i know it might have been mentioned before, but if it hasn't been touched on already, could we pretty pretty pls see what a marine au for memos would look like? who would Hoku work for? would she ironically make for a good marine?
The following AU takes place in a timeline where Hoku did eventually join the Marines. After spending time on Dawn Island with Luffy, when Hoku sets off on her own journey, reuniting with Ace, meeting Hack, etc, only after fixing up Mayman/meeting Kid, does she seek out Tsuru and decide to take her up on her offer to become "an upstanding marine" and to avoid Luffy
(The scene with Shanks below takes place sometime 3D2Y post-time skip)
Hoku decides to play at being a marine because she (1) finds them constantly in the line of fire and at risk of work hazards (2) believes there's something specific she can do from the inside of the institute she'd like to explore, mainly helping other Pokians and maaaaaybe making things a bit easier for a certain king of pirates (because she knows she can always quit!) (3) it will help her avoid being a pirate with luffy and being involved further in the main story
Despite this plan, she still seems to run into one too many pirates
"What's your relationship with Straw Hat Luffy?" "Who's that?" "Our men saw him trying to kidnap you onto his ship! Was it for ransom?" "He just wanted me to try Sanji's new dish."
"But you're a marine, we're supposed to be capturing pirates?"
"I didn't see that in the handbook."
"But you never read the handbook!"
Hoku underwent rigorous training with Tsuru, mainly under the tough old lady's jurisdiction—this helps her particularly avoid discipline from several other marines. There have often been requests for her to join other commands, some from marines who want to teach her a lesson, others from marines who genuinely have fun working with her
When Tsuru isn't training her, she's being worked to near death by Garp
She has one of the highest disciplinary records in academy history
Some cadets don't understand how she can get away with getting into so much trouble, sometimes a marine grunt will see her being forced to clean out an entire base's cafeteria while someone supervises and they're like?? again??? how is she not in impel down?? tried for mutiny??
Some people eventually get the memo—it's favoritism/abuse of power/strangely good luck in some occasions
Some marines don't like it one bit, they have it out for Hoku, she doesn't really care
Garp never, ever stops talking anyone's ear off about how his beautiful, adorable granddaughter is going to be one of the best marine's the world has ever seen
Tsuru has unofficially officially made herself Hoku's grandmother in a way. She and Garp often have petty fights over Hoku stories. They fight a lot over who's squad Hoku has to be on
Over the years, she's actually made enough contributions and done quite the number of great feats, enough to land her at captain level, (rear admiral candidate at Tsuru and Garp's behest) but Hoku sometimes keeps her petty officer title, keeping the perks that come with captain status and the likes
She doesn't mind abusing her power and shrugging off her responsibilities
Whenever she's assigned missions where she has a whole squad to take care of, the marines assigned to her are usually wary, uncertain and thinking they're unlucky
Until they actually work with Hoku and are like??? we're doing work today? did we just bust this human trafficking ring? did we just liberate an entire island stuck in a pirate tyranny? and other times they come, asking her what their job is for today and she's just like? go home there's nothing to do
If they really bother her, she'll send them off to different islands and countries that need help. "Go distribute these supplies to here." "They asked for someone to help rebuild their village." "Put those dumb ships to use and go delivery this to them."
Hoku has made her way around several different bases, under several different chains of commands, (she is now infamous) usually on a sort of temp job kind of borrowed basis, but officially she's under Tsuru's wing
Smoker has gone through several different stages of mental strife and grief with Hoku, originally being distrustful when the criminal who blew up a base in Tretar became a marine, then becoming somewhat determined to help mold her into a damn good marine, then to becoming strangely fixed (obsessed) with either being in charge of ensuring she receives punishment/is not mistreated for her origins within the lower ranks, and they are even sometimes seen gambling together on occasion. They have a funny relationship these two, Hoku's too lazy to try to understand it.
Her outfit as a marine is a lot like her original, however she wears a black top instead of white and with black pants. Her jacket is white instead with her usual accessories, and the only thing that helps people actually identify her as a marine is the standard issue marine cap she wears
Hoku has also secretly become a huge collector of wanted posters. It originally started small, just taking the wanted posters of people she cared about, but now it's spiraled into a full-on sizable collection where she has different versions of wanted posters, original prints, first roll-outs and etc. She trades with Bradnew and other marines and hangs them all up on her wall or keeps them safe in a minted book
Hoku often abuses any and all of her rights as a marine. She's really, really good at being a bad marine.
"Hey, did you hear the news?"
The petty officer looked up from where they'd been tasked to dust and clean the entire meeting room to perfection. Several other cadets and chore boys had been called from the barracks, each ordered to ensure that the following few rooms that would be in use for the meeting would be ready at a moment's notice.
For what meeting? He had no idea.
"No," he said, because he didn't know. There was so much gossip going around base these days he could hardly keep up. "What was it?"
First there'd been the rumor that one of the Four Emperors of the sea was on the move about the Grand Line, cutting and going as he pleased. Any movement from an Emperor was grounds for mass panic. Then there'd been talk that newly appointed Fleet Admiral Akainu had almost burned another ranking marine alive. Less serious and more on the interesting side, word was floating around that the Vice Admiral Smoker was seeing someone, which was juicy gossip in its own right because Vice Admiral Smoker?
"Apparently he's always following her around," someone said.
"He requests transfers and is always grumbling about them, I think he's worried they're going to end up with someone else—"
"Even Captain Tashigi seems to be aware and they're always—"
For today, however, it seemed something different was brewing amongst headquarters. Other officers were making a ruckus while the upper brass seemed particularly miffed—which usually only happened if it involved someone outside their scope of power influence doing something they didn't like—
"One of the Seven Warlords is visiting HQ!"
The petty officer blinked, opening his mouth before closing it and then finally deciding on his next words, "Well, that's big news, but it's not unheard of news man. They're required to come for summons."
The petty officer shrugged. "Especially people like Bartholomew Kuma or First-Son of the Sea Jimbei. They're always on time."
"No, no, you don't understand," the marine looked around as though someone would hear before motioning for the petty officer to come closer. He rolled his eyes, leaning over the table. "It isn't just any of the Warlords... It's Hawk-Eye Mihawk!"
The petty officer dropped his broom, turning to his fellow marine. The other man looked smug now. "Dracule Mihawk is coming to HQ?"
"That's what I'm saying!"
"You should've said so sooner!" the petty officer scooped up his broom, renewing his cleaning with vigor. "He's not just a regular Warlord—that guy never responds to his summons! Never!"
"See what I mean! This is big news! Why now? What do you think convinced him to come?"
"It must be something big," he said, shaking his head as the two of them not-so-discreetly made their way to the wide windows overlooking the base's dock. They'd get a full view of the elusive swordsman this way. "Do you think they're mobilizing for something?"
"I don't know, man. Think they'll let us sit in on the—"
A loud clamor came from the ground level beneath them. The two marines quickly looked at each other and then pressed their faces up against the glass. Their fellow officers below them were rushing around on the docks, forming into greeting lines and looking sick with nervousness. One man seemed to be praying.
It was understandable behavior, to be honest. Dracule Mihawk was known for being an unknown man and more often then not he'd felled one too many marine ships simply because they'd been in his way.
"I see his ship!" the marine beside him said. They pressed harder to the glass, squinting for the full view. "Always gives me the creeps. Who sails around in a coffin?"
He thought about telling his fellow officer that there was quite the number of weirder ships out there, but the sudden silence below them made the two of them pause. They glanced to each other and then back down.
The dock had gone eerily silent. Marines shook at the knees while hardened captains and a single vice admiral waited to greet the Warlord of the Sea.
One figure, however, suddenly came into view along the dock, sticking out like a sore thumb compared to the rest.
Her bright white hair fluttered absently with the wind, tugged this way and that as she paced up and down the dock, looking out across the ocean. She skirted the edge of the pier, however, just shy of the water with her hands stuffed into her jacket pockets.
"Who the hell is that?" the marine beside him said. "And why isn't she falling into line? What's her rank?"
"That's..." the petty officer caught a full view of the woman's face now, freezing at the infamous half-heart curving around her eye. "Cap—Serga—Lieute—" he paused, uncertain of her current ranking now. "Officer Hoku!"
"Hoku?" the marine looked confused, "who the hell is that?"
"Officer Hoku!" the petty officer repeated, looking at the man in shock. "You haven't heard of her? Vice Admiral Tsuru's right hand woman, the officer who blew up over ten marine bases—"
"She blew up our own bases?"
"It's a long story—the woman who apparently violated the nefarious Trafalgar Law—"
"Violated?"
"I heard what she did to him was so disgusting, even the officers near her threw up themselves! The one who fought Fleet Admiral Akainu's authority multiple times, got caught gambling in Crocodile's casino, vandalized a whole part of Marineford—"
"And she's not in Impel Down?" the man said, aghast. "Are you sure she's on our side?"
"Oh, sure. She's been credited with busting the largest human trafficking rings in history! She's also brought in multiple heinous pirates, and on multiple occasions they say she's been able to deescalate several run-ins with huge bounty pirates like the Straw—"
"I guess it makes sense why they're sending her to meet someone like a shichibukai," the marine said thoughtfully. The petty officer paused, a bit offended he didn't get to finish Hoku's infamous and notorious list. "Need a crazy officer to handle a crazy pirate, right?"
A commotion finally broke out below them. The vice admiral waiting to oversee the whole affair was shouting at Hoku now, lecturing her about her lack of respect. The white haired marine simply took a seat on a wooden crate, picking at her ear and absently flicking off toward the vice admiral's feet.
The marine gaped while the petty officer stiffled a laugh with a cough.
"Look, it's him!"
Hoku seemed to have thought the same thing, turning sharply from the vice admiral and jumping to her feet. A single, haunting figure of a man stepped out from the edge of his coffin. His coat flared out dangerously about his heels, wind catching against the fluffed plume atop his head. Cadets started to shake at the knees at the sight of the man—
"Mihawk!"
The cadets around them went completely pale, jaws growing slack as Hoku flew across the dock, taking off with a flying leap and sailing through the air, arms and legs oustretched.
Dracule Mihawk did not move. He remained, still as a statue as the marine promptly wrapped her arms and legs around his head. The vice admiral's jaw dropped to the floor, one hand reaching for his saber uselessly.
Mihawk remained still, allowing Hoku to situate herself as she rubbed her cheek over the top of his hat, laughing with a sound so sweet with joy, it made the petty officer flush. She turned around, keeping herself wrapped completely over his head.
The rest of the marines continued to stare, waiting for Mihawk to throw her into the water or cut her in half.
"I didn't know you were coming to visit!" Hoku said happily, eyes shining with affection. "What's it for? You get called in by the brass or somethin'?"
"It was a whim." Mihawk neither cut her nor tossed her into the ocean. Instead, the man simply began to walk with perfect ease, toting Hoku along as though she were an added weight to his hat. "I will be departing shortly."
"Already! You've got a stay for at least a bit! Actually, aren't you hear for a meeting?"
"I heard of no such thing."
"Oh, cool then! Why don't we grab something to eat?"
"You mean to spar?"
"I-I never said that! Eat! I said eat!"
"Come, then. We shall take up arms—"
"Wait, wait, wait!"
The petty officer quickly began to add another feat to Hoku's growing list. The marine beside him continued to gape.
- - - - - - - - -
"Hmm," Hoku's brows furrowed in thought, fingers moving in a rhythmic, soothing motion. "This isn't a bad idea, right?"
"It's a bit cramped."
"Right, right, sorry about that. Just give it a few more minutes. Those guys out there are runnin' around like chickens without a head."
"Aye."
Hoku's fingers flexed. Her cheeks flushed a bit as she cleared her throat. As subtly as she could, she pressed herself tighter to the figure squeezed into the armory closet beside her. He made no move in protest, simply shuffling a bit to accommodate her and Hoku felt her cheeks flush.
"Do you need more room?" he asked.
"No, no," Hoku cleared her throat. "Sorry. Mind if I get a bit closer."
"That's okay," he said kindly. "I don't mind."
Hoku sneakily reached her arms more around his waist. He turned again in her arms and she felt her heart hammer wildly now, cheeks flushed as she slowly, carefully pressed her cheek against him.
Hoku shut her eyes in bliss. Soft. Like a cloud. And so warm. So, so warm. Ka. I don't mind staying like this for another hour—
"Shambles."
Hoku let out a squawk of surprise, her and her companion ripped clean from the closet and appearing hovering in the air for a moment. A thin film of blue surrounded the two of them, Hoku's arms and legs wrapped shamefully and scandalously around the other as her eyes went wide and then they both crashed onto cobblestone floors.
Hoku groaned, a second flick of someone's fingers leaving her on her ass before a pair of long legs. She rubbed her tailbone, looking up with a disgruntled frown as dark, brooding eyes gazed directly back at her.
"Traffy," Hoku greeted casually. "I didn't know you were here."
Law gave Hoku one long, withering look before he glanced over to the mound of soft white fur collapsed on the floor still, his fluffy cheeks flushed a soft pink.
"Were you taking advantage of Bepo?"
Hoku coughed. She refused to meet Law's eyes, fiddling instead with the top of his boot.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Captain Hoku!" Hoku blinked, looking around the side of Law's legs as a crowd of marines skidded to a halt before them. "Shall we arrest these fiends?"
"Nah," Hoku sighed, standing up as she dusted herself off. Law tipped his head to the side, regarding her coolly. "No need."
"B-But they're pirates!"
"I didn't see anything." Hoku turned on her heel, giving Bepo a wink. The polar bear's cheeks flushed a brighter pink and she grinned, saunteering off. "Let's head back to the ship—"
Tattooed fingers enclosed smoothly around her wrist. Hoku blinked, once, twice, before she glanced down to the larger hand engulfing hers. She followed it up to a calm, unreadable expression, dark, half-lidded eyes slowly meeting her own.
Something devious flickered, like a dark little shadow across Law's face.
Hoku paled.
"On an island surrounded by marines," Law said slowly, his voice low, curling around her ears. "I suppose we ought to take a hostage for safe passage, right?"
Hoku grinned nervously.
-------- ------ -------
"Cap—Officer Hoku! Officer Hoku!"
Hoku sighed, forcing her eyes to remain shut. Sunlight warmed the exposed skin of her belly, whispering temptingly to urge her into a well-needed nap in a rare moment of peace. The island they'd been called to investigate had seemed to resolved itself, no more terrorizing, plundering pirates and simply happy, cheerful townsfolk.
She didn't know what good luck had helped them out, but she wasn't about to complain over a free chance to kick back on the island before HQ called them back. They weren't expected for another week—this was the perfect chance to slack offcget some rest.
Hurried footsteps still rushed her way. Hoku kept her arms behind her head, lounging over one of her drawn hammocks. Usually ignoring them for awhile did the trick—
"Officer Hoku!" the marine finally panted, wheezing as she skidded to a halt beside Hoku. "Cap—Hoku! It's an emergency!"
Hoku kept silent, turning onto her side.
"The—at the docks," the girl panted. Her eyes were round with fear, knees shaking. "Docks!"
Hoku continued to sway peacefully in the sun.
"A ship, docked!" she inhaled a great breath of air.
"It's one of the Four Emperor's of the Sea—Red Haired Shanks!"
Hoku slipped out of her hammock, slamming face first into the wood below her. The marine jumped, hands flying to her mouth as Hoku quickly shot to her feet, nose red from her fall and eyes wide in disbelief.
"Who?"
"Red Haired Shanks!" the marine cried. Hoku's jaw went slack, eyes round. "O-Our men are currently in a perimeter around him! Apparently he's been spending time on this island for the past few days and—"
"They're doing what?" Hoku squawked. "Our orders are to never engage with Emperors unless ordered—oh for—ka!"
The marine opened her mouth to deliver the most pressing part of the news, but Hoku was already running past her, racing faster than she could ever hope to catch up to.
"And he's..." the marine started weakly. "Asking for you..."
Hoku skidded to a halt before massive blockade of blue and white bodies. She scowled, quickly forcing her way through, barking out quick and concise orders as her men whirled around, eyes widening at her appearance, jumping in and shouting left and right about emperor, what do we do? and Captain Hoku, stay back! This man is—
Hoku let out a screech as she tripped into the clearing, finally pushing past the wall of bodies.
A single arm reached out, a hand wrapping gently around her arm to hold her steady.
Hoku froze, her eyes shooting up.
"Dove," Shanks said, voice thick with fondness. "It's been awhile."
Hoku's traitorous heart fluttered at the sight of that slow, cheerful grin. She pointedly coughed, dusting herself off as Shanks' eyes flickered with amusement, stepping back, fingers lingering slightly on her arm so she could straighten herself.
"Pirate," Hoku said casually, the hint of a tease in her tone. Shanks raised a playful brow in turn. "As... what rank am I right now?"she turned to her men behind her.
"Just an officer, ma'am!"
"As commanding officer," Hoku crossed her arms over her chest. Shanks hand fell back to his side, fingers curling slightly. "I'm obligated to ask what one of the Four Emperors of the Sea is doing in this humble town."
"Well," Shanks glanced over his shoulder, back toward the dock where the Red Force was waiting. He could sense the playful jeers of his crew over the lip of the bow. "Miss Marine... It isn't a crime to be stocking up on some supplies and catching a short break now, is it?"
Hoku pretened to think his words over. Shanks' eyes glimmered with mirth.
The marine surrounded them continued to gape, frozen in disbelief.
"It's interesting timing," Hoku said. Shanks hummed for her to continue. "We were originally here on a distress call, but just as we were about to dock, we found out the issue had already been taken care of..."
"What luck," Shanks said with a grin. "I suppose that leaves you with some time to perhaps... relax yourself, aye?"
Hoku's mouth parted to retort and then she paused. Hoku blinked, looking up at Shanks in stunned surprise as she tried to make the little click of what she'd just heard in her head. But when he says it like that... no, wait. There's no way he'd know—huh?
Shanks watched the gears turn, eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know how hard you marines are always working—"
"Hoku!" Shanks eyes flickered to where a man broke the ranks of the gathered crowd, shoulders squared with whatever confidence he'd mustered. Shanks regarded him easily, expression relaxed as he approached Hoku. "We should retreat! We need to leave immediately and report the situation back to HQ!"
Hoku turned back to the marine. "It's alright. It's... a bit of a long story, but you guys know how it goes these days. He's—"
"Not like one of the other pirates!" the marine continued, gaze fearfully flickering to an amused looking Shanks and back. "With the others we understood, but this is an Emperor of the Sea! Cap—Officer Hoku, we should go!"
"I know, I know," Hoku appeased. "But don't—"
A different marine broke the ranks now, reaching out a grabbing Hoku's elbow. The first marine looked shocked while Hoku remained nonchalant, expression cool.
Shanks' gaze slowly flickered to where his fingers pressed indents into her skin.
The marine scowled viciously. "I ain't gettin' fired because of—
Shanks simply glanced over the top of Hoku's head.
Hoku's knees buckled for a moment, trembling under the sheer force until she quickly rightened herself, looking up at the pirate before her in disbelief.
Left and right the marine officers behind her dropped to the floor like flies, foam spilling out of some of their mouths as they crashed onto the ground. The man who'd grabbed Hoku in particular had been the first to collapse, hacking and clawing at his head before he fell face forward, pale and ashen. Hoku watched all of them, jaw going slack until not a single man was left standing, wiped out in a manner of seconds.
Warily, she turned her gaze back to playfully dark eyes, already watching her in turn.
"...even I have to say," Hoku began slowly, "that was a bit much, don't you think?"
"I never said I was a patient man," Shanks said almost sweetly, but his tone was sly and his eyes crinkled at the corners, shameless. "Now, Dove..."
Shanks offered her his arm, lips curling at the corner into something mischievous. His eyes watched her, half-lidded and almost lazy.
They burned, never leaving her face.
Hoku felt her pulse racing beneath her skin, forcing herself to appear relaxed.
"Shall we catch up a bit?" Shanks said, a slight husk to his tone.
"...I could threaten to make quite the arrest you know," Hoku said, only because she needed time to calm down.
Shanks tipped his head to the side, seeming to humor the thought. He hummed then, shutting his eyes as though going a step further and imagining the scenario. He turned his arm toward her, offering his wrist.
"I suppose I could come willingly," he said lightly, his words curling all about her, "If it were a beautiful woman like you... but I'm afraid I've only got one hand to offer..."
Shanks grinned impishly. "You'd have to cuff me to yourself."
Hoku snorted, crossing her arms over her chest. Shanks laughed, a full, cheerful sound. "You sure that's a good idea?"
"Well, I suppose it could be quite a bit to handle."
"More than you can handle?" Hoku grinned.
Shanks' eyes glittered then, like a ripple, and Hoku felt a thin shiver run down her spine, like the playful drag of a fingertip ghosting along her back.
"I don't know," Shanks murmured into her ear, leaning down. "I'd have to find out for myself."
Weakly, Hoku hooked her arm through his, making the decision for him.
Shanks laughed, a bellowing, heartfelt sound. He pulled her along into his side, his cloak flaring out behind them, almost wrapping around Hoku as they made their way down to the port.
"Aw, dove, don't pout. I promise I won't bite."
"You might lose a tooth or two if you try that."
"Dahaha! I thought you'd be sweeter since it's been so long! Is this any kind of reunion?"
"I was never sweet to you."
"Mmm, what does a man have to do to get a woman out of his league to give him a smile half as sweet as the ones she gives to that brooding—"
"Ten million beli," Hoku said on instinct. She paused then, suddenly growing pale as she half turned to Shanks, stepping a step back but unable to get very far with her arm still hooked through his—Shanks let her go a little ways away.
(But not very far.)
"Actually, wait, I take that—"
"Why, dove," Shanks laughed, grinning almost boyishly. "I suppose that could be easily arranged—"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Hoku grumbled, trying to force the embarrassed red crawling up her neck to disappear. Shanks watched the dark flush along the nape of her neck with half-lidded eyes. "I know that amount ain't much these days to an Emperor of the seas—"
"It isn't that," Shanks said lightly, his words curling playfully. Hoku blinked, looking back up at him curiously.
Deep red stood out brightly against the expanse of white. Strands of Shanks' hair tickled against the side of her head as Hoku froze. Shanks leaned down, curling around her, smoothly tucking her against his side—the action forced Hoku to bend a bit, back arching ever so slightly as Shanks' lips brushed against her ear.
Hoku caught a glimpse of dark eyes beneath crimson strands. They curved, playful as always at the corners, but still a shudder threatened to run through her—the light press of Shanks' fingers on the side of her hip—when did he move his hand—
"You're worth much more than that, dove."
Hoku swallowed. She meant to say, "Oh, yeah?" but the sound that came out instead was a soft, slightly shaky, "Mmnh?"
Shanks hummed in affirmation, his eyes absently sliding behind her. "But I suppose it's easy to forget that when you've been surrounded by men who don't quite..." his gaze swept over the passed out, foaming marines at their feet, "Know how to value a woman properly, aye?"
Shanks paused briefly, brows raising slightly in surprise as he glanced down to the slender, scarred fingers now examining Gryphon, slid clean from its sheath. His sword rested with care in Hoku's hands as she inspected the current status of the blade.
Her eyes were half-lidded in faux disinterest, expression cool as she absently met his brightening gaze.
"And a heinous, shameless pirate would know better?"
"Hmm," Shanks grinned, walking the two of them back deeper into port. He remembered there being quite the delicious chef charring food in an open fire pit by the port.
"I suppose we'll have to find out."
-the shanks was too self-indulgent, anytime i think of writing a little bit of this man, he manages to steal another paragraph from me
Poor baby ☹️
Satoru x reader
Authors note: pure fluff
You were nestled on the couch, halfway through a movie, when you heard the sound of the front door creak open. It was past midnight, much later than Satoru usually came home, and you immediately turned your head, sensing he might need a little extra care tonight.
He shuffled in, looking worn down in a way that was rare for him. His usually bright, carefree eyes were heavy-lidded, shadows framing them as his gaze found yours. His messy white hair fell over his forehead, and his expression was softer, almost vulnerable—no trace of his usual confidence. He looked like he’d been carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and it had finally caught up with him.
Without a word, he reached over and turned off the TV, letting out a low, tired “Hmmph…” as he tossed the remote aside, a clear sign he didn’t want any distractions. You barely had a chance to react before he clambered onto the couch, curling up in your lap with a heavy sigh, burying his face against your stomach.
“Did you have a bad day, baby?” you asked, rubbing your fingers soothingly through his soft hair.
“Mmmf,” he grumbled, a sound deep in his throat as he nuzzled further into you, his face pressing into your stomach like he couldn’t get close enough. His arms snaked around your waist, clinging tightly as he made a small, frustrated whimper, his brow furrowing as if he were trying to press the day’s exhaustion into you, to let you feel just how much he needed this.
You couldn’t help but smile softly, brushing a hand over his soft whjte hair. His pretty blue eyes were closed, his face hidden against you, but you could feel the tension in his body slowly begin to melt under your touch. His breathing grew steadier, each exhale a soft, needy hum as he relaxed further into you, letting out the tiniest sighs of relief as your fingers worked through the knots in his hair.
“Poor thing,” you murmured, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to the top of his head. “It must’ve been a rough day, huh?”
He answered with a low “Mmm,” almost like a grumble, a mix of agreement and weariness. He squirmed slightly in your lap, adjusting his head to rest just below your chest, where he could hear your heartbeat—a comfort he always sought out on nights like this. You watched as his pout deepened, his lips pressing into a little line as he mumbled something incoherent, followed by a small huff of frustration.
It was obvious he was in one of his non-verbal moods. When he was this worn down, he became almost childlike, communicating only through the softest sounds and gestures. And you knew, from the way he was burrowing into you, that he needed a lot of comfort tonight.
“What can I do to make you feel better, love?” you whispered, running your thumb over his cheek. His skin was warm beneath your touch, his face softening as he leaned into your hand, his eyes flickering open just enough to glance up at you, half-lidded and filled with that familiar neediness.
“Mmmh,” he hummed again, his eyes pleading, though he didn’t seem to know exactly what he wanted. His face scrunched up in a small pout, his fingers tightening their hold around your waist as he shifted, pressing closer as if he could somehow melt into you. He let out a soft whine, his eyebrows knitting together in a look of pure frustration, and you couldn’t help but smile, brushing a gentle hand along his jawline.
“Just want to be held?” you guessed softly, watching as his eyes fluttered shut, a faint nod accompanying another tired “Mmf” of agreement. You pulled him a little closer, cradling his head against your shoulder, and he let out a deep, contented sigh, his whole body going limp in your embrace.
But as soon as you started to relax, Satoru squirmed, shifting in your lap with an impatient “Mmm!” He tugged at your sleeve, looking up at you with wide, expectant eyes, his lips pressed into a pout.
“What is it now?” you asked, amused by his antics.
He made a soft “Hnngh” noise and pointed to the blanket draped over the armrest, his expression stubborn, as if he were annoyed you hadn’t thought of it sooner.
“Oh, you need the blanket too, huh?” you teased, reaching over to pull it down over both of you.
Satisfied, he let out a pleased “Mmhmm,” snuggling back into your lap with a faint, satisfied smile. He closed his eyes, only for them to flicker open a moment later, his gaze drifting up to you with that same needy, bratty look.
You raised an eyebrow, laughing a little. “What now, Satoru?”
He answered with a quiet “Hmph,” his pout deepening as he wriggled around, not quite finding a comfortable spot. After a bit more shifting, he made a frustrated groan and shot you a look, as if to say, Why aren’t you fixing this?
“Oh, alright, alright,” you murmured, adjusting him slightly so his head rested more comfortably on your chest. His expression softened, the tiniest smile breaking through his pout as he settled down, his breathing evening out once more.
As you ran your fingers through his hair, Satoru let out a soft, contented “Mmmm,” nuzzling his face into your chest with a pleased sigh. But even then, he wasn’t completely satisfied; his hand found yours, tugging it to his cheek and letting out a small, needy “Hmmf” until you cradled his face properly.
“There we go,” you cooed softly, brushing a thumb over his cheek. He let out a low hum of approval, his eyes fluttering shut as he pressed his face into your palm, as if your touch was the only thing grounding him tonight.
Minutes drifted by in a peaceful silence, save for his occasional hums and grunts as he nestled into you, his arms wrapped possessively around your waist. Every so often, he’d squirm or whine, his brows knitting together if your hand stilled, urging you to continue rubbing his hair or holding him tighter.
Eventually, he let out a long, exhausted “Haaaah,” his body melting against you as he finally began to relax, his breathing deepening in your arms. His face softened, the last traces of his pout fading as he closed his eyes, his lips curving into the faintest of smiles.
And as you sat there, holding him close in the quiet of the night, you felt a swell of love and protectiveness. This was a side of Satoru no one else got to see—the vulnerable, tired man who needed someone to hold him and tell him everything would be okay.
His lips twitched into a small, sleepy smile, his fingers tracing gentle circles along your arm. “Mmmmh,” he murmured, his voice barely more than a sleepy hum as he drifted closer to sleep, his head resting heavily against your shoulder.
Finally, he let out a soft, satisfied sigh, his entire body relaxing as he nestled into you, his arms wrapped around you in a gentle, protective hold. You held him close, your fingers running through his hair as you whispered soft words of love and comfort, feeling his breathing even out as he drifted off to sleep, his face finally at peace.
And as you sat there, holding him in the quiet of the night, you knew you’d stay with him for as long as he needed, your presence a silent promise that you’d always be there to catch him when he fell.
Tag list (just let me know if you wanna go on it 🫶🏻)
@canigotosleep--plz
@hargun-s
@haruhatake
@mistymuii
@moonchhu
@tibibibi123
@itsafairytalekay
@dekusdante
@starlightanyaaa
@sillysushi
Comments and feedback mean the world to me 🤧🥹
bf! katsuki trying to convince his girlfriend to go on a date with him but you're lazy.
you were stretched out on the couch, lazily scrolling through your phone as the sun began to set.
meanwhile, katsuki was pacing in the living room, looking restless. he had been talking for the past ten minutes about going out to a new restaurant in town, but you weren't really interested.
you were perfectly content in his shirt, wrapped in the comfort of your blanket, and enjoying the quiet.
"sweets, you seriously don't wanna go out tonight?" katsuki asked, his eyebrow raised in a way that made it obvious he wasn't pleased with the lack of enthusiasm.
you glanced up at him, blinking, trying not to show how amused you are to see him like this. "maybe. kind of like it here. it's cozy, y'know?"
katsuki let out a dramatic sigh, running a hand through his hair. he can't go out alone. it was gonna be boring for him. not to mention annoying. since you were the one that kept the paparazzi at bay, so his ranks don't go too down. "just go out with me for once, woman, goddamn."
"aww, katsuki. how about this—if you pay me $500, i'll go out with you. how about that?"
you grinned, thinking: surely, you'll just stay here the whole night. watch him sulk a bit more before he cuddles up to you, have the same leftovers, maybe some sex. it was gonna be a boring, but easy night.
but clearly, you were wrong.
katsuki blinked, his face unreadable for a moment. then, without missing a beat, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a crisp stack of bills, handing you exactly $500.
your eyes went wide, jaw nearly hitting the floor. "what—wait! katsuki, i was joking! i didn’t actually expect you to—" you fumbled with the money in your hands, feeling a sudden rush of panic.
"i knew you were joking, idiot. but you said you’d go with me if i gave you the money," katsuki’s expression didn’t change. his tone was casual, like it was no big deal. "now quit being lazy and get ready for our date, sweets."
your brain short-circuited for a moment, scrambling to come up with some way to backtrack. "n-no, i was kidding! seriously, i didn't think you'd actually—"
you tried to shove the money back into his hands, but katsuki just shook his head with a small smirk, gently pushing the money back to you, holding your hand. "a deal’s a deal, sweets. don't back out now. thought you were better than that."
your cheeks flushed as you start to realize how serious he was. "this is insane! katsuki, i can't take this! i wasn’t serious! i was just trying to make a joke!"
"you said $500, didn't you?" katsuki said with a smug grin. he leaned back into the couch, crossing his arms behind his head. "its nothing. but, jokes aside, i’m still waiting for you to get ready."
you stared at the money in your hands, still unsure how to handle the situation. but you couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.
"oh my god, fine," you scoffed, shaking your head in disbelief. "why do you wanna go on that date so badly?"
"tch, what can I say? i enjoy your company. even if you are lazy," he reached out to ruffle your hair, enjoying the way it disheveled under his touch. "besides, i've been wanting to take you somewhere nice for a while now."
you raise an eyebrow, tilting your head to one side. "really? why? we don't even have any special dates this month or anything."
katsuki rolled his eyes, as if the answer was obvious. his hand crawls to yours again, intertwining his fingers with yours. "because maybe.. i just wanna spoil my girl a little bit."
he sat up from the couch, squeezing your hand, gesturing you to follow him. "now, get your ass movin' before i have to drag you. wanna see you in that new dress i bought."
you sigh in exasperation, standing up, letting him lead you to the bedroom to change. "why do i even bother... you're just gonna rip it off of me anyway.."
"oh, you're adorable. its like you know me so well." he pulled you closer, pressing your against his body, his hand trailing up your back.
"now c'mere," he whispered, before leaning down to kiss your neck. "lemme help you get this off," he murmurs, spoiling your neck with open-mouthed kisses, his fingers tracing along your waist.
you chuckled, your breath hitching at his touch. "so long as i help you too..." you drawled, your hands drifting beneath his shirt.
"cheeky little brat," he scoffs, moving his lips to her jawline, holding onto the hem of your shirt, slowly yanking it up.
"you gonna be good for me, sweets?"
"mhm..."
"good."
and as painful as it was for katsuki, you did stay good. all you did was help each other out of your clothes. maybe sneaked in a few kisses here and there but didn't fool around, eventually dressing up into something formal before leaving.
and, yes. after treating you to one of the best dinners you've ever had, katsuki did rip off your dress. and made sure to remind you that he was the only one you were ever going on dates with.
‧₊˚✧[ it's me, kia! ]✧˚₊‧ 。゚•┈꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱┈• 。゚ ‧₊˚✧[ more of katsuki ! ]✧˚₊‧
⋆˚࿔ kia's note ˚⋆ wrote this up bc im rotting in bed lmaolmao also what do you guys feel about bridgerton au with katsuki... 🧍🏻♀️
Y/N : babe, if i died, how much would you miss me?
Gojo: * with a loving smile* it's SOOO CUTE that you think death can get you out of this relationship <3
katsuki’s lips intoxicated you instantly. his head filled with prayers of thanks to whoever planted you on this earth for him— at least he’d like to believe you’re here for him. simply because, you were absolutely perfect and katsuki couldn’t think of anything that would please him more than kissing you over and over again.
it was odd how utterly unromantic katsuki was, yet with you, his heart filled with so much love and care for a mere human being.
but you weren’t a mere human being, you were katsuki’s. his quiet sunrise over still water— soft, unhurried, and endless, making him pause, every time his gaze lands on you, just to soak in your presence. he thinks that’s why he’s so in love with you— you slow down time for him, you make him so much more peaceful and tranquil, to the point where it, absolutely, overwhelms him.
and kissing you only strengthened his hold onto you, both metaphorically and physically, his accustomed hands trailing under your blouse. the concept of someone being so special to him (and vice versa) was a foreign thought in his head— it fulfilled his unknown wish of being familiar with someone.
as your teeth grazes his lower lip, katsuki believes he'll never get bored of you— always catching him off guard at just the right moments, where it drove him, absolutely, insane.
because, yes, you were delicate and flimsy, which led him to, often, overlook your natural resilient nature, that he recalls as of now.
and, in what world, could katsuki ask for more?
he’s sure to keep you with him forever.
The thing that gets me is im not even a lash out girlie when im really angry. I go fucking silent and ICY. I know my anger is a quiet seething terrible despicable thing and i usually only keep the real ugly shit to myself.
But just the IDEA of being able to comfortably go into that rage state and knowing the person seeing it won't see it as despicable or ugly and just sees it as a part of you which in turn makes it something they love is just...leveling me right now.
There's an unspoken rule that gets established early on in your relationship with Bakugo, one that he assumes you know after a few months together.
The rule in question? You need to kiss him three times before you leave his apartment; one for luck, one for the road, and one just because.
One day, you're in a rush to get out the door, running late for a lunch date with your friends. You're bouncing around his apartment to be sure you have everything — phone, keys, wallet — and place a quick kiss to his lips as you pass by him in the living room. "I'll be back in a few hours, love you!"
Bakugo grabs your wrist gently, tugging you back toward him with a pout on his face. "Nuh uh, c'mere." He pulls you over his lap, cradling you while tilting your chin up to face him. "You're askin' for trouble if you think we're done here, sweets."
You blink at him in confusion. He rolls his eyes, no actual annoyance behind it, and shakes his head. "Ya only gave me one kiss, you know better than that."
"Oh, so I owe you—"
"Damn right you do," he cuts you off with a cocky little smirk that he's too good at doing. "Three — no ifs, ands or buts. And mean it, none'a those quick bullshit pecks, real kisses."
Of course, what were you thinking? You lean forward and press the first kiss to his lips, soft and gentle. "One," you whispers before following up with two more, slow and purposeful. "Two and three."
"Much better," Bakugo whispers with a genuine smile. He lets you get back to your feet, a large palm on the small of your back to support you. He pats the back of your thigh once you're steady. "Love you too. Have fun with the girls, but not too much fun. Don't wanna chase ya down the sidewalk again after you down 4 mimosa pitchers to yourselves."
three kisses from him would cure my depression at this point, chat.
that bit of manu being the helicopter parent is so funny when you consider their lineage to the popoki goddess. if a feline cub is near u, the parent is definitely nearby watching u 😂 what i would give to see an au of manu and mahina living and manu is not so lowkey watching asl when the 4 become friends like a wild cat hiding behind the bushes, he did not let up the 🤨 expression even when hoku gotten older and there are more men than he like for them to be around hoku
Mahina stopped just short of bringing her hammer down onto the slab of metal sitting over her workbench.
A loud rustle from the front of the house caught her attention. The older woman blinked, tilting her head curiously as she set the metal aside and kept the hammer in her grip, twirling it around her fingers out of habit.
Her long white braid swung easily against her back. An ocean breeze tickled the ends, bringing Mahina's gaze outwards to the coast. Her workshop sat right beside their little house on the cliffside hill, looking right out to the ocean before them.
A short, familiar curse reached her ears and she grinned now, slinging the hammer lightly over her shoulder. "You moving the furniture again?"
Manu frowned. He'd been letting his hair grow out a bit this time, silken ends tied off just at the base of his neck with an old ribbon—one of Hoku's, she realized fondly. Their usual patio furniture sat in a cultish huddle around him, rocking chairs gazing back as Manu crossed his arms over his chest.
"Do you think they looked better where they used to be or how I had them yesterday?"
Mahina tipped her head to the side.
"How did they look yesterday again?"
Manu sighed, shaking his head. Mahina grinned cheekily, almost skipping over to her dearest friend as she came up to the steps of their home. "Are you going through your mid-life crisis now? Hoku won't mind them either way, you know."
Manu scowled, looking at her like a cat caught getting wet. Mahina laughed, coming over to help him move the chairs back into place as she set the hammer down. "What made you think she'd care if you moved them?"
"At first I wanted to move them to do something different," Manu explained slowly, evenly as he carefully polished off each chair and Mahina idly checked the wood for stray splinters. Not a single one to be found, of course, because the two of them were damn good at what they did. "But then I woke up last night—remember when I went down and started painting?"
"Of course I do, you almost gave me a heart attack."
"You? Right, Hina," Mahina laughed and Manu continued, "But then I woke up and realized, what if she's expecting everything to look the same way it did when she left? What if seeing it different will make her sad? Shouldn't I just leave it the way it was then?"
"But it's still the same chair," Mahina said, taking a seat in one of the rockers once it'd been moved. Manu immediately took up a seat beside her. "I don't think she'd mind how you moved it."
"You think?"
"Mmm, she's a funny one, that girl. I don't think she'd mind much at all unless you did something more drastic... like changing the paint or putting it on the roof?"
"Hina, why on earth would I ever—"
The sound of a car engine slowing to stop brought the two of them to a halt. Mahina and Manu froze, blinking in confusion at each other as they immediately shot their feet, rushing over to the pathway leading down their hill.
A car they did not recognize sat at the base of the hill, parked along the grassy edge. Mahina frowned in curiosity while Manu looked thoughtful, glancing to his watch. "Hoku's supposed to get picked up from the airport tomorrow—"
Both of them stopped as a familiar face appeared at the base of the hill, kicking the door to their rental car open. Manu caught a brief glimpse of a smooth hand reaching for her, as though in concern, but she was barreling out of the car before they could touch.
It was a face Mahina and Manu would know, in their dreams, every waking moment, and up to their last breath.
A happiness Manu had once never known and now could not fathom otherwise flooded his chest. Mahina's eyes sparkled, bright with mirth and love and the two of them began making their way down the hill as their daughter rushed to meet them.
"Mama! Papa!"
"Maka!"
Hoku's arms wrapped around her parents. Manu and Mahina embraced her in an instant, completing their circle of three. Snow white hair mingled with each other, a sense of perfect peace settling for a moment in unison as Manu shut his eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of their daughter, carding his fingers through her hair. Mahina's hand moved over her back, down the side of her arm—their daughter, theirs.
(Their beautiful baby girl.)
"Maka, it's been too long," Mahina murmured sweetly, eyes full of warmth as she pulled back, only an arm's length away to get a full view of their daughter. "You look good."
"You could afford to eat a bit more," Manu said, briefly pinching Hoku's arm to test for her weight. Hoku laughed, rocking back on her heels and almost taking her parents with her. "You're early! Why did you come without telling us? I would've gotten everything ready and—"
"He's had everything ready for weeks," Mahina said. Manu gaped at her. "He's still getting more ready. I haven't seen the fridge this full since—"
"I haven't heard you complain about it since you've been snacking plenty on the—"
"I wanted to surprise you guys!" Hoku said happily, positively glowing at her parents. Manu and Mahina quieted, hands still rubbing up and down their daughter, mapping the shape of her, how she looked now, her face full of life, content.
(Happy.)
"I always had the flight booked a day early, just wanted to make it a fun trip," Hoku said. She turned over her shoulder, grinning down at the base of the hill. "And well... maybe introduce you to a few new faces?"
Mahina raised a curious brow, slipping her arm through Hoku's as they made their way down the hill. Manu looked skeptical, walking right at their side and absently nudging Hoku away from any dips and rocks.
"HEEEEEYYYY MAMA HOKU!! PAPA HOKU!!!"
Mahina looked amused while Manu snorted in disbelief. Luffy appeared around the other side of the car, almost leaping into the air as he jumped up and down to wave to them. "LONG TIME NO SEE!"
"That boy isn't a new face," Manu said, watching Luffy run around to the trunk now. "I didn't know he was coming. I would've doubled the fridge—"
Mahina noticed the two men stepping out of the car before Manu, her raised brow raising even higher as an amused whistle sat on her lips. She turned now to where Manu had frozen stiff, staring in cold, incredulous silence at the two men standing at the base of their hill.
Two dashing young men stood beside the rental car, watching the three make their way down the hill. Mahina realized who they were in an instant, as she was sure Manu did as well, despite his cool silence. She could hear the judgement in his gaze as he skimmed the more tan one up and down, from his sandaled feet and board shorts to his open chest and unbuttoned shirt. Mahina like the wild way the wind tousled his black hair—this one was Ace.
The more respectable blonde man was Sabo, she realized. He stood instead of leaning against the car like his brother, hands clasped politely in front of him, a small smile already on his lips, but Mahina noticed his eyes never left her daughter, watching and tracking her steps down the hill with practiced ease. A sort of softness.
"I wanted to introduce the two of you!" Hoku said as they drew nearer to the car. "I know I always talk about Ace and Sabs, but you've only ever known them in photos and stuff... so when they mentioned they were able to get some time off work..."
"I think the photos are fine enough," Manu said simply. Hoku laughed and Mahina grinned. Her daughter was sharp, but she wasn't Mahina's sharpest creation in certain aspects, that much she was sure.
"I know it's sudden, and they don't want to bother," Hoku said. "But they've always wanted to meet you guys, they almost beg me to be honest. I thought, eh, might as well, right?"
"They seem fun," Mahina managed.
"That one doesn't know how to button his shirt," Manu said.
Hoku grinned, tugging her parents down the rest of the way. Up close Mahina could see clearly just how handsome these two young men were—fit, chiseled, matching better than the strange, blurred photos her daughter would send from time to time. They both straightened in unison at the sight of Manu and Mahina, rushing forward with outstretched hands.
"Mama, Papa, this is Ace and Sabo!" Hoku introduced proudly, nose somewhat thrusted in the air with a bright grin. "Ace, Sabo—my parents!"
"Hoku's mom and dad it's nice—"
"Miss Mahina, Mister Manu—"
Ace and Sabo stopped, looking at each other with round eyes. Sabo's expression instantly schooled into a cooler one, motioning quickly with his eyes while Ace gaped until his brother blinked, nodding.
"Miss Mahina! Mister Manu!" Ace and Sabo said in unison this time, beaming politely and widely at the two of them. "It's a pleasure and an honor to finally meet you!"
Mahina decided slyly to follow in Manu's steps, glancing sideways as her friend's face became one of quiet politeness—she knew this expression of his like the back of her hand, a frigid sort of coolness beneath its quiet.
"...It's good to meet the both of you as well," Manu said simply. Hoku positively beamed between her mother and father. Ace and Sabo continued to smile, a crooked grin and a polite upturn of lips respectively. Mahina took that as her cue and shook their hands first, both their gazes flying to her.
Mahina watched Ace do a double take, a soft redness coloring the tips of his ears at the sight of her. He bowed especially deep when she took his hand, "Mama—Miss Mahina, thank you for leaving Hoku in our care."
"Well, she's always got some fun stories to tell thanks to you lot," Mahina said slowly, a bit of a tease to her tone. She turned to Sabo next, considering this upstanding looking young man and wondering what little thoughts he kept hidden behind those quiet eyes. "Thank you for looking after our daughter."
"Hoku's very dear to us," Sabo said sincerely. Hoku made a face, looking at him. Dramatic, Mahina heard her think without saying. "She's always speaking so much about the both of you, it's a pleasure to finally—"
"What were your names again?"
Ace and Sabo blinked, looking back at Manu. Hoku didn't even seem the slightest bit bothered, swaying happily on her feet until she noticed Luffy by the trunk. Hoku quickly scampered off, shouting something about not eating the gifts.
"A-Ace," Ace said quickly, offering his hand. Manu considered it for a second longer than most and shook it silently. "Ace, uh, Mister Manu."
"I'm Sabo," Sabo repeated as well, extending his hand. Manu considered it just as long before shaking it briefly. "Thank you again for—"
"That's... polite of you to drop Hoku off," Manu said. He pulled his hand away, facing both Ace and Sabo. "What time is your flight home?"
Ace looked dumbfounded, blinking repeatedly. Sabo looked a bit perplexed, blinking at a slower pace at Manu as his lips parted to respond. Mahina withheld her grin, offering instead and politely curious expression.
Maybe she was being a bit mean, but she didn't get to see Manu like this often—it'd be too fun to tease him later.
"Uh, well," Ace started. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his brow. "Tuesday... when Hoku leaves..."
"I see, quite some time then," Manu said smoothly. "Where will you two be staying? Somewhere close? We're quite a ways away from the nearest hotel where most have to stay."
"Oh, well," Sabo began gracefully, an easy, polite smile settled over his lips. Mahina understood the situation instantly and had to give it to the young man for recovering as quick as he did. "Yes, we were planning on booking over by—"
Ace looked confused, snapping his head to Sabo. "But we're supposed to be—"
Sabo's heel smacked into Ace's shin, a quick, efficient kick. Mahina did her best not to laugh when his eyes bulged. "Excuse me, we're booking by—"
"I told them they could stay with us!" Hoku called over, appearing over the popped lid of the trunk, her arms wrapped around one of the suitcases while Luffy hauled a box over the top of his head. "There's the spare bedroom in mama's workshop if that's okay?"
Manu quietly tipped his head to the side, considering the new development in silence. Ace shifted unsteadily on his feet, looking quite a bit out of his element while Mahina simply allowed her lips to curl into a grin, lightly touching Manu's elbow. He glanced to her, meeting her gaze for a moment before he looked back at the two men.
"Yes," Manu said, clipped. "I think that'll be fine. Luffy can stay in the guest room in the house."
"Thanks Papa Hoku!" Luffy shouted, racing past them and up the hill toward the house with the box over his head.
"Thank you so much for your generosity," Sabo said quickly, smiling brightly at Manu. His expression remained unchanging and Sabo continued, "We don't mean to impose, we'll make sure we handle everything on our side and—"
"That's fine," Manu said.
Sabo's words fell to a quiet, polite silence. He continued to smile, a bit strained at the corners as he lightly adjusted the cuff of his sleeves.
"Oh, maka!" Mahina called, deciding to throw the two a bone. "Wait, let us help you with that."
Ace and Sabo turned on their heels in an instant. Mahina almost choked on a snort. Hoku looked up from where she was wrestling with one of the suitcases to get the handle up. "It's alright! We brought a ton of souvenirs over! It'll be a few trips."
"Aw, come on, let me get that for ya," Ace said, stepping over to the trunk. Hoku made a face and Mahina watched an easy grin slide across his face, expression suddenly far more confident than it'd been second ago, teasing. "You'll take the entire trip to get it up the hill if we let you."
"You're exaggerating that isn't gonna—"
"You almost broke your nose pulling it off the carousel," Sabo added, easily lifting one of the suitcases up with one hand while Ace grabbed the other. Mahina watched this interaction with curious eyes. Sabo's hand dropped and lightly touched Hoku's lower back, guiding her with practiced fingers to the side of the car. "Could you grab—"
"I can get this for her."
Mahina pressed her fingertips to her lips, hiding her expression. Sabo and Ace looked startled, blinking like deer in headlights as Manu easily took Hoku's bags from the two of them, one in either hand—and promptly began to make his way up the hill to the house. "It's my daughter's things after all."
Ace opened his mouth, closing it abruptly. Sabo looked momentarily stunned, staring after Manu—
"Thanks, Papa!" Hoku said sweetly, running around the side of the car and almost tripping over the lip of the hill. Ace and Sabo's arms shot out, a practiced move to Mahina's gaze, but Hoku easily rightened herself, almost skipping over to Manu's side.
Mahina watched with fond eyes as they shared the weight of the larger suitcase together, Manu turning to Hoku with affection in his gaze.
She glanced back to the two young men looking lost at the base of the hill.
"Don't worry," Mahina offered, almost sang as she took another suitcase from the two of them. Ace and Sabo watched her almost robotically as she hefted it over her shoulder with ease. "I think you two did just fine."
the entirety of this trip is Ace and Sabo trying to win Manu and Mahina over, only to find themselves at the constant mercy of Manu's scrutiny
Manu's never too mean to them, but he sure does make them sweat
Sabo's a bit hurt because he can normally charm most parents and Hoku's won't even give him an inch
Ace starts to think that maybe he did do something wrong, he tries not to show it but starts to freak at the thought of Hoku's parents actually hating him—what the hell is he supposed to do if that happens?
He starts to limit physical contact with Hoku—which is nowhere near normal for him, Ace holds back bear hugs and noogies and chokeholds because he grabbed Hoku, swinging her up and Manu had looked at him as though he'd just thrown up all over his hand-embroidered rug
Even Sabo gets caught, an arm around Hoku's waist when he helps her down the steps to the beach—he respectfully keeps it hovered over Hoku's lower back instead when Manu stares him down from the top of the hill
Manu and Mahina treat Luffy normally, and Luffy does the same to them—they've become acquainted with Luffy and like him quite fine, after all
Hoku's just happy to have a good time with everyone
It's Luffy who gets Manu to act just a liiiiitttttlllleeee bit nicer when he notices Manu and Mahina standing by the hill, watching and talking about Hoku and he says:
"Shishishi, Ace and Sabo can handle it, they're tough!" Luffy promptly spit out a mouthful of watermelon seeds. Manu and Mahina watched them scatter to the ground. "Besides, they know Hoku loves it."
"Loves it?" Manu repeated.
"Sure," Luffy said, unbothered. "You guys havin' a say. I dunno. She's probably just happy she gets to grow up with ya this time."
Manu and Mahina look at each other, expressions soft and full of love for their daughter as Luffy walks off, sandals slapping in the sand. It takes them a moment before Manu suddenly looks a bit confused, glancing to Luffy's swaying straw hat in the wind.
"Did he say this time? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Who knows," Mahina says, looking curious, maybe a bit mystified. "He's always been a curious one, hasn't he?"
Luffy eats the entire watermelon rind in front of them and Hoku's parents decide to just have fun the rest of the weekend
-i decided to do a modern au for this one because an au where mahina and manu live in the memos storyline... :'( they'd probably want to hear all the news possible about their daughter, so an interaction of them scrutinizing all the boys would probably go something like them sitting around the table talking about their wanted posters and making judgements based on that
The afternoon was quiet, with the sun gently filtering through the window. You were sitting on the couch, with Bakugou lying face down on your legs, his head resting against your belly.
—This doesn't mean anything…— he murmured with his eyes closed as you absentmindedly played with his hair.
You smiled without saying anything, letting your fingers slide through his blonde locks. He growled lowly, but didn't move away, on the contrary, he seemed to settle better against you.
—Are you falling asleep? —You asked quietly.
—Shut up... it's just comfortable.
His tone was stubborn, but the slow pace of his breathing gave it away. His hand, which had previously rested at his side, moved to gently hold the fabric of your shirt, as if he was unintentionally seeking to make sure you were still there.
You continued to stroke his hair with a smile, and soon after, you felt his grip relax.
Bakugou had fallen asleep on your lap.
i just know satoru’s the type to lean down when you two are making out while standing up, and he literally pushes himself into your personal space because he cannot physically get enough of you. like his hands are gripping your flesh, your thighs, your ass, and then his hand wraps around your neck and when you try to pull away to breathe, he chases after your lips and pecks them repeatedly.
“no no no—come back here, please,”