#in my defense shanks had no business saying that line LIKE THAT | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mae-gi-writes · 12 days

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Arch-nemesis . Gally (themazerunner)

There's a thin line between love and hate, especially when it concerns Gally.

A/N: I've re-watched the three Maze Runner movies and now I'm obsessed and getting back onto the TMR fantrain so bear with me and the future fics I've already got saved in my drafts TT 3 TT ------

You hate him with all your heart.

Truthfully, honestly. There isn’t anyone you hate more than this stupid asshole that thinks that he’s the centre of the earth.

You met him only when he’d been brought in by Lawrence and a few of his other guys, having been there just for a few weeks prior. Thinking that this might be your chance to make a new friend, you’d sidled over to him with a small smile as you asked for his name. That didn’t go as smoothly as you thought when he just grunted out his name in response and turned away from you like you were a pest instead.

But it isn’t just that. It’s the way he says your name in that really aggravating tone that grates at your nerves. It’s the way he always insists it’s your fault when you’re out on missions and come back with no updates. It’s the way he bullies you and calls you names whenever your paths cross and it makes you want to gouge his eyes out. It’s enough to say that you know Gally now and you know exactly what he’s made of. That, and the fact that you’d stay far away from him as you possibly could if that was an option.

“You’re loading it up wrong shank-face,” he’d tell you as you were re-filling your gun.

“Shut up Gally, I’m doing it properly.”

“Don’t come crying to me when the gun doesn’t work.”

“It’s none of your business if it doesn’t work.”

“It is my business if you’re gonna—“

“Right that’s enough,” your mentor and leader called Jared had to step in, like he did numerous times, to get you to cool off. You’d storm away in a fit of annoyance and irritation, hating how easily Gally got under your skin.

It’s been a few weeks since weird sightings of stray immunes have circulated the area and in reply to this, Lawrence had set you up for a mission with Gally to scout the outer walls of the Last City. That had only caused you to grumble about the unfairness of the situation.

“Why do I have to go?” Your eyes narrow at the familiar tall figure lingering in your peripheral. Gally is busy setting up his weapons as you try to plead your case, seemingly uncaring about your protests, “and with him of all people? We don’t work well together Lawrence—“

“Everyone else is taken or busy with other tasks. Meaning that only you two are free,” Lawrence cuts you off without a hint of sympathy, “so either you do as you’re told or you can leave Y/N. As simple as that.”

In the end you have no choice but to abide by his rules, strapping up your weapons and defenses before Gally calls out your name. You turn just in time to catch the water bottle he sends your way, yelping in the process.

“You’re looking a little distraught, shank-face,” he smirks at you from where he stands loading up the provisions, “scared of what you’ll find out there? If you ain’t good enough, just don’t come and waste people’s time.”

“Nobody asked for your opinion, ugly brows.”

“I’m just worried you might slow me down. I’m not a goddamn babysitter.”

“I didn’t ask for one, now will you shut up and stop talking?”

“I’m surprised these two haven’t killed each other off yet,” murmurs one of Lawrence’s men.

“Killed or kissed you mean,” Jared lets out a chuckle.

These words are enough to cause the others to look at him with shocked faces, “what do you mean?”

“Isn’t it clear?” Jared motions towards the two currently bickering, “bet that by tomorrow night these two will get together.”

“I bet they last a week before they kiss.” Another says.

“Oh come on, I’m betting two weeks. Gally isn’t that type of guy.”

“What about me?” Gally’s voice causes them all to shut up, looking at him with guilty smiles and with shakes of their heads.

“Nothing to worry about Maze boy,” Jared flicks him off with a wave of his hand, “now off you go, both of you. And I expect some good news when you return.”

“Of any kind,” someone adds quietly, to which they all cackle.

You’ve toured the city a million times before in search of any kind of entrances that might lead to the inside, where all of Wicked laid. So it’s nothing out of your depth to follow Gally around as you survey the area and scout for more sources of information.

In all honesty, touring with Gally isn’t that much different from anyone else. On the contrary, Gally’s determined nature conjoined with his natural physical ability to excel just renders him an even more ideal battle partner. Not that you’ll ever tell him that. It will surely come bite you in the ass later when you least expect it.

You’re almost at the perimeter when you notice something off about one of the citizens. It’s a little girl, her face contorted in a grimace as she holds her hands in front of her tummy. For a moment, she sways in the middle of the crowd and you’re about to dismiss it, when another figure stalks in and takes a swipe at her with a stick.

The girl yelps as the stick hits her knees, crumbling to the floor like a sack of bones.

Before you know it, you’re sprinting towards her, anger flaring through your chest as your hands steady themselves on the gun. You barely hear Gally’s voice as you stumble in front of the kid just in time to point your weapon at the older man.

“What do you think you’re doing?” You hiss at him.

The man’s eyes widen. He takes a step back, “no no, get away from her, you don’t understand—“

“Understand what? That you were going to beat her to death?” You click your gun into place, “nice try old man, now tell me—“

“Get away from her!” He yells at you, “she’s not normal! She’s—“

And a growl erupts from behind you. You swivel around in panic, eyes going wide upon noticing for the first time the dark patch close to her eyes.

The Flare.

The girl twitches. A small sob falls from her mouth. Your heart jumps to your throat, stumbling back half a step as weird animalistic noises echo from her mouth.

And then, she pounces.

You yell out something— you’re not too sure what — and are about to knock her on the head as she throws herself at you—

A bullet explodes on the right side of her brain and she falls to the ground like a puppet.

You stare at her for a minute. One more.

Your gaze slowly trails up to see familiar booted feet.

“What were you even thinking?”

Gally’s voice is usually deep. But this time, even you can’t stand up to the anger simmering in his voice. It’s dark and holds some kind of laced savagery that makes your toes curl in apprehension.

He takes your silence as guilt before grabbing onto your arm and roughly pulling you out of the crowd. He doesn’t stop and for once you don’t fight him, still not over the shock of seeing that poor girl’s face, the crazed look in her eyes. You’re so deep in your thoughts that you don’t realize you’re at your truck until Gally practically throws you against its side.

Your back digs into the metal and you grunt at the impact, the ache stinging your spine. But before you can do anything else, huge palms come to a rest on either side of your head.

Gally leans into you, so close that you can feel the heat radiate off him in waves.

“What the fuck was that about?” He growls, voice dropping even lower.

Somehow, it causes a shiver to run up your spine. Not one of fear, something else. Something that makes your stomach squeeze into knots.

“I—“ for once, you don’t seem to have any words. Instead your head turns away from Gally’s eyes as you bite down onto your lower lip, “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? You’re sorry?” He scoffs, laughs to himself before his gaze hardens once more, “sorry for what Y/N? For almost getting yourself killed? Are you insane?! She could’ve literally infected you and you—“

“I didn’t know she was infected.” You tried to protest.

That seems to aggravate him even more, “You didn’t even bother to check!” His nostrils flare.

“Well I said I’m sorry!”

“Sorry’s not going to cut it if you turn into one of those Cranks you stupid slinthead! You need to be more responsible! I literally turn away for one minute and you’re—“

“Oh stop exaggerating Gally. I was trying to protect her—“

“Yeah and look how that ended!”

You snap, “why are you so pissed? It was an accident and I already said sorry!”

“It’s not just that Y/N!” He yells with such emotion that his face flushes red, “What if I wasn’t there? What would you have done then?!”

“Why the fuck do you care? You wanted me gone—“

Your words cut off in mid-conversation when his large hands suddenly cup your face before pulling you in to crash his lips against yours.

Your eyes widen, brain freezing, as butterflies erupt through your stomach.

Wow.

Is this what a kiss is?

And this is Gally, kissing you like he means it.

It's almost like time has stopped.

Heart pounding, your body slowly melts against his. You’re in a trance-like state, watching yourself crumble under his fingertips that he places right under your jaw, his other hand sliding down to your hip to pin you in place.

The kiss is surprisingly gentle yet firm. His mouth moves slowly, hesitantly, almost like he fears breaking you. And yet, when you respond with a soft movement of your own, the rumble of his chest has your stomach squeezing with adrenaline.

You’re not too sure what’s happening. Here you are, with the world’s biggest dick, kissing him like he’s your lover when all you’ve ever wanted was to kick him in the face for being a class A asshole.

But it’s weird because this, however, feels so right. Like you’re meant to be locking lips, like he doesn’t want anyone else in his arms but you. And when he cages you in his hold with even more intensity it makes you gasp, causing him to slip his tongue into your mouth with an ease that has you parting like melted butter.

Slowly, your hands trail up to his chest, grabbing hold of his dark tunic and tugging slightly as his teeth suckle onto your bottom lip. A noise echoes from the back of your throat and he growls in response, pressing you even harder so that your head tilts back against the truck’s surface.

You need air at some point and so break away from him with a small gasp, chest heaving.

Gally doesn’t hesitate. He dives down to press a kiss to the side of your jaw, down your neck, imprinting his mouth over your skin over and over again in a way that has your body shuddering with delight. Big hand sliding down to the back of your neck to pull you even closer into him, the young man’s lips find a soft spot at your pulse point, causing a whine to fall from your lips at his action.

His chest rumbles in satisfaction and before you know it he’s back to kissing you. This time it’s more heated; mouths clashing and teeth clicking and tongues battling.

And then, the reality of the situation hits you straight in the face.

You freeze. What in the shucking world are you even doing?

You’re making out with Gally, right beside your truck. In broad daylight.

The thought alone makes your hands push him away and your lips disconnect with a small ‘pop’ sound.

You’re gasping for breath at this point, eyes wide as they flutter up to lock onto his own and you’re surprised at what you find there.

There’s some sort of softness, genuine care and something more, something darker that you can’t really put your finger on.

It makes you want him.

You want him.

Shuck’s sake.

“Y/N—“ Gally starts but you’re already moving out of his hold, slipping away from his warmth and suddenly it feels a little too cold.

You shake your head at him, decide it’s best to keep your eyes away as you open the door to the passenger seat, “let’s go. We have a mission to finish.”

You don’t want to talk about it.

————

It’s been days.

Days since the incident.

Days since you’ve been trying to get Gally out of your head.

You don’t understand why he’s having such an effect on you. Theoretically speaking, you should’ve bashed his head in and turned him over to Lawrence for sexual assault.

But you haven’t, and he’s also probably questioning why.

As a result, you’ve done everything in your power to avoid him. You wake up thirty minutes earlier to eat your breakfast so that you don’t have to bump into him at the table, you take the first errands that come to you — the boring ones like refilling tanks and getting the food supplies and guarding their premises. All that so that you don’t have to deal with Gally’s bullying.

Well, not that you’ve heard from him much either.

“What happened between you two?” Jared asks one evening as you help him move the supplies fresh from the last raid from the Last City.

“What?” You stare at him blankly, “what are you talking about?”

“You and Gally. You had a fight or something?”

“When are we not?” You snort, though you can’t deny the flush creeping up your neck as the memory of Gally’s body against yours resurfaces.

“Well I know you fight, but you’ve been ignoring each other.”

“And? Why is that a concern? Shouldn’t you be glad there’s less noise?”

“You’ve got a point I suppose.”

You don’t tell him it’s because you’re nervous of all the things that keep flashing through your head. You don’t tell him about how you keep on thinking of Gally’s mouth on yours, the lingering taste of him like a ghost along your lips. You don’t have to and you don’t want to, because you know that it’s going to entertain an idea far too surreal and ridiculous for you to think about.

It isn’t until a few days after your little mishap that Gally finds you in the storage room. You’ve woken up early to help the newest recruit unpack the food supplies just loaded into the main building dock, only to find out that he had this massive crush on you.

So you’ve been trying to bat him off all morning despite his most desperate attempts.

“Just give me a chance Y/N,” he says as he takes a box from your hands with a wink, “I promise I won’t make you regret it.”

You snort, “no thanks,” and turn back to keep unloading.

But he makes a grab for your hand. You yelp, pulling it out of his grasp, “what do you think you’re doing—“

“You think you’re so tough huh?” He makes another grab for your forearm this time and cages you into his grip. You try to wriggle out to no avail, his fingers squeezing so hard that you let out a cry of pain, “ow—“let me go, asshole.”

“Not until you agree.”

Your glare deepens, “I said no.”

He pulls you closer, stinky breath washing over your face and making you want to barf, “did I tell you how sexy you are when you try to act all tough and shit? I mean that’s literally—“

“Get your hands off her.”

He freezes. You do too. You recognize that voice. You could've recognized that anywhere. Your head tilts over.

Gally.

Oh.

Eyes widening at the sight, you quickly pull your arm away when the newbie drops it in shock.

“Move away,” Gally’s voice drops an octave and causes a string of butterflies to erupt through your chest, “now.”

The newbie frowns, “Who’re you to boss me around?”

“I said: Now.”

And maybe it’s the fact that Gally seems to straighten when he says it so it looks like he’s towering over the other boy, but the latter mutters a curse word under his breath and finally relents, throwing you a scowl in the process as he ducks out of the storage room.

You can’t help but lock eyes with your savior, though quickly averting your eyes in embarrassment as you resume stacking boxes after boxes. You hope that he’s just going to turn around and act ignorant, just like these past few days.

“Y/N.”

You don’t answer, resolutely trying your best to act busy.

“Y/N.”

Maybe it’s the way he says your name that makes you turn impulsively. Your eyes flit to his face, then look back down to his chest. A safer bet, “what?”

He takes a step closer, and another, and another. You swallow thickly, feeling your throat clog up with emotion as you stumble back against the boxes until no escape seems available.

Why is it that you’re always getting trapped by him?

“W—What is it?” You stammer out in hopes he can’t hear how wild your heart is beating, "What do you want?"

He lets out a soft sigh and seems to drop his shoulders in defeat, opening up his palms in a sign of defeat, "I just--I think we need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Y/N--"

"No Gally," you whip around then with eyes narrowed into slits and your fists curled beside you, "if this is about what happened in the Last City, I don't want to talk about it. It was a stupid shucking mistake and--"

"Stop using Glader slang," he interrupts like a smart-ass and you all but growl at him in irritation, "it doesn't suit you."

"Oh shut up already," you whip around and decide that it's useless to try and have a civil conversation. You'd rather focus your energy on finishing off your task.

But seems that he's determined to bug you, for you feel the warmth of his hand imprint itself on your forearm before he's tugging you. Not too harshly, gently enough that you could've stopped if you wanted to.

You let yourself turn around, cursing inwardly at how the closeness between your two bodies is rendering you a little breathless, a little weak in the knees. He's so close that you have to tilt your head up to look at him, and what you see in his gaze makes your heart skitter.

"It wasn't," he murmurs, "a mistake."

"It was a mistake," you shoot back straightaway, "we can just forget about it--"

"I don't want to. I--" he clears his throat, looks away for a second. And when his eyes find yours once again you feel your breath catch in your throat because he's looking at you in a certain way. That way. With the same kind of tenderness that makes you want to wrap your arms around him and bury your face into his chest and smell the earthly, Gally scent that had wrapped around you back when you'd kissed--

No.

You almost smack yourself, horrified. What in the world are you thinking?!

"I like you, Y/N." Gally’s voice jerks you back to reality, “I like you a shuck lot and—“

“Don’t,” you press a finger to his lips as you try desperately to put some distance between, shaking your head in horror, “no no, you don’t like me. You like me ‘cause I’m the only girl around here and it’s just your hormones talking—“

He shakes you off, “what are you on about?” He frowns before grabbing both your hands to cage them in his grip, “I know what I feel Y/N. Don’t tell me otherwise—“

“Gally please,” you scramble for coherent thought but logic is slipping away by the second. Even more so when he’s tugging you gently to him, even more when his face is a picture of softness and affection, “we hate each other’s guts—“

“I never said that.” He pauses to read your expression, fear suddenly flickering in his expression, “do you hate me?”

“I—“ the words get tangled in your mouth. You want to tell him you hate him, loathe him with all your heart and that you just want him gone and that you hates his kiss.

But you can’t.

Because it’s a lie, the truth is that you think your heart beats for him. You’re not sure since when, but that kiss had confirmed it surely enough: you like Gally more than you think you do. And that thought is terrifying.

You’re so close to him that if you let your hands drop they’ll brush against his chest, so close that you can feel his warm breath fanning across your skin and the heat of his jody permeating to yours.

Ducking your head in embarrassment, you bite down onto your lower lip.

“Answer my question, Y/N.”

You swallow thickly, “I—I don’t know.”

Gally looks down at you still, not giving you the easy way out you would’ve preferred and you find yourself crumbling under his stare.

“No,” you whisper, “I don’t hate you.”

He shifts a little closer still, eyes flitting down to your lips in a silent question.

Your breath catches. Your mouth parts. His scent wraps around you like a soft cocoon.

And then you’re lifting yourself up to kiss him.

He makes a noise of surprise at the back of his throat and you grin to yourself, loving that you caught him off guard. But that doesn’t last, for his big hands quickly drop yours to wrap around your waist before pulling your body to his and kissing you like he hasn’t seen you in ages, like he’s missed you, like he wants to do this forever.

Gally, you soon realize, kisses with his entire intention, not leaving one part of your mouth untouched and adamant on making you go pliant in his hold. You allow yourself to back up as he prods you, until your back hits one of the storage boxes hazardly stacked one atop the other, and Gally doesn't hesitate to press his chest against yours as a soft moan echoes from the back of his throat.

As his lips curve against yours in the most intimate of manners, your hands seem to take on a life of their own as they travel up his chest, caress the broadness of his shoulders, before wrapping around the back of his neck and teasing the soft baby hairs found there. You feel him grinning into your mouth and soon enough you're grinning too, foreheads pressed together as you catch your breath.

"Not bad at all," Gally murmurs, stealing a kiss from you and causing your face to flush deep red, "for someone who can't load a gun properly."

"I can too load my gun properly," you pinch him playfully and he responds with laughter.

That's when you hear your mentor's voice booming with surprise from the front entrance of the storage room:

"Well look what we have here! I told you guys they wouldn't last a week!"

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minah-delacroix · 3 years

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At any price (Part II)

Universe: Dynasty AU

Characters: Minah, Sungjae, Tyler, Jane, Tara, Ashleigh

Word count: 3,7k

The ambush

“Your office is coming together” Tara took an appreciative look around as she walked through the transparent double doors into Minah’s and Tyler’s new office. The room was a spacious and very luxurious penthouse Tyler had picked with Minah’s demands and taste in mind.

So far it was decorated in white, all clean lines that contrasted with the dramatic floor-to-ceiling French windows offering a magnificent view of the Thames. Across the room, there was a well-stocked bar and a golden cart with empty buckets of ice. Tara inspected the shelves and a smirk came across her lips when she noticed her brother’s favorite brand of scotch and Minah’s rosé of preference on them. “But I have to say it, Minah,” Tara said “I thought you’d work from home, this office still has a lot of work to go through” she raised a suspicious brow as she sat across her friend

“What can I say?” Minah shrugged giving her a strained smile. “I love this place already” There was no need for Tara to know Minah had been spending most of her time in that office simply because she couldn’t stand to see Sungjae at the manor. Not the mention that Christmas season was fast approaching and horribly enough every tradition in the Delacroix household reminded Minah of him, the comforting sandalwood smell of his home and-

“Only you would plan a party in 24 hours to prove a point” Jane Durand’s voice resounded in the almost empty room, forcing Minah to push the memories of Sungjae away and refocus on the present day and the reason why she’d called her friends in the first place.

“Well, it’s a launch party, it’s supposed to be fast,” Minah said matter of factly, pulling a list in meticulously neat handwriting from her leather journal. It was a list of people she’d carefully curated, keeping in mind that her company was supposed to be leading a whole new generation of fashion pioneers.

“Why are you really doing this?” Jane suddenly asked, throwing a quick glance at Minah before letting her eyes wander around the place and eventually land on a picture of Tyler and Tara that rested on top of his desk.

“To get the company the attention it deserves?” MInah’s mouth twisted into a lopsided smile as she distractedly scrolled down her tablet “To woo new clients?” She spoke as though the answers to Jane’s questions were obvious, but her friends were still looking at her, eyebrows furrowed, concern evident on their faces.

“Hmmmm” Jane lips pursed as she eyed her best friend with disbelief.

“Why are you always hmmm-ing me?” Minah questioned defensively. The last thing she deserved was to be ambushed by her own friends or get interrogated for something as harmless as a party.

Truth be told, the party had a lot to do with the fact she needed a distraction from Sungjae and very little with her business advancements, but no one needed to know that and especially not the people in front of her. Jane would tease her mercilessly about pining over an “insignificant assistant” and Tara would probably get offended on behalf of her brother. After all, it was Minah who chased Tyler for business. Tara’s next words proved her point.

“I just think it’s a strange coincidence that you’ve openly rejected my brother more than once, but the moment Ashleigh hooks up with that assistant you’re totally not having sex with, you’re back to focusing on Tyler” Tara bit down on her lower lip.

“Minah just goes where the attention is” Jane attempted to help her friend out, but Tara only grimaced, eyes widening in disapproval.

“That’s so off”

“Hmmmm”

Whatever the humming was meant to mean, Minah rolled eyes at her friends. “Ok, are you gonna help me plan this party or not?”

Tara sighed, shaking her head half amused, half irritated as she took the tablet from Minah’s hands “Is this the guest list?”

“Where’s Ethan Smith or Lennox?” Jane questioned, craning her neck to check the list.

“Or any of Tyler’s contacts?” Tara peered at Minah questioningly.

“I need to introduce him to bigwigs we can make business with” Minah began explaining although it didn’t seem like she was making a good job at convincing Tara because the young woman was still frowning at her “Tyler’s taken a lot of loses with that tech startup fiasco, which makes a lot of his old contacts losers”

“That is tech, Minah” Tara shifted on the chair, looking at Jane briefly as if asking for her support on this one.

“Losers turn into winners with one idea” Jane shrugged casually.

Minah shut her eyes and took a deep breath “Fine, I’ll invite Tyler’s contacts”

“See? You can be a team player” Tara patted Minah’s hand, smiling at her like a proud mother who’d just successfully taught her child an important life lesson.

“Hmmmm” Minah let out a noise that barely expressed any feelings, but her friends took as a first victory.

The guest list

Minah had lunch with Tara and their friend Enzo in the trendiest and most exclusive restaurant in London, but there was no two hundred pounds unsatisfying dish or company good enough to stop Minah’s mind from diverting to that last conversation with Sungjae and the pain streaking through every now and then. Everywhere she went, she felt haunted by memories of Sungjae that just wouldn’t leave her alone. Minah was willing to admit she missed him desperately, but that wouldn’t stop her from simultaneously hating his guts and wishing she had the determination to leave Delacroix Manor. Or at least close the chapter of her life where Sungjae was a main character.

“I’ve been getting texts all day” Minah’s thoughts were interrupted by Tyler walking into the office, mouth easing into a bright smile that contrasted with the frowns Minah had been on the receiving end of, for the last couple of days. She’d been busy enough to wonder or actually care about Tyler’s mood swings, but she couldn’t deny she felt somewhat relieved to know Tyler was back on his good side “People are actually excited to come” He was so plased that he didn’t even called Minah out on the fact she’d cancelled their weekly strategy with the lukewarm excuse of “not feeling good”.

“And here’s the menu.” Minah pushed a piece of paper across the table when Tyler sat in front of her “The chef is a good friend of mine and I got the mixologist from the Home House”

“Nice” He nodded in approval, but his face suddenly fell into something more like what Minah had been getting over the last couple of days —silent judgment, sadness?, maybe a bit of resentment even—. “And the guest list?”

Minah offered her tablet silently and Tyler scrolled down for a few minutes, nodding in approval every once in a while.

“You know what? Maybe we should add Harry Cheng and Henry Shanks” Tyler suggested casually —maybe too casually. “I just heard they’re in town” At Minah’s lack of response or at least a sign of recognition of their names Tyler went on “They founded the whole-”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know who they are” Minah said with an eye roll “I tried to poach them when I was at DG“ she explained with a strange gleam in the eyes “I took them to Jean-Georges at The Connaught and then in the middle of dinner they turned me down. Of course I went ballistic and-“ Before she could tell the whole story, Tyler chimed in looking unexpectedly amused.

“I might’ve heard that story” He smirked “Wait, no I read it on Forbes when they landed on the cover.” Tyler said, putting emphasis on the words Forbes and cover. “Something about you threatening to crush them into nerd sauce”

“Ok, well, I’m not wrong” Minah watched Tyler press his lips together, a vague sign of disapproval . “Look, these guys think pocket protectors are high fashion”

“All I know is they developed a body heat adjusting textile we need desperately for the next collection” Tyler stared at Minah for what it felt like forever and she refused to look away, their interaction fraught with tension until Minah spoke

“Well, I try not to operate from desperation” she replied naturally, a slightly forced smile on her face.

“Yeah?” Tyler’s voice turned grave “Well, I want them there”

The pair exchanged looks. Minah’s eyes searched his in an attempt to find out if he was just putting a façade, but at the lack of evidence she just gave in with a deep weary breath.

“Minah, what’s more important?” Tyler’s expression softened, reaching to grab her hand across the desk “Your pride or this company?”

Minah didn’t think such an obvious question deserved an answer.

The baby

The Lee siblings’ residence looked like another mansion with white walls and glass front, but once people made it through the main iron gates, there was a domineering and intimidating aura that made everybody realize how utterly powerful the their family was. Even for people like Minah who’d grown up basking in luxury, their residence resulted praise worthy. However —quite predictably— the grand lengths Tyler had gone to decorate the venue of Envoûté’s launch party had people gasping and ‘ooh-ing’ once they began filtering into the gardens of the manor.

Although it was nearly winter, the place looked as though time had frozen in spring, with gigantic spirals of pink and purple lysianthus and stargazer lilies flanking the patio and flowers suspending from the fake ceiling Tyler had installed just in case rain poured. The crystal chandeliers emitted a slight coral glow that offered a romantic and enchanting ambiance.

Music flowed capriciously across the gardens as the last rays of the sun filtered through the ceiling, giving an angelic glow to even the most unwelcome guests, like Maude Olivier who was talking to someone Minah thought looked awfully familiar.

“You liked it?” A voice behind Minah spoke. She turned around to see Tyler, clad in a black velvet suit —with the huge embellishment of a dragon on the side—, offering her a glass of champagne.

“Every major player under 40 in fashion joined” Minah smiled genuinely for what it appeared to be first time in weeks. “I can’t believe I am saying this, but you outdid yourself, Lee” She added, looking at the music ensemble, eyes focused on the masterful and magical execution of the electric violin.

“And you even got me my fashion tech geeks” Tyler commented proudly, referring to Harry Cheng and Henry Shanks, who looked like a couple of lost puppies at the bar, awkwardly holding glasses of floral gin “They look like they could use an apology” He said teasingly, moving dangerously close to speak into MInah’s ear.

Minah blamed the shivers down her spine on the backless Marchesa dress she was wearing and the cold weather outside the garden structure, so she only shook her head, both as a response to Tyler’s question and as a reminder that she’d been rejecting his advances for nearly a decade. There was no reason to change that now.

“I guess they’ll have to wait for that” she shrugged with a smirk “It’d be rude not to greet the guests first”

Tyler gave Minah a judgmental look, but she ignored it, climbing up on stage, making the music stop and the attention to immediately turn on her.

“Hello everybody” From that position Minah could recognize some familiar faces among the very chic crowd, Tara, Jane, Jaehyun, Mark, Adela Kim, the Deveraux brothers, even some of the old clients of Delacroix Group and a few celebrities. “I would like to be the first welcoming you to Tyler’s house” Applause broke out. Though Minah felt all eyes were on her and Tyler, she joined in clapping politely. “I have a very important announcement to make….” It was just then when Minah recognized who the woman talking to Maude Olivier was: Ashleigh, who now had Sungjae’s arms wrapped around her. “Tyler and I are having a baby” she blurted out of the blue, causing the crowd to lapse into silence and Sungjae to look over in her direction, expression unreadable “Well, technically we already did, Maison Envoûté” Everybody automatically relaxed, laughing and clapping. “And while it’s not a literal baby, this new step means just as much to me” This, Minah said it sincerely, eyes moving to find Tyler leaning against a cocktail table, his sister patting him in the back. “I am proud to introduce you to my new family, starting with my brilliant partner, a man who trusted me with his money, brand and the only man I’d trust with my baby, Tyler Lee”.

The faux-job

“So you’re telling me you’re not upset that Ashleigh showed up?” Tara asked, her perfectly plucked eyebrows raised in concern.

“Or that she brought the guy you’re not sleeping with?” An equally concerned Jane handed Minah a glass of chilled rosé and looked at her closely, as though she were expecting her to show symptoms of a disease at any moment.

“It's fine they’re here” Minah said unconvincingly. She downed the glass —the fifth of the day— and clung tightly to the Marie Antoinette coupe, so much she was surprised the glass didn’t crack in her hands. Minah’s mind wandered a bit at that, the image of a deep cut and her hands bleeding non stop suddenly invading her brain. It was almost like a scene from some horror thriller, one of those she was so fond of and Sungjae considered morbid. “I didn’t even noticed they were here” she shrugged.

“But-“

“Just drop it, girls” Minah said sternly., acutely aware of the way her friends were looking at her —a mixture of pity and exasperation. “I said I’m ok” Minah waved to one of the waiters dressed in Tiffany-blue frac coats and picked another drink from the tray he offered. She downed it without hesitation, the bubbles pickling on her tongue.

“For god’s sake, Min, slow down” Tara whispered scandalized.

“I think I actually need something stronger” Minah looked around just on time to catch Sungjae kissing Ashleigh’s forehead. “Do you want anything from the bar?” She asked. Not waiting for her friends to reply, join or stop her, Minah turned on her heels and walked away. She waved and smiled at the people greeting her and politely dismissed some others who attempted to start a conversation, until she bumped into Harry Cheng and Henry Shanks.

“Oh, you two made it” Minah forced what might have been the millionth smile of the day.

“Yeap”, Henry replied with a grin. “And we brought a bottle to celebrate that our stocks are selling at 20 dollars today” he bragged, showing off a bottle of something Minah couldn’t even recognize. Some tacky drink she supposed.

“You said we’d never get over 10 without the Delacroix Group behind us” Harry remarked, smiling viciously at Minah.

“Yeah, I remember what I said, Harry, or Henry whichever one of the two you are” She said peering at the bar just behind them “I have no time to reminisce about the past. Today is supposed to be about the future.”

When Minah made it back to where she left Tara and Jane, holding two glasses of mojitos that were practically 90%tequila, none of her friends was to be found and Tyler seemed engrossed in a conversation with Leo Dyson, someone important enough for their business, but a jerk who didn’t how to accept no for an answer.

Minah leaned on a cocktail table checking her phone, waiting for anyone to rescue her from standing around uselessly.

“Nice party, Minah” The incarnation of Minah’s worst nightmare spoke coming from behind her. Ashleigh Hastings materialized, her skinny frame clad in a tacky champagne silk slip dress that Minah would’ve probably used as pajamas in the worst of her days. “I didn’t expect you to invite me”

“And I didn’t expect you to show up” Minah deadpanned. “Especially not with a date” She added wondering where Sungjae was “Cling much?”

“Obsessed much?” Ashleigh sniggered “Why can’t you just accept Sungjae dumped you? Can't you recognize a healthy relationship when you see one?”

“I don’t care the slightest bit about your relationship” Minah said slowly, trying her best to remain collected.

“Good” Ashleigh grinned “You won’t mind Sungjae is taking me on a little vacation along with his family, then” She announced, lips twisting into a snarl. “We’re going to Bristol this weekend"

Minah remained unimpressed although disturbing images of a bleeding heart were now assaulting her mind, “Well, if you even last that long”

“Don’t be bitter” Ashleigh laughed “You must have know that the whole assistant with benefits situation had no future”

“And you think yours it’s fated love?” Minah chuckled, free from any real amusement. “I doubt he recognizes you in broad daylight” Even Minah had to admit that she was surprised at how calm her own voice sounded. She mentally patted herself in the back.

“Look who’s talking” Ashleigh scoffed “Did you ever think that maybe you two never were official because Sungjae didn’t want to be seen with you in public?” That one was a low blow. Not even the alcohol in her system helped deaden the pain crushing Minah’s heart. Suddenly overtaken by the curiosity and doubt, Minah allowed her eyes to scan the place desperately, looking for Sungjae until she found his silhouette —she would’ve recognized Sungjae in a football stadium— inside the house, phone pressed to his ear.

“You know, normally I like to get the last word, but tonight it’s not about personal grudges. It is about business” Minah threw a quick disgusted glance at Ashleigh dress “And despite it all, I hope you’re mature enough to recognize where the future of fashion is” She then turned her back on her, adrenaline going through her veins when she noticed Sungjae moving to another room of the house and with the satisfaction of knowing —without even looking— that Ashleigh was fuming.

“You look like you could use some company” MInah closed the door of one of Tyler’s guest rooms behind her, briefly startling Sungjae who was still on the phone and quickly made an excuse to cut the call.

“What are you doing here?” Sungjae asked, unsure of what was going on and clearly confused by Minah’s presence.

“I could ask the same question” Minah said, expression hardening “I didn’t think you could be this petty, coming to my launch party with Ashleigh”

Sungjae looked down. If Minah knew him as much as she believed she did, he seemed ashamed.

“You’re doing a great job at making me jealous if that’s what you’re trying to” Minah smirked viciously.

“I’m on a date with my girlfriend, this has nothing to do with you, Minah” Sungjae didn’t even look at her, and Minah chose to believe that he didn’t want to risk giving into her. Minah knew exactly how to taunt him and the way she was standing, back against the wall, the straps of her dress barely in place were just too much for him. She knew it. Not even Sungjae’s rock-solid resolve would be enough to resist her.

“No, you’re doing this to get back at me” Minah insisted, her hands moving to grab Sungjae’s, to which he didn’t refuse. “I know you’re upset about the other day and I’m sorry about it. I really am.”

“I don’t want your apologies” Sungjae muttered, voice hardening although his eyes were fixed on Minah’s body.

“Tell me what do you want, I know whatever it is, I can give it to you” Minah made Sungjae’s hands hold her by the waist and she leaned in to kiss him. They were so close that Minah momentarily worried Sungjae might hear the beating of her heart against her ribs.

But Sungjae pulled away from Minah suddenly, looking angered.

“Stop it, Minah” He shook his head “You’re being ridiculous, sex is not gonna get you out of this one”

“That’s what you’re saying, but your body says otherwise” Minah attempted to draw close to him, but Sungjae gave a step backward.

“Minah, whatever you’re under the impression you’re doing, it’s not gonna happen,” He said firmly “It’s over between us. You didn’t even want a relationship in the first place.” Sungjae pulled the door open.

“You never invited me to spend time with your family” MInah pouted, not even understanding where all those accusations and resentment were coming from.

“And you never introduced me to your family as your boyfriend” Sungjae countered back.

“Because they would’ve fired you” She replied as though it was beyond obvious.

“I could’ve got another job!” Sungjae raised his voice, startling Minah and sending her a sharp eye before turning around to leave.

“Sungjae-“

“Don’t pretend you care now, Minah” cut her off “You didn’t catch feelings overnight”

Minah’s eyes burned but she just dug her nails into her own palms. Somehow hurting herself seemed like a better idea than letting Sungjae see her broke down. “You seriously think I never cared about you?” Minah scoffed offended, pushing past him to leave the room and get back to the party.

Minah bumped into Ashleigh as soon as she stepped into the living room and it was clear that she was looking for Sungjae. That’s exactly why Minah licked her lips and pretended to fix her dress, smirking at the woman when Sungjae walked out of the same room.

Once Minah joins Tara and Jane back in the party, she watches amused how Ashleigh crosses the garden, tears streaming down her face, but the satisfaction is short-lived as she realizes Sungjae is chasing after her. Minah takes another swing of champagne and drags Tara and Jane with her to the dancefloor. The crowd parts for them, leaving the space in the middle of the room.

“I thought you forgot this was meant to be our party” Tyler yells over the music, pressing yet another flute of champagne into her hand.

“I would never, Ty” Minah drinks from the glass without even realizing what it is until she swallows. She stumbles forward into Tyler’s arms and smiles seductively at him, raising her arms and wrapping them around his neck. Then she closes her eyes letting all the haunting memories and hurtful comments from the day wash down with the rain that starts to pang against the fake ceiling, coating the transparent glass with thick raindrops.

...

#oc #story #dynasty au #minah #tyler #jane #tara #sungjae #ashleigh

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auburnfamilynews · 4 years

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Welcome back all you cool cats and kittens, to the Pain Train known as Auburn Football Theater 2020, where I go back and watch an Auburn football win from the past that most people have forgotten about…it has a special place in your heart for the wrong reasons. This week’s selection is the latter for me. Growing up in south central Georgia, I really didn’t have a lot of friends that were Auburn people so it was concentrated in my home. Dad and I were the big Auburn fans and would live and die with recruiting, games and the Football Review show each week to see how the Tigers would look. I can remember watching the first half of this game and then being told that I had to go to bed (for church I guess) and that dad would put the score on my bed post so I didn’t miss anything. To my surprise, Auburn won, without scoring a point from when I stopped watching. Following the 1990 victory over #5 FSU, there is a noticeable jump in most peoples collection of Auburn related games to the 93 and 94 seasons. That’s mainly because after the 1990 football season, Auburn only won two televised games. TWO. One is from the 1992 season against LSU and the other is this week’s pick. This week we travel to the 40 Acres of Austin Texas, where the Horns are waiting. This is the 1991 clash between #13 Auburn and Texas.

THE PREGAME

Coming in to the ball game, Texas had opened the season ranked 13th, and traveled to Starkville to take on Mississippi State. Needless to say that was not a fruitful venture as the offense sputtered to just 2 field goals and State was able to pound out 13 points in a 13-6 Texas loss. The good news for the Horns was that they had a week off right after that opening ball club to get read for Auburn. Speaking of the Tigers, they were undefeated on the year with good wins at home against Georgia Southern and Ole Miss. They had moved up from 17 to 13 after those two wins and looked to take their show on the road and improve on offense. The defense was classic Pat Dye good so there was no real worry there.

THE GAME

The bourbon choice today is Noah’s Mill. If you haven’t tried it, it’s a winner.

So, I am not gonna lie, I have sorta been looking forward to this one. Even though the game is rough, it has my all time favorite crew calling the action.

And you can’t have Ron and Mike without Adrien roaming the side lines

*Pours some out for AK, we miss ya buddy*

Alright so Auburn takes the ball first and Thomas Bailey starts things off right getting the Tigers out to the 39 yard line and the offense went to work, every play gained yardage and less than a minute in, the Tigers drew first blood.

So that didn’t take long as the Tigers went through a very good Texas defense like a hot knife through butter.

Texas would look to answer, taking it from their 21 and would get a first down before a big 3rd play to extend the drive.

DID YOU SEE THE HIT ON THE QB?! If you didn’t, watch again. If you enjoy old Auburn defense like I do, just settle in.

So a punt would fall that and again Thomas Bailey would get Auburn in excellent field position, at the Auburn 46. The Tigers gained a few yards and would need a 3rd down conversion to keep the drive alive.

Even with the ref playing an excellent screen, Hall can’t bring it in and Auburn has to punt. The good news is that Texas is still going with a power run game which…yeah, that doesn’t work and a 3 and out followed. Bailey again would have an excellent return, this time getting it to the Texas 43 yard line. Auburn would march it down but have to settle for a Field Goal attempt.

Yeah, that’s what they call penetration and its not good if the defense is doing that to you.

So Texas finally gets it in good field position, at their own 47. They begin to move the ball a little bit and get it into Auburn territory before the Horns are faced with a big 3rd down.

That, my friends, is a large man and he can be as big as he wants coach.

That sets up a chance for Texas to get on the board.

Or not. So we are still stuck at 7-0 Auburn on top.

Auburn took over at the 20 and was able to work it to about midfield before needing to punt and the Horns would get it back at their own 24 before going to the air.

Ron took the words right out of my mouth. It was almost as if he owed Barlow a favor and this was the payoff. So, Auburn is up 14-0 and things seem really good. The two teams would exchange possessions and the Horns would start the following drive from the 30. Following a first down, they would need to pick up another 3rd down conversion to keep the drive alive.

Look at young Fred Smith! Who knew that in 3 years he would have a monster Pick 6 again LSU. The Tigers would take over from their own 16 and would gain a quick 9 yards in 2 plays and just needed a yard to keep the drive going.

Ugh…so that penetration thing is an issue on offense now.

Texas would notice that their offense was doing just as much as they were two weeks ago against State and sub in their backup quarterback who is an option style QB as they started their drive from the 44. Auburn is caught a little off guard by this and Texas motors down the field until they finally hit pay dirt.

And just like that, Texas has scored their first TD of the season…just 6 quarters in to the season. So that cuts the Auburn lead to 14-7 as we are late in the 2nd quarter. Auburn would look to answer and would start their next drive from the 26 and would get it moved down into Texas territory but would end up stalling out to try a field goal.

Ugh… The Horns would then take that momentum and drive down with a whole second left to try and cut a bit more into that Auburn lead.

Well, he did get the ball off the ground at least. So at the half, Auburn leads 14-7.

To start the second half, Texas picked up exactly where they left off, moving the ball from their 34 down to the Auburn 22 before disaster struck.

So another bail out from Texas and the offense went to work. I think I can count on one hand how many trick plays on offense Auburn ran under Pat Dye…GET THE TAPES OUT FOLKS!

What a fantastic play and it was executed perfectly. The bad news…

The next play was the opposite. Auburn’s best drive since the very first one of the game gets squashed thanks to a fluke helmet hit. Following the turnover, both teams would trade possessions and the Horns would take over at the 39 before the Auburn defense would take charge.

Give Saxton credit, he tried his hardest to get that ball off but the defense would have none of it. Texas would end up punting to Auburn and the Tigers would get it at their 13 where they would promptly go 3 and out and would shank a 14 yard punt that would give it to Texas at the Auburn 31 yard line. How oh how would Auburn get out of this one??

Well that will do it. The Texas offense again thinks an Auburn defender is a Texas receiver and Auburn is back in business at the 3. Stan would lead the boys out to the 25 where a 22 yard punt would follow and the Horns would again be in good field position at the Auburn 42. I ask again…how would Auburn wiggle off the hook this time??

You guessed it! The Auburn defense rises up once again. Once again, the two teams would trade possessions and Auburn would take over from the Texas 34 following another stellar return from Bailey. Auburn would inch it down and give Von Wyle another shot at a field goal.

Sometimes, it just isn’t your night bud. Texas would get it from the 31 and go right to the air.

Ok, we almost had a tie game there if not or that last gasp tackle. Auburn’s defense would tighten up and put Texas into a 3rd down predicament.

I combined both just so you could see, Saxton (the Texas QB) is definitely out for the rest of the game after banging his head off of that turf. Wow that was nasty. So Texas gets the 3 and its 14-10 with around 5 minutes to go.

Auburn would get it from their 31 and would have a very nice drive, milking the clock and getting it down to the Texas 24 yard line before going for it on 4th down to not risk a blocked FG. So the Horns get it with just over a minute to go from their own 24. Texas gets a first down but can’t do anything else and turns it over on downs. Auburn would get it back with 8 seconds left and take a knee to bring this one home.

THE AFTERGLOW

Following this offensive spectacle, Texas would somehow beat #6 Oklahoma two games later, which was definitely the high point of their year. They would end up 5-6 on the year and that would wrap up David McWilliams 5 years in Austin and would make way for John Mackovic. Not to be out done, this was the high point of the season for Auburn as they would be handed their first loss of the season the very next week against Tennessee and then the following week Southern Miss would take down the Tigers. Auburn would finish the year at 5-6 and miss a bowl game for the first time since 1981 under Pat Dye.

Well, that’s it for this edition of the Auburn Football Theater. There are only two games left and man…that won’t be fun. For me that it, I hope its fun for you.

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/5/11/21253937/auburn-football-theater-2020-3-91-texas

#IFTTT #Blogger #auburn #auburn fast #wareagle #AuburnFamilyNews #war eagle #sec #football news #aubu

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petite-neko · 7 years

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Boyhood Blues - 09

Fanfiction: Boyhood Blues Story Summary: Actions, and inactions, have their repercussions. It may not be immediate but somewhere down the line, the effect will be seen. Chapter Characters: Ace, Sabo, Luffy, Law, Marco Pairing: LawLu Rating: T Warnings: Swearing, Universe Alteration, canon-typical violence, angst, A/N: Dear god. My apologies. I was too preoccupied with Stability and then my Birthday weekend and then I was just overwhelmed by over socialising AND THIS FUCKER WAS TOO FUCKING LONG. SERIOUSLY. ITS 11 FULL FUCKING PAGES AND THE ORIGINAL WAS JUST SHY OF 7. I go die now and potentially work on Stability 3

PS: This is an emotionally charged chapter!

.xxx. > Time/scene skip

.+++. > PoV change

Read on Ao3

Chapter 8 || Chapter 9: Trapped || Interlude

Being a dead man was boring, Ace decided.

It was more boring than waiting for your public execution in the metaphorical hell. Because, then, at least the public knew that you were still alive. At least they were waiting to see you one last, gruesome time.

The whole world knew.

Granted, the contrast between then and now was quite prevalent. Now? He had freedom – even if it was limited in a sense. He could actually move and walk and talk with his brothers and sisters. He wasn’t weighed down by the sense of the sea. He could laugh and eat and…

But only behind closed doors.

He couldn’t fight. He couldn’t train. He couldn’t even see the light of day. No. Not until he was healed.

He didn’t know which was worse. To be completely denied freedom, or have it tangible on his tongue but just out of reach.

Because the world thought him dead, and it was better that way. Better to be thought dead than to be hunted and defenceless and alive.

(He promised Luffy after all…)

It didn’t mean it wasn’t annoying, or it didn’t irritate the hell out of him. It didn’t mean his heart didn’t ache as he heard the sounds of battle and his brothers and sisters were potentially getting hurt. It didn’t mean he wasn’t pissed as hell because his goal was to be infamous, and he couldn’t do that while dead. His life was on a halt until his body could recover…

Sure, Luffy knew. Sure, his crewmates knew but…

(He wondered: did Gramps know? What about Dadan?)

He doubted it.

(Honestly, it was probably for the best. Gramps couldn’t keep secrets worth shit, and if Sakazuki found out the possibility that he was alive? The witch hunt would never cease. Just like Law said. Ugh, just thinking about that lava bastard gave him shivers.)

Ace sighed and placed his hand on his bandaged abdomen. He could still remember the pain as Sakazuki’s fist went through him. (And the yells and cries and screams of those all around him.) Sure, he wasn’t at death’s doorstep anymore, but it didn’t mean he was out of his yard. The doctor still hadn’t cleared him ready for combat as of yet. And while he protested and mocked Law when they were alone on his submarine, Ace wasn’t stupid. He was lucky to avoid dying that day. That if it weren’t for a misdirecting blow and Law’s immediate medical attention, he wouldn’t be breathing right now. He still had a long ways before he could even consider thinking about training, never mind an actual battle in the New World.

He hadn’t seen Law since the day that he had returned to his crew. Of course while they had strongly suspected that he was alive, with everything that Law had been saying, they still doubted. The reunion was very tearful before Law had explained the charade they were pulling, and the benefits of it all. Then Law went to have a very long discussion with the doctors.

And before that? Well, that was years ago. If he recalled, Luffy was… what? Nine years old, and he was twelve? (How much older was Law than them? He couldn’t remember actually.)

To be honest, he didn’t like Law at first. He was too broody. Too quiet. Too sullen. (Too like himself.) There just was this seriousness about him, not to mention how cold he had been. But eventually he softened out a bit. Enough for Ace to respect him. Not to mention… well... Aside from his constant complaining of Luffy’s crying, he didn’t make any comments when Ace broke down himself.

If Law had ever gotten his nose out of those books, they probably would have made good friends eventually.

But Law had left before that ever happened, and, if Ace was honest with himself, he was glad that never happened. Because by leaving, Law had been their lighthouse, even if the guy didn’t intend it.

Trafalgar Law had shown them the way out of that shore surrounded by rocks. Well, maybe not the exact path, but he showed that there was a way. Somewhere. And they just had to find it.

He knew Luffy admired Law. But Luffy was prone to finding people he idolised. There was Shanks, for example, and there were other things that left his little brother in awe. Sure, Ace didn’t know much about Law, but… he liked him. And now the guy had saved their lives.

And what the future held? Well, it would most certainly be something. Especially when Luffy finished training…

“Hey, what are you…”

“You can’t…”

“…Off limits…”

There was a bunch of chaos outside, and Ace could hear the scuffles above him, and confident steps walking towards the hatch that was the entrance to his… voluntary confinement.

And so he reached over, grabbing the weapon that was beside him. Risk be damned, he wasn’t going down without a fight!

(“And don’t even think about using your logia abilities for the first few months! The last thing you need is for all my hard work to be undone because your body can’t figure out what goes where.”)

Damn it. Damn it all! Had somebody suspected that he wasn’t actually dead? Or… were they insisting on entering the space that he had claimed as his for whatever reason?

At the very least self defence was a permitted last resort. He wasn’t going to sit there and be killed…

“Relax.” That was Marco’s voice booming out. He muttered something else that Ace didn’t quite catch before continuing. “What are you doing here?”

He heard another voice that sounded strangely familiar and yet he couldn’t recall ever hearing it before…

“Can I not come and see how he’s doing? Promise I won’t hurt him.”

Ace could hear Marco sigh before the hatch opened, and the beam of natural light shone down. It made him wince a bit, not accustomed to it at all. God, he hated being cooped up like this but they had to go on the move again, and they were vulnerable at sea, and nobody was to know that he was alive…

“Must be boring down here.” That mysteriously familiar voice spoke again as he jumped down. “At least you have some semblance of light.” He said, referring to the artificial lighting around the room. It was dim. Enough to not rouse suspicion.

The man before him wore blue, and he had this stupid hat on his head, a scar on the left side of his face. As the hatch was closed, Ace noticed the man’s hair was blond and…

Oh. Ace recognised him now. Yes, he saw this man once.

This was the man who saved his life.

“So,” Ace said, relaxing a bit and put down the weapon he had grabbed for himself within reach, “you’re the person who my idiotic little brother gave my vivre card to.”

To be honest? He hadn’t heard much about him. Why he never asked Luffy or Law about him, he didn’t know. Probably too busy catching up with Law? And mulling on the fact that he had to pretend to be dead. All he knew was that this guy was a revolutionary and his name was…

The revolutionary nodded, leading against the wall with his right arm. The left one sat on his hip casually. “Sabo. And, hey, that’s not a nice thing to say about somebody who broke into the world’s most secure prison to save you.”

Ace shrugged. “I’m not lying.” And laughed. “If anything, that proves he’s even more of an idiot.” But softly and carefully, his flesh and muscles were still tender beneath the bandages.

And Sabo laughed as well. “True enough. But that kid will do anything for those he cares about.”

Introductions aside… just what was he doing here? Hell, he had a lot of questions for him actually. Like, who was he? Why did he come to the war? What was his purpose?

Did he have ultimatums?

And was that a fucking pipe at his back?

“You look like you have a lot of questions on your mind, Portgas D. Ace. Go ahead, ask them.”

Ace had turned his gaze back up to his face and glared, only to see the sincere smile on his face. Sabo hadn’t made the comment in mockery, and the guy had been serious when he used his name, even though the world knew just what blood ran through his veins…

Seriously, who was his guy?

“Well, what are you doing here, first of all? Come to collect on a debt or something?”

With those words Ace’s eyes narrowed and he fingered the weapon at his side as a warning.

And Sabo? He smiled, not at all intimidated by Ace’s threat. “Unfortunately not.” His eyes were soft, glinting in this mischievous, playful manner that seemed familiar to him. “I can understand why you think that though. Some stranger coming up to a war that had nothing to do with him, risking his own life while doing so, is rather suspicious after all. No, I haven’t come here for that purpose, Ace, I came because… because I finally remembered something…” Those eyes misted over now, nostalgic. As if he was remembering that thing he just mentioned.

Ace only found himself more confused by that. Especially since Sabo knew just what was bothering him. Although, he supposed anybody would be thinking that…

But for Sabo to not have any ulterior motives? It was baffling to him. Why? Why did Sabo do it? And just what did the revolutionary mean by remembering something?

Did he just simply forget to do something after the war?

“What do you mean by remembering something?” Ace asked, and sure, yeah, maybe he was a bit rude and defensive but… “What the hell do you mean?”

Sabo zoned back into the present and he laughed with a nod. His hand went to adjust his hat, the dim light catching on something…

“Did Luffy or Trafalgar ever tell you why I came to Marineford?”

…Wasn’t that what he was trying to find out here? And he hadn’t even answered his first damn question! What was this? Just telling him to ask questions but not even giving him a full reply... Bastard.

Ace told himself to calm down before he became too aggravated.

“No, I wasn’t told much about you, not that I really asked either. And Luffy was too busy blabbering off about Law or to Law. And Law? He was more concerned that I wouldn’t go and do something he deemed as stupid, and injure myself beyond his repair.”

Sabo laughed again. For a man being interrogated, he was quite carefree, wasn’t he?

“Yeah, he’s really fascinated with Trafalgar, isn’t he? You guys are childhood… acquaintances, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Ace thought back to Luffy and Law and smiled, “something like that. He’s kinda… Luffy’s idol. Well, next to Shanks that is.” He only remembered back to Alabasta when Luffy had showed him Law’s bounty poster.

”Oh! Ace! Ace! Come here!” Luffy was laughing and tugging him along. His eyes were sparkling and Ace could only just wonder just what it was that made Luffy’s eyes sparkle like that.

Luffy had dragged him over to a room on his ship.

“It’s just right here…”

Luffy let go of his arm and started rummaging through a box. He was laughing and grinning. “There! I found it!”

He pulled out a piece of paper. “Look Ace!”

Ace looked at the paper. No… it wasn’t a paper, it was a poster. A wanted poster.

…The face looked vaguely familiar…

He looked down to the name.

Trafalgar Law.

Hah!

Ace found himself laughing.

“So that bastard really did become a pirate!”

“I know! We were right! I knew we were right! Ace! I can’t wait to meet him! Vivi said that her book said he was coming to the Grand Line! Maybe he already did? Hey, hey, Ace, could you see if you could meet him? Please?”

Ace laughed even more. “Sheesh, the last time I saw you this excited was eight years ago. Well, I am on my mission, but I’ll definitely keep my eye out Luffy.”

“Really? Oh thank you Ace! Do you think I’ll meet him? I hope I do….”

Ace rolled his eyes. Who would’ve thought? “I’m sure you will. Pirates tend to run into one another along the line. If the two of you make it through, you’ll definitely be meeting him later, I can guarantee that.”

“Shishishi, I can’t wait Ace!”

That boy…

Sabo smiled softly. “I see…” He was quiet for a short period of time again before startling.

…What was that guy doing?

“Oh! Right, back to what I was saying…”

(Well, he supposed the two of them had gotten lost in their own respective memories…)

“Well, if you think Luffy’s an idiot for trying to save his brother, you’ll think I’m a complete moron.” Laughter left Sabo – that guy liked to laugh a lot, didn’t he? “The moment I read the paper, I snuck into the nearest Marine Base and onto a ship in order to arrive at Marineford or Impel Down. And why?” He was smirking now. “Well I had no fucking clue as to why. Just that I was overwhelmed with this fury and your execution had to be stopped.”

…Well Sabo was correct in that deduction. He was a complete moron. Who the fuck did that? Over a stranger no less!

“…But it was that paper that started something. If it weren’t for that… I may not have ever fully remembered…”

Ace groaned. This guy going off on his tangents was really starting to annoy him…

“Can’t you explain things straight?” He had more questions than answers damn it! And, of course, Sabo was just taking so damn long to answer, which only created even more questions…

Sabo sighed and covered his left eye with the hand that was at his hip. “When I was ten I was in a tragic… incident and lost everything. My name. My memory. My age… I knew nothing of myself. Not who I was, nor who my parents were. Friends, family… it was all gone. The revolutionaries had found me and nursed me back to health. Sabo… that was the only potential hint to my past, since that name was on the belongings they found with me...” He sighed again, and his hand fell down as Sabo looked at it. “…It happened on a small kingdom in East Blue…”

Ace had to admit that he was sceptic to believe Sabo’s story, especially since the guy had started out with when he was ten. Perhaps he meant ten years ago? Because that sounded more plausible, to be honest.

But then Sabo had mentioned a small kingdom in East Blue…

(Of course, Ace wondered about Luffy talking about a Sabo character, but… of course it couldn’t be Sabo. There was no way. It was far more likely that they had just met a person with the same name, the world was a huge place after all…)

And Ace started putting things together. An accident… the guy’s name…

And he stared.

He just had to know…

“…How old are you now?”

(Ten. It happened when he was ten and…)

“Same age as you Ace, twenty.”

No fucking way. There was no fucking way…

(Didn’t Sabo say he had remembered something…? That he now knew his age and…)

There was this metaphorical hole in his stomach that had nothing to do with the literal one that had been there a few months ago. He wanted to hope. Oh how he wanted…

“But,” Sabo was laughing again, “I guess considering what your mother did, you’d definitely be the older brother, wouldn’t you?”

Ace felt the tears leaving him. How? How could he be so happy again? “S-Sabo?” Gods, he wanted it to be true! He looked. He stared. At this man. Trying, trying to find something – anything. Sure… sure, they both had blond hair, and sure they wore stupid hats and wore blue but…

The light flicked again on something on his top hat.

Those glasses…

“Sabo?!”

“Yeah. Goa Kingdom… sake… stealing from bandits and pirates and…” The smile on the other’s face was almost sad. It was so happy that it looked sad. His eyes were watering and –

Ace didn’t give a damn about anything else right now, no. He just jumped up and embraced the other in a tight hug.

Sabo was continuing to blabber on. “…It’s still a blur, and I don’t remember everything but – Ah! Ace! You’re burning me!”

“Ah! Sorry!” And Ace waved away the flame before rubbing the back of his head. “I’m just… I’m so glad Sabo… You’re… you’re alive. You’re you…” There were tears in his eyes as well, but he couldn’t give a damn about that. He stepped back slightly and took a long, good look at his brother. Sabo… Sabo… The smile that was on his face almost hurt, and he placed his hands on the other’s shoulders. They slid down slightly to the side and Ace clutched tightly, feeling his own shoulders trembling.

“We thought you had…” A sob broke through. He could still remember that day… “And when Gramps had heard what happened he… he took us in. Saying something about how dangerous it was and…”

Tears were sliding down his face.

“…Gramps missed you too, ya know? Dadan… Luffy…”

(It hurt. It hurt remembering the agony they had all gone through…)

“Luffy… he – he took it the hardest. And then… when we were stuck with the Marines it… it reminded us of when you left with your parents for our sake. Of just how trapped you were and how unhappy and… I know, I know Gramps didn’t mean to do it but… we felt trapped Sabo. That none of us could obtain our dreams…”

His legs couldn’t support him anymore, and his hands slid from Sabo’s shoulders as he sank to his knees.

“Thank you…. Thank you Sabo… thank you for coming back… Thank you for living.”

A sound notified him of Sabo sinking to his level and he felt arms tightly embrace him.

“Deep down,” he started softly, “I knew who I was. I didn’t truly forget. And seeing you in danger? It triggered something in me. Even though I didn’t remember yet, I couldn’t let my brother die.” Sabo squeezed him tighter for a moment. “And I’m just… I’m so glad that I was able to save you. That… you survived that.”

Ace could feel the way that Sabo trembled as well, and he wrapped his arms around him in return, clutching tightly to his back.

“Even… even when I still didn’t remember… I lost sleep, just staring at your vivre card. I needed to know that you were going to be alright Ace. I needed to see it grow in size…”

There just was something so comforting in the way the two of them trembling in one another’s arms. To know that the other was alive and safe and here.

And when Sabo had calmed down, he pulled away a bit, hands on his shoulders and just looked him in the eyes. “Back then, during the war, I put together the pieces. I figured that I probably was your brother, but I didn’t truly remember. Sometimes… I would have moments where I almost did… where I heard you and Luffy calling out to me as children. I could hear your laughter… foreign voices whispering foreign words…” Sabo was smiling and he let out a gentle sigh and shook his head. “But… I couldn’t… I couldn’t tell either of you. Not when I wasn’t too certain myself, when I didn’t remember. Because I wasn’t the boy you remembered, not really. And I couldn’t do that to either of you. Not until I remembered.”

As Ace thought about being told that, he closed his eyes and nodded. Really, he appreciated it. Luffy had taken it the hardest, and of course being the older brother he had to be there for him but… But it didn’t mean that Sabo’s death hadn’t affected him too. He just hid it and let it out in different ways. And, if he had learned that Sabo might have been alive? The prospect would’ve destroyed him. He wouldn’t have been able to rest until he had gotten an answer one way or another… and if Sabo hadn’t happened to be…

It would be worse than losing him the first time.

“Thank you. For that. For everything.”

Sabo was smiling down at him.

Ace brought his hands up, cupping Sabo’s face and brought their foreheads together.

“Thank you, brother.”

They stayed like that for awhile: just rejoicing in the simple fact that the other was alive.

Eventually, though, they parted and Ace relaxed with a laugh.

“I’m guessing Luffy doesn’t know?”

Sabo shook his head. “Luffy doesn’t have a vivre card. When I finally regained my memories, I decided I’d come to you first since I knew where you were.”

A light laugh left him and he nodded. “He’s decided to train for the New World. After what he’s seen, I must say I don’t blame him. In fact, it’s a really good idea to be prepared and a smart thing for him to do.” His brother had gotten himself far, he had strong friends, but the New World was tough. If Luffy didn’t feel prepared enough, then he should train.

Ace couldn’t back him up after all, and Luffy didn’t know about Sabo, and they didn’t have any way to get a hold of him…

“After all, he’s gained a fair bit of notoriety because of Marineford.” Luffy’s father being revealed to the world… and his actions during the war… then what he did afterwards to insinuate that he was dead… All in all, most definitely things that would earn one a higher bounty. “I was surprised though that they didn’t reveal that we were practically raised by the Marines. Would’ve given them more fuel to the fire…”

“Show.” Sabo answered far too quickly than he would have liked. “Remember, Marineford was broadcasted. If it was revealed that they harboured and raised the demon spawn without knowing, it would have shone a bad light upon them.” Then Sabo laughed. “Not to mention it would be practically publicising that being raised by Marines would make you turn to piracy. There’s, what, one known example already, and if you include Trafalgar and the two of you, that’d make a total of four.”

Ace laughed. “I suppose. And I doubt that Sengoku acknowledged Law on the battleground, or at least more than just stating that Law was there. He didn’t show us much softness after all. Although, who knows… he did raise Law for a few years…”

Sabo nodded. “I suppose you could say he acted rather professional.”

Ace smiled softly. “But don’t worry about Luffy. You’ll know when he comes back, it should be another year or so, but he’ll make the headlines for sure.”

.xxx.

“You two talked for quite awhile.”

Marco had come down to the lower deck after Sabo had left.

“Yeah… we had a lot of catching up to do.” Ace was tired, but a good tired. He hadn’t had a conversation like that in awhile, but his energy levels were still so low, and it had been so emotionally taxing…

“Catching up?” Marco sat next to him, handing him a basket of food. “You know him yoi?”

“Yeah.” But despite the exhaustion, Ace knew that he was grinning ear to ear now. He took out a piece of bread. “…He’s my brother. You know… the one we thought we lost?” He took a bite and chewed on that while Marco chewed on that information. “He didn’t know. Well, at least until a few days ago. Amnesia after the accident. Apparently something Luffy’s dad said was the last trigger to the lock on his memories. And, since he had my vivre card he came to tell me first.”

Marco was quietly watching him as he explained all of this.

And Ace sighed, bringing his head back as he thought about it. About family and losing them and regaining them…

“Marco,” he said with a pause and looked the other man in the eyes, “we need to protect the Old Man’s treasure. I don’t want to lose any more family… I-I can’t…”

A warm hand was on his shoulder now, squeezing tightly.

“And that’s why, Ace, why you need to stay down here and recover. For now, I will do the protecting until you can fend for yourself, and then we can do it together. But we – I – need you to stay safe until then, okay? None of us want to lose family either.”

Ace sighed but begrudgingly nodded. “I know, I know, I just… I hate being a deadweight Marco…”

“Better a deadweight than dead.”

And while Ace agreed, pretending to be dead still fucking sucked.

#monkey d. luffy #lawlu #portgas d. ace #sabo the revolutionary #one piece #fanfic:boyhoodblues #petiteneko:story #onepiece #tlaw #luffy #sabo #ace #marco #and shippiness was not intended at the end #but alas #view as you wish

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