#'friends' is a funny way of saying 'sisters' / alys & the girls.

[atopvisenyashill]

patterns of abuse with jaehaerys

this post made me deeply depressed and i reread f&b which was my first mistake.

tldr i’m making the argument that jaehaerys definitely sexually abused saera and alysanne, and likely viserra and gael, and also i hate this man. if you disagree and want to say so *nicely* that’s cool but if you hardcore love jae and don’t want to hear criticism, maybe just scroll past bc i’m not nice to him at all (obviously, i’m accusing him of csa lol).

breaking this down by each woman, so there’s 6 sections: saera, viserra, daella, gael, alysanne, and alicent.

saera targaryen

If she were the king’s firstborn, or better still his only child, she would be well content. Instead she finds herself the ninthborn, with six living siblings who are older than her and even more adored. Aemon is to be king, Baelon most like will be his Hand, Alyssa may be all her mother is and more, Vaegon is more learned than she is, Maegelle is holier, and Daella…when does a day go by when Daella is not in need of comfort? And whilst she is being soothed, Saera is being ignored. Such a fierce little thing she is, they say, she has no need of comfort. They are wrong in that, I fear. All men need comfort.

that’s septon barth’s opinion on her and barth is always right. simply put, she’s a deeply neglected child who acts like a brat to get her parents attention because she’s learned the only way they’ll pay attention to her is if she’s causing a problem.

Before she was eleven, she was stealing wine and ale instead. By twelve, she was like as not to arrive drunk when summoned to the sept for prayer.

The king’s half-witted fool, Tom Turnip, was the victim of many of her japes, and her unwitting catspaw for others. Once, before a great feast where many lords and ladies were to be in attendance, she persuaded Tom that it would be much funnier if he performed naked. It was not well received.

stealing alcohol at 10 and being a committed alcoholic at 12 is not normal behavior. it is a sign of something deeply at wrong at home. also, the way she kind of, sexually humiliated tom, someone who is too “innocent” to even realize she’s sexually humiliating him…gives me the ick re: how she views sex.

Saera had learned the art of getting anything she wanted from her father: a kitten, a hound, a pony, a hawk, a horse (Jaehaerys did draw a firm line at the elephant). Queen Alysanne was far less gullible, however, and Septon Barth tells us that Saera’s sisters all misliked her to various degrees.

i don’t like this. nothing wrong with giving your child gifts (see ned going above and beyond to get arya not just instruction on how to fight but also a specific style that would gel with being smaller than your average opponent) but in conjunction with “jaehaerys ignores saera unless she’s pressing him for an expensive gift which he immediately gives her and alysanne doesn’t get why he caved so quickly” its an alarming dynamic.

also speaks to how isolated saera specifically was, that the only siblings that like her (aemon and baelon) are usually out and about, and there’s a clear wedge between saera and her sisters, even viserra.

The screams were coming from Tom Turnip, who was lurching helplessly in circles trying to escape from half a dozen naked whores, whilst the patrons of the house laughed uproariously and shouted on the harlots. Jonah Mooton, Red Roy Connington, and Stinger Beesbury were amongst those patrons, each one drunker than the last. They had thought it would be funny to see old Turnip do the deed, Red Roy admitted. Then Jonah Mooton laughed and said the jape had all been Saera’s notion, and what a funny girl she was.

again with sexually humiliating tom.

it continues with her friends. it’s not unusual for a 15 year old girl to want to fool around with other 15 year olds but alys and perri are all guilt ridden and upset and alys is with child. it reminds me a lot of cersei sexually abusing taena in affc. when she’s caught (now, mind you, she’s been marched in front of her parents sitting on the throne and not brought to them in their private rooms. she’s being treated right off the bat as if she’s guilty of a crime and not guilty of being a shitty teenager):

“She went from denial to dismissal to quibbling to contrition to accusation to justification to defiance in the space of an hour, with stops at giggling and weeping along the way,” Septon Barth would write. “She never did it, they were lying, it never happened, how could they believe that, it was just a game, it was just a jape, who said that, that was not how it happened, everyone likes kissing, she was sorry, Peri started it, it was such fun, no one was hurt, no one ever told her kissing was bad, Sweetberry had dared her, she was so ashamed, Baelon used to kiss Alyssa all the time, once she started she did not know how to stop, she was afraid of Stinger, the Mother Above had forgiven her, all the girls were doing it, the first time she was drunk, she had never wanted to, it was what men wanted, Maegelle said the gods forgave all sins, Jonah said he loved her, the gods had made her pretty, it was not her fault, she would be good from now on, it will be as if it never happened, she would marry Red Roy Connington, they had to forgive her, she would never kiss a man again or do any of those other things, it wasn’t her who was with child, she was their daughter, she was their little girl, she was a princess, if she were queen she would do as she liked, why wouldn’t they believe her, they never loved her, she hated them, they could whip her if they wanted but she would never be their slave. She took my breath away, this girl. There was never a mummer in all the land who gave such a performance, but by the end she was exhausted and afraid, and her mask slipped.”

What does Jaehaerys ask after all of this? “Have you given any of these boys your maidenhead?” Her response:

“True?” said Saera. It was in that moment, with that word, that the contempt came out. “No. I gave it to all three. They all think they were the first. Boys are such silly fools.”

Now mind you, Alyssa and Daella have both died of childbirth recently and her parents are mad she had sex as a 16 year old bordering on 17 year old, and not the fact that she like, at best peer pressured her besties into having sex and now one of them is pregnant. jaehaerys has only asked if she’s still a virgin.

“I will be married,” the princess said. “Why shouldn’t I be? You were married at my age. I shall be wedded and bedded, but to whom? Jonah and Roy both love me, I could take one of them, but they are both such boys. Stinger does not love me, but he makes me laugh and sometimes makes me scream. I could marry all three of them, why not? Why should I have just one husband? The Conqueror had two wives, and Maegor had six or eight.”

i keep trying not to give my opinion and just lay it all out but the thing is i’d just be reposting the whole scene because it’s just filled with so much weird sex stuff. if you don’t remember it, go reread it. it doesn’t feel (to me) like regular “george is bad at writing sex” vibes but “george is purposefully trying to skeeve you out” vibes but i am willing to admit i could be wrong and he really just doesn’t understand what he wrote.

anyways remember how i said saera acts out to get attention from her parents? all she’s done here is act out, her “crimes” are basically nonexistent; beyond how alys feels about being pregnant, saera consensually had sex with boys around her age who aren’t married, and then blithely compared herself to some asshole relatives. if your teenager idolizes dick cheney that’s probably worrying but not a crime! this is not how jae treats it however.

When the princess heard his words, she rushed toward him, crying, “Father, Father!” but Jaehaerys turned his back on her, and Gyles Morrigen caught her by the arm and wrenched her away. She would not go of her own accord, so the guards were forced to drag her from the hall, wailing and sobbing and calling for her father.

The king was angry and unyielding, for his shame was deeply felt, and he could not forget Saera’s taunting words about his uncle’s wives. “She is no longer my daughter,” he said more than once. Queen Alysanne could not find it in her heart to be so harsh, however. “

saera tries to escape.

This time the princess was not allowed to return to her own chambers. She was confined to a tower cell instead, with Jonquil Darke guarding her day and night, even in the privy.

Princess Saera watched from the window of her cell. Jonquil Darke, her gaoler, made certain that she did not turn away.

that’s as her dad is murdering stinger btw. is he a creepy 19 year old? yeah. but like, making your 15 year old watch you murder her 19 year old trust fund baby stoner boyfriend sure is something.

so then they sent her to the silent sisters where she’s beaten all the time and has to pray all the time and she runs away, becomes a sex worker and literally never looks back.

The truth did not come out until a year later, when the former princess was seen in a Lysene pleasure garden, still clad as a novice. Queen Alysanne wept to hear it. “They have made our daughter into a whore,” she said. “She always was,” the king replied.

“You need her as a Dornishman needs a pit viper,” Jaehaerys said. “I am sorry. King’s Landing has sufficient whores. I do not wish to hear her name again.”

but before we move on, let’s look at one more related ick, when saera’s sons show up to the great council:

From Essos came three rival competitors, grandsons of King Jaehaerys through his daughter Saera, each sired by a different father. One was said to be the very image of his grandsire in his youth.

after her drinking, acting out, and jaehaerys’ focus on calling her a whore, explicitly pointing out that one of her grandsons looks just like jae is a choice. i know they’re super inbred. it’s still uncomfortable in context.

viserra targaryen

alysanne makes no sense here but i’m just gonna quickly explain instead of lay it out or we will be here all day bc viserra’s engagement is completely nonsensical. theomore manderly is old, ugly, has a shitton of heirs, and viserra clearly doesn’t want to marry him. also if she wanted to be queen, why is she going after baelon, aemon is still alive. anyways jaehaerys is no help here, then she goes to baelon for help, but she’s also super drunk.

Frustrated, Viserra next turned to her brother Baelon in hopes of rescue, if court gossip can be believed. Slipping past his guards into his bedchamber one night, she disrobed and waited for him, making free with the prince’s wine whilst she lingered. When Prince Baelon finally appeared, he found her drunk and naked in his bed and sent her on her way. The princess was so unsteady that she required the help of two maids and a knight of the Kingsguard to get her safely back to her own apartments.

she gets drunk with some friends again, goes riding, breaks her neck. i wanted to point out this pattern of drinking and acting out at a young age. as well as this pattern of targaryen daughters who aren’t “meant” for a brother and are promised to men who are old and with heirs

daella targaryen

i wanted to add daella because her getting married at 15 makes as little sense as viserra, and her match to a old man with several heirs is equally nonsensical. but also this:

“I would never marry her,” the boy said, in front of half the court. “She can barely read. She should find some lord in need of stupid children, for that’s the only sort he will ever have of her.”

where did vaegon get that mouth.

Daella was not clever, even her septa had to admit. She learned to read after a fashion, but haltingly, and without full comprehension. She could not seem to commit even the simplest prayers to memory. She had a sweet voice, but was afraid to sing; she always got the words wrong. She loved flowers, but was frightened of gardens; a bee had almost stung her once.

Jaehaerys, even more than Alysanne, despaired of her. “She will not even speak to a boy. How is she to marry? We could entrust her to the Faith, but she does not know her prayers, and her septa says that she cries when asked to read aloud from The Seven-Pointed Star.”

The queen always rose to her defense. “Daella is sweet and kind and gentle. She has such a tender heart. Give me time, and I will find a lord to cherish her. Not every Targaryen needs to wield a sword and ride a dragon.”

so daella is 12 at this point.

Her sixteenth nameday was fast approaching, and with it her womanhood. Queen Alysanne was at her wit’s end, and the king had lost his patience. On the first day of the 80th year since Aegon’s Conquest, he told the queen he wanted Daella wed before the year’s end. “If she wants I can find a hundred men and line them up before her naked, and she can pick the one she likes,” he said. “I would sooner she wed a lord, but if she prefers a hedge knight or a merchant or Pate the Pig Boy, I am past the point of caring, so long as she picks someone.”

i just don’t like this. other “simple” targs are not required to marry, like vaella and aelora, two of daeron ii’s grandfaughters so i don’t get why daella is pressured into marrying before she’s even of age. at least jae 2 forced rhaella and aerys because of a prophecy? what is jae’s reasoning for so sexualizing his daughter?

gael targaryen

this one is definitely a reach but i’d like to point out that this is basically all we know about gael:

Princess Gael, a sweet, shy child of seven, became the queen’s constant shadow and support, even sharing her bed at night.

and our information on how she dies is so shady:

A sweet-natured girl, but frail and somewhat simpleminded, she remained with the queen long after her other children had grown and gone, but in 99 AC she vanished from court, and soon afterward it was announced that she had died of a summer fever. Only after both her parents were gone did the true tale come out. Seduced and abandoned by a traveling singer, the princess had given birth to a stillborn son, then, overwhelmed by grief, walked into the waters of Blackwater Bay and drowned.

how does gael get pregnant by a traveling singer when she never leaves her mother’s side? why doesn’t anyone in court know gael got pregnant and killed herself until after aly and jae both die and how was this even found out?

am i implying that jaehaerys sexually abused all four of his daughters? yes because he literally sexually abuses his own wife.

alysanne targaryen

“I am forty-two years old,” she told the king. “You must be content with the children I have given you. I am more suited to be a grandmother than a mother now, I fear.”

King Jaehaerys did not share her certainty. “Our mother, Queen Alyssa, was forty-six when she gave birth to Jocelyn,” he pointed out to Grand Maester Elysar. “The gods may not be done with us.” He was not wrong. The very next year, the Grand Maester informed Queen Alysanne that she was once more with child, to her surprise and dismay.

he uses the birth that killed their mother and that is condemned by rhaena and alysanne as reckless and cruel of rogar to force on her. that birth.

at this point as well, he had abused saera and daella, then they’re gone, then viserra starts drinking and dies, then jae marital rapes aly into having gael, giving him access to another young girl to abuse…i’m aware this is a very uncharitable reading of him but…

alicent hightower (and kind of alyssa targaryen)

Ser Otto’s precocious fifteen-year-old daughter, Alicent, became his constant companion, fetching His Grace his meals, reading to him, helping him to bathe and dress himself. The Old King sometimes mistook her for one of his daughters, calling her by their names; near the end, he grew certain she was his daughter Saera, returned to him from beyond the narrow sea.

saera is the one he fixated on yet again but notable that he’s fixated on his daughters as he dies and not his sons, despite jaehaerys turning to drink after aemon died bc he was so upset.

He announced his intention to wed Lady Alicent of House Hightower, the clever and lovely eighteen-year-old daughter of the King’s Hand, the girl who had read to King Jaehaerys as he lay dying.

The Hightowers of Oldtown were an ancient and noble family, of impeccable lineage; there could be no possible objection to the king’s choice of bride. Even so, there were those who murmured that the Hand had risen above himself, that he had brought his daughter to court with this in mind. A few even cast doubt on Lady Alicent’s virtue, suggesting she had welcomed King Viserys into her bed even before Queen Aemma’s death. (These calumnies were never proved, though Mushroom repeats them in his Testimony and goes so far as to claim that reading was not the only service Lady Alicent performed for the Old King in his bedchamber.)

i know it’s just mushroom being a perv but a rumor that 15 year old alicent “serviced” jaehaerys existing besides rumors that he mistook 15 year old alicent for the daughter he last saw when she was 17 - and viserra was 15, gael 19, and daella 15, all around alicent’s age and all died before age 20. all the targaryen girls that weren’t born “for” a brother exit the narrative after some sort of sexual abuse that centers around jae, as teenagers; daenerys was born for aemon, alyssa for baelon, and maegelle for vaegon before they both fucked off and maegelle was too pious (and too old). this idea of being “for” a brother leads directly to alyssa’s death before 30:

“You were made for battles, and I was made for this. Viserys and Daemon and Aegon, that’s three. As soon as I am well, let’s make another. I want to give you twenty sons. An army of your own!” It was not to be. Alyssa Targaryen had a warrior’s heart in a woman’s body, and her strength failed her. She never fully recovered from Aegon’s birth, and died within the year at only four-and-twenty.

and alysanne being “for” jaehaerys is how he excusing sexually abusing her into a risky pregnancy. essentially what i fear is that because saera, daella, viserra, and gael aren’t “for” someone, jaehaerys gets it into his mind that that are for him. even without him raping them tho, that subtext is there! he is entitled to saera’s virginity and calls her a whore multiple times, even decades after she’s left, and murders her boyfriend in front of her. he claims a weird sexual ownership over his neurodivergent daughter daella and his alcoholic, depressed daughter viserra, and we get zero information on gael’s pregnancy or his reaction to it. but jaehaerys deciding his daughters are “for” him certainly has a basis in canon just judging from the erratic and worrying behavior of his younger daughters.

jaehaerys is a creep and i hate him and i don’t know how much of this is on purpose (like, will aegon vi or dany find out jaehaerys was a shady pedo and it shatters their world? will dunk and egg find it out and it affects their plot somehow? did george just put it in there to make a comment on power and monarchy and misogyny, similar to aegon iv raping the bracken women? or is just there for window dressing creepiness, like “i will pepper in the fact that jaehaerys is sexually obsessed with his daughters” thing?) or if george just made jaehaerys sexually obsessed with his daughters on accident?

on the one hand, it seems out of character for george. he romanticizes drogo thru dany’s eyes but it’s clear he’s meant to be seen as a creep (dany talking about being pregnant followed by “she had just turned 14” is sickeningly jarring for a reason) and also, drogo dies bc of his own pride. sansa doesn’t like any of the old dudes touching her; she is at least marginally freaked out by her wedding night, the unkiss, and lf & dontos taking liberties with her, and rightly. the story that’s told about the mountain raping a girl and making the father pay him is meant to disgust us. the walk of shame is a harrowing chapter to read, because whatever cersei’s crimes, this sexual humiliation is not something she deserves. on and on. yes, we all hate the way arya is sexualized in the mercy chapter, but crucially, she’s not blithely and happily seducing these pervs, she’s going hard candy on their asses. is this just messy set up for something like that?? i think, given how little dany knows about her family’s crimes that somehow learning jae sexually abused (and maybe even impregnated) his own daughters after she herself experiences sexual abuse would be huge. the same goes for aegon vi learning that sexual abuse runs rampant in his family tree; would he empathize with saera hiding out in essos to escape the sexual abuse of her father, see some of elia and his own plight in her? in gael?

or did george really just. not realize how sexually obsessed jaehaerys was with his daughters?

idk how to end this. where’s the winds of winter george i need answers.

[jburrgf]

Prudence Girl.

We could stay alone, you and me and this temptation, sipping on your lips hanging on by thread.

pairing: joe burrow lsu x reader (becoming enemies to lovers)

summary: after a year at LSU, your best friend finally convinces you apply to be a prudence girl.

description: college life, frat party, kiss

—————————————————————

It was a relief to be far from home. From Ohio in general.

Now, I have to put up with my best friend, Tracy Evans, rambling about the fraternity and sorority homecoming at LSU and how much she’d love to be part of Prudence.

Prudence, by the way, is a sorority mostly run by a clique of cheerleaders. They all live in a huge house, practically Republican HQ, where they throw parties almost every week.

I find it cosmic and weird that the name is also a condom brand. But hey, no judgments here.

“We have to go, y/n.” Tracy grabs my shoulders, shaking them. “We can’t miss this!”

“Freshmen can’t miss it, and we’re not freshmen,” I say, winking at her. “At least, not technically. I still feel like one, tho.”

Tracy rolls her green eyes. “That’s where you’re wrong, y/n. It’s not just freshmen who can’t skip out. Prudence pledges can’t either.”

“And why does that matter to us?” I ask, frowning.

“Because, my dear, if we pass tonight’s initiation, we’ll be Prudence pledges,” she says, winking as my jaw slowly drops. “I signed us both up.”

“You what?” I get up from my chair, furious. “If you want to be a Prudence Girl, Tracy, go ahead, but don’t drag me into it!”

Tracy rolls her eyes again. “Don’t be dramatic,” she says, stroking my cheek. “You don’t have to go through initiation if you don’t want to, or even join Prudence. I just want your company, you know, moral support and stuff.”

With her puppy-dog eyes on me, it was impossible to refuse. Sighing heavily, I nodded.

“You owe me, Tracy Evans!” I growl, grabbing my black jacket and throwing it over a white T-shirt that says, “Don’t look at my tits, perv” as I leave the room.

I walked across the dorm with a scowl on my face. Sure, it’s good to be away from home, but it’s not like Cincinatti is a paradise. It’s not even close.

“Hey, y/LN!” I turned my head to the left, where Alyssa Powell was calling me. “Love the shirt.”

I roll my eyes with a faint smile. “What’s up, Powell?”

Me and Alyssa knew each other from the hallways of LSU. She wasn't like a friend of mine, but she was cool to talk to.

“I need ya’ help, y/n,” she says, biting her lip. “You know I don’t get along with Abby Griffin, right?”

“I think the whole campus knows, after she grabbed the principal’s megaphone and announced she’d make your life hell.” Aly grins at the memory. “Go on.”

“I need a reason to stay in Prudence,” she continues. “And a great reason would be to mentor a pledge during initiation. And I saw your name on the list…”

Oh, no.

“Aly… Look, you’re awesome, smart, funny…extraordinary!” Aly smiles, blushing. “But no way.”

“Why not?” She pouts. Oh boy, here come the sad faces again.

“Because I have zero interest in being part of Prudence,” I reply, tucking a strand of curls behind her ear. “Mentor Tracy. She really wants to join you guys.”

Aly sighs. “She already has a mentor,” she says, her voice pleading. “Abby made sure every pledge had one before I could even consider it. I’m surprised you don’t have one yet.”

“Oh, that’s simple. I hate every Prudence Girl,” I say, shrugging. “Including you. But I hate you with love, you know?”

I watch Alyssa laugh, throwing her head back.

“Y/n, look, I wouldn’t be here begging if it wasn’t important,” she says, grabbing my hands. “My mom graduated as a Prudence Girl, so did my aunt, and my older sister. It’s a family thing, you know? I can’t screw it up just because the leader hates me for sleeping with Joe.”

“Wait, what?”

I had no idea about it. Fresh gossip, I guess?

Joe Burrow was the new sensation on campus for the last six months. He was QB1 from the LSU Tigers and didn't lose any games in the regular season — at least not until now. I didn't know that guy very well, and honestly, I like it that way. I'm not into jocks, especially the ones with massive egos.

“Yeah. She doesn’t like me because I hooked up with her boyfriend once, that’s all,” she says, shrugging. “Please, y/n…”

I stare into her brown eyes, at her wild curls and clothes far too bold for a university.

“Okay. On one condition,” I say, watching her smile grow wider and wider.

“Anything!”

“I want a room with Tracy, just the two of us. That, or no deal!” I cross my arms.

“Deal!”

[…]

When I return to my dorm, Tracy is there, jumping around to an ‘80s song, dressed in pink leggings, a black crop top, leg warmers, and a headband holding back her blonde hair. She looked ridiculous. Ridiculously beautiful.

“What the hell are you doing, Evans?” I ask, climbing the bunk bed ladder. If joining Prudence means having my own bed on the floor, it might be worth it.

“Aerobics,” she says, smiling. “I do it every day after class for two hours. It’s exhausting, but it works.”.

“You should try it.”

“No thanks. I prefer my soft butt,” I say sarcastically. “Oh, by the way, I’m doing the initiation and becoming a Prudence Girl.”

“What? Why?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be happy?” I frown.

“I am, of course I am,” she smiles. “But why? You were so set against it this morning.”

I sigh. “Alyssa Powell asked me,” I shrug. “If she’s not my mentor, Abby Griffin will kick her out of Prudence.”

.“Remind me to thank her later.”

I lay back on my pillow, thinking about what it would be like to share a house with dozens of girls. Rent is $100, slightly less than the dorm, but that’s not reason enough to join a sorority.

“How does this initiation work, anyway?” I ask.

“It’s really simple, almost childish,” she says, rolling her eyes. “The guys eat or drink something, then kiss us. If we guess what it was, we’re in.”

“Seriously? That’s it?”

“Almost childish, like I said,” she grins.

Then it hits me. “Wait! Guys? What guys?”

“What other guys, silly? Prudence Girls kiss Prudence Boys,” Tracy bites her lip. “I can’t wait to kiss one of them.”

I rub my face with both hands, already regretting agreeing to this mess.

“I bet you can’t.”

[…]

Prudence House was packed, full of students. Nobody cared that it was the initiation for the new Prudence pledges because it was one of the most anticipated parties of the year—alongside the Prudence fraternity’s homecoming, the Kappa farewell, and the random Acacia parties, all of them Republican houses.

Tracy made me wear one of her dresses, shorter and tighter than I had imagined. My best friend did my makeup and hair, not because I can’t get ready on my own, but because I take forever doing it.

In just an hour, I was perfectly ready, waiting for the campus lights to go out and the pink lights of the Prudence sorority, in the back street, to take over. The house was ridiculously large—after all, it housed almost thirty girls—with many rooms, many bathrooms, and a huge party hall. It was in this hall that I stopped to observe the beige walls.

“Stop looking at things like that, you look like a child,” Tracy murmured, elbowing me.

“Sorry, mom,” I teased, hiding a smile. “This place feels like a museum.”

Tracy didn’t respond, maybe because she agreed or maybe because Abby Griffin was making her way toward us, looking determined.

Abby Griffin was the type of girl with queen bee energy. And she really was, technically. For the past two years, she was the “Prudence Queen”. I never knew how we became friends — actually, I didn’t even have the idea that she knew who I was.

“Y/n y/ln, I presume,” she said, eyeing me with superiority. “Alyssa’s new recruit.”

“In the flesh,” I smiled at her.

“The initiation will start shortly, in the backyard. If you're late, you’re out.” I could see in her eyes she wanted to add "along with Alyssa," but she held back.

“We’ll be there.”

Tracy squeezed my hand and pulled me outside in a matter of seconds, making me roll my eyes dramatically.

When we arrived outside, a line of women stretched across the lawn, their nervous and anxious faces clearly marking them as potential pledges. Everything would depend on a stupid kiss from a guy.

Alyssa found me when I got to the end of the line; including Tracy and me, there were twelve of us, the maximum number allowed per semester. Aly smiled and held my hands.

“Your room is already reserved,” she whispered. Aly glanced around, checking the area before leaning in to whisper, “Coffee candy and mint gum.” To disguise her words, Aly gave me a quick peck. “See you later, Prudence Girl.”

I held back the urge to groan that "Prudence Girl" and "Prudence Boy" sounded like names for a girl group and boy band—and they also actively reminded me of condoms, of course. I could make that joke later, after surviving the initiation just because a fling had kindly asked me to.

Tracy watched us with a smile; a nod from her confirmed she had heard what Aly said.

I would call this cheating if I cared about this whole mess.

“Welcome, everyone—brothers, sisters, pledges, and nosy students,” Abby Griffin began, silencing the crowd. “Tonight, we’ll be welcoming our new sisters—those who, of course, pass the initiation.”

Tracy squeezed my hand. Sneaky little thing.

“The initiation is as follows: we have a dozen Prudence Boys here, but you won’t see them until after you've kissed them.” At that, each mentor handed their pledge a black blindfold and placed it over our eyes. “Each guy has tasted something different—maybe a strawberry, maybe whipped cream, maybe vodka... Your job, during the kiss, is to figure out what was in his mouth before he kissed you. Good luck.”

Apparently, a line of twelve boys stood in front of us, aligned like we were. But we wouldn’t be kissed all at once.

I had to endure the sounds of sloppy kisses for several long minutes, along with guesses of foods or drinks—all of them correct.

Tracy squeezed my hand one last time before letting go.

It was her turn.

More kissing sounds, longer than usual. I rolled my eyes beneath the blindfold.

“Coffee candy!” Tracy shouted, earning applause and cheers.

Now it was my turn.

I felt the approach of someone who smelled of cheap cologne and sweat, and I automatically grimaced. This was clearly Abby’s doing.

But before the guy could mess up my night, a voice stopped him.

“Step aside, Oliver.” The body heat from the boy faded as he stepped away, and someone else approached. This one smelled of Dior Savage and coconut shampoo, and I honestly like it more. “She deserves someone better.”

“And you’re that someone better, Burrow?” Oliver, I assumed, yelled.

There was no response. Instead, soft lips covered mine, kissing me gently, while a hand slid to my neck, holding me in place, at his mercy.

An overwhelming sense of déjà vu hit me.

But his mouth didn’t taste like mint gum. Oliver surely would have, but this intruder had interfered.

I didn’t know whether to thank him for sparing me from the sweaty guy or curse him for confusing my mind.

I was still being kissed. His lips pressed lovingly against mine, and at the end of that affectionate wildness, three soft pecks were left as his hand released my neck.

Oh, crap. Crap, crap, crap.

The once-noisy crowd had gone completely silent. Not a single person was saying anything.

Nothing. Not even a whisper.

I focused on the taste left in my mouth, where his tongue had roamed freely.

“What the hell was that, Burrow?” Abby yelled, probably storming toward us.

I didn’t dare remove my blindfold, afraid of what I’d see. Of who I’d see.

“You weren’t supposed to kiss her!” Abby continued.

Someone leaned toward me, and from the scent, it was him again.

“Do you have a boyfriend, darling?” he asked with the sweetest voice he could do it.

“No.”

“Then yes, I can kiss you.” I pressed my lips together as they argued.

“No, you can’t! You took Olly’s place!” Abby shouted back.

I cleared my throat, embarrassed.

“Chocolate,” I suddenly said, silencing them. “You ate chocolate before...”

A soft gasp escaped the boy, low and pleading, before his mouth claimed mine again.

Oh my God...

“Joseph Burrow!” Abby shrieked, furious, while the boy ignored her completely, more interested in caressing my lips with his own.

Damn, this feels so good!

A strand of my hair was tucked behind my ear as my lips were reluctantly released.

“Congratulations, Ohio girl. You’re a Prudence Girl now.”

I felt like I could faint at any moment, but I didn’t remove the blindfold, because I knew who I’d see if I did, and I wasn’t ready for that.

[istumpysk]

The girl smiled in a way that reminded Jon so much of his little sister that it almost broke his heart. "Let him be scared of me." The snowflakes were melting on her cheeks, but her hair was wrapped in a swirl of lace that Satin had found somewhere, and the snow had begun to collect there, giving her a frosty crown. Her cheeks were flushed and red, and her eyes sparkled. - Jon X, ADWD

Alys' smile reminds Jon of Arya and breaks his heart. Alys resembles Arya on physical features. It is a parallel to Barra's mother's smile cutting out Ned's heart, reminding him of Lyanna. However, no where does Jon say that snowflakes melting on her cheeks and hair, lace binding her hair and her flushed cheeks remind him of Arya because that would be a funny as hell and wrong, since in this book his memories of Arya include her hair resembling a bird's nest and her dangling dolls upside down. This does not, in any way, looks like the Arya we and Jon know of. So it is incredibly hilarious to me how people try to relate the latter half of the paragraph to Arya as if it is given it 'belongs' to her somehow 😂

Exactly.

I'd be greatly concerned if the author had Jon overtly compare Ygritte, Alys, or Val to Sansa. That would be far too blatant, wouldn't it?

But I don't necessarily want to give away my hand. So, what do I do when I plant the seed? Well, I plant the seed, but I try to do a little literary sleight of hand, and while I'm planting the seed, my other hand is up there waving and is distracting you with some flashy bit of wordplay or something that's going on in the foreground, while the seed is being planted in the background. So hopefully the seed is there, the foreshadowing is there, but maybe you won't notice it, because it's surrounded by so many other things. - George R. R. Martin

x

George did say, despite what readers see as clues to a romantic relationship between Jon/Arya in the books themselves, he did not confirm this so easily but inferred that what Jon saw in Ygritte was a comfort level of femininity. 

[...]

My con friend was referring to George explaining Jon's perception: GRRM replied, "You know, I don’t think it's a reference for that [for romance]. It's a reference to a certain physical type, and a certain indication of what Jon finds admirable. It's like someone who reminds you of, you know… Other people might be put off by this, you know, hair that looks like small rodents have been living in there. It doesn't put him off because he is used to that." - George R. R. Martin

[lopez-richter-fangirl]

So I haven’t really posted anything actually spoilery yet but this will be!

Musical daddy Clark truly unreal. I love the opening number so much. I love how much dancing Lauren got to do this show, the joy on her face alone makes me want to cry. She and James had a bit in the opening number we love that duo. She and Joey also have a part in that choreo where they’re looking at each other and that was the moment I was really like oh god this is their first married SK show. Also I know I already brought this up but Joey wearing his ring for Bob is one thing, him wearing it from the very top of the show is NOT okay. I also shouldn’t be allowed to sit close to Lauren because I always get distracted, before it’s been her scars and her ring this time it was her sparkly eyeshadow fun! Also istg Lauren seems smaller every time I see her and the height difference between her and Joey seems worse.

Gift of the magi made me CRY. I forget how good Curt’s voice is and Janaya’s we KNOW is phenomenal and they were just so sweet together. And guys I cannot stress enough how amazing and hilarious this Joey Lauren Brian trio is like it MAKES act 1 for me. The whole song of that part Meredith posted on her story is SO funny. Also I’m fucking in love with Lauren’s costume in act 1 but even more so after the show she accidentally threw it off her head in that part.

L/J/B open little match girl and that song will not get out of my head. I’m not sure between Brian and Joey if the choreo was ever 100% perfect but we all know it adds to the charm. Lauren had to nudge Brian into the right place one show which was v cute. Ali is incredible and I’m so so happy to have her in a full length SK show again (but Lauren understudied match girl and ngl I would kill for rehearsal footage to hear those songs in her voice). This story was such a good showcase of how well SK combines the humour and the emotion.

Scrooge makes a little cameo in both of the stories which sets it up so well, and then the act 1 closer sets up for christmas carol.

I absolutely loved watching Meredith in the band and it’s so special how happy and proud she looks of her friends.

AJ’s scrooge is great and he brings a lot of fun little things to the characters, I think I just have a soft spot for Dylan’s scrooge because I have a soft spot for him that I don’t have for AJ.

The night Curt forgot his very first line in Bah Humbug and just said “yeah!” after Janaya was too funny and Joey put a hand on his back like “it’s okay” they’re all very cute. Honestly though that was probably the biggest fuck up. Joey is just like so so good as Bob obviously it’s perfect casting but it’s perfect casting.

3 spirits was even cooler the way it was staged this time.

Jaime’s I’m the ghost choreo was even funnier. Also nothing can compare with the Brian/Lauren siblings (finally!!) but Lauren was little sister again and was even cuter than last time, she had a little leg pop that was adorable and funny and then a little giggle at the end. And I remember being excited for Joey’s Fezziwig and then being like but he literally has one little part in that song, but he really did have fun with it and he had a cute interaction with Clark and Mere.

I love that scrooge with Curt and even after the 2021 show I’m still in disbelief over Janaya’s voice.

Christmas electricity is just the best fucking thing to see live the energy is so good. I did miss Lauren and Brian starting the song off (Clark was back to singing more of the interludes and we love Clark but there were a few I missed). AJ really was funny in this song. James slays so fucking hard. Lauren was wearing the black boots which I’m obsessed with. But she left early to make her quick change and THAT was when it hit me that I was about to experience the first married priceless.

And truly what to say. There were some ways it wasn’t as bad as previous versions, “this soil is rich” certainly no longer had THOSE implications. But literally just the fact that they *are* married and Joey’s wearing his wedding ring just got me even harder than I thought it would. There was also an EXCESSIVE amount of hand holding. And you’d think I’d be okay after the spin in the 2021 show but they did it in their slow mo section this time which was worse. And if that wasn’t enough, in the last show he spun her TWICE more in the last chorus in a way that definitely was not choreographed which you could see in Lauren’s face and I just. We KNOW they’re both phenomenal actors but we know even more that every bit of that is *real* and I will never recover. I say it every time but I cannot thank Clark enough for writing such a beautiful song for them. And at the end of the song Joey leaned his head on hers and I just looked at him and was like, that is a man who could not be happier performing with his wife. Also I absolutely think he tried to kiss her head the first show but she walked away. He was also the last to leave the stage at the end of the song and he was very proud husband/dad about it all. Jamie and Brian both *consistently* made Lauren break though which is always funny. Also in the first show there was someone in the front row who I think was not participating in cratchit family sing along so Lauren went right up to them and was singing right at them and then Janaya also shout-sang “priceless” at them. Which reminds me I do love that they got their hand mics back for this song. Also the last night Joey fucked up the part where they’re leaning out and wasn’t looking at Lauren when she was looking at him so she was acting offended but then when he did look at her they giggled and I love them endlessly.

Jim and Della became the couple in final ghost which was perfect. The decision to have Joey come out for the cratchit part holding tiny tim’s care bear was fucked up. Lauren leaning on his arm, also fucked up.

There was a new section in christmas day for Jim and Della which was really sweet, and a match girl appearance with an extra couple lines. It did mean we had to lose turkey boy which is kind of a tragedy because it means we’ve never *properly* gotten it live, but I do love love that they tied all the stories together like that and the emotional payoff was so good. We had Lauren donation man and her and AJ were really funny in that bit. Lauren had an entrance while the Bob and Scrooge bit was happening so watching her wait there like a proud wife for him to come and take her arm was 🥺

All that to say this is such a special show and the new additions are perfect and you should absolutely get a digital ticket!!!

[awordsmith]

Secrets and Liars

Chapter Twelve

----

2008

"Hey, come down fore breakfast." Romeo–that idiot–he left my door wide open.

Rolling out of bed, I woke a massive headache. I could swear I've been in bed for a few hours, it should be lunch now. Whatever.

I could change, but what would be the point–besides I still need to get in the shower. We're going into the city later tonight, there's some place he wants to take me. We've gone into the city a few times now, just us; it's our little secret.

I yawn as I enter the kitchen, pulling my shorts down when I see Jason and that girl–Spencer's sister in the room. "Uhm," I try hiding my face–what are they doing here? What are they doing together in my house? I mean, I get Jason–but Spencer's sister?

Jason and Elio are her age, but... I didn't know they were friends.

"Maybe you want to go get decent?" Mom mutters into her coffee mug.

"Yeah–I'll be," I motion with my thumb, cutting my sentence short before I embarrass myself anymore.

Romeo snorts as I walk out of the room. "Ugh," I run a hand down my face. Last night I was with the girls at Aria's. Alison brought this girl–Hannah. It was our first time meeting her, but I think she's alright.

"Are you okay?" I look up, Jason–thank God.

"That was mortifying," I run a hand through my hair, trying to flatten it.

"Yeah, it was some entrance."

"How–" I shake my head, "why are you–why is she here?"

"You don't know?" Jason lifts a brow, stepping in front of me.

I cross my arms, leaning my back against the wall connected to the stairs, "know what?"

"She's dating your brother?"

"What?!" I shout, exasperated and squeaky, then quieter and more controlled, "what?"

He looks at me, expression basically saying 'what can you do'?

"There's no way," I say, I mean, I don't know Melissa personally, but if there's one thing Alison and I agree on, it's her personality and attitude. Sure, her parents are kind of snobby, but Spencer and her not only share childhood, they share DNA, so there is really no excuse.

"I mean–my brother–no way, he's completely against people like her."

"Don't you want to know which brother I'm talking about?' He thinks he's being funny. Cute.

I set my face in a 'quit bullshitting' manner and push past him, "Come on Dilaurentis," I wave my hand at the closed kitchen door.

"So you don't want to know?" He calls as I pass him, walking up the stairs, no doubt wearing a shit-eating grin.

"Spare me," I call back, heading back up to my room.

--

"Wasn't it weird, though?" Aria ask, spinning in her chair.

"Incredibly," I sigh, leaning my head back in her beanbag chair.

"What did you even talk about?" Emily asks leaning forward.

I scrunch up my face and shrug, "the weather? I tuned out most of it."

"This is crazy," Spencer shakes her head, a goofy grin on her face, "my sister and your brother," I frown, she's fond of her sister, so I have to be careful what I say around her.

"What's crazy," I sigh, pulling out my phone, "is that Alison isn't here already."

"Do you have somewhere to be?" That girl–Hannah–ask. The girls and I kind of look at her funny, but I know she didn't mean anything bad by it.

"Sorry," she shakes her head, red cheeks ablaze with embarrassment, the exact image of me this morning.

"Don't be," I sigh, leaning my head back again.

"So, do you?" Aria chimes, pulling my attention back to her, "have somewhere to be? I can tell Ali you left early because you needed to go deal with family drama or something."

I bite my lip, debating on what I should say. Then again, how well do I really know these girls? I've known Alison the longest and yet she'd be the last person I'd trust with a secret, especially one about her brother–though, she's not stupid, I'm sure she knows something's been going on.

Regardless, these girls are just as much my friends as they are hers, probably even more... Even so, maybe I can just tell them a little bit, I won't say everything, but I can always allude to it.

Okay, "...actually," I begin, but then Ali bursts through the door with a bundle of bags on her arm, "guess who went shopping? What are you all doing? You look like sad puppies, come on this isn't a Jane Austen novel, Hannah, help me with these bags."

The moment passes and end up saying nothing, I leave an hour later, saying goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, and their son before leaving.

--

"I only have two brothers and not one of them stupid enough to date–her."

"Okay, so why then," Jason asks, handing me my cup of coffee.

"I don't know," I sigh, somewhat frustrated that it's bugging me this badly." He opens the passenger door for me and I slide into the seat.

The air presses against my sweaty skin. I lean forward, trying to take in as much as I can before Jason slides into the driver seat. "That burns gas, you know," he grins.

"I'll pay you back," I wave him off.

"I'm sure," he 'hmfs' with a slight smile and tilt of his head.

"So, where are we going?"

"Hogwarts," he rolls down the window, allowing the cool, August afternoon air blow through the car.

"Someplace magical, then?"

"It's always magical when we get out of Rosewood."

When we're together, I say in my head, it's always magical when we're together, it's comforting...

I wish I'd have the confidence to say it out loud, but I think a part of me knows it isn't necessary. Our calm silence says it for me, it always has, and met with his mutual non-verbal answer, I think that same part of him understands.

Jason pulls to the side of a one-story building, multiple one-story buildings. They look like dental or doctor offices. There's a ton of people around, I've never been to this side of the city before. Girls in miniskirts and dresses that are honestly to die for–guys in, well all the styled guys wear.

"Jason, where are we?" I grin, turning to him.

"Don't call me that," he says, putting on a posh accent, "tonight, my name is James."

I snort, mimicking his accent, "right, James, and I'm Daenerys Targaryen."

He makes a face, "no one's going to believe that."

"Is it suppose to be?"

He nods, resting his hands on the steering wheel, "I think it'd be better if we don't use our real names here."

"I still don't know what "here" is." I laugh, pointing out.

He chuckles, nodding and raising his hands as her turns toward me, "you're right. But you only get to know if you choose a better name."

"Come on, Daenerys is cool." He makes a face and I sigh, thinking. Magical, "Hermione," I say, it a posh accent. "Mione' for short,"

He sighs, "alright Mione', what's our story?"

"Our?" I ask, "I thought we were pretending we didn't know each other.

I meant it as a joke, but the way, "Okay, we can do that too," rumbles out of his mouth, dry and husky and deep–I have never heard him speak like that. I've never heard anyone speak that way. It's new territory–a line we've never crossed.

Is that what this is? Is he trying to cross that line now? That's why he's brought me somewhere new? Why he wants to use alias'?

I swallow down all the unruly thoughts swirling my mind and force out, "I was only joking, what... what did you have in mind."

He stares at me a moment longer than he normally would have and it makes me feel like I failed a test or something. It feels like disappointment, but if it is, he doesn't let any of it show.

"We're dating, have been for a year, people always comment on how your name is that of the girl from Harry Potter, and you've heard it so many times that it's old by now."

I nod along, absorbing the information on my new character. "We're both from England, I'm from Oxford, and you're from..."

"–Birmingham," I take on, "I have one brother," he gives me a look, so I change the narrative, "I have one younger sister, but she went missing when I was younger, the case went cold, and closed 2 years ago. You are...an only child, you grew up with money, and you're twenty."

His nod sends electricity through my body, "You surname is Edwards and mine... Hall."

"That's so dull though."

"Sounds rich, though, doesn't it."

I sigh, "I suppose."

"And we need to change the way we speak, so, from now on, whenever we're here in the city, we shouldn't speak like we normally do."

"At all? Anywhere?"

"Anywhere; anytime," he affirms.

Excitement pulses through my veins. Jason and I have secrets–but this–this is a secret. The thrilling feeling at just the thought of someone finding out it–it's almost too much. This is like–like an Alison-secret.

"Our secret," I state, transforming my voice.

"Our little secret." He replies, his own Oxford accent in a tone that deep pulling out the little minx that undeniably hided in every teenage girl.

----

Hi, I know I haven't been posting much, but I am so happy to finally be moving this story forward. I've been wanting to write a beginning to the City Secret forever, and there are at least two more flashbacks coming! As the story progresses you'll get more easter eggs/hints, and secrets about life before Alison disappeared.

This way, it makes a little more sense as to Katherine's torment from A and the few things she's hiding from everyone in her life (even Jason, he knows all but one!).

[kalereviews8782]

Review: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Enjoyment: 2.5 / Prose: 2.5 / Characters: 2.5 (?) / Plot: 2

pros: bisexual sex-positive mc, family relationships, Oz, class issues cons: no romantic chemistry, the Soup Scene, Mallory getting treated like trash

I am confused on where I stand with Hazelwood. I gobble up her books and always have a fun time seeing what she'll do next. They never take me long to get through because I'm entertained as hell. However, I usually get frustrated by some part of the dialogue or plot choices she makes. This one was the most frustrating (probably because there were aspects of it I liked even MORE than the previous two I've read, The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain).

On a prose level, Hazelwood knows how to make scenes engaging, and I never struggle to get through her books even if the prose is...weak. There are definitely some lines that make me laugh, and others that make me cringe. It's kind of a mixed bag in that aspect. You have to sort of…roll with it.

As for characters, I think Hazelwood wrote her BEST main character with Mallory. She's funny, strong, a caretaker, but also isolated and afraid. I relate to her drive to take care of others around her and feel useful. She definitely wants to be valued and holds a lot of guilt for not being what she perceives as "good enough". She's the first queer character I've read of Hazelwood's, and I think it was handled well. I also really enjoyed her relationships with her two sisters, they were adorable. The family aspect here was well done…(until later on, but we'll get there).

But God, then we have Nolan. Who tf was Nolan? Supposedly her "rival" and "love interest" but I couldn't tell you a single thing about that man. He…likes Mallory? and he's rich? But where's their chemistry? Where's their supposed passion and desire and fun conversations or…anything? The most lacking of Hazelwood's romantic relationships, disappointedly. I actually enjoyed the character of Oz, the guy Mallory practices chess with, more.

We also have…Easton. I guess she fills the role of Mallor's "best friend" but my God, she was also terrible. I don't know anything about her besides the fact that she likes Dragon Age. And she also treats Mallory like hot garbage.

Which brings me to the plot. Chess is fine, and I enjoyed the competitiveness of the sport throughout the novel. What I did NOT enjoy or appreciate is the way people treated Mallory. Mallory works like a dog at the young age of 18 to pay her family's mortgage and then her sisters (and MOTHER) gang up on her at the end to be like "oh you're such a martyr, stop controlling us, you're so holier than though, blah blah". Like, did you want to be sleeping on the street while your mom didn't have arthritis meds? Did you have anyone else paying the bills or making sure you had rides everywhere? Sure, they could be annoyed that Mallory acts like their mom, but her own MOTHER being like "go live your own life"? Excuse me, but can we have some gratefulness? Then we have Easton, not answering ANY of Mallory's texts, then showing up near the end and saying "why did you distance yourself from me?" HUH? Did you not ghost Mallory yourself???? And finally, Nolan. This rich, privileged, famous man pays her literal salary, never tells her, and acts like it's not a big deal and that she's "acting crazy" when she's upset that he didn't tell her. Please do not call my girl Mallory crazy for feeling lied to. What a gaslighting freak.

Also: one of the defining moments in their romantic relationship is Mallory feeding him soup when he's sick. Please let this woman be anything other than a caretaker.

[xaconite]

          relationship tag dump bc I’m tired of my tags disappearing fhdsjkf

[poppicede]

          relationship tags !!

[dc418writes]

•Close Call•

Summary🪄: Brynn and Ali’s planning session nearly gets discovered; Ari nearly has a heart attack

⚠️: pretty much all fluff, mentions of puberty and all the fun stuff that comes along with it, mention of porn (just the word though)

A/N🎙: A quick, funny (at least to me) idea I had including the Operation: Rekindle girls! Hope you guys like it☺️!

“Okay if we’re gonna get mom and dad back together we need a plan,” Aliana states opening Ari’s laptop. Good thing he was at work pretty much all day so they could openly brainstorm ideas and research what they needed.

“And to do that, we need to know how to get couples back together,” Brynn adds sitting beside her with a large bag of hot fries—how they could comfortably and willingly eat them Ari would never know. There’s silence as both just look at the colorful Google page peering back at them. The cursor blinking in the search bar as they munch and occasionally scratch their respective heads.

“Anything?”

“Nope. You?,” Ali asks.

“If you don’t, you know I don’t. Somebody should’ve figured it out though, all this time.

Quickly swiping her hands on her shorts dusting off the remaining hot flakes, Brynn’s slender fingers carefully tap against the black keys before she’s hitting enter and receiving thousands of hits. Majority of them links to articles from magazines while some were book advertisements guaranteeing to help with a successful marriage and relationship.

“If couples are experiencing more arguments and disagreements than usual, therapy sessions with a certified marriage counselor/relationship expert may be needed and are highly encouraged. They don’t argue though, so I doubt they need therapy.”

“And I’m glad they don’t. I don’t have enough birthday money saved to pay $150 per session,” Ali states lightly pushing her sister’s hands out the way so she can type.

“How..to get…people..together…that should be,” she reads aloud hitting enter. “Party planning? No. Planning an event with a large group of people…no, why do all these things keep talking about planning a party?! That’s literally nowhere in what I typed in.”

“Wait here’s something. How I got my two ‘obviously in love with each other’ friends together bingo! We have a winner,” Brynn excitedly shouts high-fiving her equally excited sister.

“Okay so first she says she invited them both to a group hangout and made them sit together.”

“Alright..we could invite mom out with us sometime. Or even just to come over and hang out?,” Brynn suggests.

“Right! Like for movie night!”

“Where we could watch her favorite movie…”

“Which is My Big Fat Greek Wedding!..,” Ali bounces holding onto Brynn’s hands. Neither one caring about the crumbs remaining on the other’s hands.

“Which also happens to be the movie they watched on one of their dates we’re geniuses!,” Brynn adds in a rush of words causing both of them to squeal.

It was a fool proof plan already! Surely leaving both of them alone to watch such a mushy romantic comedy would have them reminiscing on happier times and missing each other so much they’d have to at least think about getting back together.

“Okay so we got step one, what’s next?”

“Girls?,” Ari knocks startling Ali and Brynn so, they nearly knocked over the laptop and bag of chips.

“Um h-hold on!,” Ali shouts as she quickly slaps the computer shut and Brynn hides her Captain America notebook that held the beginnings of their plan. “Okay, come in!”

Both try to appear as if they weren’t up to anything, flashing nervous smiles while one lied on her stomach kicking her feet and the other sat against the headboard. Stepping into their room, his dad senses are on alert having seen that “innocent” look on their faces before.

“Hey dad! W-We thought you weren’t getting home until seven?,” Brynn asks.

“We were short staffed, so I decided to close up early. What were you guys up to?”

“Nothing,” both answer with a shake of their heads. Quirking his brow he steps closer noticing his laptop at the foot of Brynn’s bed and the prominent fingerprints along its surface.

“Hm…needed the laptop today?”

“Yea we were just uh…searching…stuff.”

“Okay.” That wasn’t suspicious at all. “Mind if I-?”

“No!,” they both shout causing their father to tilt his head with hands on his hips.

“Um n-not yet we mean!,” Ali quickly corrects nervously laughing with Brynn nodding beside her. “We’ll be done by tomorrow morning. Promise.”

“Now why would they need to be so secretive?,” he thought. His birthday and Father’s Day had passed. Their mother’s birthday wasn’t until later in the year, and he was sure they weren’t Christmas shopping seeing that they still depended on the both of you to do so. With no other events that warranted presents coming up, his heart nearly drops at the only other explanation that he could think of.

He knew this day would come, but this early?! His babies were only 11! Ari was sure he had three more years at least before this came up.

“Alright, this is fine. It’s not, definitely not, but hey this is part of being a dad. I’m highly capable of having this conversation with my daughters…I swear if some big headed boy is trying to pressure my angels their bodies will never be found.”

His throat feels impossibly dry—contradicting his sweaty palms—pulling the chair from the desk in the corner so he can sit near his precious girls. It feels like you both were just bringing them home in their little car seats and swaddled in matching pink blankets.

“Look guys,” he sighs raking his hand through his almond strands, “I know you’re growing up and your body is going through…changes.”

“D-Dad?,” Ali asks exchanging confused glances with her sister.

“Which is completely normal! Everybody goes through this at some point. Some early and some a little later, but either way it’s a confusing time that comes with a lot of questions.”

“Dad.” Brynn tries, but Ari’s dead set on finishing his speech.

“This is probably weird and uncomfortable, but I want you guys to know you can always come to me or your mom okay? And we prefer you do when you’re probably gonna be tempted to look up things which will lead to…um…pictures a-and videos possibly-,”

“Dad we’ve already had the sex talk,” Brynn announces.

He wasn’t sure if he was relieved or even more worried hearing that.

“You have?”

“Yea, a little after school let out mom sat us down and said that since we’re going to middle school, and becoming young women, we needed to have an ‘important conversation’.”

“Oh,” he smiles feeling his shoulders relax just a tad, “t-that’s good to hear.”

“Wait…did you think we were looking up porn?”

“What?! Nooo nonono I just..um…h-how do you know about that though?”

“Mom, again. She told us how those are movies only for adults and that if anybody tried to show us anything, we should run away and tell someone,” Aliana answers.

“Preferably a trusted adult, you, or her,” Brynn adds causing Ari to lean forward in the rolling chair with hand over his heart as he releases a harbored breath. Just when he thought he couldn’t love you any more.

“And she’s completely right. Listen to your mom, she’s the smartest woman in the world.”

“And the prettiest, which clearly explains us,” Ali states. Both flipping their curls over their shoulders while Ari deeply chuckles.

“Hey I helped a bit in that too, okay? But you’re not wrong though.”

Their quiet giggles nudging each other’s shoulder is for more than their father’s feigned hurt.

“Well, now that we’ve cleared that up I was thinking tacos for dinner. Sound good?”

“Mhmm,” they nod.

“Great!,” he claps his hands before standing to return the chair to its appropriate spot. “I’ll go ahead and get things started, you both wash your hands and come down after.”

“Got it.”

“Love you guys.”

“Love you too.”

As soon as he’s on the other side of the door, all three are chuckling to themselves and breathing sighs of relief at quite possibly the most awkward moment they’ve encountered yet. They also hope to never experience something so nerve wracking again.

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @celestianstars @stargirlfics @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @adoreyouusugar @lovebittenbyevans @royalwriteroftheuniverse @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @theartisticqueen @chrisevans-world @literaturelove @ivorylei @elrw24 @pono-pura-vida @yinx1 @justile @sunsetfreedom05 @jackiekae @luvingmyships @give-me-a-million-dollars-pls @bekinds @maxcullen @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @thesecretlifeofdaydreamss @damnitaa @literaturefeen @bamondomesticity @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson

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[kkusuka]

Have I told you I hate weak y/n’s that get pushed around by fangirls? No? Well, I hate them 😊

Let’s have Oikawa, Atsumu, Akaashi, Semi, and Terushima react to their normally calm gf, beat the dog shit out of a fangirl that tried to intimidate her for dating said men above. Reader just has a soft smile before cocking her fist back and boxing her shit before holding up the fangirl and looking to the rest like “You wanna end up like her? No? Then know your place~ ☺️”. Then she faces her bf with a sweet smile and says something affectionate like “I brought you lunch, dear. I made it just how you like it 😄” before kissing his cheek like she didn’t go Muhammad Ali on a bitch

<3

Oikawa Tooru<3

Oikawa’s had more than a few less than pleasant experiences with women

Considering he’s always been surrounded by them, from his sister's friends in middle school and being swarmed by them in High school and college- having women around him was nothing new

And for the most part, they were all pleasant

Giving him little gifts and food- that he always gave to you- and just telling him how much they loved watching him play

All things he can deal with before talking to his favorite girl, you

Though, there have been instances of some bold woman who just never get the hint

Whether it be drunkenness or some weird dream of having Oikawa to herself or just blatant disregard of his relationship

And right now just happens to be one of those times- but now you got a firsthand view of the madness.

Whoever this was clearly didn't understand relationships or personal space for that matter

She had a hand on his chest and was just blubbering about how she would be the best wife for him and would make life so much easier- much more than you do for him- and that was just what you saw from the ten seconds you were in earshot

He would normally laugh it offend continue seeking out autographs but he seemed to be locked in an iron maiden

“I promise! Forget about your girlfriend, she’s useless anyways!” and finally a perfect chance to make yourself known

“Tooru, I have your lun-” you attempted to grab him away, him shooting a pleading look to save him before your wrist was snatched from his arm and tugged away and shoved to the side then pushing your body away from the two

“Back off bitch!”

Now,  you were normally a pretty calm person, you knew how to deal with the women and you have been for years.

But you stand by the fact that it was never ok to put your hands on someone- no matter the situation.

But at that moment, you could care less about your silly reparations and breathing methods, that lady put a hand on you and pushed you

You could hear Tooru telling her to keep her hands off you but you just looked around and made sure that everyone saw what had happened, you don't need to be arrested anytime soon

Grabber her arm you detached her from your boyfriends and in the next second your fist was connecting with her face, watching her wither on the floor you turn to your boyfriend who’s now coming towards you

“As I was saying, I have your lunch.”

Atsumu Miya<3

Another guy who’s constantly surrounded by women

Although he is far less appreciative and nice to them, and he makes it a point to be abundantly clear that you are the only woman he will spend the rest of his life with

Something that wasn't too popular with a few specific fans

Every blue moon someone will find his phone number and blow it up with loving messages or try and get his address

The worst it’s been was someone finding his apartment number and thankfully being too far away to come by themselves but they did send some inappropriate images to his PO box and that led him to create an even thinker line between fans and himself

Thankful, the whole of them understood and respected his boundaries

Buuuuut there are always people who go the extra step

Like whoever this is crowding your boyfriend after a win against the Alders with a giant poster of him and a …. Thong

If you were the slightest more stoic you would have held in the laugh that started it all but it seems crazy is crazy no matter how you provoke them

That lady heard you laugh and the flood gates opened, in a split second her hand was on your cheek then she was on the floor holding what you could hope was a broken jaw

You didn't even realize you punched her until a shooting pain went up your wrist

Though before you had a chance to return to your lovely boyfriend, who was standing in the same spot shell shocked (and slightly turned on)  hand grabbed your ankle the flung you to the ground

It was, for lack of a better term, a catfight

She was hitting you and you were hitting her and she was screaming random shit about how awful you were to her precious Atsumu- seriously this lady was insane

Nevertheless, security arrived, and let’s just say that you were in much better condition than she was, who knew you could fight so well?

Though you weren't allowed to come to the next game and had to apologize to the heads of the Volleyball association, Tsumu was proud of you and the internet was on your side- so it was kind of a win-win

Akaashi Keiji<3

He surprisingly doesn't have a swarm of fangirls around him

But it’s much much worse, you’d rather have a mob of girls around him than the four specific psychos that never leave the poor guy alone

Everywhere in school at least one of them is watching the two of you, in class, at lunch- no matter where you try and eat- you swear you even saw one at the boba show you pass on your walk home with him

The worst part?

He thinks it’s funny.

It is hilarious to him that you try so hard to keep them away full knowing he would never leave you for the likes of them. It’s just too cute how you puff up your cheeks and huff about them and honestly, it's a breath of fresh air considering how much everyone kisses up to him

Well- he likes it when they are at a distance

On the off chance they get close to him, it's a different story. They truly are intolerable, and they away try bad-mouthing you to him like it was supposed to mean something that they don't like you

And they only ever do it when you’re away- cowards they truly are. And since they’re always watching, as soon as you left to buy the two of you lunch, one of them was on him in an instant

She was annoying and all she could say was ho you were a ‘poison’ in his life and he had to leave you as soon as possible

He didn't even realize you were there until a hand grabbed the back of her uniform and flung her off him. And from the looks of it, falling on the ground really hurt

“I’m a poison? That’s all you could come up with?”

You didn't even have to say another word, she was already out of sight

Not missing a beat, you handed him his lunch and started talking about the latest episode of the volleyball anime you loved.

Semi Eita<3

First off- a total power couple

Not only are you willing to beat a bitch, but he’s also ready to hype you up while you do it

It’s not confirmed you have, but there are rumors that you fought more than a few girls who were less than pleasant. And it’s not like you do anything for rumor control, you just laugh and turn the other way

Still, even with the rumor mill running rampant, some girls still try and shoot their shot

But this girl has to be the boldest woman on planet earth

Not only was she flirting with an openly taken man, but she was flirting with him as he held his arm around your waist. She even looked at you as she spoke to him, the audacity of people these days

“You like music? That’s crazy, I do too!” you wanted her to shut the fuck up as soon as possible.

What pissed you off more was that he knew exactly what he was doing, and he was letting it happen to spite you.

What happened after this you blame solely on the alcohol the party was providing and not on the fact you wanted to clock this girl the moment you saw her

It was just that suddenly your drink was in her face

Then her drink was in her face, and she was running to the bathroom, maybe she should listen to rumors more often because you don't think strawberry daiquiri will come out of a white crop too so easily

Terushima Yuji<3

He’s an ass

But he’s your ass, somehow

He’s a manwhore and an attention-whore, mix that should have been shot before it could grow into something more

By now you're used to the girls slipping him their numbers and hitting him up on every social media site possible and you remain happy to say he doesn't respond- probably too busy dicking you down to care about any of them

Plus, less than 1%  of them actually approach them in public, and they just happen to be the most insufferable people on the planet.

Desperation doesn't even describe it

Of that 1%, at least half of them try to touch him, running a hand on his arm, tugging at his clothes, maybe even a strand of his hair, all you can deal with because he knows what’ll happen if he even entertains their advances

But for some reason, the only thing that sets you off is when they mention the tongue piercing.

It invokes a rage unknown within you, the second the metal ball’s mentioned you see red. And he fucking loves it, you could be three prefectures over and the second the girl mentions it, you magically appear at his side like you’d been there the whole time

All of a sudden you’re all over him, disregarding this girls words as she tries to bring the conversation back to her, going as far as grabbing your shoulder, and since she touched you first- you had the green light

Your arm pulled back and your fist connected to her cheek

And like nothing ever happened you turned back to the blond

tags: @diamond-3 @rinsangel @heyheyitsne @angelalje @monisi @crystal-lilac @sadpotato10

[wonder-kid-pugh]

They are Always with Us - (Christen Press X reader)

Everyone was anxious this camp. Of course they were. The World Cup was only a few months away and roster selection was only around the corner. Which meant that every camp mattered. You needed to come and prove that you deserved a spot on that roster.

But that wasn't the only reason everyone was anxious

"Is she here yet?" Ali asks in a quiet whisper to the table which consisted of me, Ash, Pinoe, Becky, Alyssa and Alex.

Pinoe shakes her head slightly. "No. She and Tobin are arriving soon. Tobin flew out to her so she could keep her company and so they could come together".

Alex let's out a low sigh as she runs her hand through her hair. "Gosh. I wasn't sure if she would come or not. I don't know if I would be able to do it if I was in her shoes".

Ash stabs at her food as she shrugs, "I mean the World Cup is just around the corner. Every camp matters at this point".

"I know but we would all understand if she wouldn't come to this one. I mean she just lost her mom..." Alex says before trailing off at the moment end.

It was the sad reality of the situation. It's only been a month since Christen's mom passed away. We all knew how close she is with her family especially her mom. And to be honest we didn't know if she would come to this camp. It really killed us all to see the usually happy smiley and optimistic forward so sad. I remember attending the funeral with Tobin to offer support for Christen. It was crippling watching Christen leaning into her dad and sisters so devastated.

"Do we know who she's rooming with?" Ali asks again trying to move on the conversation quickly not wanting to dwell on the sad truth.

Everyone shakes their head and shrugs before I voice quietly. "I am". Everyone's head snaps to me in mild surprise. I guess they all thought she would be rooming with Tobin.

"Just make sure to give her the space she needs this camp. And maybe just keep an eye on her" Ali advises me with a small smile while I just nod. And with that the conversation swiftly moved onto talks of the World Cup.

After finishing up my food I throw away my trash before deciding to go to my room for a nap. But my eyes widen when I see one of my best friends standing there in front of me. "Tobin! Hi I didn't know you were here yet".

She gives me her signature big grinned smile as we both hug. "We only got here a short while ago. Was about to go get food. Christen said she was tired and went to take a nap in her room".

I nod as I bite my lip fiddling with my phone in my hands. "How is she?"

Tobin sighs letting out a huge huff of air as she scratches the back of her neck. "Didn't speak much to me on the flight or anything. I think she's still trying to come to terms with it. I think she just wants to busy herself now to distract herself". Tobin gets a cheeky smirk on her face, "She did say how she really wanted one of your big bear hugs though".

Of course Tobin knew about my crush on Christen. The three of us hang out all the time and caught me staring at Christen.... multiple times. That and Tobin was practically my sister of course she knew.

I can already feel my face burn as Tobin winks at me. "Shove it Tobs". She laughs a big belly laugh as she nodded her head towards the room. "Seriously though I think she would really like to see you".

I nod as I move towards my room, "Sure I'll see you later Tobs". She nods as she walks into the elevator, "See you later Lover girl".

I throw a middle finger back at her over my shoulder as I hear her cackle before the lift door's close. As I opened the door to our room I peak my head in, smiling when I see Christen was already passed out on the bed. But it's soon replaced with a frown as I see how exhausted she looked with subtle tear tracks on her face.

I move to plop down on my bed next to hers. But freeze when she starts to shuffle on the bed. She flips over onto her side so she's now facing my bed. A few loose strands falling into her face. I carefully and gently go to brush them out of her face and smile as I see her subconsciously smile before nuzzling her face into the pillow cuddling further into the blanket draped over her.

I climb back onto my bed ready to take my own nap. I stare at the ceiling for a bit. Usually if I was roomed with Christen I would be a nervous wreck. Worried I would let slip my feelings for her. But right now I can't focus on that. Right now she just needs me to be there for her. And as I drift off the last thought on my mind was that it didn't matter.

Cause Christen Press is way out of my league

---

I yawn tiredly as I stretch my arms over my head until there's a loud pop from my back. Media days sucked. They were always long and tiring.

And as much as I love Alex being paired with her both was awesome and sucked at the same time. Cause when I'm paired with her most of the questions get directed towards her with allows me to just sit quietly and answer a few questions as I wait for time to pass. But it almost meant everyone wanted to talk to her and so it always over ran and took forever.

So when I was finally released from media hell I couldn't wait to just curl up and crash for the night. Or maybe talk to Christen.

I would have been perfectly happy with either or.

Cause we haven't been able to fit in a proper conversation since she was already down in the meal room when I woke up from my nap. So apart from a small smile and a hug we haven't gotten the chance to really catch up.

As I'm digging around my sweatpants pocket for my room key I'm pulled from my task as I hear someone call me from behind. I turn to see Tobin and Mal walking towards me. "Hey guys".

Tobin grins at me, "Looks like Media has you dead on your feet". I just give her a blank 'really?' look causing the two to fall into giggles.

"Yeah well then your paired with Alex it seems like it's never ending media" I sigh. "Honestly I don't know how Alex does it. I'm pretty sure she answered the same question in about 6 different ways".

Mal scrunches her face in a small grimace. "Ouch. Media days are always kinda sucky. All we did was play Mario Kart all day".

I pout while the others once again laugh at my misfortune. "Lucky for some". My eyes flicker to my door as I swallow already feeling the heat from my cheeks. I clear my throat playing with my hands as I drop my voice slightly. "So uh have either of you seen Christen yet?"

Mal just shakes her head simply while Tobin gets a wicked grin on her face her eyes filling with mirth and glee. "No. But last I heard was that she was going to the roof".

When she winks at me I know I've been caught and rub the back of my neck shyly at Tobin let's out a big laugh while Mal looks between us confused. Swallowing back my embarrassment I shake my heat hoping the blush would die down quickly. "Uh I'm going to go check on her. Make sure she's okay".

But obviously Tobin sees through that as she winks at me. "Go get her Tiger".

I narrow my eyes at her and slap the back of her head as I walk past get towards the stairs. But wince and speed up when I hear Mal.

"Wait what?"

It takes a second before I hear Mal gasp and release a small "No!" Along with Tobin's hearty laugh. I mentally groan at the fact now Mal knows about my crush on Christen. Mentally working it out in my head how long is it going to be before the rest of the youngins as well as the entire team finds out.

Many many many stairs later and I'm finally on the roof. But now we come to the difficult part. What many people don't really know is.

I may have a 'slight' fear of heights

So when I look to see Christen leaning over what looks to me as a really rickety railing I can already feel my heart start to pound and I haven't even left the doorway.

So instead on focusing on how high we're up at the moment cause the thought alone makes me feel dizzy, I focus on Christen. How she has her arms crossed leaning on the silver metal railing. How she's wearing a pair of shorts and a loose and baggy shirt. Which upon further inspection I realize is mine. I smile thinking how many of my clothes she must had stored away somewhere.

Any time I bring it up she would always unapologetically smile at me as she wrapped her arms around herself and argue that my clothes were always warmer. But that's probably to do with the fact that I'm taller than her and my clothes are always bigger and baggy on her which makes her ten times cuter.

She had her long curly hair tied back in a ponytail keeping her hair out of her face and splayed out on her back. Except for these small strands near her face which are flying around due to the wind.

For a split second her elegance and beauty had me in such awe that I forgot about my fear

"Are you okay?"

I instantly curse myself out in my head. Of course she isn't okay. How stupid could I be. I physically wince at my stupidity but Christen just looks at me from over her shoulder and sends me a small smile before looking back out over the railing.

I gulp and pull at the neck of my jersey hoping that would help me breathe but it doesn't. Swallowing hard I take tentative steps towards Christen. Once I make it beside her I grip the railing hard with what could only be described as hanging on for life or death grip. With the railing in both hands I force myself not to look down and just breathe.

I only open my eyes when I see Christen sigh and step back still holding the railing but moving so that she now has her chin on her arms against the railing peering up at me through her eyelashes

Oh sweet Jesus

"How was media day?" Her voice is soft and light but still slightly strained.

I shrug being as brave to tap my thumbs against the railing in an attempt to distract myself. I fail. "You know. The usual. Long. I just let Alex do the talking mostly. Which is easy cause who would want to talk to me with her in the room?"

I meant it as a joke but obviously she doesn't find it funny as she frowns at me. "Your still important too Y/n/n".

I blush and make the mistake of looking out over the railing and then settle for looking at my shoes. "I...I know Chris. Just...". I sigh, "Who would want to talk to me when you have Alex Morgan in the room?"

I can see from the corner of my eye that she pouts at my statement before leaning her head against my bicep making me tense. "Well no offense to Alex but I much rather talk to you all day than Alex". She gives me a cute smile as she looks at me sideways. "Especially if it means I get more if those special bear hugs".

I bite my lip and look down but in doing so I accidentally ended up looking over the railing and down all the way to the ground. I felt like I wanted to keel over and just barf. My vision was starting to go wavey. The only thing keeping me upright was the fact that I knew Christen had other things on her mind to be putting up with my shit and the fact I was holding onto the railing so tight I was surprised there wasn't a dent in it.

There's a small silence. It was peaceful. The only noise there was the wind and the slight flapping of out clothes. And while I was trying to figure out what was best to say I guess Christen could see right through me.

"I miss her" she says softly distracting me from the urge to spill my guts over the railing. Her voice cracked slightly at the end. Accompanied by a tiny sniffle at the end. And I could see her look up and blink rapidly no doubt fighting back tears. "I miss her a lot".

I frown as I watch the person I love so much start to crack and crumble slowly. I open my mouth hoping to provide some sort of comfort but nothing comes out.

I sigh as I run my hand over my hair before I gently put my hand on hers. "I know Chris. I know". I close my eyes and take a deep breath before deciding to disclose something that not many people know about. "Have I ever told you about my family?"

I wait as I watch her think for a second before shaking her head. I dig around in my pocket for my wallet before I pull out a small picture and hand it to her. I smile as I watch her handle it so delicately. "I know everyone thinks Tobin and her family are my family, which I suppose is kinda true. Cause in College Tobin and her family practically adopted me into theirs". I point at the picture. "But that's my real family".

I can see Christen furrow her eyebrows in confusion as she looks at all the different people in the picture.

I look at the picture over her shoulder and smile fondly remembering the day it was taken. "This was taken the day I got my first call up to camp". I take a deep breath before I look away knowing what her reaction is going to be. Cause everyone has the same reaction when I tell them. "I came back from practice one day to see the entire orphanage had thrown me a party to celebrate".

And just as I expected her head pops up in surprise and her eyes widen

I can see how her mouth opens and closes several times but no words come out. I mean I understand that's usually the reaction I get from people. That and pity.

I shake my head smiling softly at her. "I didn't tell you to get sympathy or anything like that. It wasn't that bad. I mean it had it's moments and money was pretty tight most of the time but I have pretty awesome brothers and sisters". I wait a second as she continues examining the picture. "Did you know your mom knew?" I ask quietly.

Now that gets a reaction as her head snaps towards me and she stands up properly. "Really?"

I nod with a smile. "Yeah. Once I told her I wasn't related to Tobin she asked where my parents where and I told her the truth". I chuckle a bit as I rub my thumb over her knuckles. "She didn't treat me differently at all. All she did was hug me and she always invited me over for the holidays". My smile drops slightly, "I wish I had taken up at least one of those offers now. She truly was amazing".

"She never told me" she whispers quietly. She looks as if she's replaying all the conversations she had with her mom trying to think if she ever mentioned it.

I squeeze her hand. "I asked her not to tell you. I always thought she would but I guess she kept her word".

Christen looks down. "It was always important to her. Keeping her word".

I smile brushing some of those fly away hairs from her face and behind her ear. "It just made her even more incredible than she already was".

Christen looks down as she clasps her hands on a long beaded necklace. It takes me a second before I recognize it to be her mother's. "I really miss her".

And it seems that was what breaks the dam as her voice breaks and tears start to leak from her eyes. She starts to curl in on herself before she burrows into me. I hug her with one arm the other still holding tightly to the railing. But as I feel her tears start to wet my shirt I chide myself and ignore my fear and throw my arms around her holding her securely into my chest. I whisper small coos and reassurances in her ear as her sobs eventually start to die down.

As she stops crying she nuzzles her face into my chest making me let out a content smile. "Sorry".

I rub my hand in small circles on her back as I squeeze her tighter into me. "It's okay. Nothing to be sorry for". She looks up at me gives me a teary smile before her hands stop on my chest and she scrunches her face. "Y/n/n? Your heart is pounding. Like it's about to jump out of your chest?"

At that reminder my right hand goes back to clutching the railing while the other rubs the back of my neck sheepishly almost like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "Well" I stutter. "I might...kinda...have a fear of heights and we're really high right now and-"

Christen's eyes widen before she chuckles and takes my hand pulling me away from the railing and back to the center of the roof well away from the edge. I can already feel my vision getting better. "Why didn't you say so? You would have comforted me just as well from here".

With red cheeks, I shrug shyly scuffing my shoe against the ground only looking up when Christen giggles.

"Well that was really sweet of you Y/n" she smiles before she bites her lip. "Honestly I thought it was maybe... because of me". She scoffs quietly. "Stupid right?"

I blink at her owlishly trying to register her words before they finally click. Did she just....?

"What? No! I-I mean I..." I stop stumbling over my words and take a deep breath as I see her smile clearly amused at me. "I mean yes my heart was beating fast because of how high we are up. But I do like you and if we weren't this high up and there was a threat of me getting throwing my guts up right now you would definitely have my heart racing. I just always thought you were way out of my league. I mean your....you".

She bites her lip as she smiles and shakes her head at me as if I'm telling some bad corny joke. I gulp hard as she steps closer to me as I stay frozen in my place. "You never give yourself enough credit Y/n. I never understand how you can't see how amazing you are. I mean you came all the way up here, even though your terrified of heights, just to check on me". I see her eyes flicker down to my lips, "I think that's amazingly selfless of you".

And before my mind can catch up she leans in and kisses me softly at first as her hands lean up again my shoulders. As my mind slowly starts to comprehend what's happening my hands slowly move to her waist as I kiss back.

She pulls back only to come back for another kiss moving even closer so there's practically no space between us. Her hands move down and untuck my jersey from my joggers. I gasp as the kiss starts to get more intense and I have to hold myself back from letting a moan slip through my lips. Everything is better than I could have ever imagined. But while every part of me screams to let this continue. I know I can't keep letting this happen.

I pull back breathing heavy and I can see Christen inch in for another but using my grip on her hips I hold her back. Her eyes furrow and scrunch in confusion and concern as she searches my face for any tells.

I sigh screwing my eyes closed for a second trying to prepare myself. Not wanting to fall for those green eyes before I open my eyes. "Chris I would love nothing more for us to continue this. Like you don't know how much this pains me". I look into her eyes sincerely, "But I know your not in the right place right now. Your still getting over your mom and probably stressed about the World Cup and everything".

I can see her features ease at that but she's still slightly hesitant. "I promise you I would love nothing more to keep doing this. I just want to give you a little time to make sure this is something you want and not because your sad and want something to distract you. I don't want to take advantage of you like that".

With that Christen nods and smiles while on sigh glad I was able to convince her of my intentions. "Your too good Y/n".

I just smile down at her as I take my hand. "I just want what's best for you Chris....even if you decide that isn't me".

I move her hand to my chest directly over my heart. "But just so you know that I was being serious". I let her feel how fast my heart was beating. Even faster than when I was over at the ledge. "See? No where near the edge and you will have my heart racing. All systems were ready to go. And when I get back to our room I'll definitely need a cold shower".

I smile brightly as Christen bursts out in giggles trying to hide them behind her hand. "Gosh you make me laugh even when I think it's not possible anymore".

"I will make a fool out of myself everyday if it means I get to hear you laugh" I tell her honestly giving her hand a small squeeze. She smiles and gives me one small chaste kiss.

I smile into the kiss before we break apart and lean my forehead against hers. "Just remember. The ones who love us never really leave us". I point to her heart, "They'll always be in here".

She opens her mouth and scrunches her nose at me trying and failing to hide a smile blooming on her face. "Did you just...."

But before she could finish I nod. "Quote Harry Potter? Yes. Yes I did".

She giggles at me and gives me one last peck before pulling me by the hand back to our room.

"C'mon you dork I want some special bear hugs when we get back to our room".

[cor-ardens-archive]

this is a random question but do you have any opinions in particular about jason dilaurentis' relationship to his sisters? i ask because like pll is so selective about which predatory characters it actually validates are preying on the girls and i feel like jason kind of sits in the middle of the scale between like ian and wren in that there are hints toward certain things with him but i don't remember them ever really getting into it

[cw incest, sa]

jason is so fucked up it's funny. the guy sure has sisters and he sure likes to kiss them...

yeah i actually really like his character, though i think the show was never quite sure what they wanted to do with him, and never embraced his full potential. there are some clear hints that he participated in some kind of abuse against alison, perhaps by facilitating acess to her. this is heavily implied in the flashback scene at spencer's house, when ali says jason's friends had come over and that there were "not enough locks" im her bedroom door (she confirms she was the only girl in the house). alison is visibly shaken in that scene, and the way she looks at her own reflection in spencer's kitchen is heartbreaking. despite her tough girl exterior, she's completely vulnerable.

but the show of course never gets into the specifics, and i'm really not happy with how later seasons avoid the inplications set up in the early seasons. but i guess you know that already, since i complain about it all the time.

jason/charlotte is really compelling to me as well, though i know it plays the tired and transphobic trope of "trans woman who lies and deceives her lovers". but i really like charlotte, and my biggest issue with that subplot is that her feelings weren't given the attention she deserved. i think it's interesting that jason would be strongly drawn to charlotte without quite understanding why -- they're literally identical twins! they're genetically the same! and as charlotte transitioned, she became very very similar to alison... the layers are just incredible, i live for stuff like this.

and of course he also kissed melissa, they almost dated. i think he should've kissed spencer as well, instead of aria (he should only ever get involved with his sisters, the dilaurentis/hastings ARE the dollangangers of pll).

but is jason good or bad or morally gray? i'm not sure, i think the writing is too inconsistent, but personally i think he did some heinous things when he was young. the dilaurentis family is extremely dysfunctional, and jason suffered a horrible trauma. not only did his parents take his twin away from him, they lied and told him he made his twin up and charles was his imaginary friend (i love this show). jason, charlotte and alison are all traumatized and they all do horrible things, but i think they're also all sympathetic. i just wish the show had embraced jason's issues more openly, and actually explored what he did to alison and the damage he caused (not only to her, he actively participated in that little pedophilic stalker club).

so i think he's a creep, but an interesting one, and certainly not a monster. i wish the show had developed his relationship with his sisters more strongly, especially with charlotte. in fact, his story with charlotte could be a whole book on its own (is there good fanfic of this?). also, i love the casting (not the first jason, what was that lol) because he looks so much like alison and charlotte, but also like spencer and melissa.

[sassyduckqueen]

The Take Down- ML Prompt 1

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry​  asked:

Hey! You asked for prompts so I was wondering if maybe you wanted to do some Alya redemption? I really like Alya despite her occasional terrible choices 😅

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So here’s what I’ve done for this prompt. I may have gotten a little carried away and it became a full blown take down Lila thing but hopefully you’ll enjoy it :D

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"Look, girl, I get it. Lila has some amazing stories but that doesn't mean you have to feel threatened by her," Alya sighed as she sat at her computer. She was on video chat to Marinette and was trying to convince her how amazing Lila really was. Everyone else could see it but Marinette just couldn't and Alya just couldn't understand why. Lila was one of the kindest people she had ever met. She constantly complimented her friends, telling them how good they looked. She worked with multiple charities and was willing to help out her friends. She was even willing to give Marinette multiple chances, despite the fact that Marinette seemed to hate her. "If you just gave her a chance, you'd would find that she's just like you,"

 "She is nothing like me, Alya," Marinette gasped. "I'm not a liar for one thing!"

 "Marinette, Lila is not a liar and we've talked about this," She sighed, rolling her eyes. "You can't just accuse her without proof. I know you want to blame her for your expulsion but she didn't do it. My money is on Chloe,"

 "And where's your proof that she is telling the truth?!" Marinette growled, clearly annoyed. "And if Chloe wanted me expelled, she just threaten to call her father. Not try and frame me,"

 "Can you be certain?" Alya asked, frowning. "And I know Lila is telling the truth,"

 "Oh so you have proof then?" Marinette asked, crossing her arms. Alya frowned as she didn't but why would Lila lie to her? What could she possible achieve with lies? "Well?"

 "Well what?" Alya asked, frowning.

 "Do you have proof?" Marinette asked again. "Have you got hold of Ladybug and asked her do you know Lila Rossi? Or did you find Jagged Stone and asked him about his so called cat?! Hm?"

 "Well... no but I know-"

 "If you're that bothered about it, why don't you find proof that I'm wrong?" Marinette growled, making Alya frown. "After all, you always say a good reporter checks her facts!"

 "Marinette, come on. I know that," Alya sighed but Marinette looked pissed.

 "Then why am I the one to get proof?! You're the reporter!" She growled, making Alya frown again. Marinette looked to the side and picked up her phone as it vibrated. Her eyes lit up slightly as she looked at it before she turned back to Alya. "I have to go and Alya, stop trying to force me to be friends with Lila. If you want to be friends with her then that's your choice but I want nothing to do with her and nothing you can say or do will change my mind. Good night,"

 "Marinette, wait!" Alya gasped but she hung up, shutting down the video chat. Alya sighed and got up, heading into the kitchen to get a drink. She grabbed a cup from the cupboard and filled it up with water before taking a drink.

 If you don't have the proof then it's not the truth... Marinette's words were running through her head. She frowned to herself as she thought about the words. Marinette had also mentioned that a good reporter checked their facts. Another thing she had said. Alya frowned even more. Even though she didn't want to admit it, Marinette was right to a certain degree. Alya didn't believe that Lila was a liar but Marinette did. An idea popped into her head. She owned it to Lila to prove that she wasn't a liar. Taking her phone from her pocket, she opened her messages to Marinette.

 LilMissWifi: Hey, I know you said you had to go but I had an idea. Why don't we both get proof about Lila? I'll gather proof that she isn't a liar and you gather proof that she is?

 DesignQueen: Why should I gather proof that she's a liar? I'm not the one who's insisting that I give her a chance, despite the fact that every time I say something, she spins it make me look a bad person. 

 LilMissWifi: Oh come on, Mari. If you don't have the proof then it isn't the truth. You don't have proof that Lila is a liar...

 DesignQueen: And you don't have proof that she isn't! And I know she's a liar since she admitted it when she threatened me in the bathroom!!

 Alya's eyes widen as she read it but it suddenly disappeared.

 DesignQueen deleted a message.

 DesignQueen: Stop trying to make her my friend. I told you I don't want to be friends with her

 LilMissWifi: What do you mean she threatened you in the bathroom?!

 DesignQueen: ..... you saw that before I deleted it....

 LilMissWifi: Yes! Now explain!

 DesignQueen: What's the point? You won't believe me anyway and you'll just demand proof..

 LilMissWifi: Mari! You have to tell me!!

 DesignQueen has logged off

 Alya sighed and tried to call Marinette but it went straight to voicemail. She sighed again before dialing Lila's number. It rang a few times before someone answered.

 "Hey, girl," Alya stated but it wasn't in her usual tone.

 "Alya, I'm so sorry but I'm really busy right now. I have a video chat with Prince Ali in five minutes-"

 "Oh that's ok. I just want to ask you something," She muttered.

 "Oh?"

 "I'm not sure how to say this but Marinette mentioned that you threatened her in the bathroom..." Alya muttered, frowning. Lila remained silent for a few seconds. "Lila?"

 "I'm sorry Alya but she's lying," Lila gasped. Alya frowned as it sounded like she was crying. "M-Marinette... she was the one who threatened me!"

 "What?" Alya gasped in shock. Marinette was not the type to threaten someone but Lila wasn't a liar. There was no reason as to why she would. "When?"

 "A c-couple of d-days ago..." She sniffed, making Alya frowned. "D-During our free period on Tuesday..."

 "Why didn't you tell me?!"

 "S-She's your friend," She sobbed. "I didn't want to come between you two by telling you that she was bullying me..."

 "Bullying you?!"

 "Y-yes... she's been sending me horrible texts for ages and then she threatened me in the bathroom! She said she was going to take my friends away from me if I didn't stay from Adrien!" She cried, making Alya frown. "She's just so jealous that Adrien likes me and not her!!"

 "Lila, if that's true, you need to go to Mr Damocles-"

 "What do you mean if that's true?!" Lila gasped, clearly upset. "Y-You don't believe me?"

 "Of course, I do..." She muttered, frowning. Did she? "It's just..."

 "M-Marinette is your friend... of course, you wouldn't believe me over her... I can't believe her threat is coming true..." She sniffed, making Alya frown even more.

 "Lila, that's not the case-"

 "I'm so-sorry, Alya. I have to go... The video call is about to start and I don't want to talk about this anymore," Lila cried but suddenly hanging up. Alya frowned deeply as she heard silence. She put her phone down and frowned deeply. She didn't know what to think right now. Marinette didn't seem like the type to bully. After all, she knew what it was like to be bullied. Chloe had bullied her for years and Marinette didn't even stand up to her until she met Alya and when it came to jealous... well, Marinette was known to be affected by it but everytime she realized her mistake and came back to reality but Lila wouldn't lie and Marinette did seem to hate her but would she really go as far to threat to take away Lila's friends and bully her? Alya wasn't sure anymore. Lila was such a sweet girl so it made no sense for her to make up stuff about Marinette but it also made no sense for Marinette to bully Lila since she was just as sweet. But if Marinette was bullying Lila... well, Alya couldn't just sit there and do nothing. What if this turned Lila into an akuma? She had already been one and Alya knew how stressful it was. She didn't want to see her friend become Volpina again but she also didn't want to see Marinette become an akuma. What if Marinette wasn't bullying Lila and it was all a massive misunderstanding? Yes, that had to be it. After all, neither girl were capable of been mean. Marinette was probably just stressed out. After all, she did take on a lot by herself so it might be that she is just lashing out. She had snapped at Alya a few times. Yes, that had to be it. Marinette was simply lashing out due to stress and Lila had gone caught in the crossfire. There was no way Marinette was a bully after all. This was just one big misunderstand. She nodded in conclusion but something bugged her. Why would Marinette mention that Lila had threatened her in the bathroom then just the delete the message? Also Lila didn't seem to be one to keep things to herself so why didn't she mention that Marinette had threatened? Well, that could be explained easily. She was clearly frightened. She frowned and sighed to herself. She didn't know what to think.

 "What's wrong with you?" Nora's voice brought her out of her thoughts, making her face her. "You look... torn..."

 "I just found out that Marinette might be a bully..." She muttered, frowning but to her surprise, Nora laughed. "Nora, it isn't funny,"

 "I'm sorry... it's just... Marinette a bully? Really?" She laughed, wiping her eyes. "That girl couldn't hurt a fly. She's way too much of a goodie goodie to do so,"

 "Well, according to Lila, Marinette has been sending her nasty texts for ages, bullying her and threatened her in the bathroom," She replied but she couldn't be feel weird when she said it out loud. Marinette and bully were just two words that didn't go in the same sentence. It just felt wrong to say it. Nora frowned at her little sister's expression.

 "Have you seen the texts?" 

 "No... this is the first time Lila mentioned them,"

 "Ok what was the convo that lead to her telling you?"

 "Well, I phoned her because Marinette sent me a message then deleted it and I wanted answers," She muttered, frowning. 

 "What message?"

 "Well, I was trying to convince her that Lila isn't a liar and that we should both gather proof so we could prove our points," She muttered, frowning. "She ended up saying that she knew Lila was lying because she admitted it when she threatened her in the bathroom. Literally, a few seconds later she deleted it and sent a different message but I had seen it and tried to get her to talk about it. I tried to phone her but it went to voice mail so I phoned Lila and asked her if she had threatened Marinette. Lila then told me that Marinette was lying and Marinette had been the one to threaten her. Lila mentioned the texts as well but it's just not like Marinette. I didn't even know she had Lila's number. I asked Lila when it happened and she told me it happened during our free period on Tuesday and I asked why she didn't tell me. She said she thought I wouldn't believe her because Marinette is my friend and she didn't want to go between us by telling me she's a bully..."

 "This girl only mentioned that Marinette had threatened her after you asked her about her threatening Marinette?" Nora asked, getting a nod of Alya. "Well, that seems odd. Are you sure this Lila girl isn't lying about Marinette?"

 "No, Lila wouldn't lie," Alya stated firmly before frowning. "But Marinette has been saying she's a liar for months. She's even convinced that Lila was the one who got her expelled but she hasn't got any proof that Lila was behind that or that she was even lying. I've tried to get her to give Lila a chance but she just won't have it. She keeps on insisting that she's a liar, despite that she has no proof that she is,"

 "Do you have proof that she isn't?" Nora asked her, making her look at her with surprise. "You say that Marinette has no proof that this Lila girl is a liar but do you have any proof that she is telling the truth?"

 "Well, no... but... Lila wouldn't lie..." Alya muttered, frowning.

 "And would Marinette?"

 "No, of course not!" Alya gasped. "Marinette hates liars but I just don't get why she hates Lila. Lila isn't a liar... what do I do?"

 "Well, right now, it's Lila's word against Marinette's and you can't do much without proof," Nora mumbled, giving Alya an idea.

 "Then I'll get proof! I can prove to Marinette that Lila isn't a liar and help Marinette and her mend the bridge since I think this is one big misunderstanding!" She gasped. "I bet that Lila simply bumped into Marinette in the bathroom and Marinette snapped at her. And since Marinette doesn't want to be friends with Lila, she probably told her so through text and that's what Lila means! And while I'm at it, I'll find who framed Marinette! If I can prove it wasn't Lila then Marinette will see how nice she really is,"

 "I'm not sure that is going to work," Nora muttered. Marinette might not be a bully but she was stubborn and then there was the possibility that Lila wasn't telling the truth. However, her words fell on deaf ears.

 ~Next Day at School~

 "Oh, it's so nice that you want to defend me but it's really not necessary," Lila gasped, making Alya frown a little. She had told her plan to prove to Marinette that Lila isn't the liar she thinks she is. "While I would love to be Marinette's friend, she just doesn't want to be mine. I understand why though. I'm so close to Adrien and so successful in my chosen areas that she is just jealous,"

 "Which I don't get," Alya admitted, making Lila frown. "Well, it's not like Marinette isn't unsuccessful. She is Jagged Stone's personal designer, Mr Agreste personally chose her design for Adrien to wear, she was offered an apprenticeship with the Audrey Bourgeois, her great uncle is a famous chef and she almost got the role of Ladybug in Clara Nightingale's music video! Oh and her parents' business is famous!! I just don't get why she would be jealous of you and if it was the Adrien thing, why isn't she like that with Chloe and Kagami? It's a known fact that both of them have a crush on him and are super close to him,"

 "Well, I didn't want to mention anything but Marinette stole my designs..." Lila frowned, making Alya look at her with shock. "It's part of her way of bullying me,"

 "Lila, there's no way Marinette would ever steal anyone's work," Alya stated, frowning. Her frown deepened as Lila began to cry. "Are you sure it was her? Did you see her? Have you got proof like the original drawings?"

 "I knew you wouldn't believe me," She sniffed. "Just like you didn't believe me about her threatening me!!"

 Alya went to say something but Lila rushed off, crying. Nino frowned as he came over and sat down.

 "Hey, is Lila ok?" He asked, getting Alya to look at him.

 "I don't know..." She muttered, frowning as Mylene and Ivan joined them. "She said that Marinette had threatened her in the bathroom, that she's been bullying her and that Marinette stole Lila's designs but I didn't even know Lila was into fashion design and when I asked her if she was certain it was Marinette and if she had proof, like if she had seen her and had the original drawings, she just said she knew I wouldn't believe her and rushed out..."

 "Maybe you should go check on her," Nino suggested, frowning. Alya nodded and got up before heading towards the bathroom. She was expecting to hear Lila in tears and sobbing her heart out but to her surprise, she heard talking.

 "Oh, Miss Bustier, it's awful!! Marinette's been threatening me for months and now she's trying to take away my friends!! She's turned Alya on me and I fear she'll target everyone else next..." Lila cried, making Alya frown. Had Miss Bustier found her? She waited for the teacher's reply but it didn't come. Instead, Lila stopped crying and giggled to herself. "Of course, she'll buy that. Dumb teacher... Alya will be much harder to convince... hmm... she wanted proof right? Well, I can easily get her proof that Marinette has been sending me terrible texts. Yes, that will work but I better make sure she doesn't try to prove to that goody two shoes that I'm not a liar,"

 Alya covered her mouth as she listened. Lila had no idea that she was there so of course, she was showing her true colors and the worst thing, Marinette had been right. She felt awful and betrayed. Marinette had tried to warn her but she refused to listen. How could she had been so stupid and trusting? She gasped and quickly hid behind one of the lockers as Lila began to leave the bathroom. Even the way she walked was different when she thought she was alone. Gone was the weak, fragile girl and in her place was a bold, confident bitch. The sound of fluttering got Alya's attention as an akuma forced it's way into the locker room. No doubt it was here for her because of the betrayal she felt but hell be damned was she going to give into Hawkmoth. It fluttered closer to her but she focused on positive thoughts. Yes, she had been a fool and had been betrayed and had hurt her friend but she could fix it. She had hope because she knew the truth now and this wasn't a bad thing. It was a good thing. The butterfly fluttered away and went to look for a new victim so Alya glanced around to find a way to contain it as Lila reached the door. However, Lila stopped in her track as she saw the butterfly. Alya thought she was afraid of it until she saw the girl's expression. It wasn't one of fear but one of excitement. A dark smile appeared on Lila's face as she looked at it.

 "Perfect," She muttered, causing Alya took out her phone and began to film as she reached for the akuma, much to Alya's horror. She placed it in one of her bracelets and stood still. Alya held her breathe as she filmed. "Hello again, Hawkmoth,"

 The color drained out of Alya's face as she recorded Lila talking to Hawkmoth as if he was an old friend. She thanked her sense that she filmed this as she realized if she tried to tell anyone, no one would believe her. Lila laughed as she was covered in the classic smoke and transformed into Volpina before she left the classroom. Alya shakily switched the camera to herself.

 "I just saw Lila Rossi willingly take one of Hawkmoth's akumas, greet him like an old friend and transform into Volpina," She stated the date and the time as well and ended the stream before rushing out of the room. Ladybug and Chat Noir were already on the scene so she began to film the fight.

 ~After the Fight~

 "Lila?" Alya called for her as the Italian girl got her things from her locker at the end of the day. The fight had been done quickly so there was no need to retreat home straight. The teachers had asked Lila if she wanted to go home. They offered to call her mother but she had chose not to, stating her mother was busy at work. Alya wondered how much of that true but still, Alya consisted herself a fair person and believed in chances. Lila turned to her and gave her usual smile, only now Alya could see how fake it was.

 "Oh, Alya. I hope I didn't hurt when I was akumatized," She gasped, fake tears in her eyes. "I don't remember what I did,"

 "You didn't hurt me," Alya muttered as she hadn't. "Um... could I have a word with you though?"

 "Of course," Lila smiled as the last of the students left. She continued to pack her bag. "Shall we walk home together?"

 "Oh... it won't take that long," Alya muttered, making Lila frown. "Lila, I know that you lied and I want you to come clear to the class and apolygize to Marinette,"

 "Alya, I don't understand," She gasped, fake tears in her eyes again. "W-Why are you accusing me of lying?"

 "Lila, I know you're lying," She stated, making Lila frown again.

 "Is that what Marinette has told you? She has it out of me. She is bullying me and-"

 "Enough! I know you were lying because I came to check on you during lunch! I heard you practicing talking to Miss Bustier and how you were going to get me 'proof'! I can't believe you would even consider faking texts just to make me turn on Marinette! And worst of all, Lila, I saw you take the akuma willingly!"

 She half expected Lila to make up some excuse or trying and bargain with her but instead, Lila smirked.

 "Who's going to believe you hm?" She asked, crossing her arms. Alya looked at her with surprise. "No one believed Marinette including you so what makes you think they'll believe you over me? I'm Lila Rossi, the kindest, sweetest girl in the school. I volunteer at lots of charities and have disabilities. It's my word against yours, Cesaire and they'll take mine every time,"

 "But you're lying!" Alya gasped, making Lila giggle.

 "Alya, I only tell people what they want to hear," She stated. "It's not my fault that they're dumb enough to believe. After all, you did. Did you really think I knew or even liked Ladybug?"

 Alya looked shocked at Lila's confession.

 "Of course, I don't but you believed me anyway because it was what you wanted to hear, even when your good friend Marinette tried to tell you otherwise," She laughed. "You see people can't resist when they hear what they like to hear,"

 "I'm going to expose you!" Alya gasped but Lila laughed as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard.

 "You do that and I'll turn everyone against you, just like I did with Marinette," She smirked, making Alya gasp before she suddenly grabbed her arm. "I like you, Alya. Having you around is useful so I'll give you one more chance. You're either with me or against me but mark my words, if you're against me, I will make sure you end up alone and everyone will hate you,"

 She smirked evilly at Alya, who wasn't sure what to do.

 "I hope you make the right choice, Alya," She stated, turning on her heel before putting on her sweet persona. "Ciao, Alya. See you soon,"

 With that, she waved and left, leaving Alya shaking. Marinette had been right all along. With a horrified expression, she realized that Lila had threatened Marinette and that she had never wanted to be Marinette's friend. The truth was Lila hated Marinette, which was why Marinette was acting the way she was. It all made sense now. Alya went from been horrified to righteously outraged. Not only had Lila threatened Marinette but she was also using her friends. Suddenly, those 'compliments' didn't seem like compliments at all. In fact, they were insults disguised as compliments and she didn't even work for any charities. Alya frowned as she had an awful feeling of where the class donations had really gone. No one why Marinette refused to put to. And all the 'chances' Lila had given Marinette. Of course, they weren't real and if they were ones that involved Alya and the rest of the gang... well, before she knew, it looked like Lila would just mention something innocent and Marinette would get wound up about it but now she knew, she realized Lila had sabotaged her attempts every time. Alya shakily took out her phone as she walked out, bringing up Marinette's number. She dialed it but it went straight to voice mail. Panic ran through her mind. Was she too late? Would Marinette forgive her?

 "Mari, it's Alya. Please call me back. We need to talk about Lila so when you get a chance to call me, please do. It's important," She stated, leaving the voicemail message before walking home. Once she got in, she went straight to her room and pulled up the video on her phone. This was her trump card but if she was going to expose Lila, she had to get more then just this. This only proved that she willingly took an akuma but knowing Lila, she would make a sob story out of it. Maybe even try to claim it was fake. No, Alya needed to be clever about this and she also needed to let Ladybug know about it. She jumped as her phone began to ring and saw it was Marinette. She answered it and placed it to her ear. "Marinette-"

 "I will say this one more time, Alya," Marinette gasped, sounding annoyed. "I do not want to be Lila's friends so drop it!"

 "That's not why I called..."

 "You said it was about Lila and I told you I don't want to be friends with her," Marinette replied, making Alya frown. "So what am I suppose to think? And if it's not about Lila, why say it is?"

 "It is about Lila but not for my usual reasons," Alya gasped before sighing. "Marinette.... you were right. Lila is a liar,"

 Silence....

 "Marinette?" Alya gasped, frowning. Again, she didn't answer. "Marinette?!"

 "Hey, Alya right?" A guy's voice answered. She frowned as she recognized it. "Can Marinette phone you back in a few minutes? She needs a moment or two,"

 "Uh... sure but who are you?" She asked but he hung up. She blinked. Who the hell was that? Why did Marinette need a moment or two? She frowned but her phone vibrated again. She looked at it and saw it was Marinette. She answered it. "Marinette?"

 "Yeah... uh sorry about that, Alya. You kind of shocked me," She muttered, making Alya frown. "Did you really say I was right?"

 "Yeah..." She muttered, looking down before taking a breathe. "I am so sorry, Marinette. I know now that Lila is a liar but I shouldn't have pressed you either. God, I have been an awful friend,"

 "Alya,"

 "You must hate me so much but I don't blame you-"

 "Alya..."

 "I was awful. I believed Lila and tried to get you to be friends with her! Even when you tried to warn me, I demanded you get proof that she was lying! But I'm suppose to be the reporter! I should have fact checked! Oh, god! She really did frame you!!"

 "Alya!!" Marinette shouted, making the reporter go quiet. She blinked as Marinette took a deep breathe.

 "C-Can you forgive me?"

 "I... I can, Alya but it will take time," Marinette stated, getting a good of the girl even if she couldn't see. "I get why you believed her. Sure, it hurt that you didn't believe me but I do understand why you believed her,"

 "Really?" Alya gasped, surprised.

 "Yeah," Marinette confirmed. "For one, I never told you the full story about how I knew that she was lying or that she had threatened me. Plus with how our class is and the way Paris is, her stories didn't seem so outlandish and if I didn't know for certain, I would have believed her too,"

 "How did you know?" Alya asked, making Marinette sigh. "I remember you telling me and Nino that you saw her talking to Adrien but you didn't actually say how you knew,"

 "If you have to know, I saw Ladybug calling Lila out on her lies," Marinette sighed. "But I'm more interested in how you found out..."

 Alya sighed and then told Marinette everything. From last night's conversation to Lila threatening her after school and everything in between. Marinette listened to everything. 

 "She really is a monster and I can't believe I fell for her lies," Alya sighed, shaking her head. "And I don't know what to do. I can't just sit back and let her continue, especially now I know that she's a liar and willingly took an akuma but knowing how she is, she'll spin it and make it look like she had no choice but to be akumatized..."

 "Alya, you're a reporter right?" The guy's voice returned, making Alya frown. She forget he was there. "So collect evidence against her,"

 "And how do I do that, whoever you are?"Alya replied but both the guy and Marinette giggled.

 "Alya, it's Luka," Marinette stated. That explained why he seemed familiar but since when had Marinette start to hang out with Luka. "Also we can do it together. We need to meet up, write down her lies and expose them. This can be a way to work on our friendship and screw what Adrien said,"

 "Adrien?" Alya questioned, confused.

 "Oh right. You don't know," Marinette answered. "Adrien knows that Lila is lying but advised me to take the high road. He said it didn't matter if she was lying as we both knew she was and her lies weren't hurting anyone,"

 "He what?!" Alya gasped, angered then she realized that Marinette did actually stop calling Lila out of her lies. Until recently that was. "You followed his advice, didn't you?"

 "For a little while, yes but Luka helped me realize that he was wrong," Marinette replied. "As for the video you mentioned of Lila taking an akuma willingly, you should try and inform Ladybug. I'm sure she'll answer if you put out an emergency post on your blog,"

 "That's a great idea, Marinette," Alya gasped, smiling before frowning. "But what about exposing her?"

 "Well, it's Saturday tomorrow so let's meet up and make a plan," Marinette suggested. "Luka can join us as well,"

 "Sure," Alya agreed, feeling a lot better. Lila would not win this time. "So tomorrow outside the bakery at 12pm?"

 "Sure, we'll see you then," Marinette agreed before hanging up. Alya instantly put down her phone and logged onto her blog. She posted a quick blog, calling for Ladybug and stating that her blog was going to be under a review. Once that was posted, she went to the Lila interviews. She added a warning at the beginning, stating that these were nothing but lies and at the time of them been posted, she had believed it was truth, along with an apology. She knew Lila would try and deny that she had said anything and may even try to claim that it was planned. She played it and began to write down every lie in the interview. She was knocked out her thoughts as someone knocked on her window. She walked over and opened it, letting Ladybug in and to her surprise, Viperion joined her.

 "We got your message," Ladybug stated as Alya stared at the two heroes in awe. "Alya?"

 "Sorry... it's just... Ladybug and Viperion!!" She grinned before shaking her head. She grabbed her phone and held it up. "Firstly, thank you for coming so quickly and secondly, I think you really need to see this,"

 With that, she played the video. The two heroes frowned as they watched it. Alya felt sick watching it again before the two heroes frowned when it finished.

 "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Alya," Viperion stated as Ladybug nodded in agreement.

 "I've known for a while that Miss Rossi is a liar and that she teamed up with an akuma to take me down but I've had no solid proof until now. Can you send me the video?" Ladybug asked, taking out her yoyo. Alya sent it to it. "I will have to get in touch with the police and see what they can do but this should be enough proof that Miss Rossi is dangerous-"

 "Not so fast, Ladybug," Alya gasped, making the heroes look at her. Viperion rose an eyebrow at her. "Lila is very clever and I know she'll spin this to look like she's the victim. Not just that but this only proves that she willingly took an akuma. She could easily claim that Hawkmoth threatened her beforehand and people will believe her..."

 "She has a point, Bug," Viperion pointed out, making the spotted heroine nod before he looked at her. "I take it you have an idea,"

 "My whole class think she's a sweet heart and that my friend Marinette is jealous of her. Lila tried to claim that Marinette had been bullying her to me and I'm not sure who else she has told. The class needs to know that Lila isn't who she said she is. She threatened and framed Marinette and she's threatened me.; I tried to give her a chance to do the right thing and she basically laughed in my face and then threatened me," Alya admitted. "The thing is if she lied about been your friend and Marinette... then what else has she lied about?"

 "A good point..." Ladybug agreed. "I can't hold this from the police for long but if you were to expose her then she would probably be akumatized again... it would be best if we were there..."

 "She will probably try and go for an akuma too. More proof that she is working with Hawkmoth," Viperion agreed before looking at Alya. "How quickly do you think you can get evidence? The sooner we get her in custody, the better,"

 "Well, I think I can get a good amount through the weekend," She stated, getting a nod of the superheroes. The two went to leave the room but Alya gently grabbed Ladybug's arm. Ladybug turned and faced, frowning a little as Alya let go of her arm and looked down, playing with her hands. "I'm sorry, Ladybug... I should have checked with you if that interview was correct and never had posted it... god, I'm such a fool. I hope you can forgive me,"

 "Alya, I accept the apology, Alya but it will take time to earn back my trust," She stated, getting a nod of the reporter. "But you are starting to and I should have come to you to explain that Lila was lying so I hope in turn you can accept my apology,"

 "Ladybug!!" Alya gasped, tears in her eyes. "Of course! You're not the one at fault! I'm the fool an-"

 "And I should have come to you as soon as that aired but I didn't," Ladybug sighed before smiling. "But we can both work on been better. Come on, Viper. We better leave Alya to it,"

 "R-Right," Viperion nodded but Alya could see the look in his eyes as he watched her. It was one of pure love, devotion and respect. A look that she had never seen in Cat Noir's eyes. The look in his eyes wasn't bad but seeing how Viperion looked at Ladybug, Alya realized the way Cat looked at her was one of lust and wanting, not love and devotion. Viperion smiled and waved at Alya before following Ladybug out the window. Alya walked over to the window and closed it before logging back onto her laptop and began to work on collecting evidence. 

 ~Next Day~

 "So what have you got so far?" Marinette asked as she slipped her drink. Alya, however, was looking around, confused as to why they were sat in the restaurant area of the Grand Paris hotel. Marinette wouldn't be seen dead in here right? And surely, Chloe would have come down by now and demanded they leave. "Alya?"

 "Oh right...  well, it was a lot harder then I realized but I managed to drag up some of her past," Alya muttered, taking out a file and handing to Marinette, who opened it. "It's not pretty,"

 Marinette's eyes widen as she read over it before handing it to Luka. His eyes flicked across the page, frowning as he took in the information. Alya bit her lip as she watched his reaction. When she had come across it, she felt worst then before. 

 "Luka?" Marinette asked, gently as he closed the file and slid it back to Alya. He looked calm but then she noticed his hand shaking. She may not know him as well as Marinette did but she did know he normally had steady hands. She looked up into his eyes and noticed they were burning with rage but he was doing his best to control it. An akuma would not help the situation. Marinette gently placed her hand over his. "You ok?"

 "Yeah... I just..." He muttered, frowning. "We need to take her down permanently and I think we're gonna need a lot more then just us three,"

 "I'll text Chloe," Marinette muttered, taking out her phone. Alya blinked. Since when was Marinette friends with Chloe. Clearly, she had missed a lot.

 "I was able to get in contact with Ladybug last night," Alya mumbled. "She has the video of Lila taking the akuma and I think they want to take her down on Monday. She also admitted that she didn't know Lila,"

 She suddenly snapped her fingers and frown.

 "Alya?" Marinette asked, putting down her phone.

 "I should have got it on film," She muttered, causing both of them to frown.

 "Well, I'll get Ladybug to drop by again tonight," Marinette stated, making Alya look at her in surprise. "Alya, I was able to get her to give you that interview remember?"

 "Good point," Alya nodded as Chloe and Sabrina walked into the restaurant. They looked around before spotting them and walked over. Alya felt weird as she and Chloe weren't friends but Marinette jumped up and greeted her. To her surprise, Chloe greeted her back and even smiled before the two girls sat down. Marinette returned to her seat as Chloe blinked and looked at Alya.

 "Marinette?" She asked, concern in her voice.

 "Alya knows and has apologized," She stated, getting a nod of Chloe. Alya, however, was still shocked of Chloe been nice. "We're planning to expose Lila and Alya found some really interesting information that you might be interested in reading,"

 Marinette nodded at Alya who cautiously slid the file over to Chloe and Sabrina. Chloe read through it and narrowed her eyes before handing it to Sabrina, who cupped her mouth in shock as she read it.

 "Oh my god," She gasped, closing the file and pushing it back to Alya. Chloe looked at Alya with a hard to read expression.

 "You found this?" She asked. Alya nodded. "And you checked to see if it was real?"

 "I tracked down everything I could and even contacted some of the people involved. The comments you read were them telling me the story. They were more then happy to tell me when I told them that Lila was up to her usual tricks," Alya confirmed. "I also checked the sites it was reported on were legit sources. Trust me, I've learnt my lesson regarding fact checking,"

 "Good," Chloe stated before smiling. "Welcome to the Marinette protection squad. Now Kagami is working on changing Adrien's mind but I'll tell her to speed it up since we are taking her down on Monday. Now because I am amazing and hated Rossi for a long time, I have obviously dug up dirt on her and was able to get in contact with certain celebrities who she claimed to know. I have their statements but told them to resist suing her for now. However, if we are all in agreement, I will get in contact with them and have them informed of our plan and tell them to have their lawyers ready with the papers to sue her on Monday as well as video evidence of them not knowing her. Sound good?"

 "That sounds great, Chloe," Marinette smiled. "I'll get Ladybug to drop by yours tonight, Alya and you can film her stating that Lila is not her friend,"

 "Yep," She mumbled before looking at Luka, who seemed to be the only person who didn't have a job. "What are you going to do?"

 "I'm the emotional support musician," He deadpanned, causing everyone to laugh including himself. "Also I have talked to Penny and Jagged about Lila. I messaged this morning and Penny is more then happy to help us take down the liar and Jagged been Jagged insisted on coming to the school to personally deliver... as he put... the rock and roll justice that the little liar creature deserves. Mum also wants to join in as Juleka has been affected by Lila's lies. I don't know if anyone else but Marinette knows but my sister is now in therapy again, thanks to Lila. Jules has always had problems with her weight and how she views it and Lila convinced her that if she wanted to be a model, she needed to weight and gave her "tips" on how to do that. Thanks to her, Jules is back to been anorexic and was briefly hospitalized for it,"

 "Is that why she wasn't in school for a week?"

 "Mum gave her a week off. She was only in hospital for a couple of days but we agreed to give her some time before returning her to the school and we got her one of the best therapists that specializes in anorexia and other eating disorder, thanks to Jagged," Luka sighed, making Chloe and Alya frown. "I'm pretty certain that's why he wants to come to the school as well. Oh and we've been talking to our lawyers. We're suing her for Personal Injury,"

 "You got good lawyers?" Chloe asked, getting a nod of Luka.

 "Jagged provided his, who will also be suing her on behalf of Jagged and Marinette too," Luka explained, making Alya raise an eyebrow. "Problem?"

 "Oh, not at all," She gasped, holding up her hands in defense. Luka relaxed his shoulders a little. "I was just wondering how you knew Jagged so well and why he was willing to give your family his lawyers but if you don't want to tell me, I get it,"

 "He's my father," Luka stated, shocking Alya.

 "He's your what?!" She gasped, completely shocked. Marinette giggled slightly as she had a similar reaction. "Is he Juleka's dad as well?"

 "Oh no," He stated, rubbing his neck a little. "Technically, I'm Juleka's half brother as we have different fathers but that doesn't matter to me and Jagged has basically adopted her as his own anyway,"

 "Wait... are your mum and Jagged... back together?" Alya asked, eyeing him up.

 "Oh, god no!" Luka gasped, shaking his head. "No, they're just friends and Jagged is trying to be a 'better' father to me and decided that my sister is basically his honary daughter like how Marinette is his honorary niece,"

 "Well..." Alya mumbled, nodding before looking at everyone. "It's great that we have Jagged on our side then and I really hope Juleka will be ok,"

 "She's getting there," Luka nodded before returning back to the business at hand. "But with all of this information, we have and the new bits Alya has brought to us,"

 "Plus the video of her working with Hawkmoth," Marinette added.

 "And all of the celebrities testimony that they don't know her," Chloe nodded before clicking her fingers. "Oh while I remember. Sabrina!"

 "I got access to her mother's number and had a lovely chat with her," Sabrina declared, taking out her phone. "I simply asked her about any possibly disabilities, illnesses or allergens Lila has as I do with all the parents when Chloe is planning to throw a party as we want to make sure our guests are safe and we are prepared for anything, giving that Chloe is the mayor's daughter who runs the best hotel in Paris. We don't want a terrible incidence such as someone been unable to come due to a disability. As it turns out, Mrs Rossi confirmed that Lila didn't have any. No tinnitus, no arthritis in her wrists, no known allergic reactions. She is as fit as a fiddle. I also asked questions regarding akumas again for the mayor's and Chloe's safety and asked Mrs Rossi if Lila was known to have an akuma form or triggers. According to her, Lila has never been akumatized and I quote 'if those incompetent heroes were able to deal with akumas better then you wouldn't have to ask these questions, Lila's school would have been opened sooner and Paris would be safe'. I asked to explain farther as I had to be certain what she meant and she explained that our school had been closed for the three months Lila told our class, and I'm guessing Mr Damocles, that she was in the kingdom of Achu,"

 "Did you tell Mrs Rossi the truth?" Marinette asked, concerned but Sabrina shook her head.

 "I simply thanked her for giving me the information I needed," Sabrina smiled, getting a nod of approval from Chloe.

 "It's a shame we don't have a recording of it," Alya sighed but Sabrina laughed.

 "Of course, I have a recording of it and it can be used in a legal court as I had Mrs Rossi's permission to record in case anyone tried to blame the mayor for something," She stated, impressing everyone. "I double checked with Dad to make sure,"

 "Good work, Sabrina," Marinette grinned, making the smaller girl smile.

 "Me and Chloe also got Mr Damocles update the information for Mrs Rossi at the school," Sabrina explained, getting a nod of approval from Alya.

 "With all this evidence, there's no way Lila can get away with this," Alya gasped but Luka was frowning.

 "But she could still blame Marinette or you for it," He muttered, making everyone frown. "We need one more bit,"

 "Go on," Chloe stated.

 "Well, this is going to be really hard for everyone to swallow, especially since Lila has convinced everyone that she is innocent and Marinette has been tormenting her," He stated, making everyone frown. "Well, if we had proof that it's the other way around then it would be the final nail in the coffin so to speak,"

 "We need CCTV," Alya muttered, making everyone look at her. "From the day Marinette was expelled. There's cameras everywhere, apart from the toilets for obvious reason but there are ones in the locker rooms, pointing towards the lockers. There are blind spots if you know where they are but not when it comes to the lockers as they were installed to prevent thieves, meaning that Lila was probably caught on camera putting her necklace in Marinette's locker,"

 "It would also show if she really was pushed," Sabrina stated, getting a nod of everyone. "But how do we get it?"

 "We can't," Marinette sighed, looking down. Everyone sighed as well but Alya had an idea and snapped her fingers.

 "But Ladybug can!" She gasped, making everyone look at her. "She can use the fact that there was a mass akuma attack that day as reason to look at the CCTV. I can suggest it to her tonight,"

 "Alya, that's brilliant!" Marinette gasped, making the reporter smile.

 ~Monday aka Take Down Lila Day~

 "I'm nervous," Marinette muttered as she walked with Alya and Chloe. She had managed to secure the CCTV footage and gave it to Luka, who would be making an appearance as Viperion. She had also given Chloe the bee miraculous as a back up to buy her time to transform. They were all certain that Lila was going to be akumatized or at least try to be. Jagged was already on his way with Penny and his lawyer and Sabrina's father was also on his way. He had an interesting conversation with Viperion and Ladybug early that morning about Miss Rossi and had been shown the video. Mrs Rossi was also on her way to the school and she should be arriving round about the same time as Roger. Marinette nodded to Alya and Chloe who had gotten up and walked over to Miss Bustier.

 "Miss Bustier, we have something extremely important to share with the class," Alya stated, making the teacher frown. Everyone was there and it was all ready.

 "I'm sorry, girls but could this wait til later?" Miss Bustier frowned. "I have to teach my lesson. Please take a seat,"

 "I don't think my daddy will like that," Chloe stated, making Miss Bustier frown.

 "But I really have to do my lesson," She gasped but Chloe ignored her and pressed the call button as Marinette's phone vibrated. She looked at it.

 FangtasicJazzman: I'm here with Roger and Mrs Rossi. We've just grabbed Mr Damocles and heading to your class. Get ready for trouble and not the good kind

 Marinette looked up for her phone as Miss Bustier tried to convince Chloe to hang up and did a slight nod, signalling to Alya that it's about to begin. A few seconds later, the door opened and Viperion walked in, followed by Officer Roger, Mr Damocles and Mrs Rossi. Lila gasped and stood up in surprise as she saw her mother.

 "Mama, what are you doing here?" She gasped, surprised. The woman walked over to her.

 "I was invited to the school," She stated, rising an eyebrow as Viperion walked over to Alya and handed her a memory stick. She nodded in return. "Apparently, this young hero has something that he needs to share with the police, myself and the school, which is concerning,"

 "Extremely," Viperion agreed. "Miss Bustier, I suggest you allow Miss Cesaire to talk to your class,"

 "Um of course," She mumbled as Alya placed the memory stick that Viperion gave her into the computer and put a second one in the port below it before grabbing the remote and pressing the button. She brought up the video of Lila accepting the akuma and played it, shocking the class. Of course, Lila started to cry and sob in terror as the class looked at her.

 "I'm s-so sorry but I didn't have a choice," She sniffed, trying to get the snake hero on her side. "H-He threatened my mama, saying he would hurt her if I didn't accept his akuma,"

 "We thought you might try that," Viperion stated, surprising everyone with his harsh tone. 

 "You heard, Lila!" Kim gasped, standing up. "She's the victim here!"

 "Mr Chiến Lê, Lila Rossi is a known liar," Viperion stated, making everyone gasp. "And a danger to everyone in Paris

 "Mr Viperion, as much as I respect you as a superhero, you can't go accusing students of been a liar and a danger,"

 "Yes, my bambina would never hurt a soul," Mrs Rossi argued, hugging her daughter to her. Viperion didn't miss the wicked smirk the girl shot him when she thought no one else was listening.

 "Then it's a good job we have proof, isn't it?" He stated, amused by the color that drained out of her face. "Miss Rossi has actively been threatening two of the students in this class, sexually harassed another, placed another student's life in danger, has committed truancy and fraud. She has been lying about pretty much everything she has said since she came here. She does not know Ladybug, Prince Ali, Clara Nightingale or Jagged Stone. She has never been to the kingdom of Achu and the school was never closed any longer then one day during akuma attacks, she has been akumatized four times. Once as Chameleon, thrice as Volpina, she framed a fellow student which resulted in their expulsion, humiliation and a mass akuma attack so yes, I do consider her a threat and yes, I have proof of all of this. Miss Cesaire, can you play the videos please?"

 "Of course, Viperion," She nodded before bringing up the multiple videos and statements that Chloe had provided. All of them were of the celebrities denying any knowledge of Lila Rossi. He smirked as the Ladyblog one came on.

 "Thank you so much for agreeing to this Ladybug,"

 "No problem, Alya," She smiled. "I'm glad we can finally address this issue but before we do, I'd like to apologize. I should have addressed it sooner,"

 "I shouldn't have believed it either,"

 "We're both in the wrong," Ladybug sighed before looking directing at the camera. "My name is Ladybug and I'm here today to put an end to a rumor that has been told about me. According to one Lila Rossi, I am her best friend and we are like this,"

 She held up her fingers to the camera.

 "Well, I hate to break it to you but we're not like this," She stated. "Actually, Lila and I have never been friends and the first time I met her was because she lied about me to a boy. I just happened to be passing and heard her stating that she was my best friend, that I saved her life and that she was the descendant of the fox hero. Admittedly, I could handled the situation better but I came to her and called her out on her lies, declaring that we were never friends. She was akumatized into Volpina that day and yes that was my fault. I tried to apologize to her but she refused to forgive me and allowed her anger to fester. She went on to be akumatized three more times. The rest why I state this is because I stayed quiet for too long and I suspect that she might try and say that the reason why I'm denying our "friendship" is to protect her but I will state this here and now. I have never known Lila Rossi in or out of the mask. I am not stating this to protect her because until that day, I had no idea she even existed and I would also like to add that she hates me with a passion. To the point where she tricked Chat Noir into thinking she was hurt, leaving me with the akuma Oni-Chan who she had convinced to try and kill me,"

 Everyone gasped at that as the video came to a stop. Lila began to cry again.

 "O-Oni-Chan threatened me," She gasped, making Viperion and Alya roll their eyes as someone knocked on the classroom door. Viperion answered it and let Jagged in. Lila's eyes widen in surprise as he shook the hero's hand and was followed by two women. One she recognized as Penny but she had no idea who the other was. Viperion turned to them.

 "Mr Stone, do you know this girl?" He asked as she instantly went back to the tears, hoping to make the rockstar feel bad for her.

 "Never seen her in my life,"

 "I should hope not," Mrs Rossi stated, glaring at him.

 "So you never wrote a song about her and she never saved your cat?"

 "Why are you targeting me?" She wailed but Jagged shook his head and explained that he never had a cat in his life as he was loyal to fang and that the only women he wrote about was Ladybug, his ex girlfriend and Penny. "Why?!"

 "Mr Viperion, is this necessary?" Mr Damocles asked, looking around nervously. "Lila is sick-"

 "About that," Alya stated, getting everyone's attention. "We have proof that she lied about that too,"

 With that, she played the phone call between Mrs Rossi and Sabrina. Lila blinked at surprise as the faces of her peers and teachers started to become angry. She knew she had to win them back so she did what she did best.

 "M-Marinette is behind this!!" She gasped, pointing at her. "S-She's using this poor superhero and Alya to get revenge for me telling the truth about her bullying me. She's trying to break me! All of this is a frame up!!"

 However, no one said anything as Alya had put on the most shocking bit of evidence. The multiple news articles that stated about a student who had killed themselves after been bullied by Lila. They had been through the same thing as Marinette and in the end couldn't handle it. Lila turned around and gasped.

 "T-That wasn't my fault!!" She gasped, looking at everyone. "She didn't kill herself because of me! She was a bully too!! Just like Marinette! She threatened me in the bathroom, stating that she would take away all of my friends!! And now she's gotten a hero in on it!"

 Mrs Rossi went to say something but stopped the moment Alya played the CCTV. It showed Lila planting the answer sheet in Marinette's bag, breaking into her locker and planting the necklace and finally walking down the stairs and pretending to have been pushed. Lila's face paled as she watched. The teachers and the class looked at her.

 "I'd like to add that Lila threatened me in the locker room when I tried to give her a chance to come clean and apologize to Marinette," Alya stated. Lila went to argue but Alya played the footage of that. "She also admitted that she had threatened Marinette but that we don't have video proof off,"

 "Y-You can't use any of that anyway!!" Lila gasped. "You don't have my permission to be on camera and you don't have my mama's permission to use that voice recording!!"

 "Actually, we can and we will," Viperion stated as the unknown woman walked up to her.

 "Lila Rossi, you have been served," She stated, placing the papers in her mother's hands. 

 "Also you are under-arrest for multiple charges of harassment, Truancy, personal endangerment, defamation, stalking and working with a known terrorist-" Officer Roger stated as her mother read through the papers, covering her mouth as she did. However, an akuma fluttered into the room and Lila made a dive for it. Her eyes were widen in glee and her hand was reached out but before she could do anything, Viperion's lyre slammed against her head, knocking her out cold and Chloe trapped the akuma in a jar, which she handed to Viperion. Mrs Rossi stared in horror as Officer Roger lifted the girl up and brought her outside. Viperion turned to Mrs Rossi.

 "I highly recommend you get a good lawyer, Mrs Rossi," He stated, making her frown. "I'm sure there will be a lot more papers then just that,"

 "Viperion is right," Adrien stated, looking at the woman coldly as a gentleman in a suit came in.

 "Mrs Rossi I assume?" He asked. She nodded and he handed her more papers. "These are the termination papers for Miss Rossi' contract and these are the papers on behalf of r Adrien Agreste. Your daughter is been sued for sexual harassment, physical harassment and stalking. This is the paperwork for the restraining order. The terms of it are included and I highly recommend your daughter follows them. We will see you in court,"

 With that, he turned on his heel and faced Miss Bustier. He handed her and Mr Damocles some papers as well.

 "You are both been sued for negligence," He stated, nodding to her before turning to Jagged's lawyer. "I would recommend your clients suing these two for negligence as well,"

 "Yes, we're already on that," She stated, shaking his hand. Mrs Rossi ran out of the class and everyone else left. Marinette couldn't help but smile as the class began to ask for her forgiveness. Life was good and Lila was finally gone. She shot a smile towards Alya and Chloe before asking to be excused. Miss Bustier just nodded and Marinette walked out. Once out of shot, she transformed and found Viperion waiting for her. She purified the butterfly and smiled for the first time in ages.

 "Well, that went better then I was expecting,"

[authenticmiya]

Hey could you possibly do a young Johnny x reader where she’s one of the cobra kai’s sisters or something and after everything with Ali she’s there for him and he finally doesn’t see her as just a friend

Out Of The Blue - Johnny Lawrence x Reader

Summary - Reader is Bobby’s twin sister and also the best friend of Johnny Lawrence. Following the breakup with Ali, the reader does everything she can to get Johnny to understand how much she cares for him.

Words - 1.1k

Warnings - fluff

A/N - Oh my gosh! This was my first request, so I hope you enjoyed it! Thankyou so much for giving me an idea to write about! My inbox is always open for anyone else who wants to request!

After the whole beach incident, Johnny was definitely not recovering anytime soon. Not only was he injured physically, but his heart was well and truly broken.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this Y/N.” Your twin brother Bobby admitted to you, as the two of you walked slightly behind the Cobra Kai’s.

“He’s heartbroken Bob, what do you expect? It’s not exactly a walk in the park.” You told him with a frown. Walking towards your first period of the day, it was noticeable how hurt Johnny was. As one of his life-long friends anyway, you’d noticed his whole demeanour do a 180 into more of an asshole.

“Students welcome! Before you take your seats, I have a new seating arrangement in order for your senior year!” Your teacher announced, making all of the students groan in annoyance.

“Tommy and Bobby, you can sit together at the back on the right.” He began listing the names. By the time it was your name being called out, it was just you and Johnny.

“Looks like we’re gonna be Physics partners for the year Johnny.” You smiled and he just nodded. Boy this was going to be one long year. He didn’t speak to you for the whole lesson - despite the attempts of you trying to have a conversation with him.

“Someone pissed in his breakfast this morning.” One of the students snickered but before he could make a comeback, you were quick to beat him.

“You’re gonna be eighteen years old next year, so shut your damn mouthes, assholes.” You snapped, making them turn a blind eye and act clueless.

“Miss Y/N, is there a problem back there?” And you just shook your head no. Johnny looked at you strangely.

“I can handle myself you know?” Johnny told you.

“Funny you should say that, because all I’m trying to do is be a supportive best friend.” You sighed. The class was soon over and you found yourself at your locker.

“Did you hear about Johnny and Ali? I heard he broke her radio at the beach last night.” What was it with kids and their right to gossip about your friend today?

“Yeah you ought to keep his name out your mouth sweet-heart because I’m not having another person talk shit on him.” You slammed your locker door, scaring both of the girls.

“Oh so when you get confronted, you suddenly become silent?” You raised an eyebrow. The Cobra Kai’s watched this whole conversation go down, considering their lockers were only metres from yours.

“Why does she keep doing this?” Johnny couldn’t lose his bad reputation, just because people were talking bad about him. He could handle himself.

“Dude that’s my sister and may I clarify, your best friend. Do you want her to just stand there and have to listen to all of that?” Bobby questioned.

“She’s so in love with you-“ Dutch began.

“Watch your mouth.” Bobby shut him up. But that one comment just stayed on Johnny’s mind for the rest of the day. Were you in love with him? Or was Dutch just trying to get into his head.

“Hey Johnny, wait up!” You called out to him at the end of the day. He was surprisingly on his own.

“You’re not going home right now.” You told him.

“What do you mean Y/N?” Johnny sighed.

“You’re going to get in my car, we’re going to the drive-through, then we could go to Golf N Stuff.” You insisted on all of these activities for one reason, and one reason only. It was your mission to successfully get Johnny over his heartbreak.

“I just want to go home, I’m not really up for anything today.” He went to turn around and you grabbed him by the bicep to prevent him going any further away from you.

“I can deal with you being an asshole all day because you’re heartbroken, but you’ve never denied my request for the drive-through.” You wiggled your eyebrows.

“I can’t just leave my motorcycle here.” Johnny told you.

“I’ll drive you back here after we’ve had food.” You suggested and of course he caved in.

“How you convince me to do all of this stuff, will forever amaze me.” Johnny said as he put his seat-belt on.

“You’ve been there at my worst Johnny, I’d be an awful friend if I didn’t return the favour.” There you went again with the term ‘friend’. Was he overthinking it because he’d just lose his girlfriend? Or was he frustrated that he couldn’t just make you his in a heart-beat? His head and his heart were telling him a million different things.

“Why’d you keep staring at me like that?” You asked him with a chuckle as you pulled up to a red light.

“How’d you know I was staring?”

“I know everything about you Johnny.” You muttered. Once the two of you had your food, you two just sat in your car.

“Thought you were taking us to Golf N Stuff?” Johnny said confused as the two of you remained in the parking lot.

“I just want to talk to you Johnny. You’ve gotta open up to me. Even if you don’t want to. I know how your brain thinks, it’s eating you up and no offence, but you’ve turned into more of an asshole.” That’s what he loved about you, the honesty. No wait? Loved about you? What?

“I guess seeing her with Larusso wasn’t what I was expecting. I know it’s been a few weeks, but I at least thought she’d still, you know? Want to be my girlfriend.” He admitted.

“A guy shows up out of the blue and you felt threatened. You’re allowed to be. The heart works in mysterious ways Johnny. It’s going to hurt for a while, but you’ll be okay.” You reassured him.

“And I can promise you, and I mean really promise you, that I’ll always have your back. Even if you don’t want me to, I’m not gonna stand there and take anyone’s bullshit. We’ve been best friends since we were in diapers.” He chuckled, trying to reminisce the days when you guys were kids.

“You don’t know how much that means to me Y/N.” Johnny felt his heart beat faster, not in a dangerous way, but a loving way.

“I do these things because I care and worry about you. As much as you don’t want to show this heartbroken act, I’ll always be your shoulder to cry on.” You side-hugged him as you two were still in the car.

“Thank-you Y/N. I guess I need a girl to talk to, considering you’ll probably listen to me a lot more than the guys, and take it seriously.” He told you.

“Don’t worry about thanking me Johnny. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll end up married?” You joked, but who’s to say that wouldn’t be the case in the future?

[4stars-uswnt]

Livestream Revelations [Christen Press x Reader]

requested by anon: Can you do a cute Christen Press Quarantine type of imagine? There could never be enough Pressy to go around hahaha. Thank youuu

requested by anon: Could you please write a cute quarantine interview/livestream with christen?

A/N: i agree! there def could never be enough cp to around...gosh i love that woman. also, this was one of my favs, so i hope you all enjoy it too! lemme know what u think :)

“Hey guys.” You smile into the camera, as you lean your phone against your water bottle. “We’re extremely bored, so we decided to come on here and answer some questions.”

You look over to your girlfriend, encouraging her to say something.

“(Y/N) practically forced me to do this.” Christen rolls her eyes, hiding a grin.

You playfully push her shoulder, laughing. “Don’t even lie, Chris. You love interacting with the fans, plus you were bored out of your mind.”

At that, Christen can only smirk, knowing you were right.

The two of you had been dating for almost four years now and lived together in an apartment in Seattle during the offseason. When COVID first hit, before lockdown was enforced, Christen quickly got on the first flight from Utah, so that the two of you could quarantine together. Now, almost 5 months later, the two of you were going slightly insane. Although you loved spending time with each other, especially considering the NWSL season often separated you two, not being able to go out was causing you to go a little stir crazy.

“Alright,” you clap your hands and scroll through the incoming comments, “let’s see what kind of questions you guys have.”

“Oh, there’s one.” Christen squints, pointing to one of the recurring questions. “How did the two of you meet?”

“Oh, this is a funny story.” You chuckle. “Well, we met in college, and we actually met in our Philosophy class before we even met on the team.”

Before you can continue to tell the story, Christen interrupts you, her cheeks flushed. “Nooooo. Please don’t tell this story. It’s so embarrassing.”

“Awww,” You coo, pinching her cheeks, “it was adorable, babe.”

Your girlfriend pouts and crosses her arms, as you start again. “So, basically, our professor had assigned seats, but Ms. Press over here didn’t know that. So, I go to sit in my seat only to find that someone else was sitting there, and I say to her, ‘I think you’re in my seat,’ and she looks up at me and said… what did you say to me?” You look over at your blushing girlfriend with a teasing glint in your eye.

Christen covers her face with her hands and mumbles out something.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” You lean in closer.

The older forward removes her hands. “I said, ‘Your seat? This can be your seat if you give me your number.”

At that, you throw your head back and burst out laughing. Looking back at your phone, you see a flood of comments from many of your national team teammates.

“Ha! Megan said, ‘That doesn’t sound like the Pressy I know.’” You turn back to your girlfriend and poke her side. “Yeah, that was a pretty bold move for you.”

“I thought you were beautiful, and I didn’t know if I’d see you again, so I thought, why not?” Christen shrugs.

“Awwww, babe. You thought I was beautiful?” You give her a wet kiss on her cheek.

“You still are.” She grumbles, wiping her face. You feel your cheeks warm and your heart melt, and you give her a quick kiss.

“Love you.”

“Love you too.” Christen responds, before looking at the incoming questions. “Hmmm, okay, next question. Let’s see… oh, here’s one: (Y/N), what’s your favorite thing about me?”

“Is that really a question, or do you just want me to boost your ego?” You raise your eyebrow skeptically.

“It’s an actual question!” Christen insists, gesturing to the phone.

You breathe out a laugh. “Okay, uhhhhh, do you mean like favorite physical feature or favorite personality trait…?” You trail off, and Christen slaps your shoulder.

“Stop stalling!”

“Alright, alright.” You throw your hands up in innocence. “Well, I’ll just answer both. My favorite physical feature of my gorgeous girlfriend would have to be her smile. It literally just lights up my entire world and is just so infectious.”

As you answer, a wide smile breaks out on your girlfriend’s face.

“See what I mean.” You find yourself grinning, fondly admiring the woman you love. “And, my favorite personality trait of Christen would have to be… hmmm, this one is difficult because I just love everything about her.” You honestly admit.

“Aw, babe, I love you, too.” Christen’s face softens, and she pulls you in for a tender kiss. “But answer the question.”

“Ahhh, okay!” You chuckle. It takes you a couple of seconds to come up with a succinct answer, but you finally find the words to an answer. “I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite trait, but one thing that I appreciate about Christen is her huge heart. She is just so compassionate and caring for everyone around her, and she’s so selfless, just always giving. She has so much love in her heart, and I’m just so lucky that she’s shared some with me.”

Your voice cracks at the end, as you start getting a little emotional, and you can see Christen discreetly wiping her eyes.

Clearing your throat, you look back at the comments, and you smile, as the forward mouths an ‘I love you.’

By now, there are many comments from fans saying ‘They’re so cute!’ or ‘MY SHIP’ or even ‘my heart can’t take this.’ You scroll through them and spot a few from your teammates.

mrapinoe: This is so gay

mrapinoe: I love it

tobinheath: You guys are so cute!

ashlynharris24: Wow, who knew (Y/N) could be so romantic

kelleyohara: C’mon dude answer my question!!!!

You let out a small laugh at your best friend’s comment. “What’s your question, Kel?”

You and Christen wait a couple of seconds for the defender to type out her question. Amidst the hundreds comments, you finally see Kelley’s name pop up again. 

“Kelley says, ‘(Y/N), is it true that you had a crush on someone while at Stanford?’” Christen reads from the screen, before turning to glare at you.

You cringe under the scrutiny of your girlfriend. “Wow, Kel, are you trying to get me in trouble?” You mutter out.

“Answer the question, (Y/N).” Christen pushes, jealousy seeping through her voice. Throughout your time at Stanford, the two of you had been best friends, telling each other everything, but Christen had never been aware of any crush you’d had.

“Ummm… well there was this one girl that I really liked.” You trail off, avoiding your girlfriend’s eyes.

“Really?” Christen raises her eyebrow at you.

“Yeah, but I was too nervous to do anything about it.” You shrug, not wanting to elaborate anymore, but the forward wasn’t going to let you off the hook that easily.

“Who was it? Do I know her?”

“Chris, it’s not that big of a deal. This was like ten years ago.”

“Was it Ali? Morgan? Lea? Oh my gosh, was it Kelley?” Christen interrogates, as you shake your head to each of them.

“Ew, Chris, you think I had a crush on Kelley. She’s like my sister!” You gag at the mental image.

“Well, then who was it?” She wines.

“It was you.” You admit. Although the two of you met at Stanford, and Christen so boldly asked for your number, you hadn’t started dating until four years ago, as neither of you wanted to ruin your friendship.

“What?” Christen’s eyes widen.

“I had a huge crush on you when we were in college. From the moment that you were sitting in my seat, I knew you were the one, as cheesy as that sounds. And as we spent more time together, on and off the pitch, my feelings grew stronger and stronger, but I didn’t know if you felt the same, so I never told you. I didn’t want to lose you as a friend.” You reveal, rambling on.

“Seriously?” Christen whispers, and you nod.

“Dead serious, babe.”

Not knowing what to say, your girlfriend cups your face and brings you in for a sweet kiss.

Before the kiss could get too heated on camera, Christen pulls away. “By the way, I had a little crush on you in college as well.”

“Hm, really?” You smirk.

“Mhm.”

“Well, we ended up together in the end, didn’t we?” You brush a hair out of her face.

“Yup, I always had a feeling we would.” Christen playfully boasts.

“Okay there, Delphi.” You joke, as your girlfriend pushes you away, calling you a nerd.

“Well, alright you guys, I think that we’re gonna end this livestream right now because we’re not too bored anymore, or at least I found something else to do.” You wiggle your brows at Christen, smirking.

“(Y/N)!” Christen slaps your shoulder.

ashlynharris24: Get it (Y/N)!!!

alexmorgan13: Real smooth (Y/N/N)

allie_long_: 🔥🔥🥵

“See you all later!” You wave at the camera and end the stream.

After you shutting off your phone and tossing it on the couch, you turn to your girlfriend. “So now what?”

“Well, all of a sudden I’m not that bored, and I think we have some lost time to make up for.” Christen sings, looking over her shoulder, as she makes her way towards the bedroom. “You coming?”

“Gosh, I love you, Christen Press.” You grin, before scrambling off your chair and following your girlfriend into your bedroom.

[unmaskedagain]

Wolves don’t Party with Sheep

I got this request last week, and I thought it was a neat idea. Thanks @etsuko-99​ for sending me the ask.

When the Akuma alert sounded, most of the class had been at the end of year party at the park. They had been planning it for weeks and had been careful not to reveal its existence to the class problems aka Marinette, Chloe, and Nathaniel. The three had been has exiled from the rest of the call all year for their bullying of Lila and mean accusations that the girl was lying.

Class president? They voted to replace Marinette the first day of school.

Class picnics; the three weren’t invited.

Field trips; they got Bustier to exclude the three in the beginning of the year. Not that it mattered anyway; all the wonderful trips they had wanted to take had fallen through. They never had enough money to take it. And they never did the required paperwork.

Birthday parties; they weren’t invited to anyone’s in the class. No one went to Nathanial’s birthday party. Or Chloe’s. No one even bother to accept Marinette’s birthday party invitations, she mailed out a month ago. They even missed the required RSVP date on the front on purpose. The invitation was clear, if you don’t confirm your planned attendance, you can’t come. Then they told Marinette they were going to a party for Lila instead.

No one wanted the drama. No one wanted Lila to feel like she wasn’t welcome. And if the three found out, then maybe they should’ve been nicer.

Again, everyone from the class who was invited showed up apart from Adrien to Lila’s dismay. Alya assured the tearful girl that Adrien was probably just busy at a photoshoot, he’d be there if he could.

Lila had just stepped away from for a moment to take a call from Prince Ali when the Akuma alert sounded.

           It was a socialite hurt by the malicious lies her so-called friends said about each other by each other’s back decided that everyone should be forced to reveal what they really think. The Akuma was called Two-faced (As soon as Two-face from Gotham heard about the new villain, he contacted his lawyer; someone was getting sued.) Every time someone talked; the world would hear their inner voice say what they really thought about you.

“We should wait for Ladybug,” Alya said. “She’ll be here soon. Nino, turned down the music we don’t want to attract the Akuma’s attention.”

“You don’t kiss me enough,” Alya’s voice was suddenly heard throughout the party, though the girl’s mouth was shut. “You’re amazing. I love how much you dream. You’re a little naïve. We’re perfect for each other. But what’s a girl got to do to get to third base?”

           Nino blushed a scarlet red. There were snickers from the fellow students.

“Babe, a little awkward; maybe no one should talk.” Nino said. But as soon as his mouth closed. “I’ve already named all of our children.”

           The laughter that resulted from this laughter the couple paralyzed.

“This is so amazing,” Rose burst out. As soon as she stopped talking. “Juleka? Look at me! I have been flirting with you for three years. You know what I got for it? Nothing. Do you like me or not? You think you got it bad, Alya. I once showed up at her house drenched in rain, in a t-shirt, and Juleka didn’t bat an eye.  Stop complaining. At you got a boyfriend who wants to kiss you. All I got from Juleka was insecurities.”

           Juleka looked torn between wanted to die from embarrassment and looking utterly pleased with the situation.

           Alix snorted, “Still think it’s amazing.” She mocked. Her eyes widened when she realized she spoke. “Rose, you’re the definition of a ditzy of blond. I can’t believe we’re friends.” There were gasps. Rose looked at Alix with hurt eyes. “Honestly, I can’t believe your friends with me. You’re nice, girly, and super sweet. A freaking ray of sunshine. Everything I’m not. I love you for it. I kind of hate you too. You’re the daughter my wishes she had. I can’t stand you sometimes.”

“Ouch!” Kim said and gasped. His inner voice added. “This is way too serious for me. I should’ve just hung out with Ondine. And how is no one talking about how killer Max’s ass looks in those jeans?”

           The questions was met with blinks.

“Damn, I owe Luka ten bucks,” Juleka slipped out. She quickly covered her mouth but she couldn’t stop what came next. “Luka dislikes all of you. It’s why he left Kitty section. He’s thinks you’re all gullible idiots. He always told me to watch my back around you. After what happened with Marinette, I see why.”

           Mylene frowned. She thought Luka left the band because he didn’t have time for it anymore. “That’s really mean.”

“Truthfully, I saw it coming,” Mylene’s inner voice said. “What’s a guy like that doing in a band called Kitty Section? I mean really. But yeah, I totally called in it Kim being a little into Max. Like back in third grade. The Chloe thing was a massive attempt to hide his crush. I get it. Max can do better than a Neanderthal.”

“Hey!” Max glared. “Like you’re one to talk!”

“Have you seen Ivan,” Max’s inner voice hissed. “He’s a future UFC champion. You’re a future kindergarten teacher. Mylene, beauty, Ivan, beast. It only works out in Disney movies, honey. Besides at least Kim’s funny, and cool, and nice, and hot. Wow, I can’t believe he likes me. I’m a geek.”

           Kim grinned, “I like that you’re a geek.” His inner voice, “He’s thinks I’m hot. He think I’m hot. He thinks I’m hot. …I wonder if Nino would be cool with a joint wedding.”

“NO!” Nino and Alya yelled together. Their inner voice, “NO!”

           After that everyone was too scared to speak; scared of what they really thought be heard.

           That when Lila came back to the party. A happy grin on her face. “Sorry everyone, Prince Ali was insisting I attend his ball. I hope he’s isn’t going to purpose again.”

“You’re all a bunch morons,” Lila’s inner voice echoed through the park. “But useful ones. I’ve never even met Prince Ali.”

           Lila paled, “I didn’t say that!”

“Crap,” Her inner voice cried. “What the hell is going on? Do you know how hard it is to keep my stories straight? How hard I work to get these sheep to believe me? Well, not that hard. They’re idiots. I few grand tales and practically believe I shit gold.”

           The class stared at her horrified.

“It’s not me!” Lila stomped her foot.

Her inner voice cried out, “Don’t look at me like that. You’re the dumbasses who believed me. It’s your own fault. I only told you what you wanted to hear. Add a few tears and you did whatever I wanted.”

           Alya gasped, “Marinette was right.” Her inner voice, “What have I done. My blog is ruined. I’ll lose all my fans.”

           Lila fought not to glare, “Marinette’s a mean bully,” She whined. “Remember? She’s been so awful to me since I got here.”

“She called me out on my lies,” Lila’s inner voice snickered. “I warned her I’d get her back. I told her I’d take all her friends away. She should’ve believed me. You guys are idiots who believe everything I saw. Oh, Marinette picking on! Why doesn’t Marinette like me? Did I do something wrong? Waa! Waa! Now I’m here and she’s not. So there! I won!”

           Lila finally picked up one what was going on and covered her mouth. The class remained silent torn between wanting to scream at the girl and keep what they really thought secret.

           At that moment, Marinette, Nathaniel, Luka, Adrien, and Chloe strolled to through the park with ice cream cones in their hands and big smiles on their faces. They talked pleasantly with each other, stopping when they saw the party streamers and the class.

           Marinette didn’t blink twice, “Another class party?” She said sweetly. “Our invitations must have been lost.”

           Her inner voice was cold, “Doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t have come to your party if you paid me. Why do you think I put the deadline on the invites? I knew you’d pretend to forget to RSVP. I only invited you to my birthday party because my mom made me. Something about being nice or whatever.”

           The students of Bustier’s class reared back as if struck.

“It really pity you can’t come,” Chloe drawled. Her inner voice, “In addition to forgetting to RSVP, you must have forgotten that Marinette’s knows Jagged Stone and Clara Nightingale and a bunch of other celebrities; all of which are going to be at the party.”

“They’re having loads of fun here,” Adrien said brightly. “The party looks great.”

           His inner voice was a lot colder, “I told them! I told Marinette, Chloe, and Nathaniel every time you had this party, and every other party, a picnic, a guy’s night, a girl’s night, anything. I told them Alya was the one who got Bustier to not let them on the class trips. Why did you think I never showed up to any events? They’re my friend I showed them the group texts where you all did nothing but insult Marinette. You were bad friends. You trusted a perfect stranger over freaking Mariette Dupain-Cheng. That’s why I stopped returning your texts, Nino! Why I stopped returning all of your texts! We’re not friends anymore.”

           Mouths dropped. To his credit, Adrien let his ground and just sent a cold glare to his classmates.

“Mom saw the texts, Juleka,” Luka shook his head. “She’s disappointed in you.” His inner voice, “So am I. I couldn’t believe it at first. How could my own sister be so cruel? So vile. I know Lila didn’t get into your head. But I think feared did. You were scared these idiots in your class would turn on you too. You knew it was wrong treating Marinette the way you did but you did it anyway. I don’t recognize you anymore. I don’t even want to look at you right now.”

           Silent tears slipped down Juleka’s cheeks. Rose did her best to comfort the other girl.

“We should go,” Nathaniel told his friends. “There’s nothing for us here.” His inner voice, “Honestly you guys ditching us was the best thing that could ever happen. I have best friends now. Chloe, Adrien, and Marinette are literally the freaking best. I told them how much I liked Marc, and they listened. Chloe actually ended up locking in a supply closest but it all worked out. We’re dating now! I only got a little claustrophobic too.”

“You locked them in a closest?” Marinette pinched her nose. “That wasn’t the plan. It’s kidnapping.”

           Marinette’s inner monologue, “I’m not going to jail for you! Oh who am I kidding? Of course I’d go to jail for you. Better be for something cool.”

“It will be,” Chloe preened. Her inner voice, “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I’d pick you over all high-end couture in the world.”

“I’m not bailing you out for less than a felony,” Adrien chimed in with a smile. His inner voice, “Chances are I’m going to be right next to you.”

           Marinette rolled her eyes, “Nathaniel’s right. We have to get ready for our trip. And my party.” She said. Her inner voice. “Thank you Alya for getting pushover Bustier to remove us from the class trip. Now while you guys are headed to the amusement park. We’re going to Metropolis, and Gotham, and New York City. We’re going on the best trip of our entire life while you guys watch Kim puke up fifty chili dogs… Again.”

           Still the class was too scared to speak. Apart from Lila who glared angrily, “Oh please, like your birthday party will be any good?”

           The five looked at her and the class with smirks.

“Oh course not,” They chimed together. “It’ll be a small get together.”

“If you call a thousand people small,” Adrien’s inner voice said. “I still can’t believe Marinette has so many friends. People are coming from all over the world for her birthday. Prince Ali’s going. My dad’s going! And he barely remembered my birthday this year. Like what the fuck! How did Marinette become the favorite child? Fine, though, I stole her parents. Also her room.”

           Marinette side-eyed him. She knew had been finding more and more of Adrien’s stuff in her room. But she thought she was imagining things. Chloe did the same. Then the top bunk was always made. Again, she let it go. He slept over a lot. Chloe did too. Then he took over a drawer or two for some of this things. Again, not surprising. Chloe did the same; except she took over half of Marinette’s closet. Sometimes she’d come home and he’d be hanging out in her room playing video games. It was fine. Chloe tended to do the same; except for it was laying on Marinette’s bed on her phone.

           …Wait, what?

“Jagged Stone performing for his favorite niece Marinette,” Chloe inner voice sang. “Clara Nightingale’s performing. Luka’s singing. They both invited all the celebrities they knew. MDC’s party. Did you hear about that?” The class gasped in shock. “It’s trending literally everywhere. Marinette Dupain Cheng’s party. It’s practically a red carpet event now. By the way Adrien, Sabine and Tom like me best.”

           Again, Marinette had to side-eye her friends. Did they move in when she wasn’t looking? How did they move in? When did they move in? For god’s sake’ yesterday, she caught Chloe working behind the register while Marinette’s parents worked in back. She caught her dad teaching Adrien how to bake cookies and croissants.

“Peter Parker’s going,” Luka’s inner voice added on. “Marinette and him met each other at camp. And where Peter Parker goes, his parents follow. His parents: Tony Stark and Steve Roger ring any bells. And if Iron Man and Captain America’s going, the rest of the Avengers follow. They all RSVP’d.”

“Harry Styles,” Nathaniel’s inner voice repeated like six times. “If I wasn’t dating Marc, I’d go for it. Like, you have no idea; how much I’d go for it. Marc’s concerned. …He should be.”

           Marinette smiled as her inner voice spoke what she was always too nice to say, “You were terrible friends. You turned against me for basically no reason. You threw me away. You followed Lila Rossi, the world’s biggest liar, because she told you grand stories and promised you things and opportunities. I’m happy you’re not going to my birthday party. Because you’re going to miss the chance to meet all those celebrities Lila lied about knowing. The chance to talk shop and create connections with the rich and the famous and be famous yourselves; the real reasons you ditched me. Most of the guests don’t know. But that’s fine because I’ll have real friends at the party; and you won’t be among them. Because you’re not real friend. You’re mindless, gullible sheep. …And Adrien, Chloe, I swear to the all gods, if you think you can just take over my room, you got another thing coming!!”

           Both blonds didn’t bother to even pretend to look remotely shamed or scared. They just smirked.

           It was at that moment, the Akuma two-faced came crashing into the party. All the documents, those in the class and not, scattered off screaming. The five took that opportunity to transform.

           Ladybug, Chat Noir, Queen Bee, Viperion, and Renard Rouge came swinging to the scene.

           Alya couldn’t believe her eyes. She had been replaced. How could Ladybug just replace her? She didn’t even have the guts to tell Alya!

           Fury overcame her, “Ladybug!” The glasses-wearing screamed. Her inner voice, “Look at me. How could you do this? Why?”

           Ladybug looked at her teammates. They nodded her a: Go for it. Ladybug swung over the the reporter. “What, Alya?” Her inner voice, “Why are you bothering me now?”

“You replaced me,” Alya stomped her foot. “I’m the fox hero. Not that poser.” Her inner voice, “I’m a much better hero than he’ll ever be. I should’ve been made permanent. I should’ve been made an official partner of you and Chat Noir.”

           Ladybug glared, “You posted lies on your blog. You never fact checked. And my sources told me you frequently took part in bullying of three students.” Her inner voice, “You’re a bad journalist. Why did you think I stopped giving you interviews? All those lies you post from Lila Rossi about her, about me. You never even bothered to research anything. Then you ice’d out Marinette; the sole reason I even bothered to give you a chance. You and your classmates really hurt her and the other students. You were mean bullies. And you’re unworthy of being a hero.”

           Alya froze. “But, I, it’s not fair!” She cried. “I didn’t know Lila wasn’t telling the truth.” Her inner voice “Crap! I forgot you knew Marinette. She probably told you everything. Ugh, why does she always have to be right all the time? It’s so annoying. At least Lila was fun. Besides, Marinette never even bothered to offer let me meet any of her celebrity friends. Or even mentioned she knew them And that’s so not cool. What kind of girl does that to her bestie? If Marinette had just told me she knew them, I’d have never believed Lila.”            

           Ladybug just stared at Alya in disgust, “We’re done Miss Césaire.” Her inner voice, “Forever.” Then she was gone.

           When the Akuma was defeated, and Ladybug put everything back to the way it was. The students didn’t know what to say or do. Lila had taken the time to vanish form the party. The five continued they stroll through the park. Unfortunately, they had to walk past the class party again.

“Hey!” Nino called. “You guys can come join us if you want.”

“We’re really sorry,” Rose yelled.

           Juleka didn’t say anything just looked at her older brother with pitiful eyes.

           Alya rushed over, followed by the other students. “Girl, you were so right about Lila. She’s such a liar.” The classmates nodded. “I’m your bestie. I should’ve never forgot to RSVP for your party. If it’s not too late, I’d love to go. Maybe we can even join you on your trip overseas. I’d love to go the Daily Planet.”

“Yeah, me too!” Nino grinned.

“Count me,” Alix cheered and high-fived Kim.

           Marinette looked them up and down, “It’s too late. Far too late,” She told them. “To go to my party, to go on the trip, to get back into my good graces, to be friends again. We’re not friends. And we never will be again. None of you be celebrating my birthday with me.” She gave them a cold smirk. “Wolves don’t party with sheep.”