#i think as i go through life i'll pick up more skills and get to it eventually but it'll be slower due to other stuff i do w/my life | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ghostgirl101 · 6 months

Note

writing for william afton?? Yeah sure I'll get craaaazy ヘ⁠(⁠￣⁠ω⁠￣⁠ヘ⁠) you can write headcanons of anything, really, I just want to hold this man and be extremely and overly affectionate with him (⁠灬⁠º⁠‿⁠º⁠灬⁠) (and and jealousy trope is so aaaaaa you can write something with that, right??? :33)

William Afton/Steve Raglan Being Obsessed With You Would Include...

A/N: Yeap, let's start with obsessive relationship stuff, and then I'll work on a request for jealous headcanons. Hope this is in character, I tried to make it as accurate as I could with what I could work with from the movie. Requests for the FNAF movie are still open if you want me to work on a scenario; just make sure its no smut and platonic or childhood sweethearts for any of the animatronics/missing children 🙃

🐰• Well, good luck getting out of whatever craziness you've somehow gotten yourself into. That's the first thing I'm gonna say ._.

🐰• You probably meet William as "Steve," the careers counsellor who asks a little too many personal questions for it to be strictly business-related, but then, he's got to know who you are to find a job that fits in with your life and personality. He seems normal enough, though there is a slight intensity in the way his eyes linger on you for a beat too long, and his questions become more specific and a bit non-contextual.

🐰• By the end of the interview, he offers you the place of a nightguard at Freddy's, giving you his card with a casual half-smile and going out of his way to show you the ropes. Then you start the job, as oddly unsettling and dark the environment seems, and you think that it's the last time you'll hear from him.

🐰• It's not 😏

🐰• Steve knows a lot about you from your files that he went through before, and from what you told him, and he's got a good memory. He copied all the information down, storing it safely at home, going through pictures and any sources he can find about you in some unplaced interest. William's very calm and calculated, and there's no way he'd be found out unless he let it happen or wanted you to find out for yourself.

🐰• So until he's ready to reveal his dark side completely, which will slip out in little actions and hints when you spend time with him, he's simply Steve Raglan, the relatively normal careers counsellor who keeps checking in on you to see how you're getting on with the job, often going out for a coffee to give you "advice" in his breaks. Anything to pry out more information from you, for him to understand what exactly it is about you that intrigues him.

🐰• Is it because you're unusually pretty? Clever? Quirky? To William, you're just a bit different, maybe a bit childish, or mature and deep, dark-humoured? Whatever it is, it caught his attention, which is a good thing, if you want it... and if it's not, well, you're stuck with it anyway.

🐰• You'll notice quite early on that he's a bit odd himself, maybe a bit invasive, possessive, especially for someone you haven't known for that long. If someone looks over at you for a second too long while you're having coffee with Steve, having a conversation that's veered off of references and employee skills to some personal aspect or interest in your life that he's cracked open. You'll see a shot of something dark pass through his blueish gaze before it passes almost as soon as it comes, and you'll know nothing more about it except never seeing that person again. Just another missing person to add to a list.

🐰• Same with if you happen to be seeing anyone; he's got his own ways to scare people off, and if that doesn't work, he'll be forced to do something a little messier. Again, you won't know a thing about it, and there'll be no proof, no body, no big questions. Suddenly your partner has run off on a job out of the country or broken up with you via text... and Steve will be around to "see how you're doing" and to pick up the pieces when you end up spilling more about what's been going on in your life and exposing more vulnerability. It gives William a rush, in a way, to be needed and ran to and relied on when something goes bad, especially if it's you looking up at him with big pleading eyes. He can only smile and squeeze your hand, not letting go for a long moment as you get yet another drink and finally end up getting somewhere closer to a proper relationship.

🐰• Friends start getting a little distant, past lovers end up disappearing and little conveniences in life become more frequent. Wonder why that is?

🐰• Afton has a great memory, and if you tell him you like something in particular, your favourite show or book, he finds the exact thing by chance in the shop and had to get it for you, just to see your eyes light up and smile thankfully. Or he recorded a new episode of your series for you to watch if you come over on one of the nights you're not working, or he's just finished reading that book, come round to his so you can talk about it some more? He always finds a way to get what he wants, and when it's a person, victim or not, the rule still applies.

🐰• You may not be a victim of violence or murder, but he's got an obsession, an unhealthy desire to watch everything you do, everyone you talk to and in your life. He doesn't name a specific reason for it, doesn't think he needs to, doesn't see the point in it. If you ever catch on to that kind of behaviour, he'll just give you a warm smirk and shrug. "Well, because it's you," is his casual response, though you could swear there's something more behind his eyes. "And I care about you, you know?"

🐰• This is still William Afton though, and for all he can be surprisingly romantic and thoughtful when he thinks to be to see your reaction, he's a sadistic murderer and kidnapper at the end of the day... and it does start to show through. He can be manipulative as we see in the movie, and a bit arrogant, though I don't think he'd outrightly manipulate you. It's more your surroundings and the people you're with. Maybe he'll dig up some dirt on one of your close friends and put it somewhere where you'll find it and cut off the friendship yourself, exactly how he wanted it. And on the occasions when he gets his hands dirty with those types of people, he will get his hands dirty, and enjoys every minute of it. He taunts and mocks them until their dying breath, hating the thought of someone else holding your attention for longer than he can, which only causes more blood to be washed out of clothes and off his skin before you notice.

🐰• I have the idea of William watching you sleep deep in for some reason, since he's affectionate in his own ways, not majorly into PDA or clingy, since he prefers you being the one to run to him. But in the moments when you're not aware that he's around, like when you're sleeping. He'll trace calloused but featherlight fingers across your face, down from your forehead to your cheek and your neck. There's a beat of tensity where you might think he's tempted to do something extreme, something violent, but it passes time and time again. I think the only time William would be tempted to be harsher and forceful is if and when you ever found out about what it is exactly he does, and try betraying him. He wouldn't kill you, nothing like that, but he'd have to lock you away someplace safer...

🐰• But Afton will cross that bridge when he comes to it. For now, it's just an attentive and dependent relationship that William will keep going for as long as he can, accepting any gesture of affection or admiration or any positive attention in general with open arms and a pleased smirk on his face. Life will be pretty easy for you, everything seeming to go your way, and his, he'll make sure of it. And when you finally uncover the truth behind Steve and meet the real William Afton, he'll expect things to stay exactly the same: bloodied hands, spring locks snapping, glowing grey animatronic eyes or not.

2K notes · View notes

scarletts-scribbles · 4 months

Text

Spice Up Your Life

⁀➷ Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader

⁀➷ Notes: Just a small idea I thought could be really cute :) If anyone has requests/ideas please send em over!

⁀➷ Summary: Natasha admits to you that she never really learnt how to cook, luckily you're more than happy to teach her.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Natasha knew you were cooking from the moment she’d gotten home. The smell of oil and fresh vegetables hung in the air, wrapping her in a sweet aroma, as she hung up her coat Nathan couldn’t help but smile to herself as she made out your low humming coming from the kitchen. A slow happy tune gracing your lips.

She loved coming home to you cooking. Not only was it something you enjoyed but you always made something delicious for her and she was always beyond grateful.

Truth be told, she was a little jealous of your culinary skills. Sometimes the redhead would just linger at the kitchen door, leaning on the wooden frame whilst she watched you effortlessly guide a knife to chop ingredients or she’d come to your side and help you plate your meals. It was somewhat enchanting to her to see you in your element.

Tonight was no different. Natasha finished taking off her coat and slid off her boats, placing them on the small rack by the front door before making her way to the kitchen.

She couldn't resist the urge to sneak up behind you, wrapping her arms around your waist and resting her chin on your shoulder. "What's on the menu tonight?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

“Well let’s see, I’ve got some fresh peppers from the market and we’ve got those left over noodles.” You explained as you continued to dice up a garlic glove, “I was thinking maybe a stir-fry, how does that sound?”

“Stir-fry sounds amazing.” She smiled and planted a soft kiss on your cheek and peered over at the ingredients. Nat pursed her lips for a moment before stepping back to admire how you navigated the kitchen so easily.

“So.” Natasha began but paused for a moment, causing you to stop and look back at her. She seemed to be blushing a little, her cheeks a darker red, “How do you know how to prepare everything so well? You do it so easily, I’ve never been able to do anything like this.” She mumbled quietly, her gaze not quite meeting your eyes. It was something you’d learnt that she did when she was embarrassed, “I never learnt how…”

You chuckled softly, turning to face Natasha, "Well, it's just something I picked up over the years. Trial and error, you know?" You noticed her hesitancy and added, "But if you want, I'd be more than happy to teach you some tricks?”

Natasha smiled widely, unable to stop the corners of her lips curling up, her eyes seemingly sparkled with excitement. “You’d do that?”

You turned to face her, surprised but amused. "Of course darling, it's never too late to start learning. How about you help me finish making this? I'll teach you the ropes as we go.” You smiled, washing off your knife before offering it out to her.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Are you sure you want to risk it? I might burn the kitchen down."

“Well it’s lucky that I live with a very strong Avenger who can elegantly carry me to safety, isn’t it?”

Natasha muffled a giggle, shaking her head a little as she kissed your cheek. You returned the gesture softly before guiding her towards the cutting board, you handed Natasha an orange pepper. "Here, hold the pepper like this, and let's start with a simple chop." Your hands gently covered hers, guiding her hands gently with the knife, slicing through the vegetable as you demonstrated, “See? You've got this."

As Natasha started to chop the pepper with your guidance, she couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. "I might not be as smooth as you, but I’ve love to cook for you sometime - only once I get a little better of course, wouldn’t want to poison you.”

You chuckled, nudging her playfully with your hips, “I think I’d love that Natty.” With a wink, you handed her a pan, showing her how to heat it up and explaining the order of ingredients and how to know when each one was ready. It didn’t take long to explain your seasonings either, she was so eager to take it all on. “We could make this a regular thing if you’d like? Start making meals together from now on?”

Natasha's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'd like that very much," she replied, a genuine warmth in her voice. As you both continued to cook together, the kitchen filled with laughter and the sizzling sounds of the oil. It was the beginning of a new tradition, where the joy of cooking intertwined with the joy of being together and you couldn’t be more proud of the progress she’d made.

✧･ﾟ: *

〚 Masterlist! 〛 ೃ༄ 〚Join My Taglist! 〛

#natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x reader #natasha romanoff x fem!reader #natasha romanoff imagine #natasha romanoff x gn!reader #soft natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff fluff #natasha romanoff comfort #fanfiction #marvel #black widow

398 notes · View notes

gffa · 7 months

Text

LET ME TELL YOU WHY JASON TODD IS SO INTERESTING TO ME, because I think this is perfectly in line with his characterization in other places in this storyline (where he's angry at Bruce for feeling like he gets to set all the rules, that he gets to decide what Gotham "needs" as if Bruce was the only one who grew up in Gotham, that Bruce is trying to save him but Jason doesn't want Bruce to save him, where Bruce calls him family and Jason says that's looking at the past through rosy glasses) because Jason's relationship with Bruce is so thorny. He's practically hero worshipping Bruce in these scenes, he's practically putting him up on a pedestal, even when he's angry about it. He tries to pass it off as being realistic about Batman's skills--and he's not wrong, Batman would wipe the floor with these guys, would probably still wipe the floor with Jason if he was being serious about it--but it's more than that, it comes off as that there's a part of Jason who never let go of Batman as this larger than life hero in his eyes, the guy who was impossible to beat, the guy who would always be there, the guy who was his father figure. Despite that in that previous issue we watched as Dick just slid right under Bruce's defenses and clocked him right in the face, in that issue we saw Jason hurl himself at Batman and fought him tooth and nail. He's all over the map when it comes to Bruce, he says one thing in one scene and the opposite in another and I think that really, really works for me because I think that's what Jason's relationship with Bruce is, in his heart.

These panels and this page go hand in hand for me, because this is a summation of Jason's relationship with Bruce: I love you, I hate you, I want you to love me, I can't stand when you love me, I want you to fight for me, I'll spit in your face when you try to fight for me, I will verbally tear down everything you're trying to build in Gotham by saying you don't get to claim me or Gotham, I will tell everyone else trying to horn in on the crime-fighting in Gotham that they'll never be as good as you, I will say I have more in common with Selina than I do with you, but I will never truly join her and I stick to the ideals you taught me more than anything, I will fight you like I don't think you're all that scary, I will tell everyone else that you're undefeatable, I will insult you to your face, I will idealize you in my head, I will love you, I will hate you, I will try to walk away from you, I will define myself by you. Jason's in a war within himself over his feelings towards Bruce and he can't let go of either direction, he can't stop loving him, he can't stop hating him, and it just goes around and around in a circle, no matter how hard he tries to pick one or the other, both are still there, and he's desperately trying to get a reaction from Bruce, from other people, because he's caught in the middle of his own feelings. Jason has his own beliefs, but he'll say or do whatever he thinks will get a reaction that he can work with, one he thinks will help him leverage a situation (even if that just means starting a fight so he doesn't have to confront his own desire to come home in the way he used to be there), and it's all an extension of how he can't solve the problem of Bruce Wayne in his own heart and head, no matter how many times Bruce and the others say they love him, he's family, they want him around. AND THAT IS SO TASTY TO ME, I LOVE IT WHEN A BATBOY IS A REAL HOT MESS.

#lumi.txt #dc #batfam #jason todd #bruce wayne #gotham war #batman/catwoman: gotham war: red hood #tuesday spoilers

235 notes · View notes

the-broken-truth · 1 month

Text

Blot-Mates: Yuu & The Overblots [Part 4]

SEGMENT: JAMI

Summary: Jami is struggling with his innate programming of servitude, but he has no one to serve. Consequently, he is finding it difficult to relax and function properly. What would happen if Yuu decides to teach Jami how to live a life where he is no longer a servant but rather spoiled?

[Note: The Yuu Variant is Male with Enma Yuuken's Body Build, Yuuka Hirasaki's Fighting Skills, and Yuuta Mito's Cooking Skills.]

[Note: This Storyline will be written in Script Format.]

Parts: [Prologue] - [Ri] - [Leo] - [Azu] - [Jami] (Here) - [Vi] - [Idi] - [Mal] - [All] - [Epilogue]

[Coal-colored eyes were fixed on the ceiling while serpents made of dark locks of hair hissed in irritation or struck at each other, showing their displeasure. Jami placed his hand on his forehead and ran his inked hand through his bangs before sitting up from his bed and perching on the ledge with his head hanging. He lifted his head and looked at the digital clock on the wall of his room: it was 6:45 in the morning. This was usually the time The Prefect would get up to make breakfast for the Overblots. The thought of the Prefect making breakfast for all of them, just as he and his Original Body would make breakfast for Scarabia Dorm and Kalim, was overwhelming. Jami wasn't sure how to cope with it..]

Jami (Hearing something coming downstairs): Prefect... (Stands up and leaves his room)

[Jami walked down the hall and down the stairs as silently as he could to make sure he didn't give away his location. He crept to the opening of the kitchen and hid around the corner while listening to Yuu speak to himself.]

Yuu (On the phone with Sam): Hey, Sam. I know you're getting the shop ready, but do you have cookbooks or teas from the Land of Scalding Sands?

Jami (Thinking): 'The Land of Scalding Sands? Surely, he is not thinking about...'

Yuu (On the phone): Did Ace and Deuce tell you about what happened in Potion's class? Yeah, The Overblots got separated front their original bodies and I offered them to stay at Ramshackle; I wasn't going to make them uncomfortable with dealing with their hosts in their dorms.

Jami (Thinking): 'He cares for our comfort? After we attempted to kill him? (Looks at the ground in shame) After I used him for my personal vendetta?'

Yuu (On the phone): I noticed that Jami seems uneasy and I want to do something to make him more at ease here. I thought of making him some food and tea from the Land of Scalding Sands, as he's not much of a coffee drinker. Also, I noticed a Mancala Board and I'm interested in buying it. Can you tell me how much it is? (Sam Talking) Great, I'll also take the Cookbook, Tea Canister Bundle, and Silk Bundle. I think I can make Jami some new robes with the silk. When can I pick up the items? (Sam Talking) Yes, I'm willing to do all of that for Jami, just like I would for the others. He deserves just as much as the others do. Can I come get the items now? (Sam Talking) Perfect, I'm on my way. (Hangs up phone)

[Jami silently moved away from the kitchen opening and around another corner just as Yuu left the kitchen, grabbed his wallet off the table, and walked out of the first door. Jami looked around the corner and stared at the door for a while before the same question began to haunt his mind.]

Jami: Prefect... Why are you willing to do so much for me...after everything I have done to you? All the pain I caused you? Why are you doing so much for me - A Servant?

[The front door of Ramshackle opened, and Yuu walked in with his arms filled with stuff; he walked over to the sofa and placed everything down before reaching into a bag and pulling out the Cookbook from the Land of Scalding Sands before he walked around the corner, only to see Jami sitting at the table with his hair snakes constantly hissing.]

Yuu: Jami?

Jami:...

Yuu (Placing the book on the table as he walked over to Jami): Jami, are you okay? I've never seen you up so early.

Jami: I had a hard time sleeping - the snakes are very...aggravated at the moment and their hissing is making it hard to sleep.

Yuu (Looks at the hair snakes with a thinking expression on his face before snapping his fingers with a knowing smile on his face): I know - They are dry.

Jami (Raises an eyebrow at Yuu): Dry?

Yuu: When was the last time you oiled your hair since coming here?

Jami: I... I hadn't.

Yuu: Give me a moment. (Walks over to the bags on the sofa, reaches into one, and pulls out a bottle of Hair Oil that came from the Land of Scalding Sands - Sam gave it to him for free) Found it. (Walks back over to Jami) I'll give you a hand.

[Yuu whistles, gaining the hair snakes' attention as he pours some hair oil into his hand and holds his hand out to the snakes, showing them what is in his hand. Once the first snake came close enough, he rubbed his hands together and rubbed the oil on the hair snake, making it hiss in pleasure. Yuu continues this process with all the hair snakes until he reached the top of Jami's Head and massaged the hair oil into Jami's dry scalp, making the Overblot hiss in pleasure.]

Jami: This... This feels nice...

Yuu (Smiles): I'm glad you like it, Jami. I'll make you some tea after this.

Jami: I have been meaning to ask you about that, Prefect: Why are you doing so much for me after everything I have done to you? Used you for a personal vendetta I had against Kalim? Why do all of this for me, a mere servant?

Yuu: You are not a servant here, Jami. Ramshackle Dorm has no servants and I will not allow you to speak about yourself in such a matter.

Jami: But... My entire life, I have served...

Yuu: And that was a crime done to you. It's no wonder you and Jamil overblotted; who would want to live like that? Forced to hold themselves back for the betterment of someone who doesn't deserve their staion?

Jami: You don't think Kalim deserves to be Housewarden of Scarabia?

Yuu: In all honesty: No, he doesn't. Listen, I have nothings agsint Kalim personally, but he is too immature to hold the position of power he does; constantly throwing parties at the slightest whim and leaving the aftereffect up to you and the other members of Scarabia; it's pitiful, really. The only reason he is in his position of power is because he was from the Asim Family. You are clearly a better choice of Housewarden, considering all the work you do.

Jami: You... You really think so?

Yuu: Of course, you are. Jami, you are skilled in both magic and cooking, your memory is sharper than a blade, you are skilled in multiple languages...

[4 Minutes Later]

Yuu (Making cups of tea and breakfast for Jami from the cookbook): You are able to craft an antidote from plants within a matter of mintues before the poison can actually kill someone, and don't even get me started on your Mancala Tips...

[5 Minutes Later]

Yuu (Placing the food in front of Jami with the tea): All and All, you are a amazing person, Jami.

Jami (Staring at Yuu): Prefect... You just spent 9 minutes praising me...

Yuu: Of course I did. I would say more but we would be here all day and I have to make breakfast for the others. Jami, you deserve every bit of praise I can give you and I shall give you as much as you wish. (Pets the top of Jami's Head) You are brilliant and loved, Jami. (Goes into the kitchen)

Jami:...

[Later that day]

Leo (Pounding on Jami's Door): OI, SERPENT! GIVE ME BACK MY LITTLE BROTHER! WE'RE GOING TO PLAY CHESS!!

Ri: No, Rose and I are going to tend to the Roses!

Azu (Shouting downstairs since his pot can't go upstairs): PEARL AND I ARE GOING SWIMMING!

[Inside The Room]

Jami (Moving his stones on the Mancala Board): Your turn, Little Flower.

Yuu (Thinking of his move while Jami's Hair Snakes are wrapped around his waist - preventing him from leaving): Jami, when can I leave? I need to make lunch.

Jami: They can order-in.

Yuu: But...

Jami: You are not leaving me until you beat me in Mancala, Desert Flower. Listen to your brother.

Yuu: Jami, you've beaten me over 20 times. I'm not gonna beat you anytime soon.

Jami: Then, you won't be leaving anytime soon.

Yuu: Okay. (Makes a move on the Mancala Board)

[END - TO BE CONTINUED]

#Blot-Mates AU #twisted wonderland #overblot jamil #overblot jami #male yuu

57 notes · View notes

justmeinadaze · 3 months

Text

Ghost in the Machine Part 4 (Eddie X You)

Warnings: Daddy Rockstar Eddie X Sub Fem Stripper Reader, SMUT, spanking, minimal degrading, strip teasing, FLUFF, they like each other, ANGST, Some of the negatives of Eddie's rockstar lifestyle spills into their relationship and reader has to put Eddie in his place, utilization of the handcuffs, Eddie talks about his last relationship and why it ended.

Word Count: 5704

Series Here

You grin as you watch Corroded Coffin in the recording booth working on their new track. Eddie seemed to almost go into a trance when his fingers moved across the strings and it added to the enigma that was this particular metalhead. You had your arrangement now for a couple of months and true to your word you were trying to be more open with him. In turn he told you more about his childhood and your heart always broke for him the more he expanded on his relationship with his father.

Today he had suggested you come see him and the band record. Everyone he introduced you to was extremely polite and didn’t pry into your relationship with him or your personal life in general.

“Good job you guys. Hey, Ed, that riff really does work better. Good suggestion.” Eddie gave him a thumbs up as the man behind the glass smiled. “Alright boys. You’re free for the evening.”

“Hey Wes. Is it ok if I stay behind?”

“Of course, Eddie. Just shut everything down when you’re done.”, he chuckles.

After everyone leaves, he beckons you with his finger to come into the recording booth with a big, tooth filled grin.

“That was amazing.”

“Thank you. What did you think of my skills? Think it can get us bumped to number 4 at least on the billboard charts?”, he teases.

“Oh, at least. What do you hear in here?”, you ask as you pick up his headphones.

Eddie grins as he sits on the stool beside you and plays some notes on his guitar that you hear clear as day through the little speakers in your ears.

“In there they play some of the stuff we’ve already recorded and I play against it.”

“That’s cool. How did you get to be so good? Just a lot of practice?”

“Mhmm and alone time in high school.”, he chuckles as he holds his guitar out towards you. “Do you want to play?”

“Oh, Eddie. I’ll break it.”, you giggle.

“You won’t break it, sweetheart. Come here.” Tugging on your sleeve, he moves you between his legs and helps place the straps on your shoulder. “There we go. Now just put your hands here.”

Long removing the headphones, his chin was resting by your ear as he gave you instructions in a low gravelly tone that had you biting your bottom lip.

“Good. Good girl.” He gently guides your fingers along the strings and to your surprise a melody actually forms making you smile at him with pride. “Do you recognize it?”

“I keep a close watch on this heart of mine I keep my eyes wide open all the time I keep the ends out for the tie that binds Because you're mine I walk the line.”

Eddie grins as he nods and sings with you.

“I find it very, very easy to be true I find myself alone when each day is through Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you Because you're mine I walk the line.”

“My uncle used to play that record all the time.” Lifting your palm, you grip his chin and bring his lips to yours. “I wish you didn’t have to work tonight.”

“I know. Maybe tomorrow we can go see a movie or something.”

“We can watch something on our big ass tv.”, he chuckles but it tapers off when he sees that look he’s become all too familiar with on your face. “I know, baby, I know. I just—”

“You’re trying to protect me.”

“You saw the pictures with Ashley. I don’t want you to have to go through that.”

“Eddie, I feel like I’ve gotten better at being more open with you.”

“You have, sweetheart.”

“So, you know what I’m about to say scares the hell out of me.” Eddie exhales as he prepares for the worst. “I like you. I like you a lot. I…I want this…”, you gesture between the two of you. “…to be something more than just an arrangement. But we can’t do any of that if we’re stuck inside all the time.”

He tugs you into his arms and kisses the top of your head.

“I like you a lot to. We’ll figure this out, Y/N. I promise. I want you to be a part of my world but that includes all that other bullshit.”

***

“Did good tonight, honey.”, the bartender at the strip club smiled at you as he slid over a shot that you eagerly knocked back.

“Thanks Luis. Would you mind walking me to my car?”

“Not a problem. Let me get Jace to cover real quick. It will just be a moment.”

Nodding, you lean against the bar as you wait, turning your head to find a gentleman at the end of it staring at you.

“He’s right. You danced very well.”

“Um, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“I did. I enjoyed the song choice to. I’ve always wondered how strippers choose what songs they move to.”

“Oh, I just look through the inventory and select from there. The owner has a whole Spotify playlist set up so we can practice at home.”

“That’s pretty cool. Does he have any Corroded Coffin on there?”

Your head jerks towards him giving him your full attention.

“I mean, you can’t exactly dance to their type of music. Mosh maybe but…”, you giggle trying to hide your nerves at his line of questioning.

“I’m a huge fan of their work especially Eddie Munson. He’s a phenomenal guitarist but a bit of bad boy. I heard he’s been seeing someone new.”

“Who are you?”

The man smiles as he rises from his chair and extends his hand out to you which you promptly reject.

“I’m Casey Reed, a journalist for a very esteemed website. Supposedly, you or “the mystery woman” his fans have been calling you, were seen leaving his recording studio a few times and a police report we obtained said he at your house a couple of months ago. Is he just a friend or…”

“Why don’t you fuck off and mind your own business?”

“So…not just a friend then?”

“Y/N, is this guy bothering you?”, Luis asks as he comes around the bar.

“Not anymore. I’m ready to leave now.”

“Miss Y/L/N. Here’s my card. Call me if you feel like telling the truth or want to get ahead of this. At some point everyone will find out and even he knows that.”

###########

Eddie charges into the news outlet’s building and kicks open the man’s office door before slamming his palms down on the desk.

“Fuck. Off. Casey.”, he growled. “You cause enough damage for me and my friends. Leave this girl alone!”

Security skids in but the journalist waves them off assuring them he’s got this covered.

“Well shit. She must be special since out of all the women you’ve been with you bothered to come all the way down here to defend her.” Casey leans forward on his own hands matching Eddie’s stance. “Or is there something about her history that could cause some problems? To be fair though, it wouldn’t be too out of the ordinary for a bad boy rockstar like you to date an erotic dancer.”, he chuckles. “You know, Eddie, I like you. I really do but did you really think you could just keep her hidden? People were going to find out about her eventually.”

“She’s nothing, alright. She’s just…an acquaintance. Please, Casey. Leave her be.”

***

“Hey, Eddie. I thought I wasn’t seeing you till—”

“We need to talk.”, the metalhead cuts you off as he barges into your home.

“Is everything okay?”

“Look, um, some things are going to change over the next few months and I need you to be aware of them.” Scanning his manic demeanor, you nod as you fold your arms and lean against the back of your couch as you wait for him to continue. “I talked to my agent about Casey Reed and we’re going to kill any stories he may be preparing to write about us. That being said… I have to be seen going out with someone else.”

Your eyes widen as your lips form in a sarcastic pout.

“Ok, yeah no, I completely understand. Any ideas who the lucky lady will be?”

His jaw clenches as he avoids your gaze. “Ashley Morris offered since the media already thinks we’re dating.”

Eddie’s eyes find yours again when he hears your giggle turn into a full-blown laugh.

“And if I may ask, rockstar, are you asking me if you can do this or are you telling me?”

“Y/N…this is better for everyone—”

“No, this is what’s best for you.”, you growl. “Did you do this with your last girlfriend? The one you had for 4 years. How did she feel about you pretending to date a model?!”

“Y/N—”

“Just admit it, Eddie Munson. You’re embarrassed of me and the press it would give you being seen with a stripper! You know you really should think about acting because you genuinely had me believe you didn’t care about my profession.”

He stood there with a stoic expression as you continued to shout at him.

“Whatever. Go enjoy your time with your model. Text me whenever you want to fuck me again because I guess that’s all I’m good for.”, you hiss.

Without saying a word, he stomped passed you and slammed your front door.

***

“On today’s top story in entertainment news, Corroded Coffin’s guitarist Eddie Munson was arrested last night for disorderly conduct after being found drunk outside of bar in downtown LA and starting fights with a few of the patrons.”

You sighed as you turned off your tv and got up to start getting ready for work. It had been a week since you heard from him and you missed him so much. There hadn’t been any new stories or reports about you or even Ashley; just Eddie constantly getting in trouble.

You thought about calling and checking in but what he said had really hurt you. You understood that being a stripper was a taboo in today’s society but you thought you made him understand that you did this to survive and he made you believe he didn’t care.

Obviously, he did if he was willing to go through such extremes to pretend he was dating someone else entirely.

The sound of your phone ringing brought you back to the moment as you answered for the number you didn’t recognize.

“Y/N? Hey. I don’t know if you remember me but this is Gareth, Eddie’s friend and bandmate.”

“Yeah, hey Gareth. Everything ok?”

“Um, not really. I’m not sure if you keep up with the news but he’s starting to get out of control. I mean, more so than normal. When he drinks, he babbles about you. We were wondering if maybe you could come talk to him and possibly knock some sense into him. We don’t know what else to do. Our last resort is calling his uncle but Wayne will probably kill him.”, he chuckles.

“Gareth, I…I don’t know…”

“Please, Y/N. We’re really worried about him. It’s getting to the point where…fuck…we may have to consider finding a new guitarist—”

“No! No, no. Please don’t do that yet.”

You knew how much playing music and his band meant to Eddie. He had given you tidbits here and there about how hard they had worked as a group and how this was always his dream for as long as he could remember. It would destroy him to have them take that away.

“I’ll be there in 10.”

##############

“Ed?”, Jeff called as he knocks on his friend’s door. When he doesn’t answer the man carefully slides it open and you both see Eddie drunkenly passed out on his bed.

“I got it from here, Jeff. Thank you.”

The boy nods leaving you to your own devices and as you close the door you sigh as you take in his surroundings. The room was trashed; his clothes strewn around all over the place as beer cans littered the area around his mattress and on his dresser. A carton of cigarettes, now half empty, rested near an ashtray on the floor beside his guitar which was leaning against his nightstand.

Remembering something he told you that second night you were together, you went on the hunt till you found the handcuffs you were looking for in one of his drawers. Careful to not wake him, you reach for his wrists, lifting them above his head, and confining him to his headboard. As you leaned back, your eyes scanned over his sleeping face. Even now, he seemed incredibly upset as his eyebrows knitted together.

Sighing, you threw your jacket to the side as you headed for his bathroom and filled the small cup near the sink with cold water. With one final cursory glance, you exhale as you step into your hardened headspace saved for clients or customers who liked it a bit rougher towards themselves and tossed the contents of the glass right into Eddie’s face.

“Jesus fucking Christ!”, he gasped as his head shot forward. He tried to sit up but was yanked back down by the handcuffs around him. “What…what the fuck is going on?!”

“I don’t know, Eddie. You tell me. What the fuck is going on?”

“Y/N? What the hell are you doing here?” You roll your eyes and disappear into his bathroom, coming back with a long stride as you throw water at him again. “FUCKING GOD DAMNIT! Stop it!”

“What is going on with you, Eddie Munson? According to your friends, you’re causing problems, you didn’t show up for a recording session, and you got arrested yesterday.”

“Let. Me. Go.”, he growls as his angry eyes try to intimidate you.

“Or what, little boy?” You watched as his growl turned into a full furious grunt as he pulled at the cuffs trying to break free. “You think I’m afraid of you, rockstar? I’ve been through scarier shit with way more intimidating people. Now…if you want out, you have to answer my questions.”

“Fuck you, you fucking whore! You think you tell me what to do?! I can do whatever the fuck I want. Ugh!” He flinched as you splashed him again.

“You know you sound a lot like my ex. Fucker used to say shit like that all the time but I never had the luxury of catching him of guard and handcuffing him with his own handcuffs to his own bed.” He starts to calm a bit as his eyes find yours. “Eddie, what’s going on?”

“You won’t believe me.”

“Try me.”

The metalhead huffs as he looks away, glaring towards the wall.

“I didn’t like hearing you say that all you were good for to me was sex.”

“I mean—”

“No. I didn’t like it because I didn’t like that I had made you feel that way especially since it’s not even close to true.” Eddie listens as you move around his room only looking your way again when he feels you sit beside him. Popping open the top of the water bottle you pulled from his mini fridge, you brought it to his lips allowing him to chug some of the liquid before taking it back. “I’m not embarrassed of you, Y/N.”

“I know what it’s like to have those cameras invade your life and the damage it can cause. It’s…It’s part of the reason my ex and I broke up, the serious one.”

“Do you need more water?”

The man blinks before glancing down and shaking his head. “No, thank you.”

Grabbing a nearby towel, you quickly run it through his hair and down his face, drying any liquid you found along his skin.

“A journalist like Casey did a background check on my girlfriend at the time and showed up unexpectedly at her parent’s house. They pretended to be a friend and got a lot of personal information about both of us. She was so embarrassed…even more so when some of the things they wrote about…got her fired from her job.”

“I offered to take care of her and her family but her last straw was when they published a video online of me and one of my other friend’s leaving a bar. It wasn’t the picture but the story which had the host saying something like, ‘Guitarist of Corroded Coffin seen leaving with playmate Allison Anders. Maybe Eddie Munson has finally found someone more his speed. Can’t imagine how vanilla his current sex life must be now with his current small town unemployed girlfriend.’”

“Why didn’t you do the pretend girlfriend plan you thought up with me?”

“She disappeared before we could come up with any plan. I woke up the next morning and she was gone, leaving me a note and everything. I made sure after that all the papers and tv hosts understood I was the scumbag. I made it seem like I cheated on her constantly and broke her fucking heart so paparazzi and fans would leave her alone.”

The man’s gaze shifted up to lock eyes with you, the intensity within them causing you to falter a bit.

“And I would do it again. Y/N, I won’t let them do the same thing to you especially after everything you’ve told me you’ve been through. I’ll look like the bad guy to keep you safe.”

“How martyring of you, Mr. Munson.” He growls and you match him as you square your shoulders displaying confidence. “I know I may not seem strong but I am, Eddie. Believe it or not I can handle assholes like Casey Reed. I told you I struggle with releasing control and allowing people to take care of me. That’s because I’ve done it practically my whole life. Just because I allow you to control me doesn’t mean it erased everything I learned. I can still take care of myself and you as well sometimes if you’ll let me.”

His jaw tightens as he absorbs what you were saying before finally nodding.

“You have to stop behaving like a five-year-old. I don’t want you to lose everything you worked so hard for because you feel out of control. Remember what you tell me? I need you to be open with me, Eddie. We can figure this out together.”

“Yes, ma’am.”, he exhales as he nods again. Grasping his chin between your fingers, you lean forward to kiss his lips. “Hey, wait. What about me?”, he whines when you stand and head for the door.

“I’ll let Jeff know we’re done and he can release you.”

###############

The following evening you went to work fully diving into your strong, protective mentality as you danced and did your set. As Luis walked you out that night, you both paused when you saw a cigarette smoking Eddie leaning against your car.

As soon as he notices, he closes the distance, extending his hand as he introduces himself.

“Can you take it from here, Y/N?”

“Yeah, babe. Thank you.” Luis nods before jogging back inside. “I see Jeff decided to set you free.”

“After some begging and admissions of how he’s way cooler than I’ll ever be, yes he did.” He grins when you softly smile. “I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me. There’s a 24 hour diner around the corner here. I was thinking we could walk since it’s actually not a thousand degrees for once.”

“Are you sure, rockstar? What if people see us together?”

“Then they see us together… Honestly, I don’t really care about you. I just want that delicious bacon, egg, and sausage sandwich thing they have over there.”

Your smile grows as you gesture with your head towards the sidewalk and he begins to follow beside you.

“I’ve never tried it.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you’re missing out. It kind of reminds me of something my uncle used to make for me before school when I was growing up.”

“Yeah? I was always in a rush so I would just grab a Pop tart or an Eggo.”

Eddie laughs as the back of his hand brushes against your own.

“Same especially since I slept till the very last second! But my uncle works overnight at the plant in our town so he would make it as like a quick meal before bed and left one for me on the counter near my lunch box.”

“He sounds like a good man.”

Your fingers intertwine with his and he sighs through his nose with relief as he beams down you.

“He is. Wayne comes to the shows especially when we are in Indiana so hopefully you’ll meet him sometime soon.”

***

“It’s good right? Told you!”, he boasts after watching you take a bite of the sandwich he recommended.

“Okay, okay. Calm down, Mr. Munson.”, you giggle.

Eddie’s eyes scan over you as he takes a sip from the coffee in his cup.

“I know you’re strong.” Your eyebrows knit together before he explains. “You said you may not seem strong but you are. That me taking care of you doesn’t erase that. I know how strong you are. It’s one of the many things that attracted me to you.”

“Hm. Because you like putting a tough girl in her place?”

“No. Because I like knowing that even though you can take care of yourself, you trust me enough to let go. As you noticed…sometimes I struggle doing the same…but that has nothing to do with me thinking you’re weak or something like that. I’m just—”

“Scared?”

“I guess you could say that.”, he grins.

“I can understand that. The few times you did let go you lost your parents and then the woman you love.”

“Jesus Christ. Where did you get your psychology degree, princess?”

“At the college of life, Mr. Munson.”, you laugh and his grin grows.

“Excuse me.” You both turn your head at the sound of a voice and look up to meet the eyes of a young man standing next to your table with a baby swaddled into his chest. “I’m sorry to bother you while you’re eating. I was wondering if I could have your autograph Mr. Munson for my son here.”

“Yeah, sure. What’s his name?”

“Stephen with a ph.”

“That’s cool. I have a close friend in Indiana named Steven with a V.”

“Is little man having trouble sleeping?”, you ask.

“Yeah. Since my wife spends all day with him, I look out for him at night. Since he’s got a good loud set of lungs on him, I take him for a drive which is how we discovered Corroded Coffin. One of your songs came on the radio and he stopped crying instantly. He loves the guitar solos.”

“Maybe you have a little rockstar in the making here.” The dad smiles down at you and extends his hand for you to shake. “Hey, um, here. Give this to your wife. I’ve had this in my bag forever but I never use it. I imagine a new mom would love some pampering.” The gentleman beams at you when you hand him a card for a free full spa day.

“Thank you both so much. It was such a pleasure meeting you!”

Eddie shakes his hand and you two watch him as he runs excitedly to his car.

“Well, aren’t you just an angel.”

“You’d be surprised how many dancers are struggling mothers. I know what it’s like for them just needing a time out and day for themselves.”

############

“Oh, you cleaned. I feel special.”, you tease as your eyes look around his straightened-up room.

“Yeah. Some girl came over and threw water on half my stuff so…”, he shrugs before smirking in your direction.

“I’m sure you deserved it.” Grinning, you lay down on his bed and he follows your lead, jumping on to the mattress by your side. Your lips reach up to quickly find his. “I missed you.”

Softly smiling, his palm caresses your face as he leans down to kiss you again.

“I missed you to. I’m really sorry, baby girl. You know, you should feel special because no one has ever gotten the drop on me to get these cuffs around my wrists.”, Eddie chuckles.

“It’s not hard when you’re passed out drunk.”, you tease.

“Will you let me make it up to you, sweetheart?”, he coos as he rubs the tip of his nose along yours and down your cheek to your ear. “Will you let Daddy make you feel good?”

“Hm. I don’t know, Daddy.”, you tease. “You did disappear on me. You broke the rules.”

“Do as I say not as I do, baby.”, he smiles, kissing your cheek. “But, no, I hear what you’re saying. You think I need some form of punishment. What do you think, hm? A spanking?” Eddie sticks out his tongue, wiggling his eyebrows playfully and melts as he listens to you laugh.

Pushing on his chest, you sit up and guide him to stand in front of you.

“I think you should show me some of your moves, honey.”

“You want me to strip for you? Sweetheart, that’s more of a punishment for you because once you see my moves, you’re never going to want to leave.” You cackle, biting your bottom lip as he grinds his hips in the air. “Well, I need a song right? Pick one.”

Browsing through his collection, a mischievous grin paints your face when you find something and press play. Listening for a moment, he smirks at your choice before nodding as he sways his body to the music.

“I made another mistake, thought I could change Thought I could make it out Promises break, need to hear you say You're gonna keep it now.”

The skin between the tears in his jeans touch yours as he places himself directly in front of you, looking down at you with that intensity that makes you blush. Continuing to slowly move side to side, he gradually descends onto his knees as his palms glide up and down your thighs, opening them wide as he stays between them.

“I miss the way you say my name The way you bend, the way you break Your makeup running down your face The way you touch, the way you taste.”

Tossing away his shirt, you can’t help but scan his upper torso with your eyes hungrily. The way his guitar pick chain hung around his neck with his bare chest drove you crazy. Licking his lips, he rose to his feet, thrusting slightly as you rolled your eyes playfully. Taking a hold of your wrists, he guided your hands along is body, grazing the bulge in his pants ever so slightly before letting you go and backing away, his eyes never leaving yours.

“When the curtains call the time Will we both go home alive? It wasn't hard to realize Love's the death of peace of mind.”

The image of his slanted, cocky smile as he unbuckled his belt will forever be burned into your brain but that was nothing compared to the sight of him taking off his belt in one go around his forearm and tossing it to the side. People never understood there was always a type of dominance that came with stripping. Most men when you danced saw an innocent little girl that they wanted to “control and take care of”. Truth was on that stage you had all the power. YOU commanded attention and control what they saw physically and emotionally.

As Eddie stood there for a moment with his muscular arms at his side, his tattoos accentuating his chest, and his pants hanging low enough to show you the slight V into the waistband of boxers, you wondered if he was now aware of it to.

“I miss the way you say my name The way you bend, the way you break Your makeup running down your face The way you fuck, the way you taste.”

Unbuttoning his pants, he pushed them and his boxers down, kicking them to the side. Dropping to the floor, he crawled to you, stopping when he reached your feet, and at an agonizingly slow pace, placed soft kisses up your leg, to the inside of your thigh. Cutting him off, your fingers take hold of his chin and tilt his face so you can lean your forehead against his.

As soon as the song ends, the energy in the room feels like it explodes as your lips crash to his and push him back against the floor.

With a hastened, passionate energy, Eddie practically ripped your clothes off your body as you continued to grind your hips while you kissed his lips. A heavy exhale fanned your face as you took his cock in your hand and ran his mushroom tip through your dripping folds. Cupping your cheeks in his palms, he held on to you as you gradually began taking him in.

“Fuck.”

“You got it, baby. T-Take your time.”

“D-Don’t want to take my time.”, you groan as you roll your lower half trying to push him deeper.

“You want Daddy’s help?” When all you do is nod, his palm comes down hard on your behind. “Let’s try that again. Do you want my help?”

“Y-Yes, yes, Daddy, please. I need your help. Need you to fuck me.”

Wrapping his arms around you, Eddie holds you tightly to him with one hand firmly gripping the back of your neck and the other on your lower back. Bracing his feet, he trusts roughly up into your cunt, hitting that spongey spot inside of you hard.

“Fuck! Just like that! Please.”

“Just like that, pretty girl? Mmm—fuck—I missed you so much, Y/N.”

While your lips and tongue mingled with his, he continued pumping into you at a steady rhythm that had Eddie swallowing each and every delicious moan.

“I want…I want…”

Your eyes opened as the normally confident rockstar stumbled over his words.

“What, Daddy? Huh? What do you want from me?”

As he pushed you two up into a sitting position, your hands clung to the base of his neck as you rolled your waist meeting each one of his thrusts with one of your own.

“You.”

“You have me.”

Eddie’s need filled eyes opened, abruptly meeting your own as he yanked you closer till his mouth was hovering just under your own.

“I want you to be mine. I want everyone to know you’re my girl. Shit. I want to show you off and treat you the way you deserve. I-I want to fucking spoil you and keep you safe. I want YOU.”

Your mouth fell open in a silent moan as you hugged him to your chest, trembling against him as you came.

“Fuck, baby girl. Feels so fucking good when you cum.”

After flipping you on to your back, he chased his high till you heard him grunt next to your ear and felt his release spill inside of you.

***

You don’t remember when you fell asleep but when you opened your eyes the next morning, you were greeted to the sound of a softly breathing Eddie beside you as he continued to sleep. He had placed one of his arms under your head to use as a pillow while his other was tossed casually over your stomach.

You assumed he didn’t want to disturb you and since you both were too far on the floor from the bed, he covered your top half with his jacket and both yours and his lower halves with a small throw blanket.

A knock on his door did nothing to rouse the rockstar from sleep making you giggle as you verbally allowed the person entry.

“Oh, shit. Um, sorry, Y/N.”

“No, Jeff, it’s ok.”, you beam up at him causing him to blush a bit as he smiles back.

“Hey, Ed. Munson. EDDIE!”

“Hm.”

Rolling his eyes, his friend reaches for the pack of cigarettes on the dresser and tosses it at the guitarist, hitting him square in the head.

“Jesus Christ. The fuck, man?! What do you want?!”

“Good afternoon, Edward. Manager wants to meet with you in an hour.”

“Ok…tell him I’ll be there in four.”

“I’ll get him up, honey, thank you.”

Jeff smiles gratefully your way as he leaves and closes the door. Rolling on to his back, Eddie groans as he blindly pulls a cigarette out of the pack and searches for his lighter. After finding one in his jacket pocket, you light it for him and he grins sleepily as he tilts his head towards it before exhaling smoke away from your face.

Cuddling closer to him, his free hand begins playing with your hair as your fingers gently trace down his chest along his stomach.

“Does he want to talk to you about me?”

“Hm?”

“Your manager.”

“Hm probably…Or scold me again for getting trouble.”

“Should I come with you then?” At your question, his eyes fully open as he cranes his neck to look at you. “I mean…if I’m your girl right? I imagine there’s things I need to know or maybe things they want to talk about when it comes to my job.”

Tossing away his half-finished cigarette, Eddie excitedly takes you in his arms and rolls on top of you as you jokingly groan at action.

“Say it again. Please. Say you’re my girl.”, he begs as he pushes up on his elbows and caresses your cheeks with his thumbs.

“I’m yours, Eddie. It’s been a while since I’ve been in a relationship but…I trust you.”

His smile widens as he leans down to kiss your lips and presses his face into your neck as you laugh, hugging him to you.

“You’re safe with me, baby. I promise.”

“Okay, okay. Get up and get dressed! You have a meeting with your manager.”

“Pfft, fuck him. I haven’t seen you in a week. I’m spending the day with my girlfriend.”

############

;)

@mynameismothra @hideoutside @micheledawn1975

@mygirlchaos

108 notes · View notes

writeroutoftime · 9 months

Text

tutoring

pairing: carmen berzatto x reader (requested by: @zablife)

summary: culinary school is hard, but luckily carmen is there to help you through

warnings: none

words: 0.9k

a/n: Lee, I'm sorry this took a little while for me to get out, but thank you for sending this my way, it was a lot of fun to write!! I was even searching 'a day in the life of a culinary student' to figure out what it might look like for them, lol! anyway, please enjoy!!

oOoOo

The blare of your alarm was the first thing that greeted you every day at 4:30 in the morning. Feeling as though your hand was made of lead, you reached out from underneath the covers and slapped it off, a groan not too far behind. As much as you longed to slip under the covers for another hour, you knew it was imperative you get to the kitchen and practice long before any of your classmates got there.

Throwing on your uniform, you made the short walk to the school's kitchen and quickly pulled out your cut boarding, knives, and vegetables. You took a moment to catch your breath and began practicing your dicing. It wasn't long before the knife slipped from your hand and you let out a shout, pushing away from the counter.

Tears of frustration welled in your eyes, and you let them fall thinking you were the only one in the cold, industrial kitchen. However, you quickly discovered you were, in fact, not alone when the there was a lot clattering from the other side of the room.

"Shit." someone whispered, obviously trying to hide.

"W-who's there?" you called out, quickly wiping away any evidence of your meltdown.

It took a moment, but a figure emerged from behind one of the refrigerators, raising his hands in faux surrender. "Ah, I'm really sorry, I wasn't trying to spy on your or anything."

You quickly recognized it as Carmen, from your classes, his blue eyes instantly recognizable. "It's okay, Carmen. W-what are you doing here so early?" you asked, trying to keep the attention off of you.

"Haven't been able to sleep." he shrugged. "Figured I'd come down early and set up before first lecture. What are you doing here so early? y/n, right?" he asked, pretending he didn't know your name or that he had recognized you even from behind.

Sheepishly, you glanced to failed dicing. "Just, you know, practicing." Embarrassed to admit to your faults when you had seen Carmen's flawless skills in the kitchen.

There was a long stretch of silence as Carmen looked at you, glanced to your station, and then back to you. "I could, um, you know, help you out." he offered. "Only if you want, and I'm not saying I like know everything or whatever." he quickly amended, looking rather frantic.

A small giggle slipped past your lips, and Carmen decided it was his new favorite sound. "That'd be great." you whispered, smiling your thanks.

"Oh, okay. Cool." Carmen said, almost surprised that you had agreed. "Why don't, uh, why don't you show me what you were doing, and we can see where to go from there."

Nodding, you picked the knife back up and continued to try and dice, trying to ignore Carmen's eyes watching you. No, watching your knife skill, you corrected yourself. Eventually, Carmen cut in with some advice, and continued to help you out. This went on for almost an hour until more students began to trickle in, setting up their stations before lecture.

"Same time tomorrow?" Carmen offered.

"Oh, no, I don't want you to have to get up so early every day. just to help me out, Carmen." you said, not wanting to scare Carmen away.

"I'll be up already, I promise." he said, trying to ease your worries. "And, uh, you can just call me Carmy. You know if you want."

You bit your lip to stop your smile from growing too large. "Okay, then, Carmy."

Carmy's tutoring continued on for the next few weeks. Each time, just after 5 in the morning, just the two of you in the kitchen. As time passed, you found yourself excited for your alarm to go off so you could spend some time with the curly-haired chef.

Slowly, your confidence grew in the kitchen with Carmy by your side. Patient and kind, Carmy always offered constructive criticism, never tiring when you asked him to demonstrate a technique just one more time. And if either of you noticed the way he began to stand closer and closer while watching you - enough you could feel his warm breath on your skin - neither of you said anything. But the conversation was easy and comfortable, and you, nor Carmy, wanted to let this opportunity slip away.

It was one morning, some weeks later, you found yourself with Carmy drinking coffee, instead of practicing. Your skills were nearly on par with Carmen's, and you suggested treating yourselves to coffee instead, just this once.

"So, what made you decide to apply to culinary school?" he asked.

"Cooking was such a huge thing for my family. You did it to show someone you loved them, you cared for them. And I wanted to take that feeling and offering it up to everyone. But no one in my family was a professional, so all the yelling and technical aspects of culinary school can be a bit jarring." you explained. "What about you?"

"Uh, my older brother has a restaurant. I loved watching him cook, too, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Show him this is something I can really do." he told you, staring deeply into his coffee cup.

You smiled at the vulnerability in his statement and reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "I'm sure he's so proud of you." you smiled.

Carmy relished the way your hand felt covering his, and opened his mouth to say something, but you pulled away, bashful, and downed the rest of your drink. "Wel, we better get to lecture, huh?" you asked, seeming more nervous than Carmy had seen you in weeks.

He made a mental note to ask you about it after class, and though he didn't know it yet, the day would soon go down as one of his favorites, when you finally kissed him in response to his question.

#carmen berzatto x reader #carmen berzatto imagine #carmy berzatto x reader #the bear imagine #rita writes

316 notes · View notes

crookedkryptonitebeliever · 1 year

Text

Yandere Best Friend part 4

tw: suicide mention, infantalization, rant in da author note, general yandere shenanigans, angst

also damn ageless and minors DNI please </3

my masterlist

hi guys heres another projection extravaganza becasue my paretns are not really supportive of my wish 2 have a gap year and i still gotta hustle even tho im so exhausted n tired and upset and need comfort and broken leg and feeling inadequate n everything so FAST bruh they said im SLOW cause im not in a universtiry by 18 </3/3/3//3/3/3 im tryine </3 but covid BAD and i turned 20 like fuckin last month which made me more shit

anyways enjoyyye

You haven't heard from your friend for days. He hasn't come to visit you but you knew he was working silently in the background when you received the news that your bank account wasn't in the negatives anymore and you no longer have to gouge your eyes out just to pay your student loans and medical bills. You breathed a sigh of relief when you realized that you don't need to file for bankruptcy to stop yourself from plummeting further.

Are you really free from all debt, though?

You really don't know how to proceed. What do you say to your friend? What is he going to do next? What does he expect in return? How will you do your taxes on this?

Sure enough, he returned to you. Still in a foul mood, but he is much mellower and he is leaning towards the heartbroken, sad side.

He went on a sobbing rant about how he wanted you to be spoiled rotten-- how he wanted to spoil you rotten, how he very much preferred you to be arrogant and entitled from being treated like absolute royalty. You could and would get away with anything. You would be above law and beyond.

You wouldn't have to be a commoner working hard to put food on the table, everything you need and wanted would be at your fingertips; no matter how expensive, immoral or illegal it may be.

He wanted you to be ignorant of poverty, deprivation and anything bad about reality. At least, you would be in bliss.

But now, you're hurt all over. Ruined and broken, tainted by the suffering of life. And, it was all his fault.

Your friend stroked your dry, sandpaper-like hands tenderly, morosely. It was such a shame, such a tragic fate you had. He promised you will never ever have to lift anything heavier than a champagne glass or handle anything rougher than silk. You will be pampered and have everything done for you to the point where you don't even need to think your own thoughts.

Drowsy from all the painkillers you had, your friend ran his fingers through your hair to tidy them. You didn't reject him as it felt nice, comforting, even.

He expressed a gentle, teary smile, cupping your cheeks with his soft, smooth and manicured hands. What a stark difference between his hands now and four years ago, you thought to yourself as he massaged parts of your face to stimulate blood flow and collagen formation.

I'll be back by seven. He whispered as he wiped the sleep from your eyes with his thumbs. It's now four in the afternoon, his phone is ringing incessantly and he lets it ring.

He eventually picked the call up while having a hand to pet your hair. You heard him confirm that he is going to a meeting of some sort, he informed the caller that he is going to be late. As he talks on, he leaned down to give you a kiss on the forehead. A silent goodbye before he goes away.

He continues on talking over the phone, leaving the room without sparing another glance at you.

You watched him shut the door behind him and heard quick footsteps getting softer and softer.

You took the time to reflect on what had happened, it was hard to grasp that he wanted you to be... a leech? And, perhaps it was the painkillers dulling your comprehension skills but, what you took away from his venting was: his has a weird obsession with the appearance of your hands. Or with hands, in general.

Too tired to deal with it, you closed your eyes and let yourself drift to sleep.

You woke up, feeling transported into the past when your nose picked up on the familiar aroma of your friend's cooking. It reminded you of your adolescence, your teenagehood and the brief time he stayed in this house.

You rubbed your eyes and saw your friend setting up a wooden bed tray on your lap. It was propped up by its foldable legs.

You were presented with the dish you missed the most, the dish he cooked for you frequently in the past and the dish that made you regress to your teenage self. It was comfort in a bowl, it was a reminder that you had very little things to worry about when you were with him. He would always take care of everything for you.

You tried replicating this dish many times. You followed the recipe to a "T" but you could never get it right, no one ever did except your friend.

He tidied your hair and tucked some stray strands behind your ear. You were given the option to feed yourself or to have him spoonfeed you.

He didn't pressure you into choosing the latter when you picked up the spoon. But he did remind you that the offer still stands.

The room was devoid of sound, save for the white noise coming from your air conditioner and the non-stop buzzing from his phone. Your friend absentmindedly fidget with his golden promise ring as he stared blankly at your leg casts, you couldn't understand how he has the will to ignore all those notifications.

He wondered where your ring was. He did have a hunch that you pawned it off in desperation. But he didn't want to confirm it with you as it might just break his heart even more.

He has nothing else to say and so did you. Your friend found solace in your presence while you only found awkwardness. Unnerved, even.

Your friend was the first to spoke up. He earnestly apologized for his unhinged previous behaviors, all he actually wanted was you to be happy and at ease. He doesn't truly want to take your autonomy away from you, he doesn't want to treat you like a toddler who knows nothing about the world around them. He just found it necessary to bind you for a while, to stop you from hurting yourself further.

Your friend assured that he won't stop you from pursuing whatever you want. It is your life after all.

He is just there to prevent you from being unhappy from failing too many times. At least, to the best of his abilities. He is a strong believer that some "failures" are required to elevate happiness. For example, it would feel extremely rewarding if you finally won a competition despite relentlessly competing against the best contestants the world has to offer.

If you want to attain other qualifications such as a PhD of your choice, or even an entire field change, he will bear all the costs. He will provide all the resources you need and more, you won't need to worry about money, chores or food. He will be supporting you from the shadows.

He made sure that you knew there would be absolutely no pressure for you to excel or to even complete your course. If you think it's not worth the stress, you can just drop out anytime, money is not a problem at all. Take as long as you want, try again as many times as you can take. Your friend would only encourage you to do something if it truly makes you feel fulfilled, happy and content with your life.

You asked about starting a business of your own. His interest piqued and he found himself gleefully motivating you to do so; under the condition that the capital and any connections you need to get it up and running comes from him.

You get to keep whatever profit you make and You would have full control over your business, the vision and mission is yours to play with. He will give you a tutorial based on his experience and tells you what to look out for, he will perhaps give you some advice or warnings here and there, but it is ultimately up to you to heed it.

He will watch you carelessly mess around with a proud smile on his face. You can choose to make your own connections in the industry, you can choose to hire your own people, you can do all the research yourself, you can choose how you want to get the word out there or...

You could simply just simply let him and his highly talented, highly skilled, highly experienced teams handle it while you take all the credit as a self-made entrepreneur.

He won't interject with unwanted help, unsolicited comments or extra funds if you don't want him to. It's all up to your whims and desires. It's just a silly, fun, little game for you to feel joy and self actualization. But if he deems that you're hurting yourself, mentally and/or physically, he is shutting it all down.

No, he won't shame or berate you if your business wasn't successful. He wouldn't allow you to cast blame onto yourself. No, nothing was wasted. Don't you dare think of yourself and your efforts that way. There is no such thing as losses when it comes to you, he is too generous for his own good. You gained some experience, you had fun and you learnt a lot... and that's all that really matters to him. You could fall and choose to either get back up yourself (under his vigilant supervision), or let him pick you up. Would you like to try again?

What if, you don't want to do anything with your business anymore? Well, there are many options for you to choose from. You could simply just shut it down with no repercussions. You don't need to be involved in the headache of liquidating your company's assets or dealing with the law if you don't want to. Hm? Oh, don't worry about all the people who are going to lose their jobs. They'll find new ones eventually. Your friend could take them under his wing if you want him to.

You could just dump it on his lap to manage it while you do other things that you're interested in. However, he is absolutely not changing anything or implementing any new policies to save it from collapsing in on itself unless you ask him to. It doesn't matter if it's costing him millions of dollars in losses, it doesn't matter if it's a liability to him. It's your project and he has no right to interfere without your permission, who is he to touch it when "you" were the one who originally gave it life? He will keep injecting money in without getting anything in return, he will gladly keep a living corpse of an enterprise, a financial parasite, stuck to his name and company.

You could sell it. Even if no one wanted to buy it, your friend would. And again, you can choose to control it although it's under his name, or let him transform it into something actually profitable-- basically give up charge over your business. But, you get to take the authority back whenever you want, please don't worry about the legalities or moralities. This is your world and everyone is just living in it, including himself.

On the other side of the coin, where if your business is raking in massive profits, you would receive praises every minute from him and the people around you. You would be celebrated and worshipped by everyone. He will make sure of it.

I may know many things about the world of trading but not all. Not even close. I might need to learn a thing or two from you. He chuckled, propping his head with a hand.

You asked if you can truly keep all the profits to yourself.

Yes and no. He answered. You don't have to pay him back or give him dividends even though he is a major, active investor. But, if you ever decide to put your business out there for strangers to buy stocks, you have no choice but to give them their share of profits. He would reimburse them if you want him to.

Then you asked him, what if you were to have no aspirations, no goals and no direction to head to? Becoming a complete NEET for the rest of your life? And a degenerate one to top it off? Only hiding yourself in your bedroom, living off junk, hissing at sunlight and consuming more than you create. Be it in terms of food or creative medias.

He frowned. He believes every human needs a goal to work towards to, in order to make their lives feel worthwhile, enriched and enjoyable. A goal is a goal, no matter how small or ridiculous. Yes, he would fund your NEET lifestyle only if you have at least three hobbies that:

Does not actively cause bodily harm,

Does not cause mental, self-esteem deterioration,

Does not cause you to be numb,

Gives you true satisfaction about yourself; I.e., a hobby that is challenging but achievable, something that gives you healthy agency,

Absolute complacency is the devil in his eyes. He isn't going to let you fall into that pit of consumerism hell, he knows it is a slippery slope to despair, pessimistic nihilism and suicidal ideation. If you can't find a hobby yourself, he is going to find something that keeps the cogs turning. But just enough, he is never going to overwhelm or overkill it.

You gave yourself a minute or two to think. You then summed it up to being: Your friend sees his money and status as a shiny toy for you to play with, however or whenever you want. As long as you're not harming yourself with it. Strange how he contradicts himself when it comes to the topic of doing nothing in life. Nonetheless, you're glad that he would let you think for yourself.

What's the catch? You mumbled, he hummed and tilted his head towards you as he didn't hear what you said.

What do you want in return? You don't buy the fact that he's completely selfless and so fucking charitable.

He is. But only for you.

Your hand in marriage. He replied, promptly and bluntly. No bullshit this time, no more flowery language about how he wanted you to be happy and healthy. He would give all of that in return for you to be his and for him to be yours.

What if I say no? You continued. He stared at you in shock and a bit of hurt momentarily before expressing an incredulous laugh.

You don't get to say no. Not this time. He smiled, but you can see the corner of his mouth twitching downward. There was a bit of an angry growl to his voice, which sent chills down your spine. Regardless, you pressed on, asking what he meant by that.

I mean what I say. You decided not to press further after he said his ominous piece.

He continued on with a lighter note, cheerfully asking you when you want the wedding to be, how you want the wedding to be and who do you want to come. He gave you a period of two years to think it through, if you haven't come up with anything satisfactory or anything at all by then, he will proceed with his own plans. Your friend seems to have a Laissez-faire approach to most things, you wonder if that was the secret to his company's rapid and massive growth.

He paused mid sentence when he realized that you have finished your meal a while ago. He asked if you wanted seconds or if you wanted a chocolate bar for dessert.

You said you lost your appetite.

679 notes · View notes

the-fiction-witch · 4 months

Text

Idiot

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins

Couple Jack X Reader

Rating Adorable

Requested:

can u do a story where they are about to do the duel with Sneed and Jack when they are about to fight and then Fagin goes instead. Well instead of Fagin doing it can u make y/n do it instead and like Jack gets really upset and thinks she's going to get shot but then doesn't and Sneed gets shot instead? And then after Jack confesses his love for her ❤️.

I walked out to the coast to meet Sneed for this stupid duel, prepared to fight with him and having freshly refreshed my sword skills in preparation.

"You're an idiot," Y/n said as she followed along as my second I was going to bring Fagin but as usual he had disappeared when I needed him, so I brought Y/n along really any excuse to spend more time with her, Maybe all the adrenaline with cause me to actually tell the damn girl I like her. But I'd been trying to do that for the last three years and still hadn't gotten anywhere.

"I know," I rolled my eyes, she'd been on this since I told her.

"you're going to die."

"I'm not going to die."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not. I spent ten years in the navy I'm a master with a sword."

"And what if he doesn't pick swords as the weapon?"

"He challenged me, simple duel rules Challender picks location and time, Accused picks weapons."

"And if Sneed ignores that?"

"He won't. He's a gentleman."

"So are you and you'd cheat him out of choosing if you'd challenged him."

She did have a point there, "Well he's more a gentleman than I am."

"And what if he does let you pick and it turns out he's great with a sword."

"I already know he isn't and I am, hence why I shall pick swords."

"and if he hurts you?"

"He won't hurt me,"

"what if he does?"

"He won't, I will merely scratch the pompous git and this will be over"

"And if he does scratch you?"

"Then I'm a doctor I can fix it."

"if you live, I'm gonna kill you."

"I know y/n," I sighed, "What will you do if I win?"

"I'll kick your blonde butt for going through with it."

"And if I lose?"

"I'll kick your blonde butt for not listening to me." She said,

I stopped for a moment knowing just over this hill was the spot where Sneed and I would Duel, for a moment I did think of all she had said, she was right I was being an idiot but I wasn't going to let him win.

"You alright?"

"Yeah," I nodded forcing my feelings away, for a moment I wanted to tell her how I felt about her, how even as I looked at her in her grey dress, the hem dirty and torn, her straggly hair pulled back with a bow, her arms crossed over her chest, she looked infuriated with me but still m,y heart fluttered for her. "If I win, Would you kiss me?" I asked,

She chuckled, "Funny Jack." She rolled her eyes walking on but I held her arm stopping her and forcing her to turn back to me,

"If I lose, will you kiss me?"

"If you lose, you'll be dead, and the only thing you shall receive from my lips is me telling you I told you so." She said heading up the hill,

"Well, I am rather ... mostly grateful to have known you Y/n"

"Likewise Jack, life will never be the same without you, you utter idiotic fuckwit."

I sighed but followed her and soon enough we arrived where Sneed stood with his second some, slimy guy and a priest. "Since when does a priest officiate a duel?"

"Who else is there?" She asked,

"Good point."

"Ahh finally arrived Dawkins. we had a bet you'd be late." Sneed smirked,

"I wouldn't be late, If you hadn't picked somewhere quiet to out of my way." I sighed,

He ignored me "Miss," He slyly smiled at y/n bowing his head slightly like a gentleman.

"Eyes front Sneed or I'll blacken one." She warned him,

"Now shall we get on then?" The priest asks,

"Yes, I think we should." Sneed Smirked,

"Gentlemen are you prepared to settle this amicably," The priest asked and both I and sneed nodded "Wonderful, Now. That being the case, seconds. Ensure the weapons are loaded," he said opening the case to reveal two pistols,

"Uhh... I thought the accused chose the weapons." I spoke up, "The challenged picks the weapons that was always the rule." I said panic setting in,

"That's Cambridge rules Dawkins, not down here." He smirked,

Ohhh fuck! fuck! fuck!

Y/n and his slimy man took the pistols checked them over and loaded them

"Ten paces each, tun and fire on my signal. All clear? Then let us proceed with the festive Proceedings." He said heading over to the duelling spot with Sneed smirking behind him,

For a moment my feet were glued to the floor I couldn't move them even if I wanted to, my heart felt like it was racing and slowing at the same time, I felt... utterly empty unsure how I was going to get out of this, even if there was a way out of this. I began to walk over but -

"Ohh for-" She began as she grabbed my jacket and pulled my lips to hers, I was overjoyed fireworks going off in my stomach but I had no time to hold her or even kiss her back before she pulled back, "You absolute idiot."

I wanted to stay and kiss her forever but I walked and stood where I had pistol in hand Sneed's back to mine,

"One," The priest began forcing me to take my first step I listened as he counted down a million things flashing through my mind,

"Two" I could run?... I'd never get that far.

"Three" I could turn and shoot him before the count... I'd be arrested for that.

"Four" I could try and shoot him!.. he'll shoot me first.

"Five" He's gonna shoot me... I can only pray he only gets my arm or my leg something I can deal with

"Six" No he's gonna get my chest or my head just to be a cunt about it

"Seven" I'm really gonna die... and I never told y/n!

"Eight" She kissed me! and I never even told her I liked her!

"Nine" So this is it... the life I've lived. In a few seconds, It will all be over... at least I'll die having kissed y/n, god knows I'd have wanted more but, I Guess I'll be happy. and I die savouring her kiss

"Ten!"

I turned on my heels as quick as I could pointing my pistol and so did he but -

"Cease this immediately!" The Governor yelled,

Quickly we both looked over as he came over the hill, I saw everyone standing watching y/n with a hand over her face but she peeked out when she heard his shout

"I was told... rather unsportingly, that this town cannot survive without its two surgeons. Lower your weapons." He demanded, I waited until Sneed lowered his but when he did I lowered my own "Good, Now In circumstances such as these, the seconds must assume their place."

"What!" I yelled,

"No this is not how I want to view a duel." the Slimy man complained,

"I will not be duelling bloody anybody!" Y/n complained,

"You can't, she can't she- she's a woman she can't duel," I said,

"Well given the circumstances we shall allow it."

"I'm from a good family dating back to 1256." He complained,

"Why should I die because he's an idiot. This can't be allowed!" she complained,

"I revoke my allegations," Sneed said,

"I apologise unreservedly," I told him,

"It's too late," The priest said,

"Honour must be served." The governor demanded,

Sneed handed his pistol over but... I couldn't I can't do this to her, it's not fair, it's not fair, she'll die!

The priest forced the pistol from my hand and gave it to her,

"Jack?" She pleaded But he forced her to walk "I am never! not going to be angry with you. I swear to god Jack I will haunt your every waking moment! I will be the face in your nightmares and I swear! you will have nothing but nightmares for the rest of your miserable life you idiotic little shit!" She yelled as she walked to the point

"One," Oh my god

"Two," this is really happening

"three," She's gonna get shot and it's all my fault

"Four" I can only hope he hits her arm, her leg, her foot something I can save her!

"five." I'm never gonna see her again

"Six," But- I I never told her I love her!

"Seven," She'll die never knowing how I felt about her

"Eight," I'd sell my soul just to kiss her... just one more time

"Nine" Oh gods no not Y/n! I can't watch!

Tears filled my eyes so much I could barely even see but I didn't want to see

"Ten!"

And I heard two shots.

The Shots echoed through the sky but I heard only one scream, Sneed dropped to the ground having been shot in the thigh, in fact... given the angle, she had shot him, his second so useless he fired into the air nowhere even here her. I was so relieved she was okay.

I rushed over and hugged her as tight as I could, she hugged me too dropping the pistol, I sniffled and tried desperately not to cry into her shoulder, "I was so scared I was gonna lose you."

"yeah. well... How do you think I felt you idiot." She laughed,

"You're right. I am so so sorry, that you had to do this... and for not listening to you."

"It's okay, you're forgiven." She smiled, "So? I shot Sneed that mean I win?"

"I mean technically you were dueling with that guy, but... I do appreciate you shooting Sneed."

"So? do I win or not?"

"I'm gonna say you win."

"Good, So? do I get a kiss if I win?"

"I think you definitely deserve a kiss." I smiled pulling her into a sweet an soft kiss, I felt so happy when I kissed her, like nothing else mattered in this world but the two of us, "I'm in love with you."

"What?"

"I'm in love with you, I have loved you since the first day I met you, and I was the biggest Idiot in the world for never telling you, It dawned on me... as I walked that, I could have died and never told you how I felt, if you had died I'd never have seen you again and never did I tell you how much I adore you."

She smiled widely and stroked a tear from my cheek "Awww, Yeah Jack. I love you too you big dumb idiot" she smiled rubbing her nose on mine

"I'm your big dumb idiot" I smiled rubbing back

"Yeah, But I love you" she smiled pulling us into another sweet kiss.

#thomasbrodiesangster #tbs imagines #thomas sangster imagine #tbs imagine #thomas brodie sangster smut #thomas brodie sangster imagine #thomas sangster #tbs #thomas brodie sangster #tbs smut #jackdawkins #jack #jack dawkins #the artful dodger #thearttfuldodger #theartfuldogger

73 notes · View notes

blacklegsanjiii · 3 months

Note

please i need more parental figure ivankov in my life PLEASE-

no pressure obv what you have is already wonderful ^^ but i am so invested in this sanji who is head of espionage, which is very fitting for someone who was supposed to be stealth black. recruits are introduced to a blonde teen who smokes too much and wears absolutely fabulous dresses and heels and think koala is hazing them when she says hes their top infiltrator. sanji takes great joy in sneaking up to them at the most inopportune times and blackmailing them with eavesdropped secrets. he and sabo and koala were all very much troublesome gremlins as much as they were respected revolutionaries

how was sanji's childhood here? raised on kamabakka, much more healthy embracement of gender and sexuality, learning all the secret recipes, taught how to cook and sky-walk and apply impeccable makeup by an array of okama aunts and uncles. he sometimes brings up stories about his growing up to the crew and everyone thinks hes just making up stories. meeting ivankov makes so much sense to them.

Sanji picked up fresh out of the dungeon and is being cared for in Kamabakka. All the Aunties and Uncles take turns dressing up and putting Sanji's make up on him. Everyone notices that this kid is so good at hiding and listening to everyone that Dragon and Iva want him trained in espionage in case he decides to join the army. When Dragon brings Sabo, Sanji is constantly sneaking in with Koala to see the new kid in the infirmary.

When Sabo wakes up and is freaked out Sanji and Koala are the ones who stay and comfort Sabo as Dragon explains what happened and where he is. Sanji keeps visiting even though he's supposed to be sleeping and Dragon finds him on more than one occasion talking to Sabo late in the night and sighing.

"Sanji, please, if Iva gets angry about taking you back to Momoiro when you're exhausted I'll never hear the end of it. Quit hiding yourself and go to bed." Dragon explains and Sanji, dressed in a pink dress and ballet slipper type shoes, pouts and blots out of the room silently. Sabo is amazed every time.

Time goes on and Sabo and Koala's favorite past times is introducing new recruits who are double or triple their age, marine defects, high ranking former government/kingdom officials to Sanji who genderfucks. They don't believe this blond kid is going to become head of espionage nor the other the CoS so they laugh at these kids. And like later in the week Sanji will drop why they left whatever and if it's severe enough Dragon or Iva or in the olden days before becoming a Warlord: Kuma will come relieve them of duty, so to speak. Sanji who goes through three packs of cigarettes a day, cooks attack cuisine and just cooks amazing food and can set his legs on fire and sky walk like Cipher Pol. Best blackmailer in the Revolutionary Army, even has shit on Dragon. Mainly being he knows Dragon has a son.

Sanji has been to several REVERIES where his family have attended but with his make up skills and the dress he's wearing? No one recognizes him. He gets the best and most important information. So when he goes to Baratie to work he uses these skills to fuck with everyone coming come through.

Whenever Nami tries to blackmail Sanji tries for whatever reason he just smiles because she doesn't have anything substantial, nothing that would harm the Army. If she goes too far when he's doing her make up at some point he just drops her deepest insecurity he knows about her and smiles and says "don't play games, Nami. You won't win against me." He even has dirt on Robin no one knows he has.

He still fully expresses his gender his identity still and Zoro is confused but Luffy doesn't care because that's his cook. No one really understands why Sanji is just like that until they're on Momoiro with Sabo and Koala and Iva and Dragon. Iva tells stories of Sabo, Koala, and Sanji getting into trouble or just mayhem. The first time Sanji sky walked around Baltigo, when Sabo first laced his pipe with haki and accidentally put someone in the infirmary. Koala talks about her long suffering watching and taking care of Sabo and Sanji where they don't even try to argue because she has the pipe.

They don't know when she got it but she has it.

Sanji tells stories of just sneaking into official meetings and just waves dropping in the halls of multiple bases. The Reveries he's been to as "security" and Sabo mentions that one time when they were like 15/16 and they went on their first mission alone. Dragon, who was off dealing with something comes in and sees Luffy and them are still here and Sabo telling them and he tries to conqueror's haki Sabo who withstands it thanks to his training, Sabo keeps telling them while giving Dragon a shit eating grin about the major marine base they exploded. And the subsequent escape with Sanji's sky walking, Koala's guidance, and Sabo holding onto all the important documents.

"HOW DID YOU EVEN GET IN???" Nami yells.

"Sometimes I go the extra mile to be pretty. And a lot of men can't resist a leggy woman." Sanji nods and Iva sighs.

"I regret letting you learn so young." They bemoan.

"You're all on desk duty for the foreseeable future." Dragon growls.

"Nah." They all respond.

#black leg sanji #vinsmoke sanji #revolutionary!sanji #sabo one piece #revolutionary sabo #koala one piece #koala #emporio ivankov #strawhat pirates #one piece au

49 notes · View notes

brother-emperors · 4 months

Note

hiii so. i really really admire you because of the depth of research you put into your art (even as someone who tends to fall down deep research holes i'm in Awe) but also because of the art itself - and i wanted to ask if you had any recommendations for someone who wants to get better at drawing? (books to read, things to do?) especially for figure drawing as you have (to my untrained eye) one of the best balances of style realism and naturalness and in general just overall make some of the best art i've ever seen methinks

this is really high praise, thank you so much!

as for art advice and recommendations for getting better at drawing, I 100% believe in carrying around a sketchbook wherever you go. if the pressure of having nice pages is something that bothers you, get a stack of sticky notes because you can cover up mistakes and re draw over it immediately, and squares of color will add some fun to a page later when you flip through everything.

ideally, I think there's a balance to skill building and having a good time, and I tend to split my own sketchbooks between life drawing (frequently I'll draw windows I think look neat or my morning coffee) and doodling shit for fun. I try out a lot of different styles and draw a lot of nonsense just because it felt like a good time. I do a lot of edward gorey type stuff because the line work process is comfy.

one way to go about doing this is to pick a direction (so to speak) that seems interesting, and build along side it! when I first decided I wanted to take art more seriously, I started looking up pictures of renaissance statues and drawing those. trying to draw those. it took a long time to get my art to look anything like a bernini statue, but I had a lot of fun learning that I really enjoyed drawing hands! comics are another good one, naoki urasawa's work is fucking genius level to me, I regularly revisit monster and do studies off of literally everything he does.

(I also keep a separate sketchbook for figure studies. this is mostly because I really enjoy drawing the human figure, this is very relaxing for me personally: I rotate between doing gesture drawings, contour drawings, and longer anatomy studies)

finally, I have found reading books on art history to be critical in my own process. so much about art history will tell you how to convey a million words into a singular composition. idk how much of that will be of interest or help to you, but I personally found it helpful, especially in understanding how to read things visually, which in turn helped me figure out how I wanted to tackle drawing something

and! two books I've found invaluable for anatomy were george bridgman's constructive anatomy and michael d. mattesi's force: drawing human anatomy, although I might recommend morpho's books above them now, like oh my god morpho is so good.

OH the other thing. this is something I picked up from when I was taking an animation class in art school, but sometimes I'll put on a movie or show I really like and do thumbnail studies of the frames while I watch. there's a lot to learn in a frame! shapes are important. god I love shapes.

#ask tag #thank you again! i hope some of this was helpful!!

61 notes · View notes

bella-rose29 · 8 months

Text

Golden Boy

Nikolai Lantsov x f!reader

They meet at the University of Ketterdam and sparks fly, but he becomes Sturmhond and she stays behind.

Word count: 5.3k (there's a part two as well send help)

Warnings: swearing, angst, i cried when i wrote this and if it was on paper it would be covered in my tears

Tag list: @bubybubsters, @hauntedenthusiasttragedy, @karensirkobabes, @kentucky-criedfricken, @notoakay, @naushtheaspiringauthor, @el-de-phi, @simbaaas-stuff

Please let me know here if you want to be added or removed from my general Nikolai tag list my lovelies <3

(not my image although i think that's probably obvious)

Y/n was early for her class, which confused her. Normally she was running late, turning up a minimum of five minutes after whatever the event was had started, no matter what, so to be early for once was making her worried. She checked her timetable again, looking at the room number on her paper and the room number on the door, then at the time and date on the paper and the time and date on the huge clock in front of her, all the details matching, and decided she didn't like being early. She also didn't like being late, to be clear; there wasn't much that was more embarrassing than walking in to a room full of people mid-lesson, and having everyone stare at you as you walked to the only available seat that was as far away from the door as humanly possible (which totally wasn't an experience the girl had had before).

Sitting down on one of the chairs outside the classroom, she sighed, hoping the professor would turn up soon. Footsteps started echoing through the corridor immediately after she had the thought, and she was starting to get worried at how lucky she was today.

Maybe I'll go place a bet on something later, she thought. Looking up, however, she saw not the professor but another student, clothes neat and not crumpled at all (the ones she had on were the only clean items she could find on the floor of her room that morning), blond hair perfectly styled (her hair looked like a bird had recently finished nesting in it), and bag slung effortlessly over one shoulder (hers was dumped on the floor, the strap unable to bear more than the weight of a single book most days).

She immediately didn't like him.

When he smiled at her, teeth blindingly white, her dislike grew at this obviously rich posh kid who had never had to ask for a thing in his life, and tried not to physically move away from him when he sat in the seat next to her.

"Are you in 'Languages of the World' too?" he asked.

"No, I just thought I'd sit outside the classroom and wait for the professor of a class I don't attend." His smile faltered slightly, and she felt a little bad. She knew it was harsh, but she had no time for rich kids, and he was obviously one of them. Having grown up on the streets of Ketterdam, working three jobs to pay for her family to stay in a single hotel room, she knew how to suss a person out within five seconds. It wasn't bias, she'd learned how to read body language and facial expressions when she was 9, and it was extremely handy for knowing who to approach and who to avoid in the streets.

"That was sarcasm," she said, even though her voice had been dripping with it just now and there was no way that he had missed it.

"Right..." he trailed off, and thankfully at that moment some other students turned up, giving her an excuse to not talk to him. The professor turned up just as the bell sounded, and Y/n leapt up, desperate to be as far away from Golden Boy as physically possible.

Once inside the classroom, the professor announced a seating plan, and Y/n internally groaned.

Please let me be sat next to someone who has some sort of a grasp on languages, she thought.

In her first week at University while on the hunt for friends, she'd discovered that of all the people in this class, barely anyone spoke something of all the languages taught. Learning other languages had been another skill she'd picked up as a child, since a lot of tourists came to Kerch (although having grown up here, she had no idea why, it was a complete shit hole in her opinion). It had allowed her to get a third job as a translator for some offices, and it paid so well that after only six months working there she was able to drop one of her other jobs.

Finding her name on the sheet of paper the professor had pinned to the board, she went and sat in her seat, taking her books out of her bag. Just as she placed her bag on the floor, she felt someone sit down on her left, and mentally prepared herself for the greeting.

Nothing prepared her for the fact that Golden Boy was her table partner, however, and she choked on her spit. He frowned, concern flashing across his features. "Are you alright? Saints, here, have some water." She took the bottle that he presented, taking a large swig before handing the bottle back to him. Embarrassing that he'd seen that happen, but she had noticed his use of the word 'Saints'. So he was Ravkan. She wasn't sure how she'd missed the slight accent before, but now she knew where he was from, it was obvious.

"I'm alright now, sorry."

"Let me know if you need any more, yeah?" Ghezen's Hand, he even spoke like he'd been raised on caviar and silver platters, despite speaking Kerch.

"I'll be fine, thank you."

Not long after, the register was called, and the professor went round the tables individually. When he got to their table, checking they were there, Y/n almost choked on air again.

"Y/n L/n?"

"Here, sir."

"Nikolai Lantsov?"

What? The professor had made some kind of mistake, surely. There was no way that-

"Here, sir."

What?!

Why the fuck was the second heir to the Ravkan throne in her 'Languages of the World' class? And why was he sat next to her? Although, actually he didn't have much choice in sitting next to her, because of the seating plan, but she chose to ignore that piece of information for the time being. The whole class was tittering, whispers rising as they recognised the name.

"Settle down, students, settle down. Let's get started, shall we?" The professor called, moving to stand behind his desk.

"What. The. Fuck?" she muttered under her breath, although apparently not quietly enough.

"I didn't think he'd do it like that, to be fair. I was hoping I could be a little more incognito, but yes, 'what the fuck' perfectly sums this up I'd say," he whispered, leaning in slightly so that he didn't have to speak so loudly. Y/n refused to turn to look at him, keeping her gaze fixed on the professor at the front of the room and starting to make notes on what he was saying.

The rest of the class passed without too much stress, and luckily Y/n barely had to speak to the prince. No wonder he'd sounded so posh, though. And he probably had been raised on caviar and silver platters. By the time the lesson was over, two hours after it had begun, Y/n couldn't wait to leave. She'd enjoyed learning, but having to sit next to literal royalty wasn't doing wonders for her self-esteem, and her ass hurt from having to sit still on the chair for so long. Packing up her things, she turned to leave, but apparently His Royal Highness Prince Nikolai Lantsov had other ideas.

"I know I haven't made the best impression on you - don't look at me like that, I know I haven't - but did you want to do the homework together? My Fjerdan isn't brilliant, but you seem to be amazing at it, so I was just wondering if you would help?" He looked nervous, hands fidgeting at his sides, pulling at the bottom of his coat. She sighed deeply.

"Fine. Just... try not to be posh or anything. I can't stand it."

"How do I do that?"

"I don't know, do I? If I think you're getting too posh, I'll glare at you and start to leave, alright? Then you know what not to do." She walked off, hoping he'd follow. Sure enough, he did, footsteps echoing as they had earlier. Looking down at his feet she realised that it was because he had fancy shoes on, the kind that she could buy for the price of her house, and scoffed out loud.

"What now? Have I done something posh?"

"No, sorry. It's just that even your shoes are posh."

"Wait," he said, stopping abruptly. She stopped too, half turning back to face him, and frowning when he stuck his hand out. "Hello, I'm Nikolai, but just Nik is fine," he said with a smile, and Y/n's frown turned to an expression of incredulity.

"What are you doing?"

"Well, we got off on the wrong foot, and you don't like me too much, so I figured I should introduce myself the way I should have done before class."

"For the record, this," she waved her hands in his general direction, "is too posh. But fine. I'm Y/n, and don't shorten it, because we're not friends." She took his hand, annoyed when she felt a butterfly take flight in her stomach at how their hands seemed to fit together.

"Yet."

"What?" She pulled her hand back. Enough physical contact for today.

"We're not friends yet. I'm very persistent when I want to be. And I would like to be friends with you."

Y/n snorted. "What for? I've insulted you to your face multiple times the entire time we've known each other, despite the fact that's completely inappropriate."

"That's exactly why I want to be friends with you, because you're not pretending to like me. I could already see everyone else in that class eyeing me up, seeing how they could try and get close to me in a stupid attempt to be able to say that they're friends with royalty. You just ignored me, and to be honest? It felt great."

"Um... you do realise how weird you sound, right?"

"Yeah, I... as soon as I said that I realised. But I mean it, Y/n," he replied, following after her as she started walking again. "It's nice to have to try and make a friend. Wait, that was posh, wasn't it?" At her slow nod he winced, and she felt a pang of sympathy. She supposed that having no idea who your real friends were was something they had in common, and decided she could try being a little nicer to him.

"Look, I'm sorry for being rude and stuff, I just really don't like rich people. I grew up on the streets while I worked 20 hours a day to keep my family in a shitty hotel room and fed and warm and all the rest of it, and when rich people heard about my situation they'd just say 'stop being poor, that'll solve your problems'." He was staring at her, unreadable expression on his face, and it was making her slightly uncomfortable. She'd never not been able to read someone before. "But... I know what it's like to be alone, and honestly Ketterdam is one of the last places you wanna be alone, so if having a real friend is gonna help, then I guess I can let you tag along to my study sessions. This does not mean that we are friends, to be clear. You've still gotta work for that. But I'm giving you extra opportunities, alright?" He nodded, so fast she was worried his head would go flying off, and the smile on his face was so wide and genuine she couldn't help but let a small smile onto her own face.

"You have every right to not like me, especially with a life like that. I'm sorry that that happened, too. But I promise I'll try and convince you to be my friend, and then be the absolute best friend you could ever have asked for."

She rolled her eyes at his words, pushing open the door to the University library. "You are very full of yourself, you know that?"

"I have been told that, yes. Most often by Dominik, actually. But then he's always calling me names, so I feel the need to defend myself by making myself feel important and unstoppable."

Snorting at him she asked "Who's Dominik?", and finding a table in the back of the library and sitting down, she pulled out the homework.

"My best friend, lives in Ravka. He's in the army now, down in the front lines. We grew up together."

"Is he posh like you?"

"Nope. His family lives on a farm. They're better off than they were when we were growing up; I've managed to siphon funds from a noble I don't like to his family so that they don't have to worry too much. The harvest can be rough where they are, so I didn't want them to starve. They always managed to put food on the table when I came over, so this is my way of saying thank you, I guess."

Y/n couldn't help but stare in shock at the prince (who was blissfully unaware as he unpacked his own bag). "Wait. Your best friend is a commoner?"

"Yeah. You'd probably get on, actually. Bond over teasing the shit out of me or something."

"And you're helping his family?"

He paused in his movements, looking at her properly. Seeing the confusion on her face, his own expression softened. "You think it's impossible for a rich person to help someone."

It wasn't a question, but she still nodded. Having grown up expecting the least from everybody, she was used to people with money doing nothing, leaving the poor on the streets. Never, in her life, had she met a rich person that had actively done something useful to help someone else, so to hear Nikolai Lantsov, prince of the Ravkan throne, talk about how he was helping a poor family made her want to hug him.

"You know, usually when people say 'impossible' they actually mean 'improbable'," he said, and she smiled a little.

"That's stupid."

He shrugged. "It's true though. Think about it. You thought it was impossible for a rich person to help someone, but I've just proved to you that it's only improbable, because out of all the ones you've come across, I'm the only rich person you've met that has."

She couldn't deny his logic. "Still stupid. Come on, I heard your Fjerdan earlier, this is gonna take all week."

They spent hours in the library, occasionally getting up and walking around the table to stretch their legs or collect a book, and by the time they were kicked out by the librarian due to closing, Y/n had found herself having fun. He was funny, and actually quite nice, and yes, his Fjerdan was horrific, but he was a fast learner, and by the time they left for the night he had improved significantly.

"How long until I'm fluent, then?"

"Not sure. How long are you here for?"

"Three years, apparently. I might die of boredom before then, there doesn't appear to be much else to do, and my parents want me to do a politics course next year."

"You might die of boredom? What are you, a puppy in need of constant entertainment?"

"Ironically my nickname in court is 'Sobachka', so sort of." Y/n reached her door, pausing outside.

"This is me. This is also not an invitation to be outside my door every opportunity you get, alright?" He nodded. "Good. Night, Nik." She opened her door, stepping inside and closing it again before he had a chance to reply.

~~~

He took every opportunity to be outside her door.

It was infuriating at first, how persistent he was, but after a week of him trailing her heels she figured she should just get used to it.

They spent most evenings in either her or his room (his was significantly more neat and tidy than hers), studying, doing homework, or trying to get Nikolai better at speaking Fjerdan (it really was atrocious, which she couldn't understand since he'd pretty much mastered all the other languages). The rest of the time was spent in lessons, or for Y/n working shifts whenever she had some spare time. Nikolai had offered to help out financially, but Y/n, despite her constant pleadings that rich people would give away more of their money to the people that needed it, refused to take his. It felt too much like she was using him, and given how excited he'd been to have a real friend, she just felt bad thinking about it.

One night they were in her room, Nikolai sprawled on her bed and Y/n picking various things up off the floor and other surfaces in an attempt to tidy. He had an arm flung over his forehead, and a leg dangled off the side of the bed, making him look like one of those ladies in a painting that had fainted onto a fancy sofa.

"You could help me, you know."

"You wouldn't let me. As soon as I touched something you'd tell me not to break it, or that I'm putting it in the wrong place." She groaned at his words, knowing frustratingly that he was right. It was annoying how quickly he'd worked out how to understand her, but then he was a fast learner. That thought made her pause.

"If you're such a fast learner, how come you're shit at speaking Fjerdan?"

"What do you mean?" He removed his arm from his head, opening an eye to squint up at her. "I'm not that bad."

"Uh, yeah you are. I had to teach you the word for 'goodbye' yesterday because you'd forgotten it. Seriously, who is that bad at Fjerdan? I know it's not an easy language to learn, but you've mastered the others." He blushed a light pink, pushing himself up on his elbows.

"I uh, I haven't been entirely honest with you, and when I tell you I need you to not hate me" he started, looking like he was bracing himself for a physical attack.

"What." Her eyes narrowed.

"I'm actually fluent in Fjerdan, I just pretended I couldn't understand it so that we had a legitimate reason to spend time together," he replied, in perfect, unaccented Fjerdan. She froze where she stood, eyes wide, then chucked the decorative pillow she was holding at his head. "Ow!" he cried as it made contact, falling backwards against the covers.

"Well you deserve it, you bastard! You've been lying to me for a week because you were desperate for a friend?! I would have been your friend anyway, you dipshit!"

"You... you would?"

"Yes!" she shouted, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation. Her breath came rapidly, chest heaving from shouting.

"Oh..." he paused, looking bashful. "I just... normally I'm good at making friends, I just figured you wouldn't want to spend time with a rich kid unless you had a reason to. And I really wanted to be friends with you, Y/n."

"Well how did you become friends with Dominik? Pretend you were shit at Zemeni?"

"It was a lot more complicated than that, and no I did not. You know that my Zemeni is flawless," he held a hand to his chest in mock hurt, a pout forming on his face.

"Oh, forgive me for not remembering that when you lied to my face about your Fjerdan!"

"You aren't too mad at me, are you?" he questioned, pushing himself up into a sitting position, worry filling his expression.

"No, I'm not. I just... am frustrated that you didn't tell me sooner."

"I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you!"

"Oh, you don't have to-"

"No, I will," he said, leaping up from the bed to stand in front of her and hold her arms. "I will. Are you free tomorrow evening? Actually, don't answer that, I know you are. I'll pick you up at six bells, alright?"

"Pick me up? Nik, what do you mean?"

"I'll feed you, all you have to do is look pretty and bring your appetite, which shouldn't be too difficult for you given how gorgeous you are anyway, because I'm paying and that's that."

Y/n felt her face warm at his words, and the pesky butterflies that had slowly been waking up the last week fluttered in her stomach.

"I don't have anything nice to wear though, so you'll just have to deal with what I've got and not take me anywhere fancy. Seriously, a street vendor would be fine. And don't spend too much, becau-"

"Saints, please stop talking! I will take you where I want to take you and if you don't have anything to wear then tell me, because I refuse to be seen in public with somebody who's naked, alright?" She hit him (gently), and he jumped back, laughing. "I mean it! Imagine how ruinous that could be for my reputation!" She hit him again, smiling along with him as he picked up a pillow to defend himself. Y/n lifted a pillow of her own, and before long they were having an all-out pillow fight on the floor of her bedroom.

~~~

Y/n was panicking.

It wouldn't be long until six bells, and where she was always late, Nikolai was extremely punctual, and she knew for a fact that he would be knocking on her door as soon as the first bell sounded, and here she was, stood in the middle of her room, surrounded by clothes yet not wearing any of them. She was yet to pick an outfit, and although she'd said to Nikolai yesterday that he'd have to deal with whatever she picked out, and she'd never been one for caring what other people thought of her clothes, but for some reason, nothing seemed good enough.

"Ugh, this is ridiculous!"

It was ridiculous, how much time she had spent on finding the perfect outfit. But for some reason she wanted to look nice for their date- wait, what? Since when had she been thinking of this as a date?!

A knock sounded at her door, three sharp raps, and she knew immediately that it was Nikolai.

"Shit!" she whispered, the word leaving her mouth like a hiss. "Uh, one minute!" She heard muffled laughter (the bastard), and hopped around the room, picking up random items and pulling them on as quickly as she could. Running over to the door, she yanked it open, revealing her Golden Boy, hands in his pockets, looking effortlessly handsome in his simple white shirt and black slacks.

"Are you sure you want to wear that? I know I said I wouldn't judge you, but this outfit is really quite something." He was trying to hide his smirk incredibly unsuccessfully, and she slapped him on the arm, sending him a glare.

"Look, I'm struggling, okay? You haven't told me anything about where we're going, and I have no idea what I should wear!"

"Just... okay." He walked around the small room, rummaging through the various piles of clothes, discarding most and throwing them to the side. "Aha! Here, put these on." He shoved the articles he'd gathered into her hands, then pushed her behind the screen she'd put up in the corner of the room. Changing quickly, and definitely not almost falling over multiple times, she emerged five minutes later, dressed in the blouse and long skirt he'd picked out for her.

"Alright, fine. Can we go now?"

"Hmm?" He turned around, then froze, staring at her.

"What? You were the one that chose this outfit, if there's a problem it's your fault!"

"No! No, it's not that, you just... you look... good," he finished quietly, blushing.

"Oh," she replied, her own blush heating up her cheeks. "Well, um... let me just put my shoes on, and then we can go." He nodded, and watched as she laced up her boots. Opening the door for her when she was done, Nikolai offered his other arm up to Y/n, and she took it gladly (partly to be closer to him and partly to stop herself falling over from how nervous she was). "Actually, where are we going?"

"A tiny restaurant I found on my first day here; the food is incredible."

The walk was short, and it startled Y/n to realise that Nikolai's guards had come with them, trailing behind at a distance. When she'd asked him about it, he just said that they'd always been there, just out of sight. She wondered how many of their conversations they'd overheard, or if they'd picked up on how much she liked her Golden Boy now. She didn't have much time to ponder, however, as Nikolai pulled her around a corner into a hidden courtyard that, in her entire life living in Ketterdam, she had never noticed before.

"What? Don't you like it? We can go somewhere else, if you want? I just thought tha-"

"You're rambling, Nik. And I do like it, I'm just annoyed that you found this place before I did and you didn't even grow up here!"

"Oh! Well that's alright then. Come on!" He seemed to ignore everything she'd said past 'like it', dragging her along by the arm to a table out the front of the restaurant. They were greeted a few moments later, presented with menus and the specials, then left to decide what they wanted. Y/n made her mind up quickly (a habit she'd picked up from not liking being rushed), then took the time to look around.

The courtyard was small, boxed in by tiny apartments on all sides, some with little balconies overlooking the square. The walls were lined with plants, flowers blooming despite it being late in the year, and small lights littered the spaces in between the leaves. It was gorgeous, and she wondered how often Nikolai had come here. Speaking of Nikolai, she turned back to study him. He seemed to be taking extra time to decide what he wanted, brow furrowed as he browsed the menu, biting a nail as he did so. A strand of his hair had come away from his perfectly styled locks (seriously, who had time for that?), and before she knew what she was doing, Y/n was reaching over and smoothing it back.

Nikolai had looked up as she moved, and was now sat staring at her, eyes wide, as her hand brushed his forehead.

"What," he cleared his throat, "What are you doing?" His voice was shaky, and filled with nerves, and Y/n thought he was adorable like this.

"You had a hair out of place, and it was annoying me," she shrugged, leaning back in her seat. "Have you chosen yet?" He nodded, still looking at her, a dazed expression on his face.

"Yeah, I have," he replied, voice quiet, and Y/n got the distinct feeling that he wasn't talking about the food.

~~~

The rest of the evening passed in a blur, filled with laughter and talking, and never a dull moment. There were silences, yes, but they were comfortable, and the longer the night went on, the more Y/n found herself thinking of it as a date.

He might not be thinking it's a date, though. I don't want to get my hopes up.

When they came to leave, Nikolai paid just like he said he would (much to Y/n's annoyance, because she could have paid for her own meal), and they left the courtyard arm in arm.

They were almost back to the University when Nikolai spoke.

"I had a nice time tonight, Y/n." She'd been looking up at the stars, barely visible through the clouds and making her neck sore, but now she turned her head to face him.

"Me too." They were quiet again for a bit, but then Nikolai started huffing, apparently wanting to say something but not finding the words or the courage. "Spit it out, Lantsov."

"Was this a date?"

His words shocked her, and her mind went blank for a moment. At her lack of answer he grew worried, concern that he'd messed things up crossing his features, and she quickly went to rectify it.

"I'd like it to be. You know, if you would. Obviously if you don't then no, but if you do then that's-"

"I'd like it to be a date, Y/n/n."

"Oh. Good. Okay then." Y/n was quiet for a minute. "Good." She winced at herself, cringing at how awkward she was making it, but luckily they pulled to a stop outside her door, giving her an escape. He was smiling at her, a soft smile reserved for her, not one of the blinding ones he used to win people over, and her heart fluttered.

"Night then. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Nik." She went to open her door, pausing for a moment as she made a decision. Reaching up, she planted her lips on his cheek, then hurried inside and slammed the door, leaving him standing in the hallway.

~~~

Three weeks later, Y/n was sat at a table in one of the coffee shops littered around the campus, usually filled with students dead on their feet needing the caffeine to get through a class without falling asleep. She had her notes out in front of her, working her way through an essay she had to write, when a book slammed on the table, making her jump. She looked up, immediately finding the perpetrator.

"What the fuck, Nik? Why would you- oh shit. No. Not that face. That's your 'I have an idea that you won't approve of' face, and we both know what happened last time."

He'd fallen off a wall trying to climb it, saying he could sneak into the principal's office from there. He'd ended up concussed.

"That is not a face I have, and anyway, you've only known me for like, a month, Y/n/n, how do you know what my faces are already?"

"I'm good at reading people," she shrugged. "Go on, spit it out."

"Hear me out," he said, excitement creeping into his voice. He lifted the book in front of him.

"Privateering for dummies? Nik, seriously, what are you gonna do?" He frowned, turning the book to read the title.

"Shit, I picked up the wrong one. I know the basics already, just wanted to learn some history really. Must have left in such a hurry I didn't get the right book."

"What do you mean, you know the basics? You're going round attacking enemy ships in your spare time? Wait, is that why you bailed on me the other day?"

"I didn't bail on you, I forgot, and was busy with something else, so can we please move on from that. And no, I'm not a privateer yet, I just..." he sighed, finally sitting down. "I can't stay here, Y/n/n. I'm bored as fuck and while you are amazing, and learning languages with you is great, I need to be doing more. You know what I'm like, always fidgeting. I think this will be good for me."

"One, you need to actually tell me what you were doing to bail on me, and then we can move on. Two, I know I'm amazing, but thank you for the extra validation. Three, why privateering? Why not become a mechanic or something? And four - don't look at me like that! You can't come in here, dump that information on me and then expect me to just smile and go along with it! Four, what about your obligations? Won't people notice that the second prince of Ravka has disappeared, and then not long later a privateer that looks remarkably like Nikolai Lantsov turns up?"

"All valid points. If you must know, I completely forgot we had plans, and I feel really bad about it, but at the same time I was reading this incredible book that I couldn't put down, and then there was a really hot sex scene, and I-""

"Okay! I don't need the details, thank you!"

"Fine, fine," he said, dodging the straw she threw at him. "Privateering because when I was travelling over here, and this is going to sound really cheesy, but I just felt... at home. I felt more like me than I had for a long time, and when you've spent your life cooped up in a palace, although not cooped up, 'cause it's a big space, but you know what I mean," he paused, frowning as he tried to remember his train of thought. "It felt so free out there, nothing but water as far as the eye can see, and I don't know, maybe I could do more for Ravka out there than I ever could as the spare. As for your fourth point, I'll get tailored, change what I look like, keep a low profile for a little while so the timings don't quite match up."

Y/n was silent for a while, contemplating everything he'd said. "When would you leave?"

"We would leave next week, I've already made arrangements for a couple of things, but pretty much everything else will have to be done on the night, because I can't get everything past my guards. What? What's that face for?"

"'We'?" she asked quietly. "What do you mean 'we'?"

"Aren't... you're not coming with me?" He looked confused, and gods bless him he wore his heart on his sleeve, because his expression was so genuine and so lost that she immediately felt bad for what she was about to say.

"No, Nik," she started gently. "I can't go with you, not when I've worked my ass off my whole life to get here. I need this degree to get a proper job, so that I can support my family, and being with you won't help that." She saw hurt flash across his face, which quickly morphed into a neutral expression, attempted boredom covering up any real feelings.

"Being with me?"

"You know, going and being a privateer with you. Obviously I don't mean literally being with you, or we wouldn't be together, but abandoning all of this? I'm sorry, Nik, but I can't do it, not even for you." He nodded, still no sign of any emotion on his face, and even when she tried hard to read him, Y/n got nothing. She felt horrible, knowing that she was the one that had made her sweet Golden Boy look numb inside, but she couldn't take back her words. She'd worked too hard for this life, and no matter what she felt for the man sitting opposite her, she couldn't just give it up. He stood, taking Privateering for Dummies with him, and left the coffee shop without looking back.

~~~

The next few days were excruciating, having to spend all of her classes with him trying to make conversation while he tried to ignore her, or when he had no choice but to speak to her, answering in short sentences. The professor had noticed, and one lesson asked if Y/n wanted to move, but she'd said no, not wanting to give up just yet. She'd be damned if Nikolai left while they were still on bad terms.

After one particularly painful lesson where he'd spent the entire time pretending he couldn't hear her because his ears were blocked from the bath he took that morning (a blatant lie, she was sure), Y/n approached his dorm door, knocking firmly. It swung open not long after, revealing Nikolai, hair mussed and bags under his eyes. Upon realising who was stood at his door, he went to close it, but Y/n snuck in under his arm, moving to stand in the middle of the room. It was a mess, clothes everywhere, bed unmade, books and papers scattered on every surface. Normally he was the picture of tidiness, and seeing his room so chaotic made her heart hurt. "Nik," she began.

"Just go, please." His voice was tired, assumedly from his lack of sleep, and she started walking towards the door. He opened it back up for her, but Y/n threw her arms around him instead, bringing him into a hug.

"I'm sorry, Nik. I'm so so sorry. Why didn't you tell me you were like this?"

"I didn't want you to worry, darling." He was sniffling against her neck as he wrapped his own arms around her. The pet name made her heart skip a beat, and she didn't understand why he wouldn't tell his girlfriend that he'd been in such a state.

"I'll always worry about you, Nik, you're my best friend," she replied. "And also my partner, which makes the worry doubled."

"Please, just go. I'm leaving tonight anyway, and I'd rather I didn't get caught and drag you down with me." He pulled away from her, wiping his eyes and going to pack more things away. Now that she understood that tonight was the night, she realised that his room was a mess because he was leaving.

"I don't want you to go on bad terms, Nik. What if something happens to you before we see each other again and we don't get a chance to work things out?" Desperation had crept into her voice now, but Y/n didn't care. Not when tomorrow she would be alone again. "Please, just talk to me, we'll figure this out."

He shook his head, shoving more things into the bag on his bed. He pulled on a thick jumper, ears popping out as it came over his head and hair somehow more tousled than it had been before. "There isn't anything to figure out. I want to go, and you want to stay. I was just doing damage control so that when I left it hurt less."

"This is hurting more, Nik, can't you see that? I've spent the last however many days thinking that you hate me because you won't even talk to me, let alone look at me! You might think that what you did was better, but it's not, not in the slightest. Because now I'm scared that you'll just keep pushing me away, instead of helping fix this, and I don't want you to push me away!" He flinched as her voice rose, but she couldn't bring herself to care, not when she now had tears streaming down her cheeks and a lump in her throat at the idea that maybe he was just like all the other rich people, and she was just a charity case to him. She'd been stupid to trust him, to think that he was different, and when he didn't say anything, she huffed, suspicions confirmed. "Fine. Fine. But don't come running back to me the next time you're in Ketterdam because you want someone to be your friend, because I won't be there." She pulled her necklace out, chucking it on the bed. "Keep it, so that you can remember how badly you fucked this up every day you're out on the True Sea."

She was being bitter again, just like when they'd first met, but now she had good reason. She wanted him to have a reminder of her, and her necklace would be perfect. Nikolai was still silent, stood by his bed and staring blankly at the object she'd thrown his way, and when she closed the door behind her, the silver of it was glinting cruelly in the light of his lamp.

Part 2

#grishaverse #netflix shadow and bone #nikolai lantsov #nikolai lanstov x reader #nikolai x reader #nikolai lanstov x y/n #nikolai x y/n

89 notes · View notes

caseylicious · 2 years

Text

Badass.

Summary: The brothers are injured, unable to use their weapons. How do they react to the reader using the weapons against the opponent?

Characters: Leo, Raph, Mikey, and Donnie

Reader: FEMALE

Relationship: I don't really know whether or not you wanted platonic or romantic, so let's do romantic! (Established Relationship.)

Warnings: Mentions of Blood.

Words: 2673

A/N: This is a really cool request! That I am honored of writing for. I can just imagine all the battling that has happened. Anyways! Please Enjoy 💐

Tags: @el-chiste Thank you for the lovely request!

[ If you have any constructive criticism or corrections for any of my English do let me know! :) ]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

You heard your boyfriend scream in pain as they dropped their weapon. This villain was different from the others, it was more powerful. It thought differently than the others.

Running to his side, you checked over his wounds. They were bad and you could see how it hurt them. You knew the others couldn't make it in time even if you both ran.

So you did the only thing, you knew you could do.

Fight.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

💙 Leo

It was going to be a simple mission, stop whoever kept stealing the condiments. You had no reason why Leo had to make such a fuss over condiments being taken away.

But thinking about it now, no ketchup on fries would've been a nightmare to humans. You only imagined everybody having wars over the very condiments. It would start an anarchy in New York! Especially with the cheap hot dogs on the street.

Leo argued that it would be easier if he went on this, solo... well with you. "C'mon guys! It's just a ketchup thief. It can't be so bad, right babe?"

You nodded your head, there was no way something this silly could be dangerous, right?

Raph crossed his arms, feeling his overprotective brother instincts almost act. Mikey smiled to you both, "I believe in Y/N! C'mon Raphh!" He sighed to Mikey's encouragement, he knew that Donnie would say a comment of "Yeah, yeah. Leo's probably right."

"Fine! But don't go too far in the city. We won't be able to reach you in time if something bad were to happen." His shoulders relaxed, having confidence that Leo can handle it all by himself.

"Yeahhh, Let's do this Y/N!" Wrapping his hand around your waist, he opens a portal. Waving to his brothers. "I'll see you when I complete this on my own! Buh - Bye~"

This would be an easy mission, right?

- - - - - - - - - -

SLAM!

He rolled to the floor, in pain. Running towards him, you fell to your knees. "Leo! A- are you okay?! Open your eyes!" You held his hand tightly. Hoping to feel his warmth, he opened his eyes. You sighed with relief. He coughed out some blood, glancing to the enemy searching for you both. "That.. really hurt- what even is this thing?" You looked with him. trying to analyze what the creature was. "It looks like a scorpion... You were thrown really badly."

He smirked, attempting to move his arms. His smirk wiped off his face immediately unable to feel his bones. "Y- Y/N, you need to run. Get the others, I'll be right behind you." You shook your head immediately, "I can't leave you. The others won't make it in time!" He sighed, scared for his own life and yours.

When you both went through the portal, You and Leo teleported right in front of the scorpion in the act. Resulting in the battle immediately starting. It was a terrible idea of Leo even bringing you, but he wanted to show off his ninja skills.

Typical Leo, seeking out your approval and praise...

He had no clue that the first thing it'd do was throw it towards the wall, hard.

"There's no other choice Y/N..." He frowned looking away. You thought for a moment, before your own mental you gave you an idea. "There's one..."

He raised a brow, watching you pick up his two blades. He had a look of confusion, before he realized. "Y/N! Do not tell me you're going to try and attempt to fight that thing!" He couldn't lose you, he just couldn't. "I'm not attempting Leo! I am going to fight it. Be right back." Before he could say anything else he watched as you ran towards the enemy. Your hair blowing in the wind. You had no fear. He feared for the worst, suddenly watching you swing the blade in front of yourself, jumping through the portal.

Then suddenly appearing out of another one, slashing the beast. How did you even know how to use his weapon? Were you watching him each time you came along on a mission? He didn't know how to take in this information, until he watched the villain suddenly fall over. Making it unable to fight you and your boyfriend. You panted, exhausted of what you just did. Turning your head; you ran back to your boyfriend dropping his blades next to him. "Okay- we can call Donnie now for help. Let me get my pho-" He interrupted your rambling, "How did you do all that, doll?" You blinked, confused. "Do.. what?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

He chuckled to your obliviousness. "How did you use my weapon like that? That was totally badass!" You began to blush to the compliment, "Really? You're hurt and you're calling me a badass?" He nodded with his cheeky smile.

Rolling your eyes, you dialed Donnie's number.

❤️ Raph

"The.. CD Bandit? What on earth is that?" Donnie chuckled looking at the topic on his phone. "It's on the news D! And they've taken ALL of my favorite bands' music albums!" Leo lifted his head from his comic book. "What's so important about that band?" You gasped dramatically.

"What's so important about that band?" You chuckled, your fist turning into a ball.

"What's so important about that band? Raph could see you getting upset over the whole situation. "That band is literally GOD themselves!! They're my idols! They're EVERYTHIN-"

You felt your head being pat by the bigger turtle. "Don't worry Y/N! I'll stop that bandit for you." Your frown turned to a giant smile, a smile that Raph is so, so in love with. "Really?! Oooo!!" You hugged your taller boyfriend as he blushed. His brothers gave "ooo's" and goofy stares. "Thank you, Thank you!!"

So, off you both went to face this bandit. And to bring cheer and joy to all the stans in New York...

Raph would know how much you loved that band, since he was your boyfriend. You wouldn't stop ranting about it around him!

"Y- you're welcome sweetheart, now let's get going. We wouldn't want your bands' songs to be taken of, again." You nodded your head getting on top of his shoulders, blinded from your obsession with a band. That Raph said he, himself would stop this bandit.

- - - - - - - - - -

And here you were, on the ground with a cut on your leg. With your boyfriend being stuck to the wall with a half-cut metal CD pinning him to the wall. His Twin sais' on the floor, you quickly got up to look at him. "Raph are you stuck?! I can try to-"

"Y/N, I'm stuck. I can't reach my weapons and-" His legs were suddenly pinned to the wall with half-cut CDs as well. You were scared that his head and legs would be cut off if he tried resisting. "D- don't move. Let me think of a plan!" He stared at you confused, "What do you mean, PLAN? The plan is to use the panic button!!"

What happened before, was that while you both were running on the roofs of New York, Raph was caught off-guard by a giant CD almost slicing your head off your body. Traumatic as that was, Raph got distracted and fell off the roof. Quickly transforming into his bigger size, catching you in his hands. He let you down on your feet before more CDs were thrown towards him.

They were just thrown too quickly for him to catch all at once. Resulting to the situation at hand...

Back to the present, you held his weapons in your own hands. They were so big in comparison. "Y/N- Now is not the time to joke around. Press the call button on my wrist!" You shook your head with a mischievous smirk. This CD bandit pissed you off the moment the news spoke about it. "You.. do NOT get to take all of those CDs and then break them, to ONLY attack my boyfriend!" You screamed in anger, running towards the bandit. He was going to call your name to get back, before he saw your arm size get bigger with the red mystic energy in his weapon.

"No sweetheart, just.. amazed. Had no clue you could use my weapon like that!" His toothy smile bringing butterflies to your stomach. "Well, watching a good older brother. I guessed I learned a thing..." You glanced over to the crime scene. "Or two."

This may be a stretch, but you punched the shit out of that thing. Forcing it to confess to the police. Now exhausted, you finally pulled the CDs off your boyfriend. When he was free, he immediately hugged you.

"R- raph? What's wrong? Are you hurt?" You felt his arm around your body.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

🧡 Mikey

Your scream could be heard through the whole lair. Your boyfriend sprinting to your side immediately. "Y/N! What's wrong?! Is there a bad guy? WHERE!!" He was about to take out his kusari-fundo until he saw Leo with you. Both of you sobbing to the tablet.

"Mikey.. they they..." Leo sniffles, hugging himself. "They...? What? What did they do? Who even is they??" You cried, "THEY DESTROYED THE THRIFT STORE!!"

Mikey blinked, staring at you. "I- what?" He placed away his weapon to stare at you at Leo even more. You.. were crying because of a thrift store being destroyed? Until he thought a bit more. That thrift store was you and Leo's favorite store. That's where you bought his matching sweater with you. He gasped, finally understanding the importance of this crime.

He instantly hugged you, "Y/N! This is a job for Doctor Delicate Touch. Nobody destroys a thrift store on my watch!" Your eyes sparkled with determination to Mikey's statement. "Yeah! Nobody should have to suffer their favorite Thrift Store from being destroyed..."

You couldn't help. but imagine the families who aren't able to afford most things. Watch as stores which allowed them to buy products near their price range are destroyed. It broke your heart.

Leo nodded, "Yeah! Nobody should so... I'll be waiting here until you both fix the situation" You raised your brow towards Leo. "Weren't you just crying with me?? I thought you'd be more concerned on this with me!" He shrugged, "Yeah. I'll be concerned, but! I'm letting Mikey do a solo mission.. just don't tell Raph."

Mikey's eyes lit up hearing the news. "Leo!! This is why I love you my man!"

- - - - - - - - - -

Why didn't Leo tell Raph he was going on a solo mission? He was on the ground unable to move due to hanging racks clicking him to the ground. "Urghh! Y/N! Get help!" He knew this solo mission wasn't going to end well, and you were the only one with him. He couldn't risk you getting hurt, yet he was so scared of getting hurt himself.

"Mikey- I can get you out of these.. hangers?- Ugh! Just work with me here." You could hear the monster of clothes roar towards your direction. "RUNNN!"

Before this whole problem existed, you and Mikey simply chose to go into a thrift store, hoping that if it were the next target location of destruction. You both could then quickly destroy the creature. Forcing it out of its ways to the authorities!

However you both underestimated the strength of this enemy. It took you both by surprise. Using that to its advantage, separating the both of you. What makes things even worse was that everything was dark. Mikey couldn't see his surroundings, so he didn't know where to aim. Resulting in him losing his weapon while getting stuck.

You tried pulling the restraints off of him, but there was no sign of it working. Panicking, you didn't want to leave your boyfriend, bestfriend behind. Until you saw in the corner of your eye... his kusari-fundo. "Wait right here!"

You ran towards the battle field with Mikey panicking, "Y/N WHAT ARE YOU DOING- COME BACK!!" You smirked watching Mikeys' jaw drop. "Saving your life!" You grabbed hold of his weapon and began to easily use it. As if it were your destiny to wield it...

When you finished beating the enemy's bum; Mikey was freed. You immediately gave back his weapon and apologized for using it.

"What? Y/N, no! You were amazing! You may know even more than me!" He high-fived you as you both walked back to the lair.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 💐

💜 Donnie

It was a lazy sunday, and you just barged into your boyfriend's room. "D! D!- there's this new online hacker dude on the internet!" You waved your phone around, as his metal arm grabbed it. Inspecting the phone, a smirk appears on his face. "The.. Hacker, okay babe. I don't know what jokes you're making up this time... but this is totally, 100% clickbait." You gasped, "It is not!" You pouted, crossing your arms. Looking away from your boyfriend's sweet face.

He chuckled, placing away his engineering instrument. To focus his attention onto you. "Well? How did this "Hacker" become oh, so popular?" You sighed as you felt his hand with yours. "Well... News said it hacked that game you played? Purple Ga-"

"I'm sorry, did you say Purple Game? As in the game, I am always Number One in?" Before you could respond, Donnie was all geared up with his battle shell and his one and only, bō staff. (Tech.) "Onward Y/N! We mustn't let this foul troublemaker ruin any more games!"

You smiled, running with him to go stop this thief. You thought it was going to be your typical "skinny" and "needs to touch grass" sort of guy or gal. But no... you were very wrong.

- - - - - - - - - -

"D-donnie! Stop!" You were panting, holding onto the bloody scratch on your stomach. He groaned in pain, blocking off the bold and strong attacks. "What is it Y/N?! I don't think there's anytime for tal-" You quickly threw a rock at one blast. "Your battle shell- it's not on you!" His eyes widened as he looked to his back. Seeing his sensitive shell exposed.

Before the fight even happened, Donnie used his geolocation algorithm to find the location of the "Hacker." Surprised to find out it was in the Hidden City. You both ventured off into the unknown streets, until finding a black and green hue of light. Without knowing it, you and Donnie fell into its trap. In its game, Donnie used his staff to protect you.

He saw this as a video game, that he could be wreckless. Maybe he was distracted by Purple Game itself to realize his physical body could be affected. He didn't notice that his Battle Shell was broken off of him by a blast.

Distracted by the fact his battle shell was broken off, he was blasted with a laser. Knocking him back, he hissed in pain as his shell scratched the hard cold holographic code floor. He tried thinking of a way to get you out of here. He could hack into the mainframe of the game? No- What could he even-

He was about to tell you to run, before watching you run at the game boss with his staff. "Let's see how you work this thing- WOAH-!!" You pressed a button and one side had a rocket booster. Making up a quick plan; you began bonking the game boss multiple times. Defeating it, the both of you being released from the game safe-and-sound.

He smiled like an idiot to your kiss, before realizing what you said. "Hey!- Rude!"

While you were relieved that you both were safe, Donnie was.. very much confused. He stared at you for a good while, before you broke the silence. "What's wrong Donnie? We can grab your battle shell at ba-" You were quickly interrupted. "How did you learn to use my tech?" You blinked, smiling to yourself. Placing a hand on your hip, you flipped your hair with confidence. "I watched ya tinker with it multiple times! Of course I'd learn a thing or two." His expression still the same, you began to worry if he was mad you touched his tech, his precious works of art.

However his face showed a smile, looking into your eyes. "Well, you learned damn good. I'm a good teacher! I should rant about my tech more around you!" You not wanting a whole hour that could be used to cuddle with him, just for him to rant, kissed his cheek. "For how much I love you babe, please don't do that..."

#morilicious #rottmnt x reader #rottmnt 2018 #rottmnt #rottmnt leo x reader #rottmnt raph x reader #rottmnt mikey x reader #rottmnt donnie x reader #rise leo #rise raph #rise mikey #rise donnie

888 notes · View notes

eris-snow · 1 year

Text

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝

Tags: bakugou x fem!reader, they don't get together at the end, angst, undercover

"Hero/n, Dynamight, your job is to infiltrate tonight's gathering as newlyweds find evidence of his crimes, and apprehend him swiftly." Oh, no.

The door to the limousine opens.

You take one step in, see a flash of blond hair, crimson red eyes and a surprised scowl before you backtrack 5 steps away.

"You've got to be kidding me."

Bakugou scoffs, folding his arms. "Fucking nice to see you too, Shortie."

"Get in, Hero/n. Lives are at stake." Aizawa says glaring at you from the shotgun seat.

Grudgingly, you took your seat beside the blond, dipping your head gracefully as you slammed the door shut. "I thought you were in America this weekend." You mumble, fidgeting with your dress's helm. "For that Top 10 Hero gala thing."

"That's what everyone else thinks." He mutters, facing the window on his side. "Thought you'd be able to distinguish real from fake news, Y/n. Quit fucking around."

Your hands clench into fists as the car starts to move. "Couldn't help but hope." You reply through gritted teeth.

Bakugou and you had broken up nearly 3 years ago, and you'd never expected to see him like this. No, not when you were on an undercover mission to potentially die.

Being trapped with Bakugou in a single car is going to kill you much faster.

"Eraser, why is he here?" You hiss, glaring at the underground hero. "I thought you were gonna pick someone who was part of the agency. Not the flashiest, most wanted hero on this goddamn planet!"

Bakugou glares at you with those piercing eyes. "Look if I knew I'd be working with you for this assignment, I'd never have taken the job either, okay?"

Bakugou hasn't seen you in years. Yes, he knew that you were somewhere on the planet, kicking ass, but with his life-long goal of claiming the title of the Number 1 Hero, your hidden disappearance and the area you'd chosen to specialise in, it was almost too easy to let himself get buried in work to distract himself from you.

But here you are.

After being over several miles away from you, the both of you were now only inches apart.

"Shut up, both of you." Eraserhead snapped. "I assumed you've read the file, but I'll reiterate it for you as a reminder. The murderer, Kage Tanuki has escaped America's security and fled to Japan to flee his death sentence. His quirk, as you might be familiar with is called Truth. It allows anyone he comes into skin contact with to believe anything he tells them to. Your job is to infiltrate tonight's gathering as newlyweds-"

"Oh my fucking god,"

"-find evidence of his crimes, and apprehend him swiftly." Aizawa notices you staring at Bakugou unblinkingly and reads your mind.

"Hatsume has designed Bakugou a gadget that prevents anyone from recognising him as the Number 2 Hero, but it's tailored to only his body. That's why we still had you wear contacts and go in with a disguise."

Eye contacts. No wonder your eyes look weird. You still look great, beautiful like a rose, but he misses the old you under those layers of makeup.

A rose still has thorns, though.

Aizawa's strong stare from the rear-view mirror has the both of you sitting up straighter. "Hero/n, you are undeniably the best in the underground heroes' department. Dynamight, you have talent and skills that allow you to adapt quickly. I expect this mission to be conducted with nothing but utmost professionalism. Understood?"

There's a beat of silence before you utter words back to your teacher, "You still haven't told me why he's gone and replaced Monoma."

Bakugou does a double take, finally whipping his head to face you.

"I replaced Copying Bastard?"

You rolled your eyes, looking up to meet his. "Yeah. He was supposed to be my partner this evening if he hadn't gotten himself nearly killed in his last assignment."

Eraser sighs. "The both of you have had a prior relationship. Agency's said that they wanted it to look more natural. Not to mention Monoma's untimely injuries had us scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Thanks to Bakugou's swift response, we managed to change the documents in time before the fiasco got noticed."

"THAT'S PRECISELY WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE SOMEONE ELSE TAKE THE DAMN JOB," Bakugou booms, slumping down in his seat with a groan.

Aizawa raises a quizzical eyebrow, before his eyes narrow. "What did I say about professionalism?"

"Fine," You spit out, as the car pulls over into a beautiful mansion. "We'll do the damn job. But I want compensation for the lack of communication on my end."

Aizawa smiles cryptically, "Don't worry, I'm sure the agency will plan many compensations once they know how badly they fucked this up."

It's almost comical how awkward Bakugou feels about you. His arm is looped around your waist intimately, firmly pressed against your body as a sign of protection even though he knows you don't need it. Your body is relaxed, eyes soft and sparkling prettily at him with a warm smile he hasn't seen in years.

It's only when he touches your back that he can feel the rigid tension you keep hidden as you beam at the doorman, who identifies you two with a nod of his head. "Ah, yes! The newlyweds, correct?"

You don't even flinch.

Fucking shapeshifter.

The party inside is loud and jarring, making Bakugou curse internally because he doesn't like the noise. He never did fancy parties. He lets you do the talking, the socialising, the mingling. It's almost too easy to fall back into this routine of your broken relationship.

The arm around your waist.

The glare he shoots people when they start to get too overbearing.

God, he wants you back.

"I might need to head to the toilet soon," You sigh, smiling up at him as you place a delicate hand on his bicep. Bakugou knows you too well to know what that actually means.

We should slip away soon.

"Of course, love," He responded, affirming your decision. That sleazy murderer had barely given you two a glance. It would be easier anyway to raid his house for evidence-

"Ah, the Bakugous," A voice interrupts his thoughts, and immediately he feels you straighten up to greet whoever strikes up a conversation with you. "Tanuki!" You greet, "Thank you so much for inviting us here."

Bingo.

"It's wonderful to see the both of you here tonight." He has the nerve to grin, a borderline deranged smile of a serial killer in disguise. Tanuki trains his beady eyes on the blond, "Your wife is absolutely stunning, I must say. You've picked a good one."

If that line hadn't ruffled your feathers, it sure got Bakugou to hate this guy even more. "Yeah? Well, this one's mine." He replies reflexively, tightening his arm around you. "Mind showing us the way to the washrooms? I'd like to freshen up in time for your closing speech."

He feels a surprised grip from your arm as he hides his smug smile. Yeah, fuck you and your pretty dress and makeup, he read the damn file. Just cause he doesn't do undercover missions doesn't mean he can't act.

He's the best at everything.

Tanuki nods his head, mindlessly waving his glass in a vague direction. "Of course. Just go up the stairs and open the 3rd door on your left. Don't be long now!"

You thank him again (while Bakugou does not) as the both of you walk in the direction he pointed you to. "Laying it on thick, huh," You say under your breath as you walk up the stairs together. "Thanks for getting us out of there."

Instantly, heat floods his cheeks as he replays what he had said earlier. Oh, God. The minute you reach the second floor and ensure nobody was there, you finally unlatch yourself from Bakugou's arm, eyes averted and cheeks pinked.

Oh, right. This is just pretend.

Bakugou swallows thickly, averting his eyes. He already misses the fact that you aren't by his side. "Let's find his office."

You find his workroom with ease thanks to the blueprint that was provided by your agency. Unfortunately for you though, it's locked by a card reader. "Let me have a go, I'll blast it open," Bakugou grunts, but one raised eyebrow from you has him backtracking his steps. "What?" He gruffs.

"Your quirk could set something on fire." You explained. "Just imagine what would happen if you end up blowing this entire place up. There're people downstairs too."

"Well then what do you suppose?" he bites back.

You roll your eyes, the soft, accommodating skin you wore downstairs already shredded and discarded. "By using this," you reach into a secret pocket in your dress, pulling out a slim keycard with a sly grin.

Bakugou almost gaps at you. "You shrewd pickpocketer,"

"Sticky fingers," You hum, swiping it across the keypad and swinging the door open with ease.

You're both greeted with the sight of files scattered across the mahogany table, warm, luxurious curtains, and a bookshelf stuffed full of documents. "Jackpot," Bakugou whispers. Stepping into the room, you take one of the files and scan it with widened eyes. "He's forging these files to make his victims' deaths look like an accident."

Bakugou's eyes narrow as he peers over your shoulder. You point at the dates and other parts of a paragraph. "He's making sure nobody knows that there's a connection between him and these esteemed people, that's why there hasn't been enough evidence of him so far!"

"Well, then we have what we need, then!" Bakugou says, gathering the files on the table and holding them close to his chest. "Let's get the hell out of here before anyone finds us-"

As quick as the wind, you lunge at Bakugou and pull him down to hide under the table. Scowling, Bakugou's confusion starts to dissipate in anger, "Oi, what are you-"

"Shh!"

Your hearing must be better than his, because it's only now that he can hear footsteps clambering towards the room.

"Shit," A voice says, slicing through the silence.

Tanuki.

"Someone's been in my office."

The both of you glance at each other, reaching the same realisation at the same time. He looks at you, and you look at him.

And then, you grin.

Bakugou knows what that smirk means.

It's go time.

Shooting to his feet, he held his hands in front of his face with an unhinged grin plastered over his face. "Surprise, Tanuki."

The fight doesn't take long, even though his Quirk was one that was annoying to get around. Then again, the both of you are in sync, the fighting almost looking as if you were dancing around your opponent without even uttering a word. You apprehended him in under 10 minutes.

"We've arrested the murderer." You say, voice strong and authoritative. "We're coming to the meeting spot."

And just like that, it's all over.

Part of him wishes that you could have just kept on going, playing along with the charade and believe that he still has you. But he doesn't.

This is real life and when he goes home that day, he remembers to catalogue every fucking memory in his mind because that was probably going to be the last time he would get to hold you like that.

What he doesn't know is that you too are thinking about everything too, kicking yourself over and over at the feelings that had resurfaced for him. The sensation of just having him hold you tight and feel protected is a feeling you'd buried under layers of suppression.

Sure, Monoma has pretended to be your boyfriend multiple times before, but it's never felt like this. No, when Bakugou did it, there was a spark of warmth that blossomed inside your heart, as if everything was authentic.

If only the night had gone longer, if only you could have talked to him properly.

If only you could just keep...

Playing pretend.

#mha #mha fanfiction #bakugou katsuki #katsuki bakugō #bakugo x you #bakugou x y/n #bakugou katuski x reader #my hero academia #bakugou angst #angst #undercover #undercover missions

192 notes · View notes

itsmaferart · 2 years

Text

Twiyor parallelism #4 ··· Mutual trust

Warning: This post contains manga content

It's been a while since I continued with the Twiyor parallelism, and I feel it's a good time to pick it up again. Everything I say here is based on my point of view based on the manga content, so you are free to have a different opinion. That said, let's begin

I think a recurring theme in the fandom is the constant teasing we do from the beginning of why a spy and an assassin, the most lethal and dangerous people in their respective countries don't realize their identities? Yes, we've all laughed in Twilight's face for simply being one of the smartest men and not realizing that a normal wife shouldn't be able to knock over a cow -

oh come on, just look at the dumb face he makes.

But moving on from the jokes, I've seen so many people make their posts explaining why this happens, I feel it's a good time to give my own version:

Multiple answers:

I think for a lot of people the most obvious answer is that Spy x Family is a comedy, so a lot of the plot conflicts and resolutions don't really have to make sense. Basically any contradiction is valid, Twilight goes from being a genius to an idiot in a second to the next. In one aspect, such as espionage, deduction and plans, Twilight is intelligence, but in the face of incoherence such as his wife's monstrous strength or his daughter's manipulations, it simply seems that his brain stops working. As Sylvia herself would say: Is he a genius or an incompetent?

Another theory I've seen is that Twilight doesn't recognize a normal woman: Twilight is so used to strong women, be they spies like Sylvia or Nightfall that he doesn't distinguish the level of strength as something "strange". Twilight has not had a normal life, he lost his mother at a very young age. So he has had no interaction with everyday situations, which explains his occasional awkwardness in being a stay-at-home father and husband. So for him, Yor having colossal strength is the most normal thing.

The women he has been with during his missions surely had skills as well. Which, it is possible, given that Twilight has been everything from an agent of the armed forces, a mobster, a political figure, and so on. So it's not strange to assume he's been with women who come from dangerous backgrounds. And Yor would be the first couple with a "more everyday" life (being a city hall employee)

Personally, I think all of these answers and plots are correct, because they all work in and out of the story. Considering that the comedy of Spy x Family is so unpredictable, each plot fills in different implausible moments that occur. The characters are silly, smart, blind, deductive and have very abnormal views of what is everyday and what is not.

I support the idea that Twilight has a distorted view of the world, this is mainly due to the war, having been a soldier and then becoming a spy. He has not had a normal life, he is adapted to see the world as a spy: through intrigue, suspicion, and denial of his emotions. However, espionage has allowed him to develop exceptional social skills so that he can be liked by many people and know how to get the best out of them. Basically, Twilight's reflex is to "take advantage" of his relationships, this mental bias is so embedded in he does not hesitate for a second to take advantage of the slightest opportunity to seduce Yor —even though the strategy he applies is totally fallible. Twilight is used to the idea that relationships are "links to extract information and make his work more efficient". However, if it were so normal for Twilight for a woman to have such strength, I think she wouldn't be surprised by Yor's prowess or go to the trouble of saving ordinary people.

I think Twilight is aware that an ordinary civilian is vulnerable, and that Sylvia and Nightfall are trained combat agents. But he simply doesn't try to reason Yor's strength, since it doesn't have a solid connection to being an assassin (But I'll emphasize this in the next point). We add that Twilight is attracted to strong women: But this refers more to the emotional strength of a woman to overcome life's adversities and keep smiling. (Although I also think Yor's strength drives him crazy).

Even so

However, I think there is one reason, which seems to me to be the most important (and I think many people overlook). I am referring to the reason why Twilight personally does not suspect Yor, and her "peculiarities".

And that is…

Twilight trusts in Yor

Possibly many people feel that this is contradictory because of the times Twilight has distrusted Yor. But even knowing that, I think those moments of relapse only emphasize that Twilight trusts her, but his instincts as a spy prevent his from feeling safe with his family, so I'm going to review those moments:

Mission 2: From their first encounter, Yor showed signs that alerted Twilight to her peculiarity. For starters she could be among the first people to penetrate his guard completely, when he didn't even perceive that she entered the tent, and quickly caught Twilight's gaze. This made the spy reconsider his plans to "ask her to be his mate", worried in the face of a woman with such sharp instincts.

Paradoxically, however, Yor demonstrated a degree of naivety bordering on being "foolish" by being able to believe the most ridiculous lies Twilight could come up with. While, Twilight saw it profitable that their interest coincided as one needed a favor from the other, he seems unable to comprehend how such a naive woman could become insightful, causing a contradiction in the spy's logical mind.

Curiously, when Yor protects him with a kick, pushing the criminal away from Loid, far from reaffirming his suspicions, Twilight seemed delighted with this spontaneous act of hers. Her strength, far from being a threat to him, functioned as a defense mechanism.

Mission 14 - Being an SSS agent: Once they move forward with the marriage, and meet Yuri Briar, who turns out to be an obvious SSS agent to him, it makes perfect sense that Twilight is suspicious and feels that Yor may actually be an agent sent to set him up. It could be that the SSS was aware of his mission, (since they are spy hunters) and sent a woman to investigate him and play the role of wife. Which would coincide with Yor's very open attitude to accepting a fake marriage, despite the strangeness around Loid Forger.. It would not be unusual if Yuri at some point revealed his identity to his sister (although he has no desire to do so) and she just pretended not to know. All this detonated in Twilight setting up his wife, with Franky's help. Although all that theatrics ended in failure when Yor proved with actions and words his innocence.

The most important thing to note in this scene is that Yor was risking her identity as an assassin, exposing herself to the SSS for her brother and her husband. The reason for her being Loid's wife was to protect herself from the SSS, but she was willing to fight two officers or the entire organization if they laid a finger on her family. If they had been real police officers, the sight of a woman assaulting a police officer or covering up for suspected spies, Yoru would surely be questioned.

Even before disguising himself as a secret policeman, Twilight hesitates about wearing a wire or not, even though he is a spy. Still, Yor didn't mind if she was confronted by SSS members. She preferred to defend her fake husband, which makes Twilight dismiss his suspicions and feel enormous remorse. It's seeing someone, risking it to protect him.

Mission 67 Meeting Melinda Desmond: When Yor tells Loid the news that he has just met Damiand's mother, Melinda. Twilight has a few brief moments of distrust, raising the possibility that Yor is in cahoots with his target's wife. He dismisses this when he considers how illogical it would be for Yor to be telling him about their encounter, plus Anya quickly made a clarification.

Clearly, this suspicion has little basis in fact, as Yor has no idea who the Desmonds are, and has never shown any political interest. Her entire involvement with the Eden Academy has been at Loid's request, from the very beginning.

We also have briefer mentions like the nights Yor would come home very late with her hands full of cut and grim looks, and was reluctant to have dinner with them. Or that time after their date at the bar when Twilight thought Yor was setting him up in reverse to force him to do the skin trap. These times, though, were quickly dismissed

We can see, in each of these times, that there are patterns in Twilight's distrust: He has never had a conclusive clue that Yor is an enemy, much less a murderer. Twilight only clings to mere assumptions when Yor interacts with people dangerous to him: the Desmonds and the SSS. And leads him to believe that they are colluding with his wife to betray him (Something that surely could have happened to him in the past with his fake relationships).

Twilight's distrust of Yor stems from himself, and his greatest fear since starting the Forger family:

..."Getting attached and learning to trust other people"

Clearly, Twilight has been getting to know Yor and she has only shown him her most honest side: a sweet, maternal, tender, patient woman, with a positive, discreet vision, who puts love and family first. But she also shows him her most vulnerable side: she is shy, clumsy, unsociable, a lousy cook and very insecure.

That has caused Twilight to confide and show himself vulnerable to her on more than one occasion. For they, in part, share many insecurities, the same sense of responsibility and sacrifice. The truth is that feeling so much comfort with Yor has made him more sensitive, but it also makes him develop an unconscious fear that all that beauty is a lie, and he himself is falling. Feeling exposed to Yor, for the many times he has let his guard down with her.

Yor has been gaining Twilight's trust:

Yor and Twilight have had a strong emotional connection (whether romantic or not). It is the connection of two people who manage to fully understand each other even though their lives have been different. Twilight believes that Yor was a sex worker, in order to provide for her brother, and far from wanting to judge her, he understood that Yor has been a person who has sacrificed so many times to protect something she cares about. That Yor has the strength to overcome adversity and be able to keep smiling while thinking of another person's well-being. This sense of sacrifice makes Twilight empathize and be moved by his life, as he perfectly understands having to sacrifice yourself even if you don't get a direct thank you or reward. While Yor, she discovered someone who supports her, understands and far from playing her, praises all her actions.

This trust has grown more when they support each other in their roles as parents, or when they try to be a good partner for each other, appreciating every kind and sincere gesture they have for each other; and when they do their best not to make each other uncomfortable at any time.

Yor has really used the force to protect her family, never to abuse it (except for everything that has to do with her role as an assassin). Despite having the ability to kill those who mess with her, Yor represses her instinct and remembers not to abuse her power; and only allows herself to do so when she feels that her daughter (and most likely her husband) are in danger.

In conclusion:

I think Twilight's perception of Yor could be divided into two parts, one is influenced by his rational facet as a spy, as Agent Twilight; and the other, by the real man, (Redacted) Representing the conflict he has in learning to trust other people, and with that, learning to expose his emotions. Each of these facets coexist within the same individual and one often overshadows the other at certain times.

On the one hand, his spy side is always in conflict with Yor, looking for any crumb of suspicion. Despite having no reason to distrust Yor he always clings to excuses to prove to himself that he "should trust no one". Yor has so far proven to be the person Twilight can trust, but surely his doubts as a spy make him believe that letting his guard down in front of her puts him in danger. As that old saying goes.

"… Nothing so good, can be so true…"

And Twilight, in his facet strives to believe that that personality: sweet, kind and unconditional could turn out to be a trap. The spy seems to be afraid that Yoru might one day betray him, because he knows that deep down he is exposing himself to her. When Twilight thinks like a spy with Yor he usually fails, sabotaging himself and backing away from advancing their relationship.

However:

The real man, the boy who once existed, is learning to "trust Yor blindly" to the extent of talking about himself and his past with her. He knows that Yor and his strength are not a threat, and more than once they have managed to overshadow the spy in his head. Demonstrating his most genuine and sincere side to her. Twilight has shown that most of the time he is genuine with Yor, except for the lies about his work, but more than once he has shown that what he thinks about her is something that comes from his heart.

Twilight will be able to understand his real feelings for Yor when he can learn to trust her and perhaps some plot event will make him understand how important it is for him to have her by his side.

I think the most interesting thing is to know what Twilight's reaction will be when he gets to know Yor, in her assassin role, Thorn Princess and the importance that his feelings will have at that moment. And the reaction he may have when he gets to know the darker side of Yor's personality, who is much more confident, determined and really is a threat to her enemies.

What is your opinion?

Here is the previous part

#twiyor parallelism #spy x family #yor forger #loid forger #twiyor #yor briar #loid x yor #anya forger #sxf #twilight #spyxfamily twilight #agent twilight #spy x family manga spoilers #spy x family manga #spy x family loid

413 notes · View notes