When Nicky is done reading his newspaper, he likes to take a moment of his morning to do the word jumble. But this one seems to be about him…? How many Two Against The World related words can you find?

writing nicky fanfic feels like the culmination of all my 2013 lana del rey powered fever dreams

Chapter 1

coney island queen

Why Sol didn’t just walk out of the cineplex after Murray asked her to choose what ‘movie’ to star in was beyond her. Not taking part of all this madness was the smart, rational thing to do– and then she saw tawny eyes across a smoky room, and suddenly she forgot what it meant to be rational.

Nicky Valentino. It was obvious that he was a gangster. There was something in the way he looked across the room that spoke of a man protecting his spot at the top. Then there was his cousin, Ralph della Rosa, who was acting much too cautious to just be ordinary family. And finally, Floyd Capo; he stunk so much of tobacco that Sol’s late grandfather, who himself smoked cigars, would have blanched.

“You gotta get your arms around this lifestyle and embrace it.”

Sol snorted. Only a person with one and a half braincells wouldn’t figure out what lifestyle Floyd was talking about. If Sol was smart, she would run to the nearest church and beg to enter a convent.

But she was still stunned by the roses in her room and the gorgeous breakfast. It was embarrassing to realise just how easily she was won over by opulence. These were things that she didn’t let herself enjoy in the twenty-first century; her bed was way too soft to be comfortable, and the housekeeping staff was suspiciously polite. Sol remembered her old room fondly; a cheap mattress on the floor for a bed, a threadbare blanket to fight the heat of tropical nights, and instant coffee to go with a piece of pan de sal, her favorite bread.

“Miss Diaz? Mr. Valentino is on the line.”

Sol looked up from the cup of coffee she was drinking. The bellhop, standing as though he were a statue, gestured at the old-fashioned telephone. “He wishes to speak to you.”

Nodding, Sol took the telephone receiver from the bellhop. 

“Good morning, love. Hope I didn’t wake you.”

Sol didn’t notice the smile on her face when she heard Nicky’s voice. “Don’t worry about it; I’ve been up since five.”

“Oh?” Nicky’s voice was smooth like scotch. “Had a hard time sleeping?”

Sol rolled her eyes. “Force of habit,” she replied. “I rise with the sun.”

“A man would reckon that a broad like you got a lot of beauty sleep.”

She couldn’t help but snort. “Yeah, and I bet you’ll find my eye bags realattractive.” Soledad took another sip of her coffee. “Anyways, thanks so much for the breakfast. I don’t think I’ll be able to walk today.”

“That good, huh?”

“I usually have a piece of bread in the morning, so this was really… a lot. Makes me wonder if someone has ulterior motives for the food and flowers.”

“Maybe someone was trottin’ around like a horse’s ass last night, and wanted to apologize.”

Sol laughed, a deep sound from her belly. “Don’t worry about it, Nicky. I understand.”

“Well. I just wanted you to know when I tell you ‘I’m sorry,’ I really mean it. I know I was out of line leaving you in the cold like that, but it couldn’t be avoided.”

The grin on her face couldn’t be helped, and Sol felt her face heat up.

“Thanks, Nick,” she said. “But really, I know that men like Floyd can be difficult. Besides, Ralph set me up in a really fancy place. Sorta makes me wonder if a certain someone would need to rob a bakery after he sees my bill.”

Nicky laughed at the other end of the line. “Don’t worry about it, kid.”

“Are you sure?” Sol smiled. “I’m pretty great at worrying.”

“And I’m pretty great at making money.” Sol could practically hear the smirk in his voice. “How about the flowers? I was dreaming about you all night, so I woke up at the crack of dawn to pick each one.”

“Nicky,” she said. “I don’t think I have a heart anymore. It just melted.”

He laughed again, and Soledad imagined him– the brunette hair in a razor cut, tawny eyes crinkling at the corners and sparkling in dim lights. The way he tilted his head back to let out a laugh. She wanted to make him laugh again.

“I’m afraid that I’ll have to let you go for now, toots,” Nicky said. The smile in his voice was still there. “Enjoy your breakfast and meet me outside in an hour. Capisce?”

Soledad suddenly realised that she had no clothes, and only a small makeup bag that she had in the purse she was carrying to the cineplex. She sighed. 

“Capisce.”

She handed the telephone over to the bellhop, mind still running. The majority of the hotel staff were still in the room, trying to look like they weren’t eavesdropping. Oh, well– it couldn’t be helped.

“Mr…”

“Jonathan Smith, at your service,” the bellhop said.

“Mr. Smith, I have a few requests,” Soledad said. “First, I was wondering if you could procure me a fresh set of clothing– in yellow, if available. Please charge it to the room. And if I could have a fresh cup of coffee, that would be wonderful.”

Jonathan Smith, the bellhop, did a small bow. “Of course, Miss Diaz. And how would you like your coffee?”

“Black, Mr. Smith.”

“No sugar or cream, Miss Diaz?”

“Have you broken up with a lover before, Mr. Smith?”

“Yes, madam,” he said in a straight face. Sol nodded in approval at his professionalism.

“I want the coffee to be as black as your ex’s soul.”

Jonathan Smith’s stoic demeanor broke into a grin. “I see, Miss Diaz. Your clothes and coffee will be brought to you right away.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Smith. And do take a croissant. If I try to eat everything, perhaps the bed will become too small for me.”

Even when the bellhop left, Soledad chatted a bit with the remaining staff. By the end of it, two other busboys got their own shares of roses to give their wives, and the maids had a sample of some of the food. As Sol went to the bathroom to take a quick shower, she felt a little bit confident that maybe her telephone call with Nicky wouldn’t be the talk of the Waldorf Astoria’s help that afternoon. Or at the very least, they wouldn’t say that she was a bitch.

***

Ralph didn’t expect Soledad to be chatting his head off about the Rolls Royce’s specs, and he didn’t expect her to clean up so well. She was in a yellow dress with long sleeves and a sailor style collar, curly black hair brushed neatly, framing her long face. The kid wasn’t Ralph’s style in any stretch of the imagination– she had a face that could have been a man’s– but he could see how Nicky would fall for her. She was sun touched and radiant. When the kid walked, it was as if she had already conquered the world.

The plan had been to let the kid in, and to drive off to Nicky’s surprise, but the girl had been talking his head off about the car for a minute already.

“Listen, Sol,” Ralph said, cutting off another of her questions. “The Royce is a sweet ride, and the sooner you get in the back seat, the sooner you can see how she drives.”

Jesus,he thought to himself. And I thought I liked cars.

Sol slipped into the backseat, and the sudden luxury of the car’s interiors flooded her senses. The seats were in a plush camel colored leather, with intricate flower embroidery. She ran her hand on the seat, looking up to see a certain someone looking at her with warm eyes.

“There she is,” Nicky Valentino said. “The sweetest of the sweet.”

Soledad did her best not to blush. She failed. “Hello to you, too.”

She settled into her seat, trying not to notice how close she was to Nicky. It was a bit crazy; she had hung around good looking men in bespoke suits before, and never had she felt as woozy as she did now.

“You sure did take your time out there with Ralph, didn’t ya, toots? Made me sorta feel like you were a bit sore about last night and was tryna not see me.”
Soledad rolled her eyes. “Your car is beautiful, Nicky. And frankly, I’d kill to take her for a spin.”

“Oh, yeah? You’re only finding the car beautiful?”

There was a challenge in his eyes, and Soledad couldn’t help her raised brow. Nicky was smirking at her, a blush on his face, and it was obvious that he was fishing for compliments. She wouldn’t give him any.

“Well, Ralph looks better in the daylight.”

The two men broke into laughter, with Soledad joining them after a beat. The mischief in Nicky’s eyes only became more pronounced.

“Hey,” Nicky said. “Just so that things are clear– I really do feel bad for leavin’ ya on your lonesome last night. So what’d ya say? Would you let this sorry sap do something nice for you?”

“If you’re talking about lettin’ me have a spin, then absolutely,” she laughed. “But it’s still a yes for me with anything else. I’m not mad, Nicky. I’m really not.”

“Thank God,” he replied. “I’d drink to that. Hey, how about that? Care for a drink, sugar? They call these things mimosas.”

Soledad shook her head. “I would, Nicky, but I’m running on four cups of coffee. Liquor is the last thing I need. Besides, isn’t that illegal?”

“It’s illegal to drink. Period.” Nicky winked at her. “But you wouldn’t be here if it was, would you?”

“If it was legal to drink? What are you talking about?”

Nicky’s smile stretched to a Cheshire cat grin, the entirety of his focus on Soledad. If she felt lightheaded before, now Sol felt like she could faint.

“You think that guys like me are a dice roll away from getting bumped off or going to the big house. And I think there’s a part of you that likes that. Otherwise you wouldn’t have decided to be in this movie or whatever you think this is.”

The smile from Soledad’s face faded, and she couldn’t help but reach for Nicky’s hand. His eyes met hers, surprised by her sudden seriousness.

“Nicky, remember what you told me last night, when I gave you my hand?”

“I do,” he said. “You feel like home.”

Soledad nodded, lost in thought and looking at their now entwined fingers. “I’m in this for you, Nicky. I’m not here for the money, the power, or the thrill of it. If I wanted that, I would have stayed back home in the Philippines. But for some reason, I went back here to the past and met an amazing man that I feel I’ve known all my life. If anything, you being a gangster worries me more than it excites me.”

Nicky brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “There ain’t no reason for you to worry ‘bout me, sweet thing. I got ya by my side, and you’re my lucky charm.”

The ride continued on, with Nicky teasing her with his ‘surprise’, and the pair of them almost getting a poor puppy off the street. Soledad almost wanted to get it, before thinking that it might actually belong to someone else. Nicky had been a bit distraught at the thought of leaving the little thing by itself, but they continued on with their banter, with Ralph sometimes chiming in.

“Hey, Nicky,” she said, eyes flickering to his. “I was hoping that you’ll help me get something.”

“Alright,” he replied, without missing a beat. “What is it?”

“A job.”

“A job?” He raised his eyebrows at her. “Why would you want that?”

“Well,” Sol said. “I’m practically destitute–”

“No, you’re not.”

“Look, I’ve got no job, no home, and no money to buy my own food. I amdestitute.”

Nicky frowned, clearly not liking the idea.

“Hey, Nick. It’s alright. I’ve got a wide skill set. I’ve got a degree in financial management and law– I mean, it’s Filipino law, and the constitution I know is the 1987 version, but I’ve needed to do more readings anyway.”

“I don’t really think that you need to work, toots. Trust me, I’m more than capable of providing for you.”

Sol laughed, a sound that came deep from her belly. “A hotshot gangster like you. Of course you can.”

Nicky exchanged a look with Ralph, their mood sobering. Sol noticed the pair, snorting at their surprise.

“I ain’t no gangster, toots.”

Soledad shot him a dirty look, only a bit annoyed that he wasn’t coming clean. “I know a lie when I hear it, Nicky.”

He raised an eyebrow at her in response, but the mood got heavier anyway. “Look,” he said, voice dropping a few octaves lower. “I’m from a town with rules that cutthroats invented four hundred years ago in the old country. And I still got friends who think that’s the only way to live. But I ain’t one of them. I never broke the bank by breaking someone’s bones.”

“And Floyd Capo is one of those friends.”

“Yeah,” Nicky sighed. “Ya know, toots, before you showed up, I was a wheeler dealer who made his money in real estate and spent it faster than he could count it. I ain’t no gangster.”

“That was a weak close,” Soledad sighed. “You’re not exactly subtle. Anybody that knows what a mobster is could tell, Nicky.”

“Huh. You wasn’t so prickly last night.”

“I was boozed out, confused and touch starved.”

“And now?

She smiled. “Caffeinated, confused, and touch starved.”

“And why is a pretty lady like you so prickly?”

Sol snorted, looking out the window. “You don’t get to be single for twenty-nine years without a bit of paranoia.”

Nicky was going to say something until he caught her reflection in the mirror. Her eyebrows were drawn tight, and her mouth was set in a thin flat line. There was something that was bothering her, and he wanted to know what it was. He squeezed her hand. 

“Hey,” Nicky said as she looked up at him. “You got me, kid. Before you waltzed into that speakeasy, I was a mobster with the world at my feet. And now I’m something completely different, ‘cos of you.”

“And what are you now?”

Nicky smiled at her and it put all the stars in the world to shame. “Now, I’m a romantic.”

***

When they got to Coney Island, Soledad’s face lit up like the Hollywood sign. Nicky smiled down at her; the kid was so small she didn’t reach his shoulders. He could pick her up easy, like a child.

“Omigod, Nicky,” she squealed. “We have to ride everything.”

“I’m not quite sure I can handle the carousel, toots.”

Sol snorted. “‘Cos those horses are gonna take a bite off your ass.”

“Haha,” Nicky said, offering his arm. “You’re a riot, ya know that?”

She slipped her hand into his instead, and when he looked down at her in surprise, he caught her blushing. Nicky could feel his own ears heat up.

“I know,” Sol said. “I know.”

They spent the rest of the day going to the rides. Nicky liked the way Sol’s eyebrows raised when she noticed him bribing the ticketmasters. He had asked her about it, and with a shrug she replied that he grandfather would bribe his way out of speeding tickets all the time. Nicky had laughed, noticing the way Soledad would preen at the sound. By the looks of it, she enjoyed making him laugh. The thought made Nicky want to go to the nearest stranger and tell them that he was crazy for his little lady.

They went and rode the Ferris Wheel, with Sol still tucked under his arm. Her short black hair tickled, and he couldn’t help but smile at the feel of it.

Nicky thought that telling Sol about his sister would be a hard thing to do, but the doll was patient and understanding, giving him none of her pity and all of her empathy. She was quiet while he told her how they’d slip over to the rides, and how his sister spent a night in jail.

“My pops cleaned my clock fierce that night,” Nicky said. From their height in the Ferris Wheel, he could see the whole of Coney Island. “But that wasn’t what got me. It was that I abandoned my sister when she needed me the most.”

Nicky did his best to crack a smile. “But to save you from seeing a grown man get all misty eyes, I’m gonna save that story for another day.”

He threw his arms around Sol’s shoulder as the gondola swayed. She leaned into him. 

“You know,” she said, “I don’t have any siblings. Sort of wish I do, but I had this little cousin, Micky, who was three years younger than I was, and at the time we lived close to each other. One day I saw him at an empty lot crying his eyes out, and he told me that his friends bullied him, telling him that he was a nobody and couldn’t do anything right. They told him that his family had no money, which was stupid because we’re were old money rich.”

Sol was looking at him, a fond smile on her face. “I took a stick and went to the kid’s house. Tampered with their water line. The next day, their house flooded. Man, my grandfather was so angry at me, I think I spent a good ten minutes under the belt. My tito was mad at me too. He never let me see Micky again.”

Nicky drew her closer to him. “I guess we’re really written in the stars, toots.”

She laughed, high in his embrace. “Yeah,” she said. “I guess so.”

The rest of the day was filled with banter. Nicky kept her under his arm, and she kept him laughing. They were strolling on the boardwalk, and he couldn’t help but notice the way her hair curled under her ears. She was blushing and fumbling over her explanation of how the bracelet was lost, but Nicky couldn’t care less. He used to think that the bracelet was important, but seeing her in the daylight and in his arms was worth fifty of those bracelets. 

“Hey,” Nicky said. “I noticed that you ain’t wearing those rags you had on last night.”

Soledad blushed. “Oh, uh. Well, I figured that a hotel as swanky as the Waldorf had some clothes lying around.”

“And let me guess,” Nicky said in a deadpan. “I’m paying for it.”

She answered with a shrug. “What can I say? I don’t have a job, so you’ll have to be my keeper.”

“Then I guess you won’t be prickly when I tell you that ya don’t have to ask a hotel for new clothes no more.”

“Nicky,” she said, eyes wide. “Don’t tell me you bought me clothes.”

Nicky leaned against the railing in a knowingly devious pose, winking at her as the noon time sun made his tawny eyes look like molten gold.

“Let’s just say that your wardrobe is gonna be full of designer dresses, stilettos from France, diamonds, minks–”

Sol dropped her head on his solar plexus hard enough for it to almost hurt. On reflex, he put his arms around her. She hugged him back.

“Why are you spoiling me so much,” she mumbled into his shirt. “I just met you last night.”

“You don’t have to know someone to know that you want them.”

There was a true heat in his voice and gaze. Soledad swallowed hard as he pulled her close. They were just a few inches away from each other, and she could see the small mole under his left eyes and his beet red ears.

“‘Cause I know what I want.”

Soledad thought that they were going to kiss, until Ralph came up to them, coughing into his hand awkwardly.

“Sorry to break you two lovebirds apart,” he said. “But there’s some coppers by the docks.”

“There’s always going to be some flatfoots in this town,” was Nick’s answer. He sighed in frustration. Soledad took a few steps away from him to catch her own breath.

“They’re looking for you, Nick.”

In a few quick heartbeats, Nicky spilled out orders to Ralph, and the two of them were on the run. They were able to get past a few officers, but a big man in the blue uniform saw them and gave chase. 

“Meet me at the alley, toots,” Nicky said, before sprinting away from the police officer. Soledad looked at the man grimly. She could outrun him, or she could buy Nicky some time.

“Hello, officer,” she said, as the burly man took a pair of handcuffs out.

“You’re under arrest.” His voice was gruff, and his moustache was severe. Soledad almost wanted to laugh; he looked like a caricature of a policeman.

“I want my rights read to me,” Sol replied. “Mainly because I have no idea what you’re arresting me for.”

“Nobody is reading anyone’s rights,” he said, handcuffing her. “Besides, I saw you with Valentino on the dock.”

“Then it’s your word against mine, Detective.”
The man huffed. “I ain’t no detective. Just an honest officer doin’ his job, and you’re a no one, kid.”

“Then,” Sol said, “I’m really sorry that I have to do this.”

There were three things that she did in quick succession. First, she spun around and kicked him square in the jaw. He fumbled back, surprised. Then she kicked him again in the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of his lungs. Finally, she kicked the back of his knees, sending him to the ground in a loud thud. The policeman groaned in pain, and when he tried to get up, she kicked him in the stomach again.

“I’m a twenty-nine year old captain of the Philippine Commonwealth’s army, not some kid,” Sol said, foot on his chest. “And between you and me, there’s no such thing as an honest officer these days.”

She could see a familiar black beauty roll into the street– it was Nicky’s Rolls Royce. Sol took her foot off the officer’s chest.

“Just for the record,” she said. “I’m retired. And we both know what retired army captains are asked to do by their governments.”

The officer’s eyes widened, and Sol resisted the urge to smirk. She was a professional, after all.

“I’m not on the wrong side of the law.” She stepped away from the police officer. “Anyway, if you want to get promoted, remember this: have as many good friends in high places. Stray dogs turn into hungry wolves very quickly.”

The officer groaned, trying to sit up. “Is that a threat, or a warning?”

“It’s advice,” she replied. Sol bit her lip as she looked at the officer’s broken nose. “I’m really sorry that I had to hit you,” she said, voice soft, “but circumstances called for it, Officer…”

“Marquez,” he replied. Soledad nodded.

“If I ever see you again, I hope you won’t try to handcuff me,” she said.

The older man grunted. “Try not to hang around shady characters, Captain, and then we’ll see.”

She gave a quick nod before jogging to the Rolls Royce. Ralphie opened the door for her, and Nicky gave her a look that turned her knees to jell-o. But this was a look that was heated for all the wrong reasons.

“So,” he said conversationally. “What doesthe government ask retired army captains to do?”

sinnerman

Prologue

Conchita Diaz knew that death arrived for her; she was ninety-one years old and not surprised at all. There were things that they did not tell a person about dying, and it was that breathing became sweet. Light was cherished. Food was no longer appetizing. Conchita felt younger than ever.

“Lola?”

Dark brown eyes met hers, and Conchita reached a hand to stroke the skin of her granddaughter. Oh, she thought to herself, poor Soledad. All alone, stuck serving masters that would throw her into a wall of bullets if only to protect their wallets.

“M’hija,” Conchita said. “You must stop. Stop and leave this country. See the world. Fall in love. The world will continue to turn even if you officially resign.”

Soledad looked at her dying grandmother, seeing her own reflection in dark eyes losing their sight. There was suddenly a great distance between them that didn’t exist a few seconds before. Soledad could not find it in herself to tell her grandmother that she didn’t want to leave her country, her Philippines. 

But her lolawas losing daylight. It couldn’t be helped. Conchita Diaz was one of the reasons why Sol was in her line of work.

Soledad smiled at her grandmother. “Sige nga,” she said, and by agreeing she felt like she was jumping into the ocean at night. “I’ll go on a trip, ‘la. Mularga ko, tapos I’ll find a gwapoman to fall in love with. And I’ll make sure that he’s rich, and maybe old. At least ten years older than I am.”

“Grabe naman,” Conchita laughed. It was still a bright sound that she carried with her from her youth. “Ambisyosa ka talaga, Sol.”

Soledad wanted to snort; her grandmother’s request was not something that ambitious single women entering their thirties did. And yet, Sol found herself hoping against hope that maybe she could find the peace that her grandmother wanted for her. Sitting in a hospital room, with a heartbeat monitor as the background music, peace felt impossible.

Conchita took her hand from her granddaughter’s cheek, giving it one last pat. “Don’t worry about me and your lolo,”she said. “We love you so much, and we’re so proud of everything you’ve done for us. And don’t forget, ha.”

“Don’t forget what?”

Conchita smiled one last time, taking a good look at her granddaughter. Sol looked dashing in her uniform, too much like Conchita’s husband– the love of her life that she was going to see very, very soon.

“I want ‘Maalala Mo Ba, Kaya’ to be played after the funeral mass. Don’t forget, or else I’ll haunt you.”

Soledad nodded from her chair beside her grandmother, the bright white light of the hospital room staining her eyes.

Conchita died later on that night, and Soledad booked a flight to New York City the next day.

_____________________________________________________________

Translation:

Lola- grandmother

Lolo- grandfather

M’hija- my girl

Sige nga- Alright

Mularga ko, tapos I’ll find a gwapo man to fall in love with- I’ll travel, and then I’ll find a handsome man to fall in love with

Grabe naman- roughly, that’s a lot

“Ambisyosa ka talaga, Sol- you really are ambitious, Sol

Maalaala mo kaya- would you remember, a song by Filipino artist Pilita Corrales

Wouldn’t you want to know what Heavenfeels like,Mr. Valentino?

moodboard request for @nickyyvalentino

capt. soledad diaz

heysinnerman

where ya gonna run to?

valentino-red:

Hey guys, if anyone has an MC for TATW and would like a moodboard, feel free to drop me a request and a short description of him/her ur girl is getting pretty bored haha

if u have an mc from other fictif stories I’d love to make moodboards for them, too!!!

Chapter 2

take me to the hamptons, bugatti veyron

Ralph looked over at the backseat, where Nicky was looking at Soledad like she was a mountain he needed to move. It wasn’t a pretty sight, and the kid seemed to know that she was in a pickle. It wouldn’t do to have a government agent so close to Nicky; Ralph knew this, which is why he had brought out the gun he hid in the Royce.

Little Miss Diaz– Captain Diaz, who would have thought– sighed; and suddenly, Ralph could see it. There were the tear-troughs, the eye bags, the stress lines; Soledad suddenly looked older than him.

“I have to admit,” she began, “that I haveworked as an… intelligence officer after I was promoted to captain.”

“You mean a spy.”

Nicky’s voice cut through the tension and he was suddenly the head of the Valentino Family, not the love stricken puppy of ten minutes ago. This was the Nicky that Ralph dealt with everyday, and it was the Nicky that he saw the most of right until last night. But now that Ralph knew how his boss could be (a little bit soft, yeah, but so much happier) he sort of wished that he never saw Nicky Valentino, mafia boss extraordinaire, ever again.

“Not exactly,” Soledad said, “but that’s close enough. I would go to the indigenous tribes and make deals with them on behalf of the government, try to make sure that they wouldn’t side with the communists in the region, or ask if they knew the whereabouts of the New People’s Army. So it wasn’t really spying, it was… negotiating. Investigation, if you will. Intelligence gathering.”

The kid was eerily calm, with no trace of emotion on her face or voice. Ralph supposed that maybe this was the Soledad that existed before Nicky.

 Her gaze flickered to the gun as Ralph’s side. Her eyes didn’t widen, and she didn’t panic. No; she seemed to relax at the sight of it.

“Threats and guns,” she sighed. “Brings me back to my glory days.”

Nicky shared a look with Ralph that said ‘she’s crazier than I thought.’

“Marone,”he muttered. “Look, Sol. I don’t wanna hurt ya, ‘cos I know that I’d regret it. So give your story to me straight.”

“Fair enough,” she said, settling into the plush leather seats. Sol was the most relaxed of the trio even with her hands cuffed behind her back. Ralph had to respect how composed she was, seeing to the fact that she was unarmed with two men that she barely knew, and was in possession of firearms. 

“I guess I should start from the top. My grandfather was a general, so when I was a child I wanted to be just like him. This, of course, led me to the army; except I was twenty-one with an inferiority complex, so I decided to join the Marines.” 

Nicky watched her smile, as though she was recalling fond memories. 

“We were the elite; the best, the brightest, the few. I saw the frontline three times in my career, where the army had skirmishes with rebel groups. These are the NPA, the New People’s Army– communists that tell poor farmers and idealistic college kids that the system is corrupt and the only way out is a makeover. All good and well, except their leader isn’t even living in the Philippines, and their higher-ups are just as corrupt as government officials. So they’re a bunch of rapists and thugs that profit from their hypocrisy.”

Ralph glanced at Nicky, who had his complete focus on Soledad. The Rolls Royce had been at a standstill for five minutes now.

“Then,” Sol said, “the rebels attacked a city in the south of the country, Marawi. I served there, got promoted to captain. My grandfather died shortly after, and that’s when I was offered a slot in the intelligence division. I agreed, got new assignments. Usually, the army uses ‘retired’ officers to gather data and intelligence. Like James Bond– he was a commander.”

“James who?”

“Oh,” Soledad said. “He’s, uh, a fictional character. Hasn’t been created yet.”

Nicky gave a slow nod; it was surprisingly easy to believe everything that Sol told him, so easy that it felt almost like cheating. But everything she told him was too bizarre to be anything but true.

And he knew what she looked like when she told the truth; people lie in many ways, but tell the truth in one. Nicky noticed that she spoke slowly when she was talking about herself, as if she wanted to be clear and concise– as if she didn’t want to be misunderstood.

‘I’ve got a wide skill set.’

Well, Nicky thought to himself. I guess I know what her skill set is now.

And to wrap his head around the fact that she had seen war– it felt like having a secret that they both shared, a sudden kinship. Because Nicky himself had been at war, and had led it, had scars from it.

He didn’t know if this was what drew him to her– but then, there were many things about Soledad that he adored. Nicky loved the way she made him laugh; he loved how her hair curled under her chin; he loved how she said the plain truth, how she didn’t mince her words. Nicky didn’t know everything about her, but he could spend his lifetime doing that.

So did he mind that she didn’t tell him about her past? No, not at all. There were things that he did that he didn’t tell her yet, and somehow, Nicky knew that Sol would understand his silence on a few spots in his life.

“Hey, toots,” Nicky said. “Ya need a pin? ‘Cause those handcuffs don’t look like they’re gonna unlock themselves.”

“Oh,” she looked surprised. “I forgot about that.”

Nicky snorted, “how could you forget being handcuffed?”

“I don’t know, maybe I was worried about the fact that a certain someone was maybe mad at me?”

Nicky got a pin that he had in his jacket, and Sol turned her back to him. He was touched at how ready she was to trust him with unlocking her handcuffs, even after his open hostility.

“I already told ya, sweet thing.” There was a metallic pop, and the handcuffs were out. “There’s no need to worry. I got you.”

She turned to face him, and the afternoon sunlight that came in through the car’s window somehow made her look more golden, made her brown skin look deeper. For the first time since he met her, Sol looked like she didn’t know what to say. Nicky placed his hand on top of her’s, both sticky from sweat; suddenly, he couldn’t see anything but her dark eyes and the curl of her hair. All at once, he realised that she had been what he was waiting for, body and soul.

“Looks like we need ‘ta get outta here,” he said, voice lower than he intended. “What do you say, toots? Wanna go to my place at the Hamptons?”

***

If Sol was going to ask if she could drive the car one more time, Ralph would explode. He had a little vein in his forehead that didn’t exist until last night. It was crazy, how bullheaded someone could be; crazier still that Nicky was looking at her like she hung the stars and the moon.

It was dark already outside, and the air was getting colder, whipping at cheeks and turning exhales into wisps of smoke. Outside the world of the Rolls Royce trees were shedding their leaves into dark green heaps that could barely be seen in the lack of light. Inside the Rolls Royce, at the backseat, Nicky had his arm over Sol, and she was resting her head on his chest.

Ralph rolled up to the driveway, noticing, somewhat smugly, that Sol barely batted an eyelash at Nicky’s mansion. He had been waiting for some girl that wasn’t impressed with Nicky’s spending habits.

Said man nudged Sol at the ribs, smiling. “Do I know how to spend money, or what?”

Said girl chuckled. “I’d go for the ‘or what’, but I don’t wanna hurt your feelings.”

Nicky put a hand on his chest, acting as if someone stabbed him. “Too late,” he rasped, collapsing into her. “I may never recover.”

Sol pecked his cheek. “There,” she smiled widely. “A kiss to make it better.”

Ralph gagged, parking at the entrance as quickly as possible.

“Get out,” he said. “I got a date with a pair of dancers tonight, and I don’t wanna have to explain why I got a toothache.”

Nicky raised an eyebrow, but Soledad slid out of the car laughing. Ralph wanted to snort– at least someoneknew how to take a joke. Nicky could be a bit sore sometimes.

“Have fun, Ralph,” Sol said. “Don’t stay out too late, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“That’s not much,” Ralph rolled his eyes, walking to his car and leaving the two love birds behind. Nicky gave a small wave, his eyes warm and smiling. Sometimes the man showed his affection in small ways.

Sol paused to look at the house, with its cream colored bricks and French design. Somehow, it reminded her of her family, and a way of life that was lost to her. Homesickness settled at the bottom of her gut; that’s how she knew it was shit.

“Honey,” she said, “it ain’t that bad, but I gotta tell you. It’s pretty obvious that a young man with new money owns this place. But not to worry, when the ivy grows it will look distinguished. Ivy gives everything an air of gravitas.”

Nicky peered down at her. “And how exactly are you an expert on gravitas, toots?”

“Well, I’m with you aren’t I?” Sol said it like it wasn’t flirting, but a fact. “Besides, my family is so old money that we have no money. I saw it, but it never reached me.”

“Well, honey,” he grinned, “you can reach for all the money you want. My treat.”

She punched his arm playfully, and Nicky winced at the force of it. Sol was an army captain alright.

“Hey,” he said. “I’ve got a swell place that’s perfect for stargazing. You can see entire galaxies up there. Wanna check it out?”

Sol shook her head, and Nicky tried his best to not feel disappointed.

“It’s a cold night,” she replied, “and I am physically, psychologically, socially, culturally, genetically and spiritually unable to stand the cold. I’m from the Philippines, and that’s at the middle of the equator.”

Nicky chuckled. “Well, I have some mink that I could lend you for New York in the winter.”

Soledad groaned. “Just throw me to the sun, please. I hate winter.”

Nicky didn’t mean to grin at her despair, but he couldn’t help it. “Too bad, toots, ‘cause I love snow.”

“Hay, susmariosep,” she muttered to herself. Nicky blinked at her, and she sighed, stepping into the house– she was cold already, standing in the evening air.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” she clarified. “But we Filipinos take revenge on our colonizers by bastardising their language, hence: susmariosep.”

Nicky led her into the mansion, and Sol was struck with how immaculate everything was. The marbled floors were shinier than a brand new Ferrari, the decor was a tasteful creme color, and the chandeliers gave a welcoming golden light to everyone under it, with Nicky’s brown eyes looking like a setting sun over still waters.

“Care for a quick drink?”

Soledad nodded, and her favorite mob boss led her to a study furnished with heavy mahogany shelves and plush velvet seats. She carefully mapped the layout of the house in her head, a habit of her’s that was born from paranoia and grew into a faint buzz at the back of her mind, like how some people ran their hands through shelves in the grocery. 

Nicky mixed her an Old Fashioned as she sunk into an armchair, tucking her legs under her. It was difficult for her to be on her guard with Nicky for too long; there was something about him that made her feel at ease, like how one feels after a good massage.

Soledad nursed her drink in its perfect crystal tumbler as Nicky told her of his place, his position, before she stumbled into the Twenties. His eyes were a hard amber as he talked about being the head of one of New York’s Five Families, of being on the cover of every paper in town, of being young and dangerous and flaunting cash. Soledad could see it happening; she could see how the very same man that made her drink and called her cute pet names was also the kind of man that dipped more than his toe in bootlegging and crime. Maybe it was in how he carried himself, or the way he talked– whatever it was, Sol knew power when she saw it, and Nicky Valentino oozed it.

“Look, Sol.” His brows were set and stern. “I got a lot of regrets about the things I done. There’s a lot of wrongs I can never right, and that’s why I got out. The big house never scared me more than the big sleep.”

His face softened a bit, as if he was sharing a fond memory. “But becoming a man; seeing the consequences of my actions…”

Nicky Valentino’s wandering eyes settled on Sol’s, and she could see forests of unexplored secrets in their depths.

“That’s why I left. Easier said than done, though.”

Sol watched his face get flustered, ears heating up, as she took a final sip of her drink, tilting it back.

“Trouble just seems to find you, huh?”

“I have myself to thank for that. But worst comes to worst, I still got my secret headquarters.”

Sol smiled, cradling the crystal glass in her hands. “You’ll have to show me, someday. Just in case.”

Nicky returned her smile. “Of course,” he said, almost whispering. “I got one last place to show you, if you’d let me.”

Their footsteps were quick in the quiet night, as if they were teenagers slipping from shadow to shadow, scared of being found out. Nicky held her hand like it was glass, idly taking note of how light it was, and where her hands were calloused and where it was smooth.

The night breeze was fierce, blowing white curtains into the house like spectres, half-alive and half in love, reaching for something. Soledad walked beside him, and under the moon she looked like she was dreaming, in another place that didn’t exist. He brought her to a swimming pool, smiling under the stars. 

“I’m going to dip my feet in for a hot second,” he said. Soledad followed him, and they sat at the edge of the pool’s deep end together.

“Trust me, Nicky,” she muttered. “Every second with you is a hot second.”

“Yeah,” he blushed. “But you’re cold aren’t ya? Here, take my coat.”

He took his black coat off, wrapping it around her; Sol was grateful for the sudden warmth that it gave her. She breathed in deeply; it smelled like smoke and cognac.

They spent a few minutes in silence. Sol knew that there wasn’t a need to say anything. It had been a long day, and she was grateful for quiet moments like these. The oceans in her stomach settled when Nicky held her this way, when they both looked at the deep blue pool together.

“My ma used to tell me, ‘Your soulmate is somewhere out there looking at that same moon.”

Sol smiled. “Oh? And did you listen to her?”

“I was more concerned about finding out how I could sneak into the Polo Grounds and catch a ball game.” 

They shared a smile. 

“But now,” Sol said, “you’re a romantic.”

“Yeah, now I am.” They were both quiet for a heartbeat. “What about you? Is you a romantic?”

Sol looked away from Nicky and the moon, her smile getting sadder. “I never let myself think about romance,” she said. “Like I said, you don’t get to be twenty-nine years old with no boyfriend, ever, without a bit of paranoia.”

“How about me?” Nicky’s gaze was heated, focused on her. 

“What about you?”

“What happened? You met me and figured out the power of true love?”

Soledad snorted, rolling her eyes. “Not everyone goes out and buys jewelry for their future lovers, Don Juan.”

“When it comes to love, everyone’s got a chip and a chair,” he chuckled. “So long as you got a single chip and a seat at the table, you still got a shot.”

“You really are a romantic,” Sol huffed, grinning.

Nicky wrapped his arm around her; there was something behind her eyes that was still closed off to him, but he could see that she was keeping something close to her chest. He had seen that look before in the mirror, and he knew that whatever she was keeping close to her, she didn’t want to let go of yet. Nicky didn’t want to take it from her hands.

“It’s been a long day,” he said, not noticing how his voice dropped to a lower octave. “We should both hit the sack.”

Sol nodded, and the new goosebumps on her arm were not from the cold. “Where’s my room?”

“Take a hard left down the hall,” he replied. “You can’t miss it.”

***

Soledad had changed into an oversized polo shirt and baggy shorts that she had found in the dresser, and had already settled on a makeshift bed on the floor. There was something about fluffy mattresses that made her feel like she was drowning, so she took the heavy comforter from the bed and a pillow, fashioning a spot that vaguely resembled a sleeping bag.

There was a gentle knock on her door, and Nicky’s face peeped in. Surprise colored his face, and Sol smiled back sheepishly. She didn’t know why she felt embarrassed at being seen trying to sleep on the floor– she did it many times back home, never caring about other people’s perception of her. But the way that Nicky looked a little bit concerned had her face flushing. 

It’s because it’s his house, she thought to herself. 

“Force of habit,” she explained, sitting up from the floor. “I, uh, don’t really like soft beds.”

Nicky nodded, pretending as though he understood. “Army training, huh?”

“Army training.”

He hummed lightly, rolling on his heels. “Would you like a quick nightcap?”

Nicky showed her the two mugs he was holding.

“What’s that? Coffee?”

“Coffee? At this hour? Do I look like a barbarian to you?”

“Sorry if I have a caffeine addiction,” Sol muttered. “It takes three cups to wake me up. Besides, coffee can be had any time.”

“Not if you’re Italian.” Nicky looked mildly embarrassed. “No coffee after breakfast. That’s how it’s done in the old country. So what will you have? Tea or hot chocolate?”

“The hot chocolate, please. I may be a coffee addict, but my true love is hot chocolate. I should really make you a cup some time. My recipe predates the Americans.”

Nicky smiled at her rambling as he walked over to her and gave her the cup. “Something sweet for my something sweet,” he said.

Soledad took a sip. “It’s good, but trust me when I say that mine is better.”

“Oh? And what’s it like?”

“Thicker.” Soledad blushed, hoping that he didn’t notice the double entendre. “Less sweet, more bitter. But the cacao from Davao? The best, the absolute best, I tell you.”

“My ma used to make hot coco, too.” Nicky sat on top of the bed, which was stripped of its blankets. “And I remember that she did make it thick. But my pa didn’t like it, because apparently anything that brings any kind of joy didn’t make you a man in his eyes. The irony, coming from a man whose soul was crushed by the factory.”

Nicky’s eyes were still tender, and Sol was jealous that he was able to talk about his father that easily. 

“Well,” Nicky said, standing up. “We best get to bed already. It’s going to be busy tomorrow.”

Sol remembered some things that Ralph had mentioned on the trip to the Hamptons. “Long day at your lawyers’ office?”

Nicky shrugged. “Can’t always be getaway cars and police men on your tail.”

They shared a look with each other before Nicky headed to the door. He opened it, and Sol memorised the way he looked like, before pausing. Nicky held her gaze one more time.

“I’ve chased it before; that danger. You can get hurt. Go after it long enough and you will get hurt.”

“I know,” Soledad said. She said it so quietly, she wasn’t sure if Nicky heard her.

“I just wanna be honest with you, as someone who’s been there, done that. I just don’t want to put you in harm’s way.”

Soledad sighed, sitting up straighter. She wondered what he thought of her, sitting on the floor wearing what might be his shirt.

“I’m here for you,” she told him, and it was as simple as that. “I’m not here looking for a thrill, or for money. I’ve had enough of that in my old life, and I’m used to it and the demons that come along with it. So I’m here for you, Nicky, and I’m ready to stay with you.”

“You’re one of a kind, you know that?”

They smiled at each other, and Sol forgot how to breathe.

“Takes one to know one.”

Nicky turned off the light, closing the door behind him as gently as he could.

***

That night, Soledad dreamt of the midday sun on the top of her head. There were gunshots, but she couldn’t hear them. She only knew how they felt, because with every beat of her heart a new one was fired. There was a familiar weight in her hand, and her trigger finger squeezed. Bullets flew and people died like leaves falling from acacia trees.

***

She woke up to orange stains in the sky. The sun greeted her, as though they were lifelong friends. Her hands folded blankets and fluffed pillows with no thinking on her part. This was routine, and Soledad knew the rhythm of it. The only thing that was missing, she thought to herself, were small lizards and the occasional cockroach. Sol smiled; she didn’t miss those things.

She changed back into her yellow dress, for propriety’s sake, before setting off to the direction that she deduced the kitchen was. As luck would have had it, she was right, and before she set foot in the place she could already smell breakfast.

“Good morning,” she said softly. “Can I help you in any way?”

A stout woman with wild curly hair came up to her, wiping uncooked batter on her white apron. “And who might you be, missy?”

“Soledad Diaz, ma’am.”

The older woman shook her head, muttering something about a new hire, before ordering her to chop onions. Soledad smiled, not wanting to correct the chef, and got to work.

There was something about holding a knife that she enjoyed, and she did her part in making breakfast. There were four of them working; the stout woman, a younger black man, an old hispanic lady that spoke in broken English, and Soledad. She had traded a few words with the woman (“de donde eres?” Sol asked. “Cuba,” the old lady replied, smiling through the steam that rose from a nearby pot. “Cuba.”).

Bridget, Joshua, and Mamita. Soledad enjoyed working alongside them, but soon excused herself, saying that she needed to go to the bathroom. Bridget had let her go with a wave of her hand, not taking her eyes off the sausages that she was frying.

Sol went back to her room, humming a song from her youth. She idly wondered if Mamita knew any Spanish songs that she knew, and suddenly Sol missed the guitar that she left back home in the Philippines.

Her thoughts came to a stop as she spotted a familiar face holding a basket full of petals, back facing her.

“Nicky?”

He turned to look at her, blushing harder than he ever had since she met him. It was adorable, and she laughed, only a little bit sorry that it was at his expense. He scratched the back of his head, and Sol idly looked him up and down. He was only wearing dark blue slacks and a white button down, but he looked good. Better, even.

“I didn’t know you were already up, toots. Army training?”

Soledad nodded. “Army training. Anyway, what are you doing? That’s going to be a pain to clean up.”

Nicky crossed his arms, and she could see his muscles underneath. “I wanted to surprise you when you woke up, but I guess you’re the one that surprised me. Breakfast’ll be in an hour yet, so maybe we can move to the veranda? It’s got a view of the pool.”

“Trust me,” she smiled. “I know that breakfast is coming in an hour.”

…

A/N: no beta we die like men. literally just finished this five minutes ago. i have no idea where this story is going, so i’m just sprinkling seeds for future angst that may or may not sprout. uh, in this chapter i tried to go for a more prose-y style, and i wanted to sort of start a bit the nationalistic streaks of sol here, since i figured that she’d have to be somewhat in love with her country, since she was a soldier.

i’m a little concerned that the romance part between sol and nicky is fast, but since it’s fast in canon, i suppose it’s alright for now. especially since they both have skeletons in their closet, that again, may or may not pop up later.

if yall have any suggestions, or anything that u wanna see, please tell me!!! do yall want scenes that are mainly canon compliant, or divergent? should i include more of the canon dialogue? i love feedback, mainly because i don’t have a lot of people to brainstorm with, so pls dont hesitate to drop me a dm!!!

Prologue |Chapter One 

justmytwoagainsttheworld(fictif)oceden.c:

Lemme juuuuust put some tatw incorrect quotes here-

Nicky: what’s a thot?

Ralph: means a thoughtful person.

*later*

MC & Nicky: *planning their wedding*

Nicky: you’re such a thot, toots.

MC:ExcUsE mE??

—

Chris: I’m the smartest, wisest person in the family.

MC: is your hand stuck in a vending machine?

Chris: I paid for my Mars bar, I’m getting my Mars bar.

—

MC: here you go, Nicky. A nice hot cup of coffee.

Nicky: it’s cold, love.

MC: a nice cup of coffee.

Nicky: it looks weird.

MC: cup of coffee.

Nicky: I’m not sure if it’s even a coffee.

MC:cup.

—

Nicky: when I become a secret spy, I’m gonna be agent c.

Nicky: tell everyone I’m spy-c.

—

Nicky: I have feelings for you.

MC: I have feelings for you too.

Nicky: so. What are we?

MC:

MC:feelers.

—

[ texting ]

MC:askskajdkjkf

Nicky: what is that?

MC: keyboard smash.

Nicky: how do I do it?

MC: just press anything.

Nicky:7

—

Chris: Ralph is choking, I need to call 911 but the 9 button isn’t working!

MC: turn it upside down and use the 6!

Chris:genius!

Ralph, stopping choking momentarily: what the heck-

—

Nicky: dang it, I stepped on crap!

Nicky: *lifts his shoe up to reveal a picture of Ralph*

—

Bonus from heir to love & lies.

Sergio: I was arrested for being too handsome.

Chava: the charges were dropped due to a lack of supporting evidence.

(slight spoiler from new york ending)

I was just listening to “friends from the other side” and my big brain can’t help but to think of tatw.

No no listen, it make sense. Ya boy Nicky is Prince Naveen. Mc is Tiana. Chris is Louis. Rocky is Ray bcuz- bcuz- *starts sobbing aggressively* and Ralph is Lawrence CUZ YOU DAMN WELL KNOW WHY

Guess that makes Floyd Dr. Facillier. Doesn’t matter really I just wanna pointed out the mains CUZ I KNOW I’M RIGHT

MC: bro what’s yo body count?

Nicky: dang, like 30 now.

MC: omg, you are a hoe!

Nicky: how does that make me a-

Nicky: wait are we talking about ppl we slept with?

MC: uh, yea-

Nicky: oh. Well I’ve never done that before.

MC: then what the 30 mean?

Nicky:*chuckles*

MC: BRO WHAT THE 30 MEAN?!

Stfu I ain’t wrong when I said this is da face he did tis is da knowing face which y'all ain’t knowing shit I’m telling u he hide so much under there akkahsjahkdlak

Nicky V. with a tough S/O

Notes:GN!Reader

Warnings:Language.Kinda OOC Nicky help??? I write nonsense.

• Ok I seeing it more like a tomboy MC so stick with me here.
• Nobody tells you shit.
• Nobody owns you shit.
• Well except Nicky ofc which you didn’t exactly tell that straight to his face but he knows it already.
• You are the true definition of “I can take care of myself” and Nicky would still ignore that fact.
• You kinda pissed but once again defeated by that million dollars smile.
• He’s like the sun and you’re the shooting stars that siked ppl who thought you gon give them a wish.
• Not surprisingly enough you’d often come back home with bruises around your body and no matter how hard you tried - keyword: tried - to hide them he still can see em. Or that you just dumb to not know howta cover them up.
• Nicky got them eagle eyes man. Whether you’re bruise in the outside or inside he can still see em all. Is it just me or he’s scary sometimes
• I imagine an iconic scene where person A sneaks in the house and you can see person B’s eyes only shines in the dark then they turn on da lamp besides them and it shows that they’re sitting on a armchair with a srs face.
• You is A, Nicky is B.

You managed to sneak in your and Nicky’s shared house (/mansion idk)’s window as you tip toed through the living room as quietly as you could.

You just got back from beating up some street gang’s ass for messing with you. Also cuz you wanted to blow off some steam. Served them right tho, you thought while cracking your tired neck.

You sighed not too loud after hearing the satisfying cracks. Completely oblivious to your surroundings and sure that you’re the only one awake.

Or so you thought.

“Where you been?” You froze.

You look around to find the source of the voice but it ain’t helping you much in the dark.

A soft ‘click’ is heard making the corner of the room light up as you adjust your eyes to turn to look at the figure. Busted,you thought again.

You see Nicky sitting on his comfortable armchair wearing his comfortable robe with his worry eyes. He’s like a disappointed father you didn’t wanna have.

“Look, before you say anything, yes I messed up big time… Again. But I’m fine!” You assured him but he’s not buying it. Instead he spare no time making his way to you.

He caress your cheek carefully around the bruise. You hiss in pain. “Ow!” He practically whined at your pain, quickly murmur an apology, “Doesn’t look too fine to me, toots.” “Yep, that’s on me.” You both shared a laugh.

• He’d clean you up as usually. It’s not the first time you sneak out anyway. Perhaps he need a better security on you from time to time cuz you always seem to find your way out everytime.
• He find it cute. That makes him wonder he’s no different from you. Maybe you two are meant for each other. (Holding my mlb side so hard)
• Still, you ain’t getting away from him lecturing you. And then say another long ass speech of why you matter.
• He just cares sm. He didn’t hv anyone to care about now he do :’)
• Fluff aside tho, other than love patching you up and shower you with affection he always admire how you can kick ass. He found it hot (who wouldn’t wink wonk-)
• Heis proud, he really is. Seeing his baby out and all without his help. But Nicky being Nicky he can’t help but to think of the consequences. What if you slipped outta his sight? What if you went too far where he can’t reach you? The what ifs get the better of him.
• Here he thought he’s supposed the play the optimistic partner 24/7. Or that he’s supposed to worry about his state of violence but ig it makes the two of you.
• You kick ass together.
• I don’t think I need to point out the partners in crime gig cuz you already are and you two are more than just perfect couples. You guys are total *chef kith* enough said.

Nicky V. with an injured S/O

A/N: First fictif hc. I’m just testing things out, been awhile since I write stuff here.

Notes:GN!Reader

Warnings:Kinda short. OOC Nicky??

• Boy firstly he’d be mad. But not at you mostly at himself for failing to take a good care of you. So you gotta comfort this dude.
• Question is, how? How exactly did you hurt yourself, sweetie? Did you fought a toaster or a duck?
• Clearly it depends. This hc is between average and minor injuries. Like you beat some street gangsters’ asses (and wins) or just accidentally cut yourself while working.
• Either way you’ll get the same respond.
• “>:O”
• He’d be over you nonstop asking questions and stuff while cleaning you up.
• He’d be blaming himself through and through so you gotta beg him to stop talking cuz if you’re like me it begining to sound like a guilt trip so just smooch him right there and then
• If somebody tryna beat you up he tell his goons to find them and God knows what’s next (yandere much?)
• But don’t you worry in my head MC’s a badass (unless you claim that you’re not no you fckin don’t *kith u*)
• So just tell this man you can take care of yourself but yk that won’t work cuz his job IS to worry about you you’re his precious baby he loves you to the moon and back-
• He’ll pamper you, oh yeah, like a lot. Gifts, affection, whatever. We know him too well not to stop no matter what you say. Bro spoil you to rot and you ain’t going no where honey.
• He do his usually sweet talk till you sleep and he’ll continue doing that in your dreams
• God forbid you from going out till he said so that you’re completely A-okay. Even if you tried, no you don’t. You didn’t had the chance u-u
• Trying so hard to write this without sounding yandere help
• Till you are assured that you’re in a good shape you gotta convince him that you’ll be careful next time and so he doesn’t hv to worry.

“But toots-”

“SHUSH!”

MC: When you said ‘magical in bed’ this isn’t exactly what I was exp-

Nicky: *holds up 8 of hearts* Is this your card?

MC: *softly* Holy shit.

Priest: Repeat after me.

MC: After me.

Priest, whisper at Nicky: Are you sure you want this one?

Nicky’s the kind to go “This one’s for you MC!” and didn’t miss and I hate him for that.

Imma just say few stuff after gon hiatus here for quite while now I’m back atm so

• I no longer write for dmc. I really enjoyed myself doing so but my interest for the fandom unfortunately didn’t last therefore any request related to that will be deleted.
• Any spam like/reblog of all of my old dmc incorrect quotes are still appreciated. I don’t really mind I’m glad ppl still love em.
• I got bored easily amd most likely to move from a fandom to another pretty quick. For now I’m active in fictif franchise. Just starting to get attach to the game so expect some more incorrect quotes and possibly headcanons (mostly two against the world). P/s: I still don’t take request for anything.

So this has been buzzing in my head for quite sometime for the Nix Hydra and Fictif Characters in a Pokemon Au. So I’m going to match at least, for now, the Love Interests for some of the Stories so far, their own pokemon team they would have.

Carbink(Rock/Fairy)- Relating to the Diamond piece he’s been holding onto for all those years. 

Midday Lycanroc(Rock)- Nicky’s favorite animal are dogs and wolves especially so I can honestly seeing Lycanroc being his main partner.

Nickit(Dark)-I could totally see Nicky wanting this guy because it has his name and the exact personality. 

Yamper(Electric)-His route always mentions him and the MC having a “Spark” and him giving off electric sensations. Here is that Electricity! Plus, look at him! He’s adorable.

Growlithe(Fire)- Who wouldn’t resist such a loving and loyal guy like this.

Houndour(Fire/Dark)- A stray he found on the street and uses him to intimidate some of the competition. He can be really scary to others but absolutely ADORES Nicky ( and MC eventually ).

Primarnia(Water/Fairy)- Queen of the Stage meets Queen of the Silver Screen! A match made in lights!

Purrloin(Dark) - Her mischievous  partner in arms. We all know Celia gives of straight up Cat energy and what a best pokemon to suit that energy then this sneaky Feline. I bet Celia charms the target while Purrloin snatches any valuable goodies.z

Florges(Fairy)- Somewhat relating to the Flower in Celia’s hair, but also she is just a bea

Mega Altaria (Dragon/Fairy) - Another Pokemon that loves being in the limelight. Also picked her because feathers and wings remind me of Celia’s Fur Shaw.

Glameow(Normal) - Unlike Nicky, Celia is a cat person, so why not give her another kitty who has the same glamerous personality as her.

Milotic(Water)- Elegance and alluring beauty, and eyes of mystery.

Rillaboom(Grass)-  A Big Muscular Guy that sends Good Vibrations.

Ninjask (Bug/Flying) - Since Miguel likes to travel in the fast lanes, I found out that this is one of the fastest non-legendary Pokemon.

Grovyle(Grass)- Swift and Agile, I can see Miguel using him for when he has to participate in heists.

Ludicolo(Water/Grass)- Just look at him Vibing!! XD

Floatzel(Water)-  Fast Swimmer who loves the water. What else can I say.

Just had a disgusting thought…

Nicky Valentino as a TikTok star……..

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C'mon he would do that one grind dance like

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I’ll see myself out-

I love this man

Hope you like my first lil drawing of this beautiful BOI úwù expect more

Hey everyone!!!

I’m not dead!! I am happy to announce that I am back to this beautiful hellhole after taking some time for my health. I will try my best to get back into the flow of Vald asks but I am currently OBSESSED with Nicky Valentino from Mix Hydra’s fictif app so…if any of you are interested, PLEASE send asks about him úwù

millennial-pinks:

I found myself alone in the big house, for the moment. The butler said Nicky stepped out for a swim and left me in the smoking room with a tray of tea and cookies and a tickling clock.

I glared at the time piece on the mantel. I’d already banished the one from my room because of the ticking, I was not prepared to share another room meant for relaxation with that noise. It was going to drive me crazy if I didn’t do anything.

I stood and hesitantly walked over to the big gramophone. Phonograph? What’s the difference? I shrug a bit as I look over the records, the difference didn’t matter much. What mattered was that music machine could drown out that stupid clock.

“Wait. Ok, this goes here.” I mumbled to myself as I delicately placed a record on the machine. “Not sure what that handle thing is. And then… this?” I’ve seen plenty of movies, I knew how to use a record player. I set the needle on the edge of the record.

Nothing. Maybe I didn’t know how to use a record player.

“You’ve gotta crank it.” Nicky stood against the doorframe with an impish look on his face. It was weird to see him not wearing his suit jacket and big black coat, but I liked seeing him like this; just shirt, suspenders, sleeves rolled up to his elbows and messy, wet hair.

“Crank it? With this?” I pointed at the handle. At his nod, I cranked the handle. The machine made an odd, winding noise at first, but the record started to turn under the needle. Viola!

Scratchy, slow music filled the dimly lit smoking room. I never really liked old record players until I found myself transported to Nicky’s movie. The rough sound had a charm to it, not unlike the twenties themselves. And Nicky. Rough voice, charming as hell. Phonographs and Nicky, same thing.

Nicky strode into the room and wrapped one arm around my waist. He still smelled like the pool under the faint scent of soap and cigarette smoke.

“Wanna dance?” That devilish grin hadn’t left his shapely lips.

“Sure.” I set my hands on his chest and followed his lead. The song was slow, perfect for a close dance.

“Your hands are wrong.” Nicky said. He took one of my hands and moved the other to his waist. “Like that. Do I have to teach you everything?” There was no malice or annoyance in his voice, just playful teasing.

“About being fancy, yeah.” I laughed. “I’m just a country bumpkin from upstate.”

“Clearly.” Nicky slightly tilted his head towards mine and his expression softened. “Damn, Shiloh.”

“What’s wrong?” I looked up at him through my lashes, hoping I was coming off as coy and cute, instead of like the weirdo I felt like. Did he feel this nervous around me? I wanted him to feel flustered and, well, as hot and bothered as he made me.

“I got it bad.” Nicky chuckled quietly and I could feel the exhale of his warm breath against my hair. “You gave it to me bad, toots.”

“You’re welcome.” I winced slightly at myself. ‘You’re welcome’ was the best I could come up with? Wow, I’m worse than I thought at this whole flirting thing.

Nicky laughed again, pulling me closer against his chest. “I do like having it this bad, so thank you.”

“What exactly do you have ‘bad’?” I asked, doing air quotes.

“What do you think?”

“C’mon, don’t tease!” I chided playfully.

Instead of a response, Nicky leaned closer to press the lightest kiss on my lips. “I love you.” he whispered, still so, so tantalizingly close.  

Heat spread up my cheeks. The music went quiet, but it didn’t matter, the only thing I could focus on was Nicky. How was he so smooth and I was so not? I guess I did make him feel a lot, which was a good consolation prize. “That’s good though, right?”

“It’s very good.” A bit of his hair bobbed adorably with his nod. “I got it bad, but everything is really good.”

I couldn’t help my silly grin as I reached up to scratch at the short hair of Nicky’s undercut. “I love you, too.” I breathed, pulling him down for another kiss.

This needs so much more attention than it has, it made my morning

A lil Nicky in his undies for those of you who might have wanted to see it ^^;

Say what you want, but I say he’s definitely the equivalent of a 1920s Calvin Klein underwear model secretly

I have a TERRIBLE feeling bro

I feel like NH are gonna pull some shit like Nicky is gonna get injured or shot or something and I don’t need to see that I don’t want to see that but still I’m here thinking about it and crying like a baby