#I’m just tired of all the rules and the feuds and the fighting | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

turtletaubwrites · 5 months

Text

I Won't Waste It ~ Part 7

Pairings: Zoro x Fem!Reader, Sanji x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2,738

This is part 7 of the Series 'We've All Got Needs,' linked below:

We've All Got Needs Masterlist

Ao3 Series Link

Summary: You set ground rules with the cook and the swordsman, and spend some much needed time with a friend. Zoro speaks up.

Rating/Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content, Fem!Reader, 18+ Only, MDNI, Reader-Insert, Smut, Alcohol, Rough Sex, Penis In Vagina Sex, Swearing, Casual Sex, Overstimulation, Multiple Orgasms, Condoms, Shameless Smut, Hair Pulling, Aftercare, Friends With Benefits, Crewmates With Benefits, Relationship Discussions, Zoro is a dick at first, but he's learning

A/N: Alright friends, please don't get mad! Zoro can be a dick, but we love character growth over here! I hope you enjoy this installment, and the next will be posted tomorrow! 😊 (Y'all can thank medical leave for these quick updates, today was the first day I've left my house in a week, lol)

Scowling at your morning reflection, you leaned your elbows over the sink. I’m fucking beat.

You took a little extra time getting ready to try to make up for your exhaustion. Especially since breakfast was starting to feel like a battlefield.

As you greeted everyone, you noticed Zoro leaning against the wall. He followed, and sat next to you. Robin’s knowing smirk made you bite your lip, looking down at your plate.

Zoro kept a grip on your thigh under the table, while Sanji brought you a caramel latte with a flower design on the foam. Usopp had asked you something, but you couldn’t hear over the assault of attention, until your captain spoke up.

“I told you Usopp, Y/N’s sick. Chopper, can fevers make you go deaf?”

“Actually yes, a high fever can cause cochlear damage-”

“She’s not sick, she’s just been having trouble sleeping. Right, Y/N?”

Nodding, you gave Robin a grateful smile.

Needing some air, you avoided their eyes and walked out on deck, yawning as you stretched.

“You’re coming to my room tonight.”

Zoro’s whispered demand tickled across your neck before you turned to face him.

Yawning again, you leaned toward him.

“I can’t tonight, Zoro. I need to get some rest.”

Your breath hitched when you saw his eyes shift, and you took a small step back.

“What, now that cook treats you like a little princess, and you don’t want to fuck me?”

The sound of a lighter sparked behind him.

“I believe the lady told you she wanted a break, Marimo.”

Zoro spun, his fingers touching the handle of a sword.

“Fucking stop it, both of you. I’m not a piece of meat to fight over.”

Sanji looked at you with wide eyes, while Zoro clenched his jaw. You glared at him, stepping forward again. “And Zoro, I enjoy our time together, but there’s a line. You agreed to this, so speak up if you can’t handle it.”

Zoro’s lips pursed a bit, and it looked like he was grinding his teeth while you continued.

“Clearly we need some ground rules.”

You sighed, walking over to the railing. You caught Nami waving from the crows nest, and you held in a laugh, grateful to know she was there.

When you turned around you could almost see the violence in the air between them

Oh fuck, what have I gotten myself into.

“Okay, rule number one; no fighting over me. The whole point of this arrangement is to keep things casual, and I won’t put myself in the middle of your feud.”

Zoro's veins pulsed in his arms as he clenched his fists, and Sanji seemed to be desperately trying to ignore Zoro’s presence.

“Rule number two; no one gets their feelings hurt when I want to take a break. I’m fucking tired, and I’m not a doll you can use whenever you want.”

They both looked appalled, Sanji flashing hateful eyes toward Zoro as the swordsman swore, and started to apologize.

You held your hand out to stop them, and kept going, trying not to draw their eyes to the thumbs up waving from the crow’s nest.

“Rule number three; we need to come up with some sort of system to keep things fair. I don’t want to have to choose between you guys, and get caught in your pissing contest.”

Sanji looked at you with puppy dog eyes, while Zoro crossed his arms with his signature scowl.

You paused for a moment, feeling exhausted.

“So, what’s the system?”

“Let her catch her breath, moss head.”

“You don’t know what she needs, waiter.”

“Guys, seriously? Stop.”

They had leaned toward each other, and you could practically see their hackles rise.

But they went instantly silent at your words, and turned to face you.

You held in the shiver that ran through you at how these two powerful men just obeyed your command so quickly.

“Let’s alternate. One day with Zoro, then the next day with Sanji. And I get to take breaks without you destroying the ship.”

Zoro kept scowling, and Sanji still looked like everything you said was magic. Again, you had to bite back laughter at these two ridiculous men.

“Plus! You can both sleep with other people too!”

The blank stares they both gave you made you pause for a minute.

“... Okay then, good! Do we all agree to the terms?”

“Of course dear-“

“Sure-“

“Great! I’m going to get some work done.”

You practically ran away from them, chewing on the inside of your lip to keep from squealing. This is insane!

You didn’t want to spend the day in the kitchen making oils and tinctures until you’d seen Zoro again. They’d agreed to the rules, but you didn’t want to test his limit while he watched you spend the day with Sanji.

Instead, you spent it with Chopper. Now and then he’d share some interesting facts from his books while you were cataloging ointments, salves, and other supplies you’d made. Making sure they weren’t expired, and logging what you should make soon.

“We go through arnica cream like crazy, I’ll put that on our priority list.”

“Good thinking!”

It was so hard to be in a low mood around Chopper, and you found yourself smiling, even as you made your way through the hall to dinner.

“Y/N.”

Zoro’s voice was low behind you, and you took a breath before turning to meet his eyes. He was looking everywhere but you, and you’d never seen him with his shoulders slumped like this.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that.”

You stared, watching him struggle, clearly feeling shitty about this.

“No, you shouldn't have.”

You said it with a soft voice, but stayed firm.

He nodded, meeting your eyes.

“It won’t happen again. I’m sorry.”

You nodded, releasing a breath.

“Thank you, Zoro. We can talk more tomorrow if you want. I’ll meet you in your room after dinner?”

Zoro’s lip twitched just a bit, and that tiny smile made you feel at ease. He nodded, heading into the galley.

After dinner, you walked toward your quarters in a daze.

Nami caught your eye in the hall, and she flashed a bottle of wine from under her jacket while nodding toward her room.

You closed the door behind you both, then mock hissed at her.

“You thief.”

“Former! Now I’m a pirate. And pirates plunder.”

She took a swig before handing it over.

“I figured you could use some company that isn’t trying to stick a flag in you.”

“Oh, you are so right.”

You probably should have gone to bed early, but you had needed this time with your friend. You’d managed to spend a decent amount of time not talking or thinking about boy drama, but it inevitably came back up.

And this time it was all your fault. Maybe I’ve had too much wine.

“Soo, Nami?”

“Uh huh?”

She’d been digging in her closet, but twisted around to face you.

“Would you, uh… Would you want to join an arrangement with either of them?”

Her mouth fell open, and she laughed loudly before clamping her hand over her face and sitting next to you.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to laugh like that.”

You were laughing yourself, leaning your head into your hands.

“No, it’s totally fine. This whole thing is fucking ridiculous.”

“No, it’s not that, I just…”

Her tone had gone soft, almost serious, and your laughter faded.

“I just, I don't know. I've never been interested in that. I’ve tried before, but-”

She glanced at you, then shrugged before staring up at the ceiling.

“I know it sounds weird. I love to hear about it, but I just… don’t want to do it myself. With anyone. If that makes sense.”

You smiled at your friend, touching your hand to hers.

“It makes sense, Nami. I don’t think that’s weird at all.”

She beamed at you, and you felt shivers of warmth for your friend.

“I’m just bummed you won’t be able to carry some of this load for me.”

“Ha, ew! I don’t want any of that load, you can keep their junk all to yourself!”

Finally crashing in your room later, you felt so filled with happiness that you didn’t even think about tomorrow.

Luckily tomorrow included the boys on their best behavior, although they were still vying for your attention during meals.

I need to set another rule for that.

You felt Sanji’s eyes on you as you left after dinner, and shivered as you made your way to Zoro’s quarters.

He let you in, as if he’d been waiting behind the door. You half expected him to pin you against the wall. Instead he led you in, sitting on the floor across from his chair. You took a seat, barely breathing. This was not Zoro’s typical stoic silence. Your knees fought as you tried not to bounce them.

He started to speak, then coughed, clearing his throat a couple times.

“I’m really sorry, Y/N.”

“I know-”

“I’m not good at this.”

He gestured vaguely between you, then looked away. You chewed your lip not to smile.

“I just. I like you. And I like what we’ve been doing together.”

“I’d say ‘like’ is an understatement, Needy.”

You caught yourself teasing his own words back at him before you could stop it. You had a second of panic, worried you’d pushed him too far.

Zoro looked up at you, his face tilted with that evil smile that made your pulse race.

He seemed to be fighting to keep his voice even, but the heat kept building.

“I promise to do better. Can you forgive me?”

Your breath was high in your chest as you felt the air shift around you.

“Yes, Zoro. I forgive you.”

He lifted onto his knees, coming only a fraction closer to you.

“Can I make it up to you?”

You gave a small gasp, and his smile of satisfaction made your eyes flutter shut for a moment.

“Y-Yes, please.”

Zoro was suddenly kneeling between your legs in his chair, hand fisting in your hair. He gripped you hard enough to make you whimper, loving the feeling of him taking control. He licked along your neck, sucking and biting your earlobe as his free hand gripped its fingers into your thigh. He pulled your hair even tighter, and you cried out for him as he chuckled in your ear.

“I knew you needed me to touch you like this. You need me to hurt you, just a little bit. Don’t you, Y/N?”

You couldn’t keep your back from arching, and he used the hand on your thigh to pull you roughly until you were sitting on the edge of the chair, quivering for him.

“Should I repeat the question, Needy?”

His dangerous words had your body aching, wetness pooling between your thighs.

“No. I, uh-”

“What do you need?”

He breathed those words against your lips as his eyes burned into yours.

You could barely hear your desperate whisper as you answered him.

“I need you to hurt me, Zoro. Use me, please.”

He forced his tongue into your mouth. His kiss felt like he was taking from you, and you moaned into him.

You fell back into the chair as he released you. Your eyes rolled back in your head as he pulled himself out of his pants, dragging a condom over his long, twitching cock.

“Wrists or throat?”

You looked back at his eyes, his growled words not registering.

“Pick one.”

“Uh, wri-wrists,” you whispered, almost panicked.

“Get on your knees.”

You joined him on the ground, heart pounding.

Zoro tore at your pants, dragging them down just above your knees before grabbing you by the hair again.

“Beg me.”

You almost went limp, his grip in your hair keeping you upright.

“P-Please fuck me, Zoro. Please let me feel your cock-”

Zoro shoved your head down to the side, and you caught yourself on your hands and knees. He moved behind you, and you whined. Needing him, dripping for him.

Feeling his length dragging along your skin, you begged even more. He leaned over you, grabbing and pulling you by the arms until you were upright, flush against the front of his body. He nipped along your neck while you shook.

“I’m gonna give you what you need. And I'm gonna take what I want. And you’re gonna keep your fucking mouth shut while I do it. Does that work for you, Needy?”

“Y-Yes, please, Zoro. I need you.”

He growled, and you gasped as he forced your arms behind your back. He pushed you forward, but held your wrists in one of his strong hands while he circled your entrance.

You chewed your tongue, panting with pain and pleasure as he slammed into you, so fucking deep. He used your arms like handles, pulling you while you whimpered, trying so hard not to scream.

Tears were streaming down your face, and you were overwhelmed, overpowered. Your pants still trapped at your thighs created so much pressure as he fucked you from this angle.

“That’s right, Needy. You want me to fucking use you. That’s why you’re being so good and quiet for me, huh?”

You nodded for him, whimpering as he shoved into you even harder.

“I can be that for you, Needy. I can be the one that makes you feel this way. Fuuck… Your pussy loves being used, doesn't it, baby?”

Tiny sobs left your lips as your body proved him right.

The angle he was holding you at was wearing you down, but he held your arms where he wanted you, forcing himself into your body as it tried to go limp.

You came on his cock, tears and drool leaving your face instead of screams. And he didn’t stop.

Zoro pushed you forward, using an arm to catch you before you hit the floor.

Then he shoved you face to the floor while he kept ramming into you.

“Finger yourself, Needy. I’m gonna take what I need now.”

Moaning, you tried to move your arms, but they were still almost numb from his grip. You didn’t need to though. The new angle, and Zoro’s groans above you brought you close again.

“Fuck, I know what this needy pussy wants, huh, Y/N?”

He fisted your hair as his thrusts became erratic. You moaned your ‘yes’ for him, writhing under his control.

“What do you need?”

Panting, you begged while he brought you again, your pussy milking him.

“I need your cock, Zo-Zor-”

You had to stop talking or you would have screamed. You shook under him, body bucking while you came so fucking hard. Even with your own body convulsing, you felt Zoro pulsing inside you, loving the moans he let out as he released.

You lay together, gasping and twitching, until the sensations were too intense and he pulled away, cleaning himself off while you tried to relearn how to breathe.

Zoro came back to you with a towel, cleaning you off before rolling you onto your back, and helping you slide your pants back on.

His face was unreadable, and you stopped yourself from asking if he was okay. He promised he’d use his words. I can’t let myself worry about his every expression, it’ll go too far.

You swallowed as you tried to listen to your own advice.

Then he sat against the wall again, dragging you to lay across his chest. Your breath froze as he gently stroked your arm while he rested his head against the wall to look at the ceiling.

You didn’t know what to say. This was the most awkward moment you’d felt with him so far, and you were trying so fucking hard to not take responsibility for this grown mans feelings.

“Thank you.”

You gingerly pushed yourself up, sitting against the wall beside him so you wouldn’t have to look up at him.

“For what?”

He met your eyes, his lips twitching into a small smile.

“For giving me another chance. I won’t waste it.”

Your lips parted as you stared into his deep, dark eyes. His words sounded so soft, so genuine. Your breath seemed caught in a strange moment, like you were somehow separate from the room you were in. Zoro didn’t look away.

“You’re welcome.”

Thank you for reading! 💜

TurtleTaub Fanfic Masterlist

Part 8

Buy me a coffee ☕🙏🏼

Tag List: @astheni-a

A/N: I'd love to hear your thoughts on Zoro here. 💚 I hope you enjoyed the ride!

#zoro smut #zoro x reader #Reader Insert #Fem!Reader #Smut #mine #One Piece smut #Opla smut #opla zoro x reader #zoro x you #zoro fanfic #zoro fanfiction #x reader #turtletaub fics

193 notes · View notes

thesupreme316 · 8 months

Note

This is most likely to be the weirdest things i’ve requested,

Picture,Being Hook’s twin or older sister. At the past Blood and Guts, Reader is at ringside with her brother during JB match. Then when Jack turns, she sides with Jack.

The following Wednesday, when Her and Jack are now teaming together, the promo goes on.

After Jack says

“I’m still young, I’m cashing fat checks and i’m still banging the hottest bitch in this place”

Clearing referencing to reader, then reader goes on saying something like how she should be the FTW champion since she’s older and has had more in-ring matches that follow FTW rules( I like to think that the FTW title can go to any gender), Then when hook goes to chase Jack, just after jack jumps over the barricade reader and Hook are standing toe-to-toe, allowing Jack to get away safely.

I’ll leave the rest to you, Much love

YOU'RE FINEE

Had it Coming (Hook x Sis!Reader, Jack Perry x Fem!Reader):

Word Count: 1.3K

Supreme Speaks: hiii, thank you to @hookerforhook for the request (i miss your requests so much). I really enjoyed writing this one. If yall want more, you know what to do. please remember that you are loved and appreciated.

Warnings: none i think, is primarily angsty

Taglist: @hookerforhook @hooks-martin @triscillal @wwenhlimagines @cassie0sstuff @sheinthatfandom

Okay imma reference this post real quick in a way

You have been dating Jack for six months…so before he got into a tag team with your younger brother, Hook

Jack developed feelings for you after you decided to help him in his feud with Christian Cage (my sugar daddy)

You and Hook have the typical sibling relationship…you love him even when you fight sometimes

You’ve been through a lot together, shared a lot of interests, and you considered him to be your best friend

But right now you’re starting to tolerate him

And recently you started to grow a dislike for him

It’s not his personality or anything

It’s just the fact that even though you have won more championships, been wrestling longer, and literally helped trained the lil booger

He just managed to push you into his shadow from the crowd and your father

It pissed you off

Especially because it’s coming at the expense of you and Jack’s career

Your and Jack’s achievements started to get overlooked and Hook either hasn’t realized or he’s pretending it doesn’t exist

It’s been pissing you off

It’s been pissing Jack off

The constant comparisons, the forgetting his name, the fact people just seemed to forget about Jack

It’s just tiring

And it all leads to Jack turning on Hook at Blood and Guts

As well as you turning on your younger brother as well

Honestly, he had it coming.

That’s what you’re telling yourself.

For three days, that’s what you’ve been telling yourself.

It felt great turning your back on your brother. But, sometimes you couldn’t help but feel like there was a way to avoid all of this. As well as feeling like you’re in the middle between your brother and boyfriend. But the more that you thought about it, the more Jack would argue it’s what he deserved for pushing you away, for overshadowing you, for not thanking you, for forgetting about you, and most importantly allowing the crowd to look over you.

You deserve better. You deserve more.

Especially after how he made you and your boyfriend feel.

This leads to today, Wednesday, you and Jack were talking to the crowd about your actions. Before you could even get a word out, they started to boo you, loudly. At first, you felt small, like an ant. But the more they booed, the angrier you got and the more you tuned them out. They didn’t understand you, they couldn’t understand you. They didn’t know how you felt, yet you were portrayed as the villain.

Jack’s booming voice brought you out of thought, “I’m still young. I’m still cashing fat checks, and I am still banging the hottest bitch in this entire place.” He said making the crowd applaud as you smiled with a blush appearing on your cheeks. He leaned over a kissed your head. “Now, did we turn on Hook or did everyone turn on us? After all, we’ve done, after everything that we have given to this place and being robbed out of championships, do you expect some entitled, second-generation little prick to dangle his unofficial championship in our faces? A championship that is just like you Hook, a fraud. Unlike your authentic, legitimate, charming, and hot sister.”

Jack gently gave you the mic as the mix of applause and boos poured in. You rolled your eyes at the crowd as you began to talk, “And come to think of it, I should be the FTW champion.” The crowd booed at your statement. “Think about it! I have more in-ring experience, I’ve actually had FTW championship-worthy matches, and I was at one point your role model, little brother. The only reason why I haven’t challenged you is because Dad is protecting your ass. Cause he knows, that in one match I would take your championship, break your bones, and break your heart.”

“As far as I’m concerned, I am the uncrowned FTW Champion. It’s only a matter of time until I get my hands on it and make you pay for all the pain I’ve endured cause I’m the victim here, not you! But soon you will be once I send you to the ICU.” You continued, making the crowd gasp and clap at your words.

You gave the mic back to Jack, “And just for the record, we can hear you all very clearly. You all telling us that we messed up, that Hook’s gonna kill us. Hook, let me tell you something right now, when I get my hands on you, I am going to beat-“

He was cut off by Hook’s theme, making you roll your eyes and Jack’s color drain from his face as your brother emerged from the black stage. You could see his angry face from a mile away, his eyes were filled with rage. As he ran to the ring, Jack slid out of the ring, jumping over the barricade.

Hook slid into the ring to come face-to-face with you, making the crowd stand up in suspense. His eyes kind of softened as he gazed into yours; you could see his eyes go from angry to hurt. He didn’t understand why everything had to escalate to this point. He moved to continue chasing Jack, but you moved in the same direction; shaking your head at him.

You gave your younger brother a dropkick that stunned him. He just laid in the ring. He wasn’t going to get up to fight you, you knew that, he would never fight you, not even when y’all were kids, he never fought you. Maybe it was the respect and love he held for you…or it was fear. Whatever it was, it allowed you to do your finishing move before going to the back.

He deserved it.

Grabbing your bags, you walked to the parking garage, looking for Jack. Then, a voice called out to you.

“That was some show you put on, Princess.” You looked in the direction of the voice, shocked at who it belonged to. You slightly groaned at the person as they exited their vehicle.

“Christian, what do you want?”

“A conversation.” He said with a smile, walking closer to you with Luchasuarus behind him. “Maybe, a little more if I can convince you of it. Where’s your lover boy?”

You know that you’re not supposed to be talking to your boyfriend’s former mentor, but his tone and the conversation thus far intrigued you. “He’s on his way.” You said with confidence.

“No, he’s not princess. He’s long gone, jumped into his truck, and drove off without any stops.” Christian said with a mocking sad face. “That’s no way to treat someone, especially one person that he claims to love.”

“He does love me-“

“Why isn’t he here then?” You were quiet in response, not sure of what to say. “Y/N, you deserve better in multiple ways. I’ll cut straight to the chase. I have a proposition for you, a very beneficial proposition for both of us. But I don’t wanna conduct business with a pretty lady in a dirty garage. Let me, I mean us, take you to your hotel or somewhere to eat, and we can talk.”

Your brain was in the middle as you knew that anything with Christian Cage was bad news. And you don’t wanna disrespect Jack.

But then again, your boyfriend wasn’t around to take you back to your hotel room, you guys really had no plans after turning on Hook besides trying to take his championship (but you didn’t know how really), and you were hungry. Also, there’s no doubt that your brother was hunting you down so the two of you could talk, so you needed to leave now. Technically, it was a winning situation for you.

There was no harm in talking, right?

“Fine Cage, but no funny business.” You said. Christian smiled before telling Luchasuarus to get your bags, which he put in the trunk. Christian opened the door for you and helped you into the truck.

And if there is harm, it’ll catch up to you tomorrow.

85 notes · View notes

1mnobodywhoareyou · 4 months

Note

Never have I ever....enemies to lovers?

I haven't done this yet but... I think if I ever start venturing into writing for another fandom, I might want to explore Ranma/Ryoga in Ranma 1/2 but I'm not there yet so... in JatP:

This is requiring intentional thought so I’m gonna try to make it Reggie, just for you! 😀 But gosh, it’s hard to make anybody Reggie’s enemy. Let’s see what we can do. It also got long so I'm gonna put in a cut.

It starts as a simple misunderstanding when they’re small children (turns out we’re gonna make this PeterPatterLina. There will also be no [intentional] murder attempts so consider this enemies lite™).

Luke stole the swing Reggie wanted at recess when they were in kindergarten and he decided that they were enemies for life. Over time, he forgets the reason that he hates Luke (and Luke never figures it out). Luke also started to dish the hate back, they don’t turn full bully on each other but it’s close. A “harder than strictly necessary” hip check into the pool or tackle in PE, mostly harmless pranks like stinky food hidden in lockers and letting the air out of their bike tires. Their friends refuse to take part in their weird little feud while also exchanging amused looks because… dudes sometimes look VERY flirty.

New teachers at the school unwittingly pair them together for group work (seasoned teachers gave up trying to force their reconciliation years ago) and it never goes well, they’re both more invested in the others’ demise than their own grades.

There are unspoken rules: they never mess with each others’ instruments or families.

Anyway, Julie and Reggie are best friends/on the cusp of will they/won’t they dating, and she’s neutral on Luke, completely understanding that this long-standing feud is probably based on something ridiculous. She gets paired with Luke for some sort of songwriting assignment and is granted access to a completely different side of them than she’s ever gotten to know before. They build a friendship of their own, kind of on the DL while Julie is also trying to explain to Reggie that he doesn’t actually need to hate this guy.

Cue weird miscommunication drama when Reggie finds out. He and Julie are in a fight and he won’t listen to reason, she ends up dating Luke, Reggie falls further into a spiral until maybe something happens that loosens him up some and he winds up spilling his guts to someone, maybe Flynn or Alex. How he feels betrayed and abandoned by the girl he loves. Maybe it’s Alex. And Alex can help him see that Luke doesn’t even know why Reggie hates him and Reggie realizes that he no longer has any idea either.

It takes him some time but he reaches out to Julie again to reconcile and they both apologize and hug and cry. He and Luke broker a truce of sorts and Reggie is still heartbroken but he shoves it down to support his best friend. After extended time pining and learning that he and Luke actually missed out on the possibility of THEM being best friends, he starts to develop feelings for Luke too and cue another crisis.

The two sets of friends wind up becoming unbelievably close, doing all of the things we’d expect from them, and Luke and Julie both realize how much they love Reggie too and i don’t really want to rely on drunkenness but it fits so maybe they wind up at a party and wind up under the influence of something and Luke kisses Reggie and *insert bi panic here* and then hop, skip, and jump to PaterPatterLina. 😅

THANK YOU!

never have I ever

#i didn't mean to kick Reggie #I'm sorry #but also making anybody hate him is SO HARD #answered ask #ask game #jatp #reggie peters #peterpatterlina

5 notes · View notes

quodekash · 1 year

Text

“Fractures” Keyart

I noticed a bunch of things about the fractures keyart on the dragon prince website before season 4 came out, and then after it came out the things made sense. And I’m only now posting it

so in case you haven’t seen it yet, this is the artwork:

Notice anything odd about it?

1- Rayla has a crack down the middle of her face. No one else has a crack so disruptive. She’s changed throughout her journeys to find Viren, different to the past seasons. She’s grown, changed, experienced things that we don’t know. She’s broken, split in two halves - her past self (energetic, alive, not optimistic but at least ready to help others if she can), and her new self (“we can’t save everyone, soren”, the girl who failed for two years, the girl who lost everyone and everything)

2- Everyone’s eyes are open but Viren’s are closed - Viren has also changed. His character has developed in ways none of us thought were possible. His eyes are closed- he can’t see where his path is going. He’s also dead so that could be why. It could also be that he’s blind to what’s right and wrong now - he spent two years dead, without dark magic amplifying his bad parts, without aaravos whispering in his ear and amplifying the amplified bad parts. Now he’s confused, in the dark, blinded.

3- Aaravos is the only one without any damage to his little section thingy - everyone else has cracks, big or small, sometimes interrupting their face and sometimes not. If they don’t have cracks, they have shards pointing at their face threateningly. But Aaravos’ is completely intact and whole. He’s the mastermind, the one behind everything that’s happened. The entire show so far has all gone according to his huge, sinister plan. Idk every step is of his plan, but it feels like every single thing that has happened is part of his plan. Even the good things. Like Rayla getting the coins back means they’ll be spending heaps of time trying to get them out of the coins, meaning they won’t be spending enough time trying to stop Aaravos. And because they were trapped with dark magic, they might need to use dark magic to free them, meaning they’re even more of a target to Aaravos. Or even Amaya and Janai getting married. Aaravos wants to be free and (I think) to rule all of Xadia. But a lot of feuds start to tear apart the sunfire elves and the humans, even tears apart some sunfire elves from each other and humans from each other. (Like Janai and Karim. And humans taking sides of elves in the feuds and fights, causing rifts between families and friends, and vice versa). If they’re all torn apart, that leaves Aaravos free to (presumably) rise up and make them unite somehow in some evil way and stop the fights by making them all follow him. Idk if that makes sense, it made sense in my head but then I forgot how words work. Just trust me here, everything is according to his plan. And bad things too, like the obvious: Claudia getting the map so she can free him. Other stuff too probably. (I’m really tired I can’t think. If you can think of any other examples tho, lemme know! I’m interested to hear everyone’s theories and stuff cos my own are pretty messy)

4- Like Rayla, Claudia has a crack in her face, but rather than in the middle, it’s only breaking off the part of her hair that’s still its natural colour. Or, in other words, it’s breaking off the parts of her that are yet to be touched by dark magic.

5- Terry is on the opposite side of the mirror (or whatever it is) to Claudia and Viren, despite being “on their team”. He travels with them. He’s with them all the time. He helps them and supports them. He’s dating Claudia. But honestly it feels like he’s on the wrong side. Presently the only exposure he’s had to Viren is what Claudia has told him (and Claudia reveres Viren, so he’d only hear good things), and Viren in a weird place both mentally and physically, so he’s never been exposed to the real bad evilness that everyone else saw in season 3. As for Claudia, they’re dating (Claudia might be using him or something, their relationship feels really weird but not in a fun way, but that’s a post for another day), so it’s hard for Terry to see her bad sides. But near the end, he starts to see some cruelty from her, so I’m hoping that over time he’ll finally realise. He’s like Soren - a good heart and a good person, but on the wrong side that he thought was the right side.

6- This one’s pretty small, but everyone is looking left or right, up or down, but aaravos is looking directly through the mirror, at the audience, at his freedom.

just some things to think about

If there’s anything else about this you noticed that I missed, or anything to add to something I said, don’t hesitate to let me know! This is my favourite keyart of all of them and there’s so much I picked apart from just six things I noticed, so there’s no way I got it all

That’s all I have for you today. I’ve currently got seven more tdp rambles in the works, and they’ll be up at some point (expect the next one in the next couple of days probably). They should all be under the tag at the bottom of each of these posts, ‘tdp rambles with bj’, so if at some point you wanna read through all the ones currently there, uh, you can.

I love you all, stay calm and ship sorvus. or whatever ship floats your boat.

Have a gay day! -BJ

#oh hey that’s funny #“Whatever ship floats your boat”#that wasn’t intentional but I love it #tdp #the dragon prince #tdp season 1 #tdp season 2 #tdp season 3 #tdp season 4 #tdp season 4 spoilers #tdp keyart #tdp fractures keyart #tdp fractures #my interpretation #tdp rambles with bj

20 notes · View notes

huggybug · 2 years

Note

Hey I would love a Trevor Zegras blurb that is ene to lovers with some jealousy. Like maybe she’s friends with all the boys except him and he’s super jealous of her relationship with Alex. thank you!!

he’s just not that into you - trevor zegras

word count: 2.6k words

note: i know the request was for a blurb but it literally fit perfectly with something i’ve been working on for a while so i decided to just make it a full length fic, i hope that’s okay:)

“I didn’t know she would be here” Trevor complained to Jack while glaring at where you were sitting with Cole and Alex.

“Y/n/n comes every year Trev” Jack was tired of the feud that had been going on between his friends for the past five years. You joined the group right when they all became friends, joining in as an easy addition and nobody seemed to care that you were the only girl or the only one who wasn’t on the team, except for Trevor that is. “Maybe it’s time for you to move on from whatever you have against her” Trevor scowled at his best friend.

“I’m not the one with the problem”

“Yes you are” Alex said as he walked into the kitchen, moving to grab a couple drinks from the fridge.

“She’s the one who’s always mean!” Trevor whined as Alex and Jack exchanged glances. It was the same thing whenever the group was brought together; Trevor spent most of the time complaining about you while you simply ignored him.

“Is she though?” Alex challenged.

“He’s just not used to a girl being able to control herself around him, they usually just fall at his feet” You say as you walk into the kitchen, taking the drink from Alex’s hand that he was supposed to bring back for you.

“Please, you’d be kicking my door down if Alex wasn't here” You rolled your eyes at him while Alex smacked the back of his head.

“Keep dreaming lover boy” You give a sarcastic smile before retreating and Alex trailed after you. That was the difference between you and Trevor; you knew when to walk away but Trevor just kept going.

“Can we please just have one summer without this stupid fight?” Jack pleaded.

“I’m not going to start anything” Trevor held his hands up in surrender which Jack didn’t exactly buy but he let it go for now. “But no promises if she starts it”

...

“Y/n, what do you want to do?” The group was trying to decide whether they should go to the lake or go for a hike and Cole had turned the conversation over to you, until Trevor interrupted.

“Why does it matter?” His comment earned glares from Cole, Jack, and Alex while Quinn and Luke exchange looks and the rest of the boys who were new this year, mostly teammates from Jack and Quinn’s teams, exchanged confused glances.

“Do you have to make a scene during every conversation Trevor?”

“Only with you babe”

“God you're such an ass” You groan while shaking your head.

“Alright that's enough” Alex shouts over the commotion, already tired of it.

“Are we missing something?” Ty Smith speaks for the group of newbies who look equal parts confused and scared.

“Trev and Y/n/n have a love hate relationship” Luke supplied.

“There is no love” You interject.

“Hate-hate” Trevor says at the same time. Everyone laughs while you two stare each other down.

“New rule. No eye fucking in communal areas” You grimace when Quinn’s words register.

“That was uncalled for” You say, staring at Quinn as you pinch Alex who’s snickering beside you.

“Don’t tease her, I mean who can blame her?” Trevor puffs his chest and the hollering from the boys only gets louder.

“Can it, Zegras” Trevor loved being the centre of attention, everyone knew that. And that was especially the case when you were involved. He loved the drama that your little (non)relationship brought and he relished in the attention it cast upon him.

“C’mon Y/n don’t be embarrassed, the Z man is a lot for the ladies” You actually gag at his words which makes some of the boys snicker.

You chose not to answer which he saw as a waving white flag but you saw it as a more dignified route. However, you should have known that there was no taking the high road when it came to Trevor Zegras. You either got the last word or you lost, there was no in between.

...

Alex was teaching you how to wakeboard... it was not going well.

“No, Y/n you need to stand up” You groaned when he yelled at you for the thousandth time today.

“I’m trying!” You took a minute before getting back into position to try again. The boat took off and you held on for dear life, trying to get enough momentum to actually stand up this time. It took a minute but you finally got it! The boys were cheering you on but it didn’t last long, you hit a big wave and your feet went out from under you and you fell, going underwater. You came up a moment later, sputtering and choking on the water you inhaled as Alex pulled you up onto the boat.

You could vaguely hear Trevor mouthing off but you were too busy trying to regain the ability to breathe to focus on what he was saying.

“You okay?” You took another minute to catch your breath before nodding. Cole was quick to hand you a drink which you accepted graciously.

“Maybe no more water sports for me” You sighed. This was your third attempt and surprisingly enough, the most successful one yet.

“Just take a break, you’re getting better” Alex pulled you down onto the seat next to him and swung your legs over his, you relaxed into his chest as Luke set up on the wakeboard next.

“Oh look at the happy couple” The peaceful day was once again ruined by Trevor.

“Good one, really original” You stuck your tongue out at him while Alex slapped your leg lightly. It was a cheap shot. The running joke was that you and Alex had something going on; it was more believable back in high school when you two really were inseparable but the joke had gone to rest since graduation, now only being used by Trevor.

“When are you going to grow up Trev?” Alex asked, clearly agitated at how his friend had been acting over the past few days.

“When are you going to move on?” Trevor bit back and you felt Alex tense below you.

“Ignore him” You mumbled, patted his arm before turning to Trevor. “Why don’t you move on from whatever problem you have with me? It’s getting old Trevor”

“I don’t have a problem” He scoffed but everyone on the boat knew he was lying. You all ignored him, going back to the normal conversation while Trevor pouted in his seat after Jack smacked his head and said something in his ear.

…

It was almost like a flip had switched when you got off the boat. Trevor hadn’t chirped you for the rest of the day, even when you almost fell while running up the stairs. He just waited for you to recover and followed you up the stairs.

It had never been like this in the whole five years you’ve known him. You made it through dinner and there was no comments from Trevor. When Alex pulled you into his lap around the fire, Trevor was silent. He looked over, his eyes flashed with something unrecognizable before he turned away, engaging in a conversation with Luke.

You were really confused when he offered you a beer. The group had partially headed inside, leaving only Alex, Jack, Quinn, Trevor and you. Trevor came out with three beers and tossed one to Jack before holding the third out for you. You took it after a moment of hesitation, tapping the tab a couple times just in case he shook it beforehand but when you opened it, nothing happened.

When Alex decided to go to bed, you followed, not wanting to be left alone with Trevor despite how nice he’d been acting. You thought about him as you got ready for bed, running through all the reasons why he could possible be acting so differently all of a sudden. Nothing seemed to check out, it was all too... odd.

“Is everything okay?” Alex’s voice snaps you out of your haze when you climb into the bed next to him. The ever-expanding guest list meant that multiple people had to share rooms and it always seemed to be you and Alex, not that either of you minded really.

“Yeah... just thinking about stuff” You answer as vaguely as possible, not entirely sure you want to get into it tonight.

“What kind of stuff?” He asks while typing away on his phone.

“Just Trevor” You say quietly and Alex’s eyes snap to you.

“He was acting weird tonight, hm?” You nod while sighing.

“I just feel guilty. Like I’ve been so rude to him and now I feel like such a bitch because maybe he’s just been mean back and-”

“Hey, don’t do that. He’s always the one who starts it. Just because he’s nice for one night doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person for fighting back in every other fight he caused” You nod slowly, taking in his words, not that it eases your mind at all. Alex takes it as acceptance before saying goodnight and flipping over to go to sleep. You however, stay laying wide awake on your back, trying to rationalize Trevor’s newfound attitude.

…

The house was quiet, something that only ever happened when everyone was asleep for the night. You however, had laid wide awake in bed for hours before finally caving and heading down to the kitchen for a snack. The lights were all off but when you got to the kitchen, there was already someone leaning against the counter.

“Shit, I didn’t think anyone was awake” You mumbled as you passed Trevor to get to the fridge, pulling out a bowl of strawberries.

“Couldn’t sleep with Alex’s snoring?” Trevor snickers and you roll your eyes in response.

“What’s your deal with that?” You cross the kitchen, hopping up on the counter across from him.

“With what?”

“Why are you so obsessed with Alex and my relationship?” You ask, popping a strawberry in your mouth.

“What? No- I’m not!”

“Hm really?”

“Shut up”

“Aw sounds like someone’s jealous”

“Yeah only for the past four years” Your head snapped around when his words register. He said it quietly, as if he didn’t want you to hear, like he was only talking to himself but you most definitely did hear him. His eyes met yours and you couldn’t quite decipher what emotion he was projecting but it was something you’d never seen before.

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me” Trevor stepped closer to you, closing the space between you both. He leant on the counter, caging your hips with his arms on either side.

“Are you high right now?” Your question was serious but Trevor chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“No”

“Why are you being weird?”

“Why do you hate me?” You pouted at him, hating when people asked another question instead of answering yours to begin with. “Answer me first”

“I don’t hate you Trevor”

“Bullshit” He laughed again. “Don’t lie. Why don’t you like me?” You hesitated before answering.

“Am I supposed to like you when you’ve spent the last five years making fun of me?”

“What’s that movie you like? The one with Scarlett Johansson that I think is stupid” You smiled; back when everyone lived in Michigan, your movie nights were sacred. The movie choosing privileges were rotated around the group equally and while the boys chose actions or comedies, you always chose a romcom.

“He’s just not that into you?” You weren’t exactly sure where he was going with this. You probably chose that movie four or five times and the boys all complained each and every time.

“Yeah, how does it start again?”

“What does that have to do with this?”

“Just… what’s the opening scene?” Trevor’s fingers twitched on the counter beside you as you watched him carefully, still trying to figure out what he was doing.

“It’s the little girl at the park and a boy makes fun of her or something and she goes crying to her mom” You rattled off the general idea of the scene easily from memory after seeing the movie so many times.

“Mhm and what does her mom say?” Trevor asks and then it clicks.

“She… she says that it’s what boys do when they like someone… they tease them” Your eyes find Trevor’s and it’s like time stops. The house is still silent but the the sudden tension in the kitchen is overwhelming.

“Bingo” He smirks awkwardly and your eyes go wide. The realization hits you like a ton of bricks. All those times he’s teased you or went out of his way to make fun of you, it was all because he liked you?

“Trevor-” You start but cut yourself off, realizing you don’t actually know what you want to say. You fell silent and Trevor’s heart only sped up with every passing second. “I hate that scene” You finally settle on and Trevor doesn’t look pleased but you’re quick to speak up again. “It’s just silly, why should that be okay?”

“I know, it’s a shitty thing to do” Trevor was visibly upset and the weight settled inside your stomach.

“The why do that? Why didn’t you just say something?” You still didn’t totally believe that he liked you. There was something in the back of your mind suggesting that maybe this was all some cruel prank. That he’d trick you into saying something and then laugh, it was dumb but your guard was always up around him.

“I was a dumb kid, well I still am. I didn’t know how to deal with my feelings and you were so out of my league I didn’t want to be rejected” You scoffed at him before catching yourself, remembering that the mean act between you two had been dropped.

“Trevor Zegras I don’t believe you think that anyone is out of your league” You raised an eyebrow, challenging him.

“Look at you. You’re gorgeous, smart, and you can kill us all in beer pong. I’m just some hockey player who managed to get into the big league”

“Don’t speak down on yourself like that” You nudged your leg against his arm. “You’re Trevor freaking Zegras, you’re an insane hockey player and you’re not too horrible to look at either” He cockily smirked which made you laugh.

“So do you accept my apology?”

“I never heard an apology come out of your mouth Trev”

“Oh? We’re on nicknames now?” You rolled your eyes but the smile never left your face. “I’m sorry Y/n/n” He paused and winked when he used the nickname that the boys have always called you for the first time. “I should have told you how I felt and not acted like that, I really wasted four years”

“Why four years? Just now and when you said you were jealous for four years?” You giggled when his expression went blank. “We’ve known each other for five”

“Turcs called dibs” He shrugged, “It took me six months to realize he was never going to make a real move and a whole year before I stopped caring” You didn’t spare a second to think about Alex calling dibs on you and how rude it was, no because all you could think about was Trevor. You surged forward, finally closing the gap between you and initiating the kiss that was apparently four years in the making.

“Is Alex going to be mad you broke the bro code?” You ask playfully after you pull away.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine” He smirked before leaning in to kiss you again.

#trevor zegras x reader #trevor zegras imagine #trevor zegras fic #anaheim ducks #hockey writing #hockey fic #nhl players #nhl fanfiction

607 notes · View notes

kyuremking · 3 years

Text

The three great clans and their ideologies

Indra: I will use my power to rule over others.

Asura: Let us unite and work together to achieve our goals.

Uzumaki: Don't touch my island and I won't kill all your family and friends.

All right, let's start with the Uchiha. The Uchiha are a powerful clan with many skills, they had the right to be proud of themselves as they were one of the most powerful clans on the continent.

Personally I don't think the Uchiha clan as a whole really followed Indra's ideology, I think they were a powerful clan that had enemies and allies.

However there is no denying that Madara's plan had Indra's ideology all over it, because you know: "I will use my great power that I have gained by kidnapping the tailed beasts to genjutsu everyone, which will make them sleep eternally without being able to oppose me".

At the time of the Era of the Warring States I consider that the Uchiha clan didn't follow Indra's ideology, they were just people who wanted to survive and take care of their family and if they had to fight against the Senju and other clans they would do it. So the hate curse is bullshit and if you want to blame someone blame Zetsu.

Let's move on to the Senju. Like the Uchiha the Senju were a powerful clan but they did not follow Ashura's ideology, if they did they would have tried to work with the Uchiha sooner.

The only one I can believe followed it was Hashirama and that's probably because of the reincarnation bullshit. Tobirama was a typical Senju powerful and proud(like the Uchiha) and he wanted to wipe out the Uchiha(during the Era of the Warring States and the Uchiha also wanted to wipe out the Senju) because he saw them as a threat against the Senju clan and his family(and he had reason because the Uchiha killed his brother).

So the Senju and the Uchiha were like any other clan: they fought each other to protect their family from their enemies. They are exactly the same. And Konoha was born because of the work between the two clans. Hashirama and Madara had the dream of Konoha, but it was Tobirama who made sure that Konoha continued to exist.

Conclusion: The Senju and the Uchiha during the Era of the Warring States did not follow the ideologies of their ancestors, they were just people who wanted the best for their families and probably the reason why the feud continued was because of the reincarnation bullshit and Zetsu.

And finally the Uzumaki. The Uzumaki were isolationists. "Don't touch me and I won't touch you.

They were probably born out of a group of Senju who said: "I'm tired of fighting, I'm going to an island and if someone comes looking for a fight I'll kill him and his family and friends". In Kushina's words the Uzumaki became savages when they fought. The Uzumaki fought to protect their island and their family and if any continental subnormal came to bother them they would make sure to eradicate the threat immediately as well as leaving no survivors.

And you know who I can think of that looks like the Uzumaki?... Kaguya.

Leaving aside Boruto(which I haven't seen and don't plan to see). According to what we know about her, she came from somewhere(in the manga it doesn't specify where Kaguya came from) but she was very interested in the tree but it wasn't until her life was threatened that she actually ate the fruit and used the chakra to rule people.

She had two children with someone and she loved her children, but Kaguya created the Zetsu with people and seemed to be preparing for a possible attack. She was waiting to fight on her own ground not on the ground of her enemies.

The Uzumaki wanted to live in peace but they were not idiots and with fuinjutsu and their other skills they were able to protect themselves.

In the end the Uchiha, Senju and Uzumaki were more similar clans than they thought, all they wanted was to live in peace with their family but other people hated them or wanted their power so they had to defend themselves.

They weren't good or bad, they were just people.

#naruto #uchiha clan #senju clan #uzumaki clan #kaguya otsutsuki #hagoromo otsutsuki #indra otsutsuki #asura otsutsuki #uchiha madara #senju hashirama #uzumaki mito #senju tobirama #senjumaki! au

158 notes · View notes

franny-writing · 3 years

Text

Fiery Red Pt.3

Gif not mine*

taken from my wattpad book

Masterlist

━━━━━━━ ⟡ ━━━━━━━

For the past few days, Jasmine has been staying in Jughead's trailer. During this time, she had gotten closer to the serpents that she met on that day where she showed up on Jughead's doorstep. She had learned that the unknown serpent was Fang. Even though Jughead is still her best friend, she often finds times where she prefers Toni's company over others.

While Jasmine has gotten along with the other three serpents, there was still one serpent that she doesn't get along with. Sweet Pea. She tries to at least be on her best behavior around him due to the fact that she knows it would make the situation awkward, but that doesn't mean that Sweet Pea will cooperate. 24/7 he will throw endless insults at her. So she dropped the act and decided to treat him like how he treats her.

Like Jasmine thought, the other three were tired of them and their arguments and if they had to endure another argument, someone might end up with a missing body part. So instead of removing a body part from their friends, they decided to come up with a plan instead.

"Wait," Jasmine started while staring at Jughead in disbelief, "what do you mean you can't let me stay here any longer?"

Jughead looked down at his feet in an act of sadness, "I'm sorry Jasmine but I just can't have another person to worry about in the trailer," he softly said. At this response, Jasmine groaned and threw herself onto the run-down couch. While Jasmine was having her personal pity party, a knock was heard at the front door. "Come in!" Jughead yelled out.

"Hey, Jones! You get rid of that northsider yet?" Sweet Pea yelled out once he stepped foot inside of the trailer. Jasmine rolled her eyes and groaned in annoyance knowing that Jughead was in fact getting rid of her. At this point, she was more annoyed that Sweet Pea was right.

"Unfortunately, I just can't have Jasmine stay here any longer. I can't afford it." Jughead said with a frown planted on his mouth. With the news, Sweet Pea instantly smirked while looking at the red head still on the couch. In his mind, he won this mini feud that the two were having.

Toni and Fangs tried hard to prevent a smile from coming up on their face, knowing that Jasmine and Sweet Pea had no clue what their plan was, so instead Toni nudged the redhead on the couch to get her attention, "Hey Andrews. How do you feeling about staying at Sweet Peas?" Once the words were said, Sweet Pea instantly stopped grinning while Jasmine shot up at the question. Without them noticing, Fangs and Jughead gave each other a fist bump as their plan was being set in motion.

"What?" the fighting duo asked in unison.

Jughead and Fangs nodded their head as if they were thinking, "It isn't the worst idea. Sweet Pea lives alone so he has the room and you don't exactly have anywhere else to go unless you wanna go back to the Northside." Fangs informed the two while Jughead agreed. Sweet Pea turned back towards Fangs with a glare as if to say shut the fuck up. Fangs only shrugged with a smirk, enjoying this situation more than he probably should.

Jasmine thought about it for a couple of seconds and turned towards Jughead, "Are you positive that I can't stay here?" Jughead nodded with a frown. So Jasmine closed her eyes and sighed, knowing that the next words out of her mouth will kill her mentally, "Can I please stay with you?" she asked once she turned back towards Sweet Pea with a solemn face. He shook his head no with a smirk. Toni and Jughead glared at the man, both ready to resort to violence if needed. He still didn't budge and only shrugged his shoulders, not caring. This caused Fangs to stand next to the pair and raise his eyebrows with a glare towards him. Finally, Sweet Pea groaned and turned towards the redhead on the couch who was also glaring at him.

"Okay, fine," he stated which caused Jasmine to grin, "but! You can't stay for too long, okay? I don't need you pestering me all day. And we will invest in rules, understood?" Jasmine, with a grin still on her face, nodded her head and leaned back on the couch, satisfied she doesn't have to go back home. While Sweet Pea was shaking his head, in denial that he just agreed to this, the other trio smirked at each other and gave each other a fist bump.

#riverdale #riverdale imagines #riverdale fanfiction #sweet pea #sweet pea imagines #sweet pea fanfiction #sweet pea x oc

34 notes · View notes

catgrlyumi · 3 years

Text

The Game of Cat and Mouse

| desc: you and dream were an inseparable pair. he was the bronze, you were the brain. together you ruled the smp. you slowly come to realize... maybe, it was time for you to step down, make peace with the others. how will you tell dream?

warning: angst !!

word count: n/a |

your [y/f/c] boots crunched the fallen leaves beneath them. it was fall, the nicest time of the year in your opinion. you were out for a stroll on the prime path. you had left the community house for a bit, you had left dream. you needed some time to yourself, after all you were quite filled with nerves. you had been planning for awhile to make amends with the rest of the smp, and hopefully l’manburg and it’s residents. you knew tommy, tubbo, niki, fundy, karl, quackity, wilbur, and so many of the others did not favor you that much, which was what you were hoping to change.

you sighed, looking up towards the red, white, and blue flag of l’manburg. you watched the flag dance in the wind. it was a beautiful flag, a tainted flag. you dropped your gaze towards the walls of l’manberg. you inhaled deeply, and exhaled, stepping foot into l’manburg.

“woah woah woah!” you whipped your head around, coming in contact with a blonde young boy. it was none other than the infamous tommyinnit.

“you are not allowed beyond these walls.... bitch.” tommy stuttered, hurriedly walking past you to block you from entering.

“actually tommy, i’m here to make peace with you and your friends.” you offered the young boy a friendly smile, hoping to lighten the atmosphere between you two.

“hm, wilbur and the others may forgive you, but you won’t earn my trust that easily.” he turned his head, avoiding any eye contact with you.

“that’s fine, i’m okay with working my way up.” you joked, seeing him crack a bit. you were hopeful.

“i guess you can come in.” tommy grumbled, stepping out of the way, allowing you entry into his country. you smiled and walked past him. you gawked at the beautiful country that is l’manburg. although it’s seen many wars, many feuds, and many battles, it still remained the most beautiful thing in the smp.

“aye! who let her in?” quackity glared at you, holding his axe tight. he had every right to be defensive. you were the partner to his enemy, but all of that was soon to change.

“i did, and if you have anything to say about it the door is that way my friend.” you couldn’t believe it. tommy was standing up for you! you of all people. quackity quickly stuffed his axe away and continued on his way, not forgetting to give you the once over.

“i don’t entirely know how wilbur is going to react.” tommy sighed, continuing to lead you towards where wilbur was. little did you know, dream had eyes.

“so, what? suddenly they decide they want to be buddy buddy with the people who have caused us pain?” dream sneered. he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. why were you suddenly trying to make amends with the people who had betrayed the smp.

“i have no idea dream. maybe they don’t want to rule the smp along side you anymore, maybe we should respect their decision.” bad mumbled, he regretted saying it but it was the truth.

“that’s not exactly what i want to hear right now, bad.” he glared at the older boy, watching as bad sighed and walked out. dream felt angry, were you going to betray him too? why would you, he thought you were a team. he grabbed his weapons and made his way to l’manburg, he was going to demand an answer.

you and the main team of l’manberg laughed and shared stories. you couldn’t have been happier. you were beyond glad that you had decided to make this decision.

“everyone, i’d like to make a toast.” wilbur smiled softly at you, as he clinked the fork against his glass. everyone’s attention was on wilbur.

“i wanted to say, thank you, to [y/n], for deciding not to follow in the footsteps of dream. instead, they’ve decided to make things right. to [y/n]!” wilbur raised his glass.

“to [y/n]!” everyone cheered. just then, an arrow flew across the room, hitting the wall.

“what the fuck!” quackity yelled in shock. everyone turned their attention to where the arrow came from. in its direction stood dream, punz, and sam. your eyes widened in shock. you were not about to let this turn into another war however. you drew your sword and stood in front of your new friends.

“[y/n], how nice of you to finally show your face.” dream smiled wickedly in your direction. it made chills run up your spine.

“what do you want dream?” you kept your sword in front of you. he couldn’t fight you, you knew his every move, every trick he had up his sleeve.

“i want to know why my best friend has suddenly decided to join the traitors of the smp.” he chuckled darkly, drawing his sword along with you. he knew you had though you knew every trick. he was ready to fight you if he had to, with many more new tricks he had not taught you.

“i don’t want to be feared anymore. i’m so tired of the endless wars, the endless trauma. i want it to stop.” you cried, hoping he understood, he had to understand. “don’t you want it to be over? i know you want it to be over!” the tears rolled down you cheeks.

“i’d rather be feared than vulnerable.” he rushed towards you. you tumbled, careful to keep your sword at your side.

“i don’t want to do this dream.” you sighed, your brows furrowed. dream glared at you, his state seeping with a new born hatred.

“oh i’m gonna enjoy doing this, traitor.” he sneered and rushed towards you again. you ducked, but not fast enough, dream’s sword had managed to scrap your side. you hissed, watching your blood hit the floor in tiny droplets. that was enough to spur dream on.

“i’m so going to enjoy spilling your blood all over this floor.” you were unprepared this time, still surprised at the fact someone so close to you had no hesitation. your eyes were wide with shock as dream rushed towards you, giving you no time to react.

“[y/n]!” all of l’manburg yelled. tommy eyes were filled with tears, wilbur hugged tubbo and tommy close, niki cried into fundy’s shoulder. quackity looked towards you, fear in his eyes. you swiftly turned around, but not quick enough. dream sword had pierced right through you.

it has finally hit dream, he hurt you. his eyes became softer, and he pulled his sword from your abdomen. you coughed up blood, wrapping your hand around the now gaping hole in your stomach.

“y-you actually...” you began to fall, everything felt so slow. your vision blurred. you looked up at dream, his mask falling. you were so close to hitting the floor, till you felt a pair of arms catch you. the world fell black around you as you heard the familiar voice call out your name panicked.

- END.

| a/n: man this was a long time in the making lmao, should i make a part two?|

#dream smp #dream x reader #c!dream #l’manburg #quackity x reader #georgenotfound x y/n #dsmp fandom

107 notes · View notes

moral-turpitudes · 3 years

Text

A Secret Life:

**Gif credits go to the amazing @nofckingfighting your gifs give me life ok. They’re *chef’s kiss.**

Masterlist | Rules | Peaky Prompts

Trigger Warnings: None really, just some Fluff and some Swearing I think.

Word Count: 3,324

Characters: Johnny Dogs x Female!Reader

Requested by: @atjafshelby, you can find it here. This was the first time I’ve written anything mainly for him so I hope this is good lol. I love getting the opportunity to write other characters. :)

Summary: After a spat about potatoes and a sudden departure from Thomas’ dinner meeting, Johnny Dogs rushes home to be with his wife Y/N and their family, knowing he’d have to tell the blinders about his secret life with them eventually.

The weather was gloomy as the peaky men prepared for one of Tommy’s meetings in the middle of Charlie’s yard. The cans full of logs and kindling burning brightly through the smog of Small Heath as the smoke filled the air. The smell of smoked meat and other foods slowly making their way onto the makeshift table.

In the distance though, was a loud voice mumbling on hurriedly as he stomped along the dirt and soot covered road leading to the feast.

“Right, put the steel rods up the gooses arse there. Go on.” Johnny Dogs said to one of the younger lads who were understandably confused. His eyes watching as they did so, itching to do it himself since no one ever prepared goose the right way. This wasn’t his only criticism though, as he made his way to the table he noticed the lack of starch amongst the men.

“This isn’t a proper dinner. If you’re going to have the Gold’s here ya gotta have potatoes!” Johnny Dogs said loudly as the Shelby’s tired uncle followed the Irish traveler around the yard.

Charlie looked at the man dumbfounded, thinking it was as great a feast as any.

“I want him to see that we live proper, that we eat proper, in the proper way!” He exclaimed.

“No...no you know what?” He added, pointing at Charlie with an anger-filled expression.

“What?” Charlie asked, lighting a cigarette as his infamous nephews came strolling in.

“I’ll get the potatoes me-self!” He exclaimed, clearly frustrated as he stomped through the yard to the old market nearby. His mind buzzing with the thought of his wife and children back at camp. He loved being here with the men he considered allies, but his heart was there with Y/N, always, especially now that she’d been alone with their newest edition to the family.

“What’s he on about aye? It’s just a dinner to discuss the vendetta. Is he scared of the Gold’s?” Tommy said, a cigarette lingering on his lips.

“No he just thinks they’re bloody heathens.” Charlie said as Tommy smirked, walking back to meet Aberama Gold and his son Bonnie.

As Johnny got back, he hastily threw the potato’s in one of the boiling pots near the men. The steam rolling off them as he mashed them up and brought them to the table.

“Bit late there Johnny.” Arthur said, grabbing a huge spoonful of them.

“Not me fault someone can’t prepare a proper meal.” He said, his eyes darting to his pocket watch as Aberama agreed, thanking him for making them as they continued their tense conversation.

“Is there something wrong?” Tommy asked Johnny, causing him to swallow hard as he tried to not tell them about you. It ached him not to, but quite frankly he was nervous to do so. Knowing they’d have something to say when they learned of his relationship status and such.

“Almost forgot, I had some things to take care of at camp. I’ll be back in the mornin’ boys. Don’t get blood all over the fucking food alright?” He said, Tommy waving him off with a suspicious look on his face. He never had men leave abruptly, but if anything he thought maybe he had a whore waiting for him or another feud to handle.

But little did the blinders know what actually awaited him.

“Aye! Dads going to be home soon-no-don’t you dare hit your brother!” Y/N said aloud to her two rambunctious children Alice and Samuel, who were running around the field with the other little ones of the group that were set up nearby. Your youngest, Sarah, nestled on your hip and baby-babbling to herself.

“You’re gonna be full of words just like your father aren’t ya love?” You said to her quietly, going over to your son and daughter who were rough-housing as usual.

“Playtime’s over loves, we have to get ready for dinner.” You said, the children immediately stopping and saying goodbye to the other kids as you waved goodbye to their parents.

As you led your children back to the vardo, you quickly put your daughter down in her small crib near the cramped bed in the wooden structure.

Your tired reflection caught you off guard as you looked in the mirror. Your eyes not as bright and hair not as perfectly placed as before you’d had three children.

You were always grateful to be blessed with good looks that were surely from your mother, but you soon garnered unwanted attention as you’d grown up, the men throwing themselves at you left and right, until you’d seen Johnny one day at a camp in Ireland of course. He was bantering with his friends, fist fighting and such near one of your family’s stops, his smile catching your eye as he laid his own upon you. The poor man got punched because of you after all, making him go off his game with your beauty. But to this day he said he didn’t regret it, telling you in that moment his world stopped. That he’d felt like the luckiest man in the world to have someone as sweet and as beautiful as you by his side all these years.

And so now here you were, waiting for your traveler and infamously rowdy blinder husband to come home. The sun setting in a plethora of colors over the field as the other travelers sat around their respective bonfires.

“When’s dad coming? He’s usually back.” Your son asked, his eyes the color of yours but the shape of Johnny’s, and your daughters small smile like his as well.

“Yeah mum where’s he off to? I wanted him to tell us a bedtime story.” She said, pouting slightly as she watched you preparing dinner.

“Give him time angels. He’s a busy man.” You said, wondering where he was, knowing he’d most likely gotten held up by the fucking Shelby’s once again.

He’s never told them about you and it stung a bit, but you realized early on that he only did it to keep you and the family safe, knowing that nothing good ever came from uttering the Shelby name.

As you portioned the food out for the children, your youngest cried for her food as well as you sighed and went in to nurse her. Humming a soft song to her as she gradually fell asleep in your arms.

As the kids emptied their bowls, stomachs full and content smiles on their faces, you ushered them to their beds, your heart racing slightly as you thought about where your husband could be.

“Don’t worry loves, dad will be home soon alright? I’m going to be just outside.” You said, fixing yourself your portion of the food as you stoked the fire a bit more, the embers disappearing into the night air as you wrapped the warm knit blanket around you.

You’d gotten accustomed to spending the majority of your nights alone with the children, eating amongst the stars and telling stories, but one thing always remained constant, and that was the need for their dad to be home. He made everyone light up when he’d come around. His laugh bringing a smile to your face instantly as he entertained the kids on his off days while you rested with the baby. But now like many nights, they missed him. They missed how he’d make you all feel safe, knowing he had you all out in the open like this. But he knew the company he kept, and he trusted them with his life that they’d take care of you all if need be.

Alas, as you sat there lost in thought, you heard the cries of your daughter once again as you went into the vardo, gently cradling her to you as you carried her outside into the cool night air, the sound of the crackling fire and water rushing nearby helping her fall asleep once again as you bounced her around lightly.

“It’s okay sweetheart. He’ll be home soon.” You reassured her. Knowing he’d never ever leave you sleeping alone, unless it was something serious.

---

“Johnny, before you go, we’ll be stopping by tomorrow. We need to make sure you all are ready.” Thomas said as Johnny walked away from the table.

“Alright, I’ll see ya there then lads. Goodnight.” He said, tipping his hat and walking off towards the horse he’d ridden in on. Quickly riding towards one of the flower fields nearby to pick some for you. He knew they wouldn’t make up for him being late, but he knew they’d at least bring a smile to the face he loved so much.

---

You sat wide-awake with your sleeping daughter against your chest, your nightgown covered by the thick blanket you’d draped over you and the baby. Her soft coos and little snores bringing a smile to your face as you kissed the top of her head. Your stomach still hurting with some efforts as you shifted in your seat. She’d only been about 4 months old, so both you and her were adjusting to the whole life thing with each other.

As you sat there naming the constellations to yourself as you gazed at the stars, you heard the familiar horse hooves pounding on the ground near the vardo. Johnny’s giddy whistle making your daughter rustle around in your arms as she knew he was home.

“Shhh, she’s sleeping.” You said quietly as he walked over ever-so carefully to kiss you, his lips soft against yours as he lingered on them for a moment, taking you in.

“I wanted to get here earlier, with the baby and everything but uh...Tommy got in the way again.” He said, grabbing the flowers he’d picked earlier.

“Are these for me?” You asked, grasping them with your free hand.

“Mhmm. Picked them me-self. Thought you’d like some after a hard days work caring for the kids. And uh, since I’ve been gone so long ya know?” He said, nervously rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.

“I love you Johnny Dogs. You romantic devil.” You said with a smirk as you kissed him once more.

“Now tell me love, what’s got you on your toes?” You asked, knowing his body language more than your own at this point.

“They’re coming here, to make sure everything’s ready for the big mission.” He said.

“Christ....do we need to stay in? It’ll be hard with this one crying.” You said, looking down at the sleeping bundle in your arms.

“No...I...I want you to meet them. They’re coming tomorrow mornin’.” He said.

“I see....well I’ll make sure to get up and make sure the kids meet them too. Couldn’t hurt right?” She asked.

“It could soften the blow I suppose.” He said, grabbing the last of the food that was still warm over the fire.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked.

“They’ll take one look at you and drool. You don’t think I see it every time we go outside the camp? You’re bloody gorgeous and you’ve gone and married a fool like me?” He said half-jokingly. His self-deprecating humor hurting your heart.

“They can say what they want, but you’ll always be the man for me Johnny. I wouldn’t have you any other way. You were the first man I’ve ever loved.” You said, remembering how despite your looks, you’d never had the luck of relationships on your side, thinking all hope was lost until that day so long ago. And god were you grateful for him, even if he did talk your ear off on more than one occasion, you still loved the man to death.

“Now go tell your children a bedtime story, please love?” You asked, looking at him with puppy dog eyes that made his heart swoon. He could never say no to you.

---

The next morning, you awoke to the sound of the kids playing out by the river, the wind rustling around the vardo as you heard Johnny helping out with the baby outside.

“I’m sorry love, I was going to get up and help ya but I guess I overslept.” You said, wrapping your robe around yourself that complimented your eyes and physique exquisitely.

“You needed the beauty sleep love. Besides, you’ve done enough for me these past weeks, thought I’d do something for ya.” He said, cradling the baby in his arms as you sat near him next to the barely lit fire, the coals still hot from the night before.

Johnny took your hand in his lightly, the ring on your finger sparkling in the sunlight as you both watched your kids playing together near the river.

In the distance though, you could hear the sound of a car pulling up, your nerves getting to you as you knew it was Thomas Shelby and his brothers.

“Here we go.” You mumbled, calling your children over as the men got out of the car, the kids nearly running into them as their little legs carried them swiftly over the grass. They quietly stood behind you as Johnny handed you your baby girl, her bright eyes looking up at you as the sun hit your face flatteringly.

“Hello boys! G’morning to ya! How’s about we get this meeting done shall we?” He asked, putting his cap on.

“Who’s the lovely lady over there aye?” John asked, eyeing her with hungry eyes.

“That’s me wife. Her names Y/N.” He said, looking John in the eyes as he crossed his arms.

“Oh and who are the children with her? They can’t be yours can they? Wow Johnny boy! Didn’t know you had it in ya. How’d you snag a gem of a girl like that aye? Use any of yer charms?” Arthur said jokingly.

“They’re mine yes, and don’t worry, I did nothing of the sort. She came to me actually.” He said with a proud smug smile on his face, knowing he married one of the prettiest women near Small Heath and the bastards couldn’t do anything about it.

“Well if you have anymore questions how’s about you lot meet them then?” Johnny asked over the awkward silence, Thomas still eyeing him a bit suspiciously.

“You boys go meet them, me and Johnny have something to discuss.” Tommy said shortly.

“Oh...al-alright. Here ya go lads.” He said, leading them over to Y/N and her children, who backed behind their beautiful mother shyly.

“Hello gentlemen, I’m Y/N. Nice to meet ya.” You said, smiling brightly as their stares lingered over you. It was something you were used to, but still made you slightly uncomfortable, so you remained focused on your kids.

“You can have a seat if you’d like, we don’t mind do we loves?” You asked, patting your son on the head as he smiled.

“No it’s ok momma. I’m gonna go play.” Your daughter said, running off towards the other little kids nearby. Your son sat by you though, eyeing the men curiously.

“So these are Johnny’s kids aye? What’s your name little man?” Arthur asked, putting on his nicest smile.

“Samuel. Who are you? Why do ya have big hats on like me dad?” He asked.

The men both looked at each other and smiled.

“We’re in a...group that your fathers in. It’s for people that are nice and strong.” He said.

“Oh...” Samuel said, fiddling with his fingers as he leaned his head against your arm.

“How’d you and Johnny meet aye? Old bugger like him sure snagged a beauty for a wife.” John said.

“Oh uhm...we met by chance really. I saw him scrapping with some people by the roadside when my family were going through and I stopped to watch. He says he got caught off guard by me. He got hit right after eyeing me up.” You said with a small laugh. John and Arthur chuckled as they looked over at Johnny and Tom having a rather tense conversation.

“While our brother’s interrogating the poor man, who’s this little one and her big sister?” Arthur asked.

“This is Sarah. She’s 4 months, almost 5. Talkative little bugger just like her dad. Always babbling about somethin’ aye? And that’s Alice. She hates sitting down, always wanting to be on the go. Guess it’s in the blood.” You said, also feeling antsy as you sat there with half of your little family.

“That it is.” Arthur said, looking around the camp as Johnny’s voice rose in the distance.

“When were you going to tell me Johnny?” Thomas asked, his cigarette dangling from his lips.

“About what mate? Bout me cookin’ and leaving yesterday or bout me family?” He asked.

“About your family, Johnny. You’re like family to us you know. How could you not tell us?” He asked loudly.

“You should know! The bloody line of work we’re in! God knows I’m not bringing them into that ‘ere.” He said a bit louder than Thomas expected, causing the others to look over.

“But why hide something like this Johnny? Not because of the way of our work but why hide it until now aye?” He asked.

Johnny thought for a moment, leaning against the tree near the river.

“Because Tom. I knew you’d all take one look at her and wonder why she’s wit’ a man like me. Ya know I’m not the nicest looking man ‘ere. Somehow how Tom...somehow she loves me and I wanted ya to see why I had to leave yesterday. It’s not just me I’m thinkin’ bout anymore.” He said.

“That why you’ve been yelling at work? Being short with everyone?” Thomas asked.

“Yeah Tom, yeah. Just...please don’t drag them into this.” He said, looking over at his wife who was managing pretty well despite John practically drooling.

“Well now that that’s cleared up how about you introduce me to them aye?” Thomas said, patting him on the shoulder and walking past him.

“I fucking guess. C’mon.” He said walking quickly ahead of his friend as Y/N smiled upon their arrival. His heart skipping a beat at the sight of it.

“Y/N, love, I want ya to meet-“ He said before you cut him off. Eyeing the man who’d put your family in risky circumstances long ago.

“Thomas Shelby. Yeah...I know. Nice to see you in person.” You said, shaking his hand roughly and with a more colder glance than you’d had given his other brothers. You knew Thomas orchestrated everything within the blinders, so he was often the one blamed when things went south, and you had no problem casting the blame on him when Johnny would come home half conscious and bleeding, or limping with a bullet wound or two.

“Pleasure’s all mine Y/N. How’s the family?” He asked, sitting beside Johnny around the bonfire that was slowly burning out.

“Good now that their father is back. This little one is Sarah, the wild one over there is Alice, and our boy here is Samuel.” You said, pointing with your free hand to your small crew of children.

“Aye, so he tells me you met by chance. How in the hell did this man meet a woman like you?” He asked.

You looked down slightly at your daughter who was surprisingly sleeping soundly, her small mass of hair on her head coming in as dark as her fathers.

“I told your brothers already but, uh we met when I was traveling with me family. Saw him scrapping with some other men from nearby, I guess ya locked eyes long enough with me that they knocked you out aye love?” You said lightly punching Johnny’s shoulder.

“Aye they did. Couldn’t stop bloody lookin’ at ya. I mean seriously boys. Isn’t she a beauty? I’m a lucky man. A lucky lucky man.” He said, lighting a cigar as you smiled and put your free hand on his. It was rough from years of work, but as warm as the hugs he gave. He was home to you, no matter where you all went, he was the one constant thing you longed for, knowing in your heart he was yours forever.

Johnny Dogs Tag List:

@flysafepapi, @gaytommyshelby, @ta-ka-shi-ma

If you’d like to be added/removed, just send me an ask/message. :)

#atjafshelby #peaky blinders #peaky blinders imagines #peaky blinders oneshots #peaky blinders fanfic #johnny dogs #johnny dogs x reader #johnny dogs x female!reader #johnny dogs x y/n #johnny dogs imagines #thomas shelby #arthur shelby #john shelby

124 notes · View notes

fuchsiagrasshopper · 3 years

Text

Contending the Flame XI

Author’s note: This chapter kept going on for a while so I had to cut it off somewhere which means next chapter will have Hvitserk and Ivar in Vestfold. This chapter progresses readers part a lot though and I’m very pleased with how it turned out. I’ve also reached 200 followers so I’m considering making a writing challenge for fun. Thanks to all of you who have made this happen!

Masterlist

Pairing: Ivar x Reader

Word Count: 2716

Warnings: The usual

After many days and nights at the open water, you came to land by notice of a raven. The birds were intelligent creatures and held a deeper context in their religion. You were beginning to feel the early traces of curiosity rearing. When the longboat had slipped into silent spells, you would try to listen to pieces of conversations and make sense of the strange fables and gods. By the time you were passing into the fjord, you were struck with the guilt that a day had passed and you had forgotten to pray to God.

The sight of the foreign city had you leaping up and hanging over the ledge of the boat to catch a better glimpse. The idea of different lands always seemed so fantastical to the point of myth, yet here you were pulling into a dock. It was a dark and cold place, besieged by tall cliffs of iron rock. The sun was already low, and it wasn't even midday yet.

For all of its murky preface, you still couldn't shake your excitement at arriving in Kattegat. It appeared you were the only one wearing a smile. The rest of your shipmates were stricken with sullen faces, and Ubbe was addressing the warriors.

"Lagertha's watch will already know we're here, so be prepared for questioning when we tie-up," He said. "Remember, we aren't here to start a war, or to win back Kattegat. We're looking for answers about the spy sent into our army."

"But Lagertha is your enemy," One of the men piped up. "Aren't you going to fight her regardless of that matter?"

Ubbe appeared frustrated. "Only when all of the sons of Ragnar have come to an agreement will we fight."

There was more chatter and bickering in hushed whispers as Ubbe tried to reign in the rabble. You watched on, wanting to help the eldest brother, but you knew your powerlessness. Audhild was beside you observing as well, and she made a harsh noise in her throat that resembled a laugh.

"Ubbe doesn't care to avenge his mother," She said offhandedly.

You paused a moment, not knowing if she wanted you to answer or if it was just her way of airing her outrage. "What do you mean?"

"Lagertha was the one who murdered Queen Aslaug. Some say to win back Kattegat, while others would have you believe it was revenge on her luring Ragnar away."

Ivar had spoken briefly about his mother, but you weren't aware of the entire history until this moment. "And what do you believe?"

"I believe Aslaug wanted to die and bewitched Lagertha into being the one to do it. She was a sad woman, made empty by the disappointing King Ragnar. There's no question that Lagertha is the better Queen, but reasoning won't reach slighted loved ones. Ivar will never allow Lagertha peace."

You looked into the healer's eyes and saw the truth of what she spoke. It was tragic. "How will you Northmen ever triumph over the Saxons, when you're too busy killing each other?"

Audhild barked out a brisk chuckle. "Smarter leaders than you or I have said much the same, yet here we are plotting to steal back Kattegat while Harald Finehair plans to launch an assault to win him rule over all of Norway. These are bold choices, and actions worthy of Valhalla. There's much you don't understand, nun."

"I wish I did," You murmured, feeling foolish.

Audhild studied you and seemed to determine you were genuine. "Perhaps you will, now that you're here. I don't think you'll see England again."

The mention of that didn't alarm you as much as it should have. You felt a pang of sadness, but not for the loss of England. That place had never felt like home. Nowhere ever had, and that was the root of your melancholy. You didn't have a place to belong, just a series of unfamiliar destinations had come and gone.

As the ship slowly coasted up to the wharf, there weren't many onlookers, and you chalked that up to being that these people witnessed boats coming and going at all times. One ship wasn't enough to warrant too much attention. If anyone took a second glance, it was because of Ubbe. Those sons of Ragnar drew attention wherever they went, and it must have been unusual for him to be seen without the others present.

When the boat docked, the crew immediately leapt to unloading the few provisions that had been packed aboard. You kept close to Audhild, unsure where your usefulness lied. You wanted to go and have a gander at the city, but you knew you couldn't just spring out on your own.

"Ólaug," Ubbe called, and your head snapped up at attention. "I want you to remain with Audhild for now. I'll likely be called to meet with Lagertha. I can see some of her shieldmaidens have been sent to treat with us."

You stared over his shoulder to the three women approaching. They were dressed in boiled leather and metal and armed with swords and bows, not unlike the maidens you had seen serving in the army.

"Ólaug? Did Ivar tell you to call me that?"

Ubbe flustered as if it had escaped him unnoticed that little slip-up. "He might have mentioned it, and I don't know your real name."

You sighed, but more from contentment than anger. The name had stuck, and it was something else to remind you about Ivar. "It's alright. I will try to keep out of trouble to make things easier for you."

"Good," He nodded in relief.

Ubbe was the first to hoist his way onto the dock, and you followed close behind him with Audhild and a group of warriors. By then the three shieldmaidens had made their way down to the water, and a golden blonde with intense eyes ringed in kohl stepped forward.

"You're missing something, Ubbe," She started, gathering a look at the rest of his party. "Where are your brothers?"

"Not missing, just separated. What I thought was best for the army no longer aligned with where Ivar and Hvitserk wanted to take it."

The warrior woman appeared unconvinced. "So you thought you'd return here, after threatening to overthrow Lagertha with Ivar the last time."

You tried to contain your surprise at that. Apparently, the feud between the sons and this Lagertha ran deeper than you could comprehend.

"I wished to return home, and to my wife. The ones who came with me sought the same," Ubbe explained. "Please, Torvi. I will give my share of the raids to Lagertha if that's what she wants, but I did not come here for title or glory."

The woman, Torvi, pondered over his words. "I would be less inclined to believe you if Ivar were present, but our scouts reported that you were the only ship to cross the fjord. Perhaps I can have Lagertha grant you a private meeting, but just with you, not even Margrethe would attend."

"I accept that," He agreed. "Do we have permission to disembark? My crew are tired and thirsty."

Torvi took another glance at all of you, and you found it difficult to meet her eyes when they fell upon you.

"You may, and have all of your gold brought to the Queen."

That was where the negotiations ended at least for the time being. You didn't know what task had been entrusted to Ubbe by Ivar, and you thought it better if you didn't know. Torvi led her two companions away back through the streets of Kattegat, and all while Ubbe watched her depart.

"I'm sure others are watching," He commented. "Don't mention Ivar or Hvitserk while out in public."

There was a collective agreement that reverberated from the group, and Audhild took a step forward.

"If Torvi is here, does that mean Bjorn is still in Kattegat?"

Ubbe shook his head. "I'm sure he made for the Mediterranean as he wanted to. Besides, even before we made for England, there were whispers of their marriage failing. Torvi serves his mother now."

As more names were idly tossed in the air, you began to grow more confused and out of place. The Northmen had as many struggles in their leadership as the Saxons, and you wondered if there was a place in this world that wasn't rife with betrayal.

"Come, Ólaug," Audhild's voice broke through your internal fretting. "There's something I must tell you, and it shouldn't be done with so many eyes around."

You frowned in confusion, but when you looked to Ubbe he gave Audhild a swift nod of dismissal. Whatever it was regarding, he knew about it.

You departed the dock, leaving the others to unload the heavy boxes of gold and treasures. Some of it you knew was from the ransacked church in York, but it didn't bother you to see it brought back into foreign lands. What Ivar had said before about the church hoarding wealth was true. Better it to be distributed among this trading post than in the hands of old men who preached righteousness but committed avarice.

You had been anticipating with some excitement to walk through the market stalls of Kattegat, but Audhild was not leading you to the city. She was headed in the direction of a path through the woods, and you weren't sure if you should feel nervous. The sounds of the crowd were growing distant, and you wondered if you should be preparing to run. Audhild may have been a healer, but she was thick in the shoulders and could still likely beat you in a fight.

"Where are we going?" You asked, and your voice shook.

Audhild tossed a glance your way and let out a laugh. "Don't look so nervous, Christian. Do you think I'd kill you now when I could have disposed of you all those times we worked alone back in York?"

It sounded silly out loud, and you ran a hand through your growing hair. "Sorry, I guess the forest made me nervous."

"You are paranoid, but I suppose it's better to be cautious. I would hold onto those instincts if I were you," She said while stepping over brush and deadfall. "And we're headed to my home. Ubbe and I agreed it would be better to keep you out of Kattegat until you've adjusted more. Some might not take to another Christian among us, not after Athelstan."

That was Ragnar's monk friend. Ivar had only mentioned him in passing, and it seemed he was not held in high regard. You supposed if the situation were reversed, and it was a heathen among Saxons, they would feel much the same.

Audhild continued to lead you along this long and difficult path, and the more the forest twisted, the less certain you were of your wayfinding skills. If you had to find the docks again, you didn't think you'd be able to. The dense trees provided decent shelter from the winds, however, and you had lost the prickly feeling on your skin that came from the cold.

"It's not much further now. I don't think I'll have much in the way of food, but I can provide drink and get a fire going," said Audhild.

You were used to going long bouts without a meal, but the fire sounded like heaven. Sleeping on a boat in constant motion wasn't the same as a bed or even a solid floor, and your aching back would welcome either.

The trees were beginning to thin until you found yourself in a small clearing in the woods. The ground was sun-dappled and leaf-covered, and a small house sat vacant in the center. You let out a small gasp, unable to describe what you were feeling at the sight of it.

"I know it isn't much, but it's all I've ever needed. I have no children, and I left for raids more than I was here."

"I think it's wonderful," You admitted. "But I've never had my own home before, and I gave up the need for one when I joined the abbey."

"Strange custom. What's a woman without a home?"

Had you not been a nun, it was likely you would not have had your own property anyway. It would have belonged to the man you would have chosen as a husband. You didn't bother to mention that to Audhild though. She was already looking at you as if you were the most peculiar creature.

"Can we go inside?" You asked, a sudden longing to be sheltered.

"In a moment," Audhild replied while holding you back. "I want to finish what I have to tell you now. Ivar wanted me to do this when we reached Kattegat and not a moment earlier."

At the mention of Ivar, your heart fluttered in both anticipation and concern. "What did he want you to do?"

Audhild took your hands, and she let the gruff expression on her face ease. "You are now made a free woman."

You blinked. If it wasn't for her strong grip on your hands, you were certain your arms would have fallen limp at your sides like dead meat on hooks. The words held much meaning, and you were afraid for whatever came next. You would have to fight the fear if you wanted to be seen as anything more than a coward. "I'm no longer a slave?"

"Yes, you stupid girl," Audhild said, letting go of you before you caught on to how soft she could be. "To be free amongst us gives you certain privileges and ensures you should be kept safer."

You didn't know what privileges she was speaking of, but the bit about being safe put you into a state of ease. "Why did he not free me himself before sending me here?"

"Can you not think of the reason?"

Shame perhaps? No, you banished the thought. Ivar was nothing if not prideful and likely would have wanted to free you himself if he could. You forced yourself to think of the circumstances of why he sent you away to be free, and then…

"If he freed me in York, I could have refused to come here," You spoke aloud and Audhild gave a resounding nod. "He thought I would refuse to stay with him."

"I'm not well acquainted with the Prince, but everyone in Kattegat knows of how he has been abandoned and lost those he cares for. I guess he wouldn't risk the same of you."

You felt guilty, but you didn't know why. As for whether or not you would have chosen to come to Kattegat yourself, you knew in your heart your answer. When you met Ivar again, you would have to make him understand how you felt. You wished he was beside you again, but you knew he had something more important to deal with and you refused to be a burden.

"What do I do now?"

"You come inside to warm up," Audhild said as she started for the door of her home. "And afterwards, we'll have to make sure you start to behave like a proper free woman because for the moment you look as lost as a fish on dry land."

You wanted to be insulted, but you knew the healer was right. You were far from home, and with a tenuous grasp of the language. What did it mean to be free, and among such strange folk as these Northmen whose religion you didn't fully understand?

You gathered the skirts of your slave frock and hurried after her. Perhaps to start you could buy new clothes. You also had not a coin to your name, and though you were capable with a needle and thread you couldn't make an entire new wardrobe with such paltry efforts. It seemed you would have to rely on the kindness of strangers for the time being, though the thought of that felt like charity. You would do what you could to assist Audhild in place of proper payment. She was calling for you again, for Ólaug. Only this time you didn’t spurn from the name, you ran towards it and the new freedom that Ivar the Boneless had gifted to you.

Taglist

@pomegranates-and-blood

@siren-queen03

@peachyboneless

@didiintheblog

@soleil-dor

@zuxiezendler

@pieces-by-me

@xbellaxcarolinax

@heavenly1927

@everyartistwas-firstanamateur

@youbloodymadgenius

@xceafh

@strangunddurm

@shannygoatgruff

@1950schick

@tgrrose

@castielsangelsx

@rose1729

@ladynightshade30

@mlchael-guerin

@dangerouspsychicgardenflower

@ritual-unions-gotme

@readsalot73

@lonewolf471

@poisonous00

@alytavzla

@crazybunnyladysworld

@midnightmystic

#ivar x reader #ivar x you #ivar the boneless x reader #ivar the boneless #ivar ragnarsson #history vikings #vikings #vikings ivar #ivar lothbrok #ivar x y/n

88 notes · View notes

drabbles-of-writing · 3 years

Note

Would there be a time at all where 4 years/new age Luz stomps into town like someone died while wearing her full owlet getup in broad daylight and just dramatically goes to the store to buy/steal some cookies?

Also I now live for our angsty children of this au being dumbasses to people (especially Luzs old hometown and Hexside) but actually full of trauma could i blease have some??

Luz would do this in the Boiling Isles & the human realm. shows up lookin ready to kick-ass but instead just nabs some snacks. usually its because shes about to head out to kick ass or she just came back from a fight and needs a Break. she often steals extras for the owl fam. she taunts that she only gets the best for herself bc shes the only one who bothers to go get snacks but in reality she lets anyone nab her good kush (especially Amity, Willow & Gus, which everyone taunts her abt picking favorites)

also yes u get some traumatized people being stupid

Jerbo @ any inconvenience: cool. im going to be ignoring my problems now Viney, without looking up from her book: and then have a mental breakdown five days later? Jerbo: you know it

some human finds Ed vibin on someones fence eating kitkat bars horizontally and they ask if hes okay n he looks at them all cheerful like “no! thank u for asking”. he has gotten a lot of treats from people passing by

Amity grabs a lighter n says “I’m having a bad day so lets commit arson” and like 5 other people go “FUCK YEAH” and in conclusion Luz is actually some of the owl fams impulse control. the Hexside students are just watching from the window as Amity finds some abandoned building and lights it tf up in the distance. they’re so used to this shit that they look @ it for about a minute before carrying on.

Luz @ Gus for just existing: I would die for you Eda from 4 rooms over: Luz you’d die for a snail also everyone is eventually banned from saying “I’d die for you” because they are absolutely serious and when they say that phrase, its almost always proceeded by then getting into/doing something ridiculously stupid and dangerous. the town has witnessed the outcome of this Many Times Before.

like all good families/siblings do, its inevitable that SOMEONE in the owl fam will start a play-brawl with each other. everyone will just wake up and see Eda & Lilith duking it out in the front yard bc Eda was pissed Lilith didn’t get her any snacks at the store. everyones tired n just goes back to sleep or they place bets on who will win. the Boiling Isles are used to the family feuds every now and again, took a while for the human town to get used to it. they see Em and Gus fighting and think “OH SHIT??? SOME DRAMA??” but then like 2 days later Em and Gus are spotted again just bein lil shit siblings and everyone is ??? the only rule of the family feuds is that once the fight is over, no matter who won, they gotta patch each other up. Viney and Amity are NOT wasting their energy on those idiots. though it was ridiculously funny when Viney and Amity ended up having a brawl that one time and Em was boutta join in before Ed and Luz yanked her back. anyway its not until Luz is done fighting w Jerbo & Barcus and getting patched up/patching them up that some townsfolk shows up n awkwardly goes “so are you guys like,,,,do you want Help?? is this Normal???” n Luz cheerfully explains that yes, this is a common occurrence. they fight to get out Bad Vibe Emotions but mostly just because. its like backup therapy after their actual therapy. the townsfolk just hmm in concern and concede to leave it alone

65 notes · View notes

ireadyabooks · 3 years

Text

Books to Read in 2021

It’s a NEW YEAR, everyone!

We made it through 2020, and whether or not you hit your reading goal this past year, don’t worry! 2021 is a new year for your TBR, and we have an AMAZING line-up of books you should add to your reading list ASAP.

THE LIFE I’M IN

This story of the power of forgiveness and second chances presents the unflinching story of a young woman trapped in the underworld of human trafficking. In Sharon G. Flake's latest and unflinching novel, we follow Charlese Jones, who, with her raw, blistering voice speaks the truths many girls face, offering insight to some of the causes and conditions that make a bully. Turned out of the only home she has known, Char boards a bus to nowhere where she is lured into the dangerous web of human trafficking.

HOLD BACK THE TIDE

A darkly seductive story of murder, betrayal, love, and family secrets in a small town in the Scottish Highlands. Alva knows that her father killed her mother, but she can’t prove it. The more she investigates though, the more she realizes that the truth can be more monstrous than lies/ And while you might be able to outrun anything that emerges from the dark water, you can never escape your past . . .

MUTED

Denver is more than ready on the day she and her best friends Dali and Shak sing their way into the orbit of the biggest R&B star in the world, Sean "Mercury" Ellis. Merc gives them everything: parties, perks, wild nights -- plus hours and hours in the recording studio. Even the painful sacrifices and the lies the girls have to tell are all worth it. Until they're not. Denver begins to realize that she's trapped in Merc's world, struggling to hold on to her own voice. As the dream turns into a nightmare, she must make a choice: lose her big break, or get broken.

THE POETRY OF SECRETS

A lyrical portrait of hidden identities and forbidden love set against the harrowing backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition. Isabel’s dreams to pursue poetry and a partner of her own choosing are thrown into jeopardy when the Spanish Inquisition reaches her small town.

SHURI #2: THE VANISHED

Shuri, the Princess of Wakanda (and sister to the Black Panther), sets out to save a group of kidnapped girls in this all-new, original novel by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone!

BRIDGE OF SOULS

Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows . . .unless it's the other way around? Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. And the city's biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.

FOLLOW YOUR ARROW

When bisexual influencer CeCe breaks up with her girlfriend, Silvie, she’s devastated. But then she starts falling for a new guy who has no idea she’s internet famous...and CeCe wants to keep it that way. But as her secrets catch up to her, she finds herself in the middle of an online storm, where she'll have to confront the blurriness of public vs. private life, and figure out what it really means to speak her truth.

MIRROR’S EDGE

The danger rises and the deception grows in the heart-stopping third book in the New York Times bestselling Impostors series! Are twins Frey and Rafi on the same side . . . or are they playing to their own agendas? If their father is deposed from Shreve, who will take control? And what other forces may be waiting in the wings?

ZARA HOSSAIN IS HERE

Zara's family has waited years for their visa process to be finalized so that they can officially become US citizens. While dealing with the Islamophobia that she faces at school, Zara has to lay low. But when her tormentor vandalizes her house with racist graffiti, a violent crime puts Zara’s entire future at risk. Now she must pay the ultimate price and choose between fighting to stay in the only place she's ever called home or losing the life she loves and everyone in it.

REMEDY

It's a mystery - why is Cara so sick? It feels like she's been sick all her life . . . but she and her mom have never stayed in one place long enough for doctors to really understand what's happening to her. Now, at fourteen, Cara is tired of being tired, and sick of being sick. Unable to afford the care she needs, Cara's mom starts a Caring for Cara campaign online. The money starts pouring in. But something's not right to Cara. And the harder she looks, the less she understands.

HEARTSTOPPER VOLUME 3

The third volume in the poignant and sweet Heartstopper series, featuring beautiful two-color artwork! Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Nick has even found the courage to come out to his mom. But coming out isn't something that happens just once, and Nick and Charlie try to figure out when to tell their friends that they're dating. Not being out to their classmates gets even harder during a school trip to Paris. As Nick and Charlie's feelings get more serious, they'll need each other more than ever.

THE BLOCK

In the second book of The Loop trilogy, Luka is trapped in a fate worse than death. But now that he knows the truth about what he and his fellow inmates are being used for, it's more important than ever that he not only escapes, but that he builds an army.

ON THE HOOK

Hector has always minded his own business while he works towards a better life. Until Joey, whose older brother, Chavo, is head of the Discípulos gang, tells Hector that he's going to kill him: maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday. And Hector, frozen with fear, does nothing. From that day forward, Hector's death is hanging over his head every time he leaves the house. But when a fight between Chavo and Hector's brother escalates, Hector is left with no choice but to take a stand. It's up to Hector to choose whether he's going to lose himself to revenge or get back to the hard work of living.

MISTER IMPOSSIBLE

Do the dreamers need the ley lines to save the world . . . or will their actions end up dooming the world? As Ronan, Hennessy, and Bryde try to make dreamers more powerful, the Moderators are closing in, sure that this power will bring about disaster. In the remarkable second book of The Dreamer Trilogy, Maggie Stiefvater pushes her characters to their limits – and shows what happens to them and others when they start to break.

THE GHOSTS WE KEEP

Everything happens for a reason.At least that's what everyone keeps telling Liam Cooper after his older brother Ethan is killed suddenly in a hit-and-run. Feeling more alone and isolated than ever, Liam has to not only learn to face the world without one of the people he loved the most, but also face the fading relationships of his two best friends in the process. Soon, Liam finds themself spending time with Ethan's best friend, Marcus, who might just be the only person that seems to know exactly what they're going through - for better and for worse.

SIMONE BREAKS ALL THE RULES

Simone is shaking things up by making a bucket list of everything she hasn’t been able to do thanks to her strict Haitian immigrant parents. But as the list takes on a life of its own, things get much more complicated than Simone expected. She'll have to discover which rules are worth breaking, and which might save her from heartbreak.

SPEAK FOR YOURSELF

Skylar is ready to show everyone that her latest app is brilliant by winning an academic competition. To do that, she's going to use it to win State at the Scholastic Exposition, the nerdiest academic competition around. But when she falls for one of her team members and things get complicated, is her path to greatness over before it begins?

THE GIRL FROM THE SEA

A graphic novel about family, romance, and first love! Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore. But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.

RISE TO THE SUN

Three days. Two girls. One life-changing music festival. Toni is reeling in the wake of the loss of her roadie father and desperate to figure out where her life will go from here. Olivia is a hopeless romantic whose heart has just taken a beating (again). When the two collide at the Farmland Music and Arts Festival, it feels like kismet. But when something goes wrong and the festival is sent into a panic, Toni and Olivia find that they need each other, and the music, more than they ever imagined.

YOU & ME AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Hannah Ashton wakes up to silence. The entire city around her is empty, except for one other person: Leo Sterling. Leo might be the hottest boy ever (and not just because he's the only one left), but he's also too charming, too selfish, and too devastating for his own good, let alone Hannah's. Together, they search for answers amid crushing isolation. But while their empty world may appear harmless . . . it's not. Because nothing is quite as it seems, and if Hannah and Leo don't figure out what's going on, they might just be torn apart forever.

IN THE SAME BOAT

Sadie is ready for the race of a lifetime: The Texas River Odyssey. But then her brother ditches her and she has to pair up with her former best friend, Cully. It's irritating enough that he grew up to be so attractive, but once they're on the river it turns out he's ill-prepared for such a dangerous race. But as the miles pass, the pain of the race builds, they uncover the truth about their feuding families, and Sadie's feelings for Cully begin to shift. Could this race change her life more than she ever could have imagined?

THE GREAT DESTROYERS

In this alternate-history novel, Jo joins the Pax Games: an Olympics-style competition that pits pilots of mechas against each other. But when fighters start dying in the arena, Jo is drawn into a deadly political plot. In a global arms race between superpowers, playing out in violent games that only humanity could create, comes a chilling story of clashing titans, ruthless competition, freedom, and the girl caught in the middle of it all.

#I read YA #books to read #booklr #2021 books #tbr #2021 tbr

52 notes · View notes

commonwealthoccurences · 3 years

Text

Roll Your Eyes (One More Time) (Part One)

Note: Talk about last minute lol sorry guys, had a really busy day at work to the point where it came home with me. Didn’t want to break my promise of posting daily, though! Part two will be coming up tomorrow.

Word Count: 1,395 Prompt: Enemies to Lovers

Day: 11/27

Something about Sole’s spitfire personality and total disregard for the Brotherhood system had Danse’s blood boiling from the moment they met. Sure, they helped him and the others out of a tight spot, but the way they scoffed in regards to their protocol and the system that Danse had spent most of his life being loyal to had him ready to burst when Maxson asked him to recruit them into the Brotherhood.

Danse wasn't one to question orders too much, though, and he simply gritted his teeth and showed a very smug Sole to their quarters, fighting every step of the way with the urge to stop them and give them a lecture about the respect the Brotherhood deserved. They were the one who needed to earn their place here, not the other way around. Things didn't get much better as time passed, with Elder Maxson sending Sole with Danse on missions considering he had technically sponsored them and therefore they were his responsibility. Sole was eating it up every time, a pleased smile stretched across their face every time Danse shot them a furious glance at the way they acted or carried themself.

On the other hand, Sole was simply trying to survive. They had walked into a barren wasteland with nothing but the shirt- well, vault suit, on their back and were thrown back and forth between organizations and individuals who saw them as nothing more than a potential asset for carrying out their mission. Sole was tired. They were tired of following everybody's rules, tired of taking everything so seriously all the time, and they just happened to channel that frustration into Danse.

He felt it was more personal than that. The longer they were forced to work closely together, the more irritable and harsh Danse became, and the less joking Sole's jabs and snide remarks became. Slowly, the humor left the situation, and Elder Maxson gave up, waving off the feud and separating them until further notice. Sole suspected he was tired of the headaches they were probably causing, and Danse was just happy to have his dignity and peace back.

It was almost radio silence between them after the night that Elder Maxson summoned them to his quarters and lectured them, words so loud and harsh that even Danse flinched at one point, and informed them to stay away from each other for the sake of the team since they couldn't maintain any semblance of professionalism. That stung both of their pride. While Sole wasn't impressed with the Brotherhood’s rigorous schedules and borderline cult-like mannerisms, they'd worked hard to get to where they were at and it was pressing proof that they didn't lack professionalism, nor skill. Danse had spent his whole life trying to please higher ups that barely noticed him when he was killing himself to do better than anyone else; of course he was furious.

So they separated and refused to sit anywhere near each other, letting the gap grow as time went on. There was less anger and more of a void as they continued to avoid each other, skirting around each other's space at meetings much to Maxson's obvious displeasure, rolling their eyes when the other spoke, and in Danse's case, chewing his way through a ridiculous amount of bubblegum from the Brotherhood's supply just trying to suppress the urge to lecture them on anything he saw them doing wrong.

They remained competitive, despite it all. Eyeing each other during shooting evaluations, trying to bring back more scrap than the other person, always trying to be the most intelligent in the room. Well, maybe not in the room, as long as the other wasn't showing them up. Maybe the gap wasn't as big as they thought, considering they watched each other so closely, not wanting the other to get ahead of them in any circumstances.

And then the Brotherhood needed a large group of soldiers to get one of their missions done and there was no avoiding putting two of their best in the same group. Sole could see the veins standing out in Maxson’s neck when he made the announcement, practically daring either of them to say something with the energy he was bringing into the room. Sole sat back in their chair with a quiet breath and scanned the room to find Danse. When he met their eyes, they chose not to glare. Instead, they winked, knowing it would probably cause steam to start coming out of his ears. When he ground his teeth together and quickly turned his head away, they knew they’d been successful.

Theoretically, the mission would be a piece of cake considering the amount of quality fighters they had on their side. The orders were simple; get in, clear the area of synths, get one of the data files they were trying to use against the Brotherhood, and get out without any casualties. They had done similar things countless times before, just on a smaller scale. And of course, much to Sole’s annoyance, Danse decided to take this opportunity to give everyone a lecture on the importance of their work with the Brotherhood and blah blah blah.

The eyeroll they sent his direction was almost unthinkably easy; it came to them by instinct, meant just to piss Danse off. It worked. They could see the temptation rise in him steadily to call them out in front of everyone, to try and embarrass them just for that sense of satisfaction he would’ve been ashamed to acknowledge just a year prior. Sole wasn’t one to accept embarrassment and back down, though, and he’d learned that a long time ago, so he bit his tongue and ignored them, praying they wouldn’t pipe up just to drag the game out a little longer.

For some reason Sole was barely feeling it that day. Consciously, at least. The eye roll was just reflex to seeing Danse all high and mighty about his mission from the Brotherhood. They shifted their shoulders in discomfort, trying to find relief from the pressure that had been created from them carrying their pack all day. Nothing seemed to be sitting right and it had been a gruelling walk, though that wasn’t exactly unusual for the Brotherhood.

They rolled their head from side to side, begging their neck to pop internally as Danse finished his speech before picking up their firearm and returning to their usual position amongst the others, preparing to infiltrate the location. Danse turned to them and stared for a moment, judging whether or not they were ready. It wasn’t concern they read in his eyes, no, definitely not, it was him checking to make sure the people he was leading weren’t liabilities. That’s what it was. Sole clenched their fists and unclenched them a few times, getting their blood pumping and waking themself up before shit went down.

It was supposed to be a simple in and out mission, something they’d run millions of times. Until apparently the synths had been informed they were coming and managed to catch Danse just as he was walking through a supposedly cleared room with a grenade. And now Sole was leaning over him, shaking his shoulders through the ridiculous metal armor, trying to keep his eyes from closing. “Hey, don’t you fucking go anywhere, Danse. Keep your eyes open!” Their jostling was a bit harsh, but they figured the circumstances permitted it.

Danse’s eyelids were fluttering with the effort of keeping them open; they weren’t sure if he’d hit his head or not, or if it were simply getting knocked through a wall that had taken the breath out of him and was fighting to keep him drowsy. “Danse I’m gonna kick your ass if you don’t keep those eyes open!” They were struggling to find wherever the hell the emergency release was on his stupid scrapmetal armor, but all of their training had flown out of their brain when they saw him thrown ragdoll through the air.

He looked up at them, eyes confused and so void of his hardass personality. He almost seemed innocent, like the shock had washed him clean of everything the Brotherhood had drilled into him. For a second, his arm shifted and he reached up, before his eyes rolled to the back of his head and his arm fell like a lead weight.

#Fallout 4 #Fo4 #Fo4f #Fallout 4 February #Oneshot #Imagine #Paladin Danse #Danse #Fluff #Enemies to Lovers

30 notes · View notes

ibijau · 3 years

Text

Deathbed Wedding pt3

Nie Huaisang meets with his friends, and gets to ask about certain rumours he's heard

Also on AO3

Even though he had probably left earlier than anyone else, Nie Huaisang was still late to reach the meeting point, and the last one to arrive. That, of course, was not exactly unusual. Wen Chao looked as annoyed as ever about it.

"You didn't bring anyone?" Wen Chao snapped at him in lieu of greeting. "What's even the point of inviting you if you don't also bring some competent people with you?"

"Some other business came up," Nie Huaisang lied. "The others had to stay behind to take care of it, but I asked to still come here. I didn't want to disrespect you."

"I wouldn't even have noticed your absence," Wen Chao retorted.

Nie Huaisang only smiled politely. They both knew that was a lie.

Wen Chao liked to organise grand Night Hunts for the young masters of other sects to join. With an older brother as talented as Wen Xu, it was an easy way for him to distinguish himself and make sure he didn’t fade into obscurity, which his personality wouldn’t have borne. Sadly, that same personality made it difficult for anyone to put up with him. To make it worse, there were a number of grudges on-going between the young masters of their generation, and while Wen Chao liked to boast he had the heirs of all the Great Sects coming to his Night Hunts, he lacked the diplomacy to make everyone really work together.

Meanwhile Nie Huaisang was desperately in need of joining every Night Hunt he could, and he had the skill of getting along with anyone, no matter how much he disliked them. Besides, living in an environment like Qinghe Nie had taught him early on how to deal with personal conflicts, and he was pretty good at stopping fights before they could start (or at making them worse if it suited him).

Unless Wen Chao wanted to deal with Wei Wuxian and Jin Zixuan's constant arguing, or with Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji's silent feud, or with everyone’s dislike of him, then he needed Nie Huaisang at his damn Night Hunts.

And since Nie Huaisang was there at last, they could finally head out toward the location of the actual Night Hunt. Although he had many questions for Lan Wangji, and a few for Jiang Cheng as well, Nie Huaisang decided to fly next to Jin Zixuan. The conversations he needed to have with his other friends would likely have been too intense, and he wasn’t sure he could have mustered enough focus to continue flying his sabre at the same time, not when he was already a little tired. Jin Zixuan, thankfully, always appreciated a little silent companionship, and did not mind that Nie Huaisang barely said ten words to him the entire time.

It took them a good half day of flying to get where Wen Chao swore the monster they’re going to hunt has made its den. He refused to give them any details about the creature in question of course, because Wen Chao thrived on surprising people with his Night Hunts, even if it sometimes got a little dangerous as a result… but that was part of why they all came back. Wen Chao was a prick, but he always organised such good Night Hunts.

This one wasn’t off to a great start though, with Wen Chao telling them they needed to start looking for a cave somewhere in the mountain they’d just reached. It was unlike him to not know more precisely where the creature they were after had made its den, but he hyped it so well that nobody really minded. Nie Huaisang personally would have loved to rest a little first, but since nobody else seemed tired, he simply couldn’t start complaining. It was a good way to work on his endurance, he decided.

As everyone divided in small groups to look for that cave, Nie Huaisang dumped Jin Zixuan who he’d been flying with, and went to join Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng.

“Can I search with you?” he asked innocently, trying to match their fast walking pace. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen any of you, so I thought we could catch up.”

“You saw us not two months ago,” Wei Wuxian retorted with a grin. “How are your ribs, by the way?”

Nie Huaisang pouted as he fell in step with them, and patted the right side of his body.

“They healed quite nicely, and da-ge never realised they were cracked instead of just bruised.”

Of course, Nie Mingjue had still scolded him a lot, even for what he’d thought to be only a minor injury. Which was very unfair, even Jiang Cheng had said it had been bad luck that day, and Jiang Cheng never said anything nice if he didn’t mean it.

Lan Wangji, who in some respects was a lot like Nie Mingjue, slowed down and frowned upon hearing of that injury.

“Nie gongzi was hurt?” he asked. The ‘again’ was left out, but so heavily implied that Nie Huaisang still heard it.

“Just a little, nothing to worry about,” Nie Huaisang replied with a bright smile. “I’m doing better and better on those Night Hunts, and everyone gets a little bruised here and there, especially at first. It’s all very normal.”

Lan Wangji’s frown deepened, and Nie Huaisang thought it better to quickly breach the subject that actually interested him before he had to deal with a lecture on safety. He hadn’t left his brother’s home just to be bothered by his friends as well.

“So, Wangji-xiong, how is your brother these days?”

Immediately, the atmosphere changed. Lan Wangji’s expression hardened, while Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian exchanged a nervous glance. Nie Huaisang noticed it, and forced himself to continue smiling as if he couldn’t see it.

“I do hope he’s well,” he said lightly. “And your uncle too. Your father as well, I suppose,” he added with a small laugh. “I haven’t had much news from Gusu lately, how sad. Won’t you tell me what’s happening in the Cloud Recesses?”

The other three boys tense further, avoiding his eyes. Nie Huaisang felt his cheeks start to hurt from the effort of keeping his smile on, but he refused to break. He refused to ask if the rumours were really true.

He didn’t need to ask when their faces said it all.

He didn’t want to ask, but he wanted to hear the answer anyway.

“Nie-xiong, don’t play that game,” Wei Wuxian snapped, poking him in the side, eliciting a slight grimace. His ribs were almost fully healed, but still a little sensitive. “You know it’s annoying when you pretend not to know things. You’ve heard already, haven’t you?”

“Only fools listen to gossip, Wei-xiong,” Nie Huaisang, fighting the impulse to take out a fan to comfort himself. “What am I supposed to know?”

Wei Wuxian, in a rare moment of good sense, bit his lip to stay silent. He looked at Jiang Cheng, even more uneasy than himself, then at Lan Wangji, who was visibly uncomfortable as well.

It was Lan Wangji who broke first. Gusu Lan’s rules demanded honesty, after all.

“Father has been going to Lotus Piers recently,” he announced. “There is discussion of an engagement between xiongzhang and Jiang guniang.”

Nie Huaisang stumbled against a tree root and would have fallen face first if Jiang Cheng hadn't caught him.

Even if rumours had reached him, to hear it said so plainly from Lan Wangji was more than he truly felt really to handle. It shouldn’t have surprised him though.

Back then, Qingheng-Jun had made it clear that he wasn’t willing to let his sons marry just anyone. Ideally he preferred for them to have a spouse who would bear them children (which almost had made Nie Huaisang laugh when he’d heard it: Lan Xichen might agree out of duty, but good luck getting Lan Wangji to obey). He was not entirely opposed to a sterile union though, as long as that spouse agreed to the presence of concubines to continue the line (Nie Huaisang and Lan Xichen, who had already discussed the issue before even asking for that engagement, had already figured it would be required).

The real problem though, the issue that had been a deal-breaker for Qingheng-Jun when Nie Mingjue had approached him on behalf of his half-brother, was that he believed his sons should only marry someone of great cultivation skill, as he was convinced that an unbalanced match could only lead to trouble down the line.

Nie Mingjue had argued that it would be a good political alliance, that Nie Huaisang brought other skills to the table, that the two young people had been deeply in love for close to two years at that point, but none of it had mattered. Qingheng-Jun had rejected the engagement, because Nie Huaisang just wasn’t good enough.

For months now Nie Huaisang, furious and humiliated that the qualities he did have were overlooked, had worked hard to improve himself and show Qingheng-Jun that he was worthy of Lan Xichen. He was getting there, he knew he was getting there, if only he could get a little more time, a few more Night Hunts, another couple of chances to prove that he could be a real cultivator when he just bothered...

“It’s nothing certain yet,” Jiang Cheng remarked when Nie Huaisang remained silent for too long. “My mother is interested, but my father is saying he didn’t break off the engagement with Jin Zixuan just to push my sister in the arms of another boy who wouldn’t favour her.”

“Xiongzhang is unwilling,” Lan Wangji agreed. “There have been arguments. Xiongzhang raised his voice against father.”

Nie Huaisang managed a weak smile. Lan Xichen wasn’t the sort to stand up against his elders, least of all against a father who rarely meddled in his sons’ lives but expected total obedience when he did. This situation was less than ideal, but Nie Huaisang felt a twisted sort of joy upon hearing that in his own way, Lan Xichen too was fighting for their future.

Still, even if negotiations with the Jiangs didn’t work out in the end, it was clear now that Qingheng-Jun was looking to marry his son, and there would be plenty of candidates. Nie Huaisang really needed to step up and do something extraordinary, and he needed to do it soon.

“Let's keep looking for that cave,” he said, a new spring in his step. “I don't want Wen Chao to find it first, you know he's just going to be insufferable if he does!”

The other three agreed, and redoubled their efforts, though they also all kept an eye on Nie Huaisang who, for once, didn't notice it. He had bigger things to worry about.

That monster Wen Chao had promised them had better be something truly legendary, because Nie Huaisang had a father-in-law to convince.

#xisang #nie huaisang #lan xichen #lan wangji #wei wuxian #mdzs #jau writes #deathbed wedding au #drama! at the night hunt

26 notes · View notes

grapejuiceproductions · 3 years

Text

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

I want to start by saying I'm so sorry for how long this is, but I had to get it all out.

So my mom has decided to come out of retirement to teach English 1 and 2 this school year because of the critical shortage of teachers. Now my mom, may the saints bless her, is a history teacher. She has taught history for nearly thirty years, she's good at what she does and there's no doubt in my mind that she's going to be a phenomenal English teacher as well. Like almost any English 1 class in any public school, they teach Romeo and Juliet.

As we are getting her room ready, making lesson plans, catching up with the technology and all that, she hands me her phone and it's a Tic Tok video of some kind of tissue paper boarder and she's like make this for the whiteboards. So I do. As I am cutting up the tissue paper she and her fellow English teacher are talking about Romeo and Juliet. Cue my rant.

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. That's it. There is no if, and's, or but's about it. William Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet as a tragedy. When it's taught in schools, I see that fact getting lost in the idea that it's the greatest love story ever written. It's not. Romeo and Juliet is a story about two teenagers who have no idea what they are doing and have extremely poor impulse control. Juliet is fourteen during the events that happen. Fourteen. Does anyone remember what they were like at fourteen? I wager it wasn't pretty.

She is clearly spoiled as the only daughter of a very wealthy family. The two families are also minor nobility. She is expected to marry to better her family's standing in society. At fourteen, her hormones are completely out of whack and her brain is in the process of rewiring itself into a more adult-like mentality. At fourteen teenagers are driven almost entirely by their emotions and the more reactive amygdala than the frontal cortex. This change continues even into adulthood. Because of the stage of brain development teenagers are more likely to get into fights, act on their impulses, misunderstand social cues, get into all kinds of accidents, and engage in risky or dangerous behaviors. Sound familiar?

Teenagers have also been proven to be less likely to think before they act, less likely to consider the consequences of their actions, and they are less likely to change their dangerous behaviors. That isn't to say that teens can't make good decisions or know right from wrong, they just don't always stop to take things into consideration before acting. The political situation of Verona also has to be taken into consideration.

Verona is ruled by the Prince who is the Judge, Jury, and Executioner of the people. Verona also isn't terribly large and seems to be more of a city-state than anything. The two families have been feuding for literal generations at this point and everyone is pretty tired of their Hatfield/McCoy impression (and yes I am aware that Hatfield/McCoy was well after Romeo and Juliet). Now, in the story, Romeo is a few years older than Juliet, most people estimate about seventeen. In the beginning, we see him pining for Rosaline who he claimed to love more than anything and who has told him to get lost. Romeo gets convinced to sneak into the Capulet party and there he sees Juliet. Boom! Instant love.

Bullshit.

Romeo is seventeen, he doesn't know what he wants and he proves to be incredibly fickle when he so easily casts aside his love for Rosaline. Juliet, being so young, was incredibly vulnerable to Romeo and his attentions. He was a handsome older boy who was whispering sweet nothings and claiming to love her. Add in the forbidden romance angle...she never stood a chance. It was more than likely that Juliet had been very sheltered because of her position in her family and society as well as her age. Telling a teenager they can't do something is almost guaranteed to make sure the teen does exactly that thing you didn't want them to do. Again, it all goes back to developing brain chemistry.

Most people think that the events in the story happen over a long period of time, but it actually happens over about four days. Their entire relationship was purely impulse-driven. At that stage, they would have been in the attraction phase which produces that can't-focus-on-anything-but feeling. This is present in the way Juliet and Romeo both react to their separation after the party. Basically, their brains have forced them to be addicted to each other. Combine that with poor impulse control and the questionable ability to think before acting and you have a very dangerous combination.

The pair marry in secret, literally the day after they meet and everything pretty much goes to shit from there. Mercutio and Tybalt fight and Tybalt kills Mercutio. Romeo, having witnessed the death of his beloved friend and been taunted by Tybalt, snaps and kills Tybalt leading to his exile to Mantua. Juliet is informed by her parents that she will marry Count Paris, who is a cousin to the Prince, drastically raising the family's status. Juliet, predictably, throws a fit of epic proportions and is backed into a corner and forced to agree to marry the Count.

The blame for the ending of Romeo and Juliet could not solely be laid at the feet of teenage hormones and shoddy brain chemistry. Friar Lawrence also played a large role. It was he who gave the "potion" to Juliet that mimicked death, which sets off the entire ending of the story. Juliet and Romeo both prove their childishness after Tybalt and Mercutio's deaths by saying they would rather die than leave or marry Paris, and they well mean it.

In the end, the story finds Juliet just waking from her coma as Romeo is dying beside her. She was so willing to be with Romeo that she was going to leave everything she had behind to run away with him and Romeo was so "in love" with Juliet that he kills himself to be with his presumed-dead wife. Juliet's choice to kill herself with Romeo's dagger is also significant. Most women who commit suicide choose to do so through poison or cutting their wrists. Stabbing themselves is very rare. The placement of the stab wound is also important because she stabbed low in her stomach, meaning it would have been a long, slow, agonizing death.

The Prince was more than right to take the two families to task for their parts in the deaths. Their feud cost the families dearly in a beloved daughter and a beloved heir. Even the Prince lost family to the fighting. Romeo and Juliet is not a love story of star-crossed lovers. It's a tragedy of two rash, unthinking children who lost their lives due to the prejudice of their parents and their own twisted brain chemistry. It is not a story anyone should want to emulate in any way, shape, or form.

Teenage brain development info: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/The-Teen-Brain-Behavior-Problem-Solving-and-Decision-Making-095.aspx

Brain Chemistry About Love: https://people.howstuffworks.com/love6.htm

#Romeo and Juliet #High School #English 1 #thanks for coming to my ted talk #Stupid Teenagers #Angsty #shakespeare #Shakespeare needs some help or something #What was he on when he penned this?#cause I want some

4 notes · View notes