin that briefly inspired bloodlust within Bee. But she reminded herself that he was a good man, a good cook, and a wonderful friend. Even when he was being an ass.

So, he gets to live another day while she delivers this piping hot cake to her ‘very normal, not at all getting out of hand’ crush and captain.

Bee considered it a minor miracle that Edward was, in fact, alone. Well, actually, Marco was there but he saw her with a gift and ducked out with a smile rather quickly.

Edward saw her standing with a massive wrapped gift and smiled.

“Ah! I see my guess about my ‘secret’ Santa was right then.” He adjusted his chair to face Bee properly with a warm grin. “So, my dear, what did you get me? Is that whiskey I smell?” Edward asked cheekily. Bee briefly gathered herself before she melted into the floor from the ‘my dear’ comment.

“W-Well, you’re not wrong! It’s close.” Bee offered up the gift and waited for him to carefully unwrap it. “Whiskey bunt cake.”

Though it was… slightly small in his hands, it was the best she could do without specialty ordering a cake pan big enough to hula hoop in. Never the less, Edward was quite enthusiastic about it. Positively beaming as he dug in.

“Usually, one of my children just give me sake, you know. Getting a cake is quite the treat I don’t get to enjoy often!” Edward bragged, humming as he quickly ate the cake before a nurse could come in and see. Faster than Bee expected, he polished off the whole thing and tossed away the wax paper.

Then he started playing with the impromptu wrapping paper she used, though he distracted himself rather quickly.

“Ah. That reminds me! I know this isn’t quite how it’s supposed to go, but I happened to see this and thought of you, my dear. Merry Christmas.” Edward explained, reaching into a drawer and removing a box with silver wrapping paper. Confused and flustered, Bee accepted the box, picking at the paper slowly.

Inside, wrapped between layers of delicate tissue paper, was a leather satchel. Weather proof and thick with finely embossed detailing. Waves and clouds along the flap and shoulder pad. Edward’s jolly roger stamped on the side in bold, painted lines. It was beautiful, but also very obviously custom made. No one was ballsy enough to just sell things with pirate flags on them. Marine symbols, sure. Maybe. But the very imagery of wanted criminals?! Absolutely not.

Bee snorted.

“You’re so full of shit…” Bee mused softly, warmth spreading in her chest as she clutched the bag.

“Really? I thought I was ‘incredibly handsome with a wonderful smile and kind eyes’?” Edward sighed before clicking his tongue.

Bee jerked, heart slamming in her chest as she looked up at him with wide, frantic eyes.

“I suppose I must be getting too old though… yes, that must be it. Certainly not ‘finely aged’.” Edward held up the ‘wrapping paper’ only for Bee to finally see that it wasn’t blank papers at all.

It was a letter.

A letter she meant to discard for being embarrassing as fuck.

Bee made a sound. Or something like a sound. Something guttural and deep in her chest as she floundered. She meant to say ‘how do you have that? Was it that rat bastard Thatch, that man dies by my hands tonight’.

Instead, the closest she got to any discernable syllables was this:

“Hngh--!?”

“Ah, I suppose it doesn’t matter where I got such ideas. Must be idle thoughts of an unknown author.” Edward grinned, flashing the last page—that little bastard purposefully made sure the entire embarrassing letter was kept together he’s so fucking dead—where there wasn’t a single signature. Because Bee was never going to deliver it.

That was the plan.

She was supposed to burn it. And now look where she is. Mortally embarrassed and completely exposed, clutching a custom bag like a lifeline in front of her crush and captain.

“Wow. How weird. What a mystery. Welpers, gee golly whiz, I guess I should go now.” Bee droned dully as she slowly turned to leave the room. “Glad you liked the present. Feel free to trash the papers. Nothing to see here. Nope. Bye.”

Dignity now scrapped off the floor, Bee made for the door.

“Then again—” Bee froze in the doorway at the soft, teasing tone that went straight down her spine. “It wouldn’t be so surprising if such thoughts were returned to my ‘mysterious’ pen pal. Indeed, I hardly feel compelled to commission a bag for just anyone. And maybe I… purposefully paid extra to add my symbol as a statement. If you wanted to view it as such.” Edward added.

Bee couldn’t just stand there.

So she turned, just a little, to look back.

“…What kind of statement would that be?” Edward smiled softly down at her, almost indulgently.

“That I harbor great affection and would be honored if such a beautiful young lady were to return it. But that would be a Christmas miracle too great to presume.”

Bee couldn’t help herself, her cheeks warm as she smiled, giddy with realization.

“What’s there to presume?” Breathlessly, Bee walked over and allowed Edward to lift her up to kiss his cheek. “Merry Christmas, Edward.”

He laughed softly, his voice rumbling across her skin.

“Merry Christmas, my sweet miracle~!”