#such tidy monkeys

[scatmaan]

im trained on the dangerous monkeys now.. moving up in the world

[lewiscarrolatemybrain]

Not only should Ace be more of a feral unhinged jungle child who’s like barely wearing a mask of civility for convenience sake, but also: it should be kind of a Bit.

Like, Ace learned the absolute bare minimum of socialization (meaning, wipe your ass and wash your hands) from Dadan and the bandits, but that was literally it until he met Sabo. Ace knew like a sparse handful of words — enough to get his point across, but it’s not like he really wanted to have conversations with the bandits anyway — but the infinite majority of his early childhood was spent alone in the jungle. Then he teams up with Sabo, who arguably has too much socializing, and while they do trade skills and teach each other some stuff, for the most part they comfortably fill their niches. Sabo can do all the talking and manipulating for both of them. Ace is more than happy to stand at his shoulder and bare his teeth like the wild animal he is.

He asks Makino for a manners lesson literally exclusively so he can thank the dude who saved Luffy’s life, and then later when Sabo is gone Ace sticks with the lessons because now he has to be the brother who’s good at talking, and then it ends up being actually pretty convenient a skill to have, so he sticks with it.

But it is all very much pretend to him. Ace is putting on a front.

And I love thinking about the Whitebeards not only realizing the full extent to which their newest littlest brother was Literally Raised By Tigers but also that Ace is humoring them. He thinks they are the ones being ridiculous and crazy for all their societal rules (and they’re pirates! They barely even have those!) and he’s just playing along for his own entertainment. He’s making fun of them.

Ace runs up and playfully bites Thatch’s face as a greeting and while Thatch is yelling at him that people don’t do that Ace is just like oh haha that’s so silly you guys are so silly for that. Anyway. And then he bites Whitebeard, who just laughs.

[serenhob]

Progress report

Based on this

[amorisxx]

Snickerdoodle pt. iv

pairing: Art Donaldson x reader, Patrick Zweig x reader, Tashi Duncan x reader summary: Art comes out of retirement to test out his coaching skills. Your relationship with him continues to spiral. warnings: smut 18+, cheating, divorce, rough sex, piv, marijuana use, slight angst, hastily proofread word count: 7.7K divider by @cafekitsune <3 prev part | next part

𝄃𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄀𝄁𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄃

Kaleb decides he wants to play tennis. Or that he wants to “get serious” about it. He’d done tennis camp every summer along with soccer camp, and he’d enjoyed it enough. But for some reason, he’s determined to be a tennis player now. You blame it on how much time he’s been spending around the Donaldson’s. Between the various play dates and carpooling, he and Lily have been attached at the hip.

The two of you are enjoying a quiet evening  on a weeknight when he brings it up. 

“Lily doesn’t really like tennis,” he tells you in between bites of mashed potatoes. 

“Well that’s okay. Sometimes our friends end up having different hobbies,” you say.

“Hm,” he puts his finger to his chin, “kinda like you and Mr. Art?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well he’s like the greatest tennis player ever,” he says, spreading his arms out wide. “But you’re terrible at tennis. And you guys are friends right?”

His assertion has you placing your fork down. “Okay, first of all, I’m not terrible at tennis. Secondly, it’s really not fair to compare me to a professional tennis player, K, he’s had years of practice.” Then, you reluctantly think of the last thing he said. About the two of you being friends. 

Images of Art kneeling above you in bed dance through your mind. You think of the last time you were with him. How he’d laid his cheek on your thigh while you threaded your fingers through his tufts of blonde hair. His gaze searing as he watched you in all your post-orgasmic bliss. Your chest was still heaving as you tried to recover.  

You clear your throat. 

“Yeah, um, I guess we are friends.” You avoid eye contact with Kaleb and pray he changes the subject. You don’t want to think about Art. 

Unfortunately, your son is too young to properly read the room. If he was, he’d see the way you’re clenching your fork in your fist. Or he would’ve realized by now that his mom is a harlot. Instead of calling you out on your immorality, he turns to you with express earnestness. “I wanna play tennis like Mr. Art,” he says definitively.

He then furrows his little eyebrows and asks you, “you think I can be as good as him one day?”

You smile, reach over to smooth your palm over his curls, and tug his ear. You say what every parent would. “I think you can do whatever you put your mind to, my little monkey.” 

He grins at you, dimple poking out.

After all, you’re almost certain this is just an eager phase prompted by Lily bringing Tashi to school for career day. Tashi mentioned to you that Kaleb was very eager to ask questions about her job. Apparently, he thought it was super cool that she “got to coach the best tennis players in the world.” You’re worried that before dinner is over he might ask you to put in a word with her about coaching him. 

Once you’ve finished eating, tucked Kaleb in, and tidied up the kitchen, you finally get to relax with a cup of lavender chamomile tea.

Before you settle into the refuge of your bed, you make a note to sign Kaleb up for club tennis. 

ᯓ

You’re at a gas station near Kaleb’s school when you realize your dumb credit card has a faulty chip. You grab your purse and lock the doors to your car, having been forced to go inside the store and pay for your gas the old fashioned way. 

The door shuts behind you with a ring of a bell. The unmistakable smell of fuel fills your nostrils as it mixes with stale coffee and the emblematic stench of small convenience stores. You grumble when you see there’s a short line. 

With a sigh, you take a detour down one of the narrow aisles to grab a pack of gum. You pick out a random pack of spearmint, but your inner child lingers on the yellow packaging of juicy fruit bubble gum sitting beside it. When you were little, your mom would’ve made you pick one or the other. Without a second thought, you pluck the yellow pack out from the shelf and head back towards the front. 

On your walk back, you glance out the windows, checking to make sure the pump you’re parked at is still number 5. 

The line is shorter now. There’s only two people. You think you recognize the dark head of the person standing at the counter. They’re digging through the back pocket of their jeans and pulling out a leather wallet when your cellphone dings. It’s an email notification from your boss. You read the subject header before dropping the phone back into your purse, hoping to avoid whatever stressor awaits you there for a couple more hours or so. When you look back up, you’re met with the face of the dark haired stranger. 

His eyes meet yours. Patrick Zweig sends you a mischievous smile of recognition as he saunters toward you. He snaps his fingers. “I know you.”

“Hi, Patrick,” you say through your tight smile. The last time you’d seen him, he tried to blackmail you into going out with him. If he wasn’t so attractive, you’d probably be repulsed by him. 

“Long time no see.” He pockets his package of Marlboros. “How you been?”

“Um just busy you know,” you hum. “You?” 

He nods. “Same, same.” He looks you over, smile growing wider when he meets your eyes after lingering on your cleavage. He doesn’t even attempt to be discreet. 

You scoff, rolling your eyes to the side.

Thankfully, the bald guy in front of you finishes up his transaction so you have an excuse to say “excuse me” to Patrick as you approach the register. You glance back when you hand your money to the bored cashier, catching one last glimpse of Patrick as he exits through the door. You nibble on the inside of your cheek, feeling the tiniest hint of disappointment. 

You accept your change and two packs of gum and make your way back to your car. Not wanting to waste any more time at this point, you toss the plastic bag into the passenger seat and hurry to pump your gas.  

You’re leaning against the trunk while the fuel fills your tank when you hear a small “hey.” 

You’re startled as Patrick approaches you again. You look around suspiciously. “Um are you stalking me?” 

“No.” He huffs out a laugh. “I was standing over there taking a smoke.” He points towards his beat up suv. You wonder why he doesn’t have a better car. You thought tennis players made money. “And I saw you. Didn’t get to say goodbye earlier.” 

You click your tongue. “Well, bye.” 

“Wait—I hope I didn’t rub you the wrong way last time.” He rubs his palm over the back of his neck. “I kind of have a fucked up sense of humor.” 

“It wasn’t the joke,” you supply. “It was more so you trying to blackmail me into going on a date with you.” 

He laughs. “Yeah, I don’t know why that didn’t work.” The grin he gives you sends a shiver down your spine. 

This time, you smirk, your gaze tracing the length of his body, from his Nikes to the curly wisps of hair flying in the wind. The gas pump clicks, signifying that your tank is full. You don’t remove it right away because you’re busy letting Patrick type his number into your phone. You wish you could say you played hard to get, but that would be a lie of monumental magnitude. 

You don’t actually intend to call him, content to let his number go forgotten in your phone. After all, what type of woman would get involved with the best friend of the man she’s having an affair with? 

Later on, when you’re having a glass of wine, mommy duties complete for the night, you pause on his number as you tap through your phone. You inhale, take a sip from your glass, and quickly save his contact before swiping out of the app. You can blame it on your being slightly tipsy when you notice that he’s saved as “for a rainy day.” 

ᯓ

It turns out that the tennis thing isn’t just a phase. You don’t mind of course. You’d always support your kid in whatever he pursued. The only issue is that Art fucking Donaldson thought it would be a good idea to train little Kaleb. As if you needed more reasons to be around the man. 

You’d told him that you didn’t think it was necessary because your son was only eight years old. Surely, he wouldn’t need a retired professional tennis player to train him. His tennis lessons at the local club would certainly suffice. Plus, you imagined he had more important things to attend to than give private lessons to a third grader. 

On a random weeknight, you’d gone to pick Kaleb up from a play date with Lily, hoping to grab him and get back home before the rain got any worse. Art had greeted you at the door, placing a hand on the small of your back. 

He decided to bring up the topic again. Even Tashi, who was usually busy with training of her own, chimed in, claiming it would be a good opportunity for Art to find real meaning in tennis again. Whatever that meant. Patrick, who you had been avoiding thinking about, once again inserted himself into a conversation, pointing out how young he and Art were when they first started playing tennis. According to him, it was never too early to learn how to properly hit a ball with a racket. 

ᯓ

The thought of Art spending time with Kaleb through tennis is an endearing one if you’re being honest with yourself. But you know you would have an intense fight on your hands should Chris find out. 

Ever since Art had stepped in with your ex at the fall festival, he’d harbored an attitude toward him. He’d gone as far as complaining about all the time Kaleb spent at his house, accusing you of trying to turn your son against him. If it weren’t for the court mandated visits, you’d have simply told Chris to go to hell. But in an attempt to maintain peace for your son’s sake, you reassured him that Kaleb only spent so much time around Art because Lily was his best friend. 

You asked him if it was worth destroying his son’s friendship. He conceded for the time being, but you’re sure if he found out about any extra tennis lessons, he’d blow a gasket. 

Ironically, you had never been offered the freedom to express such possessiveness. You had to be content each and every time your son stayed at his father’s new house with his new fiancée that you barely knew anything about. You handle some occasions better than others. 

This time, though, when you watch Kaleb go through the front door of their luxurious home, Spider-Man backpack affixed on his back, your stomach churns. Chris’ fiancée smiles and waves to you with her left hand. Bitterly, you think it’s a miracle she can even lift it with the large diamond wrapped around her finger. She places her hand on your son’s shoulder, pulling him into their home, as if she wasn’t the one that helped wreck yours. 

Maybe it’s the fact that this past week would’ve been your anniversary, but your shoulders shake with sobs throughout the entire drive home. You sniffle as you think about Kaleb building a life with his soon to be step-mom. You hope she treats him right, but, ultimately, you wish he didn’t have to know her at all. 

It doesn’t help that you aren’t able to bury your sorrows in Art’s chest or on his dick. He’d already told you about the gala he’d be attending that weekend for the Donaldson Foundation. You haven’t seen him since last weekend, and you ache to call him, but the thought makes you feel nauseous when you think about the wretched irony of seeking comfort in a married man. In a decision that’s almost homogeneously pathetic, you sit in your lonely driveway and send a “hey” to ‘for a rainy day.’

ᯓ

It doesn’t take long for Patrick to offer to come over. You send him your location as you pop open a bottle of wine. 

You reach for a glass, your eagerness causing you to apply too much force as you slam the glass down. It breaks under the pressure of your haste, immediately cracking at the stem. The inconvenience is too much for you. You curse before bringing the entire bottle up to your mouth. You take a swig, red liquid spilling out of the corner of your mouth. With a gasp, you wipe your mouth with the back of your hand. Pitifully, your vision starts to blur again as your eyes swell up with hot tears. You resort to sitting on the kitchen floor, taking the occasional drink, and wallowing in your despair. 

You’re propped against the cabinet, knees to your chest as you cradle the green tinted bottle of red wine like a toddler holding a stuffed animal, when you hear your doorbell ring. You stumble to your feet, dragging them as you move toward the door. When you swing the door open, Patrick is standing there with his hands in his pockets. He looks you over once, mumbling that you “look like shit” before stepping into your home as if he’d been there a thousand times. 

He lifts his eyebrows when he sees the neglected pieces of glass on your counter. He looks back at the bottle in your fist before groaning. “Please don’t tell me you’re an alcoholic.” 

You roll your eyes. “No, I’m just having a pretty shitty day.” 

“No shit,” he snorts. 

You send him a glare. “I don’t even know why I called you,” you say and rub your temples. 

“Because I’m obviously easy and you know it.” He smirks. 

It makes you laugh, your red, puffy eyes squinting back at him. 

Patrick eventually convinces you to smoke the joint he’d brought with him. You haven’t gotten high in years, and you find yourself mindlessly rambling about your life as you pass the joint back and forth to him. You’d stopped crying a while ago, your eyes now red because of the weed. 

You and Patrick are lounging on the floor of your living room. You’re dragging your fingers through the shag rug underneath you and leaning your head back on the sofa when you hear him laugh. He sounds like he’s far away, down through a tunnel, but when you turn your head, his face is right beside you. 

“What’s funny?” You grunt. 

He shakes his head. “S’nothing.” 

You frown and shove his bicep. “Tell me,” you say, scooting closer to him. “I hate feeling left out.” 

His smile falters for a second like he’s remembering something, but when you blink he’s sporting a melancholic grin. “It’s just—you kind of remind me a lot of Art.” His head falls to the side to really look at you. “I mean not like completely, and not really how he is now, but when you’re upset—it reminds me of when we were teenagers.” 

“I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or not,” you say. It comes out as a whisper. Your faces are so close that you don’t want to startle him. 

“Hm.” His eyes flicker to your lips. “Not a good or bad thing. Just a thing.” 

“That’s why you like me?” You mumble teasingly. “Because I remind you of your boyfriend?” 

He smirks, lips so close to yours you feel his breath fan them. “Who said I liked you?” 

“You don’t have to.” You’re just the slightest movement away from kissing him. If you tilt your head just the tiniest bit—

He lets out an almost imperceptible moan when he finally presses his lips to yours. It’s so quiet, you think you might’ve imagined it. It all happens incredibly fast, but feels like slow motion. Your head is fuzzy and your body is tingling as Patrick grabs your waist, hoisting you onto his lap. It takes you a moment to build momentum, your sensory overload working against you.

When you’re finally able to match his energy, the kiss is searing. He’s sucking your lip into his mouth like you’re already his, hands roaming everywhere he can get them. When he bites your bottom lip, you suck in a breath, giving him room to thrust his tongue into your mouth. You mewl at the way your mouths seem to fit together like velcro. Your toes curl and you tighten your fists into his dark locks when you feel his hot tongue traveling down your throat, leaving white hot bites that feel like being branded. His teeth sting and your cunt throbs as you impulsively rut against his length. 

Patrick rubs his large palm over your ass before abruptly smacking it, making you release an embarrassingly airy moan. His teeth tug on your earlobe. “You like that?” 

You only nod, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. 

“Hmm?” He mumbles, continuing to lave over the skin behind your ear. His hand comes down on your ass again, harder this time. 

You let out a pathetic squeal and slam your hips down against him in search of some kind of friction to relieve the ache between your legs. “Oh god—please fuck me—“

His mouth meets yours again. You can barely kiss him properly, panting about needing him to fuck you right now. 

He really is easy, you think, but it’s not like you have room to talk.

ᯓ

The first time Patrick Zweig sinks his cock into you, you’re on your knees, face pressed against your rug. The slam of his hips threaten to take your breath away as tears cling to your eyelashes. He’s rough, possessively grabbing your flesh with no regard for potential damage. When he experimentally grips your hair in his hand, tugging your head back gently, you see stars behind your clamped eyelids.

Patrick nearly whimpers at the way it makes you arch your back into his thrusts with increasing intensity. He groans something about you being a slut and fists your hair with less restraint. Your walls clench around him when he wraps his hand around your throat, pulling you to his chest. 

He grunts into your ear. “I knew you liked it rough, could tell from the first time I saw you.” 

The tears have started to spill now. Whether it’s from the humiliation or the utter ecstasy, you aren’t sure. All you know is that you almost sob when Patrick drags his tongue alongside your face, collecting the salty tears.

ᯓ

He buries himself inside you for a second time no more than twenty minutes after you’ve both cum. You gasp and claw at his back as his body presses you into your couch cushions.

You have to admit that Patrick knows how to fuck. Knows how to read your body, tapping into just the right frequency to get you off. 

It’s obvious that you’ve been craving this type of treatment from the way you’re responding to him. But you’re sure that he must have a sexual sixth sense because in the midst of fucking you wildly, he grabs your ankle that’s dangling by his ear, turns his head, and plants a sweet kiss to the bone. It makes you melt into the sofa. 

He leans down to shove his tongue into your open mouth. Softly pats your cheek, relishing in your cock drunk state. 

“Does he fuck you like this?” He murmurs into your neck.

You don’t have to ask who he’s talking about. 

“Huh?” He prods. 

You choke down a moan. “Better. He—“ You cry out when you feel him start rubbing harsh circles into your clit. “He fucks me better.” 

He huffs out a laugh through his smile, but his hips slam down harder as if he’s determined to change your answer. In less than a minute, you’re biting down on his shoulder when you feel another orgasm rack through your body. 

ᯓ

You take a longer break this time. Stopping to pour yourself a real glass of wine. One with its stem intact. Patrick lazily inhales from a cigarette as he watches you, with hooded eyes, attempt to hold a throw blanket over your bare torso. In contrast, he nonchalantly spreads his thighs over your couch, body on full display. 

His eyes leisurely meet yours. They shine prettily in the dim lighting of your home. His dark lashes flutter on each drag of his cig and it makes the corner of your mouth curve up when you take a sip. The lamps have cast a cozy shade of amber over the room. It blankets Patrick’s skin in a golden aura reminiscent of something being baked in an oven. 

Patrick reminds you of the gingerbread man, you think. It makes you press the tips of your fingers to your lips to stifle a giggle. 

He tilts his head at your odd behavior, but he assumes the weed must still be affecting you. 

Once you’ve placed your glass on the coffee table, and he’s put out his cigarette, Patrick is pulling you by the ankle, tossing your blanket to the side and kissing his way down your abdomen. 

You yelp when he captures one of your hard nipples in his mouth but let him press his hot kisses into your skin nonetheless. 

You end up cumming for the third time that night with his head buried between your legs. 

ᯓ

Patrick leaves while you’re asleep. 

When you wake up around 3am to an empty house, you think it’s for the best. You check your phone. You have a missed call from “a.d.” and a text from Patrick that says “had fun” with a winking emoji. You don’t respond to either, instead, opting to pad your bare feet to the bathroom. You desperately need a shower.

In the morning, you tidy up your home from the events of the night before, cringing at what took place on the terracotta colored sofa.

When the buzzing in your head doesn’t stop after cleaning your entire living room from top to bottom, you find yourself in the kitchen, pulling out ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies. 

You’re frantically kneading dough when the doorbell rings. You frown, not expecting company, but clean your hands as best you can as you make your way to open the door. Sometimes, your talkative neighbor, Mrs. Taylor, likes to come knocking on your door early in the mornings. 

You’re surprised to find that Art is standing on the other side with a latte and a bag containing a chocolate croissant. You assume it’s for you. He places his things down on the table by the door, the one that holds your catch all tray, and scoops you up into a hug. 

He groans into it, making you smile. “Hi,” you mumble into his chest. 

“Hi, pretty girl,” his voice comes out equally mumbled. “Missed you.” You can hear the grin in his tone. It makes your heart clench. 

You allow yourself to hold onto him, despite the ever present worry that you should be reining yourself in when it comes to him. He moves to let you go, grabbing your face in his palm and kissing the side of your head. You whine and lock your arms around his waist in protest. You inhale his scent, all warm and familiar. You’ve missed him. 

“Baby,” he laughs into your hair. You grunt, squeezing him tighter. “Okay, c’mere.” He pulls you into him, securely engulfing you in his arms. “I got you, I got you.” 

You eventually release him long enough to walk into your home. 

You’re relieved that you’d been overtaken by a cleaning spell this morning because you fear that Art might take one glance at your couch and figure out who had been here. That he’d smell him in the air. 

You’re afraid he might’ve detected it anyway when he freezes in the walkway separating your kitchen from the living room. You nibble on your lip as you try to search his body for any signs that he’s onto you. 

To your relief, Art is actually focused on the copious amounts of cookie dough you have on the counter of your kitchen island. He turns to you with the all knowing look of a father, his eyes creased with concern. “Oh no, what happened?” 

ᯓ

After a therapy session in which you decide to stop letting your ex influence your decisions from afar, you finally relent, allowing Art to begin practicing with Kaleb on their private tennis court. It seems like since you got involved with their family, that’s all you ever do, give in to everyone’s requests. In any other context, it would be disturbing, but the sight of Kaleb racing to the court with an oversized tennis bag fills you with joy. The bag threatens to pull him down, but his excitement keeps him upright as he makes a beeline for Art. 

You don’t know who’s more excited to see Art between the two of you. Your son’s tennis instructor waves at you from across the court. And you have to fight the rush that flows through you, threatening to cut off your oxygen, and give a simple wave in return. It makes you feel like a kid with a fervent crush. You could gag.

You remind yourself that you’re here for Kaleb. Not you.

You think that as long as you get to see him happy like that, you’d agree to anything. It’s a scary notion, but becoming a mom has made you aware of a lot of terrifying realities. 

ᯓ

It’s this maternal need to preserve your son’s happiness that leads you to another prolonged encounter with Tashi Duncan. She’d caught you when you were dropping him off for tennis lessons one day. Apparently, she had a free day. Lily was spending the day with her grandparents, and Patrick is, thankfully, nowhere to be found. You try to hide your relief when she tells you that. You don’t think you can face him right now. 

She insists you join her in their sunroom while the boys practice. You try to think of an excuse to turn her down, but you decide your karma from sleeping with her husband has built up too much to take the chance of tacking on more. So, when she offers to make you a cup of tea, you oblige and sink down into the fabric of a warm sofa.

When Tashi reappears, she sits down with a cup of steaming hot tea for the both of you. You thank her with a smile, letting your eyes trail over her figure. She looks ethereal. The sunlight pouring through the glass forms a halo of light around her, illuminating her like a Madonna painting. She has her hair pulled back into a low ponytail that causes her to have to tuck the loose strands behind her ear every now and then. The motion makes you take notice of her slim neck and the way her collarbones dip into her loose-fitted button down. Even dressed casually, she looks like a goddess. 

You feel your heart start to beat a little faster and reach to take a sip of your tea. You wonder how she knew that lavender chamomile was one of your favorites.

It’s only awkward for a moment because the two of you quickly fall into a conversation about what she’s missed now that Art has taken over attending the PTA meetings. That’s how you’d initially met her. She had actually been the one who you exchanged communication with about carpool and play dates. Art’s retirement allowed her to focus on tennis and other aspects of raising Lily that she preferred. You giggle when she admits that she never really liked those meetings anyway. You don’t tell her that you always had that inkling. 

When you mention that Cynthia is still advertising her knitting business at every single meeting, she sucks in a laugh before leaning toward you. She presses her lips together, holding in her giggle. “Guess what?”

You squint at her, your expression already anticipating a joke. “What?” You all but sputter out. 

“I’m probably responsible for like half the sales on her Etsy shop.” She says like she’s admitting to something top secret. It’s a lot like the expression Lily takes on when her and Kaleb are playing “secret agent.”

“Girl, what?” You didn’t think she’d be a fan of crocheted animal figures. 

“I ordered one for my mom for Mother’s Day,” she explains. “She fell in love with the thing I swear, thought it looked just like her little Yorkie, next thing you know she’s asking for the link to share with all her friends.” 

You’re snickering into your mug imagining Tashi unintentionally being Cynthia’s best saleswoman.

She smiles at you. “I’m serious. Apparently, amigurumi is the new thing. It’s gonna be flying off the shelves. That’s why I had to go ahead and put in my order.”

“Of course you know the official term.” You toss your head back. “What’s yours look like?” 

“It’s a little tabby cat,” she smiles wistfully. “Like the one I had growing up. Her name was Aphrodite.” 

It’s a fitting name.

You’re biting back a grin as you take a sip from your tea. You sigh at the taste. “How’d you know what type of tea I liked?” You ask absentmindedly. 

“Art mentioned it to me.” 

You freeze. “Art?” 

“Yeah he says you like to make it before bed. Now, he’s hooked on it.” 

All the blood in your body rushes to your head. You feel that unwelcome yet proverbial sinking in your gut. You think you might start projectile vomiting.

“Are you okay?”

You don’t respond. It’s hard to speak when you feel like you’re dangling upside down on a roller coaster.

“Wait… you didn’t think I knew did you?”

For some unintelligent reason, you decide to play stupid. Usually, in times of danger, humans resort to fight, flight, or freeze. You choose fucking idiot. “Knew what?”

“That you’re fucking my husband.” Tashi says quite unceremoniously.

“What—what do you mean?” You squeak out.

“Don’t.” She laughs. “I’ve known the whole time.” 

“How?” Your voice is shrinking smaller and smaller to your ears. The sound of Tashi’s voice, her pert laughter, drowning it out.

“Art tells me everything.”

“And you’re okay with it?” You attempt to ask though you can barely hear it.

You know your question reaches her ears because she shakes her head and tells you, “I suggested it.” 

Your eyes go wide. Her divulgence seems to propel you forward on your metaphorical roller coaster. In a snap, it brings you out of your stupor.

“I told Art that he should fuck you.” She says it like it’s nothing. Like it’s as simple as telling him to pick up some carry out on the way home. 

You’re confused, and your head is starting to hurt from the whiplash, and you wish this ride would end already. “I’m—I’m not sure I understand what’s going on here.”

“Okay, well, Art’s been attracted to you since the day he met you,” she says plainly. “But he’d never actually do anything about it because that’s just who he is. He needed that push—“

“That push?”

She nods. “He needed to know he could do it and everything would be fine. He’s still figuring out how to be open to stuff like this.” She explains, gestures vaguely in the air. “He’d never break up what seemed like a happy marriage, but when it was clear that your marriage was far from happy…well he started to warm up to the idea.”

“What do you mean far from happy?” The shock has you feeling unreasonably defensive.

“Clearly something was off. You never seemed happy with him. You’ve said it yourself that he was a dick.”

“Um—okay, well, I’d say something has to be off if you’re coaching your husband into sleeping with unsuspecting women.” You shoot back. Your gaze is sharp and accusatory.

She lets her eyes fall down to her lap, picking at little buds of lint being exposed by the sun’s glow. “You’re right, something was off between us,” she says like it’s something in the past. Like maybe they’re good now, but at one time they weren’t. “But Art knows how I feel about him.” Then, her gaze returns to you. “Something tells me your husband either didn’t know or didn’t care.”

Her comment strikes a nerve. Chris did know something was off, and she was right, he didn’t care. He made you feel like needing more from him made you selfish. As if the reminder of the vows he made to you was an affront to him. He knew you were unhappy. That you felt ignored. But he didn’t care. When you’d served him the divorce papers, you naively thought that he’d realize what he might lose, that he might beg for your forgiveness, promise to be better. Instead, you watched him sign the document in the same way he’d signed receipts for dinner before closing the tab and tucking the pen inside. 

You think you envy her. Because she has a husband that actually doesn’t want to leave her. 

“Hey.” She grabs your attention. Her voice softens when she sees your glassy eyes peering back at her. “I’m not judging you. I’m just trying to offer an explanation.” 

You work to swallow down the onslaught of emotions threatening to rise up like bile. You release a fractured noise from your throat, letting the revelation fully soak in. “So you really knew this whole time then? Or rather you orchestrated it?” 

“Okay, that’s a little extreme,” she says. “When we found out you were getting divorced, I mentioned to Art that he should pursue you. That’s all.” She shrugs. “I never knew if he’d actually do it or when he’d do it. All I know is that the first night he came home smelling like you, he fucked me like he did when I first agreed to be his tennis coach.” 

“Then, he was constantly meeting up with you or staying to talk after PTA meetings,” her fingers curl to form quotations around the word, talk. “But I knew what was up.” She bites her lip. “It was honestly kind of hot.” 

You frown. The thought of him sleeping with her immediately after being with you has your stomach in knots. The worst part is that you can’t stop wondering if he’d showered first. If he’d cleaned himself up or if he’d went straight to her, buried himself inside her, cock still sticky with your fluids. In a way, it’s like you had also been inside her. If you think about it long enough, you can imagine what it must feel like. So, you don’t think about it. Instead, you fix your gaze on the golden pothos plant sitting on top a table to your right. The tapping of your nail against the ceramic mug fills the silence. 

She gives you a questioning look. 

Ignoring the implications of what she just told you, you settle for the anger you’re feeling instead of dwelling on any confusing arousal. “Do you not realize how fucked up this is, Tashi?”

“Excuse me?” 

“Yeah! It’s fucked!” You throw your hands up. “I mean I’ve been running around feeling guilty, thinking I was a fucking homewrecker while the two of you get off on a cheating kink!”

She can tell you have more to say, so she leans back and lets you go on.

“I mean how could you do that? I was fucking depressed.”

She snorts. “Not so depressed that it ruined your libido. You two have been going at it like rabbits.” Her smirk makes your cheeks burn. 

You place your mug down onto the table. “Wow. You know what?” You’re on the edge of the couch now, body rigid. “You and Art can go fuck yourselves! This is seriously messed up.”

She raises her eyebrows. “As messed up as you fucking another woman’s husband?” 

Her words drip with mirth, and it pisses you off that the fiery look in her eyes is poking at a budding desire in your belly. “This is ridiculous,” you mumble to yourself. You’d rather focus all your energy on being outraged than interrogate why this is kind of turning you on. You’re about to stand up to leave when she places a hand on your arm.

“Are you seriously mad right now?” She asks you. 

An incredulous look takes over your face. “What do you think?” You spit out.

“Well, would you have preferred I not know?” She asks as if you’re the crazy one here.

“I—“ you squeeze your eyes shut, and try to gather your thoughts. “Obviously not, Tashi.” You glance up to the glass paned ceiling. “I just—it would’ve been nice to know what was really going on. I mean he never even told me that you knew.”

“Well, did you ask?” She asks simply. 

Did you? You think back to the past couple of months. The more you and Art hooked up, the more you avoided directly mentioning Tashi. He didn’t bring her up more than what was necessary, so you suspected he was actively trying to keep it from her. 

To be fair, he did mention a couple of times that he’d told Tashi you two were going to meet up for lunch, but you thought he must’ve been leaving out the activities that followed. And if she happened to call him while the two of you were together, he would casually tell her he was with you. You obviously assumed he was downplaying your friendship because there was no way Art would be so nonchalant about a mistress. But, apparently, the word mistress didn’t even apply to you. 

“I mean, I guess I didn’t.” You stammer. “But I feel like that was on him to bring it up to me.”

“Well that’s where you went wrong. Art can get in his own way sometimes.” A pensive expression works it’s way onto her face. “Or maybe part of him did kind of get off on feeling like he was sneaking around.” The thought seems to bring a small smile to her face. 

It still doesn’t make sense to you. You try to tamper down the sinking feeling that you’ve been nothing more than a pawn. “I just don’t understand why you two couldn’t proposition me like a normal couple looking for a third,” you say.

“Who said you were our third?” 

“Oh, so there’s other women you’ve sent Art to fuck?”

“No. I—I don’t just pimp out my husband, okay?”

You back down.

“We already have a…third I guess.”

You look at her with furrowed brows. 

“Patrick.” She answers.

“Patrick? Like Patrick Patrick?”

She nods.

You laugh cynically. You didn’t think this situation could get any worse.

“I know.” She sighs. “I know how it seems—”

“Was that part of the plan too?” You’re out of breath, chest heaving. 

She looks genuinely confused. “What are you talking about?” 

“Me and Patrick,” you blurt. 

“Wait a minute, you’re sleeping with Patrick?” She’s scooting closer to you. 

You shake your head. “It just happened once.” You think of how he’d shoved your face into the rug, fucking into you as he grunted out various obscenities. “I was high. I haven’t spoken to him since.”

She looks away for a moment, brows drawn together tightly. She’s piecing together what you’ve told her. 

“I—I didn’t know he was with you guys,” you try. 

She waves you off. “No, it’s not that.” She sits back. “I’m just not surprised that he wormed his way into your pants. He just couldn’t take that Art had something to himself.” She’s speaking to you, but her eyes are trained ahead. 

“So, you really didn’t set that up too?” You ask meekly. 

“God, no!” She says. “I had no idea.” 

You believe her. 

“Look I don’t care what type of weird shit you tennis players are into, if you guys have wild orgies or whatever. I just would’ve liked to have known that I wasn’t a hypocrite.”

“A hypocrite?”

You nod. “I mean I sit here and give my ex shit for cheating on me with that skinny ass whore from Modesto. Hell! That’s why I got so much fucking alimony.” You’re rambling now. “And, then, I go and let Art fucking Donaldson screw me and then send him back home to play loving father and husband like it’s nothing. God! And on top of it all, I also sleep with his best friend! I became the whore from Modesto.” 

Tashi’s watching you like you’re a kid experiencing big feelings.

“I felt like a home wrecker.” You sniff. “But apparently I’m actually not…because it was your idea, well only Art, not Patrick, and I—it’s all just fucking with my head.”

Tashi swallows. “I honestly thought you’d be relieved to find out.”

She looks at the frown on your face, takes in the way your plump bottom lip is jutting out. She reaches for your hand. “We’ve never really been the best at communicating. Me and Art. For the past year or so, we’ve gotten better at talking to each other, being honest about what we want, but we’re still working on doing that with other people I guess.” You let her thumb rub the back of your hand before you gently pull away. 

You grab your mug again. The handle is cold to the touch. 

“I promise we didn’t mean to fuck with you. Honestly, I think Art really likes you.” She offers you a small smile.

You look into your mug trying to still your reaction. You don’t care. 

Tashi’s gaze feels heavy on the side of your face as you feel her watching your expression. You start to fiddle with your watch. Checking for the time. Except your watch is too busy displaying your increased heart rate to offer the time. 

You sigh. 

She reaches out to you again, but this time she brings her hand up to your face, moving the curls falling down over your eyes. You let her nimble fingers caress your cheekbone before trailing down to your chin, guiding you to look at her. 

She gives you a steady, knowing smile. “You fell for him didn’t you?” 

Your cheeks go ablaze, and you try to look away from her. 

“Hey.” She grasps your chin in a firm, but gentle hold. “It’s okay.” She nods as if it’ll telepathically make you agree. 

You clear your throat. “I know you say that, but this is all new to me.” Your voice is slightly wobbly and you think you might cry. “I—I didn’t think it’d happen but it did. I thought I could get him out of my system but now,” you inhale and press two fingers against your neck, subconsciously trying to self-soothe. “Now, it’s like—it’s like I can’t stop.” Your voice comes out almost like a whisper. Like you’re afraid to admit the truth. 

And, really, you are afraid. You’re fucking terrified. 

You’re scared to fall in love with a man who already has one—two people in his life that he’s in love with. The last time you entrusted a man with your love, he was only meant to love you, and he couldn’t even give you that. 

What if you realize you’re absolutely enamored by Art Donaldson and he realizes the same thing Chris did? That there’s something about you that makes you unworthy of love. That the depth of you is as deep as your cunt goes and that’s it. 

What if he realizes that he already has what he needs in Tashi, even Patrick? What if they realize they actually aren’t willing to share?

You apparently voice the last bit aloud.

Tashi tilts her head, some of her strands have fallen loose again and she wears the prettiest pout on her lips. “Do you want me to prove it to you?” 

You gulp when her hand presses into your thigh, and she brings her face impossibly close to yours, forcing you to hold her gaze. “You want me to prove that I’m okay with it?” Her eyes flit between each one of yours with a level of seriousness you’d expect from someone like her. 

Her expression demands an answer, and so, you give a faint nod, transfixed on the woman in front of you. 

You gasp when you feel her mouth on yours. 

You learn that Tashi tastes sweet when she has her tongue in your mouth. You think you can taste the tartness of the lemon she’d sucked on earlier. It’s good, and you realize you’re fucked because you really like kissing her. 

Her tongue twirling around yours has you panting quietly, and you keen when you feel her manicured nails press into the nape of your neck. You haven’t kissed a woman since your last girlfriend in college, and you find you miss it. Something about it feels like drinking sweet tea on a hot summer day. Climbing into cool sheets at night when you’re bone tired. Or the feeling you get when you discover the song that you’re going to replay for the next week. 

It also makes you feel absurdly wet. 

The two of you work up a rhythm of pulling away for a breath before coming back together like magnets, letting your foreheads gently press together as you breathe deeply, thumbs caressing skin, eyelids fluttering. 

Your tongue is sweeping across Tashi’s lip, on a path to enter her mouth again, when you hear someone clear their throat. 

There’s an audible smack as you yank yourself from Tashi, eyes flying to the doorway of their sunroom. 

Art is standing there staring at you, gaze shifting from your face to the hand you still have placed on his wife’s neck. His jaw is clenched, and his bulge is painfully evident in his pants. 

𝄃𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄀𝄁𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄃

a/n: I've been waiting for this since the first post. Let me know how you feel about the reveal <3 as always, my asks are open!

[evie-sturns]

𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘥 - 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰

summary: when you and matt first started dating, you made a rule, that you two would never go to sleep mad at each other, but tonight a heated argument breaks that rule.

warnings: arguing, angst?, crying, swearing, fluff.

------------------⋆ ★⋆ ★⋆ ★⋆ ★⋆ ★--------------———

me and matt don't fight often, in our 4 months of being together we've only bickered, aside from the odd big argument. we always make up by the end of the day because of our rule. never fall asleep angry with each other.

9:48pm

"matt i promise, i didn't mean to." i sigh, i'm exhausted after our arguing, which has been going on for 45 minutes.

"you didn't mean to search my phone, im sure." he scoffs, grabbing his phone and checking the time.

"i fucking didn't matt, your phone was being spammed every 2 seconds so i picked it up, then you came in, its not my fault it looked different from how it actually was."

i say, my voice raising as i go to walk away, but matt grabs my wrist, yanking me back towards him. "so all the other apps that had been opened weren't you hm?"

he says glaring down at me, matt never loosens his painful grip, i don't think he even realises he's hurting me. his rings leave red marks on my arm.

"im going to sleep matthew." i say, my voice barely audible and wobbling.

matt's grip softens, allowing me to pull away.

i run upstairs, slamming the door to the bedroom behind me as i hold back my tears.

i rarely cry, matt's only seen me cry a handful of times meaning its a shock for him each time i do.

i strip down to just a tank top and panties before crawling into bed, shutting my eyes, hoping to sleep off the built-up frustration inside me.

just as i feel myself drifting to sleep the door swings open, followed by matt's angry stomps. he rips down the covers and plops himself in, before yanking them back up.

after a few minutes i roll over, matts back is facing me. i reach out a hand to grab his, he pushes me off. "dude don't fucking touch me?" matt says, somehow moving further away from me.

that'll do it.

i climb out of bed, grabbing my pillow as i walk over to the small basket in the corner of our room, filled with blankets from our previous movie nights. i pull up a blanket into my arms as tears fill my waterline. matt flicks on the lamp which rests on our bedside table, a warm yellow light fills the room.

"what the fuck are you doing this time." matt says, squinting his eyes.

i erupt into sobs, my face scrunching as tears soak my face. through my blurred vision, i can partially see concern and worry painted across matts face. i have a pillow under my arm, a blanket in my other and im clutching matts pug stuffed animal, which we share now.

i walk out of the bedroom, shutting the door softly behind me before sprinting downstairs, i place my pillow down on the small couch, and lay down, pulling the grey blanket over me and cuddling the pug to my chest, which shortly gets damp from my tears.

11:34pm

i dont know how long ive been asleep, or even where i am, but i'm woken up from matts arms around me, holding me in a bridal position. "matt..?" i say, looking up at him through my swollen eyes.

"i know gorgeous, theres no heating down here its too cold for you sweetheart." matt says, his voice soft and quiet.

my eyebrows furrow, did we even fight? or did i dream it? i look down at my wrist, which is red from where matt grabbed me earlier,

we fought.

matt carries me upstairs, his grip on me is so gentle i cant even comprehend how I'm being held up right now.

he opens our bedroom door with his elbow, the room is pristine, cleaner than I've ever seen it. "why is it so tidy in here.." i squeeze out, my voice raspy. matt clears his throat "oh-.. uh couldn't sleep so i cleaned.."

he pulls back the covers, readjusting the pillow with one hand before laying me down. "do you want me to come in the bed with you or are you happy by yourself.." matt says, his voice timid.

"you can come in.." i say, wide awake now and fully aware of everything thats happened in the past 3 hours.

matt lies down next to me, his body tense.

"im really sorry, i feel so guilty." matt says, tilting his head to look over at me. i nod, "it was my fault too." i say, fidgeting with my nails.

"no its not, i overreacted so much i don't even know what went over me, i regret it so much." matts voice shakes.

"i feel like shit for even touching you." matt says, "and i'm sorry for waking you up but i didnt want to break our rule.."

"huh?" i say, looking over at him, our eyes making eye contact.

"no going to bed angry with eachother.." he says with a small laugh.

i roll over to face him, a wide smile spread across my face. "oh matt.." i say, climbing ontop of him and laying down, burying my face on his shoulder and wrapping my arms around, underneath him.

he hugs me back with a sigh of relief, but somethings different,

"matt! where are your rings?" i say, sitting up on his torso and grabbing his hand.

"i couldn't even look at them without feeling guilty, i know they dug into your arm.."

------------------⋆ ★⋆ ★⋆ ★⋆ ★⋆ ★--------------———

i love this i was in such a writey mood

[certainty2witch]

Monkey D. Anole

Gender: Male

Pronouns: He/Him

Birthday: 11/5

Height: 2.69m

Age in the draw: 20 (adult) / 8 (kid)

Sexuality: Straight (ally)

Hobby: Reading, exploring

Likes: Revolutionary army, his family, studying, writing everything on his notebook, pic nics for his whole family, organising plans, nature.

Dislikes: His sibling Iguana jokes, the mess, when someone isn’t organised, people who doesn’t respect others.

Devil fruit: None

Haki: Observation

Parents: Crocodile - Monkey D. Dragon

Siblings: Monkey D. Iguana (twin) - Monkey D. Luffy

Step siblings: Donquixote Doringneck - Donquixote Komodo - Dracule Howlette

Iguana’s twin brother, third kid of Dragon and Crocodile.

A polite, organised and tidy boy, that loves to write everything that he thinks or sees around him in his notebook.

Usually calm and educated, loves to assist people that needs help and is always ready to support who he loves. Logic and perfectionist, sometimes lose himself in his plans and ideas.

He loves nature and animals, even bugs are fascinating for him.

Is the only one that never ate a devil fruit, because he wants to be the one that his family can rely on in the worst of cases (aka drowning in the sea).

Has an immense sense of orientation and observation, and for this reason his only haki, the observation one, is really powerful. He probably has the best observation haki between his family, that even surpasses Howlette’s.

Is not the best when is about fighting, he prefers creating strategies, for this reason he always fight with a group, where he usually suggests how to act and attack.

He is Joy’s boyfriend (daughter of Buggy and Shanks).

He has good relationships with all his siblings, but prefers the company of Komodo, since he is really similar to him, but not so much organised.

Probably the only one in the family that has a really good relationship with Crocodile. He also has a good one with Dragon too.

Crocodile chose his name, that is literally the name of the reptile Anole.

……

Finally one one my ocs with a description!! If I remember something I’ll add it 🫡

I highly suggest to check this pinned post, for general informations!

[lvnleah]

Rory meets AWFC.

Rory meets her Mummies teammates and gets a little anxious but soon meets a Lego loving friend.

find the Rory masterlist here

thank you to @scribblesofagoonerr for helping me write this! this may or may not feature a certain monkey…

August 24th 2023

“You okay, Roo?” Beth asked Rory as she packed a few bits into her backpack.

Rory had now been living with Beth and Viv for two months now, both of them had been given three weeks off from Arsenal to help them adjust and settle. They’d fallen into a nice routine with Rory and she was even more comfortable with them now, her little personality had truly begun to shine.

After the three weeks, they’d returned back to training. They were doing sessions in the gym with just them and Rory as everyone was away at either the World Cup or had time off.

Despite not being related to Beth biologically, she definitely had her bubbly and loud personality with Viv's shyness sprinkled in.

Today, Rory was going to training with them and meeting their friends for the first time. She’d already met both Viv and Beth’s family after spending a few weeks in the Netherlands with them and Myle. All of their family had fallen in love with the girl and by the end of the week she had them wrapped around her little finger.

Rory nodded her head shyly as Viv brushed her hair into a smooth ponytail, “Just a bit nervous.” Rory shrugged, holding Twix tight to her.

"You know," Viv said, finishing Rory’s ponytail before sitting beside her, "when I was your age, I was really nervous about going to new places too. But I always found that if I bought something familiar with me, like your bunny, it made me feel a lot better. I still get anxious too, Mummy will tell you.”

Rory looked up at Viv with a curious expression. "Really? You get anxious too?”

"Yeah I do," Viv nodded. "But you have me and Mummy with you, too. We'll make sure you feel safe and happy."

Beth joined them at the table, “We'll be with you the whole time, Roo. You can even play football if you want."

Rory's grip on her bunny tightened, but she nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay.

Viv chuckled, “Why don’t we pack a few of your favourite things in your backpack?”

“Look, I’ve already packed your favourite snacks and some toys. You can bring them with you." Beth said, holding the bag open.

Rory peeked inside the backpack and smiled a little. "Thanks, Mummy."

Viv leaned down and kissed the top of Rory's head. "You're so brave, Rory. We'll make sure you have a good time."

Beth smiled, “You'll get to see where Mamma and I work and meet some of our friends. It'll be fun, I promise."

“Are they nice?” Rory asked.

“Super nice!” Beth reassured her, “They’re very funny too!”

Viv smirked, “Not as funny as Mamma though!”

Rory laughed, a smile spreading on her face, “No ones as funny as you, silly Mamma!”

Viv ruffled Rory's hair gently. "That's my girl. Now, finish your breakfast so we can get going.”

Once breakfast was done and the kitchen tidied, they gathered by the door. Viv helped Rory put on her tiny sneakers, while Beth checked her bag one last time. The anticipation in the room was palpable, a mix of excitement and nervous energy.

"Ready to go, Roo?" Beth asked, her voice gentle but encouraging.

Rory nodded, and held out her hand for Viv to take. "Ready!”

The drive to the training ground was filled with chatter and the hum of the car engine. Rory sat in the back seat, singing along to Taylor Swift with Viv like she had done for the past few weeks.

As they pulled up to the training centre, Rory’s nerves increased. Beth stepped out of the car and got her backpack whilst Viv unstrapped her.

“Mamma carry me?” Rory mumbled as she stepped out.

Viv smiled before lifting the four year old up, resting her on her hip. Rory buried her head in the crook of Viv’s neck, her arms wrapped tightly around her neck.

Beth rubbed her hand up and down Rory’s back, “You’ll be okay, Roo. I promise.” She said, placing a kiss on her temple.

They walked into the training centre, Beth leading the way and holding the door open for Viv and Rory. Steph and Jen were in the lobby and when they saw the trio approaching, they both smiled warmly.

Steph gasped, “Is this little miss Rory that I've heard so much about?”

Rory peeked out from her safe spot against Viv’s shoulder, her grip on Twix tightening. Her blonde eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Steph's accent before she started to giggle.

“What’re you giggling at, Roo?” Beth asked, tickling Rory’s stomach.

“Her accent!” Rory said just above a whisper as she giggled. “She sounds funny!”

“Have you heard of a place called Australia?” Steph asked, getting a nod from Rory, “Well that’s where I’m from! I sound different from your Mamma’s don’t I?”

Rory nodded, “You do!” Her eyes flicked over to Jen as she walked closer. Rory stared at her curiously, trying to figure out why the woman was so tall.

“I’m Jen! I sound weird too, eh?” Jen smiled, Rory shyly nodding as she hugged Viv tighter, “I like you Bunny! What’s their name?”

Rory looked at Jen and then back at Viv, who nodded encouragingly. “His name is Twix,” Rory whispered,

“Oh that’s so cool!” Jen smiled, “Do you like animals?”

“I love them!” Rory nodded, starting to warm up a little bit, “I love doggies!”

“You do?” Steph gasped, matching Rory’s excitement, “Do you want to meet the team dog, Win?”

Rory's eyes widened with excitement. "There's a dog here?" she asked, looking up at Viv with a mix of astonishment and eagerness.

Beth laughed softly, her heart melting at Rory's cuteness. "Yes, there is. Win is a very friendly dog and loves meeting new people."

Steph nodded enthusiastically. "Win is the therapy dog here, she helps us when we’re feeling down sometimes! She’s the unofficial team mascot."

"Can I see her now?" Rory asked, her shyness momentarily forgotten.

"Of course," Jen smiles, "Let's go find Win. She’s usually hanging out in the canteen area."

They made their way through the training centre, passing by a few players and staff who greeted Beth and Viv warmly. Rory clung to Viv but looked around with wide eyes, taking in everything.

As they entered the canteen area, a friendly chocolate labrador bounced over, tail wagging excitedly. Rory’s eyes lit up as Win approached and Viv set her down on the floor.

"Win, meet Rory," Steph said, sitting down to pet the dog on the floor. "Rory, this is Win."

Rory hesitated for a moment, looking up at Viv for reassurance. Viv nodded, smiling. "It's okay, Roo. Win is very gentle."

Slowly, Rory extended her hand, and Win sniffed it before giving it a friendly lick. Rory giggled, her nervousness melting away. "She likes me!" she exclaimed, petting Win’s soft fur.

"Can we bring Win home?" she asked, looking up at Beth and Viv with hopeful eyes.

Beth chuckled, shaking her head. "Win has to stay here and help the team, Roo. But maybe we can think about getting a doggy soon though!”

"Okay," Rory agreed, still smiling. "Can I show her my bunny?"

"Of course," Viv said. "I'm sure Win would love to meet Twix."

Rory held out Twix to Win, who sniffed the bunny curiously before giving it a gentle lick. Rory giggled again, delighted by the interaction.

"Win likes Twix too!" she smiled, hugging her bunny tightly.

Beth knelt down beside her. "See? There’s nothing to be nervous about. You’re doing great, Roo."

“Oh wow it’s a party in here!” Lotte laughed as she entered the canteen, “Win’s enjoying the attention I see.”

Rory looked up, her smile growing once she saw Lotte, “Lot! Hi, I missed you!”

Rory abandoned Winnie and immediately ran over to the English girl, hugging her legs. Rory had already met Lotte, as well as Vic and Laura, a few weeks after she moved in with Viv and Beth due to them being close friends who were always around.

She was shy at first but once Lotte was laying on the floor with her playing and Vic and Laura were sneaking her sweets she was their best friend.

“Hello, Rory,” Lotte said gently, crouching down to Rory’s level, “I missed you too! How’re you liking the training centre so far?”

Rory smiled and nodded, “I like it! I love Win though!”

Lotte gasped playfully, “Win’s the best isn’t she!”

Viv checked the time on her phone, “C’mon Roo, me and Mummy need to go get changed.”

Rory huffed, “I’m bored, Mamma!”

“It won’t take two seconds, Roo,” Beth said, “Then we can get you set up with some colouring!”

“I don’t mind sitting with her while you get changed,” Lotte offered, “Only if Roo doesn’t mind.”

Beth looked down at Rory, “What do you think, Roo? Want to stay with Lotte while me and Mamma get changed? It’ll only be for a couple minutes.”

Rory thought for a second, her eyes wandering around the now empty room that Steph and Jen had left to go and warm up, “Yeah…you come back?”

“Oh of course we will, Roo!” Viv said, crouching down to the girls height, “Me and Mummy will be a few minutes, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. You can come with me.”

Rory shook her head before talking Lotte’s hand, “I colour with Lotte!”

“Okay then,” Beth laughed, “We’ll be two minutes, okay? If you need us you can always come get me and Mamma.”

“Okay, Mummy,” Rory nodded, squeezing Lotte's hand tighter.

Viv and Beth headed off to the changing rooms, leaving Rory with Lotte. Lotte led her to a nearby table and got some colouring out of Rory’s backpack. Rory quickly got to work, her tongue poking out in concentration as she colored a picture of a butterfly.

“You’re really good at coloring, Rory!” Lotte said, smiling as she watched the little girl.

“Thank you!” Rory beamed, her shyness slowly melting away.

Just then, the door to the canteen burst open, and Katie stormed in, loudly announcing her arrival, "Guess who's back, back again! Kat—"

Her voice trailed off as she noticed Rory, who had jumped at the sudden noise, clutching her crayons tightly and looking wide-eyed at Katie.

Katie's eyes widened in horror at scaring the child. "Shit, I'm so sorry, kid!" she said, rushing over but lowering her voice. “I didn’t mean to scare you, kiddo. I’m Katie.”

Rory’s lower lip began to tremble, and her eyes welled up with tears. “I-I want Mummy and Mamma,” she whimpered, looking at Lotte.

Lotte immediately wrapped an arm around Rory. “It’s okay, Rory. Mummy and Mamma will be right back. Katie didn’t mean to scare you.”

But Rory’s tears began to fall, and she clutched Twix tightly to her chest. “I want Mumma and Mummy!” she cried, the distress in her voice clear.

At that moment, Beth and Viv hurried back into the room, having heard Rory's cries. Beth quickly scooped Rory into her arms, holding her close. “It’s okay, Roo. Mummy’s here.”

Viv knelt beside them, gently stroking Rory’s back. “What happened, Mijn liefje?”

Rory sniffled, burying her face in Beth’s shoulder. “She scared me,” she mumbled.

Beth rocked Rory gently, trying to soothe her. “Katie didn’t mean to scare you, Roo. It was just a mistake.”

Katie stepped closer, her expression full of regret. “I’m really sorry, kiddo. I didn’t know you were here.”

Katie exchanged a nervous look with Viv, “Viv, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know she was in here, I’m so sorry!”

“It’s okay, Katie,” Beth reassured her with a nod, “She’s just a bit anxious today, that’s all.”

“I’m so sorry,” she apologised once again, “I’ll leave you too it, I’m sorry kid!”

After a few minutes of Beth and Viv calming Rory down and cuddling her, Leah came through the door. Her eyes softened at the little sniffles coming from Rory, her cheeks still tear stained.

Leah calmly walked over and crouched down beside Beth who had Rory cuddled into her chest, “Hey! I’m Leah, are you little Rory who I’ve heard all about?”

Rory nodded her head against Beth’s chest, “Well it’s nice to meet you, Rory!” Leah smiled, “I bet I know what cheers you up when you’re upset…cake!”

Rory’s eyes widened at the mention of cake, “Cake?!” She asked, lifting her head from Beth’s chest.

Beth gasped, matching Rory’s enthusiasm, “Oh cake, that sounds nice doesn’t it! Why doesn’t Leah show you where to get some?”

Rory hesitated before nodding her head and jumping off of Beth’s lap. She took Leah’s hand and walked over to the canteen kitchen, Leah helped her pick out her cake before walking back to Beth and Viv.

“Chocolate cake!” Viv smiled, “Wow Roo, isn’t that good!” Rory nodded her head, a smile spread across her face.

“Where’s Monkey?” Beth asked, “Is she off causing trouble again?”

“No she was right…behind me,” Leah trailed off, looking around for the teenager, “I bet she’s causing mischief with Kyra!”

“That isn’t a surprise at all,” Viv laughed and shook her head.

Viv carried Rory into the gym whilst Beth had a quick session with the physio’s. She sat down on the bench in the corner, Rory facing her with her head pressed against her chest.

“Viv! You’re back!” A voice shouted aloud where Viv was sitting in the gym with Rory in her lap, “I’ve missed you round here– Leah’s being bossy as ever, ruining my fun, the complete buzz-kill that she is!”

“Hi Monkey,” Viv waved in agreement with the girl, “Glad to hear that you are up to your usual chaos.” She remarked, sarcastically.

“I’m not even doing anything that bad, everyone is just making a huge big deal out of it for no reason! Oh! Maybe now you’re here you can steer Leah to be in agreement that it would be a great idea for me to try sky-diving!” Monkey continued to ramble in Viv’s ear, which Rory couldn’t help but find funny as she listened to the girl natter on, “Oh! Who’s this?” She wondered, curiously.

“Monkey, this is Rory, mine and Beth’s daughter… And Roo, this is Monkey” Viv smiled before leaning down to Rory’s ear, “she’s the biggest kid around here,” she whispered but loud enough for Monkey to hear.

Monkey gasped, “Whoa, I take offence to that, you know! It’s actually Katie– Hi, it’s nice to meet you, Rory. I’m Monkey!”

Rory lifted her head from Viv’s chest, “You’re funny!”

“Thank you very much– Whoa, I like your bunny. Does it have a special name?” Monkey asked, crouching down to Rory’s level on Viv’s lap.

Rory nodded, “Mhm, it’s Twix!” She smiled, holding out the stuffed bunny so the girl could see.

Monkey gasped once again, “No way? Twix, that’s such a cool name! Oooh, do you like Lego?”

“Uh huh!” Rory nodded, her shyness being forgotten once again.

“Cool, do you want to go and build something? I’m meant to be training, but I don’t think anyone will care if I’m there or not.” Monkey shrugged, Viv laughed at how chilled the girl was.

Rory’s smile grew as she nodded her head and slipped off Viv’s lap, “Yeah!”

“So, how old are you, Rory?” Monkey asked as they began to walk over to her Lego corner in the gym.

“I’m 4!” Rory declared proudly, holding up four fingers.

“Wow, 4? That is such a cool age– You can definitely get away with a lot at that age!”

“I thought I heard your voice,” Beth joked as she entered the gym, “Don’t be leading her astray!”

“Would I ever? She’s adorable– We’re gonna build Lego together!” Monkey replied innocently.

“You’re aware that Leah is looking for you, right?” Beth questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“I didn’t do anything I wasn't meant to do!” Monkey protested.

“That definitely means that you did then…” Viv smiled, shaking her head with a knowing smile.

“Monkey!” Leah shouted aloud, trying to find the teenager.

“Uh, damn. I’m not here– Quick, hide me under the table or somethin’.” Monkey whispered to Rory, her eyes darting around for a hiding spot.

“I like her, she’s funny, Mummy!” Rory said, turning to look at Beth with a smile.

Beth couldn't help but smile at Rory's delight. "Yes, she is funny, but we have to make sure she stays out of trouble, right?"

"Right!" Rory agreed enthusiastically.

Just then, Leah entered the gym, her eyes narrowing playfully at Monkey. "There you are! What have you been up to now?"

Monkey put on her most innocent face. "Nothing, I swear! Just showing my new friend my Lego collection!”

Leah shook her head with a laugh. “C’mon, you need to actually train and not muck about.”

Monkey groaned, “Just give me five more minutes! Please, I want to do a bit of Lego!”

“You and your bloody Lego obsession!” Leah sighed, “Fine! Half an hour and then you need to train, deal?”

“Deal!” Monkey smiled, “What do you want to build, Roo?” Monkey asked as they sat down on the floor.

“Umm, I wanna build a castle!” Rory exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Monkey grinned, rummaging through the box of Lego bricks. “A castle?! That’s the best plan ever!”

Beth and Viv exchanged a glance, smiling at how quickly Rory had taken to Monkey. Beth knelt down beside them. “Me and Mamma need to train, we’ll just be over there okay?”

Rory nodded. “Okay, Mummy! We’re gonna make the best castle ever, right Monkey?”

“Absolutely, kid!” Monkey agreed, handing Rory a handful of colourful bricks. “So who have you met so far?”

"Um, Steph and Jen. They both have funny accents," Rory giggled, concentrating as she arranged the bricks into a small tower. "Also, Lotte and Katie… But Katie yelled loudly and it scared me!"

"She did?" Monkey replied with a sympathetic smile. "That’s just how Katie is, but I’m sorry she scared you, Roo. You met Leah as well, right?"

Rory nodded, smiling as she concentrated on building Lego, "Uh-huh! She’s nice and she helped me get chocolate cake! I like her!"

"Aw, whoa. Chocolate cake? I want some too!” Monkey gasped, “Maybe you’ll have to show me where you found it,"

"Yeah!" Rory exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

"Want to know a secret?" Monkey whispered, leaning in. "Leah is who I live with. She is nice, but she can also be pretty bossy sometimes."

"You do? Whoa, so cool!" Rory's eyes widened in amazement.

"Yeah, her and my favourite little buddy," Monkey continued with a little laugh.

"Who’s dat?" Rory asked, handing a brick to Monkey.

"Buddy? That’s Leah’s daughter, and Jordan’s too. I don’t know if you have met her yet, but she’s cool.” Monkey smiled, “Buddy is actually a few years younger than you, but I bet when you two meet, you’ll be best friends!"

"Is she funny like you?" Rory asked, her excitement growing.

Monkey nodded, "She’s a little sweetheart, really. I can’t wait for you to meet her!"

"I want to meet her too!" Rory said, grinning widely as she bounced on her knees.

“I’m sure your Mamma and Mummy can sort something out!” Monkey suggested, “Buddy comes here sometimes so you’ll probably get to meet her!”

It wasn’t long before the castle stood tall and impressive, complete with towers. Rory looked at it with wide eyes, clearly proud of their creation.

“Look, Mummy! Look, Mamma!” Rory called out, waving them over. “We did it! We built a castle!”

Beth and Viv walked over, “Wow, that’s amazing, Roo! You and Monkey did a fantastic job,” Viv smiled.

Monkey nodded, pretending to wipe sweat from her brow. “Phew, that was hard work, but totally worth it.”

“Can we take a picture?” Rory asked, looking up at Beth with hopeful eyes.

“Of course we can,” Beth replied, pulling out her phone. “Gather around the castle!”

Monkey proudly held up the Lego castle proudly while Rory stood beside her, smiling. Beth snapped a few photos, capturing the moment.

As the day went on, Rory continued to explore the training centre, meeting more of the team and even joining in with passing the ball. By the time they were ready to leave, she was buzzing with excitement and full of stories to tell.

“Did you have fun today, Roo?” Viv asked as they buckled her into her car seat for the drive home.

Rory nodded. “Yes! I made lots of new friends, and we built a castle, and I met Win, and… and it was the best day ever!”

Beth smiled, leaning over to kiss Rory’s forehead. “I’m so glad you had fun, Roo!”

As they drove home, Rory’s chatter eventually quieted, her eyes growing heavy with sleep. By the time they pulled into their driveway, she was fast asleep, clutching Twix tightly in her arms.

Viv gently lifted her out of the car, carrying her inside and laying her down in her bed for a nap. Beth tucked her in, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“Have a good nap, Roo,” Beth whispered, smiling softly. “We love you so much.”

Rory stirred slightly, a sleepy smile on her face. “Love you too, Mummy… Mamma…” she murmured before drifting back into a peaceful sleep.

[sorencd]

ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU

little moments with neil that you’ll never forget. cw: the moldy peaches

you’re a part time lover and a full-time friend,

“i promise you neil, if you even think of dropping me.”

your hands held an iron-grip on your forearms which wrapped around neil’s neck, trying so hard to steady yourself with how wobbly he’s walking right now.

“i don’t know, i think i’m feeling kind of tired right now.”

he started drooping lower to the ground, his voice cracking with each step. you could feel the smirk through his words.

“neil!” you squealed, hiding your face in his neck, bracing for impact.

but instead of feeling the rough, hard ground— you felt neil standing up straight. he was also laughing.

“i hate you.”

he smiled, “i love you more.”

the monkey on your back is the latest trend.

“i think he likes me.”

neil smiled from across you, disregarding the book he was reading a second ago and started petting the stuffed-toy on his back with tenderness as if it really was alive.

“yeah, you two look the same, too.” you teased, giving the monkey a pet as well.

“haha, you’re very funny.” neil monotonously replied, but a grin still evident on his lips, “i’m taking that as a compliment.”

you laughed, amused by his reaction. you took a hold of his cheek and stretched it like your grandmother used to, “i’ve been practicing.”

“you should be a clown one day.”

i don’t see what anyone can see in anyone else, but you.

“hello? are you even listening.” your friend deadpanned, upset that you weren’t responding to a thing she was saying.

“what- i was, i mean- i am. i still am.”

she sighed, rolling her eyes with a huff. “look, i get it you’re madly in love, just don’t shove it in my face, please and thank you.”

you were fixated on neil, he was playing on the field with his friends and he just looked, surreal. he still had his hair all tidy, despite being drenched in sweat. he looked breathtaking, despite looking like an absolute mess. he also looked very kissable, too.

“why do i even bother?” your friend laughed and lightly shoved you, pulling your attention back at her.

“yeah—i agree.”

i kiss you on the brain in the shadow of the train,

the loud resounding horn of the train in the distance echoed loudly in the tree-covered valley. you and neil sat on the edge of the cliff, hand on top of the other’s, listening to the crickets chirping.

“i think getting on a train once would be nice. the view would be amazing!” you said in a soft tone, imagining the different scenery you’d be able to witness alongside neil. imagining a world outside your everyday life.

neil chuckled, looking at your eyes with so much adoration. he could almost envision it all himself as well. the amazing scene he’d have in front of him—a quaint small room just for two, dozens of trees and fields and natural life passing by; almost enough for him to write hundreds of poems about. but most beautiful of them all—you.

the scene in his mind was could never beat the moment he’s living in right now, however. you’re eyes—reflecting the bright stars above, giving his life another light within him. he could almost kiss you, and he decided he will.

“(y/n).”

you turned your head, raising your eyebrows with a smile. his nose was only a few inches away from yours, and the close proximity got your blood running up to your cheeks.

“can i kiss you?”

now you could really feel the heat across your face. with a small nod, you closed your eyes and puckered your lips.

neil let out a soft laugh, “if only you could see how cute you are right now.”

“just kiss me already, perry.”

i kiss you all starry-eyed, my body swinging from side to side.

his lips felt soft on yours, and his hands were holding your cheeks—somewhat grounding you. your entire body was pulsing with electricity, it was like you could implode any moment.

unfortunately, neil parted his lips from yours, giving you the relieving breath you didn’t know was taken away from you. and you stared, stared at him with star-struck eyes that was being illuminated by the street light, your pajamas crumpled between your fingers.

“that- you were-“ neil struggled to form a proper thought, still buzzing from the kiss.

“i love you.” you blurted, filling the silence and overlapping the chirping of the crickets. realizing the words that left your mouth, you turned your back against the awestruck boy in a rush and blurted ‘talk to me tomorrow’ before running away in a flurry of emotions.

“i love you too.” neil muttered with a small smile, his cheeks adorning a pink color of his own.

i don’t see what anyone can see in anyone else, but you.

“(y/n),” neil whined with a grin, holding in the laughter that’s begging to be let out while simultaneously trying to keep his pajamas up. “stop pulling on my pants! you’re pulling my underwear along with it!” he desperately pleaded, walking away with your hands gripping the fabric with such strength.

“exactly.”

neil pulled on harder, he was laughing loudly now, enjoying the playful tug-of-war you two were having. before suddenly, you heard a tear.

you stared into neil’s eyes, and he stared back into yours before letting go.

“(y/n).”

“neil before anything i just want to say i love you.” you waved your hands in front of you, slowly walking towards the door facing neil. to your surprise, he jolted towards you with a smile, and ripped pants, causing you to run like there’s no tomorrow.

“please—let’s talk about this!”

[olderthannetfic]

I thought it would be interesting to see if I could easily determine which ships had the most works updated in 2023.

It turned out to be fairly easy, though a little time consuming. I think these results should be reasonably accurate.

Some points to note:

I did this on my own account, and I have like 2 people muted. So I am capturing the effects of archive-locked works, but my numbers might be off by one or two works due to muting.

Works updated in 2023 is a number that constantly changes as works are deleted or updated again in 2024.

I didn't scrape the entire archive or anything like that, so it's possible I missed a ship that would bump one of these down below 100. I'd take the last few at the bottom there with a grain of salt. But I think we can be reasonably sure the top ones are accurate and that the kinds of numbers that we see at the bottom there (eighteen hundred plus works updated in 2023) are about where the cutoff will be even if we find a ship I missed.

--

As for how I did this, I went to the category tags and the rating tags, filtered for updating in 2023, then excluded ships in the sidebar till I got to 130-150 ships excluded. I also grabbed ships that are big in general from tag search, which you can use to find all relationship canonicals, ordered by frequency.

I combined those lists of ships, cleaned off the works numbers, and generated a list without duplicates. That got me three hundred and something (yes, they were mostly duplicates). I generated the relevant AO3 URLs, opened them in batches with Open Multiple URLs, and copied the works totals into a spreadsheet. Not as tidy as using a script but honestly pretty easy if you know a few spreadsheet formulas to clean up data.

The key here is that if you're only going for pretty good and not accurate beyond a shadow of a doubt, all you need to do is generate a list of likely ships, then check them.

It's possible that there's some much-updated ship that is so evenly spread across these various other tags that it just missed showing up in the sidebar. Hopefully, grabbing more than just the top 100 avoided this problem.

This method also doesn't take into account backdated works. If a whole archive was imported in 2023 but all backdated, there could be some ship that didn't have new works but where AO3 users experience in 2023 was of an influx of content.

I also did this just now, in late March/early April, so some 2023 works have inevitably been deleted or updated again. So the exact work counts don't represent the experience of using AO3 throughout 2023. A fandom active in early 2023 might not have much updating in early 2024, while a fandom active in late 2023 would. This could demote the latter a few places in the rankings since I didn't grab numbers on January 1st.

Even if a person scraped AO3 every day or was monkeying around in the databases, you also have to ask what conceptual answer you're after. Is it works a user could have read at some point during 2023, whether they were deleted by the year's end or not? Is it new-to-AO3 works or only newly-created ones, not including imported archives? Does it matter if the works are fic? If they're in English? What about accidental double-uploads or translations of a single work?

I hope this makes it clear why a definitive ranking is not actually possible.

However, despite these drawbacks, I am confident that the rankings above accurately represent the broad trends on AO3 in 2023. Just don't get too fixated on whether a ship should be at number 73 or number 74.

And, of course, I excluded these from the top 100:

Original Character(s)/Original Character(s) - 20,026

Minor or Background Relationship(s) - 16,187

No Romantic Relationship(s) - 8,052

Original Female Character(s)/Original Male Character(s) - 7,195

Original Male Character/Original Male Character - 6,283

Other Relationship Tags to Be Added - 5,618

Original Female Character(s)/Original Female Character(s) - 3,990

Original Character(s) & Original Character(s) - 3,210

Here's a spreadsheet if you want to see the actual numbers not as a shitty screencap. I left the next few below 100 for context.

[youaintnothinbuta]

“I’ve got her, you relax.” — Elvis Presley x reader

Summary: daddy Elvis comes home from tour finally, and you’ve been extra tired lately having to take care of a sick toddler. He goes straight into dad mode when he gets home and gives you a chance to relax and he’s just the best dad ever to your daughter n I love domestic elvis <3

Pairing: Elvis or Austin!Elvis x fem!reader

Word count: 678

Warnings: fluff!! Domestic!Elvis n daddy!elvis 😋 probs typos SORRY

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Finally the day had come where Elvis was coming home for a break from touring. You were originally going to meet him at the airport with the others, but your daughter had been under the weather, and sick toddlers and overstimulating environments don’t mix well. Instead, you waited at Graceland for him to return, your daughter resting on your lap.

As soon as she heard the lock of the front door click, she lept out of your lap, running over to Elvis, her arms outstretched towards him, cheering, “daddy, daddy!”

Elvis’ face lit up with a radiant smile as he scooped her up, spinning her around in the air before cuddling her to his chest, peppering her face with kisses. You watched with a smile, waiting for your turn. “My little girl,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection as he planted another kiss on her cheek. “My other little girl. I’ve missed you,” he continued, turning to you and enveloping you in a warm embrace, his lips finding yours in a tender kiss.

As he lifted your daughter onto his shoulders, her giggles filling the air, you felt relief wash over you, “I've missed you too, E,” you replied, your voice filled with warmth.

“How is she?” He asked, his concern evident in his voice, reaching up to tickle your daughter’s tummy, who was perched happily on his shoulders.

You let out a tired sigh, the weight of the past few days evident in your voice, “Getting there.”

“Tell you what, I’ve got her, you relax this afternoon, tonight it’ll be just me and you,” he suggested, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. Your heart raced a little at his suggestion, “I’d love that.”

You made your way to the bathroom, the promise of a warm bath beckoning you, Elvis followed closely behind, your daughter still perched happily on his shoulders. Together, you ascended the staircase, the sound of y/d/n’s laughter filling the air as Elvis carried her up to her bedroom to retrieve a coat.

“And mama,” Elvis said, his voice filled with determination as he wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you back towards him, “don't you even think about cooking, or cleaning, or tidying, or nothing, okay? I got it.”

You couldn't help but smile at his insistence, a wave of gratitude washing over you at his thoughtfulness. “Alright, daddy,” you replied playfully, backing up against him and teasing him with a mischievous glint in your eyes. You wandered away into the your bedroom, Elvis shot you a knowing smirk, shaking his head in amusement as he watched you go, saying you’re going to get it tonight.

“Alright, monkey,” Elvis said, turning his attention back to your daughter, who was now perched on her bed, her eyes shining with excitement. “Let's get a jacket and go play outside.”

Bending down, he gently lifted her off the bed, setting her down on her feet. Opening up her wardrobe, he sifted through the clothes until he found a warm coat, zipping it up around her little body snugly to protect her from the chilly November air.

Once she was properly bundled up, Elvis took her hand in his, a smile lighting up his face as he led her out of the room and down the stairs. Outside, the world was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, the crisp air tinged with winter on the horizon. The bathtub in yours and Elvis’ ensuite was positioned perfectly next to a window, allowing you to watch on as he and y/d/n headed out into the backyard, their laughter echoing through the air.

The pair ran around playing together, first in her cubby house, then playing chasey, before she got bored of that too. You leant against the bathtub ledge, smiling at your little family.

“Baby, come here, look,” Elvis pulled her into his lap, “see, look, wave to mama, do you see her?” He cooed, pointing to you in the window for her as she waved both hands around at you, making you laugh.

[multiwritesstuff]

Why’d you only call me when you’re high?

Summary: Based off why’d you only call me when you’re high by the Arctic Monkeys

Warnings: 18+ minors dni, cursing, unprotected sex (wrap it up)

Note: Thought I’d give it a go writing a Chris one shot, let me know what you think.

————————————————————————

You were laying in bed, almost asleep when you hear your phone ringing beside you. You see the time, the alarm clock glowing back at you telling you that it’s 3am. You feel around for your phone and you grab it, you check who’s calling and you sit up turning the lamp on. You answer the phone.

“Chris? You okay?”

“Hey Ma, what are you doing?” Chris asks, you could hear faint music and chatter in the background along with a few laughs

“I was just about to fall asleep.. is everything okay Chris?” You yawn

“Everything’s fine Ma.. I miss you.. I miss you so much.. can I come over?” He asks

“Chris.. are you high?” You ask, already knowing the answer, he only calls you when he’s high

“I might be yeah.” He tells you

“Chris.. you can’t keep doing this.” You sigh

“I know.. but I miss you.” He groans

“No you miss the sex.” You tell him

“That too yes.. but I do miss you.. can I come over?” He asks

“You only call me when you’re high.” You sigh

“I know.. I’m on my way. Leave the door unlocked ma.” He tells you and before you could say anything he ends the call

You get up, and quickly tidy your room up and light your favourite candle as you wait for Chris to arrive

Half an hour later you heard your front door open

“Ma? Where are you?” Chris calls out

You walk out of your room

“I’m right here.”

Chris looks at you with a massive smile on his face and he makes his way over to you and he grabs your waist , you wrap your arms around his neck and Chris looks at you with blood shot eyes, yeah he was definitely high.

“Missed you Ma.” He says rubbing your waist

“Missed you too Chris.” You melt into him

He smiles and leans in and kisses you, you kiss him back, as you both smile into the kiss.

Chris lifts you up as the kiss increases in passion and you wrap your legs around his waist and he carries you into your room throwing you on the bed gently and crawling on top of you.

He kisses along your jawline and makes his way down your neck.. leaving hickeys behind you moan softly and tilt your head back.

Chris smirks against your neck and he pulls away looking down at you

“Can I take this off of you ma?” He asks pulling on your shirt

You nod and he smiles as he pulls off your shirt

“God you’re beautiful Ma.” He says admiring you.

You blush at his words

He smiles and goes back to kissing your neck and he pulls down your shorts along with your underwear

He spreads your legs apart, and slides his fingers through your folds groaning softly

“God Ma.. you’re soaked.”

You bite your lip at his words

“All for you Chris.”

His thumb finds your clit and he rubs it in circles

“Oh fuck.” You let out a soft moan

Chris smirks and continues rubbing your clit before sliding two of his fingers into you.. pumping his fingers in and out, you moan gripping onto his wrist

“Come on Ma.. want you to cum for me.” He whispers into your ear, as he picks up the pace

You whine as you grip onto his wrist harder, Chris continues keeping the pace.. and you arch your back as you cum around his fingers.. Chris keeps pumping his fingers in and out of you.. helping you ride out your high.

He pulls his fingers out as you catch your breath, Chris licks his fingers clean and you bite your lip watching him.

Chris pulls his shirt off.. followed by his jeans and his boxers.

“You ready for me Ma?” He asks settling in between your legs

You nod at him and Chris smirks as he slides his tip through your folds teasing you.

“Chris!” You whine looking up at him

He chuckles

“Alright.. alright relax Ma.. I’ve got you.” He smirks and slides into you

“Oh my god.” You gasp

“Fuck you feel so tight.” Chris groans as he starts to thrust in and out of you slowly

“It’s all for you Chris.. all for you.” You moan

“That’s right Ma.. it is.. it’s all mine.” He groans and he starts thrusting into you faster

“Oh fuck.. yes Chris.. all yours! Yours!” You moan loudly as your nails drag down his back.. Chris groans as he thrusts into you harder and faster

“Be a good girl and cum on my cock baby.” Chris grunts as he keeps the pace

You moan louder and Chris continues the pace.. he puts a hand in between your bodies and his fingers find your clit.. he starts rubbing it fast and keeps his pace

“Oh my god! Chris! Yes! Yes!” You scream, tears forming at your eyes

“That’s it Ma.. scream my fucking name.” He grunts and keeps his hands pace with his fingers and his thrusts

You’re seeing stars at this point.. and the coil snaps.. you cum hard.. moaning and screaming Chris’s name

“That’s it Ma! Good fucking girl. That’s it. That’s my girl.” He groans and keeps thrusting.. he grunts loudly and he paints your walls white.

He rides out both of your highs, and he pulls out of you.. and he looks down watching his and yours cum drip out of you, he bites his lip and uses his thumb to push it back in.

“Chris! Stop.. I’m sensitive.” You whine pushing his hand away

“Can’t let it go to waste Ma.” He chuckles and gets up going into your bathroom to grab a wet wash cloth before walking back into your room and he cleans you up.. shushing you as you whimper in protest.

He throws the wash cloth on the ground before crawling into bed with you.. pulling you into his arms, kissing your cheek softly.

“Goodnight ma”

“Goodnight Chris.”

———————————————————————

First Chris one shot posted.. let me know what you all think, hope you enjoy

[russellsppttemplates]

can we get another of Oscar and the boys causing mischief? i loved the first one so much i need more 😭

Oscar rolled over in bed and looked at you, fast asleep beside him as you grasped the pillowcase on his pillow. Despite being tired, he wasn't able to fall asleep as quickly as he would've liked, so he got up to check on the boys. For now it was easier for you to keep Lucas and Jack in the same room and your youngest son admitted he would prefer to sleep in the same room as his brother since it meant he would have company, and since you had made the change recently, every now and again either your or Oscar checked on them in the middle of the night.

Getting up slowly to not disturb you, your husband tucked you in and kissed your cheek before he left the bedroom, heading to the boys' bedroom.

As he opened the door to their bedroom, the scene was something he had never seen before. There was a small night light that was turned on, letting Oscar see Jack and Lucas trying to do something on the crib.

Jack frowned in frustration and shook the railing as Lucas looked for something on the side of his crib, "there's no door, Jack, I can't open this", your oldest pouted, touching the screws keeping the piece of furniture together but realising he wouldn't be able to undo them without any tools.

"I want out", Jack groaned, trying to stretch his leg to climb up and setting his hands on the tailing so he could lift himself up, Lucas trying his best to help but getting nowhere.

Oscar was curious and since they didn't seem to notice him, he carried on watching the whole scene, ready to jump in at any sign of trouble.

Trying again, Jack stood on his tippy toes, making stand high enough to lift himself up and over the railing so he could slide down the outside of the crib with Lucas' help.

"Okay, enough!", Oscar gasped, running up to them and catching both boys as Jack was bound to fall on top of Lucas and hit the floor butt first, "what are you two doing? Jack, you can't leave the crib!", Oscar mumbled.

"Daddy!", Jack squealed and wrapped his small arms around Oscar's neck.

"He wanted to come out of there but I couldn't help him", Lucas clarified, "we didn't mean to get in trouble".

"I know you didn't, buddy", Oscar soothed, "still, you can't do this anymore okay? This could've been serious", he reasoned, "Can we play Legos?", Lucas mused, Jack walking to the box and getting the pieces.

When you didn't feel Oscar on the bed, you got up to look for him, seeing the boys' bedroom had the light on.

You expected to see Oscar lulling either of the boys back to sleep and not playing with toys in the middle of the night, "It's sleeping time, boys, what are you doing?" you asked as the three of them looked at you from their spot on the floor, knowing they got caught.

"Daddy let us play", Lucas offered, "Jack was escaping from his crib and neither of them wanted to sleep", Oscar offered as Jack approached you, holding his arms out for you to pick him up, kissing his cheeks softly.

"You troublemaker monkey!", you tapped his nose, "it's really early though, we all need sleep", you reasoned as they started tidying it up, "Come on, mummy is right", Oscar said, tucking Lucas in as you did the same for Jack.

"Really? He was escaping the crib?", you whispered as you closed the boys' bedroom door, "yes, he wanted to sleep in Lucas' bed apparently".

Shaking your head, you cuddled up to Oscar, letting him carry you back to bed after he tapped your thigh, "they're really cheeky, aren't they? And you didn't help with their mischief, did you?", you kissed his cheek.

(Thank you for sending this in ✨️)

[mattsd0ll]

Dad!Matt x Mom!Reader head cannons!

── .✦

𐙚 Dad!Matt no would always want to wear family costumes for Halloween. One year you were all Rapunzel, Flynn, and Pascal, one year you were a dinosaur family, and last year you were Shrek, Fiona, and one of their babies. This year you were Jasmine, Matt was Aladdin, and Hope was Abu.

“Aww look at my little girl!” Matt said excitedly, picking up Hope and holding her. “Daddy I’m a monkey!” She giggled, showing him her tail. “She’s adorable.” You walked over to Matt, kissing his cheek. “Wow— you look.. god. I-I just, holy crap.” He stared at you in awe. “Mommy you are boo-ti-pul.” Hope said, pointing to you. “Thank you baby girl.” You hugged her. “Yes, you look beautiful.” Matt kissed your lips passionately, “happy Halloween sweetheart.” Hope covered her eyes, “yuck!” She exclaimed, you and Matt laughed in return.

── .✦

𐙚 Dad!Matt who would always help Hope carve pumpkins, but one year he accidentally cut his hand when cutting the top of the pumpkin. Let’s just say that Hope doesn’t like watching him carve pumpkins.

“Uhm, baby!” Matt called for you, trying not to panic. As soon as Hope saw the blood, she screamed. You came running, “what’s the matter?” You stood next to Hope. “I’m uhh, I’m bleeding.” He tried to keep his cool. “Shit.” You mumbled.

Matt was all cleaned up and you tidied up the kitchen, and the blood. Hope dropped her toy on the floor and yelled something.. “shit!” She giggled, picking up her toy. “Hope Marie!” You shouted, laughing along with Matt.

── .✦

𐙚 Dad!Matt always went through Hopes candy, and took just a little bit for himself too, but Hope never cared.

“Okay Bug, let’s go through your candy.” Matt said, picking her up and setting her on the counter. “Ooh, that’s a lot of candy.” Matt said, sounding almost jealous, “I’m just so sad I couldn’t get any this year.” He put on a fake frown. “Daddy can have some!” Hope handed him a sucker. Matt laughed, “thank you Bug.” He kissed her cheek and took the candy.

── .✦

𐙚 Dad!Matt and Mom!Reader who always did something to distract Hope on rainy days, no matter if they were busy or not, they always found a way to make their little bug feel better.

“Momma, I’m scared.” Hope said from around the corner. Matt was cutting up some vegetables and you were washing dishes. “What’s the matter Bug?” You stopped what you were doing. “Storm,” she pointed at the window. You look at Matt, sympathy in your eyes. He dropped the vegetables and made his way around the counter, picking her up and holding her on his hip. “Airplane ride?” Matt asked, making Hope smile, “airpwane!” She giggled.

── .✦

𐙚 Dad!Matt and Hope who would always surprise Mom!Reader with random gifts no matter what the occasion.

“Look what me and Bug got you!” Matt walked through the door with a bouquet of your favorite flowers and come chocolates. “Aww you guys.” You got up from the couch, walking over to Matt and giving him a peck on the lips. “Me too mommy!” Hope jumped up and down. You picked her up and kissed her face all over, making her squeal. “Thank you guys, you’re awesome.” Matt kissed your cheek and took Hope from you.

── .✦

Second actual post!

I really liked this one, even though I’m a little late with the Halloween stuff!

I’ll have another post out atleast by next week, any requests?

Taglist𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

@in4pickle

@zombiesturniolo

@flowernoemie

@princessymatty

@qnevzz

@sttepphaaniee

@itsyabiotch

@mattsbitchh

@riggysworld

@peachyagustd

@bloomx

[manonim]

Jie, the main character of “Fox Servant”. She’s the first servant of Monkey King hiding a lot of secrets but is always ready to serve her master.

Full Name: Jie Huang

Alias(es): The Monkey King’s servant, Greedy Fox, Sly Fox, Fox, Demoness, The Fox Demon Queen, Ms. Jie, Ma’am, ?, ?, ?…

Species: Fox demon (eight-tailed)

Gender: Female

Affiliation(s): ?, Monkey King’s ally,

Occupation(s): ?, DFK’s diplomat(formerly), The ruler of Fox Kingdom(formerly), Sun Wukong’s servant, Zen Huang’s wife

Weapon(s): Mirror blade

Place of birth: ?

Age: 2000+

Home: Megapolis

Likes: Peace and quiet, coffee, eggs, tidiness, spending time with Gou, traditional clothes, playing Go, staying at home

Dislikes: Loud places, garlic, stinky things, height, Jade necklace, celestials, talking about her past, cats, changes, physical touch

Family:

Zen- her husband

Yī- her first child

Èr- her second child

Sān- her youngest child

DFK- father-in-law

? - ?

Friends/Allies:

No info yet

Enemies:

Celestials(formerly)

?

FDK(formerly)

DBK family (formerly)

Macaque

Spider Queen

LBD

?

Status: alive

Abilities:

illusion- Jie can create an illusion of objects, sometimes places, she uses it mainly in fights but it’s no use against enemies with strong senses (Macaque) or the users of gold vision (MK and Wukong)

shape shifting- Jie can transform into a fox, human or into a male version of herself. She can also change into one of her acquaintances (for example MK) but can also change parts of her body (like hair colour). While doing so she needs to stay focus or she will come back to her true form, that’s why she doesn’t use this ability while fighting

energy manipulation- Jie can use her energy to attack an enemy. It’s something that helps her while fighting with opponents stronger than her but because of how much energy it costs Jie uses it mainly as an emergency. (This ability allowed her to break the contract with her previous masters)

ability to see and gather souls- Jie can see souls of living and distinguish between them. This way she can recognise the power and personality of their owners. She can also steal the souls and then transform them into energy to give herself strength (though she is forbidden from doing that right now)

teleportation- Jie can teleport to many places as long as she knows the location and has enough energy for that, the distance depends on how much energy she has.

six sense- Jie has the ability to feel danger before it harms her in any way, it works only when the one threatened is her.

strong sense of smell- Jie has a strong sense of smell. It can be helpful but it’s becoming a problem once she’s close to something with an unpleasant smell

possession- Jie can posses the abilities and body of creatures she choose to possess. But it works only when the body’s souls is weak or gone

half immortality- Jie doesn’t age nor caught diseases but she can still be killed

astral projection- Jie is able to separate part of her soul from her body and wander like a ghost. It's different from Wukong's ability because Jie can't control her body while being a projection, once her soul comes back to its place she can keep her memories.

Personality:

Jie seems to be someone quiet, calm and cold hearted because that’s how she wants others to see her. In fact she can be very nervous or care deeply about someone but she won’t show it. She doesn’t show her true feelings if she doesn’t need to. She also likes to spend time alone, after spending hundreds years on her own she feels uncomfortable with other people. Without the ability to start a conservation she feels just anxious. She barely talks about the things she likes.

Jie has problem with trusting others and she doesn’t see herself as a trustworthy person either because she always puts herself and things of a high value to her first when she’s in danger. Sometimes she catches herself being carefree near MK’s group or Wukong but will immediately scold herself for that, she knows her place or at least she thinks she does. Jie isn’t sure whether she’s good or bad person and doesn’t accept others opinions about it. She is someone who doesn’t want to be hurt but she’s much more afraid of hurting others, she’s living with a ghost of her past and a lot of guilt.

Despite her being pretty sceptical and cold Jie can sometimes be a good listener and even better advisor, she actually enjoys being listened. When she starts doing something she makes sure to do it as well as possible

History:

Not much is known about Jie’s history yet, the only part we currently know for sure is that Jie worked in the palace of Demon Fox King, then took over the crown and ruled the kingdom on her own for hundreds while causing many wars. At that time she got married and had three kids. Later Jie was captured by the celestials and judged by the Jade Emperor who took away her title and sealed half of her power. Later for some reason she left the kingdom and traveled while trying to avoid Monkey King and the pilgrims so that she wouldn’t get killed. At the end of her journey she started living near the mountain where Monkey King sealed DBK, later the place became Megapolis where Jie lives till now. When DBK’s family planned to release him Jie decided to join forces with Monkey King to protect her peaceful life, to do that she became his servant.

Besides that it was stated that Jie knows the smell of underworld and probably has some connection to LBD. She also suffers from trauma which we yet don’t know when and where started.

Relationships with canon characters(opinions):

Sun Wukong:

Jie is Wukong’s servant, she spends with him a lot of time but the great Monkey King still keeps surprising her with his immaturity and energy. Despite her efforts to keep the distance between them Jie finds herself more and more relaxed in his presence, yet she keeps her guard up because she knows too well that you shouldn’t allow yourself to depend on someone else than yourself. But even if she doesn’t want to admit it yet, the fact that Wukong starts trusting her more and more makes her happy.

MK

You can easily guess what Jie though about MK when she found out that the stability of her life depends on some delivery boy. It took her some time to accept him as her master’s successor but as someone who can see people’s souls she couldn’t disagree that he was pretty much a honest and good hearted kid. He also showed her that he can work hard and that he truly cares about others safety. What I must add is that MK’s childish behaviour and energy annoys Jie but reminds her of her youngest son at the same time.

Mei

Jie still can’t forget the chills she got when she first met Mei. From the beginning she could say that this girl has a really strong soul which is so wild that it can barely stay in one place and that ominous energy in her body… but anyway- when Jie noticed that Mei is the descendant of the dragon she wasn’t too happy about it, later when she followed the bull clone into Mei’s house to make sure it won’t lay a hand on the Dragon Blade she got to know Mei better and felt bad about her circumstances. Then when Mei wielded her sword Jie was honestly terrified since Mei in her eyes is both powerful and dangerously unstable but when Jie noticed how strong and determinate she is to protect her friends she though of her old good friend and decided to just keep an eye on Mei for now. (Mei also adores Gou so she’s currently Jie’s favourite)

Pigsy

Jie doesn’t know a lot about him yet but she definitely loves his noodles, she’s also relieved that she’s not the only rational one taking care of that reckless Monkey Boy.

Tang

Tang was pretty suspicious of Jie when they first met, which didn’t really matter to her but she was surprised hearing him apologise. The monk’s soul is always thirst for more knowledge which makes him pretty interesting.

Sandy

Jie had her first proper conservation with him when she was going through a hard time and Sandy helper her made up her mind. You probably think that Jie sees nothing wrong with this gentle giant but don’t forget about her ability to see soul and oh man… Sandy’s soul is really weird! In her whole life Jie has never saw someone with their soul parted in half- one is gently and warm like a sunshine while the other is ominous and unpleasant to even look at. Still Jie respects him because she knows that the one to create this balance is no one else but Sandy himself and that can’t be an easy task. The only thing that Jie can’t stand is his love to cats while Jie dislikes them but she can live with that since Sandy likes Gou.

DBK family

Jie doesn’t have any opinion of them, once they try to destroy the city their her enemy and when they live quietly she doesn’t care. She wants to avoid picking a fight with them since she’s not sure whether she could fight any of them. The biggest threat is DBK but Jie believes that Wukong will handle him if needed (or at least she hopes). She had some confrontations with Princess Iron Fan but fortunately it ended well and Red Son… For Jie he’s just a very loud kid with anger issues

Spider Queen

Jie knew Spider Queen for a long time, or rather the two of them just acknowledged each other as rulers of demon kingdoms. Jie felt bad hearing about the fall of Spider demons but doesn’t approve Spider Queen’s actions, for her a Queen without her people is no longer a ruler. It would be better if Spider Queen just gave up and got a new life.

Macaque

From the start Jie isn’t a fan of that Monkey. Literally everything about him disgusts her, especially his smell of the dead and the way he tries to become a villain. Jie had only one look at his soul and noticed that it’s broken which means Macaque has been going through something but it only irritates her more because Macaque is destroying his soul more by acting against his nature which Jie finds stupid.

Yin and Jin

Honestly Jie doesn’t even remember who they are.

Lady Bone Demon

No info yet

Relationships with my ocs (opinions):

Zen

I can ensure you that Jie loves Zen but as for now she doesn’t feel ready to confront him again, she feels like she failed him as a wife and even if she knows deep down that he still loves her she isn’t brave enough to look at him. Remembering him also bring some dark memories who Jie hadn’t fought off yet.

Kids

It’s similar situation to Zen, she loves them but feels like she failed them as a mother. As for now she believes they can do better without her around. She’s really proud of every single one of them and would more than happy if they could live on without thinking about their pathetic mother. (Btw by the time she left the kingdom all her kids were grown up, the youngest- Sān was around 18)

Trivia:

- Jie has a strict week-plan of chores she needs to do for Monkey King, for example: cooking, tidying his cave and also bathing Wukong’s monkey friends. For Jie it’s a pretty fun way to spend her free time but she would be more happy if her pay was bigger

- Jie actually saves money for a coffee machine

- She not only saves letters her husband sends to her but also her own, which she didn’t have a courage to send

- She’s wearing a hairpin with magnolia which she bought with Wukong because it reminds her of a magnolia tree in her old garden in Fox Kingdom

- Jie’s favourite type of coffee is cappuccino without sugar

- Starting from season 1 Jie regularly visits Sandy for a cup of tee, she developed a habit of complaining about Wukong in front of the giant

- Zen and Èr are the only ones who know when Jie lives, Zen can’t leave the kingdom since he is it’s ruler but Èr visits his mother from time to time to check up on her. This way Jie gets to know how her family is doing.

- Jie’s personality changed a lot through many parts of her life

- Before becoming Monkey King’s servant Jie had many different jobs to get money, her last job was a bookstore’s cashier but she had to quit because it was closed due to the owner’s financial issues

// The ‘?’ Are for now hiden

This is an actual Jie’s ref for season 2 of Fox Servant

What do you think of the new logo?

[qingyingpocketlirary]

Snapshot 43; Unfamiliar Tales

“I’m a little shocked that so many relics didn’t already have a place in Ao Bing or Auntie’s vaults.” MK said as he helped the Monkey King tidy away the hoard of relics and treasures Yin and Jin had used to cause mischief in the city that morning.

“These are all active relics, so it's just a case of sending them back to whomever they belong to.” Wukong admitted, already sorting some items into a crate while the little monkeys put in ripe fruits and soft hay to pack the box neatly. “Most of this is Nezha’s stuff.”

“How’d the twins get it?” MK asked as he neatly folded up a clock with a sun shaped fastening. “I doubt they stole it from Nezha himself.”

“Nah, they got it the same way anyone finds relics most likely. They went treasure hunting. Most Demons do that as a hobby to pass time when they get bored in the City.” Wukong said. “Peaceful living is fun and all, but some Demons enjoy the thrill of the unknown, so they go out and find the old palaces and temples just to test their skills in trap avoidance and treasure hunting.” 

“Do you go treasure hunting?” MK asked.

“Nah. I have a kingdom to protect and little ones to watch over, plus now I have you to train, so any free time I use to spend napping and meditating is spent teaching you.” The Monkey King explained, sealing the crate and setting it into a circle platform and with a small burst of chi, the crate vanished in a bright flash of white. “And honestly, I’m kinda amazed you’ve taken so quickly to all my lessons, even with how bad of a teacher I am.”

“You’re not that bad! It's just different methods working for different people.” MK asserted. “Mei just has to see someone do something once and she can do it perfectly, but I learn by doing things on my own, with someone to tell me what I'm doing wrong or need to improve on.”

“Honestly, you’re doing a lot better at the hero stuff then I did.” Wukong smiled.

MK slumped into himself a little. “I don’t feel like I am.” He admitted.

“Why not?” Wukong asked, “You’ve saved the City three times now, four if you count the mini rampage.”

“After I caused all of them to begin with.” MK said, “I removed your staff from the Mountain that kept Demon Bull King trapped. Then I let Red Son take the Bone Key that led to the release of the Lady Bone Demon and caused the second Demon Bull King rampage. It was my hair that gave the Spider Queen the power to duplicate her drones and take over the city, and then Lady Bone Demon came back using Bai He as her host to attack the city again! All of it was because of me.”

“Hey, none of that.” Wukong said, poking MK’s forehead between his eyes. “All those foes you faced were people I wronged in the first place. They came at you because they wanted to get at me, a fact you wouldn’t have known before you tried to bring Ruyi Jingu Bang back to me.”

“But it was-”

“Young Xiaotain,” A new voice called out as the steady tap, tap, tap of a walking stick echoed into the room. Old Beng, walking slowly as the little monkeys rushed to his feet and gently took his hand, tenderly tugging and guiding the old monkey along.

“Old Beng.” MK greeted with a respectful bow to the senior Stone Monkey. Wukong smiled and tugged a hair free of his head, forming it into a floor pillow that the old monkey seated himself on. 

“Thank you little Wukong. Now, you young one, you listen to this old one’s words carefully.” He said, one withered finger gently pointed at MK. “Even if you hadn’t been there, I have no doubt Red Son would have lifted Ruyi Jingu Bang himself with that fancy glove of his. That boy has spent his entire life thus far trying to find a way to do the impossible and eventually it would have worked, do you know why?”

“Um… no, not really.” MK admitted.

“Because Ruyi Jingu Bang would have felt the dedication, the love and desire from the son to free his father and allowed themself to be lifted. And that is all they would allow. The reunion of son and father. With or without your, the Demon Bull King would have been freed and the Demon Bull Family made whole once more.” Old Beng explained, tapping his staff firmly as if to finalise the statement. “Now, on the matter of the Spider Queen. She was planning to rise up again, even before Demon Bull King rampaged, you saw her dedication to that plot when you were a witness to the court, so even if she hadn’t taken your hair and used it as she did, she would have eventually risen up and taken the city hostage for her plan.”

“But my hair made it possible sooner.” MK pointed out, remembering how Syntax had explained it was thanks to his hair and the magic of duplication the Spider Queen had managed to mass produce the Spider drone army she’d used to take over the city at New Years.

“Only because you have the powers of the Monkey King,” Old Beng reminded, “I have no doubt that even if she had not gotten her hands on your hairs, she’d have taken over the city. It would have taken longer to achieve her goal, but eventually, it would have happened. And on the final matter of the Bone Demon. That was, with all due respect to the Tang Monk, a mistake of judgement on his part.”

“Old Beng-”

“A being such as her would never change. The Great Monk ought to have known that after what was taught to him by the Merciful Guanyin.” Old Beng asserted and Wukong looked at the floor, knowing better than to argue.

“Um… am I missing something important again?” MK asked, sensing the slight unease.

“You will learn in your own time that there are some people who can be changed, MK, make no mistake about that. There are people who get lost and who stray, but can still be brought back. But for each one who can be saved, there are a dozen more who have only ever seen the twisted and broken parts of the world, who have allowed themselves to be blind to all but the worst and terrible things they witness. Those are the people who can not be saved, MK. People like the Lady Bone Demon, her puppet, and sadly, many others too.”

“Even though you say it isn’t, it still feels like it was my fault.” MK insisted, sinking to the floor and looking at his reflection in a golden plate that had Wukong’s face engraved into the middle. “Because I was involved, everything happened in a way that made their attacks possible. I feel like I have to take some of the blame.”

“Oh Child,” Old Beng sighed softly, “You carry it needlessly.”

“Xiaotain.” Wukong said softly, sitting beside the boy and putting his arm around his shoulders. “Neither of us can say anything that will convince you none of what happened was your fault, but please, believe me when I say no one, not me, Old Beng, Mei, Red Son, or anyone else, blames you for what happened. Everyone knows that the blame lies with me for making those people angry to begin with.”

“But you were doing what you had to do back then.” The boy said.

“I was, but the way I handled things wasn’t the best… I should have ended the Lady Bone Demon, instead of letting my Master seal her away. I should have kept better track of where the Spider Queen was after the ruination of her home and paid closer attention to her activity. And Demon Bull King… That was just one big mess of a screwup from the start. No one blames you for what happened MK.” Wukong assured his successor. “Mistakes happen, but as long as you leave this world in a better state then you found it, then you can look back and say, you did good, alright?”

MK sighed heavily. “I like the world as it is right now, so if it could stay that way forever, that would be awesome.”

“Forever is a long time, young Xiaotain.” Old Beng remarked, slowly standing up again. “Now, enough of this gloomy talk. Come, both of you can help me gather some fresh fruits for the children’s supper time.” He offered with a smile.

That made MK perk up again, and with a nod from Wukong, the two followed the old Monkey out of the storage room, each with a little monkey on their shoulders or clinging to their backs.

His kingdom lay in ruin, broken walls and homes lost in rockslides and buried in the unforgiving sands as nature reclaimed the ruins of what had once been a grand place where humans and demons would have thrived under his authority and care. The halls of the palace, once pristine and polished to perfection, were now cracked and crumbling from neglect, cobwebs and nests from seasonal birds littered the high ceilings and corners while insect burrows adorned the floors and walls.

Everything he had worked to create was abandoned and left to decay.

“We have been forgotten…?” He asked of the being who had brought him here, a being who hovered off the ground at all times, and hid himself in a dark robe. “Peng and Yellow Tusk?”

“Your brothers remain prisoners to the Memory Scroll still. And will remain that way until you are able to free them, a task that you are not yet strong enough to attempt, much less succeed at.” The being stated, “your body is still adjusting and acclimatising to the flow of the three realms after so long under the spell of the Scroll. You must recover fully, Axure Lion, or you will ruin yourself before you even begin your next steps.”

“And you, stranger, you seek to help me?” The celestial lion questioned.

“I and those like me seek our own ends, but to reach them, we require aid from those who can be trusted. We have nothing to lose, but much to gain in helping you in your efforts.” The stranger admitted. “But, you are known for your less than perfect loyalties, as such, I and those like me are reluctant to give you more than this humble shell of mine as a point of contact.”

“My loyalty?” The lion repeated. “What have I done that would bring anyone to question my loyalty?”

“You would deny your trespass, even now?” The stranger asked with a tilt of his hooded head. There is enough light to show the stranger’s lips part to show an impressive collection of unnaturally sharp teeth. “Was it not your impatience and anger that led you to lie to the father and sons about their task? You who crafted them the garbs of Heaven and set them to hunt the precious Monkeys of Flower and Fruit Mountain? You who then killed them and stood side by side with the grieving and angered Sun Wukong to storm Heaven and challenge the Jade Emperor?”

“That is-” It was known… Did Wukong know?

“It was not something told to the general public, nor is it mentioned within the now famous book dear Chang’e wrote to immortalize the famous Journey To The West. But those who look deep enough and those who watched the events as they happened closely enough, they know the truth.” The stranger expressed, hovering a few feet away and gently sweeping away the gathered dust from a frame that hung on one of the walls, an old picture, faded with time and but still with enough detail to make out the scene.

Azure, Peng and Yellow Tusk, the first day they’d started work on building their home here at the ridge. A gift from one of the artisans who lived in the ridge before their arrival, a small thanks after their efforts had brought some comfort and safety to the land.

“You allowed yourself to be foolish, Azure Lion, and that foolishness cost you any chance at what was never yours to begin with. But there may yet be other ways to gain what you wanted.” 

Azure blinked. “What?”

“You wish to see the power of the Jade Emperor used to better the world, do you not?” The stranger questioned. “It is possible to achieve that dream of yours. If, that is, you are willing to listen and follow the path I and mine offer to you.”

“How am I to trust that you and yours can be trusted if you will not even give me a name or a face?” Azure questioned.

“Fair enough.” The stranger smiled another sharp toothed smile, and with a flick of his wrist, a teleportation ring formed beneath them. “Brace yourself.” He warned and Azure had just enough time to inhale deeply and set his feet before the familiar pull of the magic took over him.

He heard the voices of others around him, their voices laced with concern, dread, some anger and a weary resignation.

“Is there nothing you can do to lessen his pain?” His wife questioned, close to him, perhaps at his bedside? Had he slipped into slumber upon his throne again and caused her to have to bring him to bed?

“Nothing more than we have already done, your Highness. Anything more than this would numb him and render all our efforts worthless.” That was the voice of the old Black Tortoise, also close by but somehow lower than him…? How, if he were not on a bed then- 

Ah, yes, he recalled now, he was meditating before bed, and had settled himself in his meditation chamber to try and ease the pains that had tormented his body for the last few days. Faintly, the sensations were returning to him again, his body was still seated, his arms still relaxed and his hands cradling the warmth of his own chi, forming into a collection of marble sized balls. Some of them must have been cracked and fragmented in his palms, leading his wife to worry about his health when she’d found him here and called upon the Black Tortoise to check upon him.

He would be sure to soothe his wife when he awoke truly.

“This would not be happening if things had been left well enough alone.” And there was the Vermillion Bird, anger as familiar in her tone as the very fire she represented. In all the eons he’d known them, the two women had never gone far from each other.

“We can’t change it now. Whatever comes is beyond even Her control this time, and good or bad, it will not be stopped any longer.” The Black Tortoise remarked, her voice heavy with shame she could do nothing more for him.

It would not do. They had enough to worry about without carrying his needs as well.

“Such talk is not appropriate at this time.” He said as he peeled his eyes open, taking a moment to steady himself as his senses returned to him, bringing the familiar aches and pains of his aged body and the faint sting of minute tears and rips along his skin, the signs of just how overwhelming the power within him had become. It was thankfully less than it had been before he settled to meditate.

“Emperor.” Both the Black Tortoise and Vermillion Bird greeted him as the Queen Mother often West helped him to stand once again. He was not as steady as he would like to be, but for the sake of the Realms, he would bear it.

“Let it be enough for now, my friends. I know my fate, and I embrace it. Let it not weigh you both down.” He bid them, with a kind wave of his hand to dismiss them. “The pattern is set now, we can only endure it to its end.”

“Are you sure?” The Vermillion Bird questioned, a promise in her tone. She would stand with him, she would fight for him, they all would, to grant him time enough to regain his stability and make a stand.

He could not ask it of them, not when they all knew it would be meaningless should She chose to take matters into her own hands yet again.

So instead he nodded. “Go now, both of you, enjoy the time you have while it lasts. We need not fret over this matter any longer than we already have.” He assured and with a final nod, the two left his meditation chamber.

“My husband.” His wife’s voice was filled with questions he could not yet answer, and so instead he shook his head slowly.

“I am at peace, my dear.” He assured her, tenderly brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Let it not sadden you.”

“You are changed.” She said and he could not help the smile that graced his lips, “The pain is worsening, and so I must ask, what is your plan?”

He sighed heavily, but as they walked side by side to their shared chamber, he explained.

“It will be Erlang who rules until the danger passes, but the power is not to go to him. It would ruin him. Instead, you must see to it, with the help of the Black Tortoise, the Vermillion Bird, the Teal Dragon and the White Tiger, that the power of the Yellow Stone is contained for as long as possible. That will allow the child time to prepare and when he is ready, the power of the stone will call to him. The rest is in the hands of the young and the brave.”

It was not a full proof plan, the power was unstable, even within him, but if the need for a hero come about, should it be that the world needed someone to step up and fight alongside the Azure Dragon, the Two Monkeys, the Gods of all Realms and those who were willing and determined to try…

He could at least try and make it just a little easier for them, even if he would not witness the aftermath.

“They had sealed themselves in?” Chi Yue questioned as she poured tea for herself and Ao Bing.

“They discovered a theft from their Palace of Judgement. They wish to investigate it from within first before they accuse anyone outside the Underworld.” Ao Bing explained, offering her the letter he’d been sent. 

“The Celestial Realm is also bolstering their armies.” The third member of their meeting explained as she sipped from her cup. “Something is happening, and whatever it is, it will be big.”

“Then we better prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” Chi Yue said.

“Are you sure you do not wish me to put more charms and protections around your home?” the other female of their party asked, “You know it is no trouble for me.”

“I am sure, please don’t fret over me.” Chi Yue nodded and smiled. “I am not a helpless maiden, and if anything does try, I am not without a means to defend myself.”

“It would ease my mind.” Ao Bing admitted, “All this stress and mystery, it reminds me too much of my Father’s ways.”

“Then if it eases you,” Chi Yue offered, “I will relocate to Wukong’s mountain for a time, spend some days with the children and enjoy the company of Old Bing.”

“It would put both our minds at ease.” Their third nodded. “You are not helpless, but still, you are not as strong as you once were, now that your river is dried and gone. Knowing you are safe helps ease many minds.”

“Very well.” Chi Yue nodded. “I will speak with Wukong tomorrow and arrange it. Now please, drink and eat my friends, we so rarely get to enjoy time together, and should not spoil the time with heavy topics.”

“Now that you know who we are and what we want, are you willing to listen and follow our guidance for the path ahead of you, Azure Lion?” One of his benefactors’ asked.

“I am.” He agreed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am setting up for A Very Broken World. Buckle in everybody!

[alicedusstuff]

Lost au 2(english)

It was a busy day on the mountain of flowers and fruits. For some reason, all the monkeys were very noisy today; and that must have been what forced the king to leave his thoughts to look at the door from the comfort of Macaque's bed.

-I think it wouldn't have been your day. The monkeys are noisy today.

Wukong didn't dare get under the covers. He didn't want to mess up his old friend's room. So he just lay there, knowing full well that he wouldn't get to sleep. The place was still as he had found it when he arrived on the mountain. Sheets of paper were even left on the floor, gathering dust. A few drawings of Wukong's image could be seen in one of the half-closed drawers of Macaque's desk. Some powders were resting nicely on the shadow monkey's dresser, the cupboard where he hid his disguises was closed; and one of his chests was always overflowing with scrolls, fabrics, and treasures of all kinds. The room was far too tidy despite the few things that exceeded Macaque's relentless tidying. Wukong liked to think that this little grain of disorder was a habit that the six-eared macaque had taken from him over time. The only thing Wukong had touched was the scents that Macaque used to perfume his room. A smell of old paper and sweet fruits that Wukong immersed himself in the few times he came here.

Wukong could not stay thinking for long, because the cries of his subjects were breaking his ears. It had become unbearable. What could put them in such a state? Wukong tried his best to understand what was being said; but what was being said was said and mixed up so much that Wukong could not put his finger on any proper word.

-It seems that I must leave you bud. My kingdom calls me.

No sooner said than done, Wukong jumped out of bed and left the room. Immediately, in the hallway, a crowd of monkeys turned to their king as he closed the door behind him. A second passed where everyone seemed to be sure that it was indeed their king who was coming out of the room of the deceased who was almost considered the second king of the mountain. Then, the crowd of monkeys jumped on him. Small and big, monkey demons and normal monkeys. All that was in the hallway crushed him in relief, burying their king under a mountain of monkeys.

-Hey guys. You're going to kill me there. The king mocked.

No one found it funny. Wukong did his best to free himself before asking for more explanations. Why the hell was there so much commotion outside and inside? The answer was given to him by a foreign monkey that Macaque had brought back to the mountain. Wukong remembers him because Macaque had introduced him himself, when Wukong had returned after being chased away by the monk.

“He looks a bit like you,” Macaque had laughed at the time. “He’s very noisy.”

Wukong remembers that he didn’t like the attention Macaque was giving to this newcomer, and the two friends had argued for a reason that Wukong doesn’t even remember anymore.

“My king, you have been missing for three days and three nights, and you hadn’t warned anyone of any departure. Everyone was worried about your absence. We thought the worst.”

Wukong’s eyes widened. The dark circles under his eyes seemed to pull on his skin. And his eye sockets were a little too dry. The king closed his eyes and rubbed them to moisten them a little, under the worried gaze of his subjects in the front line in front of him.

“I’m fine.” The king announced, blinking several times at the discomfort of his eyes being dry.

He hadn’t realized they were dry until he opened his eyes wide. How long had he not closed them? How long had he been staring at the ceiling of his friend’s room?

“I’m fine.” The king repeated, continuing to blink. “But, three days? Really?”

The monkeys nodded. Outside, the noise had stopped. Someone must have warned them that their king had been found. Wukong blinked several more times. Tears fell before finally leaving Wukong with a blurry vision.

“Woah…uh…” One last blink to clear the water from his eyes, and his vision was clear again. Sorry to worry you guys. I just took a really big nap.”

That was a lie. Wukong had been unable to sleep for ages, unless one of the little monkeys came to rest on him. A familiar shiver ran through Wukong. He ignored it and hurried to reassure his people. He grabbed a few little ones in one hand, took the hands of a few little monkey demons in the other, and left the rest of his subjects, following him.

Outside, the rest of his people had gathered around the temple. They formed a huge wall of monkeys that surrounded the temple entrance. Wukong realized then, how worried his people were. There hadn’t been such assemblies in a long time. He sighed and muttered under his breath.

-I really have the gift of worrying everyone, huh bud?

It was obvious that Macaque wouldn’t answer him. But he liked to think that the shadow monkey would have been able to hear him no matter where he was. As it had always been the case when Macaque was in this world.

-Ah…seems like I scared everyone huh?

Like a single monkey, the wall of primates nodded several times. Then, a loud murmur began to travel through the crowd. Wukong followed the worried sound from where it started, and followed it spread through the crowd in waves. Everyone wanted to give their opinion. Wukong said nothing. He let a moment pass before asking for silence, and asking for someone to take charge of representing the troupe. A short whisper was heard before the troupe gave a name.

"Shi Luo"

The same monkey that Wukong had seen earlier; the one that Macaque had brought back to the mountain, stepped aside from the crowd. Now that Wukong saw him, he could see how young the monkey was. He would certainly reach maturity in a few years, but he was still quite young. Probably a little younger than he and Macaque had been the first time they had crossed paths. His fur was as light as the clouds, which turned black at the tail. His skin was a little grayer than Macaque's, and a blue mask covered his eyes. The youngster moved closer to Wukong before bowing in the same way Macaque did when the latter began acting as his vassal in front of strangers from the mountain. The gesture pinched Wukong’s heart. He tightened his grip on his clothes.

“Who are you?” Wukong asked.

The blue-marked ape looked up at Wukong, blinking a few times before rushing to answer as politely as possible.

“Old Moon gave me the name Shi Luo. I am Old Moon’s first protégé, your highness. I will be the one to offer you the voice of your people today.”

Wukong didn’t know that Macaque had protégés. He knew that he and the shadow ape often found monkeys in trouble, and brought them back to the mountain. It was something Wukong was sure Macaque had continued to do after he left; but calling them protégés was overkill. It left a bad taste in Wukong’s mouth. Macaque’s voice scolded him in his head. As if Macaque had guessed that Wukong’s next actions were going to be stupid. Wukong decided to do nothing. He nodded slowly, he would ask about Shi Luo later.

-Speak.

He finally ordered. Shi Luo did not need to be asked twice.

-We are worried about you, your highness. Positive whistles rose from the crowd, encouraging the monkey representatives to speak. You have spent years mourning a person who no longer exists. The mountain needs their king. We mourn with you the loss of old Moon, but you cannot let yourselves waste away like this. Once again, we need you. The mountain has not known any real good days since you stopped smiling. Some of the fruits that old Moon loved no longer bear fruit, as if you had ordered it. Humans and demons venture a little closer to the mountain with each passing day, and we fear that, if grief does not kill you, it will be the next attack against the mountain that will take your immortalities.

Wukong let out a mocking laugh at the young monkey's last sentence. If he could die so quickly, he would have been gone a long time ago. His immortality condemned him to live without Macaque.

-Don't worry. I won't die so quickly. And I'll take care of you.

Shi Luo looked up at the crowd that had started to murmur in disorder again. Wukong managed to remember a few words. But obviously, Shi Luo was better at assimilating what intrigued everyone in the troop than him. He certainly managed to untangle everyone's worries because he had the same concerns. That's how he untangled the gibberish of words so firmly scribbled so well.

-We believe you my king. But we care about you. We would like you to be able to live again despite the departure of the old Moon.

The young man seemed to want to say something. He hesitated for a second, glanced at the troop, asking if he could talk about the delicate subject that everyone seemed to have thought about, before opening the floor again.

-We think you should perhaps look for a new companion.

Wukong’s fur bristled in anger. He ignored the fact that the younger one was implying that his friendship with Macaque was more than that. His claws dug into his palms in an attempt to not kill the younger one right away. The little ones on him, who were on top of him, went down as the tension rose. Wukong’s throat tightened, he did his best to hold back the ball of rage deep in his esophagus. Ignoring the danger, Shi Luo continued.

“Old Moon is, and will remain irreplaceable. But… we think that maybe, if you could find someone to fill the void she… that he left; you would be able to move on. It is not good to dwell on the same problem indefinitely. No one can conquer death, once they have crossed it.”

“I have conquered death.” Wukong snarled. I went to the underworld and removed my name from death itself. Nothing is impossible for me. I am The Great Ape King equal to Heaven. And I say it today and now. Nothing and no one will replace Macaque.

-That's not what I meant… We think…

-Then think no more.

Wukong turned directly to his troop, fangs bared.

-So that's it? You want me to find a replacement for Macaque?

A hubbub was heard. Shi Luo spoke again so he could transcribe what the crowd was thinking and that Wukong had already understood.

-We don't want any replacements for Old Moon. We only want you to be happy, Grandpa Sun. Shi Luo hesitated before saying what he personally thought. Old Moon was a logical person. She would agree with this decision.

-Enough!

Wukong's cry echoed throughout the mountain. Everyone fell silent.

-I never want to hear you even mention that stupid idea again. That’s an order. If any of you ever do, I’ll skin you alive, myself.

With his words, Wukong went deeper into the forest. The monkeys didn’t hold him back. They waited for their king to leave before whispering.

-Our king has lost his mind.

They could hear.

-The loss of Grandmother Moon broke him.

Whispered between the walls.

-Our king can never be the same again.

The whispers echoed again and again, reflecting the panic of the people. Everyone loved Macaque. But even they knew that death was final, and there was nothing they could do about it except move on. There was no question of forgetting the past. But neither was one to be slowed down by it. Those who had survived the burning of the mountain of flowers and fruits certainly understood the Monkey King best. But even they knew that the king had to act like one. Macaque would not return. Just like the dead of that day. The king had been mourning Macaque for months, years, a few centuries. He could not do it forever. He had to pull himself together. But Wukong was still the same stubborn child who had jumped into the waterfall. And he did not want to face reality.

Chapitre 1 _ Chapitre 2 _ Chapitre 3