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the-kittylorian-writes · 1 year

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"The Routine"

Type: One-shot

Pairing: Din Djarin x Omera

Rating: General Audiences

Summary:

Every morning, on the clock, Omera wakes up to make breakfast for the Mandalorian and his little green child.

(Written for Mandomera Week 2022, first prompt: “Memory”)

The Routine

It was certainly like clockwork.

Every morning for the past three months, Omera had woken up at nearly the exact same time, when the sun rays would hit the exact same spot on the thatched walls from her hut’s half-open window.

Under the dawn’s mild and glimmering light, Omera would make the bed, freshen up, go to the kitchens and make breakfast not only for herself and Winta, but for her two other guests (probably still snug in the barn, but she knew they would be up early as well). A small, content smile played on Omera’s lips as she diligently laid out her cooking, hummed as the kettle whistled. There was a brightness in her spirit that hadn’t been there for a long time.

She hummed some more, a little off-key, exhilarated as she arranged the steaming breakfast on the tray. It was almost muscle memory, like the ones she kept for survival, like when she first held the blaster rifle as she had been trained all those years ago, and she hadn’t forgotten.

This was a new kind of muscle memory, a new kind of path her steps took every morning, every single day, for three months.

Omera was about done with a dash of decorative garnish—would they like a little foxglove and a little thyme? A little bouquet of forget-me-nots? The green child seemed to love all those little purple flowers. When his small, green nose touched the blooms, he giggled and he sneezed.

The silver warrior would look at his son, and Omera could only pretend that she saw his own fond smile underneath the heaviness of his visor.

Her smile grew wider.

Omera continued to hum her placid song as she lifted the tray skillfully, effortlessly, as she had done so for seemingly countless days. Perfectly balanced, she strode down the stairs of her hut and into a clearing.

She was greeted with a series of “good mornings” and “lovely day!” as she made her way to the barn. She had steady and well-paced steps—and that was why she grew puzzled, indeed, when the early risers of the village whom she exchanged the usual pleasantries with were staring at her strangely, and some with visible amusement. Caben and Stoke, on the other hand, had their mouths agape as she passed them by.

“Good morning, Caben! Hello, Stoke!” she called happily, her tone belying her slight confusion.

“Uh, Omera…” Stoke began, but Caben struck him lightly on the shoulder and they both grinned innocently, and went on their merry way to the ponds.

What’s gotten into everyone? Omera wondered, suddenly doubtful—

And when she arrived at the barn, she froze on her tracks.

“Oh…”

She had never felt so embarrassed in her life… thus far. The heat crept to her face and a wash of melancholy hit her.

So that was probably what everyone had been trying to remind her about, but had been too nice to break the enchantment which was palpable in her gaze, in her gait, in the way she carried herself.

The barn was tidied up and empty, and there were no longer any traces of their Mandalorian guardian and his little boy.

They had already left. They’ve been gone since yesterday.

The village had even showered them with a warm send-off. How could she have completely forgotten?

Omera wondered how foolish she looked, just standing at the foot of the platform of the barn, staring at it as if she beheld it for the first time.

She was holding the tray of food proudly, ready to advance, to call out her usual knock knock by the threshold in permission to enter the Mandalorian’s territory. The man valued his privacy to the utmost.

But he wasn’t there. The baby wasn’t there—she could see the empty cradle from where she stood.

Stupid girl, she chastised herself. A great weight had tugged at her heart. She knew it was silly of her to feel tears forming in her eyes, but she’d taken a huge, deep breath, and the weight abated a little. The tears refuse to fall.

A full day had not even passed, and she’s already missing them so terribly.

“Mama?”

Omera was just about ready to turn heel and return to the homestead, a little angry with herself—she was half-thinking of just tossing the entire tray on the little kitchen sink, and she would find time for herself there, alone for hours, wondering how everything had suddenly changed in her world to a normalcy that refused to settle within her.

Her heart glowed for a beat and then it fell.

She found the source of the voice to be Winta, of course; she saw her little girl already inside the hut so that her small face peeked out timidly, sadly.

“Winta…” Omera softly called out. “Winta, get down from there, please. They’re… they’re not…”

She couldn’t finish. Her voice shook and for sure, Winta would pick it up.

“I know, Mama,” Winta replied with equal dolefulness. Omera flinched. Her daughter sounded so… lost. “I forgot that they’re not here anymore. I was going to give baby a kiss on the forehead before school. I always do that.”

Omera’s throat tightened. “And… and the Mandalorian had let you?”

Winta gingerly stepped out of the barn’s shadows and into the morning dew. The little girl gave her a barely perceptible nod.

“Yep. He’d said it was okay. He’d told me the baby liked it. I think so, too!”

Omera noted the brief burst of gladness in Winta’s voice. Omera sighed; she smiled.

“That’s very nice, sweetheart.”

Winta now was fully out of the hut and she was carefully making her way down the steps. There was a knowing look in the child’s eyes, and Omera wasn’t sure whether to meet her daughter’s gaze or to avoid it…

“You forgot that they’re not here anymore, too, haven’t you, Mama?”

Omera tempered a scoff, but it was useless. They’ve both caught each other red-handed. They would need to come into terms with the reality that their routine could no longer be.

The noble warrior and his precious child had left, now gone to follow their own path—for the father to protect the son, and the son to bring joy to his father’s heart.

Omera did find some consolation in the fact that Cara Dune had decided to linger a bit more, but after months in their village, the soldier within Cara had grown restless. She was, perhaps, miles away, back in the common house enjoying the rest of her early retirement.

However, a greater void was left deep within Omera’s heart caused by the absence of father and son.

“I miss them, Mama,” Winta openly expressed the sentiment stirring in both their souls. “I wish… I wish they didn’t have to leave.”

Omera couldn’t bear it, to see her own sweet child carry the burden of another loss. Winta may not have remembered her birth father all too well, but she had been very lucid when the Mandalorian was around. Omera’s heart had skipped a beat when she saw her daughter perpetually hovering over the Mandalorian and the baby whenever the man allowed her to. The warrior was a very patient, and an even very timid man, stoic but with a strange, beautiful softness Omera couldn’t put her finger on.

Winta stayed on the foot of the step. The girl looked back wistfully, and Omera was surprised to see tears roll down Winta’s cheeks.

Omera felt a plan brewing. She puffed her chest in resolution.

“My darling,” Omera said endearingly with a bit of intrigue. “I’ll tell you what: Since school doesn’t start in an hour, why don’t we both stay in the barn awhile?” She held up the tray of deliciously smelling food, to hopefully tantalize Winta, even when Winta had her own usual breakfast, one unlike a grown man’s and a baby’s.

Winta sniffed messily; she ran a hand over her face, but to Omera’s delight, she saw it—there, in Winta’s eyes, was a spark of happiness.

“We can pretend that they’re still there!” Winta offered, figuring out her mother’s plan. She recoiled a little, hesitant. “I know it sounds silly, pretending and all that…”

Omera laughed her musical laugh. “Well, only for now. Maybe for a few days, just to wean ourselves away from… from their presence. We can’t just suddenly go Cold Grinjer, can we?”

Winta’s smile had grown enough for her dimples to show. “No… going Cold Grinjer is a bad idea, Mama!”

****

And so it was for the days that followed—Omera waking up on the clock, the rhythms of her hands and her feet and her entire body flowing to the beat of her routine, as if the Mandalorian and the child were still there.

Sometimes, she would pray for their safety. Sometimes, she would sing—and her cheeks were on fire—as if she sang to him. Sometimes, she would be silent altogether; eyes closed in the middle of the task, she would imagine the sound of the Mandalorian’s voice, full and rich and kind, conversational yet gruff, succinct yet meaningful.

Then she would carry the breakfast tray to the barn and meet Winta there, all spruced up for classes during the weekdays, pretty teal ribbons adorning her wavy dark hair. Her daughter would smile, dimple-wide, and they’d set up the breakfast on the low wooden table where the Mandalorian set his food down sometimes. The Mandalorian had let Omera and Winta dally for a moment, saying he’d “eat later” as he fed his son as Winta would feed the child on occasion. He’d make sure that the baby ate a “balanced meal,” and invited companionship as he asked for some pointers on child-rearing from Omera.

Winta and Omera sat around the low table. Like small children in their fantastical realm, they’d re-enact their favorite scenes which they’ve both shared with the Mandalorian and the baby.

“Baby would be making a fuss there,” Winta recalled, pointing solemnly on the empty cradle, and she’d lift a glass of warm blue milk to drink. “Then I’d say, ‘Baby, you forgot to have your pudding!’” then the Mandalorian would take the bowl and scold Baby for neglecting his pudding…”

Omera giggled. The Mandalorian hadn’t really introduced his son by name, so in his usual gentle and patient (and amused) way, he let the village children name him, and the best they could come up was Baby. Not very creative, the children admitted, but very straightforward. And Baby seemed to appreciate it all the same.

One hour, every morning for the past week turned to two weeks… and then, to three.

Omera knew that this “make-believe” breakfast with absentee participants was finally reaching a point where it was no longer healthy. But Winta had been so wonderfully and eagerly obliging, and her daughter enjoyed it thoroughly as much as Omera did.

She had to break out a final reality check to Winta.

“We need to stop now, my darling,” Omera truthfully advised Winta, a note as well towards her own self. She kept her tone from wavering. “I think… I think we’re ready to move on. Don’t you think?”

Winta was silent for long moments, like a Sorgan sprite with her glimmering hazel brown eyes on her sweet face framed by soft, brown curls.

The child’s reply was barely audible, and her face grew forlorn. “Okay, Mama.”

****

Winta had begged for a compromise a few months later.

Omera was truly stunned at how the Mandalorian and the baby had such an encompassing impact on her daughter; there was still an unmistakable sorrow in Winta which needed appeasement. It wasn’t as pronounced as it had been when Omera first encountered it in her child, but at the end of the day, it was, after all, a compromise.

“We can celebrate the breakfast ritual,” Winta suggested—as they had christened their new routine—“like, one morning every other week. Like—like an anniversary, even when it isn’t—Oh, Mama! I’d like to celebrate Mister Mando and Baby once in a while. They did help us save our village…”

Omera held back a deep sigh of resignation. Winta had small, conniving ways to convince her every now and then, and this was one such event. And her daughter was right. The Mandalorian and Baby could—and perhaps should—be celebrated, even if it’s just the two of them: Winta and Omera, together.

The widow knew, in a flitting moment of profound sadness, that she had found the fiber in her being to move on, as she had finally lost track of time since the Mandalorian departed from their krill farm.

On the other hand, the village was indeed grateful, but they had all moved on more easily. Omera discovered, however, that they’d drink to the Mandalorian’s health once in a while, when an excess of good spotchka was to be had.

If the village celebrated in their own ways—and Omera couldn’t possibly have spotchka with little Winta yet!—she knew she had found a reason to agree upon a compromise.

Winta hugged her hard and peppered her cheeks with kisses.

One morning every other week: that was the arrangement. It wasn’t as stringent as the old clockwork, of course, but muscle memory was still intact—the swiftness of movements as Omera prepared the milk, the cream, the caf, the bread, the meats, and the baby’s pudding— and then a small vial of foxglove flowers and thyme blooms and forget-me-nots.

She worked with grace. And Omera knew, even when it was not meant to be—she worked with love.

It seemed like another dewy morning with its misty sun rays and birdsong. The night before, Omera thought she’d heard the soft rumble of a faraway starship in the skies. She blinked hard in concentration as she arranged the cream pot neatly at a corner of the tray.

It couldn’t be.

It’s never going to be.

She brushed all suppositions away and wore her small smile as she made a beeline to the barn where Winta was waiting.

The village looked happier, looked livelier as they greeted her with bigger smiles—and Omera thought, it’s great to be in a good mood…

She plodded on, tray balanced perfectly in both hands, as she had always done before the compromise, and she took one step up the barn platform, and another.

“Winta, darling, here’s breakfas—“

When Omera raised her eyes after she safely found her footing through the threshold—

She froze. Her breath had caught so tightly in her throat, she thought she’d suffocate where she stood.

Before her eyes could catch up with this unlikely turn of events, her ears had caught it first—the delighted giggle of Baby, and Winta’s ecstatic response in turn.

There, in the middle of the barn, was the Mandalorian.

He looked the same yet changed; he still wore the same silver armor, but there were new adornments on them, and Omera realized how much time had flown, and yet… now, at this very instant, it had reached a dreamy standstill.

The Mandalorian’s visor regarded her; the man nodded once, and with an audibly affectionate and playful lilt in his gruff voice, the Mandalorian greeted her: “Knock, knock.”

“Mama,” interjected Winta in overflowing excitement, adding very needlessly, “they’re back! Isn’t it too awesome? We don’t have to pretend anymore—”

Baby giggled and cooed and laughed.

Omera’s breath hitched further as she shot her daughter a look. She knew she blushed so intensely, and she couldn’t speak—

Then the Mandalorian chuckled. It sounded muffled under the helmet, transmitted by vocoder, and Omera was simply about to marvel at the sound of the man’s gentle laughter when—without as much as a warning, and perhaps, to surprise her so entirely that he probably got the reaction he wanted…

The Mandalorian had pulled the helmet off his head. He then cautiously set the shiny helm upon the low table.

Wait… wait… Omera thought in panic that morphed into bliss. What happened to their Creed… What happened to… ‘This is the Way’…??

Omera only saw the Mandalorian’s brown eyes, as depthless as a dark lake in calm afternoons, when she accidentally let the tray slip from her hands. It could have shattered noisily over the floorboards had the man not possessed quick reflexes and caught the disaster before it fractured into many pieces.

The Mandalorian may have said his name—his real name—and baby’s real name too, but Omera seemed unhearing as she rummaged through the caverns of her mind, so new memories can set up camp and stay there for years and years.

In that moment, she only saw the coy smile on his handsome face, and when she let out a sigh of disbelief and pure joy, Omera knew that the Mandalorian was committing her smile into memory, too.

*****

A/N: Want to support this fic on AO3 too? 💚 The link is here. TYSM loves!

#mandomeraweek2022 #mild mandomera #din x omera #the mandalorian fanfiction #the mandalorian fanfics #my works #my fic #din djarin #omera #sorgan #the mandalorian season 1 #and AU after the book of boba fett #the-kittylorian mandomera week fics

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jacks-tracks · 6 months

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Beaches and birds

Despite or perhaps because of the great heat here, i have been to 3 beaches this week. Temperatures have been 33 in the day(90 oldspeak) dropping only to 25 at night. A mild tehuantepc wind stirred from the south bringing big waves, so that when i went to Agua Blanca with Pete, Jill and Lorraine the tide pools were giant washing machines, swirling in breaking foam, then gushing out with terrific force over the sand bar. This made for a swift cruise downstream then a difficult standup. So difficult that i could only plant my feet and wait for the flow to moderate(it really never stopped) before wading out. I seriously considered if I were swept out to sea could I body surf to shore further down the strand.. There were no crocodiles visible, nor fish nor birds in the lagoon, largely because a net caster had muddied the waters.

The beach kitchen we were at had a good palm thatched palapa right on the shore with a 180 degree view up and down the coast., developed to the north btu empty for miles south Good shade and a good breeze. As usual the breakfasts were tepid eggs. I think they cook each plate sequentially, so that by the time the third is done the first is cold. Knowing this from past experience I brought leftover pancakes. and washed them down with a coconut. Some hammock time and good conversations then taxied back to Santa Elaina just in time to step into a van to Puerto. I hopped out at the Mercado and bought the biggest chicken breast I,ve ever seen, bigger than most whole chickens. The bakery had Polvorones, the closest thing a Mexican bakery can come to an edible cookie, and I bought 10, thinking to stretch them out over days. Hah!Ate 3 a day and they are gone!

Trying to get up earlier before the heat bakes the streets, and did get to manzanillo beach for some snorkeling and sand loafing. Palm shade, soft gold sand, a pareau to lay on and a book to read, pretty satisfactory. mind you by 11 AM it,s getting hot and the beach fills with tourists, so I climb the steep stairs and the long hill back to the highway. Home to shower and swim in the bath temp pool..ahh.

Had to get to my favorite beach Carrizillo, which is a perfect golden crescent at the bottom of a very steep hill, 160 cement steps, and a long way up! There was shade under the big sea grape tree, and while the sea was warm,the waves were big, over 40 surfers learning on the inside corner of the bay. I had to time my way out of the surf to coincide with a wave running up the beach over the dropoff. most beaches have Mexicans rolling in happiness in small waves, shrieking with excitement. Even the old Grannies wading in their black dresses get knocked down "accidently" and join in the mirth. Not so at carizzillio, swimmers only. Manzanillo was where Jan saved 2 people from drowning when they stepped over the drop off and had no idea of how to swim. We were lounging in the shade when Jan suddenly bolted down the beach and seal dove into the water. She,d correctly spotted their inexperience and panic and with powerful strokes pushed them coughing back over the drop off edge where they collapsed in fright. I,d not seen the crisis coming, but Jan saved them, receiving the utmost thanks from the anxious family.

All this beaching involves riding combis, the taxi trucks that run a regular route along the highway and indeed off into the hills to remote villages. 12 pesos this year, a 100% increase over 3 years. Flagging a combi is easy after you dash across the relentless traffic and casually wave a languid hand downwards. They stop in the most awkward of places, and sometimes climbing down onto the welded slippery back step is fraught with peril. Being a courteous folk, the locals always help old folks (not me yet!) in and out, passing clinging children and off loading everything from baskets of nopales(cactus leaves) to flats of homemade cake. I always say Buenas Dias as appropriate and true to their culture everyone replys the same. Some drivers a re cowboys running on the theory that the sooner you make the trip the sooner you can come back for more passengers, or maybe they just like speeding. Happily the highway is increasingly dotted with topes(speed bumps) and even the cowboys slow right down to save their trucks a hammering. Most drivers are sane, and all goes well. Traffic here has exceeded the capacity of the 4 lane road, all this increase in the last 5 years since the Carreterra was 2 lanes. The addition of traffic lights(surprisingly obeyed) have broken up the flow, but a t busy times there can be 10 minute backups , rush hour in Puerto!

Birds! Well i have no bird book, but over the years have noted over 100 different species. Most of them were in the Manialtepec lagoon where the migrant birds nest and feed. A surprising number are right here in the backyard where trees overhang the end of the pool. Grackles are common, as a re doves both big and small, pigeons, sparrows, and swooping turkey buzzards, while far overhead the frigate birds glide effortlessly never moving a wing. Recently it,s been small lemon yellow birds with black tail tops and wing bars. They are flighty and twitch their long tails like sparrows. They prefer the ficus tree that shades my cabana, picking insects off the leaves. That same tree often has hummingbirds zipping about, both the thumb sized all black one up to the light orange much larger birds with bright orange big bills. One tried very hard to pull off a trailing fig vine for nesting material. By the pool grows a leguminous tree perhaps 10 meters tall with newly setting seed pods that start pea green , then shade to pink and curl into a coil, finally turning bright red and spitting out brown flat seeds like lentils. Very popular with all the birds, both for the seeds and for the insects that gather there. Finally got a good look at a woodpecker, not the cactus nesting ladderback but a breeding plumage smaller bird with dun feathers and a yellow nape and a red mask. Busily pecking on the loose bark of a dying tree. The female lacked the red face but had the yellow nape in a more subdued shade. All this backyard birding is done while floating in the pool, gazing up at the trees. Good excuse for loafing in the bath temp water.

A neighbours neglected cat has adopted me. Very skinny black and white male, bit of a yowler, but very friendly Probably got worms and ear mites, but I,ll get meds and do a treatment This cat did not know what a raw egg was but did an impressive job chewing a chicken carcass down to a few big bones. Much quieter when fed! Now the cat has taken to lying on my doormat and waiting to be petted or better still fed fish scraps. The hotel has a don,t fed the cats policy, but this one is starving and I,m a sucker. No more squirrel raids on my fruit bowl since I have a cat. My kitchen is all outdoors under the big thatch roof that covers all the cabana, and night raiders were eating avocadoes.

Heavy rains at night . i got up to go to my outdoor bathroom and was puzzled to see the cement path between my cabana and the neighbours was running an inch deep in water. Just had a downpour! the rain helps break the humidiy but by 10 AM it,s sunny and hot. Not complaining, indeed things are going very well. Don't mind having to alternate hammock book reading with pool cooling, and with 3 full on fans I can watch netflics a t night and sleep without a sheet cover till dawn. More as it happens.

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fire-fist-ann · 3 years

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The F/O game

@cyborg-franky tagged me in this so i,m going tag @cipher-p0

The good : 5 things you love about your f/o and what they love about you/OC

The good

1; I love how he just radiates the sun , if i was ever feeling sad i just know he could cheer me up

2: His smile it is the most precious thing !

3: how much he loves food which means lots of trying new recipes together or places to eat at on islands

4: his jokes how he can make joke at any given times which never fails to make me laugh

5: hugs! and physical affection hugging him is like being curled up next to a fire place that sings you praises

1: i love her cooking , thatch is a good cook but i prefer her cooking anytime

2: she is always there when my narcolepsy hits and just takes a nap with me after making sure i,m not failing off the ship or anything..not that I've done that..maybe a couple times

3: she is my biggest fan , will shower me in kisses if i even look sad , and always tells me how amazing i am to her

4: she's so cuddly especially during winter and wont let go and pout

5: her eyes they remind me of little green gems , but cause you can tell how she's feeling by her eyes

The Bad:

1: impulsive , he dosnt think before he acts

2: can be to hot headed which leads to big fights sometimes

3: how sturbon he can when he convinced he is right

4: the dinning and dashing , we get in so much trouble from marco every time

5: how easy it is for him to pick a fight with any person

1: her self hate when she thinks she isnt good enough for me or can be a part of the crew

2: how impulsive she is , she dosnt think she just does what she feels like

3: sometimes gets jealous

4: wont share her food , come on as a boyfriend it is my right to share food with her

5: cant back down from a challenge even if she knows its impossible

look ace is a really werid guy

The Weird

1: His whole childhood living with mountain bandits is just werid

2: his grand father being garp that was more of a shock

3: how he joins the crew by trying to kill pops the first 100 days

4: when him, haruta , and thatch get together , no good can come from it

5: the sheer volume of food the man needs to eat

1: How unwilling she is to share any of her dumplings , she will stab someone

2: plays connects the dots with my freckles to pass time

3: when she tries to play match maker on the ship it just ends up weird

4: how fanascited she gets over ruins

5: how bad her sense of direction she , she gets lost easy and i have to find her

thanks for the tag i loved this!

#self insert #self ship #portgas d ace #portgas d ace x reader

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pops-and-kids · 3 years

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Below is a birthday short I wrote for @mushroomgrenade who runs @ask-wbp-b! I’m late to posting it (SORRY MUSHROOM CKWEMNKFSDHG) both the mun and muse share the same birthday, so it’s a combined gift! Enjoy! (HAPPY late BIRTHDAY MY DUDE)

B looked out at the water. The evening was calm, the waters lapping gently at the side of the ship below. The sky was ablaze with oranges and reds as the sun bid the world good-night on the horizon. The only sounds for miles were the laughter and cheers of her brothers from the deck. She would be having a cigarette right now, if Jiru hadn’t confiscated them earlier. A hand on her shoulder pulled her back out of her thoughts and back into the moment.

Thatch gave her a wide smile.

“I was wondering where our special gal went! We can’t have a party without the birthday girls approval!” He said.

B huffed at that. Yes, big parties were sort of the norm for the Whitebeards, but she still felt a bit weird that they would set a day aside for her instead of just adding her to the list of clumped birthdays at the end of the month. She wasn’t a commander, but they still treated her on her birthday like this.

“You didn’t need to go overboard this year.” She said.

Thatch pouted dramatically and leaned down to her level. He clasped his hands together and looked at her as if she had just told him the saddest thing he’d ever heard.

“But it’s your day!” He exclaimed. “We’re supposed to have cake! And games! And booze! And all your favorite foods! You can spend the night with someone--geh!!”

B slapped her palms on his cheeks, a tick mark appearing on her forehead.

“What was that last one?”

“Nothing! Nothing!”

B gave another small huff and squished his cheeks in her hands. Thatch made a wine of displeasure but made no move to back away. Sometimes she wondered why she loved this dumb little brother so much, but he was always quick to remind her with those bright eyes.

“Really, it didn’t need to be this elaborate.” She said.

Finally releasing him Thatch stood up straight, his trademark smile returning instantly. He laughed off her aggravation and continued to ramble about what they had set up for her. It was all too much, just for her. She loved her idiot of a brother, but she really wanted to bonk him on the head. Birthdays were important to her, but her own wasn’t as big of a deal as the others made it out to be. She was only their dimension jumping sister who could see into the future and glitch out, nothing special about that. Totally.

Realizing Thatch had stopped his chatter she looked up at him again. He looked extremely happy, like it was his big day instead of her own. Her brother leaned down and took her hands into his own and beamed down at her.

“I’m really happy we can do this for you. I know being in the spotlight isn’t something you like, but we all want you to feel appreciated! Come on!”

He held her hand and pulled her along as they walked to the kitchen. B offered no resistance and cracked a smile to her family as they passed, they were all happy smiles aimed at her. It was slightly uncomfortable, but easily ignored. Thatch pulled her into the mess hall and released her hand finally, rushing into the kitchen. He yelled someone to the cooks while B stood awkwardly at the counter, before he reappeared with a bowl. Anticipation rolled off him in waves as he gave it to her. The man was practically vibrating as he watched her.

“Try it! It’s the same as last time, with a few differences.”

B didn’t need to ask what it was. She knew exactly what was in the hot bowl in her hands: a meal from her home. No matter how many times Thatch made it for her or she herself tried to make it, it never came out just right. He never gave up though, and it charmed her. He really wanted to give her a taste of the home she missed, even if it had taken years of trying.

Taking a sip she let the flavors swirl around her mouth, warmth spreading across her body. It was delicious! Though she expected none the less from Thatch. It brought back memories of her old home, the good and the bad. But it was still missing….something. She had long accepted that some things from her world simply did not translate into the world of One Piece, but that didn’t mean she was going to dissuade her brother from trying.

Looking up she met his eyes and smiled.

“Still not close, Thatchy.” She said with a shake of her head.

Thatch’s smile gave way to disappointment. The poor man had really tried, taking all her notes into consideration for this batch, but it still wasn't quite there. B gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“It’s still amazing though. I really like this.”

Her brother perked up at that. It may not have been perfect, but few things ever were. They spent some time in the kitchen with B testing and giving greenlights to foods, Thatch practically vibrating at her approval. The two chatted until Haruta burst in, accusing Thatch of hogging the birthday girl and cuddling up to her side.

“Come on, B! We can’t start the party without you!” They said.

She didn’t get a word in edgewise before they grabbed her arm like a child and dragged her along.

“I’ll see you in a little!” Thatch called after her.

In the time they had talked the sun had completely gone, stars taking its place. The deck was packed with people. They had already broken out the alcohol, but considering no one was red in the face or laughing uncontrollably they weren’t going heavy on it. All of them were waiting on her to start them off. Haruta smiled excitedly as they pulled her in front of Pops’ chair. Rubbing her arm she tried to scold Haruta for yanking her along so hard, but the rumble of her fathers laugh drowned some of it out.

B looked up at him, silently asking for help since she would not know peace for hours tonight. Pops only smiled, love in his and peace in his relaxed form. She sighed internally. No amount of mental preparation was going to help being bombarded by loving idiots from all sides. Behind her Haruta took in a deep breath.

“Hey everybody! She’s here!” They yelled at the top of their lungs.

There was a beat of silence followed by an uproar of cheers. Smiling faces all around greeted B. The commanders, who were scattered around the deck among their family, came to the front of the crowd next to Pops, joy coming off them in waves. B put on an awkward smile, holding two thumbs up to everyone to hide how uncomfortable she was with all eyes on here. Thankfully, it only lasted a moment before the fourth division came out with the main course of food and started filling the tables up.

“It looks like the party can begin.” Pops said.

And it began with all the energy you could expect; Music blaring from the front of the deck, caring all the way across the ship, barrels of beer draining in minutes, games and dancing. The first to approach her was Vista. Her brother laughed and twisted his mustache, leaning down comically far to get somewhat close to her height.

“I believe this is the first time I’ve seen you all day! Not hiding away, are we?” He teased.

B gently bonked him on the head, returning the smile.

“No, I just knew I wouldn’t be able to take a single step without being ambushed by someone.” She said.

The two laughed and Vista gave her a pat on the shoulder, heading off to get drinks. Next was Namur, who quietly placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled.

“Happy birthday, B.”

“Thanks, fishy.” She said.

She reached up and ruffled the raven locks on the top of his head. He didn’t move to dissuade her. Namur wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer, nuzzling their cheeks together before letting go and taking his leave. Blenheim and Blamenco were next. Blenheim kneeled down and scooped B up, letting her sit on his arm like a perch.

“Happy birthday! We missed you at lunch!” Blamenco said.

“You were a ghost all day!” Blenheim chuckled.

B felt a twinge of guilt, now having a few commanders call her out. But they knew her habits, she didn’t like things to be all about her, despite the end result being the same.

“Hey you’re seeing me now. I could still go back to my room and leave you all?” She said, raising her eyebrow mischievously.

“No!” Both the men cried in unison.

She laughed and patted both of them on the head. They made brief chatter, some inside jokes and glee about the day. Blamenco joked about his pouches being sore from carrying all the gifts, promptly earning him a soft bonk for pushing his devil fruit too hard. It was a bit before she was set down and they two went off to join Vista at the drinks table, their smiles filling B with warmth.

Curiel would have burst onto the scene next--but there being no fireworks put him in a grand mood. B giggled softly and patted his back. She appreciated him holding back from the light show for her day. Fireworks always made her stressed, no matter how often they used them. Curiel setting aside explosives seemed like a miracle to the crew, but he did it for her and that’s what made it a big deal.

“If I didn’t love you so much I would have snuck up on you with a party popper by now.” He said.

“Pfft I’d knock your teeth in if you did that.”

“Yeah but it’d be funny. For a bit.”

Fossa came over, once Curiel had finished hogging B’s cuddles. The man chuckled and scooped her up not unlike Blenheim had earlier.

“Even the weather fancies you,” He said, “Third year without a single cloud in the sky on your birthday. Starting to get suspicious.”

They laughed. For a conversation starter so mundane Fossa and B had quite a bit to talk about. Simple things they both could ramble about to one another as if it were the easiest things in the world. They talked for so long Rakuyo had to make his presence known, going unnoticed behind them for an embarrassingly long time.

“Uhm, I think it’s my turn with the B?” He said, anxiously.

Fossa looked back at him, choking back a laugh.

“Kid that sentence has way too many connotations.”

“Oh fuck off!”

B wheezed at the red tint that dashed across Rakuyos face. Fossa never missed a beat, did he. The taller commanders chuckled and set her down, giving her a pat on the head and a soft ‘happy birthday’ before heading off. Rakyuo looked miserable and thoroughly embarrassed, B couldn’t help laughing some more.

“God, you’re so easy to mess with, Raky.”

“I should have stayed in bed. Fuck your birthday, I’m out.”

She smiled and opened her arms invitingly, tilting her head with soft eyes. Rakuyo sighed and slumped into her, putting all his weight on his smaller sister. B gasped and leaned back, straining at how sudden and heavy that was.

“Raky I swear to fuck-” She croaked out from under him.

Rakuyo finally let up, standing up properly and hugging her back. He laughed a little at the redness of her face.

“Sorry I almost crushed you.”

“‘Almost?’”

They had fun with their back and forth banter. They poked fun at each other, telling jokes and watching some chaos unfold across the deck as a barrel was knocked over. A bunch of their poor brothers slipped and fell, taking some others down with them as they tried to stop their fall.

After some time Rakuyo took his leave, letting B finally get her drink. She had been talking for so long she felt incredibly grateful to the cooks for making sure she wasn’t left with scraps by now. A nice plate was set aside, just for her, with all the best things and a large mug of good alcohol. She sat down next to Pops, who was chuckling and tapping his foot to the tempo of the current song. They sat quietly, few words shared in comfortable silence. There was no need for a long chat after all.

The last to approach her was Ace. The boy looked very shy as he came over, a small box in her hand. B raised her eyebrow at him.

“Hey, the gifts go on the gift table.” She said.

The look of Ace's face immediately made her backtrack.

“But, uh, I’m not doing anything if you wanna give it to me now!”

Patting the open spot next to her she gave him a smile.

“C’mere, buddy. Let me see!”

Ace plopped down at her side and handed the small box to her. He looked at her with wide eyes, brimming with anticipation. Tearing the thin paper B was greeted with a single brown box, two letters ‘RF’ stamped on. Opening it she was taken aback. Inside was a white rabbit's foot, speckled with small patches of black fur on the back. It was quite small, the top covered in silver with an intricate design of dashing and swirls like leaves.

“I uh,” Ace started, “It means good luck, and even though you already have a lot of luck a little more wouldn’t hurt?”

B looked at him. The kid was looking at her like he was the dumbest son of a bitch across the seas, anxiously waiting for her response. She smirked, taking the charm out and holding it.

“It’s nice, Ace! Looks like it’ll fit on the action of my gun.”

“Yeah! I got it just for that! Or you could hang it somewhere in your room!”

Pops glanced over at his two children. The sight of the two most guarded people he’d ever accepted, talking at if they’d been friends for years, filled him with pride. With his signature laugh he stood up, taking his cup of sake with him. The crew paused and looked to their captain and father. Pops gave them a smile and lifted his drink up.

“To B’s birthday, and her many years to come!”

“AYE!!”

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roronoa-swords · 3 years

Text

Cop and Thief

Smoker x Portgas D. Ace

Fandom: One Piece

Genre: Smut with a lil angst

Timeline: Modern AU!

Pairing: Smoker x Ace

Request: For Op-Law from wattpad. You can also find this story there under the name Da3Stuges. I share an account with two other amazing authors💚

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

"This is the second time Portgas. When are you going to learn that doing arson is illegal?" A white haired male snarled with an irritated look on his face.

"C'mon Smokey, when are you gonna lighten up a bit? It's the 21st century, stop being so...old." The man named 'Portgas' said as he laid his head on the table.

Smoker let out a deep sigh before he uncuffed the man. "Just-...." The older man breathed. "Just get outta my sight Portgas. If I see you in here again, you're gonna regret it."

"Oh I'm soooo scared!" He mocks. "See you later old man!" The ravenette said as he ran out of the police station. Smoker's assistant, Tashigi only stood in pure, agitated disbelief.

"Why do you keep letting him go Sergeant Smoker? He's only gonna cause more trouble, not only for you, but for the entire GPD! We have to go get him!" The navy haired woman with red glasses perched on top of her head complained.

Smoker sighed. He was asked -and told- the same thing every single time. Smoker waved her off.

"Stand down Tashigi. Portgas acts like any other old reckless youngster, there is no need to get rash." Sergeant Smoker seriously needed a break. He already gained a headache trying to apprehend Portgas. He didn't need this extra addition. But, it seems Tashigi didn't get the memo.

"But sir! Portgas D. Ace is the eldest of the infamous ASL brothers! Those three terrorize any store they find! And just for food?!?! He's also allies with Whitebeard and Roger! He needs to be apprehended immediately before his entire posse raid this whole town!" The woman screeched as she tried to get her point across.

"I said stand down cadet!" He barked. "I am aware of Portgas' affiliations, I am aware of his younger brothers, and I am very much aware of the consequences of him continuing to run free." It's like the people in this damned department didn't understand.

"Please stop rambling nonsense around my head and move on from this subject. To be quite frank, I'm done with Portgas and his case. So if you want to capture him so bad, why don't you go and do it?" Smoker sneered as he has gotten fed up with Tashigi and her screeching.

"But Sergeant Smoker-.." She tried to reason but never got to finish her sentence. Smoker upped and left the room.

"Damned people. I don't know how many times they want me to repeat the same words over and over again." He grumbled as he stomped his way to his office.

"That damn brat is growing on me. Without him, these calls won't be challenging at all."

He sighed, entering his office. Sitting down on the slightly worn out chair, he gazed upon his achievements that were mounted on the wall.

'Soon, I won't have a job if I keep this up.' He thought with a sigh. This whole situation was troublesome.

Suddenly, a knock was heard.

"Enter." The tired male spoke. He waited to see who would be on the other side of his door. Surprisingly, it was Monkey D. Garp, the retired chief of police. Smoker stood up, as a sign of respect.

"G-Garp-San," He hesitated. "To what do I owe this visit? More so, why have you came to visit me?" Smoker was puzzled. Why was the greatest chief of police that ever resided in this town, here in his office?

Garp stood as strong as ever. Dressed down in his white button up and some white dress pants.

"Well, Sergeant," Garp began. " a little birdy...more-so...your assistant Tashigi, seemed to be in distress. I asked her, and she told me that you keep letting a certain freckled faced fellow go." Smoker kept his composure, but inwardly groaned. That woman could never keep her mouth shut.

"Mind explaining why you are releasing my grandson only to capture him again later on?" Garp questioned as he looked at Smoker with curious amusement.

Smoker stayed silent. It wasn't that he didn't know how to answer the question, it was more of him in denial.

"To be honest with you Chief...I'm not sure why I do that." He said scratching the back of his neck. A sign that Garp picked up from past visits, indicating he was nervous.

"Portgas brings...life to the chases we do-" Smoker paused. "him and his brothers." He continues. "So taking them in would diminish all the fun." Garp stared at him for a minute before answering.

"But you do know that even if they do rob stores for food, they have very strong and dangerous allies." He stated. "Ace with Whitebeard and Roger, Sabo with Dragon, and Luffy with Shanks. Not to mention they have their own crews. For example, Luffy and his Straw hat brats." Garp concluded as fixed Smoker with a stare.

"Though I am assuming- and hoping that this isn't the case-" Garp straightens to his full height. "Could it be that you are starting to harbor feelings for the brat?" Garp asked.

The male in question thought about the elders statement. 'Do I like Portgas? No....no I can't do that. There's no way. Unless...?' Smoker thought as he racked through his brain for answers.

Garp sighed. "Well, I've got to go. Even though they are criminals, they're still my grandkids. However, they are gonna get a rude awakening when I return back home from the holidays." He said with a menacing smile as he cracked his knuckles. He looked at Smoker then smirked at him before exited out of his office.

'That was weird.' The white haired male said as he lit up a cigar. He sat down and took a puff. He sighed out a breath as he wondered.

'What am I going to do?'

(Ace's POV)

"LUFFY! ACE! LET'S GO!" Sabo shouted. We just raided one of our favorite restaurants. We dodged a couple of frying pans, cutting boards, and a few stray eating utensils along the way. We finally arrive to our usual little hiding spot. We're here just until things die down, then we normally make our way home. Fuck I'm tired. I focus on catching my breath as Luffy starts laughing.

"Shishishi~ I got all the meat!" My idiot of a little brother exclaims.

"Lies! I got some meat too- and I aint sharing so don't give me that face." I said as my straw hat wearing brother pouts.

"You idiots argue for the most simplest things," Sabo rolled his eyes. "it's unbelievable sometimes." He sighed as he looked down in embarrassment.

"WHO YOU CALLING AN IDIOT, BARBIE DOLL?!?" I snap.

"EH!? YOU WANNA FIGHT?!" Sabo shouts back. Oh ho hooo I am not backing down bitch.

"BRING IT ON YOU SMURF!"

Sabo and I were head to head and I could see the electricity between us. "Shishishi~ usually it's me and Ace or Ace and Smokey." Luffy said as he munched on a bag of chips.

"Speaking of Smokey, he always catches you and then lets you go 5 hours later. Wanna explain?" Sabo said as he looked at me with a smirk on his face. I felt my cheeks heat up as I look the other way.

"There's nothing to explain. He catches me, we talk, then he lets me go. Nothing else." I mumbled, hoping Sabo wouldn't press into the situation more.

"Judging by your face I think you have some attraction for him." Apparently, he didn't get the hint or he got it and just didn't care.

"Ugh just drop it Sabo. Even if I DID like him there is absolutely NO POSSIBLE WAY Oyaji or that old bastard would approve." I sulk.

Sabo walks up to me and grabs my shoulders. "Wouldn't approve of what? You being gay?"

"Hmm? Oh, No, I told them my preference before and they didn't have a problem. I think they wouldn't approve because of who I chose to like. Remember," I sigh. "He's a cop. I'm a thief. Not to mention my stupid old man. It isn't gonna work."

I turn away from him as my shoulders droop. 'Besides..I think he likes that little assistant of his...despite how annoying she is.' I thought as a I succumb to my inner thoughts.

"Eh, Ace, I know you're worried about their opinion, but, if you really like him, you gotta face your fears and tell him. Rejection is always better than regret." Luffy said with a serious expression.

Sabo and I looked at him shocked. He tilts his head in confusion. 'Luffy....has a brain?' I stare at him.

"What? Is there something on my face?" He picks his nose.

'Well nevermind he's back to being an idiot.' I sweatdrop.

"Well, we should get going. Thatch needs to cook the food." Sabo said and as soon as he did, Luffy and I race back to the house.

"Hey! Wait for me! Guys!" I hear Sabo shout.

~timeskip brought to you by Marco chasing Ace around in a pineapple tank top~

"Why...did you guys..run of like that?" Sabo panted as he finally caught up with us.

"You've gotten slow Sabo..need to fix that." I say as I smirk mischievously at him. He pales at my sentence and begins to mumble something before Luffy's voice is heard, shouting so the whole block hears him. "WE'RE HOME!"

He then turns towards us, "Let's go, I want FOOODD!" and dashes inside.

Sabo and I stare at him for a second before his words fully register in my mind. "DON'T EAT ALL THE MEAT LUFFY!" I shout. I dash inside, leaving Sabo in the dust.

"Thatch! Marco! Oyaji! How are you guys?" I ask as we all sit at the table. Well Oyaji stood, but that doesn't make much of a difference.

"We're fine." Thatch hummed, "-but mind telling why you got captured today?" he questions as he glances behind him, amused.

"Oh, um...how'd you know about that?" I laugh nervously with an uneasy feeling in my chest.

"Gurararara~ We know everything around here, brat. Did you forget already?" Oyaji says, with his signature laugh.

I facepalm because of my stupidity. 'Of course Oyaji would know the smoking Sargeant.'

"Shishishi~ Ace got captured by Smokey! But their fight was..weird." Luffy's shine like literal stars as Thatch sets a plate full of meat in front of him. "Weird like how yoi?" Marco spoke, leaning on the table with a lazy smirk.

"They were saying weird stuff to each other. Like when Ace said that if Smokey has this much energy fighting, how much energy would he have in-" Luffy didn't get to finish before I shoved a piece of meat in his mouth. "OKAYY," I chuckle nervously, "we don't need to hear anymore a that, right Sabo?" I force a smile, praying that Sabo would be on my side.

Sabo looks at me before smirking. 'Oh no'

"I don't know, Ace...you were kinda..touchy with him today." He teased. "Any reason why?" I look at him with the most hateful gaze ever, but he just brushes it off. 'Damnit Sabo! You're gonna make Oyaji kill him you overgrown barbie doll!'

Everyone at the table looked at me with a face of interest. Even Izo, Vista and Haruta.

'When the hell did they get here?'

The only one who didn't had a readable expression was Oyaji. 'Fuck...he's gonna kill me'

"Were you flirting- with Sergeant Smoker, Ace?" Izo questioned me with a large smirk on his rose colored lips. Before I even had the chance to answer, the overgrown, knock-off barbie doll on the right of me spoke up.

"Flirting? It was like watching sex happen in front of my eyes-" He didn't get to finish as I slammed my fist on top of his head.

"Damnit Sabo! Are you trying to get me killed?!" I yelled as I stood up from my seat, meat on my plate forgotten.

"I mean you needed a push and I'm there to help." He winced as he rubbed the top of his head. Before I said anything, I was cut of again.

'Why the fuck do I keep getting interrupted!? I'm running out of patience.'

"Ace.." Oyaji started as he looked at me with a glare, some haki leaking through. "Are you interested in this...Sergeant?" He finished. The whole table went down in silence and Sabo looks away from me, I don't have to look at him to know he feels full of guilt.

"No Oyaji.....what gave you that idea?" I say, not looking at Oyaji in the eye.

"Ace..you know that relationship will not work. He's a Sergeant, a cop," He emphasizes. "...and you. You're a thief." He says firmly, staring into my being.

"Your relationship is gonna end up in two ways. One, he continues to set you free after every chase and loses his rank- or worse, his job-"

'I don't want to be the reason he loses his job.' I clench my fist.

"Or two, you get caught and thrown in jail." Oyaji speaks. I know what he's saying. I know what he's trying to get into my head.

"Either he's gone or your life is over."

'I know the risks....I know I don't have a chance. But why does it hurt so much hearing it from you, Oyaji?'

I thought as I bit my bottom lip.

"Honestly," He grunts. "I don't care who you date. Your father, however, is the problem." I tch. That stupid old man.

"You know he has issues trusting the police. Ever since the incident with your mother." He continued. "Of course she's alive and well, but he almost lost her, Ace. He almost lost you.

I put my head down in shame.

'I knew it. They wouldn't approve. They wouldn't accept it. Damn it.'

"I know that Oyaji..that's why I said I don't like him you know." I bark a laugh. It sounded so mechanic that Luffy had stopped eating.

"...Sabo and Luffy were just messing with me." I say flashing a pained smile, a vain attempt to seem unfazed.

"Ace.." Thatch calls. I don't answer.

"Well, that settles that. I'm going to be in my room. I'm not hungry." I slide the plate over in between Sabo and Luffy, signaling that they can have my share.

I walk out of the dining room and head to my room. 'Nothing is ever fair anymore.'

I open the door to my room and slam it closed, locking it behind me. I huff. For fuck's sake.

'I need to cool down...I don't need another lecture from Marco about burning holes into my bedroom walls again.'

Shuffling around in my room, trying to calm down- though I'm unsuccessful-, something clicks.

What if....?

I rush and throw on a shirt. I don't bother to button it up cause why not. Opening my window and climbing out, I breathe in slight anticipation.

'Maybe he's on duty tonight...'

(Sabo's POV)

I watch Ace leave the dining room with a hurt look in his eyes. 'I over did it.' I can't help but think. Pops sighs before he took a sip of his sake.

"I know the brat likes that Sergeant and frankly, I would like to see them together, but Roger wouldn't allow it."

Ah, speaking of the devil. Said man enters the house with Aunt Rouge and Uncle Rayleigh following behind him.

'Just how many people live here?' I sweatdropped.

"Ahaaa Newgate! Pass over the sake you old geezer!" Roger exclaimed, dismissing the tense atmosphere in the room. 'He either doesn't notice it, or he notices and doesn't care. Probably the latter.'

"Gurararara~ Go get your own, this one's mine." Pops said as he hogged up the rest of the sake on the table.

"Aww cmon, you drinked the rest of the booze ya old bastard." Roger complained as he took a seat next to Pops.

"For an old man he really asks like a kid yoi." Marco mumbles. "Tell me about it, and I'm married to him." Aunt Rouge added as she put two fingers on the bridge of her nose.

"Oiii!" Roger exclaimed with a pout. 'He really is a man baby'

"Roger.. Rouge.. there is something we need to...discuss." Pops says as his smile drops.

Sensing the tension in the room, Roger stopped smiling and gave a blank stare. "About what Newgate?" He questioned. "It's about Ace." Pops said.

As if the room dropped below freezing point, Roger gave Pops a ice cold stare as his haki started to leak out.

"What happened to my son?" He asked as he stood up. Marco and Thatch stood next to Pops just in case something happens.

'Now I see why Ace doesn't tell you things, Roger. You're overprotective.' I thought as I made my way over to Luffy.

"Nothing happened to him Roger..." Oyaji paused. "He's just.....experiencing feelings for someone, is all." Pops concluded.

Roger visibly relaxed and smiled "Then what's the problem? You got me all tense for nothing!" He exclaimed as he laugh, but Pops only chuckled. "Ah but wait, he's interested in an officer. Down at the GPD, there's a smokey Sergeant that's caught Ace's attention." Pops said

Roger's smile disappeared and was replaced with an angry scowl almost immediately.

"Absolutely not. There's NO WAY I'm letting my only son date an officer. After what they did to us?! No way." He said as he threw his hands up. Roger only looked away in anger and slight disbelief.

"If I may ask...what happened exactly yoi?" Marco questioned. Though, this is the first time I've seen Marco flinch when someone answered his questions.

'Now I reallyyyy understand why Ace don't tell him anything.'

"When Rouge was pregnant with Ace, I was on the run from the government. I was caught and my execution was planned, but they didn't go through with it." He started. "Because it was unsafe, Rouge was forced to hold Ace for 20 months. Thus causing his birth to be heavily delayed. When it was time for Rouge to give birth, I broke out of the prison they kept me in."

As Roger talked, I could feel the raw hatred, and bits of Haki begin to pour out into the room. ~To be continued~

#anime #portgas d ace #gol d. roger #smoker #modern au #straw hat luffy

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thetravelerwrites · 4 years

Text

Monster Match #21: Astomi

The Traveler's Masterlist

For @moonlightreetops: Appearance: Mortal Woman, Pfp is me(straight brown hair, almond hazel eyes), short, scared, with sevral tattoos. Personality: INFJ, Cancer, loud, protective, generous, and I have a snort laugh; definitely a hugger. Therapist friend and proud. I believe I was born cursed to always be polite and kind to everyone. I'm not naive to the trouble I can get into this way but I still cant help myself. Oh! And I cry with every movie and sad commercial. It's annoying.

Hobbies: Hosting D&D, Collecting macabre things, Responsible Social Distancing. Likes: Roadtrips, Pretending I'm more fond of the outdoors than I actually am, Forest Paintings, My Nerd Family, Opposoms. Dislikes: Heights, Bugs, Cooking, Cockroaches (listed separately from bugs because I will panic cry)

Ideal Partner: Someone whose more grounded than I am but at the same time is understanding of my struggles and won't berate me for them. And preferably a monster who wont leer in my windows. (Still have fears of that from my childhood monsters) NSFW & SFW welcomed. My orientation is Pan. So you are free to throw whatever you like at me.

You’ve been matched with an Astomi!

Originating in Greek and Roman mythology, Astomies, also known as the Gangines, are an ancient legendary race of people who had no need to eat or drink anything at all. They survived by smelling apples and flowers. Megasthenes, a historian and Asian Indian ethnographer, located them at the mouth of the river Ganges. They are described as being hairy and having no mouth. When traveling, they would carry roots, flowers and apples to smell. They could die by smelling a strong, unpleasant smell.

There was a forest reserve near your home that you frequented to draw and paint. There was a section of it that was strangely green all year round, and you weren’t sure why. None of the trees were evergreens, so the hidden grove should have lost leaves and turned grey like all the greenery around it in the winter, but it never did. You never went into it, and you never saw anyone near it. It was just an oddity no one knew anything about. Lots of people said it was haunted.

The more logical minded people claimed there was a hot spring somewhere in the grove that kept the trees green, but that it was toxic to people, which is why no one ever went there. Though, that didn’t make sense to you. If it was toxic, why were there flowers and birds? The wildlife seemed unaffected by whatever odd supposed toxin existed in the grove.

It had struck your interest more than once, but you never went in. You loved ghost stories, but you weren’t necessarily keen on being in one. And the threat of a toxin was enough to keep you from venturing in.

Though, one day, as you were wandering close, you heard a mournful whimpering, as if someone were in pain. Your worry about ghosts and toxins flew out of your mind as you ran into the grove, looking for whatever was making the sound.

“Hello?” You called. “Is someone there? Are you okay?”

“Please!” They called. “Can you help me?”

“Yes,” You said, pushing past the thick foliage. “Just hold on, I’m coming. Keep talking to me so I can find you! What’s your name? How old are you?”

“Geras!” They said, coughing. “I’m ninety-eight seasons!”

“Seasons?” What was ninety-eight divided by four? “So you’re twenty-four?”

“I suppose,” They said. “But we don’t measure time that way.”

“We?”

“The people of the grove,” They said. “My family and I.”

“Wait,” You said, untangling yourself from a tree. “People live in here? I thought there was a toxin in the air that killed people.”

“What?” They actually laughed, which turned into a hacking cough. “No, of course not.”

“What about the ghosts, then? Are they real?” You asked with a laugh, but you were met with silence. “Geras? Geras! Keep talking.”

“Hurry, please,” Geras said, their voice hoarse. “Please.”

“Almost there,” You said. You finally managed to fight your way through heavy branches and dense underbrush and into what looked like an apple orchard. There were all sorts of apple trees there, and in between a copse of heritage apples was a person laid between the rows, unmoving.

“Geras?” You called. You couldn’t see much of them beyond the long brown hair all over. You could only tell that they were tall and gangly.

Next to them was a bag that stank to high heaven. At first you thought it could be poisons, but you looked inside and found a litany of gross hunting sprays: skunk essence, liquid ass, insect repellents, deer musk, and the like. The odor was so strong that it made you gag.

“Is this the problem?” You asked, breathing through your shirt. They nodded weakly. You weren’t surprised. It made you feel woozy, too. “I’ll get rid of it and come back to check on you, okay?”

“Yes, please,” They gasped.

You fought your way back out of the grove into the dead winter forest, back to the hiking trail to find a trash receptacle. It took nearly thirty minutes to find one, and another twenty to return to the grove. By the time you got back, Geras was not there. Worried, you followed the row up to a house.

The house was… old. Very old. So old that you couldn’t even determine what style or era it was from. It was tall and square, made of rough brick and thatched roof. There seemed to be no windows, but the entire front wall was open and had a rolled up flap that closed that side from the elements.

From the open side, you could see people moving around, hurried, almost frenzied, and you called out to them.

“Hey!” You said. “I’m looking for Geras! He… or she.. or they passed out from some garbage that got thrown in here. Are they okay?”

They all stopped and turned to stare at you from the shadow, and it was then you realized that there was no lights or electricity. There wasn’t even a power pole or lines anywhere nearby.

“Are you the one who helped Geras?” One of them asked. They had a feminine sounding voice.

“Yes,” You said. “Are they okay?”

“She’s not well,” The speaker said. “I am her mother, Foteini.” The woman came down and out of the shadows, and you took a step backward.

She was covered from head to toe in fur, except for her face, which was hairless, but possessed no mouth. Her eyes and nose were very large, however, and her silvering hair was long behind her.

“What are you?” You asked, your voice a little shaky.

“The people of the grove,” She said, her voice not coming from any sort of mouth, but rather from all around her. It wasn’t like telepathy; you could actually hear a voice in your ears, but it seemed to emanate from all over her. “Do not be frightened. We are gentle people.”

There were three other people there in that stepped out of the darkened interior, a black haired creature like Foteini and two much smaller ones the same color as the mother, likely children. They clung to the legs of the taller, black furred creature, seemingly frightened of you.

“Will Geras be okay?” You asked haltingly.

“I don’t know,” The mother said. “She inhaled much of the fumes from those poisons.”

“Is there something I can do to help?” You asked.

“You’ve already done her a great service,” Foteini said. “We would not have been able to help her, if we had found her, and if she had laid there longer, she’d likely have died.”

“Why?” You asked. “That stuff stank, sure, but it wasn’t technically poisonous. Not inhaling it, anyway.”

“We live on the aromas of nature,” Foteini explained. “Flowers, trees, fruit. Those sustain us. Pungent, unpleasant smells, like that poison you disposed of, are toxic and potentially fatal to us.”

“Oh,” You said, daunted. “Is there something that could help speed her recovery?”

Foteini thought. “Roses. They are among the most fragrant things that exist in nature, but we haven’t been able to grow them here in many years. Could you find some?”

“Yeah. Yeah! I… I’ll be back!” You said, and dashed back out of the grove before they could stop you.

You got out of the forest, dropped off your painting stuff at home, and went to a plant nursery.

“Do you have any rose plants?” You asked the clerk.

“Well, yes,” The clerk said. “But it’s too late in the year to plant them. If you want to grow from seeds, though, you can plant those now. I can sell you some seeds and give you a guide.”

That’s too long, you thought to yourself. Geras needed the roses now. “You know, I’ll take it, but I’m in a hurry.”

“Uh… alright.”

The clerk packed up the seeds of several types of roses and a guide for each, and as soon as you had them, you sprinted to a flower shop. You purchased a large bouquet of the finest, freshest, most aromatic red roses, and while it took a chunk out of your bank account, you didn’t want to run the risk of buying some that were less than perfect in fear that they wouldn’t work.

It was nearing sundown when you returned to the grove, and Foteini seemed surprised to see you.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d return,” She said. “Humans tend to stay away from this place.”

“I brought the roses,” You said, gasping for breath. “And some seeds to plant.”

“This is… most generous of you,” Foteini said. “Please, come inside. Night is approaching and you don’t want to be in the forest after dark. There are far less benign creatures out there than us.”

You shivered and followed her inside.

Geras was lying on a pallet in a far room, her breathing labored and raspy. Foteini began to lay out the flowers around Geras’s head, arranging the flowers around Geras’s head in a circle.

“Breathe deep,” Foteini said soothingly, rubbing Geras’s chest like a mother would for a sick child.

Geras made an effort to take a deep breath, but it sounded pained. However, after two or three tries, her breathing eased and eventually, after about an hour of tense waiting, she was able to breath without struggle. Foteini relaxed, and so did you.

“You should sleep here tonight,” Foteini said. “And eat as many apples as you want. We owe you a great debt.”

“I’m just glad I could help,” You said.

You fell asleep almost immediately after eating, having been exhausted by all the running. When you awoke, there was a new bushel of apples sitting next to you, and next to that was Geras, watching you sleep.

“Oh,” You said, sitting up and rubbing your eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m much better now,” She said, smiling with her large green eyes. “Thank you for everything.”

“Of course,” You said with a self-conscious laugh. “You gave me a scare.”

“I’m sorry,” She said. “I know humans aren’t used to us.”

“No, I mean almost dying like that,” You corrected her. “I mean, I was a little startled, I’ll admit, but you guys seem nice.”

“You’re nice, too,” She said, continuing to smile.

“Thanks,” You said, starting to blush under the weight of her stare. “I, uh… I should get back, I have to go to work later today.”

“Of course,” Geras said, standing in a fluid movement and holding out a hand to help you to your feet. “Though… I hope… you’ll come back to visit?” She held out one of the roses for you to take.

You smiled at her, your hands still clasped. “I would like that very much.”

To get your own Monster Match, buy me a Kofi!

Since my work is no longer searchable, please do me a favor and reblog this story if you enjoyed it. Help me reach a wider audience! To help me continue creating, please consider becoming a Patron or donating directly to my PayPal.

Thanks for reading!

My Masterlist

The Exophilia Creator’s Masterlist

#Exophilia #Monster Match #Reader Insert #Astomi #Greek Mythology

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desirexwolf · 4 years

Text

Night Before Christmas

Summary: Christmas had always been a quiet affair for the Parkers and when Peter met Tony Stark, he didn't think anything would change about that. Tony proves him wrong.

Word count: 2951

This is my entry for @irondadsecretsanta! I wrote this for the amazing @whumphoarder, happy holidays. <33

Winter had always been Peter's favorite time of the year. Ever since he could remember, December was the time of fairy lights, hot chocolate and May's burnt Christmas cookies. Ben would take Peter to pick out a Christmas tree and all three of them would decorate it afterwards. His uncle always picked Peter up to put the star on top even when Peter was already a teenager.

And then it was just May and Peter.

They spent their first Christmas after Ben's death in a diner down the street after May burnt the turkey, both of them silently wiping away tears. Neither of them really was in the Christmas spirit.

After that, May tried to give Peter a proper Christmas every year. The weeks leading up to the holidays she would take countless double shifts in the hospital to afford at least a Lego set for her nephew. It was different from what they were used to, but they made it work.

When Peter met Tony Stark, he didn't think anything would change about that.

But after the whole showdown with the vulture, the two of them got a lot closer than either of them originally anticipated. Peter regularly went to the compound for upgrades and after a while, he would spend whole weekends with Tony tinkering in his lab.

They didn't spend Christmas together, but they got each other presents and for New Year's Tony even invited him and May up to the compound.

Barely half a year later, Thanos invaded the earth. Then Titan happened.

When he woke up, five years had passed and Tony almost lost his life defeating Thanos. And now, December 23nd, he is sitting in the Stark's living room, surrounded by fairy lights in each corner of the room when a little thatch of brown hair comes rushing in and barreling into his legs.

"Petey!" Morgan climbs up on the spot next to him with a serious look on her face, skipping the greeting to focus on more serious matters. "Gerald needs a bell."

Peter grins. "Oh yeah and why is that?"

"Because someone's got a little bit too deep into the Christmas spirit while shopping," Tony calls. He enters the living room with a bag so huge he has to use both arms to carry it and drops it onto the dining table with a huff. "Isn't that right, Madam Secretary?"

Morgan just giggles.

Peter picks her up and walks over to Tony, sparing a glance into the overflowing shopping bag. "Jesus, how much did you buy?"

"Don't ask me, I just paid for the stuff. But someone else here was very convinced we could not celebrate Christmas without these," - Tony pulls out a box with obnoxiously white and pink Christmas balls - "very beautiful Hello Kitty decorations."

Morgan hides her face in Peter's neck with a mischievous smile and presses her cold nose against his skin. He wraps his left arm around her waist so he can look through the bag with the other hand, pushing through numerous fairy lights, candles and Christmas balls.

"Well, I don't see a bell," Tony quirks an eyebrow at him and Peter shrugs. "The Chef said Gerald needs a bell and I do agree. He does need a bell."

Tony scoffs. "You're supposed to agree with me here, you know?"

Peter just smiles while Morgan throws her arms around his neck in a strangling hug.

"Unbelievable, betrayed by my own blood. Savages, both of you." Tony says and wraps his arms around his daughter, pulling her away from Peter and tickling her sides.

Morgan squeals loudly and wiggles out of Tony's grasp. She slaps his hands away when he playfully jabs her side again. "Can I go look for Uncle Happy?"

"Sure you can. But don't talk him into Juice Pops before dinner, Mom sees everything, you know that!" Tony calls after her, but Morgan was already dashing out of the living room in search of her uncle.

Peter stifles a laugh and Tony turns to the teenager, clapping a hand down on his shoulder. "Yeah, laugh it up. Don't think I'm letting you off the hook, you'll help me unpack all of that."

Peter whines, but starts to take the decorations out off the shopping bag and throwing them onto the dining table. He's at his fourth packing of fairy lights when he speaks up. "Not to judge but, uh, where do you plan to put all of that?"

"The basement," Tony picks up a ginormous, fluffy elk with a Santa hat and examines it with a skeptical frown. "Pepper is going to have a fit when she sees all of that stuff, so let's pick up the pace, kiddo."

Peter grins, but keeps unpacking silently.

To be honest, Peter enjoys the overbearing Christmas spirit the Stark's have going on. And that does include all the unnecessary Christmas decorations, so he actually doesn't mind helping Tony unpack everything. Peter just hopes that May will think something similar when she joins them on Christmas Eve instead of finding it too overbearing. She was at a staff training in New Jersey over the weekend, which is why Happy had picked Peter up from school and brought him to the lake house to spend the days leading up to Christmas there.

"- Hey, kid, you listening to me?"

Peter jerks up, blinking at Tony. "Sorry, what? I- I didn't catch that."

"Yeah, I noticed," Tony smirks, but his smile is soft and his eyes held a fondness that was reserved only for his kids. "I asked how your Spanish exam went. You tired, kid?"

Now that Tony mentioned it, Peter realizes that he was tired. He had been generally exhausted for the past two weeks, but between finals and patrols he had paid that not a lot of thought. Now that he could relax, the ache in his bones became unpleasantly obvious.

"Worn out from finals, I guess." he admits sheepishly.

Tony nods and walks around the table to Peter. "Yeah, you look it." he mutters, running his flesh hand through the teenager's hair. Peter makes a sound of protest but it quickly dies down when he leans into the comforting touch. He reminds Tony of a kitten. "You wanna catch a quick nap before dinner? I got the rest of this. And

don't worry, I'll cover for you with Madam Secretary."

Peter chuckles quietly, feeling drained all of the sudden. "You sure?"

"100%. Now go before I change my mind." Tony says and gives Peter a gentle push towards the hallway before turning back to the dining table.

Peter just gives him a mock salute in return.

He can hear Morgans‘ enthusiastic chattering outside when he walks down the hallway to his room and closes the door behind him, blocking out the noise. He shuts the window for good measure as well and pulls the curtains closed before crawling under the covers. Peter falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.

It’s already dark outside when Pepper comes home from work. Tony had thankfully managed to clear all evidence of their Christmas shopping, stuffing most of it into already overbearing corners in the hope that his wife wouldn’t notice that way.

Morgan had claimed the hideous elk they bought as hers though, dragging both Happy and the stuffed toy into the living room to play while Tony prepared dinner.

After hearing his wife greet Morgan and Happy in the room next door Pepper joins Tony in the kitchen, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Where are you hiding Peter?”

“In his room, catching up on sleep before dinner.”

Pepper hums and leans over her husband’s shoulder to peek into the cooking pot. Tony turns around, putting his hands on Peppers waist and gives her a kiss to greet her properly.

“You’re just trying to keep me away from your chili, aren’t you?” she grins up at him, wrapping her arms around Tony’s neck.

“Well, is it working? It’s the only thing I can cook, you know.”

Pepper just chuckles quietly before going in for another kiss.

Tony breaks the embrace first, picking up the wooden spoon from the counter and holding it out to his wife. “Don’t let the food scorch while I go and wake Peter.

He hands the spoon over to Pepper and sticks his head into the living room to tell Happy and Morgan that dinner’s almost ready before heading down the hallway to

Peter’s room.

Tony stops in front of the door and knocks. “Peter,” he calls out. “Dinner’s ready.”

When he doesn’t receive a response, Tony huffs and opens the door. Unsurprisingly, Peter’s room is immersed into darkness, lights shut off and the curtains drawn. It’s only from the faint light in the hallway that Tony can see the bed and Peter, completely hidden under his comforter.

Tony makes his way over to him and peels the blanket away from the heap that is Peter. Woken up from the sudden movement, the teenager blinks up at him owlishly. “Good morning, sunshine,” Tony says and sits down on the edge of the bed. “Dinner’s ready. You want to try and emerge from your cave?”

Peter groans. He sits up and rubs his eyes, curls falling loosely into his face. “I slept. Why am I still so tired?”

“Burden of being a teenager, huh?”

Peter just glares at him halfheartedly and Tony pats Peter’s calf through the blanket. “C’mon, chop chop. Dinner’s getting cold.”

With a sigh Peter moves to get up from the bed and Tony waits until he’s on his feet before leaving the room.

In the kitchen Pepper was already serving the food while Morgan’s sitting at the table. Morgan beams as Tony enters room and he blows a raspberry on her cheek while passing by her seat. She giggles, but is already distracted when Peter shuffles into the kitchen.

“Petey”, she cheers and Peter tries to smile. “You’re awake!”

If you can call it that, Tony thought. In the bright kitchen light the kid looks the worse for wear, two shades too pale and deep bags under his eyes. But even though the kid’s obviously exhausted, he still tries to keep up his banter with Morgan and sits down beside her.

Tony keeps up conversation with Pepper during dinner, she tells him that Happy had to leave before dinner because he was needed in town, but he can’t help glancing back at Peter every now and then. He’s barely touching his food and when everyone else is already finished, not even half of it is gone.

“Didn’t you like it?” Morgan wonders loudly, suspiciously eyeing Peter’s plate.

Before Peter can response, Tony chimes in. “Morguna, why don’t you go in the living room and pick out a movie we can watch,” he gets up and loops an arm around Morgan’s waist, picking her up. “That sound like a good idea?”

“Yeah!” she cheers and Tony presses a series of kisses onto her cheek before she runs into the living room.

Pepper had already begun to collect the dishes and Tony quickly jumps in to help her with dish washing. Peter now gets up as well, bringing the last bowl over to the sink before asking if he can help out.

“Oh no, sweetie, I’ve got it covered.” Pepper assures him with a smile.

Tony goes to ruffle Peter’s hair, but halts when he comes into contact with his skin. He runs his hand through the kid’s hair until he can cup the back of his head and holds Peter in place to put his lips onto his forehead.

Peter balks, but Tony doesn’t pay that any attention and instead moves back with a frown and replaces his lips with a palm to the cheek. “You’re warm.”

“What’s going on?” Pepper asks over the running water, turning her head over her shoulder.

“Kid’s coming down with something.”

“I’m not,” Peter protests, moving back so he’s out of Tony’s reach. “I’m just tired, okay? Finals were exhausting and- and patrols just take longer now because apparently no one got the memo that you don’t do crimes on Christmas and-”

“Woah kid, hey,” Tony interrupts Peter, putting his hands down on his shoulders. “It’s fine. Let’s just take it easy tonight. C’mon, we’re going to sit down on the couch, I��m sure Morgan needs help picking out a movie.”

He guides one hand down to the small of Peter’s back and steers him towards the living room, but not before throwing a subtle look over his shoulder to Pepper. She looks after Peter concerned before catching Tony’s eye and giving him a meaningful look.

Tony gets Peter settled on the couch and tellingly, Peter lets Tony manhandle him for the most part. He’s just opened out a blanket and places it over Peter when Pepper joins them and sprawls out on the seat next to Tony, pulling Morgan into her lap after she chose Nightmare Before Christmas for them to watch. Tony snorts at the irony of that.

Peter curls up onto the couch, rearranging the blanket until it covered most of Tony’s lap as well before putting his head on Tony’s shoulder. Tony moves his arm around Peter and runs his hand through Peter’s curls, discreetly pulling out his phone to check Peter’s temperature.

He rarely uses FRIDAY these days, but for occasions like this he still had her installed in the lake house. Tony didn’t need her to power the suit anymore, so she was more of a convenience than anything else.

Peter’s temperature sits around 99.8 and while that wasn’t exactly a fever, it was an elevated temperature. Tony frowns as he looks down at Peter, brushing hair away from his forehead.

“What?” Peter suddenly asks, almost slurring with tiredness, and looks up at Tony blearily.

“Hm?”

“I can feel you starring at me,” he mumbles quietly to not distract Morgan from her movie, closing his eyes again and cuddling into Tony’s chest. “S’creepy.”

Tony snorts in amusement and lowers his cheek onto Peter’s head. “Go to sleep, kiddo.”

“M’kay.”

Sometime during the movie Morgan had moved to lay on both Tony and Pepper’s laps, snoring quietly and outstretched like a starfish which, to be honest, was pretty impressive given the little space she had. Pepper was leaning against his metal arm, playing with Morgan’s hair in her lap while Peter was asleep on Tony’s chest

Tony was drifting off himself when Pepper leans in. “I’m going to bring Morgan upstairs and then go to bed,” she whispers. “You want me to wait for you?”

Tony glances at Peter, then shakes his head. “No, it’s okay.”

“Alright.”

Pepper gives Tony a goodnight kiss before lifting Morgan up into her arms. She stirs but doesn’t wake and Pepper carries her out of the room, giving him and Peter a

soft smile before closing the door behind her.

When Peter wakes up the next morning it’s to a splitting headache.

He opens his eyes with a low moan, blinking until his vision clears up and realizes that he’s, in fact, not in his bed. He’s sprawled out on the couch, curled up to Tony with his head on the man’s chest.

Tony’s still asleep so Peter tries to sit up without waking him, but as soon as he moves pain shoots through his head and he flinches, letting out an involuntary groan.

“Peter?” Tony asks groggily, propping himself up onto his elbow. But as soon as he sees Peter, grimacing in pain, he sits up abruptly and puts a hand on Peter’s back. “Hey, kid, talk to me. What’s wrong?”

“Headache.” he croaks out and Tony puts the back of his hand to Peter’s forehead.

“Shit. Friday, temperature.”

“102.4° Fahrenheit, boss.” the AI answers and Tony pats Peter’s shoulder in sympathy, the teenager whining quietly.

Tony gets up from the couch. “Sit tight, kid.”

He disappears into the kitchen and Peter falls back onto the couch, curling up around a pillow and squeezing his eyes shut.

He must have dosed off again because he startles at the sound of the curtains being pulled shut. When he opens his eyes again, the room his comfortably dark and he watches Tony sit back down on the couch holding pain killers and a glass of water.

“Here,” Tony hands both over to Peter. “How are you doing? You feel like eating?”

“Not really.”

Peter takes the painkillers and drinks about half the glass of water before he puts it down on the coffee table. Tony’s not taking his eyes off him, face set into a worried frown.

“C’mon, say it.” Peter sighs.

“Say what?”

“That you were right and told me that I was coming down with something beforehand”, Peter settles down against the back off the couch and Tony moves to sit beside him. “I’m ruining Christmas.”

Tony ducks his head to meet Peter’s eyes. “You’re not ruining anything, kiddo, okay? I’ll take care of you and you’ll be fine by tomorrow, just wait. We'll make it work, I promise.”

Tony puts an arm around Peter and pulls him back against his side. Peter cuddles up to him again, resting his head on Tony’s chest while he pulls the blanket back over Peter. “You just rest now. I’m not going anywhere.” At the end of the day, Peter is still sick on Christmas Eve. He's running a decent fever and Tony dotes on him like a mother hen, making him broth and massaging his scalp to try and ease the headache while Morgan brings him Juice Pops he can't eat because he's nauseous. He wouldn't have it any other way.

My very tiny, very cute taglist of very tiny, very cute people (let me know if you want to be tagged for future works): @baloobird @toomuchtoread33 @fourleafchloe @gabesgoldwings @starbirks @yepokokfine @thatmarvelstan @autisticbabynurse @crytallized @mysterio-is-a-little-bitch @sbiderman-ironcan @iron-damn

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my-muses-in-op · 3 years

Text

Whitebeard telling dad jokes

Whitebeard: What did the ocean say to the beach?

Haruta: I don't know.

Whitebeard: Nothing. It just waved.

Whitebeard: Have you heard about the chocolate record player?

Thatch: No?

Whitebeard: It sounds pretty sweet.

Whitebeard: What has more letters than the alphabet?

Marco: I don't know, yoi.

Whitebeard: The post office!

Whitebeard: How do you make 7 even?

Izo: I ... You take one aside?

Whitebeard: Take away the s.

Whitebeard: Where do boats go when they're sick?

Ace: To the shipwright?

Whitebeard: To the boat doc.

#the world's strongest man (whitebeard)#the blue phoenix (marco)#dashing cook (thatch)#deadly flower (izo)#little gremlin (haruta)#hotheaded brother (ace)#dad jokes #the commanders aren't amused #and now ace will go around telling dad jokes to everyone #the crew will suffer from this for a while

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thetakenpokemon · 4 years

Text

Act 2 - The Outside World

[Time: Present Day] [PoV: Yinomi]

Although it has only been a day since we’ve left the isle, I already feel myself being in high spirits. Although a change of scenery is incredibly refreshing, the biggest reason...is the food.

Currently the three of us are gathered around a firepit we made within a clearing. The freshly killed and cleaned carcass of a Sawsbuck lays speared over it with the use of several sharpened branches, cooked to perfection - with my own fire I might add.

We do have plenty of food on the isle. There’s an abundance of trees that hold a variety of fruits, countless vegetables and root plants, and other miscellaneous edible plants and herbs. For those who require meat in their diet, there’s quite a bit of fish from the surrounding ocean. Wild game or any other meat? That is something we don’t have on the isle.

So when we found a Feral Sawsbuck while making our way to the town, it was only natural that the first thing in my and Miyako’s mind was to hunt it. Miyako killed it before it ever had the chance to react, ending its life with a swift slash to its throat after a giant leap.

Although I would never admit this in the open, I must agree that one thing that Miyako has over me is her impressive speed.

My fangs dig into the leg of the venison, uncaring about the grease that’s dripping down my chin. I can find a stream to wash myself later. The biggest priority right now is to enjoy this very rare delicacy~

Across the firepit I see Miyako currently tearing into her own piece, already getting down to the bone. With a loud gulp she turns to Iniko - said Medicham who is silently sitting to the side.

“Hey, want some?” The Lopunny asks, wiping her face with an arm before gesturing to the meat in the center.

Iniko doesn’t respond verbally, but instead gives Miyako a deadpan look before gesturing to her own face with a hand - or more specifically, her lack of mouth.

Miyako smiles awkwardly. “Oh yeah, right...”

So much for being in high spirits... I roll my eyes at her cluelessness. Although most cases I would add a remark, my mouth is currently full.

“It’s okay, Miyako.” Iniko sighs. “Regardless, I already got my fill from the previous stream we found. Its energies should last for the rest of the trek.”

“I still keep forgetting that you ‘eat’ by absorbing energies from running water.” Miyako muses as she takes another bite into the venison, before continuing speaking with her mouth full. “Do you ever miss normal food?”

Swallowing my bite, I give the Lopunny a glare. “You have the decency of a child, Miyako. Speak only when you don’t have food in your mouth.”

In response, the Lopunny gives me the middle finger before chewing slowly with her mouth open, looking me dead in the eyes.

I let out a growl at this, a puff of purple fire escaping from the large maw hanging behind me.

“It’s not any running water that I get my energy from!” Iniko speaks up hastily, trying to divert the subject back in order to stop the forming feud. “It has to be something like a stream or river, however the most fulfilling is from the ocean itself.” She laughs awkwardly. “And even though I have thought about it, I only miss normal food...occasionally. But absorbing energy from water is a fairly different thing compared to standard eating, and in some cases I’d say it’s much more satisfying and filling.”

Her attempt at drawing our attention away from each other ended up succeeding - mostly at least, since my anger towards Miyako has died down to something more along the lines of simple irritation.

“Huh, that’s pretty cool, actually.” Miyako comments, thankfully saying said thing after swallowing her bite of food. “But I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’d ever give up the chance of eating meat! It’s just so damn good~”

I couldn’t resist the opportunity. “Even though you never ate meat before you became a Bearer?” I point out with a smirk.

She glares at me. “Hey, just because my biology was different before, it doesn’t make it any less different now.” Her free clawed hand clenches. “You saying that my opinions mean less due to the fact that I was-”

“Why don’t you both finish eating so we can be on our way sooner?” Iniko speaks up in a serious tone before giving me a glare. “Because right now we are kinda using up precious time.”

“Hmph, very well.” I snort before resuming my feasting.

Miyako holds her glare on me, but ultimately decides to drop the subject as well. “Sure, whatever...”

---

After finishing our meal and cleaning ourselves up, we’ve resumed our travelling and actually made very good progress towards the town. As of currently the forest we’re in is already thinning, thus meaning that we’re getting close.

“So Richard Dick is located just outside this forest?” Miyako asks to no one in particular, her arms crossed behind her head.

“It’s...called Richmond.” Iniko slowly replies, trying to contain her own laughter. “And yes. Outside the forest is nothing but grasslands along with a big river. Richmond is built beside said river, which I assume is where they get a good source of their food. The place is fairly hilly as well, but we should be able to see the place the moment we step out of the woods.”

I’m currently just staring at Miyako. To confuse ‘Richmond’ with ‘Richard Dick’... Feeling the energies coming from her, I knew it was intentional, so the only reason I can think of is...

She looks at me, a smirk quite plain on her face.

Yeah, she’s definitely doing this to annoy me. What makes it worse is the fact that she’s succeeding.

“Speaking of which, we’re very close!” Iniko speaks up, drawing my attention away from the infuriating dragon rabbit and towards the path in front of us.

As the Medicham said, the forest ahead seems to stop short. After we pass through, the scenery ahead of us changes drastically.

Before my eyes are nothing but rolling hills of green. The landscape is covered all over with deep emerald blades of grass, and scattered among the earth are several late-blooming flowers. The sky is relatively clear, leaving a rich blue to properly compliment the scene, making it almost seem like a work of art.

This...is definitely nothing like our home isle, where it’s nothing but forest.

“Whoa...” Miyako says in awe, voicing my own thoughts as well.

“That...truly is quite a sight.” Iniko agrees breathlessly.

Seeing that this alone is enough to make all of us catch our breath? I seriously need to speak with Xiomara once we return. We really are missing out on a lot of things by staying on that isle for so long, I’m sure that the others would be more than happy to see something as simple yet beautiful as this.

“And there it is!” Iniko shouts, pointing into the distance with a finger. “The town is just ahead!”

Having my gaze follow the direction she’s gesturing, I do indeed see several buildings just poking out from the hills.

“Last one there has to volunteer to be part of Seikani’s next experiment!” Miyako laughs before dashing towards the town, each bound of her feet causing earth to spray into the air as her form propels itself across the hills, not unlike that of a living bullet.

“Miyako-” Iniko starts to shout before sighing. “Great... Hopefully she won’t cause too much of a problem before we get there.”

I instead grind my teeth together. “I swear... If she causes any sort of trouble before we arrive, I will make her regret it.”

Iniko looks at me nervously. “Uh, well...Hopefully it won’t come to that, let’s hurry and catch up to her!” She says hastily before running after the Lopunny.

With a growl I follow suit, images of me thrashing Miyako flashing in my mind.

---

It took us a good several minutes before we reached the town. Besides my violent thoughts involving Miyako, the first thing that came to my mind is to say that it looks rather...quaint.

Thatched roofs, walls made of wood boards or logs, smooth dirt roads... It...definitely reminds me of the buildings I used to live in before I became a Bearer of Reshiram’s Power. The only difference in this town though are the lampposts scattered around the place, each of them housing a glass jar with an unlit candle inside.

Placed around the square of the town are various stalls, Pokemon of all shapes and sizes selling food and supplies that you’d only find in a place like this. Seeing that this is a small town in the middle of nowhere, I quite doubt that they actually use any normal form of currency.

...Not that we have any to begin with. Probably something we need to discuss with Orabelle and Zenoclio when they pop by for the next meeting.

Another thing I notice involving the various townfolk is that...well, they’re staring at us.

“I see Miyako.” Iniko whispers to me, gesturing to the side.

My gaze immediately turns to the direction, my face transforming into a scowl. Said expression quickly dissipates once I see what Miyako is doing.

Currently she’s sitting on a wooden bench, surrounded by children. From my current distance I can’t tell what’s exactly going on, but from what I can assume? She’s...merely talking with them.

As the two of us approach her and get closer, we discover that she’s answering the various questions they’re asking her.

“-so you’re part Zekrom?! Do you have lightning powers?!” One of them eagerly asks her.

“Sure can! Watch!” She laughs before pinching two claws together, causing a blue spark of electricity to arc between the two appendages.

The collective young audience immediately let out a chorus of ‘Oohs’, ‘whoas’, and ‘wows’, completely enraptured by the simple display.

Noticing us approaching, Miyako dispels the energy before waving at us. “Ey, ‘bout time you both came here!” She turns to the children before gesturing to us. “And here they are~ These two are the sisters of mine that I told you about.”

One of them raises their hand before asking, “They’re your sisters? But they don’t look anything like you!”

“Sisters are merely something we call ourselves. We’re not directly related.” Iniko answers their question gently.

“Why do you call yourselves that?” Another child asks.

This time I speak up, albeit in a guarded tone. “That...is something we can answer for another time. Do your parents know that you’re speaking with strangers?”

Collectively they all start looking at each other nervously, but eventually one of them does speak up. “Yes...?”

Even without my Reshiram powers that allow me to detect deceit, I can fully tell that they’re lying due to their obviously guilty face and tone.

“I would best advise that you go to them, otherwise you will get in trouble.” I respond flatly.

Although there were a few scattered protests, a stern glare was enough for them to scatter.

“Killjoy.” Miyako complains before standing up from the bench.

“We’re on a mission, Miyako.” I growl at her. “There’s no time for this.”

“Hey, I was merely waiting for you guys.” She shoots back with her own glare. “Not to mention there’s no harm in talking with people. I mean, I interact with you guys all the time. It’s actually nice to talk with someone that’s new!” She turns to Iniko. “No offense, that is.” She turns to me. “In your case? Full offense.”

My eyes twitch.

“Can you both...not?” Iniko hisses angrily, visibly controlling her tone. “Like, not here? In public? Where everyone is watching?” She tilts her head both left and right, drawing our eyes to the surrounding townsfolk.

Who are staring at us...and also murmuring to themselves.

Taking a sharp breath, I let out a sigh. “...Understood.”

Miyako rubs the back of her head sheepishly. “Yeah yeah... Understood.”

“Good.” Iniko sighs, relieved. “Now I recommend going around and asking about the phenomenon. If you find anything of importance, come back here.”

“What if people asks questions in turn? Like about us?” Miyako speaks up.

Before I’m given the chance to say anything, Iniko quickly responds. “If they have questions? Feel free to answer. Obviously hiding our identity isn’t much of a priority here.” She brushes a lock of blue hair over her shoulder. “Not to mention it’d give the people here a chance to become more familiar with us, which should help us in gathering information.”

Miyako gives a thumbs up. “Gotcha~”

“So if there’s no other questions, let's split up?” She half asks half says, looking at the both of us.

“Yup~” The Lopunny chuckles before turning and walking away.

I merely nod and choose the opposite direction Miyako went, leaving Iniko behind to select her own path.

Interacting with the populace of the outside world, huh? This...is definitely gonna take some getting used to...

#yinomihattram #miyakoloprom #inikomedifini #plot

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marcoacesabo · 5 years

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Pizza Pie of My Eye

For the Anon that asked for “Pizzeria worker Ace who meets businessmen Marco and Sabo”. I’m so sorry I accidentally deleted the ask when I was trying to press edit. But here I hope you like it.

Under a read more since it got supper long

When Ace was ten years old he marched down the mountain to Foosha Village intending on asking Makino for manner lessons. He had it all planned out. He would learn how to properly thank people so he could show Red-Hair Shanks the right amount of respect.

After Sabo dying, Ace realize how grateful he was for the pirate saving his little brother. If he hadn't there would be a very big chance Ace would never have met Luffy, leaving him alone when Sabo was no longer with them. That would have been hell.

Luckily he did have his crybaby brother and it was the only thing keeping him sane those few months where he would turn to his left expecting his best friend’s input in the conversation. And finding it hollowly empty instead of the bright smile with a missing gap.

He did not expect to find the lovely barkeep- she was so pretty to him. As a child, he thought she was the prettiest person to ever live- over stress with rush hour. She was running back and forth, attempting to take orders, run the bar and cook at the same time. A boat of merchants had stopped at the village port, a common thing seeing the port charge in little Foosha was much less compared to the one in the city. It wasn’t that far of a walk so they park the ships in the little village and carry everything to the bigger market place.

The men upon that ship were much less understanding of her hurried apologies for being understaffed. They wanted their orders quickly, making snide comments to hurry.

Ace and Luffy had jumped in to help, allowing her to cook the food and run the bar while the two boys waited tables. Yes, they did end up breaking more plates then delivering to tables but it was fast paced and a little fun.

Luffy got the men to lighten up with his cheerful demeanor and Ace was able to weave and wave through the tables. He never thought being in a bar could be fun, but oddly it was. Sure some of the men made him want to break their faces but balancing the plates while dodging the various merry making keep him on his toes.

Once rush ended, Makino had taken them to the side. She gave them a bright smile, a warm thank you (causing Ace’s cheeks to burst red) and a nice little sack of coins for the three hours they help.

That was the first time anyone gave him money willingly. Ace had been struck in place awe of the coins. Makino had laughed when he looks lost, gently curving his fingers around the bag as Luffy cheered in the background.

“You deserve this Ace-chan. You worked very hard.” She said, eyes soft as the boy staring up at her with still the same amount of awe. “When you work hard you deserve a reward. I’m really proud of you and Luffy’s work.”

That was also the first time anyone ever said they were proud of him. When put the coins in the new pirate fund- the old one was stolen during the fire by who he didn’t know but it didn’t feel right without Sabo anyway- and oddly enough these few coins made him feel prouder than the stake he is used to taking by force.

Was it really a surprise he kept coming back? He returns for his lessons and if those lessons happen to happen after he helps around the bar a little, so what? It was fun, in a weird self-satisfying way when they close up and breath a sigh of relief that the day was down.

Makino kept giving them sacks of money, which Ace eagerly added to their growing fund. Oh don’t get him wrong, the two keep up their thieving ways and training but whenever they had a chance they would go down and earn some “honest” money.

It didn’t hurt that she feed them after hours. Her food was heaven, cooked far better than anything the bandits could offer. Then one night, she made them something he never had before.

“Pizza?” Ace took a look around the kitchen confuse on what he had to. “What’s that?”

Makino’s face broke into a wide smile “It’s my favorite food. I don’t usually make it for the bar since it takes so long but I thought you boy would love to try some. I wanted to teach you how to make it so you can have some whenever you like.”

Pizza Ace learn was the funniest thing in the world. His first attempts to make the dough spin in the air was a disaster but Makino had been patient. She taught them how to make the sauce, the toppings, and the dough throwing was downright art in her capable hands. Another thing Ace was grateful for.

No one ever attempted to teach him how to cook before. Maybe if they had, Ace would have found a new passion long ago. He adores it. The way flavors change when adding just a tad different ingredients? The way Luffy’s and Makino’s face lite up whenever he made something yummy? The simple knowledge that something he created brought people joy?

It wasn’t long before Ace was also helping in the kitchen, regulars getting custom to his dishes and able to tell the difference in who cooked what. Of course, Makino was no five-star chef, her food was pleasant but not awe-inspiring. Still Ace found his cooking was just as pleasant following her instructions, and he had always put a hundred percent into everything he found worthwhile.

Just as his manners improved, so did his cooking. Over the next few years Ace found just as much joy in cooking then he did in sparing. At some point, Makino’s kitchen became his domain and he somehow had a part-time job with her.

New dishes were added to the menu, little experiments that Ace took the liberty in creating. Makino places them under “Ace’s Dishes” and he glowed every time she arrived with updated menus, his latest creation under that header.

But his absolute favorite was creating a pizza.

New toppings, new sauces, new combinations. Everything about it was fun. Luffy certainly appreciated being a test dummy for each one too. His pizzas were even bringing in more customers, having heard the praises from varies sailors in the market place.

Even Garp, in his few visits, took pleasure chewing down on Ace’s famous pizza...after a brutal training of course.

Before Ace realize it, he was about to be seventeen the year he was to set out to be a pirate, his childhood dream. And he was conflicted. He wanted to set sail...but he didn’t get as excited as he used to about the idea of his pirate life. Instead, it felt like the days were counting down to doom, and he only had a few more months left of enjoying the simple life he set up. Disregarding the training, the hunting and the muggings he and Luffy contuine. Hey, he needed to keep strong plus it was really fun. He did stop dine and dashing, mostly due to knowing just how it was affecting the establishments. Sea knows he would hunt down anyone who dared to bail on the bill they owe him.

Makino, stepping up as a mother figure, took notice quickly. She brought it up one night with both boys eating in the bar after hours.

“Ace-chan, do you really want to be a pirate?”

Luffy stops eating sensing something was different in the way Ace stiffen up. “Of course I do, Makino. It’s my dream!”

“Dreams change sweetie, and there is nothing wrong with having your interest shifting. I’ve met adults with finished careers that find they rather be something else. People are allowed to change their mind, it’s part of growing.” She gave him a soft smile watching the oldest of the boys squirm “I would never stand in the way of your dreams. If you want to be a pirate then do it, but only if you truly want to”

It’s daunting how she can read him sometimes.

Ace opens then closes his mouth. After a moment he glances down at his hands unable to look at either of them. It’s something he been struggling with for a while, these thoughts of what he wanted in life, truly wanted. “I promise Sabo I set out at seventeen...”

It sounds like an excuse even to Luffy. He frowns “Does the idea of being a pirate not make you happy, Ace?”

“Of course! I want to travel, I want to own a ship but I just..”

Makino place a hand over his “What do you want Ace?”

“I...want to do what you do.” Waving a hand around the room, his voice gets low as if he is ashamed. “I like the idea of owning a place like this. Of cooking and serving and making money like this. I want...to sell pizza? But I promise Sabo-”

“Ace does what makes Ace happy, otherwise he wouldn’t be free.” Luffy interrupts sounds oddly confident. “You promise Sabo we be free. Are you going back on that promise?”

“But I want to sail too...”

“Then you can sell on your ship!” His brother chirps unaware how baffling his idea is. “We can get you a...floating restaurant! One that belongs to you and only sells Ace’s pizza!”

“A floating pizzeria,” Makino says sounding delighted. “Can’t you just imagine it?”

He could. He really could and Ace realize maybe for the first time in his life that this was what he wanted and which he is allowed to choose for himself, even if it’s not the grand life he always inversion. A simple life on the seas doing what he enjoys.

“Do you think Sabo...would forgive me? For not being a pirate?”

“Oh Ace-chan,” Makino says “There is nothing to forgive. Sabo-chan would think the same”

“Okay,” Ace says feeling tears peak his eyes but being so darn happy at an overwhelming eased mind. Luffy and Makino smile differently in size but equally warm just the same.

Using the money from the Dream Fund (rename after Luffy insisted it was no longer the Pirate Fund because it would make Ace sad) he got a startup tiny ship equipped with everything he needed to bake the pizzas.

And then he set out to sea chasing a new dream, the two waving him goodbye and eagerness bubbles of excitement in his tummy.

“Come on, I keep hearing about this place. Just one hour tops! Pops wouldn’t care if we are a little delayed!” Thatch whine tugging on Marco’s arm “Please Marco, I need to try it.”

Marco took a deep breath through his nose, trying to ease the frustration his brother was causing. “For the last time. No, we are not stopping in the middle of the New World Sea just so you can try some stupid pizza, yoi.”

“But we finished the mission. It’s not like we are doing anything important!”

“We have to get back. Two commanders missing could prompt someone to attack Pops.”

“Oh come on, no one is stupid to think they can take Pops, just cause we aren’t there.” Throwing his hands in the air his like the overdramatic little twerp he is Thatch whines in a high tone “You hate me. That’s why you won’t take me. You just hate me!”

In the last ten minutes of this conversation, Marco has felt his blood pressure rise by the tens. “Fine! If it gets you to shut up we can stop for pizza. But only for an hour, understand?”

Thatch cheers, hip-bumping Marco off the steering wheel and moving the Mini-Moby to the right once his hand closes around the wooden pieces all in a span of seconds. He’s darn lucky Marco has excellent sea legs and didn’t tumble over, otherwise, Thatch would have his foot up his ass. “Yes of course. Just want to try the secret sauce. I bet it’s got nothing on my veggie pizza”

Marco rolled his eyes “Figures you’re only doing this for your self-pride”

Thatch gives him a smile full of teeth “Pirate.”

Well, that’s a good point the blond figures. He crossed his arms with a huff “Anything else this..what’s the place call again?”

“Spade Pizza”

“Right, anything else it’s famous for, or am I just going to waste an hour on something dumb?”

“Besides good food and that it's floating on the sea?” Thatch shrugs a shoulder, attempting studly. Instantly Marco was on guard realizing this was another he was so determined to get him there. “The owner is really good looking. I’ve heard most of his customers have proclaimed their love to him just as much as his food.”

“No matchmaking yoi”

“I-I’m not!”

Marco gives him a look that screams he doesn’t believe him but drops it. The two sail for a few minutes, Marco nearly dozing off, when the pizzeria in question finally comes into view.

It’s big with varies ports built around it for anchoring ships. The thing is painted in hues of red and black, following a theme of playing cards and fire. There seems to be nearly full, but Thatch snatches the last port before a large vessel gets the chance, giving the men on deck a little shit eating grin when they holler in rage.

Marco doesn’t pay much attention if this turns to a fight Thatch can handle it, instead, he is jumping down to tie their ship to the wood and casually strolling to the entrance. When he pushes the wooden door, he’s hit with a delicious smell as varies workers come and go with different types of food. There are groups scattered around the tables, busy enough that it looks like a full house but not a rush that leaves workers scrambling.

The interior follows the same theme as the outside, and Marco is reminded of varies bars, but more promptly it reminds him of bars he would find in the East Blue. So the owner is from there?

Marco stops before a little stand, a sign with the words “Please wait to be seated” on it.

He looks around the room when a teenager rushes at him, wearing an apron around her waist with the restaurant spade logo. “Hello sir, welcome to Spade Pizza. How many will it be?”

“Two”

“Okay,” she picks up some menus from her little stand “I can sit you at the pizza bar or you can wait for a table? It is about a twenty-minute wait.”

“Bar is fine yoi”

She leads him to his seat, weaving and waving around tables of people having a nice lunch. Marco is surprised to find pirates, civilians, and marines alike. This place must be a neutral area, meaning someone strong had to be here to keep it that way.

He makes a mental note to report it back to Pops. Marco isn’t comfortable with someone so strong so close to their territories nor with such a successful business either.. There is a reason he is in charge of all the business matters for the Moby Dick.

“Here you are. Your server will over in a moment” She says waving at the two stoles which she places the menus in front of. It’s right at the edge of the bar, on near the wall and another next to a bright long red-haired man.

“Thank you yoi” She nods and scurries away back to the front. Sitting down Marco in the chair near the wall glances out of the corner of his eye at the obvious wig the man is wearing. Oh, it looks natural but he can spot a disguise a mile away. Question is why would this stranger be in disguise?

Did he find his mysterious strong enforcer already?

The man reaches up threading his fingers through his wig-hair almost nervously, smoothing it out with a sigh. He mumbles under his breath but Marco catches it due to his fruit entrancing his hearing “Okay be cool. Be cool. Sabo be cool. When he comes over, don’t you dare mess it up. Just ask for his den den mushi.”

Sabo huh? Interesting name. Where has Marco heard that-

“Hi, my name is Ace and I’ll be your server today. Can I start you off on any drinks?” A voice interrupts his thoughts. Marco looks away from the man who is turning a rosy shade to look at the owner of the voice-

And he promptly almost gets headed shotted by cupid. There is a version of a man standing on the other side of the bar. He is wearing the apron but no shirt showing off abs that could wash any clothes. An orange cowboy hat sits on soft looking raven locks, and the wavy hair falls on a face dotted with freckles. “I ugh..wah?”

Ace luckily seems to think he can’t hear him over the noise and leans over the bar just a bit “I said my name is Ace and I’ll be your server today. Can I start you off on any drinks?”

“One cola and a sweet tea” He manages to say after gaping at the man. “I’m waiting on someone”

Ace nods “Coming right up.”

He turns to leave but his eyes catch the other man and he lights up “Tobi! It’s been a while!”

“Tobi” or Sabo in disguises straightens, face redder than before “Hey Ace. Yeah I had a lot of jobs recently but I thought I drop in”

“No kidding. How did that business deal go? Did you get what your boss wanted?”

“Yes. I was able to find what he was looking for.”

“That’s great! I’m really happy for you. Oh hey, I saw a hair piece I thought you might like the other day so I bought it for you. Remind me to give it to you before you leave.”

Sabo looks like someone just gifted him the world, fingers playing with his hair. “You didn’t have to do that Ace.”

“Course I did. Hair as pretty as yours needs to have the proper accessories.”

Marco doesn’t know why but he doesn’t quite like the way Sabo is leaning towards Ace. He scowls at the long hair wig. You’re not even real. You can’t be pretty.

Ace eventually stop chatting with Tobi-Sabo, walking away to get Marco’s drinks while Sabo is left staring at him longingly. Then quite suddenly the red-haired turns to glare at Marco and it’s a silent challenge.

Love rival Those blue eyes say

Bring it on Marco’s own answer.

By the time Thatch joins them Marco is in a new found love and a newfound hatred.

#MarcoAceSabo #pre-relationship #Pizza Pie of My Eye Au #For what a nail: Ace gets a new dream #Luffy has taken his crew to Ace's place #Marco and Sabo are techinally bussniess men...just not good ones #Sabo in disguies so he can keep coming back #Yes Ace is unaware of Marco and Tobi affections #Thatch is very pleased

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jacks-tracks · 1 year

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Day tripper

Having sat on my ass for 2 months, i suddenly realized that i needed to get out to the remote beaches. The Hot Springs was so good trip that it motivated me.

Agua Blanca, an empty beach stretches for miles south,broken only by a lagoon/inflow(sign: no swimming /crocodiles). That's where I usually stop for bird watching before returning to the palapa restaurant perhaps a mile each way. The beach, flat and hot , runs south towards Chila a t last 10 miles away. There are usually a few local fisherman hand casting off a set of rocks, using bleach bottle reels, and tiny fish for bait. Yes they often do catch fish, small silver surf feeders, occasionaly a bigger predator drawn to the bait. Seems like an inef ficient way to fish, but the cost is minimal. Gringoes surf casting with long poles and spinning reels, do no better, perhaps because they are using lures. The rock outcrops used to be loaded with oysters( a big deal here, half shell) but have been fished out, and now oysters are imported from further south and set in tide pools in gunny sacks till needed. Personally I see oysters as slugs in a shell ever since I was challenged to eat one by BC Hydros manager, but that's another story.

No crocodiles in sight, but lots of wading birds, which I take as a no crocodile sign. No haul out tracks in the mangroves either. There a re increasing numbers of crocs on the coast, with one flushed out of the Rio Stinko on to Marinero beach last year to the dismay of tourists. I,ve never seen one outside of the croc farm at Chacahua, and after having a 5 meter croc crash into the fence in pursuit of a dog that was following us(next to the gate tied with a bit of string!), I,ve not wanted to see any.

Did flush a small flock of blue ducks, possibly blue winged teal. They flew a tight formation up the lagoon, flashing sky blue shoulder patches. Didn,t mean to spook them, but they saw me first. The waders are herons, non descript, several varieties. The scummy weeded inshore water is loaded with tiny silver fish. Heron food.

Back to the palapa for a cold coconut and flop in the palm thatch shade. Travelling with 3 friends, and we try to organize a hot meal, with limited success. I believe the kitchen cooks only cook one meal at a time, setting aside the first ones so they can serve them all at once. Result, cold eggs, with hot tortillas. 100 pesos($7) but it' a nice view. We early birds get the view before the other tourists straggle in about 10 am. Given a dozen places to chose from, it's rarely crowded.

Right in front, 20 meters away are tidal pools that flood with each wave crashing onto the rocks that define the place, ideally flooding the inshore low beach and creating a little flow across the sands that floods back out to sea. Fun to hop in and ride along. only once did i find myself being swept back out to sea and had to stand knee deep in the flow, unable to wade out till the flow slacked. Alternative was an involuntary bit of body surfing among rocks!. The sea has been chilly (25 degrees ) and so it's dip and dash.

By 1 o,clock we pay, pack and catch the pre booked taxi back to Santa Elena for the chicken bus. Like everything else, the taxi has increased in price (from 50 to 60 pesos), but split 4 ways its nothing. Likewise the bus went from 30 to 40 pesos, but they are much improved, having windows, cushioned seats, and saner drivers. Full of coconut juice I really needed a piss, so using logic I wandered up the road past the taxi lot. Taxi drivers need to piss too, and sure enough there was a wet spot a bit further where cabbies had pissed liberally on a wall. Relief!

It's a 40 minute ride back, with the busses seeing more customers with the increased population. Seats fill up, but locals prefer being crammed into the mini van transporters, so we wait for the 40 passenger buses, more air, much better views, and more metal if some fool hits us. Hint from a Mexican: Don't travel the roads on a Sunday, as this is when people have a day off, and dad gets drunk! Safely back in Puerto we face the greatest danger of the day, crossing the 4 lane carretera highway, a mad dash to the divider, and a scramble across the next 2 lanes in ahead of trucks and motorcycles accelerating off the speed bump. Phew! Home to shower, change sopping shirts and sticky swim suits, then a cold juice and a plunge in the clean refreshing pool. A sucessful out of town day!

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wic-waseda · 5 years

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Experiencing university circle activities in Japan through WIC

Eyes opened, light beams brightened the room. I was told it’s morning again, well, it’s not where I usually awake; surrounded by grey curtains, retro wooden ceiling and a pair of Shoji sliding doors. Being in the setting by a combination of a beautiful lake, the smell of hotel mattress and duvet, and of course, a group of new friends just met last night; all these created a new form of happiness for this year studying overseas. Oooops, apologies, for not mentioning this sooner. All these made up my very first scenes in the morning on the last day of the Welcome trip, which was organised by the WIC. The two days, one night trip to Yamanashi, without any doubt, it put a satisfying end to the post-golden week period. Peculiarly, it was a great opportunity to meet new people, I bet.

The first day of the Welcome trip started with a team building activity. Participants and group leaders were divided into smaller groups of 3 to 4. We were to complete tasks around the Narusawa area and to reach the goal on time. To achieve our goals, we climbed the mountain, sought for the directions, solved the quizzes (oh well, I couldn’t help tackling any of those mathematics nor Japanese quizzes though TT, sorry to my teammates), what’s more, we made our last minute dash to the finishing line (to be accurate, it was the second last minute). I would say the most valuable experience I obtained from the team building activity was getting healed by the nature, the friendly support from rival teams, and most importantly, a group of kind-hearted and considerate teammates. Surprisingly, we were ranked as the second runner up among the 16 teams! I would rather give the glory to my helpful teammates. At the finishing line, after all these mental and physical activities, our tiredness was cured by the stunning view of Mount Fuji, and, our sweats were wiped off by the breeze, tenderly.

As the sky turned dark thoroughly, everyone finished their dinner, we got some free time to stay with friends and roommates, some went for a bath, but I decided to spend some time getting to know more about my new friends. It was so nice to have a talk with my roommates that night. I felt excited catching on the daily lives, values, beliefs and norms in the eyes of university students in Japan; which helped reforming my own set of values, beliefs and norms at the same time. Within the limited time span (for this one-night sleepover), it was grateful to have a light grasp of truthful thoughts from my new friends. If you’re interested into getting close to local students, there’s no means better than having a stay or two with them.

On the second day, our first stop away from the hotel was Nenba Village. The Nenba Village is renowned for its thatched cottages together with an incredible landscape and breath-taking view of Mount Fuji. Some may have had a walk throughout the Nenba Village area, instead, our group made our own ways to enjoy the old-timey scenery under such high temperatures. We were there to enjoy a scoop of ice cream, to window-shop souvenirs, and to chill out. Another highlight of the day would be preparing Hoto (a regional noodle soup originated from Yamanashi) all the way from flour and water with my group members. We took turns mixing the ingredients, kneading and stretching out the dough, cutting it into pieces. Thanks to the help of Hoto professionals, we succeeded in cooking homemade Hoto with freshly cut vegetables in our preferred flavour (a thickened miso soup!). Sigh, hunger was the best seasoning after all these preparations. Everyone had more than 2-3 bowls of Hoto as it’s too delicious to resist. The huge pot of Hoto was a perfect combination made of chewy noodles, nutritious veggies and miso soup. However, as if magic spell had been casted on the Hoto, it was like the ‘miracle of the five loaves and two fish’, no matter how much we had, our group (5 of us!) couldn’t finish the whole pot.

Last but not least, the Welcome trip brought me countless memories for the season and new friends. All these times would definitely contribute to one of my multi-coloured pages for this year in Waseda. Thanks WIC, thanks for all efforts that committee members, group leaders and senior students made for us (as organising events or hosting activities are always stressful and easy to get mentally exhausted). My appreciation could not be expressed well in words. The precious moments being offered during the trip couldn’t have happened missing out anyone of the person involved.

H C Yue, Cherry 25th May 2019

Captions for the photos: 1. Photo mission accomplished 2. Ran out of stamina 3. Get charged up at Nenba Village 4. Our homemade Hoto’s almost ready

WIC Official Blog: http://wic1956.tumblr.com/ WIC Official Website: http://www.wic50.com/ WIC Official Twitter (JAPANESE): https://twitter.com/wic_1956 WIC Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wic1956/

#English

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empresswrites · 6 years

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@masbingo

MAS Bingo Square #10 - Fake Dating/Married

To get out of dating Domino after being set up again with a possible candidate for marriage, Marco had immediately grabbed to a close friend of his after claiming he was gay—the woman not believing him. When he states out how he was dating Ace, it had the younger male staring in shock and seeming to nod, slowly reeling in to go along with it. Ace went on about him telling people so publicly, but he had been okay with it and grabbed to a hand while leaning into the arm. When Domino had left, Marco apologized about it all and his friend understood, but now he had to keep up the act because one of his brothers overheard and they had been ecstatic and confused.

“What about Sabo?” Thatch asks with an eye to both and they both had blurted on how it was all three of them. “Oh? Cool, you guys! Come by the restaurant and I will cook for your date!” A hand waves up as he grins while dashing off, no doubt to tell the other brothers and Marco slouches with a groan.

“It will be alright…” Ace mentions nonchalantly, not bothered by the suddenness. “We can just ease them that we broke it off.”

“No, you don’t understand, yoi.” Marco says with hands out and look to his friend with tense shoulders, desperate blue eyes. “I think this is the closest I have been to getting out of all those candidates, it’s tiring.” He complains with a soft groan as he knew he would get peace, but to just have it all again was not something he wanted.

“We could just keep pretending until you find someone?” Ace offers with a serious gaze, something lingering as well.

“I couldn’t do that to you two, especially since you are with Sabo and he is going to have no clue how to go about this when it lands in his lap.” The mentioning comes out while Marco shifts to lean against the nearest wall with head going back. “I’m doomed… why can’t I just live?”

“Because you are the heir of the corporation? And everyone wants you to be happily in love?” The questions have Marco tilt his head with a glare towards the freckled face man who is pursing lips to keep amusement away. “It’ll be fine. We date a little while, you find someone, ‘we break up’ and you go with them.” A shrug shows like not a big deal and Marco sighs before shifting to smile a little.

“Only if Sabo is cool with it and I won’t do anything intimate, yoi. I will just claim new relationship stuff.” He states while receiving nods in agreement before Ace grabs to his forearm with a grin.

“Come on, honey~!” Ace’s laugh bellows into the air while Marco is joining with his own.

-o-o-o-o-

After Marco was dragged to the apartment the two share, Sabo had taken it well while commenting on being fine with it. He knew just as much about the pressure for getting with someone and have a child. It’s not that Marco didn’t like kids, he just wasn’t sure about it as he was strongly for adopting more as his Pops had done for all of them. Being an inspirational thing and that at least could happen with anyone, not that Marco was sure what exactly his preference was. He always figured he would just find them one day, not pushing into anything unless it feels right.

“Your kicking me, Ace.” Marco mentions lowly at the table and gets a chuckle from both before both legs are caught by each.

“It’s called footsie, babe.” Sabo points out and they are giving their all on the name call for the fun of it. If anything, it brings humor to the situation and he can’t help but to snort. “Anyways, Ace likes contact with his boyfriends as much as he is allowed.” The mentioning has the other flushing at being called out as such and has hands to the table with a frown.

“Really?” It’s almost a hiss before Marco looks down to the table to notice the two hands on the table from each and easily reaches over to grip them. They both look to him in surprise before he keeps a neutral face.

“Is this fine, yoi? You are going to scuff my shoes.” They laugh lightly before feet are away and easily twine fingers with Marco’s to grip.

“So sweet, letting us eat but not him?” Sabo teases and gets blue eyes flickering to realize before smirking.

“You two have to hold hands, too.” Marco comes back with, and Ace wastes no time snatching the freehand with a grin.

“Right! I will just shove my face into the plate!” Laughter leaves Marco and Sabo at the other pretending to shove face into food and moving it around to let dark hair shake with the movement.

If one thing Marco has learned with being with them through the years, he was comfortable with both of them and always found himself laughing and smiling. Saying they are his best friends was probably the correct word as he could be found around them and never felt like a third wheel as they kept the romance part at bay while he was around. This was a little different, seeing and being included into the dating related things has him wondering on why he felt his heart flutter at the way they interact.

“Here you all go!” Thatch comes out with the plates on a tray and flawlessly serves them out with each having a little perk. “Each has something that you catered to more, hope you enjoy!” The chef claims while holding the tray to his side now and loves seeing hands together—about brimming in joy for his brother finding some great people to be with finally—and they shortly part to dig in.

“Amazing as always!” Ace mentions after a bite and is easily back to digging in and Sabo is humming in agreeance.

“Thanks, Thatch.” Marco states while smiling to his brother and turning back to his plate before wincing. “Don’t scuff my shoes, brat.” The bite is towards Ace, who is covering his mouth and trying not to choke on food as a laugh is leaving him. Sabo is laughing now at Marco giving another complaint to him then and Thatch can only smile—just wait until Izo hears about this.

-o-o-o-o-

They ‘dated’ for the following month, Marco finding not too much difference as he went to hang out with them and they did what they usually did—video games, tv, food, and talking. Everything was working out, Marco going on about his life along with mentioning of their outings to appeal his brothers’ curiosity when they would come ask. They always splurged on how happy they were that he found another, and in this case two. He never really thought much on it and even that evening he was going over to his ‘boyfriends’ apartment to spend some time.

Leaving work, it didn’t take long to get to the complex and had a key to get in easily. Marco had the key before the whole dating fiasco as he hung out with them often or tried to find solace from his brothers when they are being a pain in his back side. Getting the apartment opened, he hears music streaming through the home and it’s in Spanish. A smile finds him as he recognizes Ace’s voice sing out to the song and Sabo is giggling like crazy. It wouldn’t be a first seeing Ace singing and dancing to a song he is into, most ending up being in Spanish as he used them to work on the language as he figured if he could sing them quickly then he could pick up on it quicker—they never questioned his logic as everyone’s brain worked differently.

What Marco hadn’t expected when getting to the doorway was the two of them dancing together. Ace shirtless with a pair of gym shorts on had a hand to the other’s lower back and his other hand gripping to Sabo’s—him dressed in a loose t-shit and pajama pants—as they move feet back and forth in a small strut dance as Ace sings. A clenching goes through Marco, he wasn’t really surprised of the two dancing together, it was just the fact that this stirring was in him this time. In a way, he guesses he could describe it as… jealousy?

That wouldn’t make too much sense, but seeing the two so happy and obviously in love had Marco crave it. The only time he wanted something with someone is when he was with these two and they had their moments. The past month have been full of them and with Marco noticing a little more has him feeling his heart ache. He couldn’t understand why he found it so hard to love someone, or give someone a chance to love them with all his heart. He feels bad for interrupting the two’s life with this sudden lie to get his family off his back, it wasn’t right of him to do.

“Marco!” A call has him shift his head to focus on Ace as he quickly comes up to grab at arms to pull on. “Come on!” Confusion flares on Marco as he notices the hands move to grab one of his and the other to his lower back. The face looks up to him as that beaming grin has his heart race and lets a hand go to a shoulder as feet are beginning to move and he notice the song had change at some point before they were dancing. “Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito~!” The Spanish rolling from that tongue makes his heart race as he moves along with Ace. “Deja que te diga cosas al oído~!” Sabo is cheering and has Marco showing a smile as he grips more to the man before him. “Para que te acuerdes si no estás conmigo~~!”

Laughter is ringing out as Marco can feel himself soaring, taken in by the voice singing to him as Ace is wiggling eyebrows. It was like a serenade, but Ace being goofy about it as he dances around the kitchen easily before Marco is spun to be with Sabo. They are easily moving feet as Ace is dancing around them in sways and singing easily. At the end he wraps arms around both of them with a wide grin, leaving them all to be laughing.

Marco wouldn’t mind life like this.

-o-o-o-o-

After a couple more weeks, Marco finds himself on the couch at the other two’s apartment as he escaped being dragged into a night of drinking. It wasn’t his style, and felt bad that the other two felt the need to stay home as well. Ace liked going out to hang out with his brothers as Thatch was practically the best friend, but they declined and said it was now a ‘date night’. Though, Marco appreciated it a bit as he had a stressful week and wanted to relax in the couch with comfortable clothes on, enjoying some peace with two people he likes and not out in a dance room with a bunch of people he doesn’t know.

Each sat on either side of him, not too bothered as both leaned in while watching the moving and sharing the popcorn in his lap. The movie is interesting, something about vampires and the world was almost like a dystopian. They continue to watch as the popcorn bowl becomes empty and he offers to refill it, knowing these two and they deny. Marco is surprised at that, but only shrugs it off as the bowl is moved from his lap and to an end table. As the movie continues all the way to the end, they comment on it being good and they were sure to put it on the shelf as the ones they don’t like are put away somewhere else.

“Nah, Marco…?” Ace begins, and the mentioned man turns to look to him as they are on the couch still and Sabo has only shifted forward to stretch arms up.

“Hm?” The hum lingers while noticing as his face is grabbed before pulled over. Confusion shows on Marco before it flickers to surprise as lips press to his and it sends a flurrying in his senses. When Ace pulls away with a curious look, flushed cheeks, a small sputter lingers from Marco. “Wh-what?”

“My turn!” Sabo cheers, moving Ace’s hands to pull the face towards him to join lips. A noise leaves Marco as he wasn’t expecting a kiss from both and is soon released to breathe shakily. Sitting back he stares to Sabo with mouth parted lightly as he wasn’t sure what to say in this situation. That’s when Sabo sighs while Ace melts over his lap with a whine. “I told you, idiot!” Sabo complains with a jab to the other that is along his back and facing up at the two as Marco watches in shock.

“I thought it was clear enough~!”

“He’s more oblivious than you were,” Sabo comments before Ace jerks up hands, grasping to blond hair to drag him down with a growl.

“You shut it, stupid!”

“I love you, too, babe~!” The words come back before Marco makes a noise as he wants clarification and gets both looking to him as Sabo is released. “We were hoping you would catch onto our flirting,” he starts with a smirk and Ace is sitting up next to him with a cheeky grin.

“Yeah, you were returning it, so we thought maybe you wouldn’t mind actually making this a real thing?” Blue eyes show surprise still before moving his mouth a few times, heat swirling through him as he feels his chest inflate, like he was floating in bliss.

“Really, yoi?” It’s a soft whisper as he flickers his gaze to the two who are soon beaming and shifting to grab at him from each side.

“Of course~!” Ace cheers while hopping slightly and Sabo is laughing.

“Now Ace can officially cling to you!” Sabo comments, getting whines from the one mentioned and Marco snorts as he was already used to it. Though, the way his heart flutters at the thought of actually being with the two brings a whole new feeling in him.

Marco really did want this.

#masbingo #MarcoAceSabo #Bingo Card #Fake Dating #Marco just wants peace #and ends up finding love too #woop #The two just knew the whole time #just all like #yep #we are together #XD

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pops-and-kids · 4 years

Text

And finally, part 3 of the Christmas 2019 ficlets!! I wanted to do something fun for this year and honestly? This was the most fun I’ve had writing in months. I really hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them!

It was time. They had docked. Curiel took in a breath of freezing air and exhaled, watching it turn into a cloud. His creation was on the deck next to him, waiting to go after everyone had their hot coco and final snow fun. His hands were tucked under his arms, red and numb from patting down so much snow. The tenth division didn’t win the snowman competition again this year, (snow is different from mechanics) but to everyone's surprise the third had. Jozu was awfully smug about it, making him a prime target for the snowball war. Poor Ace was banned from playing as he would have melted his own divisions fort, but he got to help Pops decide the winner if it came down to the wire.

Speaking of which it was starting soon, Pops and Ace were the last members they were waiting for to come out and supervise. Thankfully Pops had allowed him and Blamenco to be on the same team, despite the round boy claiming they wouldn’t need the support. Curiel couldn’t tell if he was trying to be fair to the other teams or if he was just in denial that no one on his division would hit a target off the battlefield.

The thudding of heavy feet down the hall was like music to his ears and he smiled as Pops finally emerged on deck with Ace on his shoulder.

“Gurararara! Gets colder every year. I’m telling you.” The captain laughed as he sat down on his heated chair.

“I can’t feel it.” Ace said with a shiteating grin.

“And how lucky you are, son. Now, I take it everyone is re--”

“YES!!” Hundreds of voices yelled at once from both the deck and snowy field.

“GURARARA!!! Very well then! POSITIONS!!”

He gave the command and before he even realized Curiel had vaulted off the side of the railing, machine in hand and excited smile on his face. Landing in the snow puff right against the side of the ship he waded through the snow to his shared “barracks” with Blamenco. The huge pile of snow the men had gathered for him would be plenty of ammo for his little friend. The blue eyed man gave him a smile as a few of their brothers shoved last minute items into his side of safekeeping and dashing away to their divisions.

Curiel looked down at his creation, testing the handle to make sure the oil was keeping in from freezing. Wouldn’t be too good if he had to destroy it to make it stop.

“Are you sure it's ...safe?” His fellow commander asked.

“Yeah yeah! Even if it explodes there’s not too many pieces that could become shrapnel. We’re good!” He says with a thumbs up.

Blamenco only gave a nervous smile at the comment.

Once the field had been cleared of last minute holder uppers Whitebeard stood up, coming to the head of Moby, and took a large breath of air in. Everyone tensed, locking eye contact with other targets.

“THREE!!”

“TWO!!”

“ONE!!”

“....FIGHT!!”

At that very second, chaos broke out. A battle cry crashed over the island as snowballs flew, every division barracks was pelted. Curiel readied himself, held the handles tight, and flicked the on switch. The snowball machine roared to life! The cups spun and starting flinging snowballs faster than he had expected! It was like a gun, but with snow bullets!

“HELL YEAH BABYYYY!!!” He cheered. Everyone screamed.

He first blew apart Marco’s build, watching the men scatter in panic and confusion! The commander himself shot into the air, yelling something at him that he couldn’t hear over his new precious baby. He guessed it was curses based on his expression. The snowball machine went faster the longer it was going, eating through snow quickly but utterly decimating everyone’s defenses. He’d lost count of how many he’d hit, but now Marco, Atmos, and Thatch’s teams were all running around like scattered mice.

“Isn’t this a bit much?!” Blamenco yelled over the noise.

“No!! This is perfect!” He laughed in glee as he watched Haruta go down next.

He was clearing the field! He should have made this sooner! Curiel was about to voice his thoughts when something hard and cold hit the back of his head. He hadn’t realized it, but Izou, in all his fucking camo, had snuck up on him and his men. Curiel was out, and by extension so was his little friend.

“FUCK!!” He yelped as the snow slid down the back of his coat.

He jerked back, unintentionally pointing his gadget straight up into the air. Turning back to yell at Izou he lost his train of thought when he saw the man's expression. Izou was staring up at the sky in shock, backing away from the barracks.

“...What?”

Looking up his own eyes widened. Curiel only had time to duck as snowballs rained from above on him and everyone in their fort. Flicking the machine off quickly he waited for the ‘paff’ noises to stop, looking up.

Everyone was staring at them, watching Curiel pop out from behind the snow fort.

“....So who wants me on their team next year?” Everyone laughed and booed him, tossing snowballs at him as he left the field, his arms wide open and accepting every hit.

“That was SO worth it.”

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“Ugh, I got snow in my pants!” Thatch complained, shaking from the cold.

The snowball fight was fun as always, and he wasn;t too surprised Curiel had finally attempted to automate his battle. No one would admit it, but they were surprised at how long it took him to finally make something. Still, it was cold and the cook did NOT appreciate it. He was still better off then Namur he

He sat in the kitchen, waiting to warm up as everyone put out the cookies they had panicked over just hours before. It was rewarding to see them be snatched up immediately by his family, making up for the losses on the way. Thatch smiled, ignoring how his teeth chattered.

“I ‘ink ne’t yea’ we shou’ ha’ three or four people wa’ the ov’ns, hm?” Bob asked as he bobbed his commander on the back of the head playfully.

Thatch sighed and nodded. His brother was right, that was an accident they couldn;t repeat the next year. But for now seeing all their hard work go out onto the table and be devoured by happy folks was all he needed to help heal from the tragedy.

“...Yer still yellin’ a’ L’n righ’?”

“Oh yeah, for sure.”

Poor Leon wouldn’t know what peace was for a whole two weeks after that.

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Pops smiled and swayed side to side as Fossa, Kingdew and their men sang Bully in the Alley. It didn’t matter to anyone that it wasn’t a holiday song, his sons and daughters were having the time of their life stomping their feet along with the singers and cheering them on. Taking a drink of his spiced wine he mentally gave thanks to whatever higher being was listening for moments like this. The frigid wind outside may have been whistling, the snow may have been falling, but his heart was warm.

Curiel antics, the kitchen misadventures, Haruta becoming an impromptu tree temporarily, he commited all of it to memory. Singing softly and deeply in his chest he helped his children finish the last few verses strongly, chuckling at the wave of cheers and applause everyone gave for them.

#Pops : Whitebeard #Edward Newgate #Whitebeard #Whitebeard pirates #One Piece #Curiel #Thatch #Blamenco #Jozu #Izou #Jiru #Speed Jiru #Fossa #Kingdew #Portgas D. Ace #Marco #Marco the Phoenix #((Christmas 2019))#((long post is long))

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