#to make it about protecting them . about keeping them safe . not about keeping them here

[xzxswii]

𝖸𝖺𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗈𝗎𝗅𝗆𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗑 fem 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

𝗧𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 a fragile thread connecting two souls .

Warning : includes obsessive behavior...

If you want to read the whole story , click on tether.

You weren’t supposed to feel afraid of someone who loved you.

You weren’t supposed to feel trapped in a fairytale.

And yet, here you were, sitting in the half dark of Ashen’s apartment, dressed in his sweatshirt and socks, knees pulled to your chest like you could shrink small enough to slip through the cracks of the life you’d built with him.

A life that was never really yours.

The red thread coiled delicately around your pinky finger, glowing faintly like it was asleep. Like it was watching.

You stared at it for a long time.

It didn’t move.

It didn’t loosen.

It never did.

It started with the passwords.

Not a fight. Not even a warning.

Just one morning, you woke up, and your phone wouldn’t unlock.

You figured it was your fault. You must have forgotten.

But when you asked Ashen about it, standing barefoot in the kitchen, still half asleep, he didn’t hesitate.

“I changed them,” he said simply.

You blinked. “Wait...what? Why?”

He handed you a cup of coffee, the way he always did. Black. Just how you liked it. Perfect.

“You’ve been distracted,” he said.

“Your friends keep filling your head with doubt. I thought this would help.”

You stood frozen.

He smiled. Not cruelly.

Soft. Patient.

“You don’t need anyone else, dove. Just me.”

You should have pushed back.

But he kissed your forehead so gently, so reverently, that your voice broke before it reached your throat.

You told yourself it was love.

You wanted it to be love.

A week later, the door didn’t open.

You had planned to see Jes. She didn’t know about the thread—at least not how bad it had gotten. But she’d been texting from new numbers every few days, sending little coded messages.

You ok?

Blink twice.

I’ll come to you if you say the word.

You were going to answer.

You were going to leave—just for a few hours.

But the door was locked.

Not jammed.

Deadbolted. From the outside.

“Ashen?” you called, trying to stay calm.

He appeared in the hallway like a shadow becoming solid.

He wasn’t angry.

That would’ve been easier.

He was smiling.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

You swallowed. “To see Jes. I told you.”

He stepped closer. “You didn’t ask.”

You stared. “I didn’t think I had to.”

His expression didn’t change, but something behind his eyes closed.

“You’re mine,” he said quietly.

“You don’t need anyone else reminding you of who you were before me.”

He reached out and cupped your cheek, brushing his thumb over your skin like he was wiping something away.

“You’ve never been safer than you are with me. That’s the truth. Even if it scares you.”

You didn’t say anything.

What could you say?

He’d made you safe. So safe you couldn’t breathe.

That night, you cried in the bathroom. Quietly. Knees pressed to tile. Hand pressed to your mouth to muffle the sound.

The thread pulsed once, as if responding.

As if disapproving.

The next day, he brought you flowers.

Tulips, your favorite. Soft pink and yellow.

He laid them beside your cereal bowl and kissed your temple.

“I know I scared you yesterday,” he said. “But I had to protect us. The thread makes us one. If you get pulled away from me, even a little, I feel it like a burn.”

You stared at the flowers. At the red ribbon tied around them.

The exact same shade as the thread on your hand.

“Ashen,” you whispered. “I don’t know who I am anymore.”

He tilted your chin up, looking at you like you were everything he���d ever wanted.

“You’re mine,” he said.

“And that’s enough.”

You thought about calling your friend from a stranger’s phone.

You thought about cutting the thread—just to see what would happen.

But you couldn’t.

Because deep down, under all the fear and silence and locked doors, you still loved him.

And that was the part that hurt the most.

Later That Week

The wedding was twenty three days away.

You tried on the dress in silence. Your reflection looked ethereal. Like something out of a dream you couldn’t wake from.

Ashen stood behind you.

His arms slipped around your waist, his chin resting on your shoulder.

“Perfect,” he whispered.

“You look like forever.”

You nodded slowly, eyes still locked on the mirror.

The thread around your pinky finger shimmered in the light.

It looked like silk.

But it felt like rope.

And for him no matter how much you cried, whine, he doesn't care cause you were his, fate said so .

And he believed fate always wins.

[the-wayside]

Catching up with Pit Babe and I really didn't need to throw up in my mouth but here we are. Milk is playing Willy fantastically; I am disgusted.

I think what's getting lost in the sauce is that Babe is hypervigilant. He was/is having nightmares about what was done/almost done to him. Willy sets Babe's teeth on edge and he has to know why because his best friend was lying to him the whole time he knew him.

Does it excuse how he isn't communicating with Charlie? No. But not to be tit for tat, but these two don't actually know how to tackle a problem together because when it all went down, Charlie excluded Babe. Let Babe grieve for him.

I don't believe for a second that Babe is keeping score, but these two have a history of pushing themselves in front to protect the other.

Part of the reason, for me, why Babe can't communicate is having to admit why he feels the way he does. He doesn't feel safe whether he knows it or not. Charlie will believe that's about him but it's not. Babe was traumatized and he hasn't, from what I can see, put in the work to heal. Charlie can't fix that for him, so he hides it as best he can so that he can be a totally fine version of himself with Charlie.

This dumb boy still hasn't figured out that weaknesses are not flaws. And even if they were, Charlie would still love him. In trying to avoid one problem, he created a different one. Ooo the drama.

It's easy to say Charlie is overreacting because we know how deep Babe's love goes. How irrational it sounds. But to him, it's completely rational, and just because he didn't mean it doesn't mean Babe didn't hurt Charlie. You don't get to curate how someone reacts. You can only take responsibility for the pain you caused. I think it's a necessary thing for their growth because while Charlie's "death" was a trial. It wasn't a relationship one. This, this is the test of what makes or breaks them.

So, I'm digging it.

[shizuturnspages]

Hiii in honour of his birthday i wanted to ask how do you think Diluc shows his devotion for his partner? like I have always saw him as very protective because of how the other important relationships in his life went but how would he show them he loved them before and during the relationship? get to this when you can much love! (˶ˆᗜˆ˵)

Hi hi! What a lovely ask in honour of his birthday (ik I'm late)🥺🎂 I absolutely agree with your read on Diluc. His love is steeped in quiet, steadfast devotion, sharpened by a life of loss. Here's how I think he shows it — both before and during the relationship — with that signature broody warmth he does so well:

How He Shows Devotion

“You are the only part of my life I’ve never considered a duty.”

✦ Before the Relationship: Watching From the Shadows

Before love becomes tangible, Diluc protects from afar. He doesn’t believe he deserves love easily — not after failing to protect his father, or losing Kaeya to secrets and distance. So his devotion begins in secret.

❥ He notices the small things. Your favourite tea blend, how you always wear gloves even in summer, the way you hum when you’re nervous. These details become part of his routine without you realising — a spare glove placed beside your seat at the tavern, a delivery of your favourite blend “accidentally misdelivered” to you.

❥ He shows up without asking. You’re walking home late at night? He happens to be patrolling that exact route. Trouble on a commission? A shadow crosses your path and the fight ends before you can even raise your blade. He never asks for thanks. He doesn't want praise — just to make sure you’re okay.

❥ He pushes you away when his feelings get too real. He’s terrified that loving you might put you in danger. So he grows colder. Distant. You might even think he dislikes you for a time. But it’s not hate. It’s fear. Fear of ruining the one good thing he hasn’t already lost.

✦ During the Relationship: Steadfast and Protective

Once you’re together — once you choose him — that’s when the floodgates open.

❥ You become his priority. Every decision he makes — in business, in battle, even in his private time — is filtered through the thought: “Will this keep them safe? Will this help them smile?” You never have to ask for protection. He’s already planning ten steps ahead to ensure you never have to lift a finger.

❥ He shows love through action, not words. Breakfast on the table before you wake. A cloak draped over your shoulders the second the temperature drops. Freshly oiled weapons, repaired gear. He may not say “I love you” often, but every gesture says it in a hundred different ways.

❥ He worries. Constantly. He’s lost too much. So when you’re gone too long, or injured, or emotionally distant, he spirals a bit. He won’t say it, but you’ll find him staring at the fire with white knuckles, or cleaning his claymore long past midnight to keep his hands busy.

❥ He softens only for you. With others, he’s all quiet command and sharpened edges. But you? You get the real Diluc. The one who listens intently to your dreams. Who holds your hand in silence after a long day. Who closes his eyes and rests his forehead against yours like it’s the only place in Teyvat that feels like home.

❥ He lets you in. Slowly. Carefully. But eventually, you’re the only one he shares everything with — the truth about his father, his bitterness toward the Knights, the weight he’s carried all these years. You become his anchor. His equal. His safe place.

Diluc doesn’t love recklessly. He loves with intention — with the kind of loyalty that doesn't falter even when you fight, when things get hard, when he feels unworthy.

Because when Diluc chooses to love you, it means forever.

[alexanderlightweight]

the same sky follow up?

here we go, it has been a bit and I hope you enjoy! (last bit here)

<3 lumine

the same sky

Magnus sighs, pressing his brow against the cool glass of the shower and letting himself finally breath.

Ragnor is safe.

Ragnor is protected.

And now Catarina and Madzie are as well.

Not only that but Rouse has been taken care of, the nearby leylines have been locked down and corralled under his control and his warlocks have been reminded to update their own protections to their abodes.

And Alexander’s here, his cool fingers rinsing the last of suds off Magnus’ back under the hot water.

“You better not be planning how to sneak away and work while I sleep.” Alexander says as the water turns off and Magnus uses magic to dry them both.  Too tired to bother even as Alexander turns to him with a towel, looking betrayed as if he’d been looking forward to drying Magnus’ hair for him.

“Not in the slightest, if anything we’re both sleeping in.  We have the time now.”

They meet again in bed and Alexander curls into Magnus’ arms as easily as he breathes, curling into him and settling with a sigh, as if finally home.

“We do need to talk about one more thing.” Alexander murmurs, half-asleep and nuzzling closer and closer, as if they aren’t already pressed as close as can be and he wants to tuck himself beneath Magnus' skin.

“What’s that beloved?” Magnus asks, letting his magic ensure that he’ll remember Alexander’s point in the morning.

“We need to make sure your signature is erased from Clary’s mind.”

Alexander says it with a soft little snore signalling his sleep. As if he hasn’t just given Magnus a shot of adrenaline to his mind.  It’s with a twitch of his fingers that Magnus almost summons a notepad.

Then Alexander kisses Magnus’ skin in his sleep and the spark settles.  First he sends a quick, magically scribed fire message to Ragnor for help creating a distraction, even from far away, and sends himself a message to his desk.

With that, he curls his arms around his consort and sleeps, Alexander tucking closer the more Magnus turns into him and it’s truly like being home.  Holding Alexander and being held in turn.

—

Whatever message Ragnor sent to Dot — and therefore Jocelyn — had both women running out the door looking terrified and in the direction of the Hotel Dumort.

A rather dangerous endeavor this late at night. 

Magnus has a feeling Ragnor has let them know what they’ve done with his book and that he’s not pleased.  

Meanwhile, that leaves a young, high school Clary asleep and protected by Dot’s magic and her mother’s runes and Luke’s scent but ultimately unguarded, for once.

Magnus bypasses all of that, Alexander with him and none will notice a trace of them, not magic or scent.  Alexander keeps watch as Magnus carefully extracts and mends where his signature once held together the fragments of Clary’s memories. He smoothes over what was taken, layering magic to forcibly heal until the seams are mended so thoroughly that the memories it once yearned for will now be rejected if found.

Clary’s own mind no longer remembers the trauma of her memories being gone and when the Silent Brother’s and anyone else try to look, they’ll find nothing.  Better yet, Jocelyn cannot speak about it without the geas Magnus has on her being lifted. Something he did in the first timeline so that she could explain things to her daughter and will not be doing this time.

Lucian and Dot will also be held to the promise, despite the fact that he’d released them also.  Magnus is not taking any chances for his people to be targeted or to be drawn into conflicts this time.  Or for his name to be blasted across the shadowworld drawing him into so many conflicts that wasted his time and energy. 

The Mortal Cup is less protected than Clary Fray and to have her alone, without a protector is rare. Magnus finishes and opens a portal, Alexander in step with him and Magnus wonders if this will make Clary’s life easier, or harder. And how her introduction to the shadowworld will be affected without ever finding out that such a large betrayal from her mother ever happened.

—-

“Now that that’s out of the way, shall we take something of a vacation?” Magnus brushes imaginary dirt from his hands and opens another portal. “If we have to start the roof from scratch, why don’t we check out a few various climates, we can have whatever you’d like.”

Alexander hums thoughtfully and steps through, not even surprised when magick redresses him to fit the environment they enter. 

“How long is this vacation going to be?”

“At least six months, I want to see how things unfold for a little while before we finalize our strike.” Magnus knows exactly how he’s going to ensure things are done far differently and it’s also going to shake the shadowworld at the same time, once his actions come to light along with the lies he and Alexander will weave.

“Almost enough time to relax—” his darling teases him, knowing that Magnus will undoubtedly be ready for action far sooner.  However they won’t be idle even while they rest and travel and that’s more than enough for Magnus.

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

May I get your thoughts, opinions, and ideas on Èowyn's reaction to the situation she found in with Grima? Do you think it was at all possible that Théodred and/or Éomer, realizing the danger she was specifically in, tried to send her away someplace safer, away from Edoras, and she said no because she refused to leave them and her Uncle? I don't think it was discussed extensively in the book how it all went down in the decline of Théoden's health and household, but I know you've thought about it. Would you be willing to share your headcanons? 😊

Personally I know Grima is a creep with considerable influence, but I've also had trouble thinking of Èowyn has a caged bird with zero power surrounding her own fate. True, she was limited in what she could do and in how people perceived her, but I could never see her as helpless. I always thought she was more trapped in her own depression and discontentment. 🤷‍♀️ Grima would certainly never have been able to physically overpower her. Was the danger to her really just that her loved ones might be stripped away from her?

Again I guess I just have a hard time thinking of Théodred and Èomer not keeping a closer watch over her and taking extra steps to keep her safe, if they realized that she was a target.

Sorry for the rambling! 😂 I know you can explain your own thoughts in a more organized way that I do!

My answer to this got MUCH longer than I expected. I found that I had to kind of walk through it systematically to make it (hopefully) clear, and that made it very long. Sorry!! 😬 (Also, this answer is all rooted in the books, not films.)

As in most situations in life, I think the dynamics here are nuanced, complicated and sometimes contradictory. It would have been much more straightforward if all Éowyn had to worry about was herself, if she (or others) had the unfettered freedom to act in accordance with what was best for her, and if there weren’t social/cultural expectations that worked against her interests. But that wasn’t the deal at the time.

As a threshold matter, I 100% agree that I cannot see Éowyn as helpless and weak, because we know she wasn’t. She was smart, strong, trained to fight and incredibly brave. If Gríma had eventually tried to cross some invisible line that she had devised for herself, there’s no way he could have physically overpowered her without significant outside help. But even though I think she could have flattened him in a one-on-one fight, I don’t think that advantage would have helped her much in her day to day life, because hurting or killing him wasn’t a realistic way to deal with the threat he posed.

When we meet him, Gríma has quite a lot of power. He has Théoden’s clear support (not obtained through clean means, but he has it nonetheless), and he operates with the king’s authority, uses his resources and issues orders in his name. To mess with Gríma, then, is to mess with the will of the king, and that’s illegal and even treasonous. If you take that step, it could mean severe punishment, including imprisonment or death. And being a member of the royal family wouldn’t necessarily protect you from that (see: Éomer getting unceremoniously jailed later in the story). So I don’t find it surprising that Éowyn (or others) would not have chosen to take on Gríma directly at the time of the story, given that it still wasn’t entirely clear exactly how evil his larger plan was and he hadn’t yet acted on his designs on her beyond being a super creepy perv who watched and followed her.

But if she couldn’t get away with harming or threatening Gríma, why didn’t she just flee instead? This is less clear but there are several potential explanations. For one, she may not have seen that as possible. If it was Théoden’s expectation that she be his nursemaid, then again, she can’t just ignore the will of her king. We don’t explicitly know if that’s the case, but he certainly didn’t seem to consider literally anyone else as a possible substitute for the care she gave (definitely not one of the boys!!). Also, let’s not forget Gandalf’s words from the Houses of Healing, where he questions whether Gríma only spoke poison into the ears of Théoden. If he instead also filled Éowyn’s mind with despairing, hopeless thoughts, he might have caused her to believe that she was irrevocably trapped. Given how desperately unhappy and imperiled she was, it seems plausible that she would have tried to run if she could, and the fact that she didn’t may suggest that she literally couldn’t or at least didn’t think that she could.

But let’s say she could have left and perceived herself as having that choice. There are still numerous reasons why she might have stayed. As you note, she presumably loved Théoden as an uncle and surrogate father and showed him a lot of loyalty and devotion. She would hardly be the first person to knowingly and willingly keep themselves in a position of danger, vulnerability and unhappiness out of concern for someone who would be left behind if they fled. So, that’s also very plausible.

Even if she had no personal affection for Théoden, though, it’s possible that she’d have been reluctant to leave him anyway. It’s worth remembering that Théodred and Éomer didn’t live in Edoras — they were based in Helm’s Deep and Aldburg, respectively, and the urgent press of duties there often kept them away. So Éowyn was the only member of the royal family to be always present with Théoden, able to keep a continuous eye on what was happening and to try to do what she could to counteract the negative daily influence of Gríma. She probably felt a sense of duty to be there, even at the cost of exposing herself to harm and finding the whole thing hateful and degrading. (Note that she DOES try to leave once Théoden is healed and she doesn’t have the duty to watch him anymore!)

Now, if her concerns were about caring for Théoden and/or blunting Gríma’s influence, there were ways to try to mitigate those concerns while still allowing her to flee, most notably by finding someone else who could step into her role. But who? Your choices are 1) someone who wasn’t in the royal family and thus was arguably in an even weaker position relative to Gríma than Éowyn was; or 2) Théodred or Éomer, who would have to give up their marshal duties to come back to Edoras full time even as conditions in the East- and West-marks were significantly deteriorating.

I can (and do) hate that Éowyn, as the female royal who lacked any other formal role within Rohan’s political and military structure, got stuck with the perilous nursemaid duties just because she was, for lack of a better word, available. I can (and do) stipulate that it was quite convenient for Théodred and Éomer that Éowyn was there and could be counted on to put her misery aside and handle things at home so that they could keep doing what they were doing. But I also acknowledge the reality and seriousness of the tasks Théodred and Éomer were undertaking — things that were central to the protection and safety of the kingdom overall and that could have been substantially harmed by the need to stop and return to Edoras. All those statements can be true at once. I don’t think Théodred and Éomer set out to disadvantage Éowyn because she was a girl, but in practice she was disadvantaged for that reason because they had official jobs that she did not and a crush of external pressures heightened the stakes of every decision such that no one felt comfortable casting aside all those formal jobs and normal ways of doing things to try a different, novel approach.

My personal interpretation of the characters’ choices is that Éowyn loved Théoden and felt a duty to Rohan. For that reason, she wasn’t going to leave him on his own in that state, no matter how unhappy, afraid or angry she was. She was also depressed, isolated and probably influenced by Gríma not to trust the other people around her. So the only way she would have agreed to give up that duty and flee was if one of the only two people she did trust — Théodred or Éomer — was back in Edoras to take the duty in her stead. But I don’t think she ever really expected that to happen because, you know, that’s just not how things worked. Marshals of the Mark had their own urgent duties and obligations, and I don’t think it’s especially likely that she expected her cousin or brother to upend established norms that way even if she wished for it. She was, sadly, resigned to this fate.

As for Théodred and Éomer, I think those two judged that the threat of catastrophic violence in the East and West was sufficiently high that they couldn’t abandon their commands to deal with the situation in Edoras. They instead took the very significant and calculated risk to have Éowyn handle Edoras even though she was both terribly unhappy and in danger there — not because they didn’t love her or worry about her but because they simply felt themselves to be without any choice and weren’t yet able to think enough outside of the box they were raised in to see another alternative. I think they trusted her and probably took some comfort in knowing that she had the training, skills and bravery to act at need, and I think they also enlisted the secondary help of other folks in Edoras who could keep a close watch on their behalf and come to Éowyn’s aid if events ever seemed to be getting beyond her control. Among these would be Háma and Elfhelm, both of whom are canonically fond of Éowyn, supportive of her, and close enough to be on hand in an emergency.

I would have made different choices myself, but I can see why they all made the choices they did even as I disagree. Again, all their options were bad and came with big risks. You can’t have a royal family member keeping an eye on Théoden and Gríma AND have the marshals of the Mark preventing the collapse of Rohan’s borders AND get Éowyn out of that dangerous and hateful position in Edoras. At best, you can do 2 out of those 3 at any one time. That is not an enviable place to be.

FWIW, I do think that a change in strategy was imminent in February 3019. Our heroes were going to have to become willing to do something that was previously unthinkable if they were going to overcome Gríma’s advantages (namely, his willingness to play dirty). Maybe that means murdering Gríma in an act of vigilante justice, no matter the consequence. Maybe that’s pushing Théoden from the throne since he wasn’t ruling competently. But I think they were coming to understand that SOMETHING had to change. We see in UT that it was getting increasingly common for Théodred and others to act without orders in order to thwart Gríma’s intent, and it’s a short walk from “I’m not waiting for orders” to “I don’t follow the orders you give” to “I no longer recognize your authority at all.” Perhaps even Gríma and Saruman could see this dynamic coming into shape, which is why they murdered Théodred in an attempt to head it off. So it’s possible things for Éowyn might have changed at some point soon, though we’ll never know exactly how because the unexpected arrival of Gandalf changed everything!

I’m SO SORRY that got so long. I hope ANY of it was useful at all! And of course, this is just my own two cents. There are plenty of other valid interpretations, and some of those may suit you better!

[fromdove]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ⁞ 𝓓OVE'S NOTE'𝓢

⊹ ࣪ ˖GENERAL LITTLE RULES ˖ ࣪ ⊹

i. ✧ please be kind <3 i'm just a soft, sensitive girl who takes things to heart fr… your words will stick with me, so be sweet or be silent. protect my peace pls, love youuu

ii. ✧ absolutely no hate, racism, homophobia, or bigotry of any kind. we’re here to love, not be weird.

iii. ✧ proshippers / creeps / pedos — GET OUT. i’m 15. this is not your space and never will be.

iv. ✧ this is partly a fanfic space but it’s also my spiritual one! i shift, i believe in LOA, and that’s special to me. if you don’t like it, just don’t interact. easy!

v. ✧ don’t steal, copy, or repost my stuff — like literally just use your own imagination baby. brain go brrr i believe in you!

vi. ✧ this is my lil corner of the internet, so if you don’t vibe with what i post, just scroll along like a polite lil butterfly. no need to buzz all angry.

vii. ✧ idc if you hate my ships or fave characters… like be fr. i like them, that’s all that matters. if it makes you mad, maybe go touch grass?

⊹ ࣪ ˖ A LIL ABOUT ME ⊹ ࣪ ˖

i. ✧ what sweet flying dove posts ✧ fanfic heaven baby! mostly fluff, some angst, the occasional kiss of spice (but never hardcore). I love chatting, rambling about the books I’m obsessing over, and sharing my shifting + loa thoughts when the vibe is right.

ii. ✧ dove’s writing style ✧ fluff that’ll give you cavities. giggly, cozy, blushing-under-your-blanket type stuff. angst too — the deliciously painful kind. spice? yes, but soft. smut? no. sorry. nothing crazy kinky, ever. i write like i love.

iii. ✧ what dove won’t write ✧ no hardcore smut/smut in general. no incest. no pedophilia. no abuse. no kinks (watersports, choking, spanking, etc.) pls remember i'm a minor. if it’s uncomfortable for me, it’s a no. soft boundaries, firm rules.

iv. ✧ reader insert notes ✧ mostly fem!reader, sometimes gn (but with fem energy at heart). no male readers. respectfully… no men. #girlhoodforever #boysgetlost (jk… kinda.)

v. ✧ fandoms you’ll see here ✧ DC (jason todd owns my heart), Invincible, Marvel, Boys of Tommen, The Inheritance Games, The Naturals, The Inheritance Games… && more as I devour books like candy. all ive written so far is for dc tho!

⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𝘙𝘌𝘘𝘜𝘌𝘚𝘛𝘚˖ ࣪ ⊹

i. ✧ please be patient with me . . . i’m not online 24/7 (as much as i wish i could be!). if you’ve sent a request, i promise i’ve seen it or will soon — just give me a lil time. writing takes heart, and i want to give every piece the love it deserves.

ii. ✧ when requests are closed . . . they’re closed i pinky promise i’m not being mean — i just don’t want to overwhelm myself. if my requests are closed, please don’t sneak one in! i’ll open them again when i can give them my full cozy attention.

iii. ✧ content boundaries (important pls read) no smut. that includes anything involving incest, pedophilia, abuse, or any kinks i’m personally uncomfortable with (watersports, choking, spanking, etc.). like i said, please remember: i’m a minor, and keeping my space safe + soft is non-negotiable.

𝘹𝘰𝘹𝘰, 𝘥𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵!

[threegoldfish]

Another inhale of air, a soft exhale - and Marc nods, swallows, presses his lips together as he unlatches the other hand from the chair's armrest, finally - puts it back onto his lap, blinks a few more tears away. Sighs. Looks over at one of the windows, taking in the sight of what little he can see from the position he's currently in.

A grey sky. As far as he remembers, it had been sunny back when he'd... when he'd freaked out, as he likes to call it. When he'd spiraled, overwhelmed by memories and feelings...

He will never go back to the military. He'll never be able to ever get his rank back, his weapons, his reputation; While that one had both been good and bad, it had at least existed - and the higher-ups had seen him, noticed him, allowed him to work his way up and show then what he was capable of.

Marc's sure that he's got an entirely different reputation by now, one thats oh-so-much-worse than it has ever been. Even if his superiors had tried to keep that issue a secret - whether they even attempted or not, he doesn't know - words spread as fast as fire does, unable to be stopped; Everyone knows about the dead guy. Everyone knows about the four badly injured ones. Yeah. They all know, as they know who'd caused this mess to begin with. Definitely.

"---I just want to forget." Surprisingly honest as it slips from his slightly parted lips, Marc's gaze focuses back on Harrow - tired, exhausted, despite having slept through the night. "I had everything under control, I got my shit together, and now... I'm here, and it sucks. You keep making me think of shit, and I'm... god, I don't want to think of shit. I just..."

Out of sight, out of mind - one of Marc's coping mechanisms. Don't think of what she did to you, don't think of what you did to survive. Don't think of him, don't think of her, don't think of your childhood. Don't think of your teenage years, don't think of your birthdays. Ignore it all. Put it into a box, seal it up, leave it behind. Never open it back up. Look straight ahead...

"...Whatever."

Shaking his head, Marc lifts himself out of his seat and stands - sighing, tuggng a bit on his shirt, his pants, rolling his shoulders.

"...You didn't drug me. I had... whatever the fuck. An episode, as you call it. Why? Dunno. Who you've met there, when I can't even remember having been awake? No idea. I didn't kill anyone, that's good. Anything else, or... is this it? Am I, like, going back to my room now and stare at those fucking white walls and white floors and white ceilings, hoping for the days to pass?"

A serious inquiry, but also defiant. What else is he supposed to say? Thinking about who it could've been to take over his body when he'd been out of it... it scares him. It does something to his most vulnerable insides, and he wants to protect them - keep them safe from everything dangerous.

Whoever had killed his comrade is dangerous. If it's Marc himself, it means he has to protect himself from... himself.

Steven didn't do it. His precious Steven would never cause harm to anyone or anything. He catches flies and throws them out of a window rather than killing them. He's the most softest idiot one could ever think of. ... Marc doesn't want him to get hurt, ever. He will do whatever it takes to keep him in his precious bubble of a happy, normal life - because Steven deserves to have it, to be... normal.

To be what Marc himself cannot be. Will never be. Will never have.

Arthur nodded as he listened, relaxing back into his chair when it seemed that Marc had calmed down enough to get through the moment. 

“It’s not fair,” he pointed out, gentle and soft. “That something you can’t remember did that much to you.” 

It was a genuine statement, one of the few ones he offered; everything had a script. Everything had a set way to go, proper reactions versus improper; but this was the truth. The painful, horrible, yet honest truth; he couldn’t imagine what it’d be like. There was a baseline of respect, for how Marc was able to even balance this at all. 

The smallest furrow found its way between his brows. “That isn’t something I can fix. I won’t pretend it is, I’m sorry. I can’t… go back and undo anything that’s happened, or anything you lost. I can’t get you back into the military. But I can give you back how you felt, during that time.” 

He wished he could fix it; he wished he could clear the man and have him fit for duty, but that wasn’t how things worked. Anything this severe couldn’t just be undone; it was lucky that Marc was able to end up here, to end up in a place where he could get help. 

“You’re more than just a Marine. I’m more than just a doctor. For now, we’ll work on coping mechanisms - and you won’t have to worry about these skips in time, these moments you forget. Then, we’ll find out what you want to do, where you want to go.” 

He knew that there was little to say. Marc had likely spent so long in one place, that he didn’t understand what else to do in his life; Arthur could imagine it. It was one of the hardest things in the world, letting go of something and moving on — especially something that was paired so close to identity. 

“You’re not a mission. You’re not a job, you’re not wasting time by not knowing what mission to go on next. You’ll find out what you want from the world, just give it time. And for now, I’ll be here to tell you your next steps. I’ll tell you where you’re going, until you know where you want to go, yourself.” 

[degenerata69]

I'm thinking on just how doomed the relationship between Sae-Byeok and Sang-Woo was.

Sang-Woo overhears that Sae-Byeok saw a hint of what the next game could be. From there, he spends the whole night and morning considering how he should approach her.

When he does, he finds out that she is similar to him: reserved and untrusting. So, he convinced her by stating how he grew up playing those games and if he could figure out what would be the next game be, she could follow behind and benefit from it.

They didn't have many interactions after, but they didn't need to exchange words for Sae-Byeok to know that trusting Sang-woo's intuition was the best thing she could do to get far.

She followed behind in both dalgona and the glass stepping stones, and likely joined Gi-Hun's group in part out of the familiarity Sang-Woo gave, knowing he would figure out the best outcome, and that benefited her indirectly.

She is still very untrusting, and Sang-Woo recognizes this. When they made the barricades to keep each other safe, he suggest how there would be two people doing the nightwatch to avoid betrayal. Ensuring a sense of safety for everyone, specially for her who was very vocal about it.

I wonder how big the argument between Sang-Woo and Gi-Hun was on her.

Unlike Gi-Hun, her morality was dubious. She was part of a gang, she knew how to use weapons, she probably saw blood on her hands in more than one occasion. Seeing Sang-Woo murder someone in front of her eyes wasn't something that would torment her, and she could interpret the nuance better than Gi-Hun, for sure.

But the words "we are only here because he could tell the tiles apart" [we are here because the help of others] must have made her reflect.

After all, it was thanks to them she has made it so far. They both protected her from Deok-su, they won a strength game against all odds because of their leadership and strategy, following behind Sang-Woo helped her survive two games. And they never asked her to return the favor.

She wasn't naive and knew that at that point, Sang-Woo was a threat to her, but she was already dying.

She wasn't interested in pursuing self-preservation as she did when entering the games, and she wasn't interested in "winning" (she would not make it), she just wanted her brother to be taken care of, as she could no longer provide that for him. And while she didn't knew neither Sang-Woo or Gi-Hun on a personal level, just by their interactions, she knew how deeply they cared for one another.

Her telling Gi-Hun to not kill him wasn't on her best interest, but she knew that Gi-Hun would regret murdering his friend, so she adviced against it, and she was right.

Seeing how her life faded away, the only way she could do to pay them back for all they did for her was to not fight anymore. Sang-Woo, disgracefully, accelerated her death, but I don't think she was tormented by it. She already let Gi-Hun know her only wish.

While Sang-Woo's actions were irrational, guided by the thought that after all the death and sacrifices they made, they would leave with nothing but the guilt in their hearts, he murdered her after seeing her moribund state. The loss of blood and her unresponsiveness must have made him conclude it was the "best" thing he could do for her (and he would benefit from it).

But we saw how shaken he was by the actions he wanted to believe were justified. How he regretted doing it immediately after, because, he too, wasn't that type of person.

**EDIT** just found this article and 😭.

[eunoia-9]

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝗼𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞 🦋

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ: ᴛʜᴇ sᴏᴜᴘ ᴀɪsʟᴇ

tw: mild stalking/catcalling (not done by Price)

"I just don't know how you do it," You told John, stunned as he sat on your sofa with your now completely calm baby in his arms. "She never quiets down that fast."

"Can't say I know either," John shrugged, keeping his voice low to not alert the infant. Grace was a cute little thing, despite the loudspeakers she called lungs. Soft, wispy hair across her small head, and big eyes that looked so innocently bewildered by everything around her.

"It ain't easy bein' up on your feet all day like that, I know." He sympathized, nodding towards you. "You should sit."

"No, I... I couldn't." You sighed.

"Why?"

"I'm not used to letting people hold her, I just... wouldn't be able to relax." You explained sheepishly. John noted how your eyes never seemed to leave the baby's vicinity, and how anxious you got as he held her despite just sitting there with her. He had never been a parent, per se, but he did know a thing or two about fathering a few grown-ass men. He understood the worry, knowing they're away from you and you can't do anything to protect them.

"She's safe with me," John said, to which you gave a small smile that he perceived as an accomplishment. "I've got an iron grip, promise." He added.

"Thank you," You whispered, feeling the ache in your arms and legs start to weigh on you. Holding a baby every hour of every day gave birth to numerous physical pains you just couldn't shake or alleviate.

"Now have a seat." He said gently, keeping his voice ever so slightly firm to communicate that there was no arguing with him on this topic. You obeyed, seating yourself on the sofa across from him. Right as you sunk into the cushion, you felt an overwhelming grogginess take over your mind, like your brain was slightly heavier than a few moments ago, weighing down with the urge to rest it. The next thing you knew, you were shifting yourself onto your side and dozing off.

As you drifted into a deep slumber just across the room, John found himself in an unexpectedly awkward position. Here he was, cradling a woman's baby in his arms—not entirely opposed to the idea, surprisingly. The little girl was adorable, her tiny features softened by the warm glow of the lamp beside him. She cooed softly, content and serene when her needs were met. Maybe she was like her mother in that sense. It was a quiet moment suspended in time, where the weight of the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the gentle rise and fall of the baby's breath.

At first, he intended on sitting like this for thirty minutes or so, but you just seemed so relaxed now that you were finally resting. He got a little caught up in the tranquil experience of holding an infant, and for one of the first times in his life, he let himself bask in that feeling.

-=+☆+=-

A bright light in your face was what woke you, making you slowly stir and crack your eyes open to peek at the world around you. The sun was peeking through the curtains of your living room window and... Wait.

The sun? Why hadn't he woken you up?!

You sprang upwards on the couch, looking around frantically as you stood up, seeing no sign of John, the man you so trustingly let hold your baby. You'd find him later, but for now, where was Grace? There's no way you just let your baby be kidnapped. The panic swarmed in your heart, feelings only described as a mother's, your quick footsteps leading you to your bedroom where you also kept the crib.

Inside, to your instant consolation, was Grace. She was clumsily swaddled and sleeping, with not a bruise or scratch to be seen on her soft skin. The sigh you let out was heavy, to say the least. Nearby, a note was placed on the edge of the crib. Upon closer inspection, it was written on with nice handwriting.

"Changed, fed, and poorly swaddled." The note read, eliciting a small snort from your lips. "Call me when you need me again."

The initials 'J.P.' were scrawled out on the bottom of the page along with a phone number, and you felt the swarming panic fade in your heart, a strange sensation of warmth spreading throughout you instead. What was this? What was he trying to accomplish by helping you so greatly, and what did he mean by 'when you need me'? You huffed. A little full of himself after one night of babysitting, it seems.

It was a nice sentiment, nevertheless, to know that you had made a friend. It made you feel not so alone, not so isolated when caring for your baby girl. The amount of time you spent indoors was making you crazy, but at least you were aware of the presence of another through the wall, a person who was silently cheering you on through motherhood.

With a content sigh, you walked back to the kitchen to find something to eat before Grace woke up. She was out cold, which seldom happened. John must have been a miracle worker because the baby was obsessed with him, it seemed.

A short stride brought you to the cluttered kitchen, where you looked through the pantry for a granola bar or a Lance cracker pack. Not much luck, unfortunately, and you certainly didn't have the energy to make an actual breakfast, so that meant a good old trip to the store. With a baby. Jesus.

The car ride hadn't been all that bad, but it was easy to tell that Grace was not in the mood to have been woken up. She made a few little fussy sounds as you pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store, and she continued to do so as you picked her up. It wasn't going to be a very easy trip, you knew that much. Grace was a sensitive baby, with a strong dislike for light and noise. You usually kept the nursery dim and quiet because of it. A bustling grocery store combined with fluorescent lights and the occasional crackle of the intercom was just enough to piss her off, and that's surely just what you needed this morning.

As you kept the girl occupied with a rattle, you glanced down at the paper you had scribbled a small list of essentials on. A few feminine hygiene products, some fruit, diapers, and soup cans, among other things. You'd already found a couple of items already and were currently looking for the soup cans you had eaten religiously since becoming a mom. It was comfort food, warm broth and noodles. Grace's coo snapped you out of your thoughts of food.

"What's the matter?" You said softly with a smile, waving your finger in front of her face and letting her grab at it with happy babbles. "I'm kinda busy, y'know."

Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted the stacked soup cans on the shelf, just where they always were. You grabbed a couple, thinking four was enough, but you knew damn well you went through these things like rations nowadays. You cooed to Grace a little longer, but not before accidentally nudging a few cans off of the shelf with your elbow.

"Shit," You muttered, blinking and looking over at the baby, pointing at her. "Don't repeat that." You instructed although you knew she wouldn't repeat that. The little thing was barely conscious, but it was nice to talk to her. You'd caught yourself talking to her a lot lately, but it was to be expected. It was you and her against the world.

You knelt to pick up the cans, grumbling to yourself about being a klutz. One peek upwards and you were met with the sight of a figure standing at your cart. You stood back up, eyeing the stranger while you placed the cans back on the shelf. It was a man, someone you didn't know, just... staring at Grace. Weirdo, you thought to yourself, immediately getting a bad gut feeling. You quickly stepped forward and grabbed the handle of your cart, subtly pulling it towards yourself and giving the man a polite smile.

"Sorry, am I in your way?" You asked, to which he simply grunted and shook his head no. You took the opportunity to study him. White, dark hair and eyes, all black clothing, and a bizarre look in his eye. A contemplative look, as if he were deciding something. You nodded to him and pushed past with your cart. What was this dude's problem, eyeing your baby like that? He wasn't even trying to act like he wasn't.

-=+☆+=-

The shopping trip stretched on longer than you thought it would, seeing as it was almost noon now. Grace was getting irritable, evident from her little huffs and fidgets, so you figured it was time to leave before the store got an earful. As you wheeled the cart to the checkout line and greeted the cashier, you took the opportunity to awkwardly look around. Checkouts were always a little nerve-wracking, so you found it was better to just look anywhere else but there. When you turned your gaze to the entrance of the store, you spotted him.

It was the same guy from the soup aisle, there was no mistaking it. He was watching you, standing outside menacingly in the darkness, and barely illuminated by the neon glow of the store signs. After meeting his gaze, he quickly looked away, but you weren't stupid. He was waiting for you, and that was terrifying. What do you even do in this situation? He was obviously tailing you, but the police weren't going to do anything since he hadn't done anything either. Yet.

There was no room for stupid decisions, not when you had Grace with you. You had to go about this wisely, but how? Do you leave the store? No, that was most likely the worst possible thing you could do right now. Do you tell the cashier? Maybe, but there wasn't much they could do about this, either. Do you call someone? Possibly. But who?

And then the lightbulb flicked on, and you quickly fished your phone out of your pocket. John wrote his number on the note he left, and you took a picture of it! You'd kiss your past self if you could. You copied his number into the keypad and held the phone up to your ear.

Ring... ring... ring... Click.

"Hello?" The familiar voice said. The relief was palpable in your own.

"Hey. This is John, right?" You said, praying he didn't give you a fake number when he left that note. It was doubtful considering you could just go to the next door over and kick it down, but you had to make sure nonetheless.

"Yep," John affirmed. "Do you need help with Grace?"

"Uh... you could say that." You mumbled, eyeing the man outside the store until a tap on the arm made you jump.

"Ma'am, please, there's a line." The cashier deadpanned.

"Right. Sorry. Um, one sec, John," You said, holding your phone between your cheek and your shoulder as you removed your card and gathered your bags, wheeling your cart off to the side and sitting on a bench, but making sure you didn't leave the store. There's no way you were doing that. “Sorry, I’m back.”

"Are you home right now?" John inquired.

"No." You sighed. "Y'know that store near the complex? I come here for groceries a lot, but... anyway, that's not the point. I think I'm being followed."

"Followed?" He replied, the (unpleasant) surprise evident in his voice. "What makes you say that?"

"Actually, I don't think I am, I know I am," You corrected, starting to ramble through your nerves. "I met this guy earlier while I was shopping, and now he's just... standing outside. Staring. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you but I didn't know who else to call and I'm kinda freaking out-"

"Luv, hold on," John interjected. "So he met you earlier, and now he's outside."

"Yes." You said shakily, trying to keep your composure.

"And the baby's with you?"

"Yes."

"Damn," He murmured. "Alright, hang tight. I'm on my way."

"Thank you," You breathed. "Thank you, John."

"Don't leave the store," He said firmly. "Just wait for me, yeah?"

"I won't, I'm still inside." You reassured him. "I'm not that dense."

John chuckled. "No, no, you're not. Stay calm, luv."

Click.

What was it with him and 'luv?' It wasn't fair how quickly you calmed down when he called you that. It eases your mind, even if it's only a minor change. Now wasn't the time to think about that, though. You let your hand drop into your lap, setting your phone there while you lifted Grace from the cart. You needed to keep her close. It didn't feel right not having her with you when there was some creep lurking around and eyeing you and your baby like meat.

A brief tap on the shoulder alerted you to look to your left, the smell of booze, weed, and BO assaulting your sense of smell. Looks like someone got tired of waiting.

"Hey, sweetheart,"

chapter 4

word count: 2228 (yay finally a longer one)

[yokedtablet]

sometimes I still feel the bruise

ellabs oneshot:

Post-canon, Abby and Lev return to the farm with Ellie. They find a makeshift trust that's always at risk of breaking. Sometimes Abby wakes up to find Ellie in her bed. Abby has nightmares about the Rattlers, and Ellie gets bolder with her nighttime visits.

A smutty companion to heavy (in your arms)

content: nightmares, somnophilia, dubcon, first time, fingering (a!receiving), squirting, abby's pov

1.4k words

Sometimes she wakes up screaming. It’s not her father or the hospital anymore. It’s the beach. She sees herself, sees Lev, pecked to death by seagulls. Engulfed under a drowning wave. But the worst is the drought—feeling every ounce of moisture wicked from her skin until her mouth is full of sand, and she is coughing and breathing it in and crumbling, all at once.

Sometimes, Ellie comes running. She stands in the doorway in her sleep shirt and shorts, hair all messed up, like she’s been dragged out of bed by a home intruder. The first time, she slammed the door open with a knife in hand. After that she got more careful. 

Tonight, she stands there looking into darkness. “I thought…”

“It’s okay. I’m fine.” Abby tries to catch her breath, feeling the sheets between her fingertips, feeling the cold breeze from the open window. “Just a dream,” she says, her throat feeling choked and gritty. 

Ellie lingers a moment in silence, scratching the back of her neck, unsure of herself. Wondering why, maybe, she let Abby take the room she used to share with Dina. Why the two of them were here together at all, and why she hadn’t put a knife to her throat when she had the chance. 

“If you don’t need anything…” She starts to turn and disappear.

“Wait,” Abby says. “Stay.”

So Ellie sits on the edge of the bed, back hunched, unspeaking. She looks smaller than every other time Abby has seen her. She wonders if she’s been eating.

Then Abby makes herself ask what she’s been meaning to ask. “You were going to end up in here anyway. Come lie down.” 

The other nights, Ellie creeps in without a sound, without waking Abby. Abby can feel her somewhere in her subconscious, and this tugs at her until she’s awake—somewhere before morning—and finds Ellie curled into her side. She’s never asked her about it. Never said that she likes it or it bothers her. Any movement one way or another and she might push her away. 

They lie side by side, not touching. Ellie is all self-protective, one arm folded over the other, ankles crossed. Listening. She won’t move, Abby knows, until she falls asleep.

Within minutes, Abby’s breathing is slow and even. 

“Abby,” Ellie whispers, like she doesn’t really want her to hear, “are you awake?”

Abby doesn’t respond. She’s far from sleep—maybe the furthest she’s been—waiting impatiently for the smaller girl to move to her side. 

Ellie watches her. Measures her. And apparently she judges her safe in unconsciousness—no longer a threat—and seeps into the space beside her. 

First, her face rests against Abby’s shoulder. She shifts her hips just enough so they press against Abby’s side. A hand rests tentatively on her stomach.

She stays like this for a while, and Abby starts to really breathe, to feel the tug of sleep again, now that they’ve drifted to this familiar place. 

But the hand moves—slides down her abdomen and then back up, this time slipping under her shirt. 

Ellie’s hand is cold. It takes everything for Abby not to move, to keep her breaths even. She holds so still it hurts. 

The hand touches, exploratory, fingers drifting over her abs, making them clench unconsciously. 

And then it drifts upward, so slowly, and comes to rest right under the curve of her left breast. It doesn’t grope, just sits there, a firm pressure radiating across Abby’s chest. If Abby turned just a little bit, she could press her nipple into Ellie’s palm. 

She’s relieved and disappointed when Ellie moves away again. She feels Ellie shift, no longer resting her weight on Abby’s shoulder, propping herself upright.

Slowly, with fingers so light they’re barely there, Ellie pushes Abby’s shirt up her chest. She stiffens at the cold. She wants more touch, more feeling. She waits. 

It comes. Ellie’s calloused palm slides over her ribs on her opposite side, and then—she gasps—lips press against her ribs on the other, just below her breast. 

Fuck. She holds her breath as Ellie goes still. She tries to recover, but it’s too late. 

“Ellie,” she breathes through clenched teeth, eyes still shut. She feels the smaller girl tense, ready to spring and run. “Keep— touching me. Please.” It sounds strained and stupid, like she doesn’t really know what she’s asking for. And Ellie doesn’t want her like this, coherent, able to defend herself. Now—

A warm press of lips against her sternum. She lets herself gasp this time, lets herself press up into the kiss, needing more.

Ellie works her way down, so slowly, leaving a soft wet trail over every freckle and scar, every ripple of muscle, each dancing under this touch that’s barely enough and everything, everything—

Every place she touches burns.

Abby’s fingers are in her hair—dry and soft and sweaty. She hooks around the curve of her jaw, pulling upwards.

Ellie pushes her shirt up the rest of the way, and guided by Abby’s hand, her mouth finds Abby’s nipple. 

Abby squirms. Heat rushes from her stomach to her toes. She holds onto that tangled fistfull of hair like she’ll drown without it. Ellie licks, teeth grazing, hand finding Abby’s other breast.

“Fuck, Ellie, please—” She needs to come up out of the water and to see Ellie’s face while she holds her. She finds her own hands running up Ellie’s sides, pulling her away until she can actually see her in the dim moonlight. 

When she kisses her, it feels like water. A steady breath of waves. Tongue finding tongue, open mouth gasping. Running out of air and finding it returned. 

Abby wants to touch her. Everywhere. To leave reverent kisses over the scars she left. But Ellie stiffens when her hands drift. So she keeps herself to safer places—Ellie’s arms, her cheek, her hips—and lets Ellie’s rove instead. Over her abdomen, around the curve of her thighs, between her legs. 

Even through her shorts, Abby knows Ellie can feel it—the warmth and wetness of all her wanting. Ellie strokes her lightly, bicep flexing, and Abby holds on for dear life—bites against Ellie’s cheek, leaves sloppy kisses down her jaw and neck. 

There. Please. More. She’s already reduced to begging. Already Ellie is the one with the knife, deciding to cut her down, deciding to follow, deciding how to hurt her. Only now she slips her hand under Abby’s waistband and Abby can’t think, can’t make sense, can’t breathe. 

Ellie whispers, for the first time, “fuck.” Her fingers dip into Abby’s heat. It makes her hips roll, sets her on fire. 

Without warning, she pushes two fingers inside her, and Abby actually cries out—her body accepting and stretching—

It’s not the first time Ellie’s fingers have been inside her.

She’s almost cruel in her pace. No warmup, fingers curling in and up, thumb circling over her clit, arm trembling with the effort. 

Abby clenches like she’s trying to push her out, like she’s trying to turn herself inside out, like everything rushing through her meets in the place Ellie finds inside of her that’s tender and almost too achy and full.

“Come on,” Ellie mutters, voice strained by effort. “Come on. Come on.”

That place swells and spills the ocean over her fingertips. One wave and then another. 

Ellie keeps going until she starts to shake, really shake, and has to use all the flimsy force she has left to push Ellie’s arm away. “Okay. Okay, fuck. Holy fuck, Ellie.”

She can feel wet slick on her thighs and the sheets under her, but she doesn’t care. 

It takes her a minute to realize what Ellie’s doing, her hips rocking against Abby’s thigh, until she feels the wetness, feels Ellie’s fingers claw into her arm. She presses her thigh just enough, matching Ellie’s pace. She’s using Abby to fuck herself, and that thought makes Abby squirm again, makes her want to touch her even more. She doesn’t.

Ellie cums open-mouthed against Abby’s stomach. All her muscles tense and give a final spasm, and then let go. Abby feels Ellie’s sweat against her skin—smells the musk of spent arousal, feels the wobbling of Ellie’s chin against her ribs.

Abby strokes her back gently, not sure if it will be too much. Ellie doesn’t protest, and sinks further into her.

“You’re going to fucking kill me, Ellie,” Abby whispers into the dark. 

After a long silence, Ellie sighs. “I’ll try,” she mumbles back. 

(read on ao3)

[differentpostrebel]

Lost and Found: A Pirates Promise

Chapter 64: Reunion

A/N: And we are back at it again with another new chapter! We have officially arrived in Wano, and Secrets are revealed! Along with a familiar Swordsman missing his partner... when I tell you I have plans for Zoro heheheh. Thank you for liking and following along the series, I promise I will update the masterlist soon! But without further ado let the adveture begin! also side note the edits with Zoro in Wano, with Freak by Doja. OHHH MY GODDDD!!!

Zoro POV… 

As I walked the busy streets of Udon, my mind was anything but present in the moment. The sounds of the city—the chatter, the clinking of carts, the distant laughter—felt distant, like I was hearing them through a fog. My mission was clear, thanks to Kinemon, but that didn’t stop the thoughts from swirling in my head. I’d been in Wano for a while now, blending in, keeping our heads down to avoid blowing our cover, but it had been hard. Every day, the nagging thoughts of what was happening outside of Wano, with Luffy and the others, kept me on edge.

Y/N, I wish you were here... I thought as I took another step, my shoes echoing softly against the cobblestones. Have you finally escaped that damn marriage of yours?

The thought of her trapped, possibly still bound to that engagement, gnawed at me. It was the same thought that had plagued my mind since we first arrived in Wano. I wasn’t sure why I cared so much, but I did. It ate at me. I had to know she was safe. For curly brow’s sake, he better not have done anything... or there’s going to be hell to pay.

I couldn’t stop my mind from racing. I miss my partner...

I took a sip of the sake in my hand, the bitter warmth flowing down my throat, and let out a low sigh. What the hell am I thinking?

Night had fallen by now, the streets beginning to quiet as the lanterns flickered and the stars appeared overhead. My footsteps led me to a small, quiet restaurant, where I indulged in the drink for a few moments. “That’s some good sake,” I muttered to myself, savoring the flavor.

"Should I go back?" I thought, though the answer was obvious. I’ll come back soon.

Walking out into the cool night air, I tipped the jug up and took a deep swig before setting it back down. I looked up at the sky, the half-crescent moon hanging brightly above. It was beautiful. I should buy another round. Find a spot to moon gaze, I thought. The night was calm, but my mind... not so much.

Then, a flashback hit me like a punch to the gut, and I paused on the street.

It was a quiet night on the ship. We’d just finished a long day of training, battling, and planning. As the crew settled into their rooms, I found myself on the crow's nest with Y/N. It had been our little tradition—one I hadn’t realized I was getting so attached to. Watching the stars, the moon reflecting in the dark ocean, the ship rocking gently in the sea. Just the two of us.

I could remember the way her eyes would light up whenever she pointed out a constellation. She was always full of stories and laughter, pulling me into her world. I’d just sit there, leaning against the mast, pretending to be as indifferent as always, but my gaze was always on her, never leaving. She had this way about her that made everything else fade into the background.

Then, every five minutes or so, curly brows would bust in with some ridiculous comment, trying to join in or make us laugh. But it was clear to both Y/N and me—this was our time. That’s when it clicked for me. I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

Damn it. My fist tightened around the jug, the memories coming in a rush. Since Luffy brought her to join the crew, I didn’t really think much of her at first, but... My stomach tightened. I always noticed her. She was always there, always part of the crew. But somewhere along the way, I started thinking about her more. About the way she’d smile when she was focused on something, the way she fought, the way she laughed. We would always protect one another, stand side by side, covering one another in battles, protecting Luffy and the crew. And when we were in Dressrosa... and then Zou...

I took another drink, but it did nothing to ease the thoughts swirling in my head.

I wanted to believe it was nothing. She was part of the crew, my partner in battles, in those rare quiet moments we shared. I had no place for distractions—especially with everything going on in Wano, with the mission, and with everything the crew had to do. But...

Damn it, Zoro, you can’t lie to yourself anymore.

I looked up at the moon again. The half crescent moon hung in the sky like a silent observer of the chaos in my mind. I need to find her. I need to make sure she’s okay.

I kept walking, my thoughts still consumed by Y/N and the uncertainty of what was happening to her. The streets of Udon were quieter now, the night growing still as I passed the old bridge that stretched over the quiet river. But then, a sharp sound broke the silence—the unmistakable shing of a sword being unsheathed.

The smell of blood, I thought, the metallic scent suddenly heavy in the air. Something was wrong.

"What's the rush?" I called out, my voice cutting through the quiet, playful even, despite the tension rising in my gut. "Is that blood-scent perfume you're wearing? Where’d you pick that up?" I couldn’t help the teasing tone, but it was laced with the sharpened edge of caution. "Whatever scent you've got on there, it’s quite poignant," I added, knowing something was off.

A whistle pierced the air, and the figure ahead of me disappeared into the shadows, the killer slipping away unnoticed. My instincts kicked in. I pointed in the direction the figure had gone. "Hey, the killer just went that way!" I called to the officers who had rushed onto the scene. They turned and immediately closed in on me.

"You’re under arrest!" one of them barked, his eyes hard. "We’ll be taking you in, slasher! So don’t move!"

I dropped the sake jug in my hand, the liquid spilling across the ground as I unsheathed my swords. The steel gleamed in the moonlight, the weight of the situation sinking in.

“Looks like I’m in some kind of trouble,” I muttered to myself, my voice low and steady. “Well, I gotta defend myself.”

But then, like a ghost, a flashback of Kinemon’s words echoed through my mind, loud and clear.

“You must maintain your role!” Kinemon had said, his voice firm as he looked me dead in the eye. “Listen closely, we are in the Land of Wano. We have a Shogun—remember his name! Kurozumi Orochi. Any official who does his bidding, anyone with ties to Kaido… That’s why, if you arm them, they will directly report to Kaido. We must not allow our existence to be known until our allies have returned. Only then can we begin our actions. It is essential that you blend in with the locals.”

The memory hit me hard, and my grip on my swords loosened for a moment. Kinemon’s right. I could feel my pulse racing. I can’t blow my cover now.

I had to stay focused. I had to act like the ronin I was supposed to be, not the warrior I felt like. But damn it, I thought, I can’t let these bastards take me without a fight. Soon another flashback hit me, it was the conversation after Kinemon warned us to maintain our role.

“What’s taking them so long?” I had muttered aloud, not realizing it. I’d been pacing in the small camp where we’d set up, far from the chaos. Kinemon had been sharp with me that day, his voice steady as he caught my distracted mutterings.

“Is something the matter, Sir Zoro?” Kinemon had asked, his face drawn in concern.

“Nah, he’s just missing his partner, is all.” Franky had laughed from the corner, his grin wide and unbothered.

“I still can’t believe you’ve gone soft!” Usopp had teased, causing Robin to chuckle from the other side of the camp.

“This princess, she must be of great importance…” Kanjuro had added thoughtfully, watching me carefully.

“You could say that,” I’d muttered, my thoughts still far away.

“Well, in that case, when Lady Y/N arrives, you two will act as a married couple.” Kanjuro had said, almost casually.

“What?!” I had exclaimed, my eyes going wide in disbelief. 

I shook my head, snapping myself back to the present as I stood before the officers, the memory fading from my mind like smoke. My swords were still drawn, but I knew now that I had to be careful. The last thing I wanted was to be dragged into some trouble that would expose our mission. Guess I got no choice.

"On my honor... I surrender," I said, my voice unwavering. I wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me anxious. My eyes locked onto the officers as they moved toward me, their hands reaching for the ropes.

The binds bit into my skin, tightening around my chest and arms as they restrained me. I didn’t flinch, didn’t show them any weakness. My mind was elsewhere, still focused on Y/N. I just need to get out of here and find her. It’s only a matter of time before I do.

The officers didn’t speak much as they escorted me, their footsteps echoing through the silent street as we moved toward the holding area. It felt like an eternity, each step dragging me further from the freedom I needed. They were all too eager to get me into a cell.

"I am happy to report, sir, that we have detained the slasher!" one of the officers said with a smug grin, as if they had actually done something impressive. I barely registered the words as I was shoved forward.

I could feel the tension rising in my chest, but I didn’t let it show. This is nothing. Just a small delay. I had been through worse. I would get out of this—I’ll find her. I have to.

As I was led into the small cell, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The way the officer had spoken, the way they looked at me—it was all too suspicious. Who’s behind this? I wondered.

Y/N POV.. 

"Wake up!" I heard a familiar voice, pulling me from the hazy depths of unconsciousness. "Wake up, Y/N!" the voice yelled again, insistent, as I felt someone pumping air into my lungs. I choked, coughing violently, spitting out water still lingering in my mouth as my breathing returned in ragged gasps.

"Y/N! You're awake!" Luffy shouted, relief written all over his face as he wrapped me in a bear hug. His warmth and energy were comforting, even if I still felt half-drowned.

"Well, someone's supposed to keep a watchful eye on you, so it might as well have been me," I teased lightly, my voice raspy from the ordeal. I glanced around, taking in the surroundings—a soft, sandy beach with the sound of gentle waves rolling behind us. "Where are we?" I asked, sitting up and brushing sand off my clothes.

"We made it... Wano!" Luffy exclaimed, grinning as he gestured toward the distant horizon. I followed his gaze to the unfamiliar yet beautiful landscape before us—rolling green hills, dense forests, and misty mountains in the distance.

Turning back, I saw the Thousand Sunny lying on its side, half-buried in the sand. "Where is everybody?" I muttered, frowning as I racked my brain, trying to piece together what had happened before we ended up here.

Luffy scratched his head. "Let me think..." His voice trailed off as his brows furrowed, clearly struggling to recall the series of events.

Before he could continue, we both froze as the sound of rustling came from the forest nearby. "What the..." I said, narrowing my eyes as I got to my feet. Emerging from the dense foliage were two enormous creatures—a giant animal and an equally massive baboon, locked in a fierce battle.

"Man, I've seen it all today, huh?" I muttered, unable to tear my eyes away from the spectacle.

The giant animal suddenly bounded toward us, landing with a heavy thud right on the Sunny.

"Hey! You better not have broken our ship!" Luffy yelled, his frustration cutting through the chaos.

"It's a giant dog," he added, tilting his head in confusion.

"I thought it was a boar?" I said, equally perplexed. We both stared at the massive creature, neither of us entirely sure what to make of it.

"I guess this really is the Land of Wano," Luffy said, laughing as if the sight was the most natural thing in the world.

"Well, I better get myself ready, then," I said, shaking off the water still clinging to me. Reaching behind me, I drew my sword, the familiar weight in my hand bringing a reassuring sense of readiness.

Luffy grinned, his excitement contagious. "Wild sword monkey versus wild dog thing—Wano's already looking pretty crazy, huh, Y/N?"

I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head at the sheer absurdity of the moment. "Oh, you could say that again."

We stood side by side, watching the bizarre battle unfold before us, the promise of more Wano chaos just beginning to take shape.

"Hey, you two, fight all you want, just don’t do it near my ship!" Luffy yelled at the massive creatures, his voice carrying over the chaos.

"Well, this is a mess," I muttered, shaking my head at the absurdity of the scene. "I still can’t tell if this is Wano or not."

Luffy scratched his head in thought. "Crap, the Vivre Card!" he suddenly exclaimed.

I frowned, realizing the issue. "Damn it, it must’ve fallen into the sea," I said, groaning.

Luffy let out a carefree laugh. "Welp, looks like we’re going on an adventure then, huh?" His laughter was infectious, and I couldn’t help but chuckle along with him.

"Alright, you two, break it up!" I said firmly, stepping closer to the battling baboon and giant animal.

Just as I took a step forward, I heard the distinct click of a gun cocking. Instinctively, both Luffy and I dodged as a bullet whizzed past us, embedding itself in the sand.

"Now, was that really necessary?" I said, turning to face the source of the shot.

Luffy and I exchanged a knowing grin, ready to take on whoever was foolish enough to attack us. Luffy dashed forward, knocking out one of the enemies with a single punch, while I drew my sword and unleashed a sweeping arc of light and energy, sending another attacker flying off his mount.

"Next time, don’t point guns at us," I said coldly, watching as the defeated enemies groaned on the ground.

"Hey, what’s going on?" crackled a voice from a nearby transponder snail. Without hesitation, I picked it up and crushed it in my hand, cutting off their communication.

One of the enemies staggered to his feet, barking orders at the baboon. "You stupid baboon! Forget the mutt and capture that guy and girl! Actually, you know what? Kill them!"

The massive baboon grabbed its sword, but as Luffy turned to face it, the creature hesitated, its eyes widening. To my surprise, the baboon bowed deeply, its earlier aggression melting away.

"Now see, you seem so calm now," I teased, watching as the baboon gave us a sheepish smile. The giant dog, seemingly following the baboon’s lead, padded over to us as well.

"Good. Now you two play nice and get along," Luffy said, grinning.

The enemy, now frantic, yelled, "Why are you not doing as told? They’re just two measly pirates!" He cocked his gun again, clearly unwilling to give up.

"Looks like this one’s a glutton for punishment," I said, pressing the yellow gemstone on my sword. Electricity and light surged through my hand, crackling with energy as I prepared to strike.

Before I could attack, a young girl appeared out of nowhere, rushing forward with a stick. She smacked the enemy on the head, sending him sprawling.

"Well, that’s... interesting," I said, clicking the gemstone again to deactivate my sword.

"I surrender! I surrender!" the girl yelled, striking a dramatic pose with her hands in the air.

"What is she doing?" I muttered, raising an eyebrow.

"I surrender! This is my surrender pose!" she repeated.

Luffy tilted his head. "We weren’t going to do anything to you!"

"Really? Do you mean it?" she exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with excitement.

"Yeah, of course," I reassured her.

"Okay! Then maybe, if you’re not going to kill me, can I ask for a tiny favor?" she asked, running toward us with a wide grin.

As I sheathed my sword, the girl pulled something out of her cheek. "What the—oh my god, she pulled her cheek off!" I yelled, startled.

She ignored my reaction, turning toward the baboon. She handed it the piece she’d pulled off, which the massive creature promptly ate.

"Yeah! I finally did it!" she cheered, jumping up and down. "I tamed the mountain baboon!"

"Looks like you’re some kind of power user, huh? A handy one, too," Luffy said, hopping onto the baboon’s back.

"Atta boy," he added, patting the creature’s head.

"Is that your dog?" Luffy asked, pointing at the giant animal.

"Yup! His name is Komachiyo," she said proudly.

I approached the dog, scratching behind its ear. "Well, aren’t you a good boy," I said as it licked my face enthusiastically.

"Oh, by the way, my name’s Otama," the girl introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, Otama. I’m Y/N, and that’s Luffy," I said, gesturing to my companion.

"Nice to meet you too!" she beamed.

"Quick question—have we made it to Wano?" Luffy asked.

"Sure have! This is the Land of Wano, and this beach is called Kuri," Otama explained.

"Got it, big bro!" she added with a smile.

"Big bro?" Luffy blinked in confusion. "The heck? When did I become your big brother?"

Otama laughed. "A big brother is a big brother!" She then turned to me. "Isn’t that right, big sis?"

I blinked, stunned by the title, but Otama hugged us both tightly, her energy contagious.

"It just makes sense!" she declared.

I smiled, hugging her back. "Of course it does."

Soon after, we were seated on the beach, listening as Otama recounted how she ended up in trouble. Her small hands gestured animatedly as she explained how she had been captured by those jerks who stuffed her in a bag, stole everything she had, and lashed out when she dared to say something that was apparently forbidden.

“The Kozuki Clan is going to come back, and then you’ll pay!” she recounted proudly, a fire in her voice even now.

“If it wasn’t for you two, I’d still be with those awful jerks, and I’d never see my home again. I owe you one for helping me, so thanks a lot!” Otama said, her gratitude shining through every word.

“Now, let me do a favor for you too, okay?” she added, her tone almost commanding in its earnestness.

I turned to look at Luffy, who grinned wide. “That would be great! I have a bunch of questions for you to answer.”

Before she could respond, Luffy’s stomach growled loudly, breaking the moment.

Otama beamed. “I get it! Bet you’re hungry, aren’t ya?”

As Luffy helped pull the Sunny to a safer location to dock it, Otama pointed out the perfect hiding spot. “No bad guys should find your ship if it’s in here!” she said confidently.

Luffy nodded in agreement, but I turned to him. “Luffy! I’m going to my room to change real quick. And now that we’re in Wano, I can finally give Zoro his letter and the ring King gave me for him.”

Luffy nodded. “Okay, but hurry!”

I nodded back, watching as Otama happily chatted with Luffy. Then, clenching my left hand, I sped past everything, determined to make it to my room quickly.

“Okay, something quick,” I muttered, rummaging through my closet until I found a dark green dress. It was perfect: ties at the waist to give an hourglass figure, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a short but flowing skirt that allowed ease of movement.

“Perfect,” I thought, tossing aside my corset top and skirt. Quickly, I changed into the dress, tightening the strings just enough to accentuate my chest and figure without feeling too restrictive. I tied the strings behind me, giving myself one final check.

Turning to my desk, I grabbed Zoro’s letter and made my way to the box King had given me. Inside, my headband was still safely tucked away. I hesitated for a moment before placing it on my head, letting two strands frame my short curly hair.

Next, I grabbed Zoro’s ring and slid it onto my finger, muttering to myself, “Since I control the rings now, it won’t do anything to me.”

I tucked Zoro’s letter into the bodice of my dress, strapped on my double scabbard holding my two swords, and made sure my thigh halter was securely fastened. Swapping out my boots for black heeled ankle boots, I did one final check. On impulse, I grabbed Zoro’s bandana and tied it around my arm.

“Perfect,” I said with a satisfied nod before closing the door and heading back to the dock.

When I arrived, Luffy grinned at me. “Oh, Y/N! Otama is inviting us to her place for dinner since we don’t have any food!”

Otama nodded eagerly. “Of course!”

“Are you sure?” I asked, feeling a little guilty about her generosity.

“Of course!” she repeated, grabbing our hands and leading us to Komachiyo, her loyal companion. We climbed on, with the baboon following close behind, as Komachiyo began to ride toward Otama’s home.

As Komachiyo trotted along, Hihimaru, the baboon, caught up to us, keeping pace close behind. Otama’s cheerful voice broke the rhythm of the ride. “You know! I’ve met a bunch of pirates, but there are bad ones that I don’t like!”

I laughed at her bluntness. “Yeah, some of them do suck.”

Luffy chuckled as well. “Oh, yeah? If you say so!”

Otama giggled at our laughter, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I know I’m going to like you because you guys are strong and nice,” she said earnestly, her words warming my heart and bringing a smile to my face.

Then, with a sudden burst of excitement, Otama added, “When I grow up, I’m going to be so tough—a real bewitching ninja!”

Luffy and I exchanged amused glances before looking back at her.

“Or at least bewitching like you, Big Sis!” she added with a laugh, making my cheeks flush bright red.

Luffy smirked and leaned back slightly. “Oh? Bewitching like Y/N? That’s gonna take some work!”

Otama, now fully invested, leaned forward eagerly. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

I waved my hands in front of me, laughing nervously. “Listen, Tama, some of these techniques are waaay too advanced for you right now.”

“But I want to know how to be a bewitching ninja!” Otama declared, pouting slightly.

Before I could steer the conversation elsewhere, Luffy jumped in with one of his own stories. “One time, Y/N did this weird move on Jaggy’s partner, and the guy came crashing down to the ground! He had his mask on and everything, so you couldn’t even see his face. But his neck was bright red!”

I groaned, covering my face with my hands as Luffy continued, clearly enjoying every moment of the retelling.

“Y/N pinned his hands above his head,” Luffy went on, his voice full of animation, “and then leaned in real close, whispered something, and the next thing you know, the guy was all like, ‘Captain, I can explain! I think I might be in love!’”

Otama gasped in astonishment. “No way! Who was that?”

Luffy grinned. “Jaggy’s partner—Killer! And Jaggy’s Kidd,” he added for clarity. “It was back in Sabaody a long time ago. Funniest thing ever!”

I peeked through my fingers, my cheeks still warm. “Luffy! You really didn’t have to tell that story!”

“But it’s funny!” Luffy grinned, his laughter echoing.

Otama giggled along, looking up at me with wide eyes. “Big Sis, you’re so cool! Teach me those moves!”

I sighed, trying to keep my patience. “Tama, those aren’t really the kinds of moves you need to know right now. Besides, what Luffy’s not telling you is—”

“Or that time when we were looking for a shipwright, and that pigeon guy just kept staring at you!” Luffy interrupted, grinning ear to ear.

I slapped my forehead with a groan. “Luffy, stop!”

He ignored me, leaning toward Otama like he was sharing the juiciest gossip. “You should’ve seen it, Tama! That Lucci guy barely looked at anyone else, but when Y/N showed up, he couldn’t stop staring! Even when he was fighting!”

“Luffy! He wasn’t—” I tried to argue, my voice faltering.

Otama gasped dramatically, her eyes sparkling. “Big Sis, you had him staring at you? That’s amazing!”

“It’s not amazing!” I protested, throwing my hands up. “He’s just—ugh, he’s a sadist! He doesn’t stare at people because he likes them; he’s just analyzing their weaknesses!”

“Maybe he liked your weakness,” Luffy teased, waggling his eyebrows.

““Oh, for the love of—Luffy!” I groaned, my face flushed with embarrassment.

Otama’s eyes widened in awe. “Woah! Big Sis, you really are a bewitching Ninja!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up. “You gotta teach me those moves!”

I let out a small laugh, trying to steer the conversation in a better direction. “How about we focus on building our strength first?” I suggested. “We can’t skip steps and jump to the top right away. We need a solid foundation before we can do the more advanced stuff.”

Otama nodded eagerly, determined. “Okay! First, we get strong, then we do the cool moves!”

“Exactly,” I said, grinning at her enthusiasm.

After a few minutes, we arrived at Tama's small, run-down home deep in the forest. She quickly began to prepare some rice, using the few ingredients she had. Luffy and I exchanged glances as we took in the condition of her home—it looked as though it had been nearly destroyed.

“Hang tight; it’s almost ready!” Tama said cheerfully, stirring the pot.

“How much longer, Tama?” Luffy whined, causing me to nudge him lightly.

“Just a little bit more!” she chirped, finally serving two bowls of freshly cooked rice. “Here you go, Big Bro and Big Sis! Fresh out of the pot!”

“Whoa! This rice is all for me? Down the hatch!” Luffy grinned, grabbing his bowl and chopsticks, diving into the food with enthusiasm.

I began eating as well but soon noticed that Tama hadn’t served herself any. “Tama, why aren’t you eating?” I asked, lowering my bowl.

She waved off my concern with a smile. “Oh, it’s nothing! Kunoichi can’t be fast if they have a full belly!” she replied.

I frowned but decided to leave a portion of my rice untouched, just in case she needed it. “Can I have another?” Luffy asked, grinning.

“That was all I had, and I’m out of pickles too,” Tama admitted in a small, sad voice.

Luffy leaned back sheepishly. “Oh, uh, that’s okay! I was just joking!”

“You’re a bad liar!” Tama said, her stomach growling loudly, making her blush.

“Tama… are you—” I began, but before I could finish, she rushed out of the room. “I gotta run to the potty!” she called over her shoulder.

“Strange,” I muttered.

Luffy stretched out on the ground. “I didn’t eat much, but that Tama girl sure was nice to give us food,” he said, grateful.

Just then, the door slammed open. “Who the hell are you, and why are you in my house?!” a rough voice demanded.

We turned to see a figure stepping into the room, a sword already unsheathed.

“Wait, Usopp?” Luffy asked, confused.

“Don’t you dare compare me to him!” the figure snapped. His grip tightened on the hilt as his eyes landed on the empty bowls in front of us. “You… you ate the rice, didn’t you?”

“We did. So what?” Luffy said nonchalantly, oblivious to the growing anger in the man’s expression.

“You imbeciles!” he roared, lunging forward with his blade. I quickly unsheathed my sword from its double scabbard, blocking his attack.

“Hold on! Just listen to us!” I tried to reason, but he wouldn’t stop.

“Why should I? You ate her rice! Do you know how rare it is for her to have a proper meal?!” he shouted, managing to land a small hit on both Luffy and me, knocking us out of the house and onto the ground.

“Y/N, you okay?” Luffy asked, concerned.

“Yeah, Captain,” I replied, standing up with my sword still drawn.

The man’s voice was filled with fury as he continued. “Do you know how hard that poor girl works day and night, barely scraping by? That rice was probably all she had for months!”

We exchanged guilty looks, the weight of his words settling in.

“She makes hats to sell, barely surviving, and most of the time, she’s forced to eat millet or drink river water to stave off hunger! That rice was probably the only decent meal she’s had in ages!”

Hearing this, my grip on my sword faltered.

“Master, please don’t be mad!” Tama’s voice called out, her small figure rushing toward us. “I know I cooked the rice without asking, but I wanted to repay Big Bro Luffy and Big Sis Y/N for saving me! Please don’t yell at them—it was my choice!”

Tears streamed down her face as she began coughing violently.

“Tama!” Luffy and I shouted, running to her side.

The man scooped her up, his anger replaced by concern. “You foolish girl! You’ve been drinking river water again, haven’t you? To stop the hunger pangs…”

“She what?” Luffy asked, horrified.

The man explained how the river had been polluted by Kaido’s factories, poisoning everything it touched. Luffy clenched his fists, anger brewing.

“Why do you live here in such terrible conditions?” he asked.

“She’s waiting for a man who promised to return,” the man said solemnly. “A pirate… Portgas D. Ace.”

Luffy and I froze at the mention of the name.

“Ace…” Luffy muttered.

Tama’s eyes widened. “You know him too, Big Bro?” she asked weakly.

“Yeah, I do,” Luffy said quietly. “But he’s dead now.”

The room fell silent.

“That’s a lie, Big Bro! You’re a liar!” Tama shouted, tears streaming down her face. “Big Bro, you’re lying!”

“Luffy, maybe you could’ve phrased that better…” I muttered as Tama’s cries echoed through the room.

The man glared at Luffy. “What kind of monster are you, telling a little girl her hero is gone so casually?!”

“But it’s the truth,” Luffy said, his expression somber.

“Listen,” I interjected, trying to calm the situation. “My captain told the truth because she deserved to know, as hard as it was to hear.”

The man shook his head in disbelief, clutching the fainted Tama close as he muttered, “Ace, huh? What a cruel twist of fate…”

"Just who in the hell are you anyway?" the man demanded, crossing his arms and laying Tama down carefully.

“My name is Luffy, and I’ll be King of the Pirates!” Luffy declared with defiance.

“And her name is Y/N, also a pirate!” Luffy added, grinning at me. “Also a princess,” he teased, causing me to slump my shoulders in exasperation.

“Pirates, huh? I only like a few pirates! State your business!” the man said, pointing at us with his unusually long nose.

“Why not say who you are first?” Luffy retorted, pushing the man’s nose, earning an annoyed glare.

“Very well then. My name is Hitetsu, a swordsmith,” the man said, his tone softening slightly. “Since you know Ace is gone now, why don’t you leave here, take Tama, and find a safer place to live?” said Luffy 

Hitetsu sighed, his expression heavy. “I, too, have been waiting for someone for a long time. There are only two of us left now, but this was once a thriving village called Amigasa.” His voice grew more somber as he recounted the destruction caused by Kaido’s forces, particularly one of his headliners, a pirate named X Drake.

“What an asshole,” I muttered under my breath, unable to contain my frustration.

Immediately realizing my slip, I covered my mouth, my eyes darting to Hitetsu, whose own widened in surprise.

“For a princess, you sure do have a foul mouth,” he said, crossing his arms and giving me a pointed look.

I just shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, being a pirate tends to rub off on you.”

Hitetsu sighed but continued his story, recounting the fall of the five samurai who once protected the territory. “They were defeated and destroyed,” he said solemnly. “Now, the only place in Wano that flourishes is the Flower Capital, where Orochi resides. Everywhere else… it’s been utter chaos and destruction, thanks to Kaido and his followers.”

“That bastard…” I muttered again, before realizing what I said and widening my eyes in embarrassment.

Hitetsu gave me another exasperated look. “You really don’t act like a princess at all, do you?”

“I never claimed to be a traditional one,” I retorted, crossing my arms. “Besides, your story just makes me angrier. No one deserves to live like this.”

Luffy nodded, his expression unusually serious. “Kaido, huh? That guy’s gotta pay for all of this.”

Hitetsu let out a heavy sigh, his gaze softening as he recounted a different memory. “I remember when Ace came here. He washed up on the shore with his crew, shipwrecked from a storm. We tied them all up and ate their food,” he said with a faint chuckle. “But Ace didn’t mind it. He was… kind, understanding, even when we treated him like enemies.”

“He even shared more food with us once we let them go. It was the first time in a long while that Tama had smiled so much. She grew so fond of him.”

I glanced over at Luffy, noticing a small smile etched on his face as Hitetsu continued.

“Our lives were saved by shipwrecked pirates,” Hitetsu said, his voice tinged with both nostalgia and gratitude.

“Ace really was one of a kind,” I said softly, a fond smile crossing my lips as I remembered the countless stories Luffy would tell us, along with me meeting him in Alabasta, how he also saved me when I was saving luffy from those marines, to even hearing stories as a second division commander on whitebeard's crew.

Luffy nodded, the smile on his face growing slightly as he stared at the ground. “Yeah… he really was.”

Soon after, Hitetsu went inside to check on Tama, leaving Luffy and me standing in the midst of the destruction in Amigasa Village. The wind blew softly, carrying with it a sense of desolation. I turned to Luffy, who was staring at the ruins, clearly processing everything Hitetsu had shared with us.

“Hey! Where can I get some food and water?” Luffy suddenly called out to Hitetsu, breaking the silence.

“And do you guys have a doctor around here?” I added.

“A doctor?” Hitetsu repeated, stepping back out.

“We owe Tama one since she fed us,” Luffy said, flashing his trademark grin.

“If you cross the wasteland to the north, you’ll find a village. They have a physician,” Hitetsu replied.

Luffy and I nodded. “Thanks a bunch!” Luffy said enthusiastically as we turned to leave.

But Hitetsu halted us. “Getting there won’t be an easy feat. Kaido and his men are stationed along the way, and Tama would have to be carried,” he warned.

I turned back toward him, determination evident in my stance. “Well, it’s a good thing we’re prepared then,” I said, smirking as I reached behind me and unsheathed King’s sword from my double scabbard. The blade glinted in the light, its unique craftsmanship and the three gemstones catching Hitetsu’s eye.

“We’re ready, right, Captain?” I said confidently, glancing at Luffy.

“Yeah! Besides, Kaido’s still gonna get his ass beat,” Luffy added with a grin.

Hitetsu’s gaze locked onto my sword, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Impossible…” he muttered, stepping closer.

“What?” I asked, tilting my head at his reaction.

“So… it is true…” he murmured, his eyes tracing every detail of the blade, from its intricate design to the three gemstones embedded near the hilt.

“Is there something you know about my sword?” I asked, my tone firm as I held it steady.

Hitetsu’s expression remained serious as he studied the blade further, its unique design captivating his gaze. “This sword… it was forged in Wano long ago, its craftsmanship unrivaled. The gemstones are more than ornamental—they’re a testament to the warrior it belonged to. There’s no mistaking it. That sword was wielded by a legendary warrior.”

“How did it come into your possession?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and caution.

I hesitated, gripping the hilt a little tighter before answering, “It was given to me by someone I trust. But… what’s the story behind it?”

Hitetsu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he began to recount its history. “The blade was once wielded by a warrior known only as the Red Warrior. She was said to have fought alongside someone truly strong and protected him no matter the cost, they were both symbols of hope, and said that they helped those in need.The Red Warrior was also dubbed the warrior from hell, and legends say they both vanished years ago. The sword itself is just as legendary—only two people were ever able to wield it: the Red Warrior herself and her son.

I stared at him, absorbing the weight of his words as he continued.

“Some believe her spirit remained tethered to the sword, waiting for someone worthy. The Red Warrior’s strength and will were unmatched, and when she passed, the sword disappeared without a trace.”

Hitetsu’s gaze softened as he looked at me. “For that sword to end up in your hands, Princess… it’s as though her legacy has found its way to you. Perhaps her spirit, her will, resides within you now.”

I glanced down at the sword in my hand, feeling its weight anew. The thought sent a shiver through me. “So… the Red Warrior’s spirit could be inside me?”

“Perhaps,” Hitetsu replied gravely. “The fact that you can wield it unharmed means the sword has chosen you. Whether you believe in fate or not, this blade has a purpose, and you might be the one destined to fulfill it.”

Luffy grinned, clearly excited by the idea of me being some legendary figure. "That’s so cool! Y/N, you’re like a hero from a storybook!”

I shook my head, chuckling lightly. "Man, wait 'til I have a long talk with Dominik in two months once he tells me about those reports! I’ve got a billion questions for him." I clenched my right fist and raised it in the air dramatically, shaking it.

We continued to chat about what to do next, and Luffy, ever the optimist, was ready to help Tama. "Don't sweat it... I'm a strong guy," he said with his usual grin and determination.

Hitetsu, though, had a more somber tone. "I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something were to happen to her."

"Don’t worry, we won’t let anything happen to her," I reassured him, my tone steady.

"Alright, Captain, let’s—" I began, but Hitetsu suddenly interrupted.

“Imbiciles! Your outfits are outlandish! Here, put these on!” He tossed us traditional Wano attire.

I groaned as I looked at the clothes. “Got anything more... shorter and form-fitting?” I asked.

Hitetsu raised an eyebrow at me, then looked back at the clothes. "Keep the dress, I'll stick with what I have," I said, handing him the traditional Wano outfit back.

"Fool! You'll stick out more!" Hitetsu snapped, clearly annoyed. He started adjusting Luffy's attire, making sure it fit him better.

I sighed, feeling a little frustrated by the outfit changes. "I can’t change out of my dress. You know how hard it was to tie these strings behind me," I said, motioning to the intricate design.

Hitetsu grumbled as he took in my adjustments, his eyes flicking from the bow I added to my dress to the way the fabric accentuated my figure. He was silent for a moment before he muttered, “If anything, pass me this.”

I took the tie from him and added it to my dress, maintaining its shape but tying it into a small bow, adjusting the fit to my liking. I also took a moment to tweak the headband King had given me, the heavy weight due to its diamonds and rhinestones glistening. “And... there,” I said, finally feeling comfortable.

"THAT STILL DIDN'T DO ANYTHING AT ALL!" Hitetsu yelled, causing Luffy to glance over, his voice rising in a typical mix of confusion and enthusiasm.

"Well, I'll be fine. Still have my weapons with me," I said, smirking at Hitetsu’s frustration.

Hitetsu grumbled as he adjusted Luffy’s attire, tying his hair into a top knot. "Nice! A kimono! Do I get to wear sweet samurai armor too?" Luffy grinned, bouncing on his feet, causing me to laugh.

“You’re trying NOT to grab attention, Luffy. There. That should do it,” Hitetsu said with finality. "I can't join you for reasons unknown, but whatever the cost, I can remember you." He bowed slightly.

"I guess we'll see. If we run into my crew, they'd do it for free, so keep your fingers crossed." Luffy said with a shrug, always optimistic.

But before we could leave, Luffy noticed a sword on the wall and grabbed it, a grin spreading across his face.

“Now, Luffy…” I started, but before I could finish, he already slipped the sword into his kimono.

“It’s cool if I borrow this, right? It really sells the look!” Luffy said, his eyes gleaming. He lifted Tama, ready to go.

“We’re not here for a fashion show,” I said with a laugh, trying to catch my breath.

Luffy grinned as we dashed out of the house. Hitetsu quickly followed behind, grumbling, clearly upset about the stolen sword.

“Come on, Luffy! You don’t even know how to wield a blade!” I laughed between breaths, glancing over at Luffy as he sprinted with Tama in his arms.

“See ya, Grandpa Nose!” Luffy yelled, not looking back as we ran deeper into the forest.

Soon, Komachiyo appeared, running toward us. We quickly hitched a ride, with Luffy grinning from ear to ear.

“Heck yeah! Mind taking us to town, pal?” Luffy said, patting Komachiyo as he climbed onto the large dog’s back, with me following suit.

As we moved deeper into the forest, Tama suddenly stirred in Luffy’s arms. She began to cry, calling out Ace’s name, the loss still fresh and painful for her.

“Tama, you have to understand…” I started, but she didn’t seem to hear me. The memory of Ace was too raw for her. She didn’t understand the weight of Ace’s importance to Luffy, and her anger bubbled over in her cries.

“You shouldn’t say things out of anger or rage, Tama,” I said gently, my hand resting on her head as she came to sit beside me. “I know you’re hurt—we all are. But please, don’t be upset. It’s okay to grieve, but don’t let your pain take over.”

Tama looked up at me, her face stained with tears. Slowly, she moved from Luffy’s back and crawled into my lap, crying softly. I wrapped my arms around her, offering what comfort I could, as Komachiyo ran toward the village. 

As we neared, Komachiyo suddenly halted, and both Luffy and I took a moment to take in the surroundings.

"Woah," Luffy and I exclaimed in unison.

"Grandpa Nose wasn’t wrong," Luffy said with a mix of awe and concern.

"This place looks so bad," I muttered, taking in the empty, desolate surroundings. "Everything looks deserted..."

The village looked abandoned, like time had stopped in its tracks. It was as if the land had been left behind, its life stripped away.

Suddenly, Luffy’s eyes lit up as he spotted some animals in the distance.

“A tiger! And a big boar too!” he exclaimed, pointing.

"And a crocodile?" I said, narrowing my eyes as I noticed a strange shape moving in the distance.

"No, big sis, that's a sharkodile," Tama replied, her voice cracking with emotion as she corrected me, but I was left even more confused by the unusual creature.

"This place is wild!" Luffy said with his usual enthusiasm, his energy bouncing back as he took in the sights.

“Literally and figuratively,” I added with a sigh, still processing the bizarre landscape around us.

Luffy, ever the optimist, pointed at the animals and said, “Just eat those guys, then you won’t be so hungry.”

Tama looked up at him with wide eyes, clearly upset. "Luffy, that's not possible," she said softly.

I nodded in agreement. "It’s not that easy. The samurai who were powerful enough to hunt those creatures were either caught by the police or turned to bandits to survive.” I glanced around at the wreckage of the place, feeling a deep sadness. "Besides, the animals here drink the poisonous river water, and because of that, they turn poisonous themselves. We can’t eat them." continued Tama 

“That’s bastards gonna pay,” I muttered under my breath, clenching my fists in frustration.

Tama looked up at me, her eyes wide with shock at the harsh words. I quickly covered my mouth, realizing my mistake.

“Tama, don’t repeat any word I say, especially strong words like that,” I said firmly but gently.

She nodded, her tears slowly subsiding as she clung to me for comfort. Though her pain hadn’t completely disappeared, the quiet seemed to help calm her down. As we continued to move forward, the forest around us thickened, and Luffy’s voice suddenly broke the silence, screeching in delight.

"Luffy, what is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Zoro!" he yelled, his excitement nearly shaking the ground.

"Zoro!" I echoed, feeling a sudden rush of emotions, tears threatening to prick my eyes. Could it really be him?

"Is it really him, Captain?" I asked, my voice trembling with hope.

"Hey! Zoro! It’s me! Over here!" Luffy called out, waving his arms wildly.

I held Tama tightly in my arms, her feverish warmth seeping into me, but my focus was on the figure ahead. Zoro turned and locked eyes with Luffy.

"Luffy! Yeah! You finally made it!" Zoro called out, his voice full of warmth and excitement.

I frowned slightly as I noticed Zoro didn’t recognize me at first.

"He doesn’t recognize me, Captain," I muttered, but Luffy didn’t seem concerned.

"Don’t worry, he will once I get closer!" Luffy replied confidently, his trademark grin lighting up his face.

I held Tama in my arms, her fever still burning slightly, but my thoughts were focused on Zoro’s sudden appearance.

"It’s real good to see you!" Luffy said as he jumped off Komachiyo, landing squarely onto Zoro. "And it’s been a whi..." he paused mid-sentence as he noticed the shift in Zoro’s expression.

Zoro looked at Luffy and then back to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It’s been a long time, most honorable Zoro," Luffy teased, his voice filled with affection for his friend.

I couldn’t help but smile at the familiar banter between them as Komachiyo stopped in front of Zoro. Slowly, I placed Tama down and slid off Komachiyo, not yet showing my face.

"Who’s this woman?" Zoro asked, looking at me with confusion.

I smirked, watching him with amusement. "You mean you don’t recognize her… at all?" Luffy grinned, nudging Zoro.

As Zoro took a step forward, I finally revealed my face.

"Roronoa, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten me already..." I teased, my voice light but full of warmth. "I know your sense of direction may not be A1, but for you to forget your nap sidekick and partner—well, I’m in shock."

Zoro froze, his eyes wide as he finally recognized me.

"Y/N!" he gasped, his tone full of disbelief and something deeper.

His gaze flickered to my attire, noticing it wasn’t traditional Wano clothing, but something that had enough of the style to give him a hint of who I was. Then, his eyes softened as they landed on my hair—once long and left behind in Zou, now cut short in soft curls, dyed a dark cherry color, framing my face. A diamond and rhinestone headband added to the transformation.

Zoro’s expression softened, a wave of emotion crossing his face. He stepped toward me, and before I could react, I was in his arms.

"I... I missed you so much!" I cried, clinging to him as my tears fell freely, mingling with the relief of finally being reunited with him.

His arms tightened around me, his voice low and filled with tenderness. "Are you free from that stupid engagement?" he asked, his grip on me tightening in a way that made my heart race.

I nodded against his chest, still unable to fully contain my tears. "The wedding was annulled," I said softly, my voice a little shaky. "But I did keep the ring, since it has some modifications." I wiped my eyes with my hand, trying to regain composure.

Zoro softened, his eyes turning gentle. "I missed you so much," he whispered, pressing a kiss to my head.

"I can’t believe my partner is back..." he muttered, his voice full of disbelief, as if it hadn’t fully sunk in yet.

Luffy, standing off to the side with a wide grin, couldn’t help but laugh. "Zoro, damn, who would’ve thought you’d be going crazy not seeing Y/N! Besides, the rest of the crew’s back too, and we stopped Sanji’s wedding!"

Zoro scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I could give two craps about that lovesick cook," he muttered, still holding me close, his usual gruffness returning.

[justaz]

thinking about arthur who has crazy quick reflexes and is a relatively light sleeper who woke up to the sound of someone in his room and saw merlin crouched down messing with his keys before softly asking “whatre you doing?…before breakfast?”

[shannonsketches]

Why is the anime so weird, it's not even the same series dude?? It's like,

Anime:

GOKU: I have a great idea to bring peace to the universe, and my leadership and compassion alone will unite us all. I have No Flaws and am A True Relatable Everyman :)

VEGETA: NO! I AM THE BEST AND I WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS UNTIL I AM RECOGNIZED AS SUCH!!!!

Manga:

GOKU: Vegeta what's cornmeal made of? I know it's what the corn eats, but what's it made of? VEGETA: Hey Kakarot let's play the quiet game until one of us dies.

[maura-devon-carlise]

I'M LATE TO MERMAY I KNOW ITS JUNE AND PRIDE MONTH NOW BUT OH WELL HERE HAVE THIS

I think the prompt I chose was bioluminescene but boy did this run away from me-

---

Jimmy and Lizzie moved around a lot, mainly because of money. 

Or at least, that’s what Lizzie always said, anyway. 

Always a new town, a new school, and sometimes, if he was lucky, new names. Jimmy had stopped asking questions a long time ago. He just tried to fit in wherever they landed, even if it was only temporary.

So Jimmy almost screamed for joy when he got invited to a classmate’s birthday party.

He never made many friends. They always moved before they got too close. So getting invited to a birthday party was a huge deal. Unfortunately, his big sister didn’t seem to share his excitement.

“Come on, Lizzie! It’s just a beach party,” Jimmy pleaded, backpack still slung over one shoulder as he stood in the kitchen.

Lizzie folded her arms. “I said no.”

Jimmy shrugged. “Why not? It’s only gonna be Martyn, and I’m only going for a quick swim.”

Lizzie pinched her nose. “You can swim in pools. Not the sea.”

Jimmy groaned. He hated how overprotective his sister was. “I don’t see the problem with-”

“Like I said, you can swim in pools–”

“It’s not the same!” Jimmy’s voice cracked. “We keep moving around so much I don’t even get to keep friends, and now I can’t even go to a stupid birthday party?”

Lizzie’s eyes softened, but she kept her voice hard. “I made a promise to Mom and Dad before we lost them. I promised I’d protect you.”

“They’re dead, Lizzie! They’re gone! You don’t have to keep acting like you’re my mom.”

She flinched. “The ocean isn’t safe.”

“I’m a great swimmer!”

“It’s not about that.”

“Why are you always like this?” Jimmy threw his hands up and marched into his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. He slumped straight onto his bed.

His fingers went to the bracelet on his wrist. It had worn, soft, threads unraveling at the edges. He didn’t remember when he got it. He just always had it. Always. He’d asked Lizzie once, and she’d said it was from their parents. 

He never took it off. Not because of superstition, or magic, or any of the weird stuff Lizzie sometimes mumbled under her breath when she thought he couldn’t hear. He wore it because it was theirs. The only thing left.

Jimmy swore that if his parents were here, they would have let him go. If his parents were still here, they wouldn’t have to move around so much. He wouldn’t need to struggle to make new friends. 

They would’ve wanted him to at least try to keep the ones that he already had.

* * *

That night, Jimmy waited until the apartment was quiet, and Lizzie’s soft breathing came through the wall. He quickly changed into his bathers, slipped a hoodie on top, and carefully climbed out their apartment window.

Jimmy’s heart was racing from excitement. He knew that he needed this. Anyways, he was a strong swimmer. What was the worst that could happen?

* * *

The moon turned the beach’s sand into silver. Waves washed across the wet sand, and Martyn stood barefoot near the rocks, grinning like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“Thought you weren’t gonna show.”

“Had to sneak out,” Jimmy said, dropping his hoodie to reveal some bathers underneath. “I needed this.”

Martyn laughed. “Don’t we all?”

The water was cold but freeing. Jimmy dove headfirst, letting the salt sting his eyes. His limbs moved effortlessly, like they knew exactly how to cut through the water. He surfaced next to Martyn, laughing.

“I told you,” Martyn said. “You’re insane. That was awesome.”

Jimmy grinned. For once, he didn’t feel like a shadow of himself. Didn’t feel like the kid who always left halfway through the school year. It just felt… right.

They swam for about five minutes before Martyn’s eyes dropped to Jimmy’s wrist. “That from your parents?”

“Yeah,” Jimmy said, instinctively covering it with his other hand. “Only thing I have from them, really.”

“Can I see it?”

Jimmy’s smile faltered. “Nah. I don’t take it off.”

“Why not?”

“Just… feels wrong to.”

There was a pause. Martyn tilted his head. “My parents told me something once,” he began slowly. “About bracelets like that. Said they were worn by a family that escaped. A family like ours.”

Jimmy blinked. “What do you mean ‘like ours’?”

Martyn didn’t answer. He was staring. Not at Jimmy, but past him. At the water.

Jimmy looked down.

His legs. A faint blue shimmer was spreading down from the bracelet. And the ocean felt like it was pulling on him, curling around his skin like it knew him.

“What the–?”

Martyn’s voice dropped to a whisper. “They were right. You are like us.”

“What are you talking about?”

Martyn backed away, eyes wide with something that wasn’t fear. It was recognition.

“I have to tell them,” he muttered, scrambling out of the water toward the beach.

Jimmy's stomach dropped. “Tell who? Martyn, what are you–”

But Martyn had already run to the spot at the beach where he and Jimmy had dumped all theur stuff. He was already pulling out his phone, hands shaking.

Jimmy stood in waist-deep water, panic rising like the tide.

What’s happening to me? Why is the bracelet glowing? What did he mean, ‘like him’?

The bracelet pulsed brighter. And his legs, they were starting to feel–

“JIMMY!”

Lizzie’s voice sliced through the dark. She came tearing across the sand, barefoot, wild-eyed.

Her gaze landed on Martyn. She froze.

“You,” she breathed. “You’re one of them.”

Jimmy blinked. “What? You know him?”

“Get away from my brother!” Lizzie shouted. Martyn bcked off, startled.

QJimmy staggered as his balance shifted in the water. His whole body felt almost like it was wrong and right at the same time. He looked at Lizzie, panicked. “What’s happening to me?”

“We don’t have time,” she said, charging into lpp1the water. “They’ll be here soon.”

“Who?! Lizzie, please!”

She gripped his arm, her eyes bright, familiar, and terrified—locked onto his.

“Jimmy. Please. Trust me. Just this once.”

Jimmy stared at her. He didn’t know what was happening. But Lizzie was the only constant he had.

“…Okay.”

She bit her lip and eyed Martyn, who was yelling something in a language Jimmy didn't understand onto his phone. 

Lizzie dragged Jimmy over to where the water was starting to get deeper and deeper. Lizzie exhaled. “Okay, we're going to need to go underwater. Promise me you're going to swim as fast as you can.”

Jimmy slowly nodded. 

Her hand let go on his arm. Jimmy took in a deep breath before they both ducked into the deep ocean below.

* * *

Jimmy always thought he was a good swimmer. 

And he was, by human standards. He’d even won a few races at the community pool in their last town. That’s why he was so surprised when he couldn’t keep up with Lizzie. He’d never even seen her jump in the water before, let alone move like this. She surged through the water with an unnatural speed, her movements effortless. 

Jimmy kicked and thrashed, his lungs burning, the salt stinging his eyes. He was already running out of air. How was she doing this?

He felt a sudden pressure, a familiar tug on his left wrist. Lizzie was beside him, her free hand yanking at the threads of her own bracelet, then his. With a swift movement, both bracelets slipped off.

A wave of sensation washed over Jimmy. His legs, already tingling from the bracelet’s glow, morphed. The skin stretched and shimmered, scales appearing in brilliant shades of pale green and earthy brown. A powerful tail unfurled, pulsing with a soft, internal light that lit the dark water around him. He gasped—or tried to. No water entered his lungs. 

He was breathing. 

He was breathing underwater.

He looked at Lizzie. Her legs too had transformed, replaced by a magnificent tail of shimmering blue and soft pink, glowing with its own gentle light. She gestured frantically, her mouth moving, but no sound came out. Yet, somehow, he understood her. “We need to go! They’ll be here any second!”

Jimmy blinked, his mind reeling. He had a fishtail. He was breathing water. And his sister was talking to him telepathically, underwater.

Lizzie, however, grabbed his hand and gave him no time to think. “No time for questions! We have to find shelter!”

They plunged deeper, the pressure of the ocean increasing, but Jimmy felt no discomfort. His new tail propelled him with incredible power, easily keeping pace with Lizzie. Her blue and pink tail moved with an almost unbelievable grace. Jimmy watched his own green and brown tail swish behind him, fascinated by the glow it cast on the surrounding rocks. She led him through dark, twisting trenches, past schools of fish, until they reached a narrow opening in a rocky cliff face.

Inside, the cave was surprisingly spacious, lit only by the soft, steady glow of their own tails. Lizzie stopped, her shoulders slumping.

“I’m so sorry, Jimmy,” she projected, her voice in his mind thick with emotion. “I wanted to give you a normal life. That’s what I promised Mom and Dad. I should have known it wasn’t possible.”

Jimmy, still trying to process everything, looked at her, then down at his shimmering tail. “What… what happened to us?”

Lizzie sighed, a ripple passing through her scales. “We’re… merfolk, Jimmy. Like our parents.” She hesitated, her eyes filling with tears. “Our parents… they…” Lizzie paused, then took a deep breath in. “They died protecting us. They fought to get us to the surface, away from… away from the ones who want to control us. The bracelets… they hid our true forms.”

Tears streamed down Lizzie’s face, dissolving into the water around them. Jimmy, not knowing what else to do, wrapped his arms around her, a tight embrace that felt both strange and utterly familiar in their new forms.

“It’s okay, Lizzie,” he thought, holding her close. “It’s okay. We’re together.”

MerMay Prompts!

Happy MerMay! Here are 31 short prompts for either art or writing! Enjoy! (if you use this list, please tag me! I'd love to see and share your work!)

Fishing

Interaction or Encounter

Play

Rescue

Pirate ship

Ghost

Hidden or Shadow

Bioluminescence

Jellyfish

Aquarium

Protect

Alluring or enchanting

Pesky

Moonlight or starlight

Joyous

Treasure

Storm

Color

Song

Mist

Sleep or dream

Fix

Family

Accessories

Hunt

Seaglass

Storage

Pet

Treat

Silly hat

Group Photo

[starzwithapen]

I need to go to bed but I'm thinking too hard about how Viva's behaviour as leader to the putt putt trolls contrasts w Poppy's as queen in trolls world tour

[spacedlexi]

me collecting every vague line about minnie to piece together what kind of person she really was pre-delta