In light of a Memos update coming veeeerrrryyyyy sooooooon (to the reader who asked for an update because today was their birthday, i’m sorry i wasn’t able to make it :( but i promise i’ll make it up to you! hope you had an amazing one <3)
A flurry of bodies rushed past her legs, nearly toppling her over. Hoku wobbled, grabbing the wooden pillar of the shop beside her before she could fall flat on her face. She scowled, whirling around with one hand curled into a fist. “Hey! Stupid brats, watch where you’re going! You could get someone killed!”
“Sorry, lady!” one of the boys hollered, breaking out into a chorus of laughter as they ran. The smallest one tripped, forcing the other two to brake on their heels. They quickly rushed back, hauling him up by his arms and running away with him in tow.
Hoku stopped at the sight, fist loosening in the air. She felt a little quiet all of a sudden, staring at their backs as the three boys laughed, heads tossed high and smiles bright until they disappeared entirely from sight.
“Hoku, you’re too slow!”
“Put more effort into it!”
“We’re gonna leave you behind!”
“My star, is something wrong?”
Hoku’s fingers uncurled from her fist. She dropped her hand back down to her side, staring after the empty space between the crowd.
No. She thought back, reaching behind her to touch Mau’s hilt before she shook her head, turning toward the shop and stepping inside. “It’s nothing.”
Hoku fixed the tie under her chin. Her hood stayed well in place, hiding the bright white hair she’d tucked away for the sake of a little stealth. The island ought to be fine for now since she was just picking up supplies before her next raid, but she couldn’t be too careful. I have to think ahead. I have to be smart.
There wasn’t anyone else around to do it for her.
Keep reading
you are the first girl whose smile won gojo over, and he fell in love with you unconditionally, but your daughter, who became an extension of both of your lives, showed him another form of love.
you often like to tease him that she took everything after her father, but at one point, when satoru was playing with her, he could not believe his eyes when he saw that she had an exact cope of your smile. he experienced that unimaginable feeling again, but in a completely different way — it is something precious, something that connects you.
“satoru?”
“she has your smile.”
"It's raining."
You stick your hand out into the falling rain, cold drops plopping into your palm. the air smells fresh, a hint of musty wet leaves on the cool breeze. The sky is gray, the sun hiding behind the thick whirling clouds.
"Really?" Umemiya breathes, in a playfully incredulous tone. He cups your cheek gently, the warmth of his calloused hands radiating under your blushing cheeks. He turns your face to look into his eyes, and they soften, like like sinking into a soft bed at night.
You can smell the tea on his breath, minty, no doubt from the small mint plant he's been reviving in the garden out back. It calms you instantly, makes you fall out of the whirlwind of thoughts cascading through your mind to drive up your stress levels.
But with Ume, in this moment it's quiet, tranquil. The rain pools in your palm, washes away the doubt and insecurity you were previously reveling in, and Ume..stays by your side, engrossed in your beauty.
"I hardly noticed..." he replies bending down to touch the tip of his nose to yours," How could I when I'm standing next to the sun?"
ᴶᵘˢᵗ ᵗʰⁱⁿᵏⁱⁿᵍ ᵃᵇᵒᵘᵗ ʰᵒʷ ᴮᵃᵏᵘᵍᵒ'ᵈ ᵃᶜᵗ ᵃᶠᵗᵉʳ ᵃ ᶠⁱᵍʰᵗ·
Bakugo isn’t the type of boyfriend who chases after you right after a fight. He’s not one to apologize immediately or keep sending messages non-stop. He’s like a contained fire, wrapped up in his own pride, and when a fight breaks out, his first move is to pull away.
So, he locks himself in the gym, as usual. He punches the bag with all his anger, lifts weights like he’s trying to crush the frustration building up inside him. He runs, jumps, trains, trains, and trains until his muscles are screaming. For those first few hours, he manages to shut down the voice in his head that keeps calling your name. But that peace? It doesn’t last. It never does.
By the time it’s around 7:00 p.m. and the sky’s painted with a red hue, guilt hits him. He remembers everything he said, how he said it, and the way you looked when it all ended. “Damn it…” he mutters to himself, clenching his fists. He wonders if he went too far. If he really had to say all that. He realizes it might’ve been a stupid thing to do.
Before he can think it through, he’s already heading out to find you. It wasn’t planned. He’s not overthinking it. He just moves, almost like his feet know the way better than his mind.
And that’s when he stops thinking so much and listens to his heart instead.
When he finally sees you, he doesn’t rush. He walks over with purpose, that usual scowl on his face—the one you’ve learned to read. He’s not mad. He’s just tense. He reaches out and grabs your wrist—not roughly, but firm enough to stop you from pulling away before he can speak.
“Can we talk?” he asks, his voice rougher than usual, but softer than you'd expect. It’s forced, like he’s not used to being gentle, but for you, he’s willing to try.
Then he looks you in the eyes. You’re probably still pissed, but when it comes to you, he’s ready to own up to his mistakes.
Only with you.
Content @ghostlycamil4 2025. Do not copy or modify.
• MASTERLIST
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
"kiss me."
"what-"
You're head shot up, eyes now focusing on the white-haired man in front of you, mouth agape and eyes taking in his sunkissed figure.
He leaned his head closer to you, head resting on his palm, his arm on your desk, observing your reaction with a subtle smug look on face.
"what?" furrowing your brows, looking down on him with a hint of disgust.
"You're beautiful."
You scoffed.
"No need for the flattery. I'm doing this so you can shut the fuck up during class." You ignored him and returned to explaining the physics lesson he asked you to tutor him with.
You complied to this silly situation because you figured this would be a way for him to finally stop poking your side and whispering dumb questions to you during classes.
It's been an hour of explaining, and Satorou Gojo seems to have been quiet the whole time. You were happy because you assumed he was really listening and understanding the topic.
Unbeknownst to you, he, instead, was listening to your soft voice, and how you kept trying to make yourself sound strict and scary by making your voice sound deeper, how you brush your hair when you're thinking, how your fingers fidget with your ballpen when you're impatient, how your eyebrows lift up when you're anticipating his answer to a question he didn't even process.
Satrou adored you. This stupid physics tutoring was just a pathetic excuse to spend more time with you.
He reached his hand out towards you, and brushed your hair away from your face.
Pupils dialated, heartbeat quickened, eyes yearning. You watched him be like that, entertained by the sight of him.
The lovestruck man uttered.
"You wanna grab coffee?"
"No, Gojo. I wanna go home."
Swatting his hand away, and bluntly shooting down his offer, closing your books and tidying your stuff. Yet the man still persists.
"But we haven't even finished studying yet, haven't we, sweetheart?"
He holds both of your hands, and fiddles them up and down, treating you like a baby.
"You weren't even listening to me, '"sweetheart." " mocking him, trying to detangle your hands from his big, slender ones, though, failing miserably.
"I soooo listened to you! "
Tightening his grip with you intertwined fingers, and motioning them in the air.
"Yeah? What's the speed of light in a vacuum?"
"..."
"The only thing that matters is the speed of my heartbeat when I'm with you. "
He shoots you a wink.
"Wait- where'ya goin? "
"I'll walk you home!!" Quickly grabbing his backpack and chasing you down the halls.
。゚•┈꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱┈• 。゚
Satorou Gojo's plan Q has failed, but, no worries, he'll figure out more ways to make you fall for him. Today, he's just happy he got to be with you for an extra hour, and be able to walk you home... after chasing you down the road, of course.
a/n. it's been a hot minute, y'all. this is inspired by a reel i saw on instagram (@dagirlythang), although i believe this is one of those notorious accounts that reposts content from other creators without proper citation :\ still, credit is due where it's (partially) due. anywho, i haven't written in a WHILE, but i hope this still scratches the itch for some of you. enjoy! (0.6k)
“here, kats.”
from where he’s just put the car in park, bakugou looks at you—first, instinctively—then carefully, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion at the sight of what you’re holding.
his normally crimson eyes that are seeming darker under the dim light of his brand new porsche dart up to meet yours. “the fuck is that?”
you frown at his unexpectedly hostile reaction, although it’s quick to morph into a look of realization when it hits you belatedly.
“shit, sorry,” you half-laugh, half-sputter, hurriedly returning it to your bag before reaching into its depths for your phone. you thumb in your password in almost less than a second, gaze trained on the app as you click it, “i forgot you preferred cashless transactions.”
you’re in the middle of typing in bakugou’s phone number—you’re embarrassed to admit you already have it memorized just two weeks into dating him—when your device is unceremoniously yanked out of your grip—so fast that you could barely squeak in surprise. you whip to face the pro-hero—about to reprimand his ear off for ripping it away from your hands like that—when you catch a glimpse of his features and all the words suddenly die in your throat.
uh oh.
“tell me,” he starts, voice low, and you find yourself gulping despite yourself. “did i buy this car so i can quit hero work and be a driver?”
“…no?”
a scowl. “then why are you treating me like i’m you’re fucking uber?”
you blanch. “i’m not! i just figured i give you some gas money.”
“why the fuck would you send me gas money?”
you know better than to answer that, so you shake your head and ignore the way he’s practically glowering at you, before pulling out the wad of cash from earlier, “is this much okay—”
“you ain’t sending me shit,” bakugou essentially spits—cutting you off—just as he reaches over the console and thrusts your hand back into your wallet.
he’s still gripping onto your phone.
you toss him an exasperated expression.
that earns you an eye roll. “don’t.”
you pout. “why won’t you let me help?”
“this isn’t about help, dumbass,” bakugou drawls, mirroring your irritation. “i won’t be caught dead asking my girlfriend for money.”
you try to breeze past the way he just referred to you as his girlfriend, masking your fluster with a scoff. “so it’s a pride thing now?”
the ash-blonde sneers. “more like the bare fucking minimum.”
to that, you snort, although you can’t fight the smile that tugs at your lips. “easy for you to say, rich guy.”
“watch it,” he warns, and you break into a laugh, then laugh harder when his mouth wobbles in a sorry attempt to keep a stern face.
that grants you a playful punch to the shoulder, which you take in stride, still chuckling. soon enough, the air falls into a quiet lull with neither of you making a move to get out and into your apartment’s parking lot. this goes on for a few beats, before bakugou finally breaks the silence.
“p-promise me.”
bewildered, you glance at the pro-hero, who’s looking straight ahead onto the wall beyond the car. “promise you what?”
he swallows, as if nervous. “that you’ll get used to this.”
your eyes widen, suddenly speechless. the urge to ask him what he means by ‘this’ quickly surfaces—something tells you it’s more than just him spending on you—albeit dies down just as swiftly. the last thing you want is to ruin the moment.
instead, you settle with peering at him curiously for another minute, before: “…do i have a choice?”
at that, bakugou turns to you, grinning. “nah.”
˖⁺‧₊ as always, reblogs, replies, and tags are appreciated <3 feel free to drop an ask, too—i'd love to chat with you. have a nice day!
tagging. @bunnysaursushii @yawnzzzzzzzz @cholios @kashee-h @iluv-ace @lotuslovers @elarakive @touyas-moon @napbatata @k0z3me @h0ngh0ngh0ng @honeyoru @yoongiwithglasses @hellokitty-doll @lilsebnem @tetsuukuroo @crangrapel0ver @syrhra @qyuin @lotusstarr
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... 🧍🏻♀️
Umemiya is the guy who shows up with a potted plant at the first date.
He thinks bouquets are pretty and all but they die so fast - so he gifts you a whole plant. It comes with a cute pot (he hand painted the ceramics for you) and if you take good care of it, you will have it for years.
Umemiya the type of guy to let you lash the fuck out, call him names, throw a swing (that he dodges obvy), scream, shout and cry and then will hit you with the "Are you finished? Good. Now c'mere." and then will fucking bear hug your ass until you stop wriggling and break down in his arms apologizing.
And let me tell you I fucking hate that this has me on my knees wailing right now.