Welcome to the Valley of The Dreamers

Writing Blog! Please check the pinned post with rules before making requests Safe space! Please be kind to each other and to yourselves. No donations are required! Writing is completely free and I do not write for money!

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Come one, come all, to the Valley Of Dreams...

Hello everyone! I would like to start this blog with a pinned post detailing the most basic information about how things will be run:

I write because I like writing. Not for fame, or money, or a fan base. That means I write what I feel comfortable with.

I write mostly headcanons and little blurbs and imagines! I am also fine with fics, but I have a messy everyday schedule and so the time it takes me to make them varies.

I will list the fandoms I write for at the end of the post, so everyone can see a proper list. If anyone ends up enjoying my writings and takes on characters, they can feel free to suggest new things to watch so I may broaden said list!

This is a safe space. I work with X readers, and it means different personality types are welcome, and it also obviously means that all kinds of people are welcome too. That means that people who usually lack representation in media (ex: LGBTQ+, black people, different religions, etc) are welcome here. I've seen a ton of blogs where readers ask for a certain body type or hair type and yet they're kept in mind for the first few lines of the fic only for the author to default back to white beauty canons again during the fic. I will try my best to make sure I do not fall into these patterns. I will also be grateful if anybody can give me any specific details when it comes to different hairstyles and/or different religions, but rest assured I will try my best to make the most extensive research on any possible topic you request.

Please make sure to correct me if I make a mistake. I do not mean go into anon and send hate, but PLEASE, if you've noticed that I have taken a certain character, or reader, and something doesn't make sense (ex: someone running their hands through especially thick hair) make sure to point it out to me so I can correct it and keep it in mind for the future.

BE KIND. To each other, to yourselves, to everyone. I will NOT accept any self-deprecating requests, nor overall asks.

Be mindful of ALWAYS adding TW to your asks for any sensitive topics, please. It can genuinely deeply affect people to read certain things.

I take tips on Ko-Fi, but I don't demand them at any point. Times are rough money-wise and some support is always appreciated, but art is meant to be shared and enjoyed and I like doing it for free.

REQUESTS FOR THINGS LIKE DISNEY OR ANIMATED MOVIES OR SHOWS ARE NOT CHILDISH AND YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ASHAMED FOR REQUESTING THEM!

Now, I will list what I do write for and which fandoms:

ANIME

Black Butler / Kuroshitsuji

Diabolik Lovers

Pokémon

Assassination Classroom

My Hero Academia / Boku No Hero Academia

One Piece (Live Action and anime alike)

Death Note

Honorable mention to the animated movie Howl's Moving Castle from Studio Ghibli!

SERIES/MOVIES

Umbrella Academy

Stranger Things

911 Lone Star

The Walking Dead

Harry Potter (It is worth mentioning that I do not support nor stand with JK Rowling and I will not interact with anyone who does)

Disney & Pixar movies. This includes classic Disney & Pixar with princesses, villains, etc, as well as the Disney that has us including Avatar and Marvel. (Likewise, while it is also an enterprise which has carved an important spot within the hearts of many childhoods, I do not support nor stand with Disney and I will not interact with those who do. Enjoying the childhood movies and shows, etc, does not apply. Feel free to gush and theorize).

Yes, this DOES include Monsters VS Aliens! Surprisingly enough I had someone ask about this especifically and was delighted!

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Especially the movie as I am not familiar enough with the lovely comic)

V for Vendetta (now this one I AM familiar with the comic!)

DC (mostly Batman Universe)

Gotham

Helluva Boss/Hazbin Hotel

Tear Along The Dotted Line / This World Won't Tear Me Down and The Prophecy Of The Armadillo (Live Action Movie) (Basically Zerocalcare Works)

You can get me to write about the Mario Movie if you'd like, honestly! I've had people request it on other blogs before.

GAMES

Professor Layton (The utter lack of people to write for him is a shame!)

Phoenix Wright

Pokémon (Once again)

Undertale

Stardew Valley

FNAF (The movie and the games (if anybody knows it, the short RPG Five Nights at Flirting, too))

The Walking Dead (once more, although I am most familiar with its first volume, where Clem is still a child)

Mario Bros (I've seen people asking for requests related to Mario ONLY within the games universe, so feel free and please specify!)

Sonic (& Company)

Killer Frequency (same as with Professor Layton! The lack of people writing is a shame!)

Harvest Moon / Story of Seasons (I REPEAT FOR A THIRD TIME THAT THE LACK OF PEOPLE WRITING ABOU-)

14 Days With You

Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack

Your Boyfriend

My Dear Hatchet Man

John Doe+

Animal Crossing

It is worth mentioning that things like Sonic, Animal Crossing, any Disney Movie involving animals as the main characters, etc, will be represented with these characters as human as long as it is a romantic X reader. At most, I will be comfortable writing a Mobian/Moebian etc reader within the Sonic Universe. I am comfortable with writing for characters like Venom, etc, with a human reader, but not much else. Apologies and I leave it written here so you can feel free to request other authors!

A friend of mine introduced me to this series called SpainRP. I am unsure if anyone will know about it since it is in Spanish (I apologize for any grammar mistakes on that one and I will have my friend look over it!) but if anyone wishes to make a request for it I'd be happy to comply, and otherwise I'll ask my friend for help completing the request as their knowledge of both the series and language is greater than mine.

LASTLY! Things I WILL write and things I WON'T write:

I WILL WRITE:

- Romantic and platonic relationships ( X reader)

- Character analysis

- Headcanons and rants

- Fics

- Blurbs

- Drabbles

- LGTBQ+ reader, this includes ace, non-binary, poly relationships etc.

- Reader with any body type (please request within the ask!) and any skin complexion and religion (same situation as body type!). If you wish for specific details (eye colour, hair texture, clothing style, etc) make sure to add it in your ask.

- I will leave most works as 'x reader' with a very neutral reader. That is to say I will try not to mention any complexion , language, religion, etc. That way as many people as possible can feel included. This being said, I will try not to leave the reader bland enough that it comes off boring.

- Neurodivergent and disabled reader

TRIGGER WARNING: YANDERE AND NSFW THEMES.

- I *will* write Yandere characters BUT I am very particular about them. If you ask for 'What do you think these characters will be like as a yandere', I am fine with giving my opinion. If however you request an X Reader, please understand that for my own comfort I will NOT write any yandere except for those who apply to the kind of yandere- shown on the visual novel 14DWY. This is; someone who would NOT hurt the person they hold feelings for be that romantic or platonic. I am fine with writing dark stuff, gory stuff, the yandere hurting others for trying to hurt reader, etc. But due to certain things I've dealt with AND in the interest of victims of abuse, I will NOT write abusive characters. AT MOST you will get manipulation/gaslighting, and that's already shaky ground depending on how it is worked out.

- I WILL write any background you need for a reader who's looking for comfort in a character after the loss of a relative, escaping a toxic environment or an abusive relationship. That is a COMPLETELY different notion and it can be handled with respect and as delicately as needed. Sometimes we need our comfort characters to listen to our trauma and give us a hug. That is alright.

- I WILL write aged up characters, but only in certain instances. I will write for MHA students being aged up, because it falls under those crushes we had when we were teenagers, and we never got over, and yet you aged and they did not. Understandable! I will however not write for outright children (14 and under) being aged up, I'm sorry.

- I WILL write NSFW stuff. I am fine with BDSM as far as things like bondage, choking, hair pulling and the likes. Name calling and light degradation fall under the category that can be comfortable to write if the character does not think less of the reader as a human outside of the act nor during it for being outright sexual. No piss kink nor the like, and I cannot write vore well. Think the more generic vanilla kinks, and if you have any doubts, feel free to simply send an ask, anon or not!

- I WILL write angst, and fluff, and romance, and NSFW of 'porn without plot', etc. It is alright. There's a mood for each occasion. I am however not big on angst, so the request may feel awkward to write right away if the mood isn't right, and so, may take a bit longer. Have patience. I will ALWAYS warn when I will NOT write a request!

- I WILL write things containing children characters as long as it remains strictly platonic. I WILL NOT WRITE X CHILDREN ROMANTICALLY.

- Likewise I WILL write things containing animals and Pokémon as long as it is platonic. I WILL NOT WRITE BESTIALITY NOR POKEPHILIA.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. And lastly?

A huge thanks to my friend who's not only helped me set up a KO-FI ↓ but also allowed me to use their PayPal account for easier working and privacy matters, and most importantly, has given me the courage to start this writing blog. I love them very much and I wish them the very best. All the support messages are sent to me so worry not! I'll try my best to respond!

Support ASimpleDreamer on Ko-fi! ❤️. ko-fi.com/asimpledreamer

Support ASimpleDreamer On Ko-fi. Ko-fi lets you support the people and causes you love with small donations

I hope we will build a beautiful community and that I can make your day just a tiny bit better with my writing.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Small announcement:

Take-Off, Bake-Off *WILL* feature NSFW at some point. I will ALWAYS put a warning and it will probably be divided into different side chapters that won't affect the main story, for those readers who are uninterested in romance or any kind of sexual themes.

If at any point there's no NSFW but by virtue of the characters interacting with you once they get more "comfortable" later on, there's any kind of heated flirting or comments, I will ALSO put a warning, as I will for any other topic that may be triggering, be that mentions of in-depth trauma, violence, heavy scenes etc.

The side chapters would logically have to be canon-divergent, or at least have to have me break up the story into NSFW and non-NSFW takes, I don't mind doing it so it can accommodate a broader audience!

Have a nice day, everyone <3

[asimpledreamerwrites]

This close 🤏🏻 to making a "vaguely inspired on Grimshire" One Piece AU istg-

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Take-off, Bake-off

Chapter V

Tags: @rizecia17 @veryawkwardtato-blog

AN: Whenever you see any separation like ????, that's simply a scene that is happening somewhere aside from the bakery but at the same time as the events unfolding; that's to say, it's showing a moment unfolding parallel to reader being in the bakery, which is the focus of the chapter. Chapter II did not have this, because the entirety of it revolved around other characters instead. Here, there's a balance. These segments will often include information reader cannot know on their own, since they're frammed as inner monologue or the descriptions of an omnipresent writer.

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Even with the previous, admittedly strange, interaction you had held with Boa and Crocodile, their return came as a comfort after that encounter with Doflamingo, even when it had abruptly ended courtesy of Mihawk.

"Here" Crocodile hummed, extending a piece of paper your way "What is...?" You trailed off, staring at the code written on it "That is my number. Think about the offer I proposed, and we can draft a proper contract. I will be coming back more often" He hummed lowly, Boa scoffing and side-stepping to stand in front of him and block the way, even when he was far taller than her. Despite it, her head never bowed even slightly, and she turned up her nose just a bit to stare down at you too "You shall prepare yourself to receive me more often. I expect more of your fruit tarts" She simply stated, more a demand than a question, pushed her hair with the back of her hand so it rested behind her left shoulder, and walked out, heels clicking on the floor almost as if offering a warning. Crocodile simply glared after her, then allowed his eyes to slowly sweep back to you. His eyes were predatory, you noted once more, in the same vein a large creature could be a predator. And while the danger in the air around him was palpable, it felt different than the kind of fear and danger you had felt around Doflamingo. Then again, Crocodile seemed more balanced, or at least pretended to be.

He took a slow drag of his cigar, not blinking even once, and even with the difference in stature, had the decency of blowing the smoke off the side of his mouth so it wouldn't reach you. With an almost wolfish smirk and a glint to his eyes you couldn't (and weren't sure you wanted to) put your finger on, he, too, turned heel and walked out, coat swaying behind him.

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Getting back in her ship, Hancock retired to her quarters, offering some of the fruit tarts to her sisters and Elder Nyon (if only to shut the old woman up from trying to interrogate her), and sat on her couch, petting at Salome gently as she ate her own slowly. The other women seemed pleased at the tarts, but she couldn't focus on them. Her eyes remained glued to the sweet treat and the fruit decorating it, and, she mused, she could put her finger on the strange emotion now. When she had been fed the devil fruit, it had been at the lowest point in her life, by force, against her will, and for the enjoyment of others exclusively. Now, sitting with her sisters and the woman who helped them three, enjoying a pastry that would have otherwise been a luxury reserved only for nobles, with whatever fruits she chose, and tasting sweeter than the hard truth she had had to swallow back then, throught the taste of metal from biting her tongue too hard to not talk back, or act out, or think too much about the horros they encountered...she found she craved the sweet treat and the feeling of happiness and care it brought, and seeing her sisters enjoying the pastries she bought for them, she thought for a moment, that perhaps she understood how you felt when you baked and saw people enjoying what you made. That perhaps it, too brought you happiness. She was unsure it could bring you a feeling even close to the one that settled in her in this moment.

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You had finally managed to find the will to breathe freely only an hour after they had all gone. The day had been chaotic, to puy it lightly, but the dust was beginning to settle and it made you feel at peace once more.

Sadly, you mused to yourself "it finally seems quiet again", and that alone jinxed it. Not even five minutes later, you could hear the hurried stomps of something large barrelling towards the door.

You couldn't even begin to try to describe what stood in front of the shop, tall enough to cast shadow on the windows of the living quarters above it you had claimed as your own. You were unsure whether it was an animal, a person, or even alive. Its face was large, literally. It was elongated downwards, full of stitches in a cross patern down his chin starting under its bottom lip, it had purple hair, pointy ears, horns, and a strange hairstyle that still wasn't the most peculiar you had seen. The skin was pale and grey, almost like it had no blood to it, and you couldn't tell what was neck and what face. Dressed in a strange mixture of victorian garments meshed with an orange/yellow set of pants on an incredibly round form, you could only gawk in confusion. The being, which reminded you of a giant bat, stared with intense eyes, opened its mouth- "Are you the baker who provided the food for the warlord meeting?!" He demanded...human, then, you sighed in only mild relief. His voice wasn't especially low, but it wasn't sharply high, either. Somehow, it fit him well.

You hesitated, before nodding a bit, and much to your relief, instead of trying to break his way into the bakery that definitely would be unable to house his size, he motioned immediately, and in floated a cute young woman, somehow suspended mid-air, with pink hair and big red boots, carrying an enormous plushy and dressed in a gothic lolita fashion, if you were to have to compare, who curiously did a couple of spins around checking the displays "PERONA?! JUST BUY EVERYTHING!" "I want to see if any have cute decorations!!!" She argued back with an indignant huff, going back to browsing "Hey, you! Since we are going to buy your entire stock, you could at least be nice and decorate some of the sweets! Taking them this plain wouldn't be cute at all!" She demanded. You sweatdropped once more for the day, but given this would constitute your biggest sale, you weren't too keen on arguing "...So, what would you like me to make?" "Make whatever design, but make it cute! You know, like plushies, and teddy bears!" She demanded, pointing at you although in a much less high-and-mighty manner than Boa herself had.

You looked around at the now-barren bakery shelves, gave a sigh, pocketed the money, and got started on a new batch just as another large figure appeared outside.

You almost found it endearing, in a way, so you nodded, and, packing a few bags to help quell the impatience of the large man outside, you handed them her way and proceeded to take some of the easier pastries to work with, mainly some cookies and whatever was flat enough to serve as a good base, and began making as cutesy designs as you could manage to. The effort seemed enough for the young woman, even through her slight scoffs, as she offered a nod, putting the money on the counter distractedly and giving her back to you, supposedly so you wouldn't see as she eagerly bit down on the sweet treat she had taken out the box, even if the slight, happy wiggle and the chirpy squeal gave her away immediately, although she was too lost on the taste of the chocolatey goodies to notice, or perhaps to care, dashing out to burden the giant with the bags as she resumed eating, smacking his hand away "YOU HAVE YOUR OWN FOOD, THESE ARE MINE!" She accussed, and you heard as they argued loudly on how he was the one paying for them, and how she had been the one to enter and order so it was only thanks to her they both got them, getting quieter as they left.

It took you longer to realize, this time, between being in the back to bake, the man being silent as a statue, and the day getting a bit darker, enough for you to believe the casted shadow from outside was just a set of passing clouds. At its persistence, you peeked fron behind the corner, this time spotting what you recognized as a man, in fact convinced you finally WERE seeing a giant, standing outside in more normal clothing which was, perhaps, the most surprising.

Sure, the black jacket may have had an interesting design, but all in all? Big jacket, spotted pants, shoes...The only thing worth raising a brow at was the hat that reminded you of a little panda bear, with the ears to match, and even that was relatively commonplace in YOUR universe, so it was, in a way, almost comforting. Once more seeing a person large enough to be unable to step inside, you peeked out "I'd like to order the baked goods you gave to Fleet Admiral Sengoku" he spoked, soft, calm, almost robotic to it "Ah... I'd love to give them to you, but I'm afraid I just sold out of my entire stock...! I'm baking right now...I could priorize those pastries in partciular and have those ready first, if you'd like, but it'll take a while...!" You informed. In response? He sat down. On the floor. In front of the bakery. Hands resting on his knees in a strangely innocent display "I can wait" he confirmed no less robotically, seeming to pull out a huge book you could swear was a Bible, and begin reading.

Yet again, you sweatdropped, nodded, and proceeded to go to the back once again to resume your baking.

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New rule? You were NEVER using the word 'quiet' or 'slow' to refer to your shift EVER again.

Sengoku was NOT pleased with Garp. In fact, saying not pleased was a gross understatement; Sengoku was livid.

"JUST WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR HEAD TO TELL THE WARLORDS OF ALL PEOPLE ABOUT THE LOCATION OF THE BAKERY?!THE BAKER'S A TINY THING WHOM YOU JUST SENT TO THE LIONS!" He barked, earning little more than loud laughter from Garp "Don't be so dramatic! I'm almost done with my bag so I'll be on my way over right away anyway!" He waved a dismissive hand over at Sengoku, who in response grabbed him by the collar and began shaking him like he was a cocktail that needed mixing, sending the bag flying towards the three admirals who were staring at the interaction with a range of reactions including, but not limited to, amusement, mild dissapointment, and annoyance.

Kizaru picked up the bag, tilting his head with a soft "Oooh...~" as he inspected the bag, Aokiji barely keeping an eye open far enough to glance at it as Akainu gave a mixture between a scoff and a growl, eyebrow raised "High-ranking Marines fighting like children over some sugary nonsense. Disgraceful..." He huffed, tapping the ash of his cigar on the tray, earning a small chuckle from Kizaru "Now, now, Sakazuki~ No need to be so grumpy, is there?" He questioned, and, never one to care much for formalities or social conventions, bit down on one of the treats or howeverlittle was left of them, anyway.

The change was instantaneous, but in a way that was subtle enough only the other two admirals caught on. It wasn't exactly how he was reacting, it was moreso about how he wasn't reacting that gave it away. Admiral Kizaru was said to be faster than light itself, but even with the devil fruit at his disposal, he rathered taking life at his own slow, eccentric pace. Kizaru was by far the most peculiar of the admirals, and so, the other two had expected some sort of peculiar reaction that'd be on brand with him. Some strange swaying, some laughter, some sound that showed either being pleased or displeased.

Instead, they were now gazing at a fully silent, stone faced Borsalino that gripped the bag a little closer, seeming to savour the bite in an almost protective fashion, like he was protecting a feeling, a memory. The treat reminded him of something. Of a dance, much too long ago for most people to remember. Of friendly conversation, of the shared hushed hope of new beginnings and the blooming friendship and care and human bonds. It made his heart beat, and for a moment, the usually calm rhythm seemed to, instead, echo like drums.

Lost in his thoughts and busy savouring the food, his grip on the bag loosened ever-so-slightly, and it allowed Aokiji to curiously swipe it away and peer inside with a raised brow, snatching one of the goods and inspecting it with a slight tilt of the head "Huh..." He mused simply, lazily, moving the treat of his fingers just a bit before giving a shrug to himself, and taking a bite.

Now Akainu was staring at both admirals seeming frozen to different degrees.

For a man with a devil fruit that allowed him to become and create ice itself, Aokiji was no stranger to heat. The uncomfortable kind. The kind that creeped up your spine, crawled up your back like sin itself and nailed itself to the back of your neck, weighing you down and tiring you out by doing as much as simply breathing. Kuzan carried the heat of an island he witnessed burning down. No matter how much ice he created, the uncomfortable heat always remained gripping into his skin from the inside, and it denied him proper rest, so he had to settle for naps where he could get them. The bite felt foreign on his tongue, because the warmth it carried with it was not suffocating, but rather soothing. Like it, if only for a brief moment, washed over the insufferable heat and soothed it into silence for a few moments that had him inhaling sharply under his breath. He bit down again.

Akainu pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something about sloppiness and poor performance and discipline, just snatching the bag away and setting it on the table. He huffed, snuffing his cigar out on the ashtray, and snatching a pastry from within the bag with a feeling almost akin to disdain. He only bit down to have the others know they were being ridiculous and someone strong and serious enough wouldn't be affected.

He stopped two seconds into chewing, processing like a fish out of water, buffering so hard there almost was whirring noises echoing through the room that would have threatened to overshadow Garp and Sengoku's screams.

Sakazuki was not a kind man. With his job he could not afford to be. Discipline and rules were the tools that kept his men and civilians alive when faced with a world where warlords would be employed under the World Government. The image of the navy was tainted enough by it in his eyes. By all means, it fueled his need to be harsher. Hard enough to snap a pirate with his own hand without needing his devil fruit. He knew fires. The fires of Hell, the fires of rage, the fire in his veins every time he activated his power. He knew fire, but not warmth. That's why he could not process just how he was able to taste it on a stupid, simple pastry.

After a moment of processing longer, it was Aokiji that got up first, and walked on off to fetch his bycicle, quickly surpassed by Kizaru's devil fruit power, but leaving Akainu behind as he got up fast enough to almost tumble the chair backwards to follow after both.

The three of them had heard where the bakery was located. The three of them were en route.

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[asimpledreamerwrites]

Honestly with reading your fic I can't help but think of love going through the stomach for so may characters! So I was wondering who you personally think would fall for love through the stomach? Maybe you have little blurbs? Hehe I'm dying to know who all is gonna join the mix!

In "Take-off, Bake-off", the characters don't quite "fall" (be that romantic or platonic!) for the food itself, but for the taste, that is to say, the love and passion poured into the pastries. I wanted this to be a main theme because I feel it is something that is hardly touched upon within, especially, the more powerful characters. I genuinely feel like a huge chunk of a characterization like Sanji's is, for example, that we are shown he loves to cook and cooks with love, and that's what makes his cooking so amazing. The fact he wants everyone fed, and everyone DOES feel fed and happy after eating said meals, and I wanted to apply that dynamic for the characters we have not seen enjoying it.

However, when it DOES come to falling through the stomach, whether romantic or platonic?? Crocodile is a HUGE contender. He has always given off that vibe to me if purely by the fact he does not often find really, truly homemade flavours available since he's always at risk of poison on his dishes, so he eats with wariness. Upon allowed to let that wall down, he does so look like he falls for the feeling and taste. He looks like he enjoys feeling full. Daz Bones follows suit.

Smoker also poses a good contender here.

Lucky Roux and Thatch, as well as Zoro and Luffy, obviously (Luffy just loves food).

From the women, Alvida also looks like she does feel a connection if the food holds a special taste and passion to it. Big Mom is obviously easily swayed by sweets, but I don't think it could make her fall, we have seen she simply goes into an actual daze, so I would place her the same as Luffy; you can make her love your food but not you BECAUSE of the food.

Bartolomeo also looks like he's one proper meal away from going on his knees to ask for marriage, and Killer as well. Kid, I am half and half about.

Calico Yorki, and Whitebeard also look like they would be swayed by food as well, but contrary to Luffy and LinLin it would and could be linked to feelings, as well as Ace.

I'd love to say Rosinante, but Rosinante feels like he falls at first sight and whatever actual loving gesture you offer deepens it, so instead I *will* say Gecko Moria.

Zeff, even if it's too on the nose!

Roger. Just...Gol D. Roger.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRtf8sfp/

Is this TOBO's reader seeing Doflamingo approach the bakery???

I am fucking tears right NOW-

Listen, I always try to leave the reader's gender, appearence and choices ambiguous (that's why I have not described the bakery once it was fixed up, what treats you think each warlord and character would like best, and what you wear or how you decorated the house, or your skin or hair or eyes. I try my best at least) but, in my mind? Yes. Yes it is.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Take-off, Bake-off

Chapter IV

Tags: @rizecia17 @veryawkwardtato-blog

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The (fish) man, who very politely introduced himself as Jinbe, waited patiently as you searched the back of the bakery in an attempt to find anything that could serve as waterproof packaging. Luckily, the previous owner must have thought about fishmen too, because, tucked away in one of the upper cupboards, you found air-tight sealing bags as well as what seemed to be very powerful ziplocks that had 'water-resistant' on them.

Regardless of appearence, you moved to check with Jinbe himself, afraid to simply pack something that would get ruined upon touching the sea, even if you were already too dazed with his existence to check what his mean of transport was supposed to be. A customer was a customer, and he was a very kind and patient one!

"Will these suffice?" You checked, showing him the bags. After a brief inspection, he gave a firm, polite nod once again "Thank you" he stated simply as you packed his pick and carefully wrapped the box, handing it over to him "If it opens, come back. I'll get you a new box, free of cost" You stated calmly, if only because you had more than enough money thanks to Boa's purchase (and her snake's contribution to the tip jar), and because the thought of his box being ruined because of your lack of knowledge didn't sit right with you. Albeit seemingly taken by surprise with the kindness, he took a moment to process, then, for the first time, offered a proper smile instead of just the polite ghost of one "I appreciate that" He stated, voice having a softer tint as he straightened out again.

Jinbe had assumed the pastries were for the other warlords, when Sengoku brought them. Not on his behalf, but on the behalf of the baker. Even if to you it would have seemed preposterous (albeit sadly not unheard of in your world), here, there was still very latent discrimination against fish and merfolk. That's what had captivated Jinbe enough, upon trying once of the baked goods, to come check out the place for himself now that management had changed. The taste of love in the sweets.

Even with the flavour and the emotions it awakened, and even with how similar it was to the flavour of care he had tasted in the food made by his previous crewmates, he was still wary. It was the way you had stared, what had first shocked him. You were shock in a different way, as if you had never seen a fishman before. Jinbe supposed that perhaps that was a possibility, but he was more shocked than you yourself had been when you immediately had seemed to jump into acceptance, and accomodated his request. The last gesture of kindness didn't strike him because you had offered a new box for free, but because you had actively checked with him, therefore confessing you were ignorant to how the transport could work, yet still chose to accomodate him as good as you could. That's what he had been after, upon agreeing to be a warlord. Building bridges. With that thought, and a silent vow to return, he slowly walked out, and Boa and Crocodile followed suit, not to leave the premises themselves, but to continue the previous argument outside. Something about...risking your work being dehydrated? Whatever that was supposed to mean...

After all that running around preparing and packing things, you chose to begin sweeping a bit and wiping the counters now it was calm again.

You, however, seemingly spoke too soon, as you saw someone approching quickly. You did not even have time to take in his height, because you were too put-off by his strange walk and whacky clothing, a pink coat that seemed to be made of only feathers wrapped around him, a white shirt that seemed to serve little purpose since it was onbuttoned all the way down, gaudy festival fuchsia pants with light pink stripe print on them held up by the strangest belt, and flat-heeled black pointy shoes. The man wore a strange expression too, all threatening smiles, eyes hidden behind fiery-like glasses. All of that, combined with his blonde haircut was nothing short of a hot mess that, mashed with the whackiness of the universe you had found tourself in, seemed to (strangely enough) work.

Sadly enough, the sheer size of him became apparent oncwe he passed the threshold of the bakery door, having to bend half his body to come in, which seemed to amuse and annoy him in equal parts, then standing tall again, towering well over you, that's to say, he would have well towered over Crocodile himself, too. He tilted his head slightly, grin never leaving his features, and he chuckled lowly, another strange laugh, you realized, as his tongue slowly came out, dragging across his lips.

You had to clear your throat to prevent your voice from breaking "What can I pack for you?" you checked, voice ever-so-slightly higher pitched, which he only missed because he had not heard you speak beforehand. His grin widened "Getting right to business? How cold...~ I like hard workers, but I came a long way to get to this bakery specifically, so you should be a little more grateful, no need to be so dull...~" It's like he purred every single sentence that came out of his lips, for now, anyhow. He leant closer, he didn't need to, but he leant closer regardless, you guessed because he liked invading people's personal space, to test their reaction.

"Well, well, well...what have we here...?~" He purred out, in a way that uncomfortably reminded you of the portrayal of Kaa in 'The Jungle Book'. Something deadly that appeared to try and come off as friendly, while at no point really trying to hide said dangerous nature "A cute little baker...~" The man would have circled you, but there was no need. To someone his size, you were so small he could clearly see you from where he stood. He straightened his head again, his tongue retreating back into his mouth slowly, almost toeing the line of being unnervingly long.

Never letting his glasses lower any, he looked you up and down slowly, like a predator sizing up his possible next meal. He didn't need to remove them, you could feel his gaze piercing into you pass the tinted glass as he very slowly stepped closer, and in response, your body guided you to step backwards and back behind the counter, with the motion luckily being fluid enough that it looked intentional, like you were simply getting ready to tend to him as customer.

You hadn't felt this tense when Crocodile stepped in, even with his golden hook resting on your counter. Then again, Crocodile looked like a businessman, a loanshark perhaps, but at least someone you could reason with. This man, however, looked unhinged in a way that wouldn't let you place whether he was fully lucid and just sadistic, or mentally not all there and unstable, and he just wouldn't stop leaning closer and closer until he was almost nose to nose with you-

"Your name?" You blurted out immediately, as if asking who you should be writing down to pick up the food. It didnt make sense, he was clearly here, if he even wanted any food to begin with, to grab it personally. But it had worked with Boa and Crocodile before and, sure enough, just like a charm, he stopped in place. His grin wiped, moreso out of shock than anger, as he opened and closed his mouth slowly, trying to process the question and the seriousness of the request. After a moment of buffering, he tilted his head the other way "...Donquixote Doflamingo" He stated matter-of-factly. 'What kind of bloody names do people have here?' you mused to yourself, but did NOT tempt fate by voicing it.

The man, Doflamingo, was still standing there, brow quirking slightly after a moment as if he was expecting a grandiose reaction "...Are you...one of the warlords, too, or...?" You tried, his face staying stone cold and his lips parting to speak once more, then closing again, needing to process once more. For a moment, a vein popped in his forehead, but slowly, the grin returned "...How...interesting...~ This brings us an opportunity to get to know each other~" The purr was back in his voice, much to your dismay. Much to your delight, however, he simply motioned to the pastries he wanted put in his box, gtrin widening as you hurried to pack them, but before he could step closer again, a new set of footsteps joined the fray.

This new man, albeit dressed in curious attire and carrying a rather large sword, was a sight for sore eyes, if only because it seemed to make Doflamingo, even if annoyed, slowly retire, seemingly losing interest in the interaction when your attention could be divided, plus, he knew he could get no reactions out of the new face who approached the counter.

The first thing you noticed once you were able to gaze under his hat were his eyes. Unlike any you had seen before, these had rings around the pupil, and the color of them was unnatural. It reminded you of a hawk, striking, piercing, albeit his gaze was not predatory. Those eyes swept across the display of sweets, and much lik a bird, his head tilted only a little, then it met yours again and, for the first time since Jinbe left, the man, like a normal, properly socialized individual, simply placed his order. You nodded, immediately getting to making the box, trying to avoid his gaze, although your eyes kept being drawn to his own, both by their intensity and the curiosity of never having seen anything similar outside of whacky contact lenses.

"...Thank you" You hummed after a moment, earning a cocked brow "...I saw your figure for a little while, outside I mean, talking to those two...I just guessed you stepped in now because you saw the situation, so...thank you" You reiterated. The man simply gave a hum, not dismissive, not as confirmation, simply acknowedging your words "The man is possessed of a mind rudimentary in its power of observation and analysis. The simplicity of his character makes him merely incomprehensible to me, and I've no desire of changing the fact. He bobs about among men, a veritable bundle of bravado; no power worthy the name of intellect, no thoughts worthy of the word noble" He deadpanned, and you almost jumped a bit, not only at the voice and tone themselves, but also at the manner of speech. It was interesting, not bad, not good, just...strange in a curious way. He spoke an almost old dialect, or at least that's how it sounded. It reminded you of those novels and writings from Literature and English class, especially how they made the Victorians sound extravagant and fancy in their wording. It was unfamiliar to the ear, but not unpleasant.

Had you known him at all, you would have been able to decipher that was Dracule Mihawk's brand of kindness. Casual, silent, almost coated in a boredly uncaring attitude.

"Say, do you perhaps have any recipes for sale?" He questioned, seeming to note your reaction, which made you flush at the thought he might have considered 'dumbing down' his speech. It almost could have given you whiplash "Oh...I didn't think about it, really, but...if you point me to what you'd like the recipe for, I could write it down for you...!" You assured, and he tipped his head the other way ever so slightly, making the feather on his hat bop along with it "How curious...You speak as if you do not intend to charge me for them" he mused, to which you nodded slowly "Yeah, I...I wasn't planning to" you agreed softly, earning a slow hum once more, seemingly making the man just more curious by the second, to which he motioned for the desired pastries, allowing you to note them down and begin writing out the recipes.

Unlike Crocodile, you noticed, he tipped, or perhaps that was to make up for the recipes you handed him moments later. He looked at the notes, then back at you "You assume I am not a baker in search of taking your recipes for my own gain to sell" He mused "Well...you don't look very baker-like to me-" You began, to which he raised a slightly offended brow "-and even if you did," you continued "you won't be able to replicate them the way I make them" You stated it with so much confidence it almost would have taken the man aback...Almost. Instead, he simply nodded, studied you for a moment longer, and slowly offered a hand, the movement making the cross necklace on his chest swing slightly "Dracule Mihawk, although, people have been known to refer to me as 'Hawkeye' " he informed, and you quickly shook his hand. It was strong, you noted, and rough, probably from handling the huge sword.

You handed him the box, and he put down way too much money for what you said he owed, and turned heel to leave "Ah- Mr...Hawkeye...! This is way over-" "The bumbling buffoon I seemed to chase away," he began calmly "forgot to pay for his order" he finished, not turning to look back as he walked away.

By the time you wanted to get to sweeping again, Crocodile and Boa finally stepped back inside.

Today was really starting to stretch on for far too long, and you still had six hours to go. Damnit.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Take-off, Bake-off

Chapter III

Tags: @rizecia17 , @veryawkwardtato-blog

This chapter was, originally, going to contain all the warlords, however, I have found a more satisfactory way to carry the story in a more flowy manner so it's more comfortable to read, and have opted to set the bases for the future chapter here. Therefore, consider this the introduction to your interactions with the characters, divided into actually-digestible, bite-sized chapters. The bright side of that, is the next update will come sooner due to me already having the outline of it ready! ❤️

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"-and that would conclude today's meeting...any questions?" Sengoku finished, looking around the room filled with intense stares and being met with nothing but silence from all of the attendees.

With a slight bead of sweat coming at his forehead at the slightly awkward atmosphere, and already predicting where this was leading, he cleared his throat and nodded "Then we are done here" he finally declared.

Then, the warlords were uncuffed, and just like that, they took off

The first to arrive at the island and dash into the bakery, was the Pirate Empress herself. You were restocking the shelves when she came in, so quickly you didn't have time to process the actual movement, instead acknowledging someone had arrived by the sound of heels hitting the ground and stopping before the counter.

You raised your head, blinking up at her with wide eyes in surprise, understandably so, in your mind, anyhow. The woman before you was stunning; long, black hair, light, deep blue eyes, delicate and no doubt expensive clothing, fair features, and snake-inspired jewelry. For a moment you even thought that the huge snake with her was a part of her garments, but then the being moved. Your choked scream in shock was only silenced by her striking the strangest pose, pointing straight at you, but instead of looking you in the eyes, her head tilted backwards like she was staring at the ceiling "You. I demand more of the fruit pastries you have baked at once" she deadpanned, seeming fully serious with the pose, in a mixtured between strange and almost comical. You blinked once, twice, and opened and closed your mouth when no words would come to you.

Unhappy with the lack of response, the woman tilted her head forward, looking at you just slightly and giving a slow squint as you tried to process once more "Have you not heard me?! How dare you ignore an Empress?!" she demanded. You couldn't know it, but had she been talking to anyone else, her voice would have been ample harsher. With the taste of the pastry still lingering in her tongue and the strange feeling still stubbornly gripping her very core, though, she couldn't bring herself to unleash her full fury on you. Which was lucky for the both of you, because it gave you enough time and room to slowly nod and begin packing the pastries for her.

Seemingly pleased with the outcome, the woman gave a nod and took a calm seat on the giant snake. You had long decided not to question anything, that is to say, one can't say they have seen everything or that anything could be impossible after they've been swallowed by a portal and spat into another dimension, you told yourself.

"Ah, miss- Your Highness?" You corrected just as the woman's eyes narrowed again, shoulders relaxing at the title "How many pastries would you like me to pack?" You double-checked, her only response being a dismissive wave of the hand, like there was not point to the question itself "All of them" she deadpanned "If I deem them worthy enough, I might consider getting more at a later date" she stated, making you sweat-drop a bit but nod slowly, taking another box to get to wrapping up the rest of the fruit tarts.

Right as you were wrapping them securely and ready to ring her up, the atmosphere in the room seemed to grow heavier. Accompanying it, the sound of footsteps rang through the bakery as the door opened, giving way for a large, large man to step inside. A cigar rested between his lips, his hand (the only one he had, you noted, yet found it smart not to have much reaction to the massive hook on his other arm) adorned with expensive rings, his hair slicked back and his clothes clearly out of any ordinary budget. A scar crossed his face from side to side, right under his predatory eyes, like you were staring at more of an animal than a man. He scanned the scene for a moment and, seeming satisfied with you apparently having finished with the Pirate Empress, he made his way towards you. The closer he got, the more imposing he seemed, like the air itself was too afraid to stand in his way, so much so his presence felt suffocating. Boa did not seem afraid, though, if anything, her features showed only displeased annoyance. That soothed you, in a way.

"Are you the baker?" He rumbled out. Even with the entonation, it was not a question, he was simply pointing out the obvious and checking if your response would be satisfactory enough. He seemed to find the slow couple of nods you offered sufficient, and his lips very slowly curled up in a smirk that made a shiver run down your spine, as if you finally understood the expression 'to walk into the lion's den'. This was your bakery, your space, whether you felt it yours or not, and yet, his pressence was so commanding that it completely filled the place "Good" he hummed lowly, slowly taking the very expensive-looking cigar out of his mouth with his (no less expensive-looking, due to the rings) good hand, allowing the tip of the massive golden hook to tap the counter "Pack me a box. Baker's choice" He stated simply, but the underlying threat of the request was clear; Choose wisely.

You swallowed thickly for only a moment, and even when you didn't want to risk speaking, regardless of how you would have carried out a similar interaction had this not been a strange, different universe, you still chose to offer a question back "What's your taste profile?" you tested the waters. It earned you a slow eyebrow raise and another smirk, and, you guessed, the ability to live another day. Nobody needed to be a genius to realize the man screamed 'Mafioso', and he seemed to know the Empress, so he clearly had contacts in high places. Regardless, he simply gave an amused, silently pleased rumble, offering the slightest guidelines for you to make your selection, so you got to work.

Boa, unhappy with being ignored, huffed as she snatched her own goodies, smacking the money down as her snake discreetly slipped some extra into your tip jar "Have you no shame? I was being tended to" She hissed in annoyance, perhaps pissed at Crocodile as an everyday-mood, perhaps endeared by how big the uniform was on you, although it only earned a more mocking, crueler smirk from the man "It looked to me like you were just leaving, Empress. Are you not the one who insists everyone is beneath you?" He demanded with some sort of sick amusement at the increasingly mad woman "...Is that what the strange pose means?" You mused to yourself quietly, clearing your throat and going back to making the mixed box when her gaze fell on you again, making the man chuckle lowly. Everyone here had some sort of strange laugh, you noted "Then there's no reason for you to be here, is there, Hancock?" He mused, which only made the woman stubbornly sit down on one of the chairs, one leg crossing over the other, her cheek resting on her fist as she fearlessly matched the now annoyed glare the man shot "I will do as I please, Crocodile. A man will not order me around" She stated, using her free hand to push some hair away from her face calmly. Everything she did looked almost model-like, in your eyes.

"Suit yourself" he deadpanned, attention turning to you once more as he snatched the box calmly once you had finished, carelessly dropping the berry for you as if it was simple pocket change. He, however, didn't tip "I've got a business proposition for you" He stated. Ah, that explained...or he was stingy when it came to tips, two things could be true at the same time "How is business here? Do you think you can earn enough to live comfortably? The past owner did not have the best reputation, it sure would be a shame if that were to affect you and your new business model...perhaps a change in location could be benefitial" He smirked, and Boa scoffed "This bakery is convenient in distance to my island, and a bakery can only function with a baker. You cannot possibly pretend for the rest of us to bend to your whims" She argued, Crocodile's brow twitching for a moment "I'd expect an Empress to have better manners...have you not been told, it is rude to interrupt conversations?" He deadpanned dryly, threat underlying in his voice, body not turning to face away from you as his hand slowly raised a bit, the gesture similar to someone holding an orb, to which Boa responded by slowly making a heart with her hands, both their eyes darkening-

"You're both REALLY weird-" you blurted out, your own eyes widening for a milisecond at the sudden slip up, but it was much too late to backtrack with their eyes on you now, so you chose to continue "I mean- You didn't even introduce yourselves...! You came in here, no goodmorning, no names, no declaration of intentions, nothing...Am I just supposed to roll with the punches of you throwing out...gang signs...?" You questioned slowly, earning a very slow blink from both as if you'd said something unthinkable "What do you mean...no introduction? We are warlords, there's not a single living soul in all the Blues who does not at least find themselves able to place us based on descriptors alone" Crocodile demanded, seeming annoyed at the though, yet still less disconcerted than Boa, who seemed entirely flabbergasted "You...how dare you...?! I am the most beautiful woman in the world!" She stated, springing to her feet in actual offense at the lack of recognition, which was a sign of disrespect in her eyes "Or are you simply so enamoured by marines that you know nothing past them?" Crocodile joined in, both stepping closer-

"Listen- You are both acting like weirdos, I don't have a clue who the hell either of you are, only marines I know are those two who swung by earlier to, I am guessing, bring pastries to their meeting with YOU if their initial yelling was anything to go off of, I have JUST arrived here, I came into the town to ask for help, got the apron and hat shoved on me, and now I'm running a bloody bakery whose past owner apparently almost brought to ruin. I have enough on my plate as it is...!" You chastised, the pressure of this entire mess coiling around you.

Boa furrowed her brows, the wording strange to both of them, but the reaction vastly different. Boa Hancock was used to caring for and protecting her sisters, those she grew up with, she knew, she loved, those she didn't fear would abandon her for their fates had mirrored her own. Now, however, she was conflicted. She truly had been planning on taking the pastries and leaving, but something in her had not felt partial to leaving you alone with Sir Crocodile, and even moreso had brought her to intervene to try and drag his attention away when he had tried to propose a deal, no dubt working under him, no doubt with shady clauses. Boa was unsure why she cared, and she had half a mind to place the blame on those damned fruit tarts once more, and now, your genuine confusion felt...endearing.

Crocodile was a selfish man, in all aspects of life. Pleasure, business, romance, violence. His nature was to latch on tight with his maws and devour whole, never release, never let go, never allow for a marging of freedom that could turn to betrayal. His status, his fortune, it all made the perfect cocktail to offer shiny deals that had people throwing themselves at his feet to work with him in hopes of making it big, so of course the rejection of the offer and the ignorance to who he was and his overall status came as no less of a shock to him than they had Boa. The wording, however, had him intrigued in no less of a selfish fashion, while he desperately kept trying hard to ignore the feeling that had overcome him upon eating back during the meeting.

Both pairs of eyes were still locked onto you, yet before Crocodile could open his mouth once more, the door opened again, and this time...you were unsure what stepped inside...you just knew that he was definitely fish-like, and that his slight smile and polite half-bow were by far the nicest greeting you had received up until now.

You should NOT have ignored the shiver down your spine earlier today.

Jinbe walked in, observing the change to the business for a couple of moments before turning to you again "Do you perhaps carry waterproof packaging?" He checked

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Take-off, Bake-off

Chapter II

Tags: @rizecia17

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The day carried on as normally as it could for someone who had fallen into a different universe and adopted a bakery, you supposed.

You kept on baking some new treats, tended to some (thankfully) more regular-looking customers with quite pleasant dispositions, and managed to tidy up a bit in what seemed to be a positively slow but calm day.

But of course, luck hasn't been quite on your side lately.

Within the Red Line, in Mary Geoise, Sengoku moved with calculated steps, trying to ignore Garp's blabbering about the treats he had gotten for himself. In a way, he was glad he had. If Garp was busy eating, he couldn't stir anything during the warlord meeting. It wasn't that his friend did it on purpose (although, sometimes he found it amusing so he did), it was that Garp, which Sengoku had found seemed to be a trait that stretched across his bloodline, did not have a filter or know when to shut up half of the time.

Both men walked into the meeting, Sengoku with the treats on hand, Garp with his own bag and sitting down as Sengoku placed the packed baked goods in the middle of the large table Doflamingo was sitting on already. They were surprised to find all the warlords had attended today, but Sengoku guessed that it was better not to have to repeat things twice.

As he sat down to sort through his documents, the warlords boredly awaited the dreaded, long meeting in silence, eyeing each other with nothing short of contempt every now and again, before the smell of homemade goods began overtaking the air.

Their faces slowly shifted towards the Vice-Admiral, who had opened his own bag and was now gladly devouring the contents inside.

It earned nothing but slightly curious glances; a tilt of the head from Mihawk, a lifted eyebrow from Crocodile, and Moria slowly inching closer almost by reflex at the smell, before Jinbe, ever the observant man, spoke up "It smells good...I thought you didn't like the sweets you brought into these meetings, but the seal and paper belong to the same bakery you always purchase them from..." He mused, sharp as he always was.

"And we don't like them either" Moria interrupted with a huff "They're miniature-sized and the flavours fall flat" He complained, resting his cheek on his closed fist with a slight scowl at what usually was a jab and proof of dislike from the marines to the contracted pirates. The argument would have continued, if it weren't for The Hero Of The Marines waving it off while still eating "Yeah, well, the bakery changed owners now, so the treats changed too. Take it or leave it, and if you do leave it, I'll eat it" He stated flatly thought a slight mouthful, more interested in continuing to indulge in his meal than being roped into a conversation with them, making Sengoku's eye twitch a bit as he laid the documents down.

The discussion was cut off, if only because Admiral Kizaru made a clean slash through the paper of the package covering the baked goods Sengoku had left on the table prior. Once again, the sweet smell began wafting through the room, and wasting no more time, Moria immediately grabbed one of the baked goods, and bit into it. His eyes lit up, and he tried to change his expression to a neutral one when he realized, albeit too late; the other warlords had taken notice of the satisfaction and slowly turned to stare at the package, too.

Unusually for Crocodile, who did not tend to be trusting, especially of marines, he snatched one of them, too, if only because Moria had already eaten one, and the Vice-Admiral was still gobbling down his own bag. Taking advantage of the others being much too distracted grabbing some of the treats themselves, the warlord bit down, and almost immediately found his taste buds overwhelmed by flavour. The texture was good, the presentation was wonky, nothing like he was used to, with his fine dining, his private chefs, his rich lifestyle...But there was something about the flavour. He had eaten at high-end restaurants so much he could almost grow bored of them, had hired the best chefs amongst every single Blue to cook all sorts of meals for him, so it was almost frustrating how different the flavour was. It wasn't about it being grand, or exploding on the tongue, or having a strange mixture of different ingredients that paired together just right. It was something he couldn't put his finger on, something that slowly took over his tongue, then slowly seemed to make its way around his body, like a pool of warmth irradiating from every bite.

Sir Crocodile hated being out of the loop, he hated not knowing things, especially if those things affected him, and whatever this was, was having a reaction on his body. Pleasant or not, it was something he could not control, and The King Of The Desert loathed surrendering control to anything and anyone. But the most infuriating part, was he liked the feeling. It was oddly comforting in a way he was unsure whether he had simply never felt before or he had simply forgotten because it had been too long to remember. It felt soothing in a way he was too scared to dwell on for too long, less he be reminded of why he needed to be soothed in the first place. Sir Crocodile did not fear, nowadays. But the idea of remembering losses, betrayals, hurt, brough an uncomfortable feeling to his stomach that left him antsy. He found it infuriating, he found it confusing, he found it...nice, to an almost addictive level. And looking around again, the sentiment seemed to be shared.

Doflamingo's fingers, even under the power of the seastone cuffs, were flexing slowly, almost as if a nervous twitch. He was unsure whether he wanted to invoke for his strings, or if he needed some sort of motion to try to get a grip, something, anything to try and wade through the sudden barrage of emotions that had suddenly struck him upon biting down. Donquixote Doflamingo was not a man known for dwelling in sweet emotions. He seeked only that which served him; pleasure, power, praise. He was someone who wished for the world itself in a perfect cage in the palm of his hand, and to have its inhabitants dancing like puppets at the mercy of his strings. He cared only for the family he created, and even said family could become disposable should he be pushed enough. 'Joker' liked thrills, and riches, and status symbols. The treats were nothing like what he usually would gravitate towards, and, had he been able to read Crocodile's thoughts, he would have agreed on one thing; they looked plain. Wonky, clearly handmade, nothing you'd find at a shop belonging to an important brand. And yet, much as he loathed to admit it, something stirred within him in an uncomfortable, unfamiliar way as he swallowed the first bite. It reminded him of a past that now felt hazy, one he only remembered with the burning hatred of a child who had been promised everything and then been stepped on by those he deemed beneath him...but the taste brought up different memories, a persisitent little spark he could not drown out no matter how hard he tried, because he didn't truly want to let go of it as he kept biting down, something soft, a sweet smell, a sweet voice of someone who had caressed and loved him once, when he was just an infant, and who had been taken from him by the idiocy of the father he took the life of in retaliation. He furrowed his brows, trying to push his glasses closer, for a second, for just one, preposterous second, afraid a tear might slip.

Boa Hancock was not particularly known for kindness. The Empress of Amazon Lily treated everyone like they were beneath her, and her star phrase was that, no matter what she did, she would be forgiven, for she was beautiful. Boa Hancock was afraid. Terrified. Her entire life was built on terror and pretending. She kept her people in the shadows about her past because she was terrified they'd despise her. She kept people at arm's length and hid behind her mighty walls, because she was terrified they'd use and then discard her, she kept herself up on a pedestal from which she was too terrified to look down, the way only someone who had known horrors too young for too long knew how to be. The little sweet was nothing special. It was a simple fruit pastry, the cuts on the little fruits clearly not professional. Some were too thick, some were too thin, others still had some of the skin on. She was almost bitter, in contrast with the sweetness of the pastry, that she found herself slowing her bite to savour it. The Most Beautiful Woman in the world, who ruled an entire island and could have feasts whenever she desired, found herself taken by such a simple pastry that it was almost pitiful to her. But the sweet was stubbornly overtaking her senses with each bite, reminding her of something she couldn't quite put her finger on, a feeling that now felt foreign, but she had felt once before, when she had seen the shackles broken and she had run with her sisters without looking back. When she first breathed in the air of Amazon Lily once they made it to its shores. She wanted to say it was hope, but that sounded entirely too silly to her...and somehow, she felt it was deeper, too.

Gecko Moria was still gobbling down on the sweets he could get his hands on while the other warlords snatched the ones they could manage to beat him to. He could not help himself, and he did not care to. Usually, Moria enjoyed luxury, enjoyed lazily lounging around and indulging in anything he felt like, effortlessly enjoying his meals and pleasures. He would have agreed, had they said it outloud, that the sweets looked plain, but he was far too enraptured with the taste to pay that any mind at all. He was much too busy focusing on it. Because, unlike the others, he remembered the feeling, even if it was now laced with pain. He knew this taste well, because he had been able to enjoy it before, back when he still had his crew. Whenever the chef would make something, anything, it'd be laced with it, No matter if sweet or savoury. It was a taste one could only obtain one way, and that was cooking from the heart. It felt so stupid to know it, now. Gecko Moria, for all his grandiose, power and size, was in pain. He had loved them, his crew. Had loved them so much, but they didn't resist Kaido back in the day. He didn't like to dwell on it, because every time he did, a persistent voice in the back of his head insisted that he was still mourning. That perhaps he would never stop mourning. Sometimes he felt like he'd forget them, then there'd be a flash of a memory, of a nightmare, and they'd be present again. He wanted to stop eating, but he couldn't. Because, unlike the memories he had to endure, the pastries he was consuming felt like a slow balm over the soul. Not like mourning, but like remembrance. He would have wondered if any of the others had been able to pinpoint it as well, but he was much too selfish to care, because for the first time, he was thinking about his crew's best memories instead of their last screams.

Dracule Mihawk was more legend than man. Sometimes he barely felt like a man at all. He couldn't discern if it was the legend around him trying to swallow him whole, or the whispers of him being a monster that wished to confirm his lack of humanity to himself. He didn't care. Perhaps that was the problem. Ever after being betrayed, the now Ex-Marine-Hunter had found comfort in his goal...but once he reached the peak, there was nothing else to accomplish. Boredom was his natural state now, unmoved, undisturbed, like his own blade. His biggest excitement lately had been the young, overconfident swordsman, Roronoa Zoro, and that had come from a fleeting spark of curiosity at his declaration that he'd kill Mihawk and take his position. For a moment, Hawkeye had felt the possibility of a challenge, of a purpose, but the kid had dropped like a little rabbit. He had let him live, partly because he saw potential, and partly because, somewhere, he hoped he'd go through with his vow. Mihawk spent his life in boredom and shut away from others. He found his solace in Kuraigana Island, with nothing but the gloomy hills and the Humandrills, who were too scared of him to approach, as company. That's how he liked it. That's how he told himself he liked it. But Mihawk was no fool. Just because he was not inclined to show emotions didn't mean he was ignorant to them. He knew he napped so much because he couldn't find proper, peaceful rest. That he hoped days would drift by and something would happen. He just didn't wish to admit it to himself... but the taste of the pastry was awakening...something. It felt foreign, it felt new, it felt exciting to be so disconcerted by something. Confusion felt fresh, because it meant that he had something new to learn, and as he slowly took another bite, Dracule Mihawk felt a tremor of excitement pool from the depths of his soul, for the first time in a very long time.

Batholomew Kuma was more statue than man, most would say. He showed hardly any emotion, clutching his Bible to him wherever he went. People didn't bother to learn any further than that, because his power was known, his presence terrifying, and the title he held now exempted him of punishment should the situation arise where he decided to start a conflict. His only rival in being as steely as he was, could be Hawkeye himself, and yet, even Hawkeye showed more emotion than Kuma. It had not always been like so. The memories were a haze now, tweaked and worked out of him, of a different life, a different version of him, people he held dear. There had been a time when it was easy to see him smile, even through hardship. There had been a time when he had had and lost and known it all, pain, pleasure, happiness, sorrow, mourning, celebration...Love. He had known love with no bounds, in all the forms one could learn to love. It felt far away now. Like someone had wiped the slate clean. He wasn't sure who was supposed to recognize him, only that it was unlikely they'd be able to with what he was now. Batholomew Kuma was unfamiliar with indulgence, now...but something drove him to keep eating the pastry he had selected, and for very brief moments within the bites, he saw blurry memories of figures eating to their hearts' content beside him, and something akin to longing and a bittersweet feeling swirled in him, flickering on and off like fighting against nature itself.

Jinbe wasn't known as First Son Of The Sea for nothing. He held the title with pride. His heritage, his training, his history, his own story. He didn't find any pleasure in working for the marines, but it kept his people relatively safe. Jinbe knew protection from the system, because he had experienced its brunt when he did not have it. He, his brethren, and the ones they freed. The little girl he remembered still, back in his days with the Sun Pirates. Everything was different now. The world was changing but it wasn't bringing those who suffered along for the ride of a better future, so Jinbe resigned to being the one to try and bring some peace between the humans and the fish men. He was unsure how much longer he could hold the burden on his back when the 'peace' in question was as delicate as a spiderweb threatening to be blasted with fire, and yet, he persevered. He owed that to the memory of Fisher Tiger. To the ones who placed his hopes on him. To Fishman Island. It was a heavy burden to carry but he kept going regardless, because the hope of a better future was the end goal and hope could only become reality through actions. Perhaps that's why he found the sweets so strange, in a good way. Much like Moria, Jinbe knew the flavour of love poured into a dish, although this one felt different, in a pleasant way. Without any real way of deciphering the feeling, he kept eating slowly, savouring the flavours and sensations, before Crocodile finally spoke up, breaking the ever-present daze in the room.

"This bakery, where is it?" He demanded, a question none had cared to know the answer to before today, and, just as predicted, and much to Sengoku's chagrin, Garp spoke up jovially, much too taken by his own bag of delights to think about the consequences. Even if he didn't have the bag, Sengoku told himself, he would have spoken up regardless.

"This lil' island on the way here" Garp waved off, motioning to the big map and tapping at the location, and just like that, the tension in the room snapped, all eyes slowly falling on Sengoku so he'd begin the meeting, if only to rid themselves of the seastone cuffs.

You felt a slight shiver up your spine as you dusted the bakery's counter, looking around for a moment, before shrugging to yourself and going back to cleaning.

Surely it had been nothing.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Take-off, Bake-off

Chapter I

Hey guys. Quick warning, although the Prologue served as an introduction, this first chapter stablishes what you've done with the bakery and kicks things into motion relatively calmly. From here, it's going to be full-on character interactions, plot advancing and whacky situations. Hold on for, possibly, the only calm chapter, and by far the shortest one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alright. This could be worse. Or at least that's what you told yourself, really.

You had a roof over your head now, ingredients allowing you to bake, and by proxy allowing you to earn money to buy things! Even if...you were confused about the money and the things it could buy to begin with (and had, for a brief moment, wondered if you had been spat in a strange, humanized version of Animal Crossing when you had heard the currency being called 'berry').

Things were as steady as they could be in a situation such as yours

"DAMN IT, GARP. QUIT DRAGGING ME, YOU DESPISE THE TREATS AT THAT BAKERY ANYWAYS"

"SO WHAT?! IT'S FOR A WARLORD MEETING SO WHO CARES!"

The booming, bickering voices, drew closer and closer to the- to your bakery (you supposed), much to your dismay. What came through the door was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Two gigantic men stepped in, all dressed in white with what seemed to be a uniform, of something important, you told yourself from the seal on them.

Through their bickering, they almost didn't notice the place's change. It was the smell that got them to quiet down first. Admittedly, the man that had left in an angry hurry, shoving the apron and hat on you, had seemingly been running a failing bakery, and much as you hated to say, you could see why.

The treats seemed closer to 'deconstructed' food than they did baked goods, all fancy names and small portions that were sold at prices you were certain only men like the ones that came in could buy, and by the looks of the one with...a bird on his head? They weren't happy to do so and just couldn't be arsed to find anything better (they must have really not liked the people they were going to bring it to, you mused).

You had made a proper change, if anything else, driven to work in a very valid bout of anxiety. You had made proper portions, changed up the recipes a bit, added some traditional goods from your homeland and childhood, and experimented some with the strange ingredients you had found amongst the provided shipment that very early morning, too.

The men looked around, really looked around for the first time, now. Spotted the different smell, the look, the now-reasonable prices on the little plaques in front of the normal names of the treats that looked genuinely appetizing, if wonkier than the past baker's.

The angry man had easily towered over you, that day, all tall and huge in a way you hadn't had time to process during the initial shock of the moment, so by the time you walked up to the counter, the apron almost reached your feet, and the hat laid lopsided upon your head in a display almost so ridiculous it instead came off as endearing. You offered a nervous smile, not as much because you were afraid as you did because their imposing size and the previous bickering had made you antsy. Luckily, both men seemed to soften at it "Hello," you finally greeted "what can I get you?".

"Bloody hell, I'm getting old, but my eyesight can't be that bad...where's the old asshole who ran this place?" The one the man with the bird on his head had called 'Garp', you noted "Well...he kind of walked out on the bakery, and left the apron and hat on my arms. The place looked nice enough to prompt a remodeling, so..." At that, the man barked out a laugh, although moreso in genuine amusement than he did condescension, patting the other man's back harshly, making him glare "Sengoku, the tiny thing took over the damn place and made decent food in a night!" The other one was Sengoku, then...And through the glare he shot at Garp, he turned to you, offering a small smile and looking over the food curiously "It does look and smell good...I will be honest, the past owner's work didn't have the best flavour" he informed, and you held back a snort. You had figured, although you had always heard baking and cooking were an art of the heart, something you put a little bit of yourself on. Maybe that was part of it.

"Say, you got a lot of things here!" Garp snapped your attention back, eyeing the baked goods on display almost like a kid in a candy store "Get me one of everything!" He grinned wide, and you, needing the money and still working through the shock of events, began packing the baked goods obediently "There's only seven warlords! They won't eat that much!" "The warlords?! This is for me!" Garp protested back, eagerly grabbing the bag you offered and paying, dropping the change into the tip jar without even checking the amount...hefty pay, you supposed. Then again if they were dealing with warlords, they must be high ranking...or you hoped they were- "You're damn impossible!" Sengoku chastised, close to punching him over the head before he looked at you, trying to soften his expression again "Could you pack something you'd bring to a work meeting?" He requested, voice gentler when aimed to you, and not wanting to bother himself with wondering what they'd like "Yeah, sure" you nodded, packing a variety of goods (admittedly, the packaging could use work, but Christmas-gift-wrapping duty had come through to...perhaps not save the day, but soften the blow).

Once both men had their bags, Sengoku followed Garp's example, paying and leaving a hefty tip with a soft nod.

With that, they took off. You were much too busy rejoicing at not having to worry about money for the week, and much too ignorant about the way this world worked, to know what you had just unleashed upon yourself.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

And here, a One Piece / OPLA AU:

Take-off, Bake-off

Prologue

Your everyday life is nothing to boast about, but nothing to scoff at, either. Familial bonds and friendships, a field of study and work you vary your opinion on depending on what you have to go through that day. Your life is as average as can be, in the best way.

Imagine then, your surprise, when you decide to use your free little weekend for a quick trip. You pack up, grab your bags, and promptly step foot out of your door only to be swallowed and spat by what seems to be, in your un-professional opinion, a wormhole.

Now dizzy, lost, and desperately trying to find answers and help, with your only comfort coming from having a bag with your basics, you stumble to the town whose shore you fell at. You don't even make it a couple of steps into the nearest shop to ask for help when the man storms from behind the counter, pushing his apron and hat onto your arms between grumbles and leaving the shop high and dry, seemingly quitting on the spot. Oh, dear.

Bright side of the situation? The house has also been abandoned, meaning you have that covered now, and the bakery the man was running on the ground floor seems to have all the ingredients and machines ready, as well as the deals for stock done and paid!

The downside however is you could just swear you saw a giant...snake, you think? Peeking from the waters, and some people's hairstyle and fashion choices are...questionable...but how much worse could it possibly get? If anything, you've saved yourself from getting the short end of the stick until you find a way back!

...Right?

[asimpledreamerwrites]

So. I finally have the perfect time to write. I thought about doing my own little AU's for a while, since they're running around my brain! Requests are still open, do not fear, but I'm doing my own thing in-between.

Starting off strong with a few One Piece ones, because the Live Action has me UNWELL.

Note that since the AU's will obviously alter canon, you're free to read while picturing OPLA or Animanga OP! Same goes for anything unless I explicitly state otherwise (and even then who am I to stop you??).

Let us begin!

[the-reblog-squad-deactivated202]

Reblog if you don't use Generative AI to write fanfics/original fics or to create fanart/original art.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

Requests are ALWAYS open for any and everything but OPLA S2 has taken over my brain. Go nuts.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

I've seen like- TWO posts on Tumblr for this crossover idea but OH MY GODS it's stuck in my head

Stranger Things x Killer Frequency crossover/AU

What are you thoughts/headcannons on the idea??

OKAY. I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BEFORE AND I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT. WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THE IDEA IS A GENIUS AND KUDOS TO THEM, FIRST OF ALL

SECOND OF ALL I LOVE WRITING FOR MEDIA AS A STAND ALONE BUT I ALSO *LOVE* CROSSOVERS

I Don't know if anyone will understand what I mean by this, but reader going through Killer Frequency plot with the Hawkins gang would feel comforting. Does that make sense to anyone else? (Provided there's no main character death)

[asimpledreamerwrites]

The day people stop mistaking dark romance/yandere for literal misogyny and gender roles I'll throw a party, I really will. Of course some dark romance/yandere characters WILL be like that BUT IT DEPENDS ON THEIR VIEWS. The concept of applying a yandere lense to a character should NOT make it so everything about that character (values, morals, ideas) is erased.

[asimpledreamerwrites]

I'm sorry, but I need to know if I'm a minority on this:

Does anyone else find it very vexing when writers completely change EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of a character's personality and values to fit the trope of what they're writing?

Let me exemplify:

Take a character like Sanji (One Piece) who, while having a gag about being a pervert, still seems to want to protect women and doesn't take attempts against their well-being or honor well. Why in the seven rings of Hell would he be an abusive partner, or demeaning toward you, when his most defining trait is kindness and respect?

This gets especially bad when it comes to characters who have been victims of bullying/abuse and VERY CLEARLY have grown to be the exact opposite: Gentle, empathetic, kind, understanding, patient.

Do not look me in the eyes and tell me Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia) would go off cheating on you just because you wish to write angst. What do I mean by this? That (and this is, again, personal opinion) you should pick and choose what characters align with the concept you're trying to write about.

If you have Ayato Sakamaki (Diabolik Lovers), you cannot expect him *not* to brag and be cocky, in a similar fashion you wouldn't have Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia) texting "UwU" even though that texting style can fit other characters well

Do not even get me STARTED on the underlying way people seem to romanticize issues like sexism, abuse and cheating. And I am not talking about dark fics exploring the human mind and how complex relationships and feelings are, or on ones where the baseline is 'This is wrong. Let's build up from there'. No. I'm talking about putting said abuse and toxic mindsets in a positive light.

And let's leave the talk of how many fics considered dark, yandere, or touching upon any slightly power-play-like dynamics often times VERY QUICKLY fall into HEAVY sexism and overall negative stereotypes once again which seem to reinforce very negative mindsets subtly enough that it ingrains in people's minds without being able to put their finger on why it feels wrong since the shock value of everything else overrides said clarity, because we may not be ready for that conversation.