#*passes you a cookie and sails away*

[child-of-the-cosmos]

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 <- You’re here! - Part 5

(~2,000 words.)

You've always loved the morning air. Something about it was always so.. full of life. You'd been walking through the forest for about an hour now. Following a path engraved in your head. Damp branches cracked beneath your feet. The glow of the sun just barely peaking out from the trees above you. Small droplets would fall here and there from the leaves above. It seemed the rain really did a number on the forest. In a good way, of course.

The smell of oak and damp soil hung lightly in the air, hints of a sweeter aroma- wild flowers, wafted from a few patches nearby. It was something only the rain could bring. You had made your way through the hardest part of the hike, which honestly wasn't too hard since you picked the easiest path. It was a little narrow, being covered with leaves and small brush scattered around, but it was easy to see that the path was now beginning to clear and opening up into a new zone. Your favorite area.

You've seen tons of things coming through this particular path. Small squirrels, a baby fox and their mom, a raccoon, a large centipede, and now... A large deer? No, that wasn't quite right.

There was something there, for sure. You could tell that much from here. But the real question is, what exactly was it? A human? That'd be impossible. No one really came this far out... at least, no one that you've seen. As you got closer you were able to make out a figure, then a color. Okay, definitely not human. Either that, or they were wearing a LOT of yellow right now.

Was there something in your food this morning? There'd have to been, for you to see something like this. But.. you've been completely fine up until now. You were close enough to hear a faint voice. It was so quiet... you could barely hear it- but something was... off about the sound of it. It was then that it hit you that this thing wasn't breathing at all. You were close enough to see scratchy movements, and exposed wires by it's arm. A robot. Animatronic, to be exact.

"Woah," What was an animatronic doing out here, of all places? Civilization was far away from this point, you had made sure of that when you first moved into these woods. But to see something like this...

"What.. are you?" You already knew the answer, but this was amazing! You've never really seen an animatronic like this one. The ones before were pretty much void of any colors, and only gave out automated messages last time you checked... which admittedly had been a while. You're knowledge on robots were pretty limited- if you could call the little info you had on them knowledge that is. But from what you could tell... this one was different. You had heard they were getting pretty lifelike before you moved and left the city- but this, this was something new.

The figure- no, robot  was now looking at you. Maybe you scared it? Was that even possible?? You didn't know, and didn't have much time to think about it either. Because as soon as it saw you- it started moving. In the worst way possible. You watched in horror as it slowly maneuvered it's body to face you. Well, it's upper body. It's lower half stayed still, facing the same direction you first saw it in. You stepped back. Cool or not, you did not sign up for any of those horror movies you had watched on tv.

You glanced at it's arm again. It was holding it, almost as if a child would cradle their wound; Close to their chest, somewhat scared for you see it.

It just sat there and watched you. You couldn't get a read on what it wanted.

You tiled your head. Was it hurt, then? If so, does that mean people started building robots with pain receptors?? but... why?  Why would someone want something like that- and could that even be possible in the first place?? You'd have to think about that later. Whoever built this thing definitely had a lot of money though.

You were beginning to feel uncomfortable with the overwhelming silence. It was still staring at you. Menacingly. It hadn't moved an inch since it first contorted it's body. Just what was this thi- Crackling. Then soft humming. It was very quiet, almost like a whisper... then, "S-ssssorry" It spoke.

Sorry?  You were taken aback. Out of all the things it could've said, it said sorry? But why?? You inched closer, just a bit... If it was willing to communicate then it couldn't be that dangerous, could it? So it technically wouldn't hurt to communicate back... right?

"Sorry for what?" You asked. It seemed pleased with your response, perking up just slightly before slouching back down. It looked like it was fighting to stay awake. The grip on it's arm loosening. What was wrong with it? Well you didn't really need an answer, because it started talking again. Their words were slurred together, but you could just make out what it trying to say. "Plea---se," It began to slump to the floor, earthy forest below surrounding it, "H-h-h-helllp us."

Then... nothing.

Did it just die??? You slightly began to panic. Wait- no, right... it's a robot. Pretty sure robots don't die.. hopefully. So, it's not dead? Then... You snapped your fingers and walked closer to it. Right, things like this needed a charge! It's probably out of battery. Does it need like a.. double A or something? That's always worked for your tv remote.

You knelt down, glancing over it's features exposed by the earth beneath it. Light golden rays lined it's head, and you could see a wide smile plastered across it's face. Okay, this thing definitely wasn't a remote, but.. it'd still have to charge and all that, right? So there were still some similarities... you could work with this. Robot or not, your weren't the type to just leave someone alone, especially if that someone personally asked you for help.  

You gently looped your arms around theirs, careful not to touch the one with the open wires. You huffed and lifted. This thing was quite heavy. Even though you were pretty confident in your strength right now, you doubted you'd be able to carry it all the way down.

So, you did the next best thing. You lifted and decided you'd carry it at least half way, run and get your wheel barrow- somehow put it in, and push it the rest of the way back to your house.

This, was much easier said than done. And you quickly found that out. Firstly, you didn't take in account how tiring it was to carry this thing- plus run back and get the wheel barrow, just to jog it back up to where you left it (luckily it was fine), Then somehow get it in the wheel barrow- (which was very hard but you managed), Just to finally wheel it back down the rest of the way.

Once you actually got back home, all you wanted to do was sleep. But sleep wasn't an option right now. You still had to get it inside. You sighed, lifting one last time to carry it up your porch stairs and inside your house. You sat it down near a wall and flopped on the floor. You stared at ceiling. Home... finally.

You could hear Slinky chitter curiously as she peered at you from her cage. She had witnessed you struggle to carry it inside and lay down on the floor. You lifted a hand and waved at her. "I'm fine Slinky, just tired." You said.

You could see her staring at the hump of metal leaning on your wall from your peripheral. "Had to help a friend." You clarified. Slinky had always been anxious around guests, especially humans. She had her reasons... you knew that. That's why it helped to introduce them as a friend when they first meet Slinky. And family if you're really close to you- like a relative. You could tell Slinky was still tense as she looked between you and the robot, sniffing and moving to and fro in her cage. She was still anxious about it. You sat up to fully face slinky. "Hey... it's okay." You started. "They're a friend, they won't hurt either of us... okay?" You leaned over and rubbed her fur through the cage. She relaxed a bit. You watched as she cast once last glance at the robot before fully settling down. You hummed. This was good. You didn't want to stress her out. Actually, it was the last thing you wanted.

Once Slinky was satisfied with your rubbing, you quietly sat up and walked over to the robot. Okay... now what? You knelt down in front of it, hoping to at least get an idea of what it needed. You hadn't noticed before, but something really messed it up. Did it get into a fight? Something big laid A deep gash across it's chest, and there were multiple other cuts lined on it's body. There were some on it's arms, a few by it's face (though those definitely weren't that deep, more like light scraps if anything), and one more lining it stomach. One you definitely recognized as teeth marks. Yeah, it definitely got into a fight... most likely with a predator.

From what you knew it was still functioning with all this going on... so maybe it was still okay. Something you could handle later after turning it on. It was then that you noticed a tiny little compartment on it's side. It was closer to it's back, so you had to gently bend it over to get a better view.

The hatch was barely visible- actually it was almost seamless, but you could tell there was a tiny screw holding something in place. You got up and ran to your backyard, ignoring how slinky glanced your way before falling back to sleep. You had a screwdriver that was the perfect fit for that. Well, more like a set you could attach to a screwdriver.

It was a gift you were given long ago by a relative who thought you'd like it. You didn't really have a place to put it back then, so you just moved it to the shed in the backyard. the shed was a small thing.. or maybe it just looked that way. There was so much clutter you couldn't really tell.

You didn't really have a lot space to move, but there it was! The screwdriver set! Right where you left it. Satisfied, you triumphantly walked back in the house and sat back down near the robot. You hooked up your screwdriver and started twisting. You really hoped this was what you thought it was... and not something that would just confuse you more.

With one last twist the screw was out. You sat it on a table nearby. You pulled the latch open with anticipation. In the compartment revealed a small cord and a usb plug thing. You knew what this was! Well, kinda. Your tv had something similar. Which meant one thing. You could plug it in! You squealed in what could only be described as joy as you quickly plugged it into a socket nearby.

...

Nothing. Well that's to be expected, you thought. You had only just plugged it in. You knew it'd take way more time for it to turn on than just a few seconds.

You sat up and stretched, a soft yawn bubbled up as you walked over to Slinky. There was still a lot of the day ahead of you two... plus the robot. So you three. But honestly, right now you could use a nice nap. It seemed like Slinky agreed with you, already fast asleep in her little ball she curled herself into. You tiptoed into your room and picked up a spare blanket you kept near your bed. You had others.. but this one was your favorite. It was your favorite color... plus you didn't feel like looking for the other's right now. You walked back into the living room and laid on the couch. Might as well make yourself comfortable. You wanted to keep an eye on the robot. Plus, you wanted to stay with Slinky... you didn't want to leave her there alone. You glanced at the robot one last time, eyelids heavy. As you fell asleep you missed the small blinking light flash across the robots eyes.

1%... 16 hours until fully charged.

#woo! #chapter four is now complete #*melts into a puddle* #jeez this kinda feels like a filler chapter #BUT #I'm pretty sure this covers everything before you guys really meet the dca #like face to face #anyway #I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :) #also sorry for any spelling errors or grammar mistakes #my brain go swonk right now #I've read this so much words blurring together lol #*passes you a cookie and sails away* #fnaf #sundrop #moondrop #daycare attendent #sundrop x y/n #moondrop x y/n #daycare attendant x y/n #fanf security breach #fanfic #fanfiction

[clockwayswrites]

Danny/Jason, Orange, Apricot Tree

@Dreams-of-skaia

“Stupid Bruce and his stupid rules in this stupid house,” Jason grumbled as he stomped through the yard, as far away from the house as he could manage.

Okay, maybe not as far as he could manage, but the grove of trees where he couldn’t see the manor anymore was good enough. He tossed himself down at the base of one of the trees. Idly, he picked at the bark, digging his fingernail under a loose bit. “Just want my mom.”

Thump.

An apricot landed on the ground next to him. It was bright, bright orange against the dirt and moss. Jason picked it up curiously and turned it over in his hands.

Thump.

A second landed right where the first had been.

“You’re supposed to eat it.”

Jason shouted (it totally wasn’t a screech, shut up) and hurled the apricot where the voice had come from. He watched as it sailed right through the boy lounging in the tree.

“…what?”

“Dude, not cool! I’m sharing here!” the boy said, floating down from the tree. His white hair seemed to defy all gravity for a moment before it settled over half his face. “Hi, I’m Phantom!”

“…Jason.”

-

“Jason! You came back!” Phantom’s smile was blinding.

-

“Hide and seek, and none of your ghost shit,” Jason said.

“Winner gets what?” Phantom asked dubiously, though he came down from the tree. Jason didn’t know if he lived there or what, but he was always around when Jason came to visit.

Jason smirked and held up the plastic wrapped prize. “One of Alfred’s cookies.”

“So in,” Phantom said with a grin.

-

“Jason!” Phantom called, swooping down from the sky. “Let’s go flying!”

-

“You’ve read it?”

“And liked it,” Jason said and passed the book back. “Why are you reading it?”

“Homework.”

“What the fuck does a ghost have home work for?”

Phantom looked way, rubbing the back of his neck. There was a flash of white and then instead of a cold spot leaning against Jason’s shoulder there was warmth.

“Danny. My other name is Danny. I’m only half ghost.”

-

“Jason! Dude! I went to space!”

-

“And he just doesn’t get it! I didn’t do anything! And the guy was scum! So many people are safer now that he’s dead. Why is Bruce sorry about it?”

“Hey, come sit down,” Danny said. He patted the dirt next to him.

Jason huffed but took the spot. He twisted and tucked his face against Danny’s shoulder, glad the other was human right then. He needed the warmth. In a whisper he asked, “Why does Bruce care more about him than me?”

-

“Jason! …Jason? Hey, Jason… where are you?”

-

Jason tried not to fidget as he stood beside Bruce on the little raised platform in front of the press. Bruce Wayne’s missing son, back from the dead, Jason thought bitterly, of course ever press who could take a train, car, or plane was there.

Something caught Jason’s attention and before he knew it his hand snapped out to catch the thing that had been sailing towards his head.

It was an apricot.

He turned it over in his hands.

It was bright, bright orange.

It couldn’t be….

“Jason!”

Did some prompts, here is the masterpost.

#okay #this one got away from me a bit lol #also first time using the plant literally! #dp x dc #dead on main #prompalomp

[insomni-frog]

Caviar does Caviar things

I have no clue what to title this, this is my first time writing something in a while (so if you see any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, no you don't /j)

Summary: Caviar goes back into the Duskgloom Sea because Black Pearl has been behaving oddly.

It was a fool's errand really.

No one in their right mind would willingly sail towards the Duskgloom sea if they knew what was good for them—and they would probably vow never to sail again if they knew what lived in those salty depths.

But Captain Caviar was no fool; in fact he would've considered himself an even bigger fool to ignore what was happening in those waters.

That sea witch enjoyed her quiet, and anyone dumb enough to sail in there would learn that rule very quickly; if they didn't end up soggy crumbs first.

So constant rumbling storm clouds and crashing waves—in the usual unnervingly serene waters—was a dead give away that something was wrong: even a landlubber would be able to spy something amiss, so it was even more blaringly obvious to an experienced sea hound like Caviar.

It was the whole reason he even embarked on, what was basically, a one-cookie suicide mission. Braving the briny depths in the Black Shark once more, like a foolhardy idiot, just to perform a wellness check on the sovereign of these waters.

Who, last time he saw her, seemed pretty keen on turning him into a past tense.

And for all Caviar knew he could've been navigating himself straight into a watery grave made especially for him. But he had a hunch it wasn't like that. After all the ol' sovereign of these depths, while having a nasty habit of sinking ships and (at best) marooning their sailors, didn't give chase past the waters she called hers.

So the infernal storm that seemed to keep brewing larger and angrier with each passing day, pulling in ships passing by and leaking out well past the boundaries of her territory, was enough for Caviar to dismiss what ever worries he had about sailing back to this place; however it did open up a completely different set.

Such as what ever it is he was even looking for. He wasn't a doctor, even if he knew his way around a medkit, and he was pretty sure not even Baumkuchen would know how to treat or give a diagnosis to a mermaid larger than a soda whale.

And then there was the angle that it was something not physical affecting the gigantic sea beast. While he didn't know the details, he did know that there was a decades old grudge constantly weighing on her mind; and that wasn't something one could fix with a pat on the back and some well wishes.

But at the same time he couldn't just sit around and do nothing about it. Sure there was a chance that it was nothing, and all he was doing was recklessly risking his dough here. But if it wasn't then he was putting the lives of thousands of cookies on the line by just twiddling his thumbs and hoping the Duskgloom Sea would calm down on its own.

So here he found himself, navigating himself through unsteady waters and into the nest of a crankier—and probably more jamthirsty—than usual mermaid.

It wasn't like he hadn't done it before, it would hopefully be no different than the last time: even if he didn't have the company of one Candy Diver Cookie this time. All he had to remember was the passage of sparkling coral reefs that would take him straight out of the graveyard of ships the sovereign called her playground if things went south.                                     *** He maneuvered past the remains of ships once grand—recognising a few of the makes and models (all though his memories had them in better condition)—creeping deeper into the dreadful lair. By now he thought the sea witch would've made herself known, considering she had been doing that plenty over the course of the week, but there was neither hide nor hair of her.

Which he had to say was impressive, considering he estimated the mermaid to be just about as big as two soda whales from tip to tail.

She could toss around ships like they were toys and here he was struggling to find a singular scale of her. For a brief moment it made Caviar wonder if she had moved on to clearer waters, but that was highly unlikely to be the case.

And it also wasn't like he was going full blast trying to find her: Caviar wanted to find her, not for her to find him. So he was relying on dim lights to guide him, because he certainly could not use sonar (he wouldn't take to kindly to someone blaring a siren into his ear, and he doubted she would as well).                                     *** At this point Caviar was pretty sure he had gone in deeper than he had before, which was easier to do considering there wasn't a raging mermaid on his tail. But that unnerved him more than it comforted him: If the sea witch wasn't here she could be of doing who knows what.

But his nerves were both settled and jumped when he finally caught a glimpse of the territorial mermaid.

She was nestled away in a little hollow made of ship wreckages, a shelter for her slumbering form that would send anything swimming the other way.

Yet here Caviar was, piloting the Black Shark closer inch by inch to get a proper look at her.

The sea beast was turned on her side, chest rising and falling slowly with each breath, and one could confuse it for a peaceful respite if it wasn't for the way her face was contorted into an irritated snarl—which was a common expression for the mermaid, but not in this way. Her eyebrows furrowed, eyes screwed shut, lips curling in the slightest manner and exposing just the pointed tips of her sharp teeth. It wasn't a look of anger that could boil the sea.

It was one of pain.

And Caviar didn't have to question what was causing it for too long; as he watched her try to roll onto her other side just for her to seize up and immediately flip back into her original position.

On the surface there wasn't anything glaringly wrong, no massive wound or missing scales, but as Caviar squinted in the low light and practically leaned against the window of the Black Shark for a closer look—he spotted it.

A bowsprit: It was wedged underneath her obsidian scales and lodged into a softer part of her, becoming Earthbread's worst splinter.

To think something that small and insignificant to the large mermaid was the cause of all this trouble—it was almost hard to believe. But if that was the cause then... Caviar couldn't just leave it like this.

So he did the most foolish thing he had done all day (besides sail into the storming Duskgloom Sea.) He exited the Black Shark to brave the slumbering sea witch head on. It wasn't like he had to worry about going soggy, any cookie with a pinch of salt in their dough could face the waters without much fuss—so for a salty sea dog like him there wasn't much to fear.

Besides the sharp teeth of the sovereign. But even if he turned back now he had a sinking gut feeling that not only would he be seeing the wrath of a restless mermaid, others would too.

He'd rather nip this in the bud before she stormed into a maelstrom so large it could sink the entire Crème Republic in one go; even if it meant the chance he would be reduced to nothing but crumbs in the process. But he'd rather turn to crumbs trying than letting others shoulder the responsibility for his cowardice.

And, as much as he wouldn't admit it outloud, he didn't like seeing the sea witch in so much discomfort.

Caviar treaded the waters quietly, creeping towards her imposing form that wasn't any less intimidating lying down. He kept a close eye on her scrunched up face, constantly checking to see if those terrifying eyes had peaked open or not—but they didn't. So here he found himself floating over her tail and mulling over his next course of action.

He couldn't just grab it while floating and pull it out, he would need to get his footing first. And the only footing in sight was that massive tail of hers. So, with a less than eager heart, he allowed himself to land atop her scales and waited with bated breath to see if she would wake.

She didn't. Her face scrunched a little more, but soon returned back to the disgruntled look of before.

Caviar would've breathed a sigh of relief if he wasn't worried about waking her. So, as quietly as he could, Caviar took a gentle grasp of the bowsprit. He positioned his footing for a better hold, after all this had to be down in one swift move—because he doubted the mermaid would let him have another go.

But as he adjusted his footing, and made sure his grip was firm, he could feel something shift behind him. With an apprehensive glance over his shoulder, he came face to face with the irritated sea witch.

She too was looking at him over her shoulder, those piercing eyes staring right into him with an unblinking stare. She didn't say anything, it was like she was still trying to process what she was looking at. And Caviar wasn't planning on letting her get the upper hand now, so with a quick grin he lurched his whole body forward.

The bowsprit slid loose, and with it so did he. They were both tossed backwards in the water from the mermaids tail thrashing in discomfort.

Caviar gave it a quick once over to make sure it had come out in one piece before dropping it to the ocean floor, the sea witch could decide what to do with it now.

Speaking of said sea witch, she did not look happy.

He tried to turn and make a break for the Black Shark, but she was much quicker. Caviar's whole body was seized in one of her hands, her thumb and index finger wrapping dangerously around his throat as she gave him a squeeze. He could hear the water rush around them, and before he knew it the both of them broke the surface.

Lightning crackled above them and illuminated the mermaids face, who looked about ready to bite him in half with how her lips were snarled. Her fingers clutched tighter around his throat, and Caviar was felt like his head was about to pop right off his shoulders as he squeezed his eyes shut. But as quickly as the pressure came, it disappeared.

He curiously peaked open his eyes to see the sea witch looking at where the literal thorn in her side had been moments prior. While she did that the storm clouds that had been brewing non-stop over the course of the week started to ebb away, allowing thin beams of moonlight to shine down upon the two of them. The waters turned calm too.

Without the feeling like his head was about to explode, he could see in her other hand was the Black Shark, held like it was simply a children's toy.

Her gaze flicked back to him, but it didn't carry the same ire as before: in fact she just looked plain exhausted. With a loud humph Caviar was unceremoniously dropped into the drink below, the Black Shark alongside him. He watched as she receded back into the depths and he was left to float in the waters unnerving calm.

He didn't stick around to question why she didn't sink him right then and there, preferring to get back into Black Shark and leave while the sea witch sunk to have her long awaited sleep.

After all perhaps it was just best to let sleeping mers lie.

                                    *** Black Pearl sunk back into her abyss, exhaustion permeating her entire being. As she curled beneath the wreckages she called a nest, finally able to lie on her comfortable side, her eyes landed on the bowsprit tipped with her jam. She reached out and pinched it between her fingers, like it was nothing but a toothpick.

This thing was the culprit behind all her discomfort, the reason she couldn't sleep. She had tried and tried to dig it out herself, only resulting in pushing it deeper beneath her scales.

Yet that meaningless pile of dough had pulled it out in one go: like it was nothing. It made her grumble and hiss in irritation.

Didn't he know who she is—she's the sovereign of the abyss—and yet he helped her.

She flicked the bowsprit away into the depths and settled down for her long awaited rest.

Yet she struggled to get thoughts of that do-gooder cookie and his stupid smug grin out of her head.

Next time she saw him, she'd sink him for sure.

#cookie run #cookie run kingdom #captain caviar cookie #black pearl cookie #crk #writing #Do I tag this as Blacaviar?? #Eh you know what #blacaviar

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 29: Girl Talk. Mai and Katsuko try to pass the Bechdel test.

Mitsuhide x OC; Hideyoshi x MC (Mai)

All Chapters Archived on Ao3 

Logline - With Mai, Hideyoshi, and Aki missing, Mitsuhide and Katsuko reluctantly team up. Disguised as a merchant and his concubine, can they outsmart the man known as the God of Deceit?

As the splash from the cannonball rippled out in circles, rocking our boat, I risked standing up to scan the water’s surface looking for something, some sign, proof of life, I guess.

How long could Mitsuhide hold his breath, if that was what he was doing?

What if that blast had knocked him out?

Maybe he was even now sinking deeper and deeper?

Before I could second guess myself, I prepared to dive in, but Kyubei had made the same decision, and made it faster. He thrust the crossbow into my hands and tore off his clothing-

Sploosh!

Right next to us, a geyser of water and Mitsuhide erupted out of the ocean. He took a deep gasping gulp of air. Casually, he folded his arms on the side of the boat, looking like a Sengoku era Kilroy, and into our silence said, "Kyubei? Where are your clothes?

Relief warred with an urge to-

"Far be it from me to point out the obvious, Kaya, but the Mouri ship is over there, and not in the middle of my forehead. May I gently suggest you point that weapon... that way." He gestured to a point over my shoulder.

For one moment, I entertained a rather murderous thought and kept the weapon where I was aiming it for an extra long pause before I returned the crossbow to Kyubei, who had quickly thrown his haori back on. "It's a wonder none of your friends have murdered you yet." I'd addressed it half to Mitsuhide and half to Hideyoshi, who was still sputtering outraged syllables.

"I've often wondered the same about you." Mitsuhide slid into the boat with athletic grace, and then elegantly knocked some water out of his ears.

"Oh that’s easy enough. I don’t have any friends," I tossed it out there without thinking, although I suppose it’s more or less the truth. Unless you counted Sasuke, who was currently five hundred years in the future (right - Mai and I still needed to compare notes once we got out of this situation). Anyway, now wasn't the time to dwell on my friendless state. The immediate danger of the Mouri’s rowboat had passed, but we were still stuck in the lagoon, with a pirate ship blocking our exit.

The morning sun soon revealed that our state had become even more precarious, illuminating  the Mouri soldiers who were waiting for us on the shore. Well, since we’d – I’d – burned down their fort, they’d probably be a lovely welcoming committee should we decide to take our chances on swimming back to the island. I doubted they’d be greeting us with a plate of cookies.

Mitsuhide seemed supremely unconcerned by any of that. He'd pulled his clothes back on, though the fabric clung damply to his wet body. I looked away. It wasn’t worth dwelling on. As if nothing major had interrupted the morning, he asked Mai and Hideyoshi if they managed to get any rest.

“Until your pre-dawn swim, I did.” Hideyoshi’s response was a growl, the ‘you self-sacrifical ass’ went unspoken but was still broadcast loud and clear.

After a quick glance at the position of the sun, Mitsuhide scanned the horizon to the north, and nodded as something large and dark glided into sight. Many somethings. "Perfectly on time," Mitsuhide turned to Hideyoshi. "After all your lectures, is it not gratifying to know that Masamune can be prompt when it's absolutely necessary?"

The long dark thing separated into a line of iron hulled warships. The Oda fleet of atakebune.  It was obvious that Motanari’s single Portuguese vessel was outgunned. Hideyoshi easily flipped into tactical mode as he gazed at the approaching reinforcements. “What happened to the Mouri navy?”

“We moved up the timetable and got here first,” Mitsuhide said, as Motonari’s carrack raised sails, the blue sash still flying from the top of it, and booked it out to sea.

The Oda fleet, built for coastal defense, didn’t bother to follow.

Mitsuhide smiled and turned his face to the sun. "Lovely day for a sail, would you say?" He didn’t quite get to the point of an ‘I love it When a Plan Comes Together’, but it was implied. 

By the time we’d made our way out of the cove to meet Oda’s large vessel, Hideyoshi had apparently either forgiven Mitsuhide for worrying him, or decided that it was all a part and parcel of the entity of Mitsuhide.  Conversely, Mitsuhide had not forgiven me for leaving the tree to rescue Mai. I was effectively shut out of whatever conversation there was, and left to sit quietly in the end of the boat.

Probably when we got onboard Nobunaga’s ship, I would be in for a full lecture, without the audience of Hideyoshi and Mai.

Once we were off Kyubei’s little sailboat, Mitsuhide was reabsorbed into his life as Nobunaga’s left-hand man, and I was left on the sidelines. I would have volunteered to do something to help… but they didn’t really need me. The Oda clan, while completely polite, was a mostly well-oiled machine (with one rather clumsy exception). Everyone had tasks, and everyone performed them diligently, with no stopping to rest or relax or socialize. With Motonari having evaded capture and sailed off into the sunset, the Oda warlords were far too involved in what they called “war council,” to find some busywork for me to do (I’d asked Hideyoshi, and been politely told to “take a well earned rest young lady”).

Though Nobunaga formally thanked me for my help, he was of course mostly holed up with Hideyoshi and Mitsuhide, apparently plotting out the next step. The ship we were on, was of Portuguese construction too, so of course it could pursue Motonari, but it was too risky a move to pursue without the support of the shore-hugging atakebune, so we were headed... where?

"Sakai first." The only member of the Oda's inner circle to spend any time at all talking to me was a sweet young man named Mitsunari. He had found me sitting on deck watching the coasts of the Southern islands drift past and had paused to answer my question. In spite of, or perhaps because of, his rather absentminded air, I found Mitsunari a restful companion, and during the few times I was in all the warlords’ presence, I'd gravitated toward his side.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t dislike any of them (aside from Mitsuhide, I needed to hold onto my hate like a winter parka in a blizzard) but I didn’t know them well enough to hang out. For the most part, they were all more focused on nurturing Mai. Though she was Hideyoshi's woman, it was clear she was a favorite of all of them. Maybe even their "center" for lack of a better word. Nobunaga called her his lucky charm, and though she was from my time originally, she had become a true Oda Princess in character as well as in name.

I realized that Mitsunari was still talking. Oops. I'd phased right out. "I'm sorry, I missed that." Impolite Katsu!

“Oh. Do you do that too? Sometimes it is hard to keep what is in my head quiet enough to see what is going on around me.” Mitsunari seemed unbothered by my inattention. "Not to worry Lady Kaya. I am certain you have much on your mind too. I asked you if you were coming back to Azuchi with Mitsuhide.”

"Um, I don't know." I didn’t know when Mitsuhide planned to go on to Azuchi. We'd had an agreement. If we didn’t find Aki with Mai and Hideyoshi, he'd promised to keep helping my search. But, would he consider that agreement still valid? The 'tree incident' (for want of a better description) might have invoked a disobedience clause. "I should discuss that with him."

"Hideyoshi asked Mitsuhide if they should prepare one of the guest quarters in the castle for you, but I didn’t hear what the answer was." Mitsunari paused, as if trying to form another question in his head, and then dropped the conversation entirely when a gust of wind grabbed one of his papers and blew it toward the sails.

"I'll get that!" I already knew that we did not want Mitsunari climbing around in the rigging. Over the past couple of days, he'd tripped over a bucket, sending dirty water across the entire deck, nearly garroted himself on a sail line, and had knocked Ieyasu overboard (luckily we'd been anchored at the time).

Just as I was reaching for the paper… I’ve done this before. It was another of those odd not-my-memory memories: a vision of climbing a tree to retrieve one of Mitsunari's papers. I closed my eyes to ward off the image, and that feeling of displacement that accompanied it.

 A set of cool hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me back into the present. Into reality. Mitsuhide. I could feel this touch through my clothing. "I realize that you find vertical surfaces nearly irresistible, but I must insist you refrain from scampering about like a demented squirrel." He plucked me off the mast and set me on the deck.

I handed the paper to Mitsunari, and mouthed 'Help me' at him. He simply bowed and wandered away, leaving me alone with Mitsuhide for the first time since the tree incident. Granted, we weren't technically alone. Not with the Oda vassals and sailors scurrying around us, but Mitsuhide had that way of pitching his voice low and quiet and somehow erecting a force field around a conversation. We might have been invisible.

"I wasn't demented. I was helping Mitsunari. Do you really want him climbing around up there?" Besides this time, Mitsuhide hadn't told me not to climb. He was probably just seizing the opportunity to finish his long delayed lecture and — his hands were still holding onto my waist.  I took a step back. Even after we broke apart, I could still feel the impression of his fingers, as if I had been clay, and he a sculptor.

"What I would like is for you start using that brain of yours for something beyond fighting me." He tapped his finger on my forehead. "Think before you leap... up... or down."

Feeling unfairly accused, I fell into the trap and spoke without thinking. "And maybe you should listen before you leap to conclu- "

"Kaya!" Out of nowhere, Mai appeared and grabbed my hand. "Finally. I’ve been wanting to talk to you forever." She turned to Mitsuhide and gave him a dazzling smile. "Excuse us. Girl talk. You can have her back later."

Before he (or I for that matter) could respond, she'd tugged me away, keeping hold of my hand until we were safely in the quarters she was sharing with Hideyoshi. That man was nowhere in sight, probably he was still strategizing with Nobunaga.

She slammed the door shut, then looked nervously over her shoulder, as if Mitsuhide could or have teleported through it. Then she sighed. “There.”

Though well timed, her rescue had seemed unprompted. "Did Mitsunari tell you I needed help?"

"Not exactly. He said you were with Mitsuhide, but seemed to have forgotten how to talk, I got curious.  And well, I was gonna let the two of you wallow in your u.s.t, but figured you both needed a cooling off period first." She plopped down on the bed (an actual European, raised off the floor bed) and bounced a little. "I wish we could take these back to Azuchi."

Ignoring the odd tangent, I focused on her initial comment. "First of all, a - that was not u.s.t., that was actual anger. It’s hard to tell with him because, b, he is carved from a block of ice, and, therefore, c, a cooling off period is redundant, oh and,“ I counted off on my fingers to make sure where I was in this list, "d, I don’t want to talk about him because it would be nice now that I've found another woman I can talk to, to have a conversation that passes the Bechdel test,  especially since you probably actually know what that is." And then, for emphasis, I plopped down on the bed, actually threw myself onto its softness and stared up at the ceiling. “You might have a point about the bed or - at least the pillow." I grabbed the pillow and hugged it to me. “Note to self. Next time I time travel, I’m bringing a pillow.”

“Shhhh.” She suddenly sat up and looked at the porthole… which was sealed shut. "Sorry. Not too many people know my secret. Just Hideyoshi and Nobunaga … and now you. But how did you know I was from the future when we've never met?"

"Sasuke knows, which is how I learned about you." Well more or less. Because it made more sense to start at the beginning, I did so, summarizing the past seven years as minimally as possible.

"Wait. You time travelled to your father, but he didn’t tell you he was your dad? That's kind of,” she seemed to be reaching for a word, but too polite to supply it.

So I did it for her. "Shitty. I know. Anyway Aki’s note mentioned Sasuke, so I hunted him down and we compared notes. Since you, Hideyoshi and Aki all disappeared from Sakai, Sasuke wondered if you all went into the wormhole. Or a wormhole. There could be more than one. Anyway. Details. Sasuke went to the future to see if he could find you there, leaving me to work with Mitsuhide here." I rolled my eyes to remind her of how that was going.

"He can be a tease sometimes but his heart is in the right place." I must have looked clearly skeptical on that, because she added, "The more he teases, the more he actually means what he says underneath."

So. He really means that I'm impossible. Why are we talking about him again? "Look, let's get back to my father, who may or not be somewhere in the future. Did Motonari ever mention Aki- or Akihira- or Yamaoka Akihira?"

She shook her head. "Honestly, we did not spend much time with him. He basically did some moustache twirling, locked us up on his ship, then sent us to that island. We were the only two prisoners, and once we were on the island, I only saw the guard who brought my food." She shivered, and I felt guilty about making her relive it.

Aki's disappearance was probably coincidence. Which meant, even though Mitsuhide had said he'd still help me after we found Mai and Hideyoshi, the chance of him having the resources to do so, if it involved time travel, was getting smaller and smaller. Even if I could figure out how to go through a wormhole on my own, it wouldn’t be right to ask Mitsuhide to come with me. Nor would he agree to leave this era. He was needed by Nobunaga – even, I as an outsider, could see how important he was.

Damn, I Really needed to see the rest of Aki’s letter. Hm. Shot in the dark. "Er. Did anyone mention anything about an Iekane? I think," I tried to recall the contents of the letter we'd found at de Sousa’s so long ago, “he was using the name Kanemori, and claimed to have access to silver mines.”

She wrinkled her nose in concentration – an action I bet charmed everyone around her. “Not ringing a bell. Is he another part of this conspiracy – or whatever it was?"

“He is, but I don't know how. Or how much.” And whether the silver mines were the end game, or something very different – something to do with Aki and time travel. “He’s who ended up with the Oda’s weapons shipment.”

"Sorry. Maybe Hideyoshi might know who he is?" She poked at my sleeve, which had gotten ripped in all the insanity on the island. "I need to be doing something with my hands while I talk. Do you mind if I grab my sewing kit and fix this?"

"You were kidnapped with your sewing box?" I hadn’t seen it when we were escaping.

"No. Mitsuhide had Kyubei bring it from Azuchi with the rest of our clothing. He was that certain he would find us. He had one of Hideyoshi's pipes too." She rummaged through a trunk, leaving me to sit with the memory of a puzzle box containing a pipe and a lock of Mai colored hair.

The sooner I get away from these people the better.

Mai returned to my side before I'd had a chance to move, or even think more clearly about my plans to extricate myself from this contract. Besides her sewing box, she'd brought a yukata for me to wear while she repaired my clothes. I thought of the turquoise one Mitsuhide had given me. Unlike Mai's clothes, my "Kaya" clothes were still in Sakai. That was ok though. I didn’t need to be Kaya, I needed to be Katsu, and I had all of Katsu’s identity with me.

"When we get back to Azuchi, I'd love to design something just for you. To thank you for the rescue." Mai hummed happily as she carefully sewed up the seam.

Ignoring the assumption that I’d be joining them in Azuchi, I simply told her. "If you could make a sports bra, I'd follow you to the ends of the earth."

"I know, right? No lycra in the Sengoku." She frowned." I might be able to rig something with cotton? But anyone who saw it would wonder at it. Besides, maybe it’s a time paradox too. What if some anthropologist found it?"

Given the whole Kenshin, Shingen, Motonari back from the dead, Nobunaga and Mitsuhide still alive situation, I doubted the existence of a sports bra would cause a time paradox. Not to mention… "No one is going to see my underwear." I pulled the sash of the yukata tighter. Mitsuhide had possibly seen everything while I was unconscious, but that had been a medical necessity. And if he had seen everything, he’d politely not mentioned it. A rare case of non-teasing.

Following my chain of thoughts, Mai produced a fairly credible interpretation of Mitsuhide's smirk. "Not even Mitsuhide?"

Ugh. Here we go again.

"We have a contract. We are all business when we're in private. And he's mad that I left the tree to rescue you." When she looked up in confusion, I added, "I wasn't supposed to be the one who broke you out. I was supposed to give them cover while they went in there. When you overpowered that first guard, the commander sent another guard to check it out, so I needed to get you before the second guy raised the alarm."

"I could explain that to him." She shook out the material, examining it for other tears and signs of wear.

"Don't. If he's not going to listen to me, I don't want him to have to take someone else's word first." Besides, in the past I had given him more than enough reasons to distrust me.

She hummed again, but from the look on her face, I suspected she was going to try and intercede anyway.

"Don't." I warned her once again. "It will work itself out one way or another." The another being that I'd be long gone. If these days on the boat had taught me anything, it was that Mitsuhide's life, his future belonged to Azuchi.

Whereas mine… I’d be moving on, looking for Aki, which it appears also meant hunting down Iekane.

@selenacosmic @bestbryn @lyds323 @lorei-writes @tele86 @akitsuneswife

#10things #10 things I hate about Mitsuhide #mitsuhide monday #ikemen sengoku #fanfic #ikesen fanfic #mitsuhide akechi #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen mitsunari #ikesen mai #ikesen hideyoshi #katsuverse #oc katsuko #ikesen kyubei

[clottedcreamtea]

CHAPTER 8!!!! sorry for disappearing every so often. writer and artists block :( got into mlp for a while and now its going away. promise i still love cookie run haha

Morning came much too quickly for Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s liking. The sun shone in through the great glass window behind the warm bed, and he shifted closer to the warm body that was beside him, burying his face into its chest. He was met with similarly warm arms that wrapped around him as he did so, and a smile spread across his face. This was what everything was leading toward, Royal Milk Tea Cookie decided at that moment. Every hardship he had endured, every moment he spent anxious that the dragon would take him away, take his mother away… it was all so that he could feel happy and safe in the arms of someone he truly loved.

“Everyone, evacuate the fortress! A dragon is attacking the kingdom!” A guard shouted, bursting through the doors of every room to alert the guests and servants within the kingdom.

The moment was spoiled almost as fast as it had arrived, and Royal Milk Tea Cookie only had moments to open his eyes before screams were echoing through the hallway, guards slamming doors open to evacuate all their guests from their rooms.

Everything passed in a flash. One moment he was safe in their bed, and the next Clotted Cream Cookie was carrying Royal Milk Tea Cookie through the hall and out to the dock, where a dragon had perched upon the fortress, exhaling smoke across the kingdom.

“Quick! Get to your ship!” The watcher from last night called from her post alongside the king, who was facing the dragon with fire in his eyes. Clotted Cream Cookie grabbed Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s hand (when had he set him down?) and began pulling him toward the dock, where Captain Caviar Cookie was already removing the anchor from the sea and letting down the sails.

“Consul!” Financier Cookie ran up behind the pair, joining them as they made their way toward the Pearl Legion ship. “Are you alright? Oh,” Financier Cookie noticed the clasped hands, and Royal Milk Tea Cookie could see hurt cross the paladin’s face. 

“Yes, the guards alerted us of the threat and we left as soon as we heard. What about everyone else?” Clotted Cream Cookie dropped Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s hand, voice taking on an objective tone as he pressed about the others on board the ship. 

“I’m unsure. You are my priority, so I left to find you first,” Financier Cookie stated. 

The trio made their way further toward the ship, looking up to see the green-and-pink dragon now soaring overhead, having abandoned the fortress, and dipping down over the forest, sending several trees flying with the force of the drop.

“Look out!” One of the watchers called, and within an instant, Financier Cookie was missing from Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s side, replaced with a great pine tree, one that could have crumbled the paladin if she hadn’t been swept away. 

“Financier Cookie!” Clotted Cream Cookie called. “Are you alright? Where are you?”

“She’s here,” The watcher spoke again, and the pair of Cookies turned, and met with a Cookie no older than them, skin brown and crunchy, hair deep chocolate with caramel streaks. She was the watcher from the night before! Who was she? “Are you two alright?”

“Yes, just frightened,” Royal Milk Tea Cookie assured, his hand gripped tight in Clotted Cream Cookie’s once again. “What about you, Financier Cookie?”

The paladin was being held tight within the arms of her savior, whose face portrayed nothing but kindness. It was likely in response to the near-death situation she’d just been saved from, but Royal Milk Tea Cookie could swear it looked as though Financier Cookie was entranced by the watcher.

“I’m alright,” She managed to breathe. “Thank you, Caramel Arrow Cookie. I would have been crumbs if you weren’t watching our backs.” 

The watcher flushed, letting the paladin go. “Oh, after you charmed me last night it’s only fair I save your life today, haha!” She chuckled awkwardly. “I’m glad you’re alright, Financier Cookie. You three should really get back on your ship, now. The Hollyberry Isles are only half a day’s journey if you sail straight West. We can take this dragon!” Before any of the Republic Cookies could reply, the watcher was off again, speeding through the snow on her way to protect the king and her home.

“She was nice,” Royal Milk Tea Cookie remarked, looking at how Financier Cookie watched her savior disappear into the white. “Right, Financier Cookie?”

“Yes, I spoke to her last night at dinner. Her strength and honor are admirable. I hope we may meet again after our venture,” The paladin stated, coming to her senses once more. “Let us retreat to the ship. If we want to save further nations from destruction, we need to beat the dragon.”

“YOUR ATTEMPTS AT FINDING OAT MILK COOKIE YIELD NO RESULTS, I SEE,” The dragon had now abandoned its target of the forests and had flown to meet Royal Milk Tea Cookie and his companions. “I SMELL GREAT POWER WITHIN YOU, MILK TEA COOKIE. YOU HAVE DISCOVERED YOUR TALENT, YES?” The dragon was immense, towering over the trio of Cookies. It was intimidating, but Royal Milk Tea Cookie stood his ground.

“My name is Royal Milk Tea Cookie! And yes!” Jam boiling within him, Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s proximity to the Licorice Sea allowed for his pearls to begin collecting the substance, growing into small minions rather than licorice spheres. “I have discovered my talent. If you wish to take any Cookie’s soul stones, I recommend you leave this kingdom alone and move on to your next target.”

“OH, ARROGANT COOKIE!” The dragon had perched before the trio, and quickly flicked its tail, swatting Royal Milk Tea Cookie apart from the others and knocking him against one of the fallen trees, knocking his air out of his lungs and collapsing his licorice abominations. He began heaving, dizzy from the impact. After failing to regain his balance, the blue-adorned Cookie resorted to falling into the snow, breathless. “YOUR POWERS MAY BE THOSE OF LEGEND, BUT I AM A DRAGON. YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME AND YOUR EMPTY THREATS MAKE ME LAUGH.

“THE MILK VILLAGE, WHERE I FIRST FOUND OAT MILK COOKIE, KNOWS NOTHING OF HER WHEREABOUTS. THEY LIED. UPON THE DESTRUCTION OF OAT MILK COOKIE’S HOME, THE MILK VILLAGERS TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD LEFT TO FIND TEA KNIGHT COOKIE. I WILL SEE YOU AT THE NEXT KINGDOM, MILK TEA COOKIE.”

The dragon flew off, leaving Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s body alone in the cold, white snow.

“Royal Milk Tea Cookie!” Clotted Cream Cookie approached his friend as fast as he could, falling to his knees and helping his friend back to his feet. He was limp, and Clotted Cream Cookie felt fear fill his jam. “Financier Cookie, help me carry him to his cabin. We need to continue the trip the moment we’re on board.”

Vision blurry and body shaking, Royal Milk Tea Cookie felt himself pulled aboard the ship, dragged toward his cabin, and laid in his bed, his Pearl Legion Guard terrified at the state of his ward.

“By the Divines,” The guard exclaimed, dropping his spear on the wooden floors as the ship began its trek toward the Hollyberry Isles. “Please tell me a doctor is on board?”

“We don’t need a doctor,” Clotted Cream Cookie assured, kneeling by the bed and laying a hand against Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s cheek, who leaned into it almost too heavily. “He’s just had the wind knocked out of him and is stressed about finding his mother. He may have a concussion, but there is no major injury that requires medical asistance. He just needs someone by his side and to rest while we travel.”

“Consul–”

“No, Financier Cookie. I’m going to stay by his side.” 

“Clotted Cream Cookie, with the way he feels toward us… toward you, is it the wisest to stay by his side?” The paladin tried to reason, not understanding her fiance’s feelings. Financier Cookie was a wise paladin, but she was not incapable of feeling jealous when the Cookie she loved demanded to stay by the side of a man who adored him. “We are engaged, and this conflict of emotions that he shares with you–”

“I said no, Financier Cookie.” Clotted Cream Cookie cut off his partner for the final time. “I understand that you mean well, but I cannot be with you when Royal Milk Tea Cookie is under all this stress. He needs someone and I want to be that someone. Do you understand? We are not compatible and I need you to leave me be, is that clear?” There was anger in the blond Cookie’s voice as he explained himself, rushed and frustrated that this was taking so long to get through to Financier Cookie.

The brunette stuttered, but cleared her throat and managed a response. “Yes, Consul.”

“Good. We may discuss this further at a later time, but as of now, I would prefer privacy with Royal Milk Tea Cookie. Guard, he is under good care. You are dismissed.”

Both shocked at the quick dismissal, Financier Cookie, and the Pearl Legion guard made their way out of Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s cabin, settling to wait outside against the ship’s banister, staring out at the waves. 

“Are you alright?” Clotted Cream Cookie turned back to his friend, eyes filled with concern. “Can you breathe normally again?” Royal Milk Tea Cookie nodded. The Consul sighed, relieved. “Good.”

“Would you lay with me?” the shorter Cookie managed, still unnerved from the impact.

“Oh. Of course.”

The pair sat in silence, listening to the waves crashing against the side of the ship, no longer the deep purple of the Licorice Sea, but a deep blue. It was reassuring to know that another licorice beast wouldn’t be surprising the crew anytime soon. 

Clotted Cream Cookie broke the silence first. “What did Dark Cacao Cookie talk with you about?”

Royal Milk Tea Cookie smiled weakly. “He’s my grandfather.”

“By the Divines!”

“Half-grandfather, actually.” Royal Milk Tea Cookie corrected himself. “But basically the same thing. He killed my actual grandfather.”

“What?”

“His name was Swiss Choco Cookie, my grandfather. He could control the Licorice Sea like I could, but he used his power to try and steal the Dark Cacao throne. He wasn’t even from this kingdom, actually. His mother was from the Vanilla Kingdom. So I’m actually a Vanillian in my dough, but my mother was raised in the Milk Village. Isn’t that a crazy turn of events?”

Clotted Cream Cookie was speechless. His mouth opened and closed as if he wished to speak, but nothing would come out. It was one of the most complicated family lines Clotted Cream Cookie had heard of, but a large majority of the Creme Republic citizens were from the ancient Vanilla Kingdom, so it wasn’t quite as unusual, apart from the true Ancient lineage. Royal Milk Tea Cookie began to laugh before tears pricked his eyes and the laughter soon turned to heavy tears.

“Oh, goodness,” Clotted Cream Cookie moved himself into a sitting position and maneuvered Royal Milk Tea Cookie to be in his lap, facing him. “Royal Milk Tea Cookie, what’s wrong? Was it something I said?”

“No,” The blue-eyed Cookie sniffled, leaning into his companion as he cried. “It’s all just so much, Clotted Cream Cookie!” The tears only grew heavier as he spoke. “My mother isn’t my mother, Oat Milk Cookie is an Ancient Hero’s child, my father is nowhere to be found, and Financier Cookie nearly died!”

“Yes, but–”

“But what? There is no upside, Clotted Cream Cookie!” Royal Milk Tea Cookie twisted the fabric of Clotted Cream Cookie’s shirt in frustration. He had been so stressed and hadn’t let anyone see it. Now that the tears were flowing there was no chance they’d stop anytime soon. “My grandfather was awful, my mother is awful, and Cookies are getting hurt because of me! Even if you somehow convince Financier Cookie to end the engagement, she’ll still be heartbroken! There is no upside!”

The crying had turned into broken sobs, and Royal Milk Tea Cookie was shaking in Clotted Cream Cookie’s arms. The blond Cookie wasn’t sure what to do. It had been a decade since he had seen his dear friend, and never in his wildest dreams did he think that this would be how the reunion went. Cookies were in danger and Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s life was on the line. Everything was real, now. Clotted Cream Cookie felt hopelessness swell in his chest before pushing the feelings away and pulling Royal Milk Tea Cookie into a deep, warm embrace. They couldn’t both be emotional wrecks right now.

“It’s okay,” He whispered, breathing deeply to try and make his friend do the same. “Take deep breaths with me, okay? There’s an upside, Teacup, I promise. There we go, in and out.”

Royal Milk Tea Cookie was slowly starting to regulate his breathing, taking slow breaths, though still fighting back tears. “Divines,” He sniffled. “What upside could there possibly be?”

“I’m here with you,” Clotted Cream Cookie smiled warmly. “I’m helping you find your mother and I’m trying to show you how much you mean to me. I know it’s been too long and you need time, but I have never stopped loving you, Royal Milk Tea Cookie. Believe me when I say that.”

“Oh, I know, Clotted Cream Cookie,” Royal Milk Tea Cookie sighed, exasperated from crying so much. “That’s what’s so difficult. I want to just fall into your arms and believe you because I love you, too.”

“Then why don’t you?”

“I don’t know!” Royal Milk Tea Cookie shouted. “I don’t know. There’s nothing stopping me apart from the guilt of taking you from Financier Cookie.”

“You aren’t taking me. I didn’t want to agree to the engagement in the first place.”

“It just feels too perfect. Does that make any sense?”

Clotted Cream Cookie leaned back against the wall of the ship. “I don’t think I’ve ever thought something was too perfect.”

“Well, this is too perfect. I’ve gotten everything I could ever hope for all my life, and it’s only because of the dragon my mother wished on that it all came true.”

“Oh,” Clotted Cream Cookie breathed. “I understand what it is, now.”

“What?” Royal Milk Tea Cookie said, confused.

“It’s the legend. Subconsciously you think that the only reason I still love you is that the wish said you’d achieve all this success.”

Royal Milk Tea Cookie stumbled as he spoke. “N-no, I don’t think that!”

“You do, Teacup. It’s okay to admit it.”

“You’re getting too comfortable with that pet name.”

“I love you because you’re perfect, Royal Milk Tea Cookie!” Clotted Cream Cookie declared, clasping their hands together. “Not because of a legend and not because of anything else. We were best friends as children, and I swear to every magic power that there is that I have loved you ever since. Do you understand? Oh, no, wait–”

Tears were filling Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s eyes again, and he pressed himself into Clotted Cream Cookie’s chest as he wept. But this time, it wasn’t out of distress and fear, but out of relief and happiness. Tear tracks stained both of their clothes, but Royal Milk Tea Cookie simply pressed further against his partner. “I’m sorry,” He cried. “I know. I know you love me and I love you too but it’s just so hard to accept it while everything is crumbling.”

“Shh, I know,” Clotted Cream Cookie stroked Royal Milk Tea Cookie’s brown hair. “I know it’s hard but I’m here and your mother is waiting in the Republic and Dark Cacao Cookie seems like he will always welcome you back in the kingdom. We’re all here for you.”

There wasn’t much else to say, Royal Milk Tea Cookie decided. He continued crying into Clotted Cream Cookie’s chest until he couldn’t cry any longer. The pair finally moved to lay back down in the cabin rather than leaning against each other, Royal Milk Tea Cookie falling asleep after the long discussion and even longer session of crying. Clotted Cream Cookie eventually stood up and left the room, letting his partner rest.

“Is it my turn?” 

“AH!” Clotted Cream Cookie nearly jumped out of his dough as Financier Cookie caught him leaving the cabin.

“I didn’t try to eavesdrop, but I heard most of it.” Her face was flat, as usual, but her tone was not. “I tried to be good to you, Clotted Cream Cookie. Mille-feuille Cookie was like a mother to me, and she convinced me that you needed a companion.”

“Your companionship was greatly appreciated, Financier Cookie,” Clotted Cream Cookie assured, keeping himself calm and his voice even. “But it was clear that I had always longed to reunite with Royal Milk Tea Cookie, was it not?”

Financier Cookie sighed and turned away.

“I know you cared about me, and I cared about you, as well. We just didn’t feel the same about each other, and that wasn’t going to change.”

“I suspect you wish for me to end the engagement?” Financier Cookie asked, simply. “There is work to do to end it. Papers to be filled out and forms to be signed. It won’t be as quick as you’d like, I’m sure.”

Clotted Cream Cookie looked into the paladin’s eyes, tired and exhausted from the intensely emotional conversations he had to keep having with the closest Cookies in his life. “Do whatever is easiest on yourself, Financier Cookie. I will not wait for the engagement to end before enjoying my days with Royal Milk Tea Cookie. He is in need of support, and I wish to support him as best I can.”

Financier Cookie sighed deeply and dropped her trained temperament for only a few moments as she came to terms with the situation. “You truly love him, don’t you?”

“I do.”

She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. “Then I will let you pursue him. I did care about you, and that will not change for a long time.”

“I understand.”

“This may make the journey more uncomfortable than it needs to be, Consul.” Financier Cookie had put her guard up once more. Clotted Cream Cookie smiled.

“I understand. Would Caramel Arrow Cookie’s presence make it more bearable?”

Her face flushed. Her guard was down again so quickly! “Was I so obvious?”

Clotted Cream Cookie chuckled. “Just to me. I know what you look like in love.”

#potr #prince of the republic #royal milk tea cookie #fanfic #crk fanfic #crk oc #original character #clotted cream cookie #financier cookie #sad breakup #but also good breakup #lesbian btw #lesbian financier cookie #pride

[pure-vanilla-lilies]

Dear Darling: CaviarPearl One Shot

Story Description:

“Don’t worry darling it’s just us tonight. Relax okay?”

Pairing:

Captain Caviar and Oyster Pearl

Warnings:

Fluff, Smut And Some Angst, Doggy Style, Hair Pulling, Slut Shaming and Oral Sex [Female Receving]

——————————————————————

“For a sea cookie.. You are hiding a secret from the other elders.. Tell me.. Tell everyone what you are hiding…” Custard said with a threatening tone.

[A Year Ago]

Looking outside of her manor, tonight was gonna be a long voyage and for Oyster Pearl she’s nervous. As she put out her cigarette, she changed from a night gown to her normal clothing and headed down to the docks of the harbor. Seeing the crew getting ready for the voyage, a soft smile spread through her lips as she got onto the ship, getting up onto her post and taking a deep breather. This voyage was gonna be an all night voyage, which she didn't mind at all. Once everyone was finished loading up the first mate called in for everyone except for Oyster Pearl who was getting the directions and the wind for the voyage. 

Once the captain explained the mission, the crew nodded and got to their stations while Oyster Pearl was explaining the map to the captain until the two heard someone calling for them.

“Captain, Commander! We're being attacked by pirates! They're not making the fight easy!” The first mate yelled with fear.

“We’ll be right there, hold them off until then.”

“Yes Captain, please hurry okay!” The first mate yelled as they ran back to the main deck.

The two soon headed towards while holding their matchlock pistol and were surprised. The deck was covered with dead bodies, blood etc. This wasn’t a very good sign. The two walked around to check everybody, there's definitely no survivors until the two heard gunshots coming from the northeast. The two got covered, one on the left barrel and the other on the right barrel. Oyster Pearl headed south east of the ship before she heard a gunshot, she quickly headed towards it and scared but angry.

“You won’t get away with this!” Oyster Pearl yelled as she shot her pistol at the pirate.

That’s until the pirate shot Oyster Pearl on her left side of her hip causing her to groan until the pirate that shot her was killed right in front of her, Oyster Pearl looked behind her and was surprised. Before she passed out, the ship got to the Creme Republic docks, everyone in the republic saw the two but no one else and that’s when Oyster moved everyone away and helped the two get to the hospital.. This wasn’t in plan for sure..

[Present Day]

Caviar was awake smoking from the balcony, a year ago today he lost his first crew due to the attack. Caviar sighed as he finished smoking and headed back inside the bedroom, tomorrow night they set sail oh boy this ain’t gonna be fun, he really doesn't want to remember especially that attack… When Caviar looked, he saw Oyster Pearl in his jacket while wearing her cute pink nightgown, she looked up and smiled and to be honest, she does look cute in it, too cute to be honest..

“Morning Cavi, something a matter?”

“No.. But do you remember about a year ago today..” Caviar said softly.

“I-I do.. I hate remembering that day. But we're gonna be okay right Caviar?” Oyster Pearl asked softly.

“Yes of course, I know the new crew won’t fuck up this time. Hoping..”

Oyster Pearl was walking to Caviar and hugged him, Caviar carefully hugged her so he don’t hurt her to much

“Promise me, you won’t worry too much please.” Oyster Pearl said softly.

“Yeah I promise..” Caviar said as he cupped her cheeks and kissed her.

Oyster Pearl kissed, the kiss went from sweet to very lustful, Caviar picked her up by her thighs and pinned her to the bed. The two stared at each other with lust and then continued the kiss again but more heatedly, Caviar removed the jacket away from Oyster Pearl and threw it across the room after that was her pinkish red nightgown. 

“Fucking cock slut, not even a minuet your’e already wet~”

Oyster Pearl's face went red as a cherry, but soon Caviar kissed her breast down to her stomach and lastly stopped at her exposed vagina. Caviar soon gave it a soft teasing lick, a soft whine escaped her throat, Caviar kept going at a slow and teasing pace which made Oyster Pearl whine.

“Caviar please~” Oyster Pearl said as she whined softly.

“Please what little slut~” Caviar asked with a smirk.

“Please fuck me like a whore, I need your fat cock inside of me please fuck me please please please.” 

Caviar loved when Oyster Pearl begged, because she doesn't have that tough and shy persona that she has, she’s being a whiny little slut for Caviar. But that’s when Caviar pulled her hair roughly making her whelp in surprise.

“Be a good girl and get on all fours for me.” Caviar said with a smirk.

Oyster Pearl nodded shyly as she got on all fours while Caviar pulled her closely, he soon removed his pants along his boxers.

“Captain, please hurry and put it in..” Oyster Pearl said in a whiny tone.

“Patience DearHeart, you gotta wait~” Caviar said with a smirk

Grabbing the lube, Caviar squirted some onto his palm and stroked his member a few times and looked at her.

“Safe word is Berry Juice.”

Oyster Pearl nodded softly, as soon Caviar pushed himself into Oyster Pearl, she let out a soft moan as she put the side of her face on the bed. The thrusts started slow and went too fast. Oyster Pearl moaned louder as Caviar kept hitting her special spot, soft grunts were heard from Caviar. He reached down to Oyster Pearl clit and rubbed it in circles at a slow pace, it made Oyster Pearl whine more, with her wetness helping Caviar thrusts got faster.

“A-A-Ah Caviar close~” Oyster Pearl said she kept moaning.

“Not yet Dear Heart..” Caviar whispered into her ear.

As his thrusts got sloppier, Caviar was lost in thought and accidentally released his seed inside of Oyster Pearl, when he noticed well it was nerve racking, especially if the other Elders found out.

“Caviar did you just?”

Caviar could only nod, oh boy this was a nerve rack for the two. When he pulled out and kept apologizing, but Oyster Pearl said it’s okay, she always wanted to become a mother especially with the man she loved.

[6 Weeks Later]

Oyster Pearl was looking at the pregnancy test and her eyes widened, she was happy and she couldn’t believe it..

Pregnant…

#eclair writes #CaviarPearl #cookie run smut

[enigmatic-robin]

Friendship with rogues

Day 2 of Scarecrow Week

Jonathan Crane & Harley Quinn & Edward Nygma

Words: 1036

-

“It’s all black and gray, there’s no color!” Harley huffed, leaning on Jonathan dramatically.

“It’s a Halloween puzzle, it’s supposed to be dark,” Jonathan pointed out, affixing two orange pieces in the shape of a pumpkin. “That’s why we have Edward doing the part that’s all the same shade of black”

“Well how is he managing to do it so fast?”

Edward looked up from his section, which was a hill in shadow. All the same shade of black, but still further along than the other two.

“It’s because I’m the Prince of Puzzles, could you really expect less from me?”

“It’s because he’s autistic, he exhibits pattern seeking behavior. And he’s been doing these all his life for tactile stimulation” Jonathan explained, picking up a piece and handing it to Edward.

He snatched it, mumbling something about ‘fucking psychologists’ as he placed it.

Harley chewed her pumpkin-shaped cookie contently, passing an orange piece to Jonathan.

“To be fair, I could’ve piled on top of that but I didn’t, it’s not so much ‘psychologists’ as just Jonathan”

“Wh- how would you add onto that?!”

“Puzzles are an activity that can be done alone. you were a lonely child, you had plenty of practice.”

Edward turned pink, scowling.

“… I asked for that, didn’t I?”

“Quite literally” Jon confirmed.

He just grumbled, continuing his section.

Harley grabbed another cookie, shoving it in her mouth and passing one to each of her friends.

“Sorry Eddie,”

“Not your fault, I did ask for it.”

“If it makes you feel better,” Jonathan interjected. “You’re very well adjusted for your childhood.”

Edward chuckled, shaking his head. Harley snorted, and Jonathan himself couldn’t manage to suppress a smile.

“Thank you for your absolutely egregious lie, Jonathan, but I’ve embraced my lack of adjustment. If I was well adjusted, I wouldn’t be here with you guys”

“… I think he’s finally lost it completely, Harley” Jonathan muttered conspiratorially, making her burst into a fit of giggles.

“I think that boats long sailed for all of us, Professor”

He shrugged, connecting his section to Edward’s now that it was constructed enough to do so.

“Can you turn the TV up? It’s about to get good.”

Harley turned up the volume, but Edward just looked at him.

“… you’re faced away from the TV.”

“I know this movie, Edward.”

“You mean to tell me that you have memorized Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas to the point you don’t even need to look at it to know how far into it we are with the volume all the way down at five?” Edward pressed.

“Hey, as far as I’m concerned it’s Henry Selik’s, the ‘Tim Burton’ at the beginning was just added so more people would come see it, he didn’t do shit for that movie. You know when they did the test screening for him he threw a tantrum? He kicked a hole in the wall, a grown ass man! This ain’t his movie.”

“… Damn Jonny, tell ‘em how you really feel” Harley piped up, passing him another cookie, which he ate graciously.

Edward shook his head, muttering under his breath again, though he was smiling this time.

“What was that, Eddie?”

“I said you’re lucky I found that rant endearing and I don’t hit you with my cane”

“No, I heard him!” Harley interjected. “He said that was actually pretty impressive”

Jonathan smirked, watching Edward try to find a way to deny it without calling Harley a liar.

“I- no I just- don’t we have a puzzle to finish?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure if we don’t finish it you’re gonna have an aneurism trying to hold back from finishing it yourself” Jonathan muttered, sounding more fond than snarky. He added another completed area to what he’d already attached with a click.

“Thanks for giving me the colored parts. I dunno how you guys are matching those colors, they’re so alike.” Harley finished putting Jack Skellington’s face together, adding it next to her completed moon.

“You know, you can put your glasses on. We’re not gonna judge you. It’d probably make this puzzle easier”

She groaned, overdramatically draping herself on the table.

“But I look so stiff and boring with them!” She whined, her performance losing some drama as he reached for another cookie.

“We’re both currently wearing glasses, Harley.” Edward pointed out.

“I don’t have a pair with me.”

Jonathan sighed, standing up and heading to his desk. He rifled through for a moment before pulling out a case and tossing it over.

“Professor, I doubt we have the same prescription.”

“We don’t, they’re yours. You’re getting predictable.”

“Your face is predictable! I just don’t wanna look like a nerd.” She huffed, sticking her tongue out at him.

“You don’t want to look like Harleen”

She looked at Edward incredulously, who just mouthed the word 'psychologists’ and leaned back in his chair.

“… Close that can of worms right now young man.” She demanded, and he raised his hands defensively.

“Closed, it’s closed. You’re gonna give yourself a never ending headache if you keep skipping out on contacts, though.”

Harley put the glasses on, tossing the case at Crane’s head. He let it hit with a soft noise and land on his lap.

“… if you were anyone else…”

“Mmmhm, but I’m not” she hummed, finishing her side of the puzzle. Jonathan reached for his pieces, batting Edward’s hands away from them.

“True, you’re not. And for that you should be very grateful”

Harley grinned, taking one last cookie before jumping onto the couch.

“I’m always gonna be grateful to have you guys”

Her words were earnest in a way Jonathan himself could never express. In the end, however, he knew the feeling. He also gravitated towards the couch, immediately having arms wrap around one of his as Harley decided where on his bony body had enough meat to be a pillow. Not to be outdone Edward took Jonathan’s other side, draping himself over his thighs.

It wasn’t the most comfortable way to watch the rest of the movie, no, but when did they ever do things the easy way? Never. But this?

If there was a right way, this was it.

#jonathan crane #edward nygma #harley quinn #harleen quinzel #scarecrowweek2022 #Scarecrow Week 2022 #ScarecrowWeek 2022

[anewstartfanfic]

Do you have any headcannons for void?

Yes! Here’s a few without giving away too much XD

-Void along with Garp and Roger were one of the people that took down the Rock Pirates

-He also took down Kaido singlehandedly and was one of the few known people in the world that took down Whitebeard as well.

-Although Whitebeard left Rocks before the battle, VOid never truly forgave him for what his former captain has done

-Blame him for the death of Blume and the death of his and Flora’s unborn child. 

-Because of his fearsome reputation, it has sealed his spot in the world as a fearsome king and force of nature. 

-Came from an hidden kingdom where people from different parts of the world go to when they want to start over or no longer have a home

-Only someone with a strong heart and good aura cane find and open the kingdom.  

-The place is well protected and well hidden where only those who are in desperate need can find it

-Had a very bloody past. 

-Brother almost killed their father for the throne. Was stopped in time but father never truly recovered and passed away making Void king.

-Fought his brother before banishing him permanently from his Kingdom

-Considers Roger a near and dear brother. He will never admit this but Roger knows  

-Sailed with Roger until he became king. During this time also found and fell in love with a woman named Amare. 

-After many years they married.

-Roger told him of his illness and scoured the world looking for one yggdrasil leaf to save his brother. When he managed to find one, he also found out that his wife Amare needed it as well. 

-Amare refused it and told him to give it to Roger before she passed away. Void grieved her death for two years, almost dying in the process. Roger and his kingdom got him through it. 

-Knew Amare died if a broken heart over the corruption of their one and only son who took after Void’s brother

-The Black sheep of the family became the white sheep and he the Black. Hence he knows that after he passes, the secrets of his kingdom will die with him since there’s no trusted heir

-Loves and respects Roger but also knows he’s an idiot. 

-Usually the voice of reason especially when on the ship with Rayleigh and Crocus aka the Wise Trio 

-Used to teach Shanks and Buggy. Also used the wallop Shanks for being a pervert towards Marco. Then started walloping Oden for just being an idiot. 

-was the one who saved Oden from death during his fight with Kaido, severely maiming him in the process. To this day, Kaido is trying to seek out Void and vowed to kill anyone and anything he’s ever loved.  

-Forged and gave Roger his famous sword Ace. 

-He has the sword’s twin, however it’s also forged from seastone. 

-Although he’s a terrifying looking man, he’s a soft hearted man and wise king. 

-Will be seen walking about his kingdom talking to his subjects who adore him. 

-tries his best to make sure everyone in the kingdom is safe and happy, knowing many were former slaves, refugees from corrupted governments and Celestial Dragons, and some are just travelers. 

-loves kids and unofficially adopted two grandchildren. However, this doesn’t stop many kids from the kingdom to tag along and follow their goofy king. 

-Also spacey at times. Only those close to him has seen his weird and goofy side  

-Sweet tooth, so much that many of his citizens bring him over sweet things to eat. 

-His most trusted Matilda will often scold him for eating too many sweets 

-Matilda is the older sister or Marietta and one of the last known people who can sense and see someone’s aura 

-Still uses Amare’s cookie recipe to make a chest of cookies for important occasions and people. It’s considered one of the highest honors in the world. The cookies are only made for special occasions. 

-Still holding out hope that one day he’ll find his last hidden treasure that was stolen from him a long time ago.

[right-brain-of-froggy2]

Christmas In July Chapter 4

Howdy everyone! Here is the fourth chapter, The Nutcracker! I took a good chunk of inspiration from the Christmas song by the same name as I was a little short on time today but I do hope you get some amusement out of it! It does focus on Lucy and Jeff without he boys, which I think is a fun relationship to explore.

AO3 link here!

Jeff relaxes back into his chair. The TV fades to black as the commercial gives way into the NFL game that just began. The Chiefs are set to win, but the Raiders bought on a new linebacker this season. If only Lucy actually followed football instead of picking whatever team is playing against the Chiefs! Outside, the snow is falling in heavy, wet snowflakes that coat the ground. There’s no wind, and Jeff’s content to curl up in his recliner to watch the game.

Lucy convinced him to take off the next two weeks for the holiday; he’s been let off easy by his supervisor for not taking any holidays in the past year. His astronautics training doesn’t start until next January anyways- and Lucy’s grant requirements takes affect around the same time. One of the few good things about being married to another NASA employee is they have a similar timeline for projects and downtime.

They now had time to bake too many cookies, decorate the new house, go shopping for each other and their parents, hang up lights. Well, that last one will probably be Jeff’s responsibility alone. He’s not about to make his pregnant wife climb up on that ladder! Her first pregnancy has been smooth sailing so far and Jeff’s not about to risk that by having her balance on a ladder in the middle of snow to put up Christmas lights.

It’s only the first quarter, third down when Lucy comes into the living room. But something is wrong and Jeff’s the one she’s glaring at.

“What’s up, Luce?”

Lucy didn’t seem amused. She doesn’t answer except for a raise of her eyebrows.

“Really, why are you mad?”

The look on her face isn’t exactly unfamiliar to Jeff. Whatever it is, it must have been something he did. Jeff sits up straighter in his chair. It’s not even close to their anniversary- that’s in June. Lucy’s birthday is in October. His own birthday is close, but she wouldn’t be mad about him not knowing about a surprise party.

He takes closer notice of her outfit. Her dress is gorgeous and Jeff wonders why he hasn’t seen it before. It’s a long olive green sweater dress that fits perfectly around her baby bump.

Jeff’s out of ideas as to why his wife’s dressed to the nines when he’s here in pajamas.

“What did I do?” Jeff asks as he tries to hold back a sigh. Lucy stands in disbelief at his words. She crosses her arms across her chest. “What?”

“The Nutcracker. 8 PM. Tonight. It’s 7:15 now and you aren’t even dressed!”

Oh.

“Oh.”

That. That is tonight.

Jeff would have laughed at the scene if he wasn’t the one on the receiving end of the withering glare. He had tried to block it from his mind, but apparently that wasn’t enough to make Lucy forget about it too. The horrible, boring, never ending ballet… Shudder. Jeff tries to think of a reason why he can’t go, and fast.

He has a report to finish up for his training.

No, Lucy would know that’s a lie right away. She was there when he submitted the last report and celebrated.

He’s sick with the flu.

Nope… Lucy has a sixth sense for telling when people were sick.

He broke his foot.

Not even believable at this point.

Lee called and needs help with something. Out of all the options, that would work best. Lee is unpredictable like that.

But by this point, Jeff’s waited too long. The moment for excuses has passed. After he opens his mouth, Lucy would know he simply forgot. Any excuse won’t even sound believable at this point. All chances to escape his looming fate are lost. Jeff wants to pound his head against the wall as Lucy drags him upstairs to quickly get dressed in clothes laying out on the bed. He’s seen the Nutcracker at least twenty times.

The Nutcracker was fun when he was young and the scenes were filled with wonder and mystery. That lasted about two years. But his parents kept dragging him year after year; now Lucy is the one to drag him year after year. The story is so ancient that it plain doesn’t make sense anymore. And whatever that mouse-king-thing-person character is freaks him out. It even gave him nightmares one time in high school. Jeff’s in the bathroom with Lucy reminding him to hurry up when he pulls the score on his phone. He groans in frustration. The Raiders had scored in between then and now, putting them in the lead. He flips over to the live stream to see where the game stands in real time. Watching the stream on his phone isn’t quite the same as watching the live match but Jeff figures he’s allowed to complain a little bit.

More pounding on his bathroom door. “Hurry up Jeff! We have thirty minutes!”

“I know, I know!”

The moment Jeff steps outside the door with only one of his sleeves half rolled up, Lucy hurries him out the door and into the car. The only good thing that’s happened all night is Lucy deciding to drive instead of Jeff.

All the shoppers coming home with last minute presents and their own horrible driving fill the snowy roads once they hit the city limits. Jeff’s positive they’re going to crash when the car in front of them slid through the yellow traffic light. He would be in tears having to drive this; Lucy is much tougher when it comes to winter driving, even with a baby to carry. Jeff spares a look towards Lucy and sees she’s eyeing the clock every minute.

Jeff’s own holiday spirit just might explode, never to be found again.

Once they pull into parking lot, there’s no place to put the car. Figures. Jeff almost snaps in irritation at Lucy, but holds back, knowing it would do no good. This is Lucy’s third favorite Christmas activity after all. After finding a parking spot at the end- farthest away from the entrance- and having to walk through the windy snow, Lucy hands the checkers their tickets. He leads them to their seats in silence with a finger pressed up to his lips. The theater is dark inside, the ballet ready to start.

Jeff slides into his seat after Lucy gets settled. He ignores the angry whispers over their entrance. With Lucy by his side, Jeff runs his fingers over his wife’s arm to calm his own racing heart. They made it, they’re here before the show, all is fine and dandy.

The curtain draws back and so begins the Nutcracker in the exact same way that Jeff remembers it had for the past twenty years. He settles back into his seat and braces for a long night. At least Lucy is smiling and having fun.

“Isn’t this the song from Tetris?” Jeff asks, leaning in to whisper in Lucy’s ear. That’s a new revelation.

“Shh,” Lucy lightly hits Jeff on the leg. “But yes.”

“Weird.”

The Tetris song gives way to the part where Jeff tries not to fall asleep. A surprisingly easy feat despite being in the theater with middle-aged women sipping at overpriced cocktails and the odd child crying out in boredom. Me too, kid, Jeff thinks as one little girl lets out a rip-roaring cry. At least that little one doesn’t get yelled at by their wife for complaining.

Something about wooden soldiers now, a few mice fighting on stage. If they actually throw a few punches, Jeff would be entertained. But it’s all lackluster dance fighting. Oh, and the gumdrop fairy.

“This is so trippy. I think they did LSD choreographing this,” Jeff whispers again, earning a side smile from Lucy. The story makes no sense, the symbolism lost to Jeff even after the twenty times (actually, twenty-two. Jeff’s bored enough to go through his memory and count all the years attended). His body sinks further into his seat as he welcomes the draw of sleep. His eyelids are laced with lead, dropping down further and further as he hardly puts up a fight to keep them open.

Sleep comes easy. Easier than if he would lie in bed and trying to fall asleep any other night.

…

Jeff startles awake.

He must have fallen asleep for some time- the entire scenery of the stage has changed. At home, Jeff snores like a chainsaw and has heard Lucy complain about it more than once. Jeff spares a look to Lucy; she doesn’t even realize he had been asleep the past fifteen minutes. No snoring then.

“I have to go to the bathroom,” Jeff mumbles. Lucy nods but doesn’t pull her eyes away from the stage.

Jeff sneaks out to the lobby if only to get a breath of fresh air. The bathroom excuse is a tale as old as time. Another man with wide eyes and short, dark hair is standing outside the auditorium doors. They make eye contact and nod to each other in a silent agreement of not wanting to be in there. Can you really blame them?

There’s a TV up on the wall playing a news report, instantly reminding Jeff of the football game that’s been going on this entire time. He asks the bartender to switch to the right channel, biting his lip in anticipation. The game comes up in the middle of a play. The score is too close, the Raiders leading by one touchdown with the time running out. The fourth quarter, Chiefs have possession, and third down…

A few more seconds…

And…

“NO!!”

Both Jeff and the other man shout as the play goes bad and the ref calls the game. A disappointing loss to any fan. Jeff doesn’t think this night can get any worse than it already is. He shares a disappointing looking with the man who claps his shoulder as he passes with a scotch in hand back to the ballet.

Jeff sneaks back to his own seat and flops down in the chair. He’s depressed, and the dance isn’t helping his mood any. But with Lucy at his side, he still has to act impressed by every move the dancers made. They aren’t all that talented. Their niece’s six-year-old ballet class could do half these moves and she’s been dancing for barely a year.

Going from his team losing in a close defeat to guys dancing in skintight leotards (that aren’t even that attractive, Jeff knows that much) is not how Jeff wants to spend his first evening of Christmas break. Hopefully, this will be the last Nutcracker in a long, long, long time. Lucy has to realize just how bad and annoying the show is by now, right?

The Nutcracker finally draws to an end with the curtains falling over the stage. In the seating, the lights raised as Jeff stands to stretch his arms. Lucy stands up behind him, placing a hand on his waist and leaning in close.

“Thank you, Jeff. I’m already excited for you to take me to next year’s show!”

#thunderbirds #lucille tracy #jeff tracy #lucy x jeff #christmas #christmas in july #the nutcracker #thunderbirds fanfiction

[lovemesomesurveys]

Did you know that all the fish are dying out? I haven't heard that.

Would you ever wear a white tuxedo? No.

Do you judge a book by its cover? In a literal sense, yes. Some just catch my eye or make me curious so I have to pick up and check it out.

Do you like chips and dips? Yes, anything that comes with a dip I'd be all over. <<<

Last time you went on a rollercoaster: I don't do rollercoasters.

Ever been to a pottery class? No.

Does your milkshake bring all the boys to the yard? Ha, no.

Who was the last person to stay over at your house? One of my aunts.

Do you like red lipstick? Yeah.

Can you recall your country’s national anthem? Yes.

Do you believe in ghosts? i believe in demons and spirits. Not like Casper ghosts.

Which sweets/candy would you put into your dream pic'n'mix? Reese's and the cookie crunch M&Ms.

If you had a boat, where would you sail in your boat? I have no idea.

Can you rap? Ha, I'm definitely not a rapper, but I like rap and can "rap" along.

Are you a light sleeper? Sometimes.

When you were young, did you ever pretend to “marry” somebody? No.

What is your favourite Disney film? Toy Story, Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, A Goofy Movie.

Do you prefer brown or white bread? I'll eat either one.

Have you ever spent an entire day in bed? That's how I spend most of my time.

Don’t you just find it annoying when people get too much plastic surgery? I wouldn't say it's "annoying", but I wonder why they do it.

How high’s your pain threshold? Low, hence the need for my pain meds.

What would you wear to a red carpet event? I see myself declining the invitation, lol. <<<

Whose birthday is next, out of all the people you know? My cousin's is today.

What kind of coat are you going to wear in the winter? I wear my puffy coat most of the time.

Did you ever go through a Goth phase? I had my emo phase, but let's be real it's not just a phase even if I dress and look differently.

Do you find architecture interesting? Not really.

When on the computer do you ever think about how it all works? It's probably crossed my mind.

How many songs are there in your iTunes library? I haven't used iTunes in over a decade.

Describe the worst date you’ve ever been on: I've hardly been on any dates, but the few I had weren't bad.

When did you last go to the park? Uhhhhh.

Which two animals would you breed together to make a hybrid? Nah.

Do you ever forget how to walk? I can't walk, soooo.

Do you own a Jesus bracelet? I own a cross bracelet.

How far out can you stick your tongue? Not far at all.

Do you like David Bowie? I like some songs. Nothing against him, I just wasn't like a stan or anything.

Would you eat a live cockroach if it made you a millionaire? fskdfjkjffjdkfkdj no.

Does it annoy you when you feel like people aren’t really listening? I hate when I'm trying to talk to someone and they're all deep into something on their phone and they're clearly not really listening.

Are you the type who usually plays it safe? Yeah.

Do you want what you can’t have? Don't we all.

Ever been copied by somebody, clothing or style-wise? Ha, no,

Is there a point to clear nail varnish? A nice shine, I guess? *shrug*

What is the latest time you’ve ever woken up? Like almost 5pm.

Ever gotten into trouble over something you didn’t really do? I don't think so.

Are you currently ill? In a way cause of health stuff I generally crappy.

Don’t you just hate being corrected? If it's done in either a condescending or a really harsh reprimanding tone, then yeah. <<<

Are there any really beautiful buildings close to where you live? Sure.

Who do you think about most? My mind feels like such a jumbled mess.

Do you have embarrasing parents? No.

How often do you use the word “poltent”? Never?

How’s your grandmother? My paternal grandma is doing okay. My maternal grandmother passed away 15 years ago.

What in your opinion is the most annoying noise in the world? Kids. "<<< Hahaha. I'd say also excessive beeping.

Are you any good at writing? Probably not now.

Can you speak any Spanish? A little bit.

What’s your favourite type of cloud? I don't have one.

What’s something that really matters to you? My family.

Did that pass some time? A little.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

[isabelcor3]

Fate Of Journeys

Ch 2: An Opportunity

Tw: Swearing

Summary:

“Can I open my eyes,” Tommy asked. “Yes.” Tommy opened them and was meet with fireworks, candles, sweets, and his friends. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Tommy’s eyes widened seeing the party for him. For him. Gosh he was the luckiest prince in the world.

The month of March had passed. Tomorrow was Tommy’s birthday. Wilbur was at the port overseeing the servants preparing the grand ship for their adventure. After the announcement of their trip to the king and queen, Wilbur had asked if only the trio was allowed to go. Kristin had granted their wish and the rest of the month was preparing. Tommy and Techno had been cooped up in the castle doing their royal duties. Since they would be gone for long, they had to get done everything for the coming months. That left Wilbur to oversee the preparations.

The sun glistened high in the sky as Wilbur breathed in a breath smelling of the salty sea. He opened his eyes as he walked up the ramp and onto the ship. The king’s ships were always so grand; a deep dark brown ship with gold designs on the side, the flag of Lumena flying high, and the ships were soooo huge. Wilbur walked to the kitchen where they were preparing desserts and cake. They already had food reserves but this was special. Wilbur had planned a secret party for Tommy on the ship.

On his birthday, they would party late into the night, sleep on the ship, and the next day they would set sail. Blueberry pies, coconut vanilla cookies, lemon icing filled eclairs, and a gigantic chocolate cake. Will smiled and felt a surge of energy and happiness. They were finally doing it.

As wilbur walked around the boat, he heard bits and pieces of gossip. After Phil had announced their voyage, there were mixed feelings. Some nobles were happy for the trio. They would see sights and make new friends and they were happy to let them stay in their palaces. Some royals felt it was wrong to burden the king and queen with the worry of them dying and their royals duties being a burden on the king and queen. “What if there’s a war and the king has to go? What will happen with the queen?” Wilbur knew that Kristin would be fine. Techno and tommy had tried to find a loyal servant to do their royal duties but Kristin insisted that she be the one to do it.

The day passed and it was Tommy’s birthday. All of Lumena was celebrating with concerts, deals at shops and restaurants, special stuff being sold and so much more. The royals had the morning to themselves and the birthday child has to go into the city and enjoy their festivities. Tommy awoke in his bedroom. He excitedly pushed away the silk linens on his bed as servants began preparing his outfit and a bath. Tommy walked into his bathroom and got undressed. He sunk into the warm water with pink lilies dancing on the water. After bathing, the servants dried him and dressed him in a high white shirt, black breeches, and his royal cape. He pulled on socks, his boots, and a corset. He tied his hair in a bun and put his crown on. Techno greeted him outside his door and they walked to the dining hall. “Good morning my birthday boy!” Kristin ran to tommy and engulfed him in a hug. Phil joined in and beckoned Techno to join, which he reluctantly did. Wilbur came in and cleared his throat. “Will you fucker. You didn’t say you were joining.” Phil looked at him to shut him up and Wilbur sighed. “You got me Tom,” will raised his hands in defeat. defeat. “Now join this hug.” Wilbur joined in and felt happy. He knew today was gonna be great. —— The day passed quickly with festivities and fun. The trio walked along the “empty” streets towards the dock. “Hey tommy, there’s something I want to show you.” Will said. “Oh what is it big man?” “Close your eyes.” Tommy does so and Wilbur leads him and a confused Techno to the ship. They cross the plank onto the ship and Will pulls techno with him to the other side of the ship. “Can I open my eyes,” Tommy asked. “Yes.” Tommy opened them and was meet with fireworks, candles, sweets, and his friends. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Tommy’s eyes widened seeing the party for him. For him. Gosh he was the luckiest prince in the world. Everyone ran up to tommy showing him all his gifts, the food and games to play. Tommy smiled and when he saw Wilbur and Techno in the crowd, he ran and hugged them. Will smiled but heard some sniffles. “Tom? You ok?” Techno comes and places a hand on his back. “Y-yeah just..thank you so much wilby and tech. You guys are the best.” They hugged as bright fireworks and melodic music played around them, binding themselves to the moment of happiness before them.

#sbi #sbi fanfic #beeduo #dteam #dsmp fic #dsmp #dsmp au #philza x kristen

[dorokin]

A bit of sci-fi ship making help for anyone looking for it;

Centrifugal guns are your primary weapons due to their light weight simplicity and reliability. Weapons that fire too quickly simply turn into a vapor by the first layer of shielding (this is how the International space station protects against micrometeroites the energy of the impact turns them intoa vapor after hitting the first shield).

The secondary weapons are lasers, but they don't directly deal damage, they simply heat up the ship faster than it can cool itself by blackbody radiation into a vacuum. This is a slow process and is why the centrifugal gun is required as it will quickly damage external systems like communication arrays, radiators, solar panels, solar sails, sensors, enemy lasers and force them to close the viewport.

Railguns exist only on planets, moons, and asteroids due to the fact that they interfere with every system in your ship and damage your hull with the intense magnetic fields they produce. They also get really hot through induction, creating potentially leathal overheating in battle and they need so much power its prohibitive on smaller vessels. Overall, this makes railguns useless on ships despite the damage.

Particle beams, while useful, are only useful at such high energies that the radiation produced requires so much shielding that only big ships can really use them without risking harm to the crew. Particle beams as such are used mainly for interfering with computer systems and visual sensors since the shielding of even the smallest vessels are equipped to handle the particles only high energy waves can make it through which do minimal harm or cancer risk to the enemy crew but still harm computers.

Particle beams made it so failsafe systems using completely manual control with simple mechanisms rather than electronics became necessary for survival.

Obviously, conventional ballistic guns are a hazard in a world where cooking your opponents in their own ship is the main tactic. It is also hard to properly load and service the barrel in space, leading to jams in combat. This is what led to the readoption of centrifugal guns easy to load, easy to fix, and no requirements to clean them in space other than to appease grouchy captains.

The reason the particle beams are so shielded is the nuclear cookie ABCs. Alpha radiation is easily stopped, Betta radiation can be stopped with a few inches of material, Gamma radiation passes through.

So if each one is placed into a cookie and you had to sit on one, eat one and throw one away, you'd sit on the Alpha radiation cookie since your pants will protect yoh, eat the Gamma radiation cookie since it will just pass through you and is unlikely to collide with molecules in your body such as DNA, and throw away the Beta radiation cookie because it will collide with molecules in your body.

Gamma radiation will, however, interfere with many computer systems. This does make particle guns less useful as a weapon in real life, but it adds a sense of realism as it's a fantastic tool. And now each weapon is different and has a unique purpose rather than they all just do damage.

[captainflinttheparrot]

Ok, so in either episode 4.03 or 4.04, can't remember which, Mrs. Hudson says that it's the 24th. We know that it's winter and it will still be winter when Jack arrives back to Philadelphia aprox. 2 months later, so it's either November or December. If my calculations are mostly correct, the events of 3.10 happened sometime in late October and between seasons Rogers had time to divorce his wife by sending a letter to London presumably and get word back, so December is the more likely answer.

Where am I going with this? Well, we also know that James arrived back to London after being gone for 3 months in December 1705, meaning he probably spent the 10 year anniversary of The Day His Life Went To Shit on Maroon Island and I really want to see what that looked like aka someone please write the fic.

#black sails #also this means that christmas came and passed while flint was prisoner in the fort and nobody gave a shit sdfjdksh #who cares about holidays when you've got a war to fight #if i'm wrong about my math you are encouraged to correct me #my method of figuring out the time it'd take to sail from nassau to philadelphia #or to any other place really #was looking at google maps and saying eh good enough #regarding the fic that i might be convinced to write if nobody else does #would he be angsting about the fact that it's been 10 years since he'd last seen thomas #and he can no longer recall the exact colour of his eyes #or what he sounded like #would he lock himself away and drink until silver finds him and he's like what's wrong? #these tags are getting long congrats if you've made it this far here's a cookie 🍪 #my bs bs #james flint #james mcgraw

[stormyoceans]

Hey :) here's the JayFoei anon from like literally only an hour ago. My brain took a turn from the cuddling image and based only on the fact that Poppy was also in Lovely Writer, I suddenly had this thought: "What about a JayFoei childhood friends AU?"

I have absolutely no idea if it could work but then I considered it more and - what if they knew each other as kids but then one of them moved away and they lost contact. So when Foei wants to come with Lian to a business meeting with Jay, he reads the name and thinks "could it be? No. No, that would be too much of a coincidence." And indeed, when he meets Jay, he seems to be nothing like that awlward child/teenager he knew before but he is this handsome, charming guy that doesn't know how to properly button his shirts.

While Jay is completely overwhelmed that the guy he's had a crush on since childhood (and that he stalked on social media so he knows kinda what he looks like now, not that Foei posts a lot of selfies) is suddenly standing in front of him, in a suit and everything and logically he wants them to stay in touch again.

And it's so awkward and cute because Jay who is normally so good at natural flirting continues to flirt with Foei on accident - he doesn't consciously intend to flirt because he doesn't want to scare Foei away but he just can't help himself - while Foei slowly discovers that Jay is still the weird guy he was so fond of when he was younger.

And now I kinda want to write this but - does it even make sense? I don't know.

I also just wanted to say thanks for the cookie offer, and you're really not alone in the JayFoei household, I think there are a lot of people who jumped after you when you decided to sail this ship ;)

HI HELLO OH MY GOD okay first of all IM SO SORRY FOR THE LATE REPLY ANON for some reason this ask didn’t show up on my phone??? so i only saw it today after i turned on my laptop and i REALLY HOPE you’re still around to see this because

HELLO??????????????? IM SO IN LOVE WITH THIS??????????????? IT’S SUCH AN AMAZING IDEA and it definitely makes sense to me, because hear me out.. i’ve said it before, so i apologize for being repetitive, but jay and foei actually have so many things in common, they have the same work ethic, the same sense of humor, and the same penchant for the dramatics. i think this is very important for a childhood friends AU because i believe there are some traits of your character that, especially at a young age, are very influenced by your friends and the people around you. even now that im way older, sometimes i realize that along the way i picked up some way of expressing myself or even just some words that i’ve never used before, but actually come from my closest friend and my coworkers. all this to say that going by this logic i can see jay and foei being childhood friends perfectly well!!!!!!

AND NOW IM GETTING SO FOND OF THIS because it’s so easy to imagine the two of them as kids and young teenagers being weird and playing together and having inside jokes!!!!! and finding each other again after so many years is kinda awkward at first because they’ve both grown up and changed in some ways but then they find themselves alone and it’s SO EASY AND NATURAL to go back to how they interacted with each other as kids. AND BRAIN.EXE HAS STOPPED WORKING EVEN JUST THINKING ABOUT THE ACCIDENTAL FLIRTING!!!!!!! THE PINING!!!!!!!! having being in love with each other since forever but being afraid to take that last step because they just became friends again!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah no im so normal about this if you ever decide to actually write it im probably going to pass out and be found dead in a ditch sdkfgsdkj

#okay im sorry for getting carried away but this is seriously SO GOOD #I LOVE IT SO MUCH #no pressure about writing it of course just know that if you ever feel like doing it you're gonna have someone cheering for you #honestly im just incredibly grateful you sent me this so thank you!! #cutie pie #cutie pie the series #jayfoei #m: ask

[jeeperso]

D&D Quotes Without Context

Treasure Island Edition, Chapter 8

OOC: Yes, speaking of I think we're just waiting on the dog played by Cat. Cookie will busy himself with introducing their new Druid friend to the crew. "He's Ded, Jim." He said as he made introductions. Dingo eyes the new arrival suspiciously. Ded stares back with dopey eyes and his tongue hanging out one side of his lips. Janus comes out of his quarters shirtless and toweling himself off. He reaches out and extends a hand to Ded. "Thank you for your help friend." He looks to Cookie "Is it alright to pet them? I'm not sure the protocol here." Cookie: *puts his claw to his chin thoughtfully* "I think... If you extend the right... for him to pet you too. It would be... fair." MJ: “That’s fair.” Janus nods. Cookie would take the oppurtunity to see if he could pet Janus too. Many pats are shared. Platonic patting all around. Magnus is skulking about the deck, but his normal menace is undercut by Melfina riding about on his shoulders. "It will take more than an uppity cloud formation to drive us away from you." “It’s okay. I passed out brownies fifteen minutes ago.” "Seriously where do you keep getting so many edibles?" “The oven?” "Wizard Oven. Coven." Ded OOC: Ded is totally down for getting pets. Ded, you think you can see your house from here. Well the shack on Booze Island where you usually sleep when you hang out with Weird-Arm-Friend. "Now I have questions, how did you get from there to inside the Stormwall?" "Ded get lost!" "Your lies demean us all, Margaret." “You keep calling me that…” "Well, what is Mary short for then?" “Maaaaaaaary?” "Cookie is short for cookie..." "We got lost sailing down a canal. I'm not even sure how you MANAGE that." "They were giving me a tour of the boat and we ended up on an entirely different boat. At a different port." "Ded, you've been in these waters long enough. have you ever heard the name Smith?" "Ded met tree named 'Smith' once." "Ladies and genlemen we are gathered here to get through this thing called life. Electric word life it means forever and that's a really long time....wait a second this is the song book for karaoke night." "So just to clairify: there is booze on Booze Island? I feel like if we land and it turns out to be a dry county we may be in dire straits with the crew." Ded confirms there is indeed Booze on Booze Island. Weird Arm Friend likes to make it! "I'm not sure if there is a town... Is there, Ded?" "Only on seafloor. Look for pineapple." "... Who would live on a pineapple... under the sea?" Janus: "When all is said and done here, I would like to ask a favor of you and your lord. To transport me to Hell, so I can track down Flint's wretched shade, and beat them within an inch of their miserable afterlife. And then throw it into Super Hell." Magnus: "We'll draw lots for the turn order on that one, my friend." Janus smiles and does the bro handshake with Magnus. “I can do research… Oh! We can trade him in for credit on my student loans! They take souls!” "Is that a Meerbat?" Dingo side-eyes something trying to horn in on his mascot racket. Dingo; *Why do I not have pockets iguana noises.* "Ded, you keep mentioning this weird armed friend. If I may ask, how exactly is their arm 'weird?'" “Yeah, like, magic weird, mechanical weird, or got stuck in a combine harvester weird?” "Ded say: yes." “If we’re meeting another Wizard, I’ll go get my formal robes.”

"... Is this a competition.. for silliest outfit?" “Usually, yes.” "Never upset the cook...I will under/over season meals... short change you on meat rations.... and have you served cold portions.." Dingo plants a tiny flag, claiming the island. “Who’s our spokesper, and the pastor is calling* him. This is fine.” [sic] "Ah Ded, still alive. Excellent." "We have undoubtedly the seediest collection of cutthroats villains and scoundrels you've ever seen whose last chance for drink was coconut rum from Gonk Island, and before that the coffee of Mad pirate Wilkins." “MJ. I went to Strixhaven. I got a spell book and a lot of special brownies.” "I've heard tales of Spelljammer ships, but always assumed them to be in the realm of myth." "I saw a few a while back, more rare nowadays. Not many adventurers traveling the planes, either that or those Spelljammer ships are harder to maintain and come by." “I think it’s gonna make a big comeback this year.” "Ded almost rescued by Space-Ship once. But then Ded open window and get sucked out." "We're planning to take anything of Flint's that not nailed down or on fire, and we've crowbars & sand for the rest." "Indeed. Then we intend to use the funds to construct an ass kicking machine and mail it to Flint in Hell." "Well, I've never seen a Spelljammer, but I have seen space ships, At the museum at my school they had several tripods from when the Barsoomian squids invaded." "Ugh, that incident. It took me a month to get all the ink out." "Unfortunately to get there you've got to get passed the fustercluck of factions fighting over the islands and waters between here and there." "Game night get quite violent." "Lobster godking, why do I have the feeling that one will give us a lot of trouble." "Though he very good at singing." "I thought that was the giant crab with a huge ego." "Underwater creatures tend to be good at singing... good acoustics..." “Oh yeah, the merfolk ruled glee club with an iron fin.” "1 gold on the off-chance it's an old man with an oversized apparatus of Kwalish." "Apparently our singing lobster has good hearing." "MJ, no! Crocodiles are more dangerous when they get high." Cookie grips his Psi Crystal around his neck, hanging from its little pouch. "We can offer you to get high. If you want to forget this matter." MJ gives them a sleepy smile and a double thumbs up. OOC: Companion spell to Heroes feat: Stoners snack. OOC2: It mostly summons Doritos and pork rinds. OOC3: I'm reminded of the fic Thorhammer, in which Thor keeps finding a Lunchable packet in his pocket. OOC: Now I'm just having this image of the island from the Tempest only instead of Prospero its Rabbi Tuckman from Robin Hood: Men in Tights. GM OOC: Now I just need an actual name for his Homunculus. OOC1: Palmer. Cause he’s a tiny man. OOC2: Pockets. That sounds like a pet name. OOC3: I 2nd Pockets, because of his vest of pockets. OOC2: Or hey. Go with the pirate motif. Polly Pockets. OOC3: Not unless he has the power to shrink himself and other things and beings. GM OOC: So when Dingo inevitably tries to threaten Pockets, Pockets will pull a gun on him. OOC2: That’s assuming Dingo hasn't picked his Pockets.

#dungeons and dragons #dnd 5e #quotes without context #treasure island

[gaemkyuu]

Happy Valentine’s Day Daddy

Warnings: none! A/N: This is my valentine’s day entry for @cherrymaybank ! Back to back posts about Charlie, Riley and little Emerson! We do talk about the potential to having another one in the family, but I’m not sure if we like the trio as it is... do you guys want to see Dad!Charlie with a new born and an 8 year old daughter? Disclaimer: This is a FICITONAL writing piece! In no way do I claim characters in this piece act this way in real life.

Masterlist *now taking requests ;)

Happy Valentine’s Day Daddy

Riley emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet, Charlie rushing into their ensuite to help hold her hair back. He soothed her back and got her a glass of water from the sink. They had gone to the clinic yesterday to confirm whether or not she was pregnant, since she had been nauseous and throwing up a lot lately. The drug store pregnancy tests were negative, but then again the same thing happened when Riley was pregnant with Emerson. She was normally irregular and active, but grew up with the doctors always saying she would have fertility problems. Emerson came to her as a shock.

“Mommy?” they heard their little girl call out from the hallway, and Charlie got up to intervene before she saw her mother.

“Hey Princess, bad dream?” Charlie scooped Emerson up from the hallway, feeling her heaviness set in. Emerson was 7 and soon to be 8, but Charlie wouldn’t pass the opportunity to pick her up. He didn’t want her growing up too fast, although mentally that ship had sailed.

“No, I had a weird one” she hugged his back and laid her head on his shoulder. “Can we have a midnight snack Daddy?” that’s when Charlie noticed the clock in the hallway read 1:13AM. He contemplated it for a moment, thinking about how Riley wouldn’t approve, but she wasn’t there to stop him and she would appreciate him distracting Emerson.

“Sure, you get the cookies and milk. I’ll be down to help with plates and stuff.” he set her down and kissed her on the head. Emerson looked up inquisitively at him and then back at their open bedroom door. Charlie noticed, and turned her around, gently pushing her towards the kitchen. “Mommy’s fine, just a tiny upset stomach. I’m gonna go make sure she’s good, so don’t eat all the cookies without me” 

This made the little girl giggle as she made her way to the kitchen. Charlie went back to check on Riley, who had her back to the wall adjacent to the toilet. She looked better, less pale, but still exhausted. “You want me to help you up?”

“No, I think I’ve got another round coming in a moment or two. Emerson okay?” Charlie nodded, taking the glass from her hand and refilling it. “Let me guess. Another round of Gillespie’s Midnight Munchies?”

“What can I say? She’s super persuasive” He passed her the glass and she scoffed before taking another drink. “She’s got me wrapped around her fingers”

“Well then don’t let me stop you! You’re princess awaits!” She made a flamboyant gesture of hands referencing her daughter, grateful for her acceptance of Charlie in her life. Riley had to admit that it was helpful to have Charlie around! 

Since the wedding, Riley had made the decision to homeschool Emerson. It meant that she could play with kids in the neighbourhood, but do schoolwork at her pace. Riley was able to work a lot more from home and with Charlie’s acting hours, it meant that he could be home a lot more too. She was often in charge of setting up Emerson’s curriculum, but it helped to have Charlie around. She knew Emerson was learning because she would hear her daughter teaching Charlie the concepts that she went through that day when he would get her ready for bed. Emerson often expressed that she liked doing this more than what they had been doing before. Occasionally, she would go to a daycare program when both of them were busy, but Charlie often brought her to set when he could.

Riley smiles fondly the first time Charlie brought her to set on a project he was working on. She snapped a picture as they walked through the door, Emerson wearing a pretty dress, Charlie in his comfy clothes and a pink backpack that was way too small hung over his shoulder. They walked hand in hand to the car and waved goodbye to her. The time that the two spent together did include a lot of shenanigans and sometimes being outnumbered or out voted, but Charlie never let it get out of hand.

***

Emerson’s lip quivered as her mother shook her head no. She wanted ice cream, but Riley had refused because of the cotton candy she ate earlier. Emerson didn’t take a nap and woke up early, and more sugar would mean a bigger problem later that day. Not wanting to take no for an answer, Emerson asked Charlie, who also agreed that she should forego the ice cream. 

That was the straw that broke Emerson’s back.

Riley had never seen Emerson tantrum so bad before, especially since her toddler was known to be very mature. She was used to her daughter clamming up and refusing to talk to her until she was ready, but that day was a completely different experience. Here she was screaming and crying, insisting she deserved ice cream.

Charlie sensed Riley’s flusteredness and tried to calm Emerson down. When she screamed and cried louder, she flailed her arms about, hitting Riley and Charlie. That’s when his usual sparkle and mischief that was normally present in his eyes disappeared.

“Emerson Gianna Gillespie. That’s enough.” Emerson was in shock at the tone of his voice. He didn’t yell, but he wasn’t quiet either. She could see that his eyes meant business, and he had never used her real name. She sunk to the ground in a last attempt at defiance. “Please stand up, or we are going home.” Emerson refused to stand. Charlie motioned for Riley to pack up their stuff quickly, as he picked up Emerson and brought her to the car. He didn’t say a single word, even as Emerson started to cry softly on their way to the car. She had started to realize the errors of her actions and felt awful.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a bad girl” she sniffed as Charlie buckled her into her booster seat. “Can we still get McDonalds?” she wiped away a few more tears as Riley got into the passenger side. Before she could reply, Charlie quickly answered the little girl.

“We are going home. We will talk about this when we get home” and with that he shut the door, and they drove home in silence. Emerson walked over to her time out corner in the house, a place where she rarely sat, but knew it was meant for her to reflect upon her actions. Emerson didn’t know that Charlie felt awful about being stone cold to her and was upstairs whisper venting to Riley, who patiently sat and listened. 

They made up over dinner that night and this was the first time that Emerson saw Charlie acting like a Daddy and not like a Charlie.

***

“Take all the time you need. I got Emmy” he kissed her head and went to join his little one at the kitchen island. As directed, the jar of cookies was on the counter, along with the jug of milk. She sat on the stood and swung her legs back and forth singing a song, waiting patiently for him. “Ready for some late night snicky snacks?”

“Mommy okay?” the little girl sat there waiting patiently but worrying about her mom. Charlie grabbed two dessert plates and two glasses for the milk and cookies. Charlie nodded and dished them up some cookies and poured the milk into the glasses, humming to himself. They clinked their glasses together and enjoyed their food in silence, only the sounds of the cookies crunching.

“Are you going to tell me about the weird dream you had?” he asked, a few crumbs spilling from his mouth. He wiped the corner of Emerson’s mouth with his thumb and took a sip of his milk.

“I had a dream that I had a baby brother” Charlie spat out his milk and choked, coughing at her comment. Emerson patted the man on the back, something she often saw adults do to other adults when they choked and something her parents did for her. “Isn’t that why mommy has an upset stomach?”

“Who told you that?” Charlie wiped his mouth and the counter of his mess, moving to dispose of the paper towel in the kitchen garbage. Emerson quietly munched on her cookie and took a drink of milk. “It was Uncle Owen wasn’t it?” she nodded, knowing that speaking with a full mouth was rude. Charlie made a mental note to chastise Owen later. Emerson was smart and perceptive but she was still a kid and who knows what the giant told her in his panic. Charlie gave her another cookie.

“Is this meant to keep me quiet? Uncle Owen did that last time. He said adults like to bribe children with things so they behave and don’t expose them. Didn’t anyone tell Uncle Owen that he’s not supposed to keep secrets or lie?” The little girl greatly accepted the cookie from Charlie and took a big bite, sipping on some more milk to help wash it down.

“No, it’s not a bribe. I’m giving you another cookie because you’re so tiny! I have to fatten you up if I’m going to bake you into a pie!” he joked as he tickled the girl. She laughed and dropped her cookie as Charlie attacked her sides and blew raspberries into her neck.

Even though Riley was 5”2 and her mother was short, Emerson seemed a little too much on the tiny side. She was still the height of your average six year old but she was thin and weighed very little despite the amount of food she ate. Her pediatricians worried that she wasn’t growing as healthily as the other children, but found no problems or illnesses within her. She was simply a late bloomer. It didn’t help that she was twice as smart as kids her age either, but Charlie made sure she knew that was something to be proud of. Both parents always told her that real friends would like her despite her differences and that being like the other kids is boring. 

“Seems like you two are doing fine without me!” the two froze in their act as they realized that Riley had walked into the kitchen. She smiled and grabbed the cookie off Charlie’s plate, sipping on his milk.

“Yup. Definitely pregnant. I guess I am getting a younger brother” Riley’s eyes were as wide as saucers and Charlie rolled his. She looked to Charlie for answers.

“Owen?”

“Owen.”

“Daddy? I think I’m ready to go back to bed” Emerson rubbed her eyes and hopped off the chair. Her mother smiled and gave her little girl a big hug, she couldn’t believe that Emerson would soon be 8.

“You and mommy go upstairs. I’ll clean up down here” Charlie gave both of his girls a kiss on the head before they retreated to Emerson’s bedroom. He began to pick up the plates and wipe the counter down, not bothering to wash the plates. He was supposed to be cooking breakfast for everyone in the morning, so he thought to wash their dishes then, but seeing as they were up so late, breakfast might be brunch. Just as he was putting away the milk and cookie jar, he heard soft footsteps rush into the kitchen. When he closed the door, he saw no one except a little red present box on the counter.

To Daddy

From Emmy

He smiled and carried the tiny box over to the bedroom. Riley was just tucking Emerson in, when he popped his head into the bedroom and shook the box. Emerson blushed and hid under the covers and Riley turned around seeing the box that Charlie shook.

“Is that where you went? I thought you were going pee!” her mother prodded, poking her daughter who was trying to hide. “Why are you hiding Emmy? There’s no need to be shy about it!”

“Did you know about this?” Riley shook her head no and peeled the blanket off her daughter. She hid her face in her hands, blushing a deep pink. “Emmy, come on, I wanna share this moment with you!” Charlie sat down at the foot of the bed and Riley sat beside her. Emerson lowered her hands from her face.

“Uncle Owen helped me with this when he babysat me last week” she smiled, avoiding eye contact. Charlie opened the box and instantly felt his heart grow big. Seeing his reaction, Riley peered into the box and understood the man’s reaction.

In the tiny red box lay a plastic guitar pick which had a picture from their wedding printed on it. It was a photo of the three of them, a stolen shot, between professional takes that encaptured their family’s dynamic. They were all smiling and laughing. It was Charlie’s favorite picture and it was his phone background. At the top of the pic was a tiny hole that connected it to a chain that he could wear around his neck.

“I haven’t been to daycare in a while, so I missed the Valentine’s day crafts. I’m going to a tea party with Aunty Savannah and mommy for Valentine’s day, but I didn’t have anything for you” Charlie opened his arms and beckoned for the little girl to crawl into his lap and hug him back. He rested his chin on her head and sniffed back the tears that had formed. “Did you read the back?” he pulled away and flipped the pick around.

Happy Valentine’s Day Daddy!

“Gosh Emmy, you are just so smart” he pulled the little girl in for another hug, a tear escaping his eye and he kissed her head again. “You didn’t have to do this Princess!”

“It’s my first Valentine’s day with a Daddy. Every year, the girls at the daycare got to have a Valentine’s day date with their Dads and would make them stuff at craft time. This is the first year I get to do it, so I wanted it to be special” she smiled up at him, happy that he liked the gift.

“I love it Emmy. I’ll never take it off” he placed it around his neck and fiddled with it again. Charlie really meant that he never wanted to take it off. Everything precious to him was represented on that pick. He made a mental note to thank Owen and probably not chastise him as bad as he wanted to before.

“Does that mean I get to spend Valentine’s day with the both of you?” Charlie and Riley shared a confused look, wondering where the question came from. Sensing their confusion, Emerson clarified her question. “Uncle Owen said that on Valentine’s day, you guys were going to play hide the zucchini, so he’d probably babysit me again. I thought it sounded like fun”

Cancel that. Charlie was definitely going to kill Owen.

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