#Best Cleaners Online AU

[gnomeniche]

[hitting them with the humanization beam]

i know i’ve humanized them before but i wanted to actually make some cleaner and colored pics of them! also human/normal world au stuff beneath the cut if you want it (even tho these humanizations are not au-exclusive. i use them wherever i want).

yellow owns the house. roy, his rich, neglectful producer dad, let him have it to get him out of his hair.

he lets the other two live with him for free because he’s lonely. which would be a red flag from anyone who wasn’t as genuinely nice as yellow. he’s SO jazzed to have new friends but the other two are staying there because they are broke as hell. eventually they all end up friends anyway.

yellow is the youngest one and still in college (roy is paying for it), and the other two are around the same age and have been graduated for a few years now. red was a film major, duck was a business major (with extremely okay grades), and yellow is studying programming and struggling. not bc he’s bad at it! he just has unmedicated adhd, but that means he’s been there for a few years longer than he thinks he should have been. it frustrates him.

even though red and duck are graduated they are ALSO struggling. red wants to work on children’s television but he is Bad at networking because he can’t seem to do social scenarios correctly. duck is trying to get some kind of job but he’s bad at adapting to new situations so he can’t hold one down. don’t worry guys you’ll get there eventually. but right now red makes weird experimental youtube shorts and duck is trying to do something online as a side hustle. maybe he has a blog or something where he posts his very dramatic and very bad opinions. for 8000 a month he will stop. he almost gets into crypto except yellow and red slowly and patiently explain why it’s bad.

“what about the teachers?” lesley is a work friend of roy’s and used to own the house until he bought it off her. she shows up from time to time just to see how things are going and she always brings one of her weirdo friends with her and it always ends in disaster. but she herself gets along with the trio okay. maybe she just brings her weirdo friends over because she thinks it’s funny. she MIGHT be yellow’s biomom but she’ll never tell.

segueing into family situations from that. yellow never knew his mom and only had roy but has been very neglected by him; roy pays for whatever he needs, but he otherwise doesn’t care very much about his son or give any kind of love. red has a family but they don’t really like him and he knows the family business would crush his soul so he’s out on his own. duck didn’t know his parents and was a foster kid who just kind of aged out of the system.

duck ended up at the same high school as red one year and they used to smoke weed together after class. try and keep up maaaaate. red does not remember this but duck thinks this makes red his best friend. it is pure coincidence that they ended up as housemates. once red remembers this he is mortified that his embarrassing teen self might have been duck’s gay awakening.

they are all neurodivergent. yellow knows he’s autistic but doesn’t know he has adhd. red knows he’s probably neurodivergent but doesn’t want to get diagnosed bc he thinks what is the point at this point. duck thinks he’s neurotypical.

yellow is bi with transmasc swag (he/him). red is nonbinary (he/they) and likes men. duck is a cis man (he/him) but he’s also extremely gay.

edit 10/16: more au thoughts

edit 10/17: weird things yellow has done in his life

[pinerio]

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[angryschnauzer]

Jingle My Bells

Summary: Continuing my AU Rugby Teacher theme that was so brilliantly plot bunny’d by @feelmyroarrrr​, Henry finds himself bored at home having been put onto quarantine due to cases at the school he teaches at. With his school shutting early for the holidays, when his wife needs help at her school, she calls in his assistance for some festive fun... with some after hours fun for themselves too.

Pairing: AU Rugby Teacher Henry Cavill x Teacher Wife

Warnings: Bad Puns, NSFW, 18+, Established Relationship, Public/Risky Sex Workplace Sex, Henry dressed as Santa Claus (yes thats a warning in itself).

Gif by @littlefreya​ and used with her kind permission.

Previous Rugby Teacher Henry Ficlet.

Masterlist on AO3, and old fics can be found at @angryschnauzerwrites​. I don’t run a tag list.

Jingle My Bells

Henry was bored. Two weeks of quarantine after another faculty member had tested positive had meant he'd been confined to the house 24/7. Just as his test results had come back negative and his return to work for the last week of term had been scheduled, the high school had been notified that two students had come in contact with confirmed cases, so to cut their losses the board of governors had simply implemented end of term a week early.

And sure, Henry had done what he could to help keep himself busy; online gaming, World of Warcraft, hell; he'd even helped you mark homework for your primary school class. He cooked dinner for you so it was ready the moment you arrived home, and the house was the cleanest it'd ever been, but without you home with him he was just… bored.

"Just one more day, then its the end of term" you'd reassured him as you'd kissed him goodbye that morning, and he'd pulled you into his arms;

"Will you wear the elf outfit home tonight?"

"Oh, does someone have an elf kink?" You'd grinned and raised an eyebrow.

Henry lifted his hand to the little bells that were attached to your green knit dress;

"I kinda want to find out how i can make these jingle… i have some ideas…"

"Well you can fill my stockings after work, but i've got to go or i'll be late…" you pressed a kiss to his cheek; "Got to set up the area for Santa" 

With a groan your husband released you;

"Fine, but i want you to sit on my lap later"

-

Henry was standing at the fridge contemplating whether eating Babybell cheeses wrapped in Parma ham sandwiched between two slices of toast counted as lunch when his phone rang. Seeing your school's number on the display he was half curious and half worried, but visibly relaxed when he heard your voice;

"Hennn…." You purred

"Oh god… you only use that voice when you want something i won't like…"

"Are you free this afternoon?"

He sighed over dramatically;

"What do you need?"

"We need a Santa. The guy we booked was someone's grandad but he's been on the sherry and we had to send him home because he was slurring his speech and referred to the kids as 'crotch gobins'"

Henry let out a snort of laughter;

"I've met your class… some of them are…"

"Nevertheless… could you stand in? We've got the suit, and you've been quarantining for 3 weeks so are safe… pleeease…"

"Hmmmmnn"

"Hennn, please… i've got a thirty kids that still believe…"

Henry sighed;

"Okay… i'll be there in ten minutes"

“You’ll need to walk…there’s no space left in the staff car park”

He sighed;

“Okay, make it thirty minutes”

-

If there was an award for best/worst performance as Santa, Henry would have got it hands down. Putting on his best pantomime Brian Blessed voice, he'd Ho Ho Ho'd his way through the three youngest classes of wide eyed Little Ones that had thoroughly loved meeting Santa. When it had come to the older kids in the Junior years, generally 8 years old and above, he'd taken a different tactic, instead filing them out to the playground and if they could score a hoop through the Netball net, he'd deem them nice rather than naughty.

By the time hometime rolled around every single child had a smile on their face, excitedly rushing out to their parents waiting at the gate, pointing out Santa to their younger siblings sat in Pushchairs and Prams.

When you’d finally waved everyone off you made your way back to your classroom, the security door alert sounding as you entered the corridor, the hallways quiet where your colleagues had already packed up their stuff and left for the day. Henry trailed behind you, chattering away about what the kids had told him, shedding himself of the fake Santa beard and the scratchy jacket, leaving him wearing the hat, his plain black t-shirt, and the Santa trousers and boots. He flopped down into your chair as you busied yourself around the classroom, his feet up on your desk. 

Moving around him you stacked papers ready to be archived when he wrapped his hands around your waist and pulled you onto his lap;

“Come and sit on Santa’s knee”

Abandoning the papers you laughed as you settled on your husband's lap, turning to kiss him and the little bells on your dress jingled as you moved. The kiss went from chaste to needy in a matter of seconds, and you could feel Henry harden beneath your ass as you wriggled on his lap. His hand groped at your breasts through your dress as his lips started a trail along your chin and down your neck;

“Have you been naughty or nice this year?”

You wriggled on your lap;

“Oh I've been Naughty…”

Suddenly you were spinning as Henry fluidly moved to his feet, pushing you over your desk and stood behind you;

“Well i guess i’d better do something about that then” he pulled your dress up with a jingle of the bells attached and smoothed his hands over your ass, the green and white stripes of your tights framing your buttocks. With strong fingers he grasped the thin fabric and tugged, ripping a hole in them and letting out an appreciative grunt when he found you wearing a lace thong;

“You’ve been parading around in that little dress with this poor excuse for underwear beneath all day? You really have been a naughty girl” he purred in your ear as his fingers tugged the elastic aside.

You tried to move away, painfully aware of your location;

“Hen! We’re at school!”

“Shhh… the door alarm to the hallway will sound if anyone comes… so how about i make you cum before that happens, eh?”

His fingers had found your clit as he’d pushed his thumb into your velvet channel, and any further arguments were lost on your tongue as you sighed in pleasure;

“Hen, make it quick… the cleaners will be doing their rounds soon”

Looking over your shoulder you watched as Henry quickly shoved the Santa trousers and boxers down, his thick and meaty dick springing free where he was already rock hard and dripping with need;

“I’m gonna jingle your bells darling…” he positioned himself and quickly thrust in, making you gasp at the sudden stretch of it; “Gonna fill your stockings…”

“Tights” you corrected

“Same fucking thing” he grunted as he started to pound into you, the rhythmic thud of his efforts topped off with the delicate jingling of the bells on your dress. His hands moved and grabbed at your breasts, his breath hot and heavy against your ear as he filled you hard and fast from behind; “Want me to come down your chimney tonight?”

Grinning you turned your head;

“How about we save that for when we’re at home…?”

Henry paused, his eyes going wide when he realised you were agreeing to the one thing in your sex life you hadn’t tried yet, even after being married for a number of years and him dropping numerous hints;

“Really?”

“Well, i know you didn’t put it on your Christmas list but if a elf is gonna be naughty she might as well be naughty all the way…” you winked at him; “But you gotta hurry up now…”

With a grunt of determination he started to pound into you, one hand moving down your stomach and pushing between your legs, rubbing at your clit as he did his best to quickly bring you both to orgasm. Your moans started to get louder, and he clamped his other hand over your mouth as he started to feel you cuming, your body shaking and the loud thuds of his thrusts filling the room as your desk squeaked on the linoleum floor. With a grunt he thrust in deep and at the height of your orgasm you felt him flooding your womb with rope of his creamy seed, his massive hands pulling you to his chest as he buried his face in your neck whilst your cunt milked the last of his cum from his body. 

Breathless and glowing, you rested your head on Henry’s shoulder, your chest heaving before he carefully pulled out of you, pulling your underwear back into place as he tucked himself back into his boxers and Santa trousers. As you shimmied your dress back down you heard the thrumming of the floor polisher along the corridor, your eyes going wide before Henry turned you and rested his hands on your shoulders;

“C’mon, lets get home”

Taking a deep breath you smiled;

“Help be grab the last few bits then we can go”

Five minutes later you were stepping out of your classroom, Henry holding the large box of things you wanted to bring home for the holidays including your peace lily, pulling the door shut when you heard footsteps, turning to see the after hours cleaner;

“Night Mr Howell, have a good Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas Mrs Cavill…” he paused when he saw Henry standing next to you

“This is my Husband, he stood in as Santa today”

The old man nodded and smiled, carrying on with his mop as you walked in the opposite direction. Just as you got the security door you heard him starting to whistle, your eyes shooting up to meet Henry’s as you heard the tune;

‘Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way…’

Henry wrapped his free arm around your shoulders;

“C’mon my naughtly little Elf, i’ll drive you home” he grinned at you; “Then we can see about that chimney of yours…”

You clenched at the thought, your body already tingling at the thought of it. And hey, if you were going to let your husband finally fuck your ass, at least you had the entire school holidays to recover.

[aftgficrec]

2/2 @jayjfox asked: Anything like For He's A Jolly Good Felon? This one got me cry-laughing, so damn good! I'm dying to read more similar stuff.

We love gluupor’s fic, too! We’ve put our heads together to come up with some other fun pieces for you. - A

Also see:

funny fics here

petty rivals andreil here

Kevin & Neil as exy commentators here

fics like ‘The Dry Cleaner’ here

‘For He’s a Jolly Good Felon’ (referenced in the ask) here, and for a little extra fun try the new [Podfic] For He's A Jolly Good Felon by Aliteralgarbageheap

‘wingpeople’ here

‘countless’ here

‘Speed Dating 101’ here

‘stab me yourself u coward’ here

‘Friday Night Big Screen’ here

‘Two of a kind’ here

‘The Morning AUs Chapter 52: The Parent Trap AU’ here

‘Andrew takes Aaron's place’ and ‘They who made you/they made me too’ here

‘can i get a kiss (can you make it last forever)’ here

most likely to commit crimes by bazookajo94 [Rated T, 2434 Words, Complete, AFTG Winter Exchange 2020]

No one expected Andrew Minyard to show up to his ten year high school reunion, but they definitely didn't expect him to be trailed in seconds later by a handsome man with scars on his face and missing one whole foot.

tw: implied/referenced violence

Mis-Match by trispitas [Rated T, 1989 Words, Complete, 2021]

Neil Super Liked you

Send a Message

Keep Swiping

---

It’s a Match!

You and A. liked each other

Send a Message

Keep Swiping

---

Or the one where Dan, Matt, and Renee attempt to be online matchmakers (un)successfully?

His series by Jeni182 [Rated T, Collection, Updated 2019]

part 1: His [1104 Words]

Andrew gets hit on and Neil will not stand for this.

part 2: Possessive [1631 Words]

Andrew decides to play with Neil when someone hits on him.

nerve by jaylocked [Rated T, 2382 Words, Complete, 2016]

The first time it happens, Neil writes it off as the guy not noticing him.

The second time, the short, blond man stares directly at Neil as the elevator doors slide shut and makes absolutely no move to avert the situation.

Neil takes that as an open declaration of war.

tw: confined spaces 

AFTG Bingo 2k18: The Twinyard Card by exactly13percent [Rated T, Collection, Complete, 2018] 

Chapter 2: Pretend

College is difficult enough to navigate without Andrew playing games with Aaron's best friend.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Watching - A Stalker AU Writing Challenge

Shoutout to @angrythingstarlight @river-soul @navybrat817 @whisperlullaby @buckyownsmylife and a bunch of discord honeys for encouraging this. Since I’m not writing to much atm I decided to do another challenge and this one will be focused on stalking fics which can include dark!character(s) or dark!reader!

It’s really simple. Choose one Prompt and up to two Kinks and create a fabulous stalker au! The only requirements are:

send in your choices to me

a minimum of 500 words

warn/tag your post accordingly please and thank you

you can write for any mcu character as well as any of Chris Evans’ or Seb Stan’s other characters

tag me in your finished fic and tag as #stalkerchallengefic

please no bodily fluids, bestiality, underage, or incest.

Prompt

A mob boss is obsessed with a singer/dancer in the bar/club they own

A blind date isn’t as much of a stranger as they seem

A customer at a strip joint is in love with their fave performer

A boss spends their office hours watching over an employee

The protagonist discovers a blog devoted entirely to them

A writer turns their stories into reality

An ex leaves messages in an effort to win back their lover

A barista is unaware of a customer’s lingering eye

A student longs to be noticed by their favourite professor

A supernatural creature stalks their chosen mate/prey

Everyone knows about celebrity stalkers, but what happens when a celebrity is the stalker?

A personal assistant goes above and beyond for their client.

A photographer/artist grows obsessed with their muse

A fan introduces themselves to their idol at last

Your roommate isn’t who you thought they were

An assassin fails to complete their job when they grow obsessed with their target

The king’s eye wanders to his new chambermaid

A babysitter stays late not realising they aren’t the only adult in the house

A baker serves sweets to their favourite customer with a secret ingredient

The bartender serves up drinks to a regular, unaware of the true reason for their habit

A professor keeps an eye on their star student

A god watches the mortals below and is distracted

A pretend relationship is twisted into something more

A widow/widower tries to replace what they lost

A cleaner steals from their employer to fuel their secret fantasies

A neighbour watches from across the street

An online pen pal wants a real life meet-up

A teacher meets a parent who already knows who they are

A vacation can’t get you far enough from your admirer

The best man/bridesmaid wants to be more than that

Kinks:

Praise kink

Breath play

Anal sex

Blindfold

Bondage

Cage

Overstimulation

Cockwarming

Somnophilia

Exhibitionism

Forced pregnancy/breeding

Humiliation/degradation

Voyeurism

Cuckolding

Orgasm denial

Dom/sub

Cumplay

A/B/O

Roleplay

Creampie

Toys

Leash/collar

Branding/marking

Fisting

Plugs/training

Whipping/Caning/Punishment

[silvia7272]

Miraculess Ladybug Salt AU: You Always Liked To Play With Fire ~ Blossoming Friendships???

I really hope you’re all enjoying this new series; I honestly just came up with the idea on a dime, and then after I started developing it, I knew I needed to share it with all of my fans.

Also, when I actually get around to including more characters from the movie, it’s gonna be fun giving them some personality traits. I can’t wait.

And er-… I may have accidently messed up with some off the names. Since I changed most off the names already, I then decided to change them for Barbara and Olympia, however I had forgotten that I’d already written their names down in the story. Opps. I thought this would’ve been better since I think I saw some people complain about the United Hero’s super names, so I changed them, as well as if I’m going to add in going to Gotham into the mix and there’s already a character called Barbara, I just know I’ll get hella confused for who I’m talking about. I don’t want people to get confused but maybe I should make a post off the names I’ve already changed to begin with, just to defer from canon. Well, here it is.

My OC: Rosaniline Keyne-Hill was Rosina Scoats

Soliane Rin was Crisono Tassa

Canon Counterparts: Jace Keyne was Jessica Keyne

Aveon Keyne-Hill was Aeon Hill

Medusa was Uncanny Valley

(I kept Olympia the same)

Nebula was Majestia

Brianna was Barbara

Eostrix was Night Owl

So, I might just change them when I can be bothered to.

This fanfic and its ideas were all made before season 4 came out, so if something doesn’t add up please don’t worry. That information wasn’t available then, and unless it fits into my story or I like it, I won’t include it in my story. Also, that new Miraculous wiki can get lost, I’m not putting any of that new information in here if they couldn’t even put it in the show. (Also, so far, I do not care for season 4 whatsoever so yeah, I may not include any of that in this work and the other.)

Word Count: 9435

Tags: @vixen-uchiha​ if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged. I’m very sorry if I’ve missed anyone.

Well, I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Summary:

Note: This fic contains OOC scenes of Miraculous Ladybug as well as a ton of salt, so if you don't like that stuff you may scroll past and have a nice day.

In a world with no Miraculous, no Hawkmoth and no Ladybug, how does our little heroine do?

Well, it usually would be hanging out with her friends, as any other teenager would do...

But, of course, this wasn't normal.

This was reality. It was cold, hard and definitely not welcome.

So, when this girl wishes to have some kind of adventure in her boring, mundane life…

How long does it take for her to regret it?

***

Mlle Bustier had always believed her students were the best in the whole Collège.

In fact, she whole-heartedly believed that all her students could do no harm.

In her mind, they were at the peak of maturity, though they may be in their adolescence and had some seemingly petty dramas, they all prevailed to take whatever they wanted for themselves, when they saw opportunities, they rightfully took.

And Mlle Bustier only wanted the best for her students.

As much as Caline would never admit it to any of her work colleagues, she always knew her class was exceptional.

Kim, Alix, what with two of the sportiest people that were bound to succeed.

Max, A genius who was able to develop a fully functioning AI, when he was a teen no less. She could only imagine what other inventions her little Einstein could invent later on. The type of universities he’d get into, the job offers, oh the endless possibilities.

Ivan, Rose, Juleka, A lead vocalist, guitarist, and drummer in a popular rock band. Though she had heard there may have been a few mishaps in the band, she was sure they would be even better than before.

Mylène, A passionate environmentalist who only wanted to help the world become a cleaner place, and entered as many organisations as possible.

Nino, An inspiring DJ/filmmaker. She always wanted to help out by lending the classroom key afterschool, that way he could work on all of his works. Allowing everyone to take part even, it was truly one of her best rules.

Alya, A journalist's whose goal was to become bigger than Lois Lane.

Adrien, A model, the most famous teenage one by Parisian standards.

Chloé, The mayor's Daughter.

Sabrina, The head of police’s Daughter.

Nathaniel, an inspiring comic book artist that had gained a lot of attention online.

And Lila, a Daughter of an Italian diplomat.

Although she could admit to herself that not all of these aspirations were something that she could boast about, she could show off that all of her students had something they would work for or even show off.

And what did the others have?

Two weather girls and a writer? Caline would have to laugh, compare that with her class and you could clearly see who was at the top.

Although she hadn’t said a specific name for a reason.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng. The young fashion designer/baker’s girl.

For a while, that name had left a sour name in her mouth, whenever she had been forced to say it for the register, it only took her a few days for her to realise how much it annoyed her whenever said girl was late to her lesson. Honestly, did that girl not value punctuality? Nevermind in the workplace; what about her reputation as a teacher?

She was becoming a lot more reclused, gaining a disrespectful attitude towards her she had no recollection of when she had gained it, and became incredibly upset when she remembered every year on her birthday, the girl would give her a whole assortment of pastries and desserts.

Now, because she had somewhat highly encouraged her students to send gifts for a better grade, it was just a box of chocolates.

Just a small box of chocolates!?

How could she show off her gifts to the others now!?

And worst of all?

She refused to be the good little Class President anymore.

Her example?

Her Marinette off the world?

Did she not care about setting a good example? Or to be a role model to the class?

Really, to be so selfish, to all of her friends, how ungrateful.

She believed she had sorted this little problem when Chloé, in a fit off understandable jealousy, drew over her gift.

Marinette was unreasonably angry at the poor girl, and so Bustier had said how better it would be for her to rise up and become a beacon of light for Chloé instead of letting that hate and anger fester inside her.

To let go and help out everyone.

To not let your negative side take a hold of you and be positive around everyone in your vicinity.

After all, sharing and helping makes the world go round, and we do want to help the world, right?

She remembered those words she had spoken so fondly to her, as she was always someone anyone could come to for advice. It had always worked after all, after students were able to see the correct side, she’d be thanked which always left a small flutter of happiness around her.

Mendeleiev scared many students away, D’Argencourt with his eccentric personality, made students want to avoid being seen near him after lessons ended, and hardly anyone spent their time in the art club room.

Caline believed she was seen as a shining example of light by the other students, and knew she was seen as a Disney Princess by many, Rose had even called her that once.

However, getting back to the matter at hand, she was very pleased when Marinette had gone out of her way to make Chloé happy, of course, her attitude still remained mostly the same but Caline was smart enough to know it wouldn’t take one nice event to help the girl, so she was so proud when she carried on helping the poor girl out. Chloé was smiling more and even asking for a multitude of things from the blue-haired girl, and if she ever saw Marinette get unreasonably upset again, she’d send a very disappointing glare.

She knew being disappointed in students was a sure-fire way for them to do better and work harder, she knew how guilty her students would feel if they ever managed to get that gaze from their teacher, and… If the elder had done this a bit more on Marinette than anyone else… Well, she would just smile, telling them how much Marinette was able to accomplish, her trips for the class were so good, everyone was jealous. So, didn’t that seem good?

And even though she did see most of it going in the trash, she knew Chloé was just a little bit picky, she’d liked the interest in her, it was normal.

Her home life wasn’t something to be overlooked, she just knew the girl only wished for attention, and she was sure to be able to give it to her.

But then she… Stopped.

Caline had believed the girl had gotten wrongly impatient and told Marinette she shouldn’t be so extreme, but Marinette dared to fight back, against her?

She exclaimed that it wasn’t just Chloé anymore, how could she be expected to be nice to both her and Lila?

Bustier was confused, Lila? What did she have to do with this?

And so, the girl explained that she was just lying for attention, every breath that came out was just a lie. And she couldn’t stand it, she’d apparently turned her friends against her.

Now, normally, Bustier knew Marinette wouldn’t lie.

But, she also knew she couldn’t let this ‘lie’ be revealed.

It might harm her reputation.

She couldn’t have that happen.

So, she knew what she had to say.

That this was just girl drama that all teenagers had.

She couldn’t afford to let her empire fall so soon.

And for something like that.

The faces of the other teachers.

The gossip surrounding her.

“Looks like Caline’s not so good a teacher after all.”

No, she couldn’t bare it.

Who said a little white lie would hurt anyone?

In order to keep her class, exactly the same.

A few snips were made to maintain its image.

And if she had to snip her most prized student.

Then… So be it.

***

When she entered her classroom it was just like any other day.

Her students forming around a desk in the front of the room.

She always commended her students for such actions, she knew how sweet and silent the girl could be and loved how accommodating the class could be to her.

She couldn’t help the wondering gaze that looked upon the back row.

A certain seat was empty, but that was routine by now. And even though there was still 5 minutes till the bell, she still marked her late in her book.

Sometimes Caline had to think if at some points she had expected too much of this single girl… But only to remember that, no, in fact, when Marinette had a better attitude, she had expected too less. Back when she gained some confidence, she had always surpassed her expectations, her trips were the highlight off her job, her morning snacks were a welcomed surprise, her need to prove herself let her have as many responsibilities as possible, yes some were meant to be her own paperwork, but she’d never seen Marinette excel so much, it was a dream come true.

If she could just push her, just a little more… She was sure Marinette would go back to her obedient self, and it would make Bustier’s job a lot easier.

Although… The new student seemed like the perfect candidate as well, since Marinette may not follow her good example, she may be able to get a different example.

She could see just how sweet and pleasant the cherry haired girl was, she’d be perfect for the role. Sneaking a quick glance at the girl who was simply minding her business reading a book and keeping to herself. She did take note she had a bit of a limp for the past week, but didn’t bring it up just to not embarrass the girl in front of the whole class. She just knew if she was able to simply send her views her way, a new example would be made, hell she may even be able to have two if Rosaniline became such a good influence on Marinette she may even change again.

She also just knew Rosann would be good for Chloé, after all, they’d have so much to talk about, and coming from similar backgrounds she could make sure they could be paired together as much as possible.

Of course, only she knew about her family name, Monsieur Damocles had been informed by her residence that they’d prefer not to spread this information about, for it had been such a hinderance for her to make friends before.

Bustier frowned, she knew very well her students wouldn’t try to suck up to her, she almost felt insulted that she wouldn’t trust her students.

But the worst part was that she couldn’t brag about her new student to anyone, no one could find out or they’d all face some action from her Mother, she was very clear on that.

However Bustier tried to not let it bother her too much, after all she was sure she could give a gentle nudge in the right direction about trusting friends and not keeping secrets, to coax her out of her shell. She’d just have to be excruciatingly patient.

Clapping her hands was a symbol for them all to pay attention, she’d never raise her voice to them, not even a little, and she knew they would respect it and quieten down their chatter.

And just like that, the door opened to a fashionably late bluenette. Bustier would feign ignorance to the rather disappointing glares stares the girl was receiving, after all, she was giving one off her own.

She sheepishly walked to her seat just as the bell rang, honestly, she’d given her a lot of warnings before about her punctuality, did she really need to brief her Parents in about the situation?

“Well class, since all of you are here now, I can get on with the lesson” And so began her teaching.

It was fairly simple, she knew her students would be able to easily understand, after all, she knew they were the best, the smartest.

She had to explain the project they were bound to complete to a high standard, she just knew it was another to her list of student’s accomplishments she could brag about.

The project entailed 30% of coursework they must do in pairs in the span of 2 months. They could choose any topic so long as it followed the theme.

And this year’s theme was history, generally her students would groan at this topic, but considering they were able to decide on their personal preferences that should help encourage them to complete it to the best of their ability.

Plus, it helped towards their end of the year grade, and helped their teamwork skills. Of course, Mlle Bustier would always try to be as generous as she could, she wouldn’t remove marks from accidental mistakes unlike a purple haired teacher would, she just couldn’t bear to be so mean to them when she knew they were trying so hard to get all of their marks, she couldn’t punish them for that. Even if it was not necessarily the right thing to do, she couldn’t let there be any wrongful disappointment.

As long as they carried on being a great example, she could never fail them.

Besides everyone loved her projects, while having to be in pairs they always got to present it in any way they wanted, a science experiment, PowerPoint presentation to even a play, she was so very proud when Mylène did that play from last year, so impressive and she had gotten out of her shell. All she had to do was make them follow a simple rule before they could go all out. Her students loved the independence, and when they asked what type of ideas she had, she gleamed and expressed her own interest in the fairy tales. There was so much you could do with so many magical stories and elements, the possibilities were endless. She loved always talking about them in at least all of her lesson as she knew how many life lessons could come out of it.

And besides, in a sense, the other thing that made her the best teacher, she let them pick their own partners.

Of course, she had to make it seem like that.

It was always the same since kindergarten, everyone’s names would be placed in a bowl on a piece of paper, and one by one she’d pick a name up, when she read it out loud other people could raise their hands to ask to be their partner.

Normally it would be the first person to raise their hand, however, Caline wasn’t stupid, there were certain pairs she didn’t always want together.

Such as Alix and Kim, if it were a presentation about sports, she wouldn’t mind as much, knowing they would present a physical display of their athleticism… However, she knew if they were paired up for a slideshow presentation about let’s say, politics. She knew they would only start at the last minute, and include a very messily strown up slideshow. And with Marinette refusing to help out her classmates with even the simplest of matters, her hands were tied.

So, if they ever stuck their hand up for either of them, Bustier would wait to see who else would put their hand up, most of the time it was either Max or Nathaniel respectfully, and since they were all friends, no one had called her out for it.

And that’s how she got around it.

So, she started doing her routine, swirling her hand around the, she picked one up and began to read it aloud.

“Lila Rossi. And who would like to be her partner?” Immediately several hands shot up, bringing a smile on her face again, so many wanted to help this girl it filled her with pride and comfort.

And well, she always had to help by picking the most knowledgeable of students.

“Max, I believe I saw your hand up first” Some students moaned that they couldn’t be with Lila, but they knew that maybe next time they would get a shot.

“Ivan Bruel” Unsurprisingly Mylène’s hand shot up first followed by Juleka and Rose, now normally she wouldn’t let couples be together, but she couldn’t break them up, they did their work so well, so she let it slide.

Grabbing the next piece of paper Caline’s once bright smile, dropped as her eyes scanned over the name before sighing audibly, she didn’t need to hide it, everyone knew whose name it was.

.

.

.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng took a deep sigh.

As soon as Bustier told them about a presentation she was immediately filled with dread.

She could quite easily do it well, or at least get a well enough grade considering Bustier’s shady marking skills.

But her partners influence would be something she dreaded.

Best case scenario, they’ll be so repulsed to be in the same room with her that they’d work independently, and it would more or less seem like two separate presentations in one. Her grade was low.

Worst case scenario, she’d be subjected to either do it alone, or screamed about how much they don’t want to be near her. Her grade would be lowered.

Not theirs, hers.

Bustier would exclaim how she wanted the bluenette to rise above it all and forgive them, and until she was a better student in her eyes, she’d be punished for it.

It didn’t help that when her name was specifically called out, there would be a silence they’ll have to endure for what would seem like eternity.

It would either stop when someone so nobly sacrificed themselves to team up with her or Bustier would be forced to wait until the end for the last name to be picked out.

And she hated having to feel like this.

They were all friends, why did it have to be like this?

And well, just like this silence, it would last for a rather uncomfortable time, more than Marinette liked.

Her head rested on the desk, she at this point didn’t care about her appearance in front of the new girl. It had been a week already and at this point Marinette knew they’d be no point getting to know someone who was bound to abandon her.

It was a despairing truth she’d learn from experience, it was why no one hung around her, even from the other classes, they would be a target next.

Marinette couldn’t blame them, if the situations were reversed, she doubted she’d have enough courage to go out of her way to help.

So, she’d just sit, head on desk as time would pass.

.

.

-

“H-Hey! Why do you have your hand up, we told you how she was a bully, why would you want to be her partner!?”

???

Wait-

That wasn’t meant to happen.

Hesitantly, Marinette picked her head up, only to find her seatmate with an eager hand in the air.

She looked over to her face, a smile present as she glanced towards the teacher, waiting for her to say they would be paired together.

“I want to be Marinette’s partner, and I haven’t seen yet why I shouldn’t” Rosann’s head turned innocently to her classmates, she was radiating happiness as they stared in shock. A blond very much as he did want to be her partner when her name was called out, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

“Marinette! Did you threaten her as well, girl you’re unbelieva-”

“I’m afraid you are being mistaken Mlle Césaire, I wouldn’t willingly make a partnership with my enemy, now Mlle Bustier you may continue if you would please” Marinette gasped, she- she’d just put a target on her back. For her! This girl was crazy…

And yet, despite her cute appearance, she hadn’t seen someone look so confident and polite.

‘Wait did I say cute-’

Even though the girl had stated her answer, it wasn’t the answer the class was looking for.

“Mlle Bustier you can’t put their names down together” Someone protested. It sounded like Lila, she was always leading the class for this sort of thing.

“Yeah, put my name down for Rosaniline instead, we know she doesn’t mean it.” That was Alya.

“But I-” She felt guilty for the new girl, she really did, she would’ve warned her how you’ll never truly be able to say your opinion without everyone interfering or as she put it, butting in.

“She doesn’t know what’s she’s gotten herself into, the poor girl” Rose spoke, if Marinette wasn’t so used to it she’d flinch from the words Rose spoke about her.

What was bad, Rosann wasn’t able to speak.

What was worse, Bustier was very much considering it.

“I guess it would be for the best” Marinette couldn’t believe it. The one person who willingly decided to pair up with her, was being ignored to be partnered up with someone else.

Not that Marinette wanted them to be with someone else mind you, but it was their decision, why wasn’t she spared a thought and have people notice that maybe they didn’t have to decide for her?

What was crueller, was that Marinette found the one person that was on her side… Was the one person who was the first to make her clamper up.

“This is ridiculous absolutely ridiculous” Of all people, it had to be her to join in?

“How extremely hypocritical of you Mlle Bustier, if I couldn’t change my partner from the last project then neither does Dupain-Cheng in this one, isn’t this school meant to teach fairness. Well, the only fair thing I see is the fairly incompetent from this class” Of course the students didn’t take kindly to her words as Bustier sighed yet again.

She knew Chloé had a point, she’d tried to persuade Chloé to have a different partner than Sabrina a few times in previous projects, it would depend on the person, if Chloé didn’t mind, she’d moan but nothing else. If it was someone she didn’t like, she’d threaten to call the mayor, most of the times she wouldn’t considering out of all the teachers even Chloé would admit she liked Bustier the most, she’d never blame her for anything and she loved that about her, but she had a point none the less.

Besides, Bustier believed that maybe Rosaniline would prove to be a very good example to her previous one, and this could be a great place to start.

“Yes Chloé, I believe I understand now, it would be highly unfair if we didn’t let Rosaniline decide for herself” Marinette couldn’t help the somewhat annoyed glance she gave to the teacher for that comment.

“But Mlle-”

“No buts Alya, now why don’t we use the idea Chloé suggested?” The class all heard the snicker from Chloé, they couldn’t believe she could stoop so low like this.

And then it carried on like it had been, but Marinette couldn’t help but let her curiosity get the better of her and as the class was carrying on, Marinette swallowed the gulp that had formed in her throat and turned to the girl next to her.

“Err- Rosaniline?” She gently tapped the girl’s shoulder, she turned and showed she was listening.

“Yes?” Oh god Mari don’t lose confidence now.

“Why, why did you do that?” With that, she saw a smirk emerge from the girl.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious, but I am rather petty since I refuse to take the word of someone else before doing my own research” Oh. Somehow that wasn’t what she was expecting, but honestly it was better than pretending to care.

“Although… I should apologise, for how abrupt I was about it” Marinette widened her eyes, why- she didn’t do anything wrong?

“I would’ve preferred asking for your consent first, but seeing the opportunity I may have taken it rather quickly” She grasped one of her braids, a nervous habit maybe, Marinette couldn’t help but notice before giving her answer.

“N-No its fine, I-I don’t mind you being my partner, not like I’ve got anyone better- I mean- I didn’t mean it like that. I just- erm, I just. I’m glad you thought about me” If Marinette had been able to look past her hair, she would’ve noticed the small blush creep up on her cheeks.

“No problem”

***

Normally, a weekend would be extremely relaxing to the young designer.

She had as much time to sleep in, plus she started a late shift anyway, her Parents were the best when it came to that, since they knew how much trouble she had getting up on a school day, they knew they couldn’t ask her to get up early for work, especially since it was their workplace.

And she had completed other homework assignments a while ago, so surely there was no reason for why she should be pacing around in the living room so early for her.

Well, it may or may not have something to do with the new girl.

.

She really should stop calling her new girl, she gave her her name for god’s sake.

But she just felt so nervous.

She told her Parents about this new assignment, and how she actually volunteered to be her partner, and how Marinette in the spur of a moment offered to go to her place on Saturday to start it. And she couldn’t deny when she saw the relieved expression she had when she offered. But now…

She hadn’t had someone over in years, everyone else avoided this place like the plague, the Parents still came though, and although they were slightly informed of the situation, they also just believed it was teenage drama.

Her own Parents showed their own worry, they loved their girl, and they truly didn’t want her to ever be hurt like last time ever again, but they also knew if she never gave this girl a shot, she’d never know.

Was it better to know than to ponder it forever?

That was a phrase Marinette was all too familiar with. However, it still didn’t calm her nerves.

Her Parents had told her if she didn’t want Rosaniline to be around anymore, they’d be more than happy to just so happen have an event take place right at that moment that she would have to leave, even if Marinette hoped that wouldn’t happen.

So, as she continued to pace, she was able to see from her balcony the Parisians all around, her doorway was slightly ajar so she could hear the sound of birds chirping, cars passing, and a motorcycle coming to a stop.

The noise of a motorcycle made her come to a fond thought of her Nonna. She loved her very much, and her free spirit.

Whenever she came back from one of her grand trips, she’d always get Marinette some type of fabric that always made her determined to incorporate into some type of clothing.

It was somewhat why she always stayed in the path of fashion, not just because her Parents would be disappointed in seeing her so unmotivated, but because she still liked the challenge of turning fabric into something.

She giggled, besides that thing from last week, it was the only adventurous thing she had done.

The sound of steps interrupted her as she saw her Maman, she nodded before Marinette felt a slight drop in her stomach.

She was here, she just needed to calm down, it would be fine.

She’d just smile and brace for it.

Walking down the stairs to her bakery was the same as always, she could smell the fresh bread from the oven. She always appreciated this aspect, living in a bakery always meant the aroma was lovely.

Going through the door after her Maman she braced herself to see the ne- er, Rosaniline.

What she didn’t brace for was the little girl cuddling her leg as soon as she entered.

“Hi, my names Piper, can we go to your room now?” She had to compose herself so she wouldn’t fall over with the girl in tow, but she couldn’t help internally awwing at the little kids’ appearance.

Black hair tied back in a red bow, a pink leotard with a lighter coloured tutu skirt. And a short but worn-out blue cape. And to top it all off, sparkly pink shoes faded to orange.

“O-Oh, hi there.” She gave a little wave, still completely confused.

“I’m so sorry Mari, Piper was just too excited to meet you, I’m very sorry for the shock” She saw a concerned look coming from Rosaniline. She sure did fret a lot- ah, she knew she didn’t mean it as a bad thing she just, well, she was used to being quiet and observing.

“Its fine really, but how come you brought your… Sister here?” She was unsure if the guess was right but considering the nod from the other girl, she relaxed knowing she was right. And considering she had to ignore a comment made from her Parents about a nickname she was given, she could just ignore that.

“I’m so sorry for the late notice, it’s just, something came up and I couldn’t find anyone able to take care of her. I’m really sorry for not telling you before but I- I don’t have your phone number so I couldn’t tell you. Eheh. I promise she won’t cause any trouble. Right?” The smaller girl, now back at her Sister’s side, bounced and repeated yes several times.

She looked to her Parents, almost asking them if it was alright, this whole situation caught her slightly off guard, and she momentarily forgot the question was directed at her.

Luckily her Maman was ready.

“Of course its fine, my, your Sister is such a cutie. And what’s your name sweetie?” Her Mother crouched down to make eye level. The girl puffed her chest out before standing straight up.

“My name is Piper Keyne-Hill ma’am, and I am 6 years old” She held one hand up before she looked up.

“Did I do it right?” Rosaniline smiled before bending down to her level as well.

“Do you believe that is the right answer?” Her use of that caused attention to Piper’s hand as the little one looked back, she gasped before proudly extending another finger up.

“There you go” She ruffled her hair as Marinette saw her Mother continue talking with Piper.

And yet… She felt that dread from earlier flee away, seeing Rosaniline interacting with her Sister so fondly brought heat to her cheeks and inside. She just, felt so calm around her.

And that warm smile…

She, kinda wanted her to smile like that to her…

“Marinette?” That broke her out of her trance, she looked over at her Papa who had a confused look.

“Shouldn’t you two start working on the project?”

“Huh? Oh- oh yeah, yes of course the project… Eh, Rosaniline lets go, I’ve got some kid books to keep Piper company” She didn’t mind the weight on her arm, or the way her Parents smiled at her interactions with the cherry haired girl.

She just minded how heavy her heart was pounding for some reason.

.

Marinette never considered her room big, she always found it spacious, it might be due to her always misplacing at least something when she’s in a rush, but she knew where it would be.

Stepping over to her desk draw, she pulls out a bunch of child books, since Nadja always did spring a babysitting job on her, she figured there was no reason to place them somewhere that would be too much of a hassle to keep getting out. So, she kept them closer.

Turning back, she saw the two looking around her room, Piper held so much excitement as Rosaniline wore a smile.

“Woooooow, it’s so pink, Rosalee what type is it?” Tugging at her Sister’s cardigan the older girl smiled.

“There are many different types, so I doubt I know the exact one… But I’d say it was a coral pink” She pattered her head as she too looked over the room, a somewhat reminiscent expression as she takes it all in.

“Mari I’m so jealous, to be able to live in a bakery with all of those magnificent smells around every day, it must be like heaven” Marinette scratched her head, ok- this was all so different, no matter how much she wanted to go back to her usual self, there was always something holding her back. Almost like, if she fell in this trap again, she’d mess it up, before she could be comfortable.

There she goes again, over thinking the situation like before.

No wonder-

“Ahh- it’s a tiger, look look” Piper’s voice brought her out of it as she saw Piper sitting in Rosaniline’s legs.

“Mmhmmn, so, Mari should we get started?” Marinette could only nod before they pulled out some books to get started.

***

‘This was easier when I had to do it on my own’ The bluenette thought, now don’t get her wrong, they weren’t arguing or anything, they just couldn’t exactly agree on a subject together.

When Rosaniline suggested gory fairy tales, she had to physically force herself not to shudder, fortunately the girl opposite her said it was a mere jest, thinking it would’ve been funny to see the teachers face when they spoke about it, but maybe it would be too much.

Rosaniline even joked that they may not have anything in common at all, that did nothing to soothe the young girls’ nerves. She just knew this might not have been the best decision, if they couldn’t find a topic, she knew Bustier would blame her for it, and if Bustier blamed her no doubt the class would as well. And it would just be one more point for them as they’d slowly but surely turn Rosaniline away from her.

It’s not like she would be disappointed or anything, it’s just, she’d rather be right now than in the future with her hopes up.

But, it didn’t help that her feelings were so mixed about this. Why was it she wanted to get to know Rosaniline?

Knock knock.

“Girls, I think you’re due a break now, don’t you?” Marinette was relieved, surely after some food they’ll be able to come up with at least one idea.

“Yes, Mlle Dupain-Cheng, that would be lovely.”

“Now stop that, you can call me Sabine, aw such a polite child you are” She blushed as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Marinette dear, mind if you help me?” Her eyes were confused, her Maman would normally never ask for help, what was so different now?

But not wanting to cause a scene she nodded and proceeded to climb down, just as Piper was moving onto a different type of picture book.

Going over to the kitchen she saw that her Mother had prepared so much food it would’ve looked like a feast, but that was how she was, whenever guests came over you could see more food on a table than a table.

She hoped Rosaniline and Piper had an appetite.

“Is everything alright dear?” She felt her Maman’s hands on her shoulders, it was always reassuring that her Parents did so much to look out for her, even when she pretended to be just fine her Parents would give her time just to be by herself if she needed it and then be there if she wanted to talk.

“Yes Maman, she’s really nice… We just haven’t figured out what topic to do yet.” She laughed nervously as her Mother couldn’t help but give a somewhat serious expression.

“You know, if you at all feel uncomfortable, we can still make up an excuse-” She shook her head.

“No Maman its fine really, if anything we’ll just keep it to the school library… She’s- I don’t know, I can’t explain it, I just feel-”

“Relaxed?” Her Mother finished the sentence for her, she nodded as Sabine thought how glad this girl was making her feel.

“Alright, well then get back up there, you don’t want her thinking you abandoned her?” She nudged her cheek as Marinette pushed her hand gently. She gave her Mum a kiss on the cheek before making her way back up to her room.

She couldn’t explain the feeling much, it was like she was feeling peaceful, a smooth tranquillity around her.

It wasn’t a feeling she had around her older friends, it always seemed like whatever they did was rushed, no time to process it. Or they didn’t let her speak.

Rosaniline did, she let her speak, she listened to her, she made her- feel.

She didn’t want that feeling to go away.

“Piper- I know you like this book, but I don’t think you should be flicking through it.”

“But why? Marilee gave me these. And they look so pretty I want one.” The little one responded, she didn’t demand, she was raised better than that.

“Well, I don’t think she meant to give you this one.” She was confused, wait what book was it?

Her heart stopped as she saw a pink cover-

That- that was her commission book!

She was rushing too much to even notice that she’d given Piper that one book.

Oh god, she was going to see her secret, that she was starting her own commission blog, that she was MDC- that she could tell everyone at Collège Françoise Dupont, and it could ruin her career. That everyone could post lies about her, making nobody trust her and demand refunds, and maybe she’d get taken in by the police- be sent to jail and never have her dream job of-

“Mari? Hey, Mari can you hear me?” She felt warm hands wrap around her own. She could feel herself look up as silver concerned eyes looked back at hers.

She felt another tug at her skirt, looking down to see Piper with her own worried expression.

“Did I make Marilee upset?” It was a simple question that pulled at her heartstrings, she felt tears prickle at her eyes for her overthinking. But she didn’t mean for Piper to be upset, or for Rosaniline to be worried either.

There she went again, overthinking every little thing that she couldn’t account for, why did she have to be this way, why did she have to be so cynical and downright negative.

“Oh no, heavens no Piper, I just- er had something in my eye, yeah. You didn’t do anything Piper, I’m glad you like the books I gave you.” Piper smile grew as she proceeded to drag Marinette over to the books again.

She seemed to be putting on an act though, from what Rosaniline could see. She was panicking over something, why? She didn’t know, she did want to find out but didn’t want to push it. She had a habit of wanting to find out answers, it wasn’t a bad thing, she remembered her Mum say, it’s just sometimes she could be just a teeny bit insensitive about it.

Looking over the scene she saw her little Sister pointing excitedly at the pages of sketched clothing, her saying how much she loved them and all the colours that she used and said how the author was so creative.

Marinette laughed along, her tears faded as she enjoyed Piper’s enthusiasm, almost making a note to definitely make her something- and for Rosaniline of course, it’ll be weird to make it for one and not the other.

And then- an idea struck.

“I know, why don’t we do it about the history of fashion?” The dark-skinned girl spoke up. She saw two heads turn towards her as she grinned. Putting her hands together near her cheeks as she spiralled in her own thoughts.

“I’ve always wanted to learn more about it, to see the transformations going through all the ages. And this could be the perfect time. So, what do you think?” It was a question that seemed as if she could reject it, but it still felt like a trick.

What if she didn’t suggest this as a solution, but for convenience for herself, since now she knew she liked fashion and would make her do all the work, it’s not like it hadn’t happened before, so why did it hurt so much to have her do it?

Did she have any right to object, wouldn’t it seem like she was being way to fussy? They already saw her sketches before, so she couldn’t deny she was a good artist. But then what if the others thought it was her idea?

That she made Rosaniline chose this subject, and get told how selfish to have done so, a disappointing gaze from Bustier, a disapproving gaze from Adrien, she felt her chest tighten up again, oh god, she was overthinking again, why did she have to be like this?

“Hey- hey Mari, we don’t have to if you don’t want… I-er saw you liked videogames; we could always do it about that if you want?” But Mari felt so disappointed in herself, she was being so accommodating to her, why, why for her? She didn’t deserve this.

“B-But Marilee’s so good at drawing, she can really really really draw. I know you can do it.” Piper enthusiastically cheered, she would’ve smiled but couldn’t, not yet, she just had to think through it.

What could she do?

“Piper, not now” Rosaniline slightly scolded, she never liked doing it honestly, but besides her Mother she had the trademark glare that told her to pack it in.

Unfortunately, Piper never did look at her while she was in such an energetic mood.

What could she do?

“Rosalee she’s amazing, she’s the best in the world. Don’t do it about stupid video games.” She tried persuading her Sister to see some sense, in the short time that she had known Marilee, she was pretty much enarmed with her, she found another Sister that needed a confidence boost.

What. Could. She. Do!?

“Piper!- Look, sometimes not everyone wants to show their skills to other people, and we have to respect that, ok?” She crouched down to her level, kids felt less intimidated when you weren’t so tall, besides, Piper didn’t mean anything by it, she was always told to follow her heart, and if she was proud of something, she should show it off for the whole world to see.

What could-

Wait?

Could someone really be so accommodating? Could it really be true? Could all of this be true?

“Aww… Ok Rosalee, sorry Marilee” Piper hugged Marinette’s leg, and even though it felt like she was getting told off, she knew she wasn’t in real trouble.

Or was it a persona?

“I’ll do it.”

If this was a plan, a plan to make her do all the work, then she’ll go along with it. It felt so mean, so immature, so senseless that she still wasn’t trusting her, but she didn’t want to turn Rosaniline away without any evidence, besides, if this was all a trick, then surely it was better this way, she would’ve foreseen it and everything would go back to normal, she’d go off to join the class while she’d be alone once more, maybe they’ll have passing glances and memories of what could’ve been but she wouldn’t leave her here open and out to be in such a vulnerable position.

Not just for her, but for both, she didn’t know what would happen after another heartbreak.

“Huh?”

“I- I don’t mind if we do it about fashion, I mean, only if you want to, I don’t mind teaching you about it, I-I even had some books stored just for this, so I guess its lucky right” A nervous laughter evolved as she looked at anywhere but her.

However, the cherry haired girl wasn’t as convinced.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I guess little Piper just convinced me.” The little girl fist pumped to herself before running along back to her books before the bluenette felt soft hands on her shoulders.

“As long as you want to as well, I… Wouldn’t want to force you or anything” Quick, she had to ease the tension.

“-Psst- Don’t worry so much Rosaniline, c’mon I’ll see where I put those books, also how far do you wanna go back, if we go too far, we might not be able to cover everything. But if we go to a few years back our presentation would just be too small. Maybe we can just go halfway. That reminds me maybe we could have a physical element, I could throw together some pieces of old works together and show them of as we talk- or” Her shoulders were gently grabbed again as she looked at the close proximity she was in, it made her blush just a tad more than she thought she ever could.

“Maybe we could discuss that, over something to eat?” She quickly looked down and remembered the food on the ground, no doubt cold now. She felt guilt come in before seeing her passionate smile.

“Sorry, I just saw how passionate you were about this, I couldn’t bear to stop you, but then I got worried if you’d run out of air, Eheh. Think we can heat the food up?” She nodded, maybe it might be better to eat downstairs after all, now that Marinette knew what topic she- they were doing, they could crack on and complete it earlier than the deadline.

She’d have to get Rosaniline’s phone number of course, just in case they needed to discuss other things but that could wait.

Of course, it could wait.

She was just so happy in that moment, she- she may have really wanted to try and be her friend.

And maybe-

No- she just wanted to continue to be near her, to hold her hand when she’s upset, to help her when she’s had a bad day.

To be… Closer to her, to that warmth.

… Was it selfish of her to want to be near that warmth for longer?

***

Night had fallen upon Paris, but the lone girl on her balcony didn’t mind at all.

Ever since that day, a part of her wished something else would happen.

No- she didn’t want the hero to be hurt again, that’s by far too sadistic to even think about… But she was really excited by all of those events, when she was able to get a breather, there was a rush of adrenaline throwing through her veins, and even if she did want something else to happen, she’d prefer to be out here just to see if she could get a glimpse of the hero again.

It had been a week since it happened, and Marinette could only guess she must have been resting from her… Fight? Was that the right word? Oh well, she must’ve been resting since she hadn’t heard anything about her from the news for a while, she could only hope her wound would heal by professionals instead of her shoddy work. But- she had to realise that she had to hope for the hero’s survival.

For Soliane Rin’s survival.

… She may have read a bit more into her- but it was only out of curiosity, she wasn’t going to gain another obsessive crush over someone famous again, nope, nada, she wasn’t going to fall for those really amazing silver eyes the press had made sure to call grey, but she was sure they were silver.

Wait, no it wasn’t like she looked at them for particularly long or anything, she definitely didn’t get lost in them, she saw a poster of them! Ah- this wasn’t helping. She needed to change the subject immediately!

Clang.

She jumped up instantly, her commissions book that was resting on her lap was now flying through the air! Oh no, she was going to lose everything, crap! Her designs!

A figure, however, flew up to catch them before landing in front of the startled girl.

“I believe these books were trying to plan their escape from you mi Belle” It was her; it really was her! She was-

“You’re alright” Her happiness took over her before she could even register that she had leapt into the arms of the hero of Paris.

She was going to regret this so much.

With her cheeks rosying so much, she jumped back until she fell back onto her chair, apology after apology escaping the girl not daring to look at her face.

‘How embarrassing, how inappropriate, how childish. Why did she have to make a fool out of herself now? In front of the new hero no less? Again!’

“There’s no need for any embarrassment, I was unaware I’d caused you such panic over my recovery, if I’d known you were worried, I would’ve visited a lot sooner.” Ah- she was always so formal with her choice of words. It was great, she was great- wait what?

“But I- didn’t realise you’d wish to see me after my blunder from last time.” That made her perk up, what… What was she talking about?

Soliane’s gaze seemed to be fixated on the ground as she looked so- so frustrated with herself. Why?

“To have failed on the first day as a hero, to have troubled a civilian with help. I can’t thank you enough to have woken you at such a godly hour just for my sake” She bowed her head forward as Marinette couldn’t help but try to make her stop.

“It’s nothing really, I mean I’m sure anyone else would help out a hero like you. I-I mean maybe not everyone else since there are some bad people but I’m sure most will. Not that you don’t need it, I mean you do- don’t I- I’m sorry I’m rambling again” Soliane Rin didn’t appear to hear her as she carried on with her tirade.

“But to not even know who it was that harmed me. I-I don’t deserve to have my title as a hero.” Why? Why was she saying this? She- no she couldn’t be serious.

But that look made it all the more real, she’d seen it so much. Every time she ever looked in the mirror after crying for so long, regret, disappointment, anything and everything negative flashed through her mind and she could tell, see everything, all of it.

And knew it broke her, would break her.

Marinette knew she didn’t have any powers.

She couldn’t shoot lasers from her eyes.

She couldn’t fly.

She couldn’t control objects through her mind.

But- how Mother always said she had a talent for one thing.

Empathy.

She could be so understanding when her mind was so calm, when she wasn’t worrying about what others were thinking of her, when she could see, truly see inside their heart, all of their feelings out on display, and helping them, by being there for them.

For knowing exactly what to say…

It- may not always work, but no superhero comes out of every battle unscathed.

“Please stop” She looked up, but it was still such a pitying look. She could see through her smile, but it felt as if she wasn’t even trying to hide it, like there was no use concealing it.

“You can’t keep blaming yourself for a mistake like that, it’s not fair to you- or to me. Yes, I was scared when I saw you injured, but I’m so glad that you’re here now. You’re still standing. You still want to continue even when you were hurt. I’ve seen just how strong you are, how confident you can be when the world tried to throw its worse at you.” She stepped closer to her, having gotten up from her fallen position.

“So please don’t give up for one mistake,”

She stepped closer…

“Don’t give up when I know you have the strength in you to persist.” She wrapped her arms around her again, and this time she wasn’t so embarrassed about doing it.

She was crying…

She tried to use those words for someone else.

It hadn’t worked… So, she had to believe in anything and everything for it to succeed now, for her.

“You risk your life every day, and yet you never ask for anything. I want to thank you for all that you’ve done, on behalf of Paris, no, the whole world. You’re a real hero Soliane Rin. Please don’t doubt that.” She hugged a bit tighter; she hadn’t meant to get so emotional on her, but maybe that emotion wasn’t just for her.

.

.

It was silent.

Too silent.

Marinette had to hold her breath in anticipation, did- did she go too far? Did she overstep her boundaries again? Did she-

“Ah I see. Thank you, I-I mean, I appreciate your gratitude Marinette” When she looked back, she could see her cheeks were red, she could see her silver eyes look back at her before seeing her own cheeks reddening as well- wait, she was so close! Again!

She jumped back again, not falling this time, thanking the heavens that she wasn’t making a fool out herself as much as usual.

“I must commend your stubbornness my dear. I- I hadn’t imagined you’d have a positive opinion of me after that, I must apologise for making such a rash assumption about you, and for- eh snapping me out of that. I’m thankful to have met such a kind and respectable hero like you.” She bowed her head again as Marinette had to comprehend what had just happened.

It felt awkward, Soliane Rin was blushing a lot, Marinette was blushing like crazy as well.

“Me a hero, what no way. You’re just joking, don’t tell me you hit your head too?” She waved her hands in front of her. She recalled how clumsy she was, how often she’d trip on the stairs to Collège or even when she dropped her tray of pastries on the floor, that one was particularly embarrassing.

However, she was too late to see that Soliane had stopped her smile as Marinette began to panic again.

“No! I didn’t mean hit your head I meant did you crack it- no check it- no I mean, how can I ever be a hero to anything, I’m just me, Marinette. I don’t have any superpowers or anything I’m just an ordinary girl ehehehe” She felt her hand taken by the hero again, her heart stopping for a moment before jumping to x2, she couldn’t believe she was holding her hand again.

“Just because I wear a mask and costume doesn’t make me a hero. It’s my ideals and thoughts for the people. Marinette, you may not have powers, or a hero name. But you can be a hero still. After all, All that is needed for the prevail of malevolence is that individuals concede defeat.” Marinette was shocked, she just- wow, that was cool. And… So sweet. To say that, about anyone, about her. Even if she didn’t fully believe it at first, she’d be sure to keep those words very close to her heart.

The bluenette smiled back, before they both looked over her balcony and over Paris, they share a moment just looking out, the silence was comforting to them as some time passed.

There was a question that may have crossed her mind at one point, she felt guilty for taking so much time out of her day- night- schedule? Oh well, she had to ask just one little thing.

Marinette fiddling with her fingers, she took a deep breath.

“S-So do you have to do a patrol or-” Soliane looked up surprised before checking something around her wrist, she laughed nervously before turning back.

“Huh- oh yes, unfortunately I won’t be able to stay longer, however it would be even more unbefitting of me to avoid my job any further” She wanted to deny what she said was true, but saw her giggle so slightly, knowing it was a small joke, she lightened up as Soliane Rin bows again and flies off from her balcony railings bidding her adieu.

With her hand resting where her heart was beating, faster than usual, faster then whenever she was late for class. Faster than-

Oh

Oh

Oh no.

No no no! Not again, how did she not realise it sooner?

How!?

This familiar feeling.

Why did it come back?

And why did she want it to stay!?

***

I hope you enjoyed it.

Anyway, I’m willing to take a bunch off prompts for Rosann and Mari on date nights/doing couple things, whether you want some added salt from the class is up to each requester, I may turn a few away if I either feel uncomfortable or simply not able to write it, these prompts will come out randomly, I have no structure to anything. To submit, I’ll allow for the idea to be within any time frame, i.e. when they first meet, to being friends, to being a couple. I do love angst although I’ll be unsure how to make it work when it should be a ton off fluff stuff. If you have any questions don’t feel afraid to ask, I might have to clarify some points. I’ll be ordering the prompts, and stating when they come in the main story, what you would’ve need to have read before, if it contained any spoilers for certain chapters and any trigger warnings, although you may need to state what might be triggering as sometimes, I too get confused on what I need to state, if anyone can do that then that’s alright.)

Even though I like a Saltinette, sometimes I still wanna see a different perspective of her, an anxious, guilt-ridden, cautious, mess like this version. I just think it’ll be interesting to basically rewrite Marinette’s character. Instead of this sassy overconfident one in most fanfic’s I’ve now changed the status quo. Haha.

And I believe I’ve taken a somewhat realistic approach to Marinette trying to trust someone else, I didn’t want to just rush into it. However, I do think it’s a bit different with Soliane Rin because she is a hero, and I think Marinette could trust her a lot easier than Rosaniline.

Also did you know that Majestia’s quote was a straight rip off of Edmund Burke’s?

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.

Yeah...

Cya next time.

Note: Please tell me if I should add anything else to the card, there will be one of these cards for all 15 chapters, however, because I have uni work all updates will be slower because I really need to focus on the uni stuff, then I might be able to upload quicker. They also may change in the future because I can never stop adding stuff.

[crystalstar8]

Knights of the Night (ch 15)

Chapter 15

Ch 1, ch 2, ch 3, ch 4, ch 5, ch 6, ch 7, ch 8, ch 9, ch 10, ch 11, ch 12, ch 13, ch 14, ch 15

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29139240/chapters/71536491

pairing: Jungkook x oc

genre: vampire au, college au, twilight, romance

word count: 2,459

warnings: blood (obviously), kidnapping, child kidnapping, needles, France

notes: vampires, vampire au, college, college au, so many twilight references, blood, needles, kidnapping, children, homelessness, dance, ballet, flashbacks, romance, slow burn, probably no smut, idk yet tho, France, French things, attempted genocide, inaccurate French history, bisexual main character, @strawberriewithchocolate-blog @mozy-j  @daechwitad-2​ @zobadak​ @fallenstar-7​​​

summary: Catalina starts college in a small town all the way across the country. She doesn’t know anyone and isn’t exactly looking for friends. She just wants to focus on dance. But when she meets fellow dance major, Jimin, and adventurous, fellow freshman, Jungkook, Catalina ends up discovering a whole new side to the small college town; one that is dangerous but oh so enticing…

              Catalina was nervous. She had changed her outfit almost ten times and was already pulling a sweater out of her closet for an eleventh. She eyed her suitcase in the corner of her room. No, don’t open it, you’ll have to repack, she told herself. Her phone buzzed from her bed. It was a text from Jungkook.

JK: I’m on my way

              “Shit,” Catalina mumbled. She looked between the sweater in her hand and the one laying on the floor. The one in her hand was a bit nicer so she pulled that one on. She tucked it into her skirt, then slipped into her ankle boot heels. As she was checking her hair and makeup in the bathroom mirror for the last time, she heard her front door open. Rounding the corner, she saw Jungkook standing in the hallway, tapping the snow off his boots on the rug. Catalina grabbed her coat.

              “You look so cute!” he said as she came over for a hug.

              “I always look cute, what are you talking about?” she said. He grinned, his nose scrunching up and his eyes turning to crescents. He looked good too, in a turtleneck under his peacoat. It was amusing to her, knowing that he still had a few lingering marks on his neck. They had both dealt with enough teasing from their friends over the past few days, they definitely didn’t need Jungkook’s family on that train as well.

              “Ready to go?” he asked. Catalina nodded and followed him out the door, locking up behind her.

              The car ride was short, only a minute or two since they lived a block away from each other. There were two other cars in the driveway, which Jungkook parked behind. As they got out of the car, Jungkook said, “So, my brother is kind of annoying. Just warning you. He’s in law school and he’s a bit of an asshole about it.”

              “Be an asshole about your film major right back to him,” said Catalina, making him laugh.

              “Easy,” he said. “I’ll just start talking about my favorite directors and artsy films.”

              His house was warm and inviting, as it always was, but today, it was cleaner than Catalina’s seen it in a long time. Maybe ever. A small Christmas tree stood in the corner, decorated with mismatched bulbs and ornaments.

              Jungkook’s mom came out of the kitchen, pulling oven mitts off her hands. She saw Catalina and her eyes lit up.

              “Catalina! It’s so good to see you!” she said, pulling her into a hug. “I’m glad you could make it.”

              “Yeah, me too!” Catalina said. “I never get to see you guys, so I’m glad to be able to spend some time with you all.”

              “Of course, you’re always welcome,” she said. “My husband and I are always so busy with work, I feel bad. Anyway, come into the kitchen. The food’s almost ready. Jungkook, go help set the table.”

               Dinner was beautiful, and Catalina had fun listening to Jungkook’s family try to embarrass him by sharing childhood stories. He wasn’t embarrassed though, always laughing with the table and sharing his own details about the experiences. It sounded like the family hiked and camped a lot while the boys were growing up, so there were plenty of adventure stories to go along with that. Catalina asked about his parent’s jobs and they told her about what they do at the hospital during their overnight shifts. They were both nurses, but they also did volunteer work every chance they got. Jungkook’s brother was indeed a bit of an asshole about being a law student, but Jungkook cracked everyone up by talking about his favorite film, “Persepolis”, pronouncing it “Pear-say-po-li”.

               Catalina had a great time, but she didn’t stay too late since her and Jungkook had a flight to catch in the morning. Jungkook dropped her off at home that night, kissing her softly in the car before she got out.

               “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

               “I can’t wait,” she said, pecking his lips once more before getting out of the car. “I love you.”

               “I love you too,” he said.

               It feels so good to say that, Catalina thought as she took the stairs to her apartment.

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

               The airport was crowded with people rushing to travel for the holidays. Catalina was thrumming with excitement. She hadn’t seen her mom since before her first semester. She had never lived away from her home before, never away from her mom for so long. She couldn’t wait to see her, and to introduce Jungkook to her. They found their flight easily enough in the giant building, and soon enough, they were in the air, en route to Detroit.

               Catalina’s mom was waiting for them at the airport when they landed. As soon as Catalina exited the gates, she ran, giving her mom a long hug.

               “Oooh, dios mio, how I’ve missed you!” her mom said, holding her tight.

               “I missed you too, mom,” said Catalina. She pulled away and looked over at Jungkook. “Mom, this is my boyfriend, Jungkook.”

               “What a cutie you are!” her mother said as she gave Jungkook a hug as well. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

               “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Diaz,” said Jungkook.

               “Ms. Diaz. Or you can just call me Lucía. Come, lets go home,” she said. “This place is too crowded.”

               Catalina sat in the passenger seat of her mom’s car on the way home. It wasn’t a long drive, their house was just outside of the city. During the drive, she wondered if she should reach out to her old friends. They had never once texted or checked up on her while she was away, so maybe it was best to leave them behind.

               The house looked exactly the same as when she last saw it and it gave her a sense of comfort to come back to the familiarity. After Catalina and Jungkook got settled into her old room, her mom called them downstairs to help bake cookies. While baking, Catalina and Jungkook told her all about their classes and professors. After the cookies came out, they had fun decorating them in weird and interesting ways. Jungkook decorated a gingerbread man with red eyes and fangs, which Catalina took a picture of to send to their friends.

               Later in the evening,  Lucía took them all out to dinner at a nice place in downtown Detroit. The restaurant was beautiful; bistro lights dripped from the ceiling, branching out from the twisting paper tree in the center of the dining room. Over dinner, Catalina told her mother about her friends in California, and about their trip to the lodge. Her and Jungkook left out the parts about their friends being vampires.

               “I want to know how the two of you got together,” said Lucía. “She didn’t date much in high school, so this is so exciting to me.”

               “I had a girlfriend in my senior year,” Catalina mumbled. Lucia waved a hand.

               “That doesn’t count,” she said. Catalina glanced at Jungkook, who was frowning after hearing this exchange. Catalina put a hand on his knee under the table and decided not to argue.

               “Well, we met in our French class,” Catalina started. “We became friends and we hung out a lot for the first few months of the semester. I mean, I never really knew I had a crush on him at first, I knew he was attractive, but I only saw him as a friend. Then one day, he kissed me, and we’ve been an item ever since.”

                Lucía had a hand over her heart as she listened.

               “That’s so sweet,” she said. “You two are a beautiful couple and I can see you’re so happy with each other. I’m just…so relieved that you found a nice boy and-“

               “Mom,” Catalina interrupted.

               “I just didn’t want you to fall back into those high school phases you were in,” she said. “I was so worried I would lose you to the wrong kind of people. There’s so many influences online these days and I just wanted you to be successful in life. That kind of lifestyle comes with drugs and-“

               “I’m gonna go to the restroom,” Jungkook said, standing up and giving her shoulder a squeeze.

               “Mom, stop it,” Catalina said. As soon as Jungkook was out of sight, she said, “My boyfriend is bisexual too. And so are some of my other friends at school. They’re all amazing people and I would do anything for them. I don’t like when you say things like this.”

               “Catalina, you know I love you no matter what,” her mother said. “I just want the best for you.”

               “It’s not something anyone can control,” Catalina said. “Whether I fall in love with a man or a woman, I’ve always hoped you could be happy for me no matter what.”

               “I am happy for you,”  Lucía said, reaching over to take Catalina’s hand. “You’re following your dream and you seem so happy with your life right now. I think I need to get used to the idea of my daughter being bisexual, there’s just so many bad connotations that come with that community. At least from when I was growing up.”

               “Things are different now,” Catalina said.

               “I know, I know,”  Lucía said. “I think I just need to get used to this. At the end of the day, I just want you to be safe and happy. I think a man would be able to provide for you better later in life.”

               “You of all people should know that’s not true,” Catalina said. “You raised me alone, and we were always pretty well off.”

                Lucía raised her eyebrows and shrugged. “You got me there.”

               Catalina giggled and squeezed her mom’s hand.

               “I love you, cariña,”  Lucía said. “Just remember that.”

               “I love you too, mom,” said Catalina.

               Jungkook came back and Catalina took his hand as soon as he sat down.

               “I’m sorry if what I said earlier was offensive,”  Lucía said to him.

               “It’s okay,” Jungkook said, flashing a smile.

               “I’m trying, it was just so different when I was young,” she said.

               “It’s really okay,” Jungkook said with a chuckle. “This sounds exactly like the conversation I had with my own mom when I was sixteen.”

                Lucía laughed and the conversation turned to the topic of Jungkook’s family. Dinner went on peacefully. Catalina was glad she got this conversation off her chest. She had been struggling with that topic ever since she came out in high school. It really sounded like her mother was trying to understand, and Catalina couldn’t be more grateful.

               The next day was Christmas Eve. Catalina and Jungkook took a day trip to Frankenmuth, which, as soon as they arrived, they realized was a bad idea. Frankenmuth was packed with people, but the pair still managed to have a good time. They ate dinner at the Bavarian Inn and took a carriage ride around the town. They walked the underground mall and the outdoor shops, but only bought gifts for Lucía, since everything was terribly overpriced. They didn’t even shop for each other, since they both confessed they had already bought each other Christmas gifts a long time ago. Snow covered the ground and everything was wrapped in Christmas lights in the little town. Just walking through the beautiful scenery hand in hand with Jungkook was wonderful. 

               They returned home late that evening, wrapping their gifts in Catalina’s room and going to bed afterwards.

               Christmas morning was pleasant;  Lucía cooked them a big breakfast, then they opened gifts in the living room. Catalina had two gifts from her mom. The first one was a Visa gift card and a heartfelt letter. The second gift was a quilt. Each patch depicted a different cat from t-shirts, towels and linens.

               “You’re grandmother started making this before she passed away,”  Lucía said. “You remember her nickname for you?”

               “Gatita,” Catalina said, tears prickling her eyes.

               “I found it just recently and I decided to finish it for you,”  Lucía said. “Just something to remember her by, something your children can use.”

               Catalina felt a tear run down her cheek. She wiped it away and got up to hug her mom.

               “This is wonderful,” said Catalina. “I love it so much.”

               “I’m glad you like it, cariña,” her mom said, hugging her back tight. “I know I don’t have a lot for you, like when you were a kid, but I didn’t want you to have to lug a bunch of stuff back to California with you.”

               “No mom, it’s perfect,” she said. “This is perfect.”

                Lucía then opened Catalina’s gift, which was a silver bracelet from Frankenmuth. Jungkook had gotten her a handmade scarf and hat set, and she had given him another Visa gift card.

               At some point during the day, Catalina made sure to find time for herself and Jungkook. Lucía went to pick up groceries in the afternoon, which was when Catalina took the opportunity to give Jungkook his gift.

               They were pressed together on the couch, both holding a little gift bag in their hands.

               “You first,” Jungkook said, handing her his bag. She took it and opened it, finding a little box in the bottom. Her heart beat fast as she opened it, revealing a ring with the moon in a glass bubble. She gasped and handed his gift over frantically.

               “Open this right now!” she said, pulling the ring out and putting on her middle finger. He did, his eyes getting wide as he opened the slightly bigger box.

               “No way,” he said, looking up at her.

               “How the hell did this happen?” Catalina asked, holding in giddy laughter. Jungkook pulled the necklace out of the box and put it on. The charm on the chain held the moon in a little glass bubble. The same moon as the one in her ring.

               “We bought each other the same thing,” he said, laughing.

               It was the waxing half-moon from the night they shared their first kiss in the vampire den.

               When Lucía came back home, they immediately showed her their unplanned gifts for each other. She laughed for about ten minutes. She then recruited them to help cook dinner, which was an exciting ordeal. Catalina was happy to learn how to cook all of her favorite dishes.

               The three of them ended up having a beautiful dinner together, bright with laughter and conversation.

               The next few days passed in a blur. They went out, cooked together, played games, and watched movies. Before they knew it, the week was over and it was time for Catalina and Jungkook to travel again for the next leg of their trip. Catalina was reluctant to leave her mom, but she was absolutely filled with anticipation for her stay in the cabin.

[mrvdocks]

Is This Love?

- It had to be that fateful day that you two stumbled into his spree. The day that would mentally fuck with you forever. - Spree AU

♫ - The thinking you’re the better man The danger I don't I understand

Word Count: 3K

Warnings: Blood, language, some attraction to a serial murderer, standard final girl

pic credit: @pinkresources​

You don’t know where everything went wrong. Things just went downhill so fast that you barely had a chance to even blink.

Yet here you were, covered in who you thought was your best friend’s blood, a giddy Kurt, and a million people watching.

This couldn’t be the same sweet unassuming guy you’d met before, right?

Everything about him was off now. His tone, his style, his demeanor. Maybe you chose not to see the undertones of insanity to him. Because you were just as alone as he was in the end. 

Looking back now, he was definitely stalking his prey. Whether that was you or her, whoever gave him the most leverage and made him a household name. A name to either be feared or admired.

It had to be that fateful day that you two stumbled into his spree. The day that would mentally fuck with you forever. 

It was supposed to be a normal day, just get your friend, in and out of some of her busiest and various interviews. You were her assistant, even if she tried to coin it some other term or just called you her friend, plain and simple.

Your pairing made you feel somewhat self conscious. Here she was, pretty, leggy, adored by fans online, the facade she had constructed for herself when in reality she was just manipulative and vindictive. This definitely wasn’t the crowd you wanted to work with, alas here you were.

“Remind me what we’re doing.” She said, eyes still completely glued to the phone. 

“Variety wanted that challenge video with you.” 

“Perfect, now,’ she took her eyes off of the screen and paused her typing. “Where’s the car?” 

“What car?” 

She rolled her eyes, “Those shitheads didn’t get me a car? How do they expect us to get there, walking?” 

Sometimes you wondered how she made it this far. Probably because everyone wanted to be used by her.

“Relax, I’ll just order a ride again.” You whipped out your phone, picking a red app out of the hundreds of others that caught your eye.

“Relax? Do you know how hard it is for me? I could be in the Maldives by now but no you told me to do this stupid interview because you’re poor.”

The insult didn’t exactly sting you as much as it would’ve a year ago. As a media graduate you thought you’d be working within the big leagues, not with a prissy and bitchy vlogger who wanted everything at the drop of a hat. 

Plus this interview came with some big bucks and if you could manage to nail this without fail, you could quit the very next day.

“Sorry, look, it’s just today and then tomorrow you can go out and do whatever you want.”

She whines, eyes back onto her phone and tweeting about her hardships. While the princess waited you kept an eye on passing cars, anything that would match the one on your screen. 

A car pulls up in front of you both, the windows of the passenger seat rolling down to greet you.

“Kurt, right?” 

He nods with a smirk, definitely inviting you in but also reminding you of someone. You make your way to the backseat, but are pushed aside as your friend takes her place in the middle of the row. You laugh nervously, glancing at Kurt as you take the passenger seat. 

“What’s with all these cameras? Are you like in a reality show?” Your friend blurts out, prompting Kurt to glance at her.

“It’s just for safety. Wait are you - oh my god you are!” Kurt gushes, making the connection of the celebrity in his backseat. 

Your friend flashes her pearly whites at Kurt, loving to be the center of attention. 

“No way. Bobby is not gonna believe this.” He beams.

You can feel it’s almost time to dissociate in order to get through this ride. 

Kurt turns his phone over to the right, capturing your friend’s image a little better. The comments pop one after the other at rapid speed. You can’t read it but you can tell by Kurt’s face whoever is commenting is in disbelief. 

“My friend Bobby is obsessed with you, he always says he would make a sex tape with you.” 

You cringe at the thought and at the sudden robot voice erupting from Kurt’s phone exclaiming that Julia take her top off. It doesn’t seem to faze her though, she lives for it.

“Hey has anyone told you, you look exactly like that guy from Stranger Things?” Julia laughs, You’re unsure if it’s supposed to be a jab or an actual compliment for Kurt.

Kurt’s smile drops, it’s something he got a lot as a tease from Bobby. How he looked like him but didn’t quite have his suave and lovable demeanor. If anything he was the complete opposite, pathetic.

“A bit.” He waves the thought away, and as soon as your friend begins to take pictures of herself, he begins speaking rapidly. 

“If you post anything, make sure to tag me I’m KurtsWorld 96. Follow for follow.” He beams, as if this is something he normally does.

Ohhhhhh boy. This is just a twitter bot in a boy’s body isn’t it. 

Your friend just giggles to herself, completely ignoring his plea for fame. 

“See, I would love to do that. But my friend has to do like some background check or whatever. No hard feelings though, ‘kay?” With that she’s back to her own bubble.

It’s you who’s on the spotlight now though and you mentally curse her out for it. 

“Really?” Kurt glances at you and you can read him just like all the other fans. The hopefulness in his eyes. 

“I mean if you need to check out my stuff I don’t mind at all. In fact, that’s why I have all these cameras set up.”

“I thought they were for protection.” 

Kurt chuckles, “That too, but I mean when stuff like this happens you have to document it, right? Gotta let everyone know what you’re doing all the time.” 

The extreme level of desperation from Kurt almost scares you. You’ve seen this before, you were this before. His problem is he doesn’t have a Julia. 

You nod, smiling easily. 

“After all, we’re only as good as our last performance.” Kurt says suddenly. 

You do a double take.

There’s a familiarity to what he says. You’ve seen or heard it somewhere before. Something only known to you in private. 

Your brows furrow as you both look at each other. There’s a certain tension between you now, you get goosebumps from the way he looks at you. The feeling in the pit of your stomach confuses you. 

The times he glances at you in silence just to raise his brows or to do some facial quirk to make you laugh feel pleasant.

You watch him intently, the way his fingers grip the wheel, the way his hair could use just a touch of hydration, the way the corners of his lips lift into a smirk.

Julia doesn’t notice the eye fucking at all, not surprising.

The later half of the ride consisted mostly of just Kurt talking about something he was planning and that if you two were interested he would love to have both of you back. 

Julia, though always eager to have a camera shoved in her face, surprisingly declines because Kurt just doesn’t seem like he’d suit her brand. You feel the embarrassment for him and want to get out of this situation as soon as possible.

Your prayers are answered and the minute you see Kurt brake, you rush out just as your friend holds up a finger for you to wait. Kurt offers her a water bottle which she takes happily because it’s “free”. You wait but he offers you none.

She takes small sips and then crams it into her bag. 

Kurt simpers, but you don’t know what exactly is in the bottle, yet. 

“Thanks, Kurt.” You can’t help but meet his gaze. It’s not desperate anymore, no. It’s almost.....darker.

“My pleasure.” 

You both rush into the building, Julia forgetting about him already. But he sits in your mind the entire time. 

Julia cries as she doubles over in pain, her hand basically gripping yours for dear life as she coughs up blood. She had left the interview early due to a stomach ache but you’d never seen anything so severe.

“Julia, okay listen to me, we have to get you to the hospital.”

She shakes her head, hurling crimson onto your shirt and hands. 

“Julia! You need help, we need to go!” You yelled adamantly.

She wasn’t like this until the car ride with Kurt. 

You sprang into action, going back to your phone and putting in Kurt’s info to find where he was. The only perk about being an assistant to an influencer, is people will come when you call. And Kurt was sure to come.

You order a ride, and cover up Julia’s face which already is starting to look like something out of a zombie movie. Her face is swelling up and her lips are bleeding. 

You take her by the arm and lead her down to an awaiting Kurt, joining her in the backseat.

He looks different. More rugged and somewhat cleaner, he’s changed clothes since the few hours you saw him. Even the car is different, it wasn’t his Prius. 

He’s not even fazed by her sudden reaction to the water and instead, the moment you close the door he drives off in the opposite direction. 

“Kurt this isn’t the way to the hospital.”

“Oh I know, I’m taking you home.”

“I don’t live this way.” You were beginning to feel the panic rise in you.

He chuckles to himself as if he just made a killer joke. “No, no, my home.”

Your eyes widened. You scan the car filled with cameras. Certainly anyone watching would call the police. You can’t help but freeze, your shaky hands trying to grip Julia as she continues to hurl uncontrollably. 

You pass streets you don’t recognize and making contact with drivers is out of the question while you’re paralyzed. 

Kurt pulls onto a rocky road, a house completely devoid of light staring back at you. You wish you could scream once he gets out of the car but when he opens the door to your side and helps you with Julia into the house, you’re on autopilot.

“Honestly I’m surprised she made it this long. Everyone else lasted only a few seconds.” He guffaws, completely in awe as if this was some kind of achievement.

You stare at him, in deep thought of who else he’d done this to.  

“Why are you doing this? Why - why would you-” the sheer panic in your voice doesn’t seem to affect him.

He dumps Julia onto the couch mindlessly, as if he just came home from a long day of work. 

“Because I love you. And I’d do anything for you. And.....I didn’t like the way she was talking to you.” 

He faces you now, coming to hold your face in his hands. You don’t recoil yet but shiver at the way his oddly cold fingers feel against your warm flush face.

“How do you -” 

“We’re only as good as our last performance.” He echoes from earlier. 

It all clicks suddenly. The reason why he didn’t give you a bottle. The comments on her videos defending you. The anonymous messages between you two. It was him all along. 

To say that the now dead body next to you while he professed his love to you was very unsettling would be an understatement. Much less it being broadcast to millions of people watching. 

“If you loved me you wouldn’t be doing this,” You tried to reason, bringing his hands down to his side.

You liked Kurt. Even if you hadn’t known what his intentions were. But the messages made you feel like someone was on your side. Like he understood you. Now you weren’t sure if the past few weeks even meant anything to him or if he really was just using you to get to Julia. 

“You let her walk all over you the same way I let Bobby. But not anymore! You and me, we can be bigger than they ever were.”

“Kurt you’re insane! We have to go now.” 

You make a break for the front door, only to be pinned down by Kurt. You struggle but Kurt’s figure hovers over you. Your breath hitches at the sudden closeness of your faces and bodies.

“I’m sorry but I can’t let you do that.” He says grimly. 

“Kurt please, I won’t tell anyone. I promise. Look we can - we can leave and go somewhere they won’t find you.”

He scoffs. “Live in anonymity? You know I can’t do that.”

You know you’ve lost the battle right then and there. 

You have to appeal to his nature, his blood thirst. You’re quick on your feet because the stench of the blood on your hands is beginning to make your stomach churn. 

You crane your head to the side and lean into him, pressing your lips together. He’s frozen for a second, taken aback by your sudden change of heart. He pulls back and stands, leaving you on the floor still. 

He’s laughing now, almost manically. 

“You love me! See? With everything you and I know, we could be a power couple!”

You stand, watching him as he celebrates prematurely. 

The comments on the stream were going crazy. Most of them not believing that your friend or Bobby were dead now. A variety of sounds coming from the phone fill the room and muffle your quick breaths.

You take small strides to him slowly, keeping your eyes on the phone. “You’re right. No one can tell or make us do something we don’t want to anymore.”

He’s coming down from his high, raking his hands through his hair and muttering to himself. 

“We have to clean house.” He says, rushing to Julia’s body, grabbing her feet and dragging her to the garage. 

You take this moment when his back is to you to run to the door again, flipping the lock open and running as fast as you can out into the freezing air. The adrenaline fuels you. Kurt curses as he drops the body and runs after you. 

He lurches forward when he’s close enough, dropping the both of you onto the rocky dirt. You scramble to get up but he takes hold of your head by your hair and brings your head down onto the ground roughly. 

You’re disoriented for a moment, unable to see. 

“You’re making things harder than they need to be.” He sighs, flipping you over on your back and taking you into his arms in a bridal carry back to the house. 

“Please don’t kill me.” You manage out, feeling a stinging pain in your head.

He pouts. “I’m not gonna kill you. I need you.”

He sets you back down onto the pool table in the garage, going back to talk to the millions watching him and you now. 

You don’t see what he types but from the looks of it he disagrees severely. “No I’m not going to kill her! She’s the Bonnie to my Clyde.” 

If anything, this was going to be Romeo and Juliet. Only you weren’t dying for this.

You feel around for anything on the table with your limited view. A ball, a stick, anything. You grasp a hard triangular shape, gripping it with with the little strength and adrenaline you can muster. 

He’s too distracted by what everyone’s saying to notice you behind him, rack high in the air. You yell as you bring the rack down to the nape of his neck, he goes down hard and fast but you’re quicker. 

You pounce and straddle him, bringing the rack up again to gain more momentum and aim down at his face.

He’s cries out in pain, hands coming to shield his face. “What are you doing?! This isn’t how it’s supposed to be!” 

“Sorry babe. Change of plans.” You grit through deep and fast breaths. You get a few more hits in before he seemingly goes limp. 

Your chest heaves, trying to get back to normal as you wait with bated breath for any sign of movement from him. You make a move to climb off of him, seeing the phone thrown to the side, still documenting the entirety of what just happened. 

You toss aside the rack, crawling to the phone as you read the comments. Things calling for Bobby to come out, some asking if Julia was okay, others insulting Kurt and you. One catches your attention.

Watch out!

You turn in the nick of time, avoiding Kurt’s swing of the rack. You try to crawl away but he grasps your ankle and drags you back. You manage to get a kick in with your other foot, earning you a second or two. Kurt bellows out in pain.

He persists, climbing on top of you to grab your throat firmly. The action and pressure of it is enough for you to abandon the phone and try to pry him off. 

“We could’ve been great!” He yells, his bloody face painting yours. You cough roughly, trying to get some air back into your constricting lungs.

You can’t hold him off any longer, and if you don’t get any oxygen, he’ll win his twisted legacy.

Remembering the phone, you let go of his hands and feel around until you are able to grab it firmly and hit him in the eye with it. He falls back and screams in pain. 

You’re on top again, taking hold of the collar of his shirt to hold him as you attack with abandon.

“We’re.” Hit.

“Only.” Kurt groans.

 “As. Good.” Another dastardly good hit.

 “As. Our. Last.” He sputters, choking.

“Performance.” You let a guttural yell rip from your chest as you deliver the final blow. This time he stays down. 

The silence rings in your ear long enough to spur you out of the moment. You can hear sirens in the background, not long now. You glance back to your anonymous lover, your hand coming to lift the hair out of his bloody face. 

Your fingers linger on his face for a second. You bring the phone to your face and laugh mirthlessly, “Fuck you all.” 

You climb off of Kurt, heading to the welcoming breeze of the outside world. 

You sit on the porch chair, covered head to toe in a mixture of blood, eyes fluttering shut as the sirens get louder with each second. 

You smirk.

[silavut]

Nebula Realms

Alright, so... Having had my PS5 for a few days now, I recently re-discovered an online community much like PS Home was. So for those of you who know what I mean, PS Home was one of the best things to happen to PS3 in terms of online community activities. Most of us were sad to see it go, despite its many issues.

However, new projects started popping up in its place. There are Atom Universe and Nebula Realms. I’d heard of both, but actually completely forgot about NR until I was researching some info about AU. When Nebula Realms popped up in one of the results, I immediately jumped into it.

Let me tell you, for those of you who want PS Home nostalgia, this is definitely it. It’s nothing like Atom Universe with its clogged up screens and messy menus. It’s a lot cleaner and much easier to manage and navigate. Its Nexus is very much reminiscent of Central Plaza, unlike Atom Universe’s Hub.

AU’s spaces are only barely active, and most of them aren’t even available. For those that are available, they’re okay. Some of the activities in the spaces don’t even work.

NR also has BOWLING. You all remember BOWLING in PS Home, right? I thought so! It even has Archery in one of its spaces, which I think is actually pretty neat.

A few caveats, however. It’s still a bit buggy. Some spaces force the avatar to slide instead of move normally. It takes a few seconds for you to be able to move properly again. Sometimes it can get stuck and you have to “force” your way out by moving around a bit.

As for the controls, it has the standard pitch controls—down is up and up is down. Unfortunately, there’s no Invert Control option, for those who prefer UP is UP and DOWN is DOWN. Maybe hopefully in the future they can implement that.

There’s also a status message option you can add to your avatar. Plus there are emojis you can use to indicate your “mood”.

You can also buy items to customize your avatar. The only way to do this, however, is to buy a ‘crystal pack’ as crystals are NR’s in-game currency. Though there are a few items you can use Nebula Points (not sure how those are earned, just kind of noticed that as I was going through things). As compared to AU’s in-game currency which are Atoms and Molecules. Atoms are basically ‘points’ while Molecules are required to purchase custom items.

Overall, it’s decent. Just needs some improvements and fixes.

So if you’re ever in the mood for some good ol’ PS Home nostalgia and aren’t doing much else, and you have a PS4 or PS5, you should definitely at least have a quick peek at Nebula Realms to check it out for yourself.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the apartment. It’s NEARLY IDENTICAL to the PS Home apartment. Except it’s EXPANDED. Multiple rooms and an upper level garden area.

[livesincerely]

okay i was just thinking about it and a fic where jack and davey are quarantined together and realize feelings/pine because of it would be Very on brand for you 👀

I mean, when you’re right you’re right. So here’s a concept:

A modern, college au—let’s say Jack’s POV. Jack is in Santa Fe for art school, Davey goes to school in NY.

Davey flew out to visit Jack for spring break and was still there when the shutdowns happened. It’s too dangerous to travel and his school switches to remote learning, so they decide it’s best for Davey to just finish out the rest of the semester in Santa Fe with Jack. Cue the co-habitation hijinks and the PINING.

Davey was only supposed to be there for a couple of days, and he only brought, like, three changes of clothes with him, so he spends the first couple of weeks wearing Jack’s stuff. But Davey’s taller than Jack and built like a string bean, so the clothes don’t quite fit. Jack catches more than a few glimpses of Davey’s collarbones, his midriff, and the v of his hips, and he is NEVER prepared for it, just flat out swallowing his tongue and staring every time. And also?? Jack didn’t realize he’d have A Thing for Davey in his clothes, but he absolutely has A Thing for Davey in his clothes. Davey eventually orders a few things online for himself, and Jack kinda hates it even though he’s relieved.

Davey was using an air mattress or sleeping on the couch at first, which again, would’ve been fine if it had just been a few days but isn’t sustainable long term. Jack eventually had to put his foot down and make Davey share his bed with him after the third time Davey woke up with a migraine after sleeping on his neck wrong. SO THERE IS BED SHARING!! And it’s totally fine, they’re cool with sharing, but it’s just so domestic??? Because Jack runs warm and Davey is usually cold so they always wake up wrapped around each other. And sometimes Jack wakes up first and he can just,,,,, watch Davey sleep and maybe play with his hair and hold him. Davey is the first thing he sees when he wakes up in the morning, and watching the light catch his eyes when he blinks himself awake is LITERALLY BREATHTAKING and just????? Jack just loves him so much.

(Also, an obligatory ‘I woke up with a boner and you’re literally curled around me, please don’t wake up, please don’t wake up’ moment)

(Davey really isn’t a morning person and he’s so adorably grumpy when he wakes up, especially since his classes start two hours before Jack’s because of the time change.)

Jack suddenly has an in-house model for his portrait class. Maybe a scene where Jack gets feedback on a painting from his professor that’s just like ‘the connection between you and the subject is apparent in every brush stroke, I’m glad this class has given you the opportunity to paint something you so clearly love’.

Jack and Davey take up different forms of excersize. Jack runs. Davey does yoga and cardio workouts from YouTube. Cue Jack coming back from a run to find Davey excersizing in the living room, and OF COURSE he’s in the middle of, like, downward dog or squats or something, and it’s just really unfair how good his ass looks in those sweatpants. On Davey’s side, he doesn’t know why Jack insists on jogging shirtless but good god his arms and his shoulders are just??? And they’re both so busy trying not to look that they don’t realize the other person is staring too.

Lots of domestic moments sprinkled throughout. Cooking dinner together, bickering about what to watch on Netflix, going to the grocery store together twice a month, etc. Also moments where the stress of the pandemic starts to get to one of them and the other perso has to help them calm down. I can easily see Davey as a stress cleaner and as someone who obsessively plans out a schedule for himself because he wants structure. Jack is more listless, just kinda aimlessly bouncing from project to hobby to skill, looking for something to pass the time and getting frustrated when none of them are fulfilling. They’d balance each other out — Jack would remind Davey to take things one day at a time and Davey would help Jack by giving him a foundation to anchor himself to.

Not sure what the inciting incident will be, but eventually they get together (and maybe a smut scene, but one that’s about how much they love each other as much as it is about how horny they are for each other?) But! The important thing is, the rest of their friends find out that they’re finally together because Davey’s on his laptop and Jack comes up behind him and kisses him, not realizing that he’s on skype or zoom or whatever.

Title idea: here i am (stuck in the middle with you)

At this point I have Too Many Ideas. I’ve got ideas for two post-scripts to ‘there’s more than diplomacy for you, dear’ and I’ve also got the outline for the Tie Fic kicking around. So who knows what I’ll work on next! It’s a mystery to us all. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

But this is a really cool idea, so know that’s it’s getting added to the To Do List 😊

[nzvapor]

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[closer-stars]

Feel It - Seonghwa

Member: Seonghwa Genre: Fluff for the most part, a little bit of angst, a little bit of Drama, just a lot AU: Dance Team Word count: 6k Requested: Nope Content: both of you hate each other but might as well work together because you want to compete with the team. some food. some intense words (are they intense? idk). Note: idk what made me write this but here it is. took me forever to finish this but here it is. not yet edited/proofread cause i’m tired asf, will do so when i wake up. 

You joined the dance team when you were a freshman in high school. To be honest, you’ve been dancing for a few years prior and the idea of being in a team didn’t seem like a bad idea. You saw it as an opportunity to learn more about the art that will eventually become your life. The auditions were nerve wracking to say the least, a lot of people around your age were in the room. Some of the auditionees seemed to know each other, immediately hugging or greeting each other with a lot of energy. You didn’t know some of them, maybe by face or name from the dance workshops you’ve been to but not the way they knew each other. You noticed the number of people in the room. It wasn’t a shocker that the team you auditioned for was a well known one, seeing how some of the auditionees looked so starstruck and driven to be accepted. You on the other hand didn’t expect too much, just wanting to be able to do better and be better.  

The audition process went by quickly and you’re on the floor with a towel over your head. You were expecting the sweat production to be heavy but did you expect that you were going to make your shirt several shades darker? Not quite. The panel informed every one that those were accepted will be notified a week from now instead of the usual three days. The explanation being the immense number of attendees along with the level of skill. 

Fast forward to now, you’ve been part of the team for nearly six years. You could consider the team your family if it weren’t for Park Seonghwa. See, you and Seonghwa entered the team through the audition. Both of you were still so young and so ambitious to be the best that you started on the wrong foot. Now, whenever the team trains, they sometimes have to make sure that both of you were on opposite sides of the room or at least far away that neither of you would fight and cause a scene. It’s come to the point that the team jokes that one isn’t truly part of the team until they’ve witnessed the both of you squabble over the smallest things. 

“That’s mine, you asshole!”

“Your name’s not even on it.” Seonghwa reasons as if it were obvious. By now the team knows just how much you loved your hot Cheetos. They also knew how Seonghwa liked hot Cheetos too.

“That’s because it doesn’t take a dumbass to know. It’s fine to admit that there’s nothing in between your ears you know?” You snap back, snatching the bag of chips from him. While you didn’t mind sharing what you had with the team, when it came to him, you’d become territorial. Your arguments with him had reached the HR of the team at one point but the both of you were so stubborn they just gave up.

While you two fought endlessly, both of you were mature enough to put that to the side when it came to training. Both of you standing on opposite ends of the room. The team had eventually learned how to work around it. One of the methods being to make sure neither of you were in the same dance segment unless the entire team had to be on the floor. If both of you had to be in the same segment, they made sure neither of you interacted in it. It was for the best for everyone. 

To be honest, you didn’t know much about Seonghwa. Whether or not you wanted to know more before, the arguments have made you want to keep him at an arm’s length, or several arms away if possible. All you knew about him was his name and that he studies in the same university as you. Anything else was out the window for you. Though if anyone told you anything about him, it went in one ear, then out the other. 

Every year though, the team enters various competitions in order to improve and to get the name out there. But in order to have the resources to train and perform, the team holds various fundraising events that can vary from concerts, to gigs, to classes. This time, the team was holding various dance classes made by a number of members that were favorites of the general public and dance enthusiasts. 

“You want us to make a what?!”

“A dance piece to teach.” Your coach stated. There was no room to argue in his tone. While your coach was warm and friendly for the most part, when he used that tone, everyone knew that arguing was impossible. 

“Why do we have to teach together? I can teach a class on my own just fine.” Seonghwa asks. So could you but you doubted saying the same thing was a wise decision. The male had less of a filter than you for the most part. 

“Both of you are fan favorites. I’m sure you’re both aware of how many fan pages both of you have.” He starts off with a tired sigh. It was a little late already. Everyone was changing into cleaner clothes and packing up, ready to head home. 

“And even if we separate the both of you, your styles do compliment each other. Whether or not you want to admit it, the seniors and your coaches have seen and observed your improvements as individuals.” Your coach adds, his eyes scanning the both of you. You couldn’t deny the fact that you’ve created a bit of a following online. You didn’t really take notice of the numbers but you’ve noticed how often you come across a fan page or a fan online and offline. You weren’t sure with Seonghwa but if what your coach said was right-- which it usually was, then you can just imagine how much of a following he has created as well. 

You were more than flattered and relieved to hear that you were improving, that the people you’ve looked up to since you were a child were seeing it, you could be on cloud nine right now. Could be since your nightmare of working with your rival is happening as you speak. 

“Coach, are you sure about--” You could barely finish your question when he gives both of you a look. He was always a little terrifying when angry. You didn’t want to push your limits so you closed your mouth. 

“Yes, I’m sure of this. If neither of you can fix your differences in time for your dance class, consider yourselves out of the competing pool for the upcoming competition.” He ends the conversation there, slamming the envelope down on the floor. The room had gotten silent from the outburst, the members that were left behind quickly leave the room. No one wanted to see the hell your coach could raise when provoked. 

“You have a month before the fundraising classes. Create a forty second piece. The genre’s up to you. ” He finishes the statement before walking out, leaving the both of you unsure of what to do, much less approach the situation. 

Your gaze falls onto the open door, before heading to your bag. “We’re talking about this tomorrow, before and after training.” Seonghwa states with a tired sigh. You could barely look at the male and you just hum in response. You hoist your bag up on your shoulder, closing the lights as soon as the male left the studio. 

“See you then.”

“Bye.”

The next few days were stressful. Alongside the daily trainings with the team, you had to spend additional time with this ingrate. Though both of you had similar styles, you couldn’t seem to agree on a song to work on. Oftentimes, you needed a third party to make sure neither of you went for the other’s throat. The only people that could deal with your constant bickerings and bring you back to reality were a few other members roughly around your age that knew when to shut the both of you up. 

“Seonghwa, you’re not listening. Not everyone’s going to be able to do that texture.”

“That’s the point of taking dance classes. To learn.”

“Seonghwa, you just sound like you want to show off.”

“It sounds more like a you problem.” 

“I swear to fucking--”

“Guys.” Hongjoong states and it gets the both of you to shut up. A quiet groan and you put your head back where it should be. 

The both of you eventually formed the habit of overstaying in the studio, it went to the point where the guards have to tell you to leave. 

Most of the brainstorming and choreographing sessions would have you trying to be realistic with the male while he stubbornly nitpicks at your suggestions. It was one of the reasons why both of you never seemed to get along. You knew your limits and you pushed yourself past those limits at a steady pace, the other knew his limits and yet bursted those limits in ways that didn’t seem possible. While your styles were complimentary, your approach to the art were completely different. It was already a miracle in itself that both of you eventually agreed on one song. 

“You’re lacking a hit in that beat.”

“Lower.”

“That’s all you can do?” Hearing these types of words over and over in different ways was getting to you. You already had a few counts in mind to continue from where he will leave off but he wanted you to get his parts right first. 

“Seonghwa, this piece isn’t even for the team. It’s for those who are taking our classes, aka those who aren’t part of the team?” You mumble as you push yourself to hit the right beats at the right angles. At the corner of your eye, you can see his ever popular stare. You already knew what he was going to say and you had to tune it out. It took a lot out of you not to snap at him there. “Tone down on the popping, you aren’t Mingi in case you’re going through an identity crisis.”  You sigh. “Also, too strong pops don’t match the mood of the song.” 

“We’ve trained with this team for how long and that’s all you can do?” He sighs, before showing you once more what his segment was for what was the nth time. If it weren’t for how exhausted you were, you wouldn’t have such a short temper with him. He was starting to get too into the technicalities of the piece, forgetting the emotions conveyed by the song. The two of you go over his part until both of you can barely do any of the steps without your limbs practically flailing about. 

“Call it a night, Seonghwa. We still have training tomorrow and it’s apparently going to be core day.” You groan as you finally let yourself crash to the floor to massage your sore legs. You looked up at the devil incarnate only to see that he was still on his feet, going through the choreography weakly. 

You shake your head and lean against the wall, opting to let your body rest to prepare for tomorrow’s gruesome schedule and just watch him do his thing. A part of you wanted to suggest another song, that didn’t have both of you moving so close to each other. Another part of you knew that you guys were already too into this piece, to start anew would be a waste of time and energy at this point. It was only when he stumbles over his own two feet that he agrees with you, though begrudgingly. 

“Fine, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He groans as he goes through his things, without warning, he changes his shirt in your presence. You managed to look away before you could see anything, waiting until he was finished by the door. You figured from there that was conceited enough to do such in a room that was surrounded with mirrors. Even if you hated his guts, it was already second nature in you to wait for everyone to leave the studio before closing everything for the day. He shuts off the lights and speakers, a mindless thank you slipping from his tired lips. 

You don’t notice the thank you. 

The dreaded day comes and the entire team groans out from the pain as they try to cheer each other on to the end of the drills. You don’t know how the others exactly felt but you can already feel your muscles burning from the intensity. Your coach and the other senior members would monitor everyone, usually pushing other members who were struggling to push themselves further. It was a blessing they knew what works best for each member to improve. The training session ends with everyone on the floor, too spent to move another inch off the floor. Your chest was rapidly heaving from the amount of energy and strength you had to exert in order to keep up. If your mind didn’t remind you of your choreography with Seonghwa after the training you probably might have fallen asleep in the studio. Not that it was the first time either. 

Your coach lets everyone catch their breath first, before he asked the members who were part of the fundraiser for an update. 

Shit. 

You push yourself up into a sitting position, despite the burn in your muscles. It wasn’t easy trying to get Seonghwa’s attention from across the room. A hard glare his way eventually worked and he staggers towards you. Everyone was softly buzzing with chatters of what to eat after training, what they were looking forward to with these workshops and so on. 

“Got a plan?” You ask, referring to the fact the both of you only had his choreography down. You haven’t been able to teach yours because of his next to impossible perfectionism. You didn’t want to disappoint your coach. You wanted to take part in the competition too. He bites his lower lip and shakes his head. “Good, cause I do.” 

Your coach doesn’t ask for any explanation. He just asks the both of you to do what you guys have so far. If you did the math, you only had a week to teach Seonghwa your part and another week to clean the entire thing from start to finish. You were scared but you had to push through. So the both of you dance the first half of the piece. To the untrained eye, both of you looked good dancing together: bodies moving in sync, facials were there, and both of you were in the pocket for the most part. To the trained eyes though (or at least, the team’s), they can see and feel the slight hint of awkwardness (and if they squint, the disdain) the both of you had for being so close to each other. It was a surprise nonetheless to have both of you be in such close proximity to each other and look like a team (or at least, trying to look). You try not to notice the worry in some of the members, try not to notice the hawk eyes your coach has on both of you. The both of you break away from each other, once the choreography ends. Much to most of the team’s dismay. 

“Is that it?” Your coach asks, still not impressed. “It felt too short, and that was all Seonghwa’s style wasn’t it?” He presses. If either of you fucks up the next move, both of you were done for. 

You glance over at Seonghwa for a moment before you answer. “It’s not yet done, Coach. I’m teaching him my part today.” He gestures for you to continue to your part. Seonghwa  watches you, taking a few steps back. You only had five seconds leeway to let him know to stay in place. You had no time to explain what your choreography was. 

You drop down to his waist, and keep eye contact with him, then bounce back up as you continue to dance. It was needed in pieces after all to maintain eye contact with your partner especially in pieces such as this. It was also what made you gain a loyal following: eye contact with the crowd or any camera that you could spot. Your part amped up the heat for the room. You couldn’t feel Seonghwa’s body dancing near you, but you could feel the amount of eyes on you as you delivered what you’ve been practicing at home. When it came to the parts where you thought of interacting with him in the choreography, you would dance around his figure, or have your fingertips trail lightly across the expanse of his torso. Your part ends with your arms resting on his shoulders, thus finishing the entire piece. 

The male was still dazed on his feet, a little too shocked for words at how you went closer to his figure more than possible. He could still feel how your fingers felt against his waist, how you looked on your knees while sporting that flirty smirk that you wear during performances. If he was only more confident in his freestyling, he probably would have danced around you as well. 

“Better.” The both of you notice the hint of a grin on your coach’s face. The looks of surprise and flustered cheeks on some of your members, bless the younger members who had to see that. “Seonghwa, take note of how they move. The groove’s there and very much fitting to the song and mood. You don’t have to change much about your part anymore but keep it relaxed and loose. Relax especially when it comes to their part of the choreography but keep the energy constant okay?” He tells him. He then shifts his attention to you and you could’ve sworn you can feel your heart drop in expectation and fear. “Now, your part. I can see your style in it with hints of Seonghwa’s. Keep that. Don’t rush while dancing, there’s a set time and pace in it anyways. Explore also your space. I know you’re a little shorter than Seonghwa here but maximize what you got okay?” He then proceeds to praise both of you for the choreography so far, hoping that both of you would warm up to each other before the day of the workshop cause otherwise it would get too obvious. 

“Your piece is something for couples, if you really want to sell this, at least pretend.” 

With that, the training for the day ends. The rest of the members were leaving the room, one by one, some of them wishing the both of you luck. Eventually, the two of you were the only ones left and the tension was palpable. You were about to teach your part when his voice breaks through the silence.

“I told you to keep your energy constant. My part was already o--”

“Park Seonghwa, shut the fuck up before I lose it.” You snap at him, your eyes trained on his reflection on the mirror. You were exhausted from the drills, you were high on adrenaline from dancing in front of your coach and the team, you were elated with the praise and constructive criticism, but you were also tired of his perfectionist and degrading ways. 

“Why do I have to match your energy and style? Coach already said that the part we did had all of you and almost none of me until we reached my part. Mind you, I tried my best to incorporate your style into it regardless. Do I still have to prove my worth in this team to you, Seonghwa? Cause I’ve done a lot of proving of it when we both entered the team. Had to prove myself to Coach, the senior members and alumni and even to my parents. Yeah okay my parents were initially supportive but we ended up butting heads, did you know that? Or were you too caught up with your own ego to stand out? Fuck’s sake, Seonghwa, we started on this team on the same level. Why do I have to prove myself to you too?” You snap, your phone now causing a loud boom against the floor. 

Seonghwa looks at you with raised eyebrows. He was always more controlled when it came to showing emotions in the team, ironic since he was the most expressive on stage. He didn’t understand your struggle until your outburst. He was dumbfounded and guilty to put it simply. He watches you pour out all your hardships and anger at him, something he eventually thinks that he deserves. He didn’t think his heart could break at the sight of you crying but it does. He couldn’t get himself to worry over the phone that you threw to the floor. He wasn’t sure if he should even approach them while they cry their heart out. Truthfully speaking, after that outburst, he didn’t really think that approaching them to comfort them would be a good idea. So he does the next best. “Here.” He mumbles, handing them their towel and water. The male lets her cry out everything she’s been holding on to. How else could he even comfort them when he was the cause of a good portion of their hardships? He waits until their breathing evens out, watching them regain their composure before he speaks up again. “If you can still teach me your part, I’ll cooperate.” his voice was a lot more careful and toned down as compared to the years you’ve worked with him. 

You stare at the male through puffy eyes and with a huff, you grab your eye drops to ease the pain of crying earlier. “Let’s go.” You mumble as you set your phone up. “We have an hour until they kick us out again. Double time tomorrow.” You add before, you go through the first few counts. The both of you manage to maximize the remaining hour with the general movement of the choreography all while incorporating both your styles. By the end of it, both of you were sweating bullets. Bodies were pushed to your limits and in need of sustenance. 

“You got anything tomorrow?” Seonghwa asks through heavy panting as he wipes away the sweat that still runs down his temple. 

“Besides, training, I’m free why?” You ask, downing what was left in your water bottle. You were too tired to even realize that he was once again, shirtless, in front of you. 

“I was going to ask if you want to grab something to eat before heading home. Also because I owe you an apology, but we can’t stay too long in this place.” He notes, as the lights were slowly being shut off by the guards. 

You glance behind you as you sigh, still too sore to move. “You got a point there. I can barely move too much on an empty stomach anyways so fine.” You mumble as you push yourself up with a groan. He was already up on his feet, casting a sympathetic smile your way as you gather the remaining strength in you to walk to the nearest store that was still open. 

Eventually, both of you end up in a tonkatsu restaurant. Both of you were too tired and hungry to talk until the side dishes were served. You eat in silence, focusing first on your rumbling stomachs before any sort of discussion began.

“I’m sorry.” It was him who spoke up first. His utensils by the side after he finished his share. He meets your gaze with guilt in his eyes. “I was wrong for having treated you like that.” He continues. “I don’t have any alibi for what I did. I understand also if you don’t accept my apology.” Before he could continue, your respective meals were served. 

“Let’s eat first, Seonghwa. We’re both too hungry and thirsty to deal with anything else properly.” You chide gently, as you gesture for him to eat up first. The both of you then eat in silence, there wasn’t any rush tonight. Neither of you could feel your legs after the entire training, and if you guys finished earlier than expected, there was a convenience store nearby where the both of you could kill time and make amends in. 

True enough, both of you end up in the convenience store. It was your turn to start talking. “I don’t know why you did what you did to me, Seonghwa. It’s going to take time for me to forgive you.” You state as you watch people come and go past the convenience store. He does the same, occasionally looking at the yogurt drink in front of him. “I accept your apology still but like what I said, forgiving you will take a while.” You continue. “I respected you, y’know? The first few meetings even if we started on the wrong footing. I thought you were a really cool person and an amazing dancer already. But then, your comments just got too much…” You trail off, he knew where it was going. That’s what led both of you to be where you were now. Even if he admitted that he did what he did because he wanted to see you improve, and because of your potential, it wouldn’t excuse the effect his words had on you. He listens to you closely, sharing what you were comfortable sharing with him. He should’ve known that you worked better under praise. 

“After all this, I hope that we work better... until at least our workshop.” You say, your eyes heavy on his figure. You couldn’t help but feel sorry for how guilty he looked, yet you couldn’t get yourself to immediately forgive him. 

“Yeah, of course. I promise, I won’t talk shit. I’ll cooperate.” 

“I’ll believe it when I see it Seonghwa.” 

The remaining weeks went by without a hitch. The rest of the team eventually realizes the lack of bickerings from both of you. Both of you still stay on opposite ends of the room, but the malice isn’t present anymore. 

“You think they banged?” Mingi mumbles to Yunho. Only to be met with a whack from Hongjoong. “Mingi, not everyone hate fucks…” The older mumbles with a tired sigh, stealing a handful of pringles from the younger. They glance over at the both of you: though you were on opposite ends of the room, it was obvious that both of you were going through the piece in your heads. 

When they look at Seonghwa, they could see how relaxed his movements have become compared to before. He wasn’t as serious as before, and it was clear with his facial expressions. The same thing could go for you, you were cleaner with your executions, even when the both of you weren’t going all out with your movements, the boys could see the huge difference. Your coach definitely was on to something to have both of you become a unit. 

The boys decided to stay and give you guys some company, and mostly to make sure none of you were at each other’s throats. They also wanted to see the final piece before anyone else did, especially when you told Mingi and Yunho that the piece was going to be finished by today. Cue, Wooyoung, San and Yeosang bouncing towards the two of you wanting to see it as well. Soon enough the entire crew was there, and Seonghwa had to apologize for his group of friends being too energetic. You didn’t mind it. You told him that it was a good opportunity to gain some opinions and suggestions to other parts if need be. 

The finishing pose had both of you on the floor. You were used to Seonghwa’s rather suggestive antics by now and so was he to you. Though, unlike him, you always had a different pose every run so to have you act so bashful yet suggestive in front of your friends was an appreciated mood breaker. If you hadn’t done so, both your friends would’ve said something stupid. Regardless, they said nothing but praises much to your relief and his. 

“We’re taking your class, by the way!” Wooyoung pipes up afterwards as you catch your breath. Both you and Seonghwa look at the rest of them. 

“Fine but one condition.”

You stare at Seonghwa, unsure of what would come out of his lips. 

“You’re going to be each other’s dance partner for this piece.” You glance at everyone’s faces. You knew how extra dancers can be especially if in their comfort zone. The extra goes to the hundreds when it comes to these boys. You were a little terrified but also, their presence in your workshop would help you calm down. 

“Hyung, we’re seven though…”

“Six. Jongho already took the role of being in charge of documentation.” He corrects with a grin. You were just looking at the two sides exchanging friendly taunts and challenges. The chaos that ensues as the boys try to pick who they’d do the choreography with was enough to make your stomach hurt. 

You had to lie on the floor from all the laughing. You had to wave your hands in defeat for them to tone down the chaos. Your arms struggle to push yourself up, ready to call it a day after the long hours of dancing. The staff then enters the room telling you that you only had five minutes left as there was another group that would be using the studio. The rest of you manage to pack up quickly, cleaning up after yourselves. Odd enough, you couldn’t find your bag and you were sure you never moved it from where you dropped it earlier.

“Looking for this?” Seonghwa calls from over your shoulder, your bag clinging onto his shoulder. 

“Yeah, thanks.” A relieved sigh slipping from your lips as you reach out for it. He takes a step back though, a mischievous smirk gracing his lips. Has he been moisturizing them? A confused frown appears on your features at his actions. “Give it to me.” You whine, following after him. 

“No. You’re tired. Let me carry it while we get dinner.” 

“Why are you such a creature of habit?”

“Someone has to be between the two of us.”

As you bicker, the remaining seven were waiting for you outside the studio, hearing the two of you bicker. 

“Mingi, you’re buying me a protein shake if they end up together.” San challenged.

“Buy me a new computer if they don’t.”

“Deal.”

The day of your workshop has arrived, and it was the last workshop for the entire fundraising event. Nerves were starting to get jittery and you were a little grateful you opted to buy coffee on the go rather than drink one prior to the workshop. You saw the students lined up outside the studio, all of which you greeted as you searched for your partner. “Where’s Seonghwa?” You whispered to your fellow member who was by the door. She gestures that he’s already inside, making sure the speakers were properly set up. She pushes the door open for you and you’re greeted by his back facing you. Before any thought about it could rise up, he notices your presence, a smile lighting up his face. 

“Right on time. We got a workshop to do, partner.” He muses lightly, plugging his phone as he starts to play some music. You set your belongings to the side, throwing a small smile at him. He spots that it doesn’t reach your eyes and he pokes the corners of your lips upwards. “Come on, we’ll do fine. We’ve prepared an entire month for this.” He reassures you. He did have a point and so you flash another smile, a confident one this time.

“Let’s go.”

The past two hours go by without a hitch. The students were having fun, occasionally distracted by Yunho’s contagious laughter. Even you and Seonghwa would laugh at how the class’s energy was overall a good one. The students ask for the both of you to perform the choreography after having done a run themselves. Both of you exchange glances, unspoken questions that eventually were answered with Seonghwa standing up and giving the students what they wanted. An amused snort was your response and you follow his footsteps. Jongho already had his camera out, ready to record the entire run. 

“Last run ever. Make it count.”

Even if your hair was already a mess and both of you were glistening with sweat, neither of you held back for this run. It was probably one of your best runs if you had to be honest. Both bodies were moving in sync, even your energies were responding to each other. You held him closer to your body than usual, not minding how close his face was to yours. His touches seemed to have a more suggestive undertone as compared to before. Each interaction you had resulted in squeals from the students, clearly affected by how both of you were dancing. 

He wasn’t sure either if he caught you smirking up at him while you were on your knees. 

The piece ends with both of you close to each other’s bodies, breaking apart from each other once the song goes back to the start. That was the only time a smile breaks your features. The both of you bow to the students, thanking them for their time and energy to be with the both of you. Some students approach the both to take photos with them to commemorate the event which neither of you could say no to. After all the celebration between the students and the team, the two of you were left in the studio, packing up your things. 

“You did well there.” Seonghwa says now that both of you were alone. Your workshop was the last one for the day and everyone else was already out eating dinner to celebrate the success of the fundraiser. You look at him through the mirror as you wipe your sweat. Even if your towel had half your face obscured, the way your eyes lit up and curved into crescents had his heart skipping. 

“You didn’t do so bad yourself, either.” You return with ease, hanging the towel over your shoulder as you pick up your bag. Before you could continue, both of your phones buzz with a message. All of a sudden, the two of you burst into jumps and elated yelling. 

“Training next week?”

“2PM in the same studio?”

“Yup!”

“Nice!” 

Overwhelmed with happiness, they ended up crashing into a hug. This was probably the ninth hug you’ve shared with him this entire day-- not that you counted it or anything. You pull away from him, looking up at his elated face, and him to yours. 

“Congratulations. Looks like we’re going to have to suffer for a little longer.” He teases you lightly, hoisting his bag up over his shoulder. 

You snort at such statement. “I mean, from the looks of it, I don’t think it’s suffering anymore.” You return, following his footsteps closely as you look over at the now dim studio. 

“That’s a good point to raise. More dinners with you, if anything.” He adds as both of you walk to the convenience store where both of you first ate together. 

“Seonghwa, just admit that you just want to steal more of my coffee jelly.” 

Fast forward to the competition day, all of you gave your everything on that floor where everyone from not only in the venue but also through their computer screens can watch you. You stepped down that stage gasping for air, and if the situation let you, you could’ve just fallen asleep on the floor. The other members hold onto you as everyone made their way backs to their seats: your legs still too exhausted to take another step on their own. Seonghwa right by your side, with a bottle of water for you. His eyes wrought with concern over your near crumpled figure. You definitely had pushed yourself too far the past few days. Regardless of what happens, you were able to give your heart out on that floor with a team that mattered so much to you. 

The rest managed to give their best on stage despite the jet lag of traveling from Korea to LA. Some of the members were in their seats, fast asleep to catch up on the lost sleep from the past few days of intensive training. Seonghwa and you were one of those who were slouched over on your seats. You had your head leaning against his shoulder, while his head rested against yours. Both of you didn’t realize that your fingers were loosely interlocked with one another’s. 

Your coach tells the members to wake those who were asleep in time for them to announce the results. Neither of you seemed to mind that you were holding each other’s hands when you woke up. The minutes felt like eternity as they slowly announced who took the bronze and the silver. Seonghwa holding onto your hand as tightly as he could as everyone was silently praying that your team would take home the gold. 

True enough, the hosts announce your team as the winner for this year’s competition, resulting in everyone jumping and hollering in joy. You drop to your knees, elated to know that your months of sweat, lack of sleep and stress had paid off. Seonghwa was jumping around wildly, pulling you up and into his arms. “We did it! We won!” He exclaims. Without another thought, his lips graze against your temple and that was enough to wake you up. 

He notices you stiffen up in his arms. “I-I’m sorry! I got too caught up in my happiness…” He tries to reason, pulling away as he rubs his neck. 

“..C-can you do that again?” You ask shyly. He looks at you with wide eyes, unable to believe what he had just heard. 

Before either of you could answer, everyone was already pushing each other to go on stage to celebrate with the other winners. 

Needless to say, your friends had taken a few photos of that interaction and have sent the both of you the photos of you sleeping against each other, along with that kiss.

[greencleaningact-blog]

[swissmissficrecs]

My favorite fics of 2011

Continuing to sift through old bookmarks, here are my favorites from 2011 that are still up:

26 Pieces by Lanning (28K, E, Johnlock) Mycroft gives Sherlock the apparently simple task of solving a puzzle box containing a stolen microchip. It isn't simple.

A Life Well-Lived by Kate_Lear (20K, E, Johnlock) ‘John got scared off men by an abusive past relationship. Sherlock has to try and woo him while not scaring him off with protective possessive rage.’

A Love with No Name by aceofhearts (49K, M, Johnlock, Warstan, Mary/Irene) In which Asexual!Sherlock and Straight!John are platonically in love life partners.

A Thorough Examination / In Depth by emungere (15K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock watched John's mouth as that smile slid away too quickly. There had been something there, something he'd not had time to analyze. He was left with the unsettling impression of having witnessed an expression that didn't belong on John Watson's face at all. In its wake it left the equally unsettling thought that perhaps he didn't know John as entirely as he thought he did.

A Week in the Country by chainsaw_poet (20K, NR, Gen) Sherlock's lifestyle has taken its toll on his health and John is worried. With Mycroft's help, John coerces Sherlock into taking a holiday in the country to get some rest. Unfortunately, their trip doesn't quite turn out to be a relaxing as John had planned, when Sherlock's latest case decides to catch up with them.

Blind Man's Bluff by Rae666 (25K, T, Gen) "We are gods among mortals. But even gods must be tested." Sherlock loses his sight temporarily and must rely on his other senses and John in order to solve the case at hand. But as the killer draws closer, could the pair be in more danger than they first thought?

Contamination by LauraJV (16K, M, Gen) In which an artistic murder draws Irene Adler and her brother Nathan into the lives of Lestrade and Holmes, and Dr John Watson balances his morals against the happiness that is a warm gun.

Dehumanise Me by deuxexmycroft (26K, E, Johnlock) John is sent down for life after accidentally murdering someone, and gets snatched up to play prison wife for a strange man named Sherlock Holmes.

Disguise by kaalee (55K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock's disguises are little more than a nuisance to John until one day he walks into the kitchen dressed as someone from John's past, someone John had tried to forget.

Evidence of Human Life by thesardine (16K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock's sanity deteriorates while he and John are stranded on a deserted island.

Floriography by lbmisscharlie (21K, M, Johnlock, Warstan) Florist!AU - Sherlock is a florist and he's doing the flowers at the wedding of John Watson and Mary Morstan. John's about to marry his best friend in the world. He's happy, in love, and content with Mary. So why can't he get tall, enigmatic man who did the flowers at his wedding out of his mind?

Getting Better by noxcandida (75K, T, Gen) Tristram Holmes dreads attending his new primary school, fearing he'll be teased and bullied as usual. Only, nothing goes exactly as he thinks it will when he finds himself with a seemingly unlikely friend in Emily Watson.

In My Master's House 'Verse by BrighteyedJill (185K, E, Johnlock, Mystrade) As a new slave in the Holmes household, John is having trouble finding his place. (This series began posting in 2011 and continued until 2014)

In The Land Of The Blind by entanglednow (12K, M, Johnlock) Apocalypse.

Indecorous by Basingstoke (55K, E, Johnlockary but it’s a different Mary than in the show) In which John learns to balance a kinky girlfriend, an asexual boyfriend, a ten-inch cock, his sister, the neighbours, his friends, and his blog. Some are more balanced than others.

Lacuna by coloredink (15K, E, Johnlock) God, it must have been terrible, to think that he would never have this again.

Let's Make a Bed Out in the Rain by theimprobable1 (17K, M, Johnlock and Warstan) John is devastated after his long-term girlfriend leaves him. Sherlock helps him through it.

Level 65 Paladin Looking for Group by etothepii (10K, T, Gen) "I think I met someone," John says at his next therapist's appointment. "A friend." "Really?" Ella asks. She sounds pleased, and also surprised. "What's his name?" John nods. "Really. His name's Sherlock. He -- he plays the same game as me, the online one. We party together."

Major Pieces by Lindentreeisle (31K, T, Gen) Sherlock knew that he could thoroughly rely upon John Watson's moral sense. And that's why he knew that Lestrade was wrong, wrong, wrong.

My Phone’s on Vibrate For You by misslucyjane (21K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock texts John all the time. Today’s different.

Never-Ending Cycle (orphaned) (17K, T, Johnlock) Or, four times Sherlock Holmes attempted to propose to John Watson, and the Christmas Party at which he finally did. Sherlock thinks he's a miserable failure, John is confused, Mrs. Hudson and Lestrade provide some unsatisfactory advice, and Mummy is, as always, the solution. All in a lovely, fluffy holiday theme.

On The Ice by berlynnwohl (35K, E, Johnlock) "Sherlock, I once saw you taste a vacuum cleaner attachment that had been used as a murder weapon, so can we please not pretend that Dungeons and Dragons is too weird for you?"

Parallel by brbsoulnomming (77K, M, Johnlock) There's a case at a secondary school/University, some series of threats or string of bizarre murders that has the entire campus shaken. In the course of the investigation, Sherlock and John meet two students. And, because they both want to help with the investigation, they get to watch them become friends and fall a little in love. And that makes them feel things about themselves that they've been working very hard to not feel, thank you.

Secondary Exposure by thesardine (18K, T, Gen) After twenty years, the killer who abducted John as a child has resurfaced.  Now John and Sherlock must track him down before he claims another victim, and at the same time navigate the shifting nature of their relationship.

Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc by etothepii (20K, M, Johnlock) "Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc. It's the family motto." "What does it mean?" "We gladly feast on those who would subdue us." (Addams Family crossover)

The Art Of Seduction by flawedamythyst (97K, E, Johnlock, Mystrade, Sheriarty, John/OMC, Sherlock/OMC) Sherlock ran a website called The Science Of Seduction, on which he gave advice on the best ways to get laid, wrote blog entries detailing the results of his various sexual 'experiments' and generally contributed to the stereotype of 'every gay man is a sex-mad playboy'. John avoided the thing like the plague. AU in which Sherlock treats sex like he does crime in canon.

The Baker Street Series by magicbunni (199K, T, Gen with background John/Sarah) Conspiracy and murder find Sherlock Holmes and John Watson surrounded by covert enemies in the heart of Scotland Yard. Together, they unearth clues that illuminate the scope, depth, and distorted psychology behind the crime. And, after a preemptive strike ordered by the mastermind they pursue, Holmes elects to continue the investigation under conditions that will force John Watson to fight for his friend's -- colleague's -- life.

The Penultimate Problem by Random_Nexus (18K, E, Johnlock) Angst, apocalypse-light, pseudo-hiatus, and other hijinx ensue.

The Love Song of Dr. John H. Watson by Kate_Lear (11K, E, Johnlock) John takes Sherlock out for the evening on Valentine's Day.

The Perfect Specimen by Cleo2010 (27K, E, Johnlock) After seeing John undressed for the first time and making certain observations, Sherlock quickly becomes obsessed with a certain body part belonging to his flatmate. This is the story of how that first sighting came to be and the following attempts to learn more. An unashamed masturbation-fest, first person and very detailed. It's rated explicit for a good reason!

The Poster Girl by stardust_made (67K, M, Gen) A seemingly straightforward case has Lestrade calling for Sherlock's help. Written from John's POV, this story takes place two months after the events in "The Great Game" and follows the investigation of the murder of Veronica Havisham: seventeen, popular—and murdered in Hainault Forrest on a Friday night in June.

The Progress of Sherlock Holmes by ivyblossom (62K, E, Johnlock, Warstan) “I had,” he said, “come to an entirely erroneous conclusion, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data.”

The Pull of One Magnet to Another by ellie_hell (46K, M, Johnlock) Mummy has arranged Mycroft’s marriage with an ex-army doctor. However, John meets Sherlock first, and sparks fly.

The Top-Secret Livejournal of Sherlock Holmes by malacophilous (23K, M, Johnlock, Sarah/John, Sherstrade) Sherlock has a Livejournal, which he updates constantly via his mobile phone and netbook. Everyone offline thinks that he's this stoic super-genius, when in reality he's a bonkers super-genius.

There's A First Time For Everything by Kate_Lear (21K, E, Johnlock) A series of 'firsts' in Sherlock's life.

Those Left Behind by nickelsandcoats (33K, E, Johnlock) After the events of The Great Game, Sherlock is on the hunt for revenge as John waits for Sherlock to join him. But deception abounds as both men struggle to come to terms with the paths their lives have taken.

What Makes Us Rich by flawedamythyst (31K, E, Johnlock) Agreeing on a compromise is one thing, living with it is quite another.

Whirlwind by rubyofkukundu (19K, E, Johnlock) You may be familiar with the following fanon ideas: 1. Sherlock was very sexually active at university. 2. It was while John was a student that he discovered he was bisexual. I decided to put the two together :D

[thecassadilla]

Right After

Word Count: 1,321/AO3

Pairing: New Dream/Rapunzel x Eugene 

Summary: Rapunzel and Eugene reflect on their wedding immediately after it happens.

Author’s Note: Hi everyone! This is my contribution for Day 7 of New Dream Appreciation Week - Life After Happily Ever After! This was, by far, the most difficult prompt for me. It’s another Modern!AU, unsurprisingly, and there’s a teeny tiny reference back to the vacation fic I wrote for day 2 ;). I’m so sad that this week is already over, and I had so much fun trying to figure out what to write for each and every one of these prompts. I have a lot of catching up to do with everyone else’s work (because when am I not a human disaster), but I really, really appreciate all the love I got this week. Thank you all so much for reading, you have no idea what it means to me <3

“I can’t believe we did that!” Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly as she climbed into the limousine. “We’re married!”

“It all happened so fast,” Eugene added, climbing in behind her and closing the door. “I can’t believe it’s already over.”

“I know,” she frowned, as the car began to drive away. “I wish we could relive this night over and over again. It was the best wedding ever.”

“I can’t wait until we can see all of the pictures and videos,” he said, taking her hand in his own. “I’m sure our friends have already been posting stuff online.”

“I’m not even sure where I left my phone. I hope it’s in the hotel room,” she giggled. “Today was such a whirlwind.”

“Tell me about it. I had to get up at eight.”

“Eight?! I had to get up at six!”

“Why did you get up so early?”

“It isn’t like I really slept last night, anyway. But I had breakfast with my bridesmaids, then a shower, then they started on my hair, then pictures, then makeup, more pictures, getting dressed, even more pictures. The pictures prolonged everything. I think the videographer was there, too, but everything was such a blur.”

“No wonder why you had to get up so early,” he chuckled. “It was a lot easier for me. Breakfast, shower, shave, style my hair, and get dressed. Basically what I’d do on a normal day, just with a photographer, videographer, and my groomsmen in the room.”

“There are going to be so many pictures, now that I think about it,” she pointed out. “They were with both of us all morning, and then they were at the ceremony and the reception.”

“We’re definitely giving your parents some framed pictures as part of their Christmas gift this year.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” she laughed. “They asked who our photographer was a long time ago, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they’re paying to have copies of some of the pictures.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me, either,” he muttered. “I just wish we could surprise them with something, for once.”

“We will, someday,” she said, confidently. “Speaking of surprises, I can’t believe that my father actually teared up when I danced with him. I’ve never seen him get like that.”

“It was really sweet, there was hardly a dry eye in the room.”

“I think my mom takes the cake with crying. She cried throughout the entire ceremony, and our first dance, and the speeches. I think the only reason she stopped crying was because she started drinking,” she jested.

“I can’t say that I blame her. That bar had quite a large selection of liquor.”

She rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t like she got totally wasted. She just had enough that it stopped her from crying.”

“Could you imagine if she cried while we cut the cake?”

“Don’t even get me started,” she laughed. “Speaking of food, I’m starving.”

“We’ll order room service when we get back to the hotel,” he assured her. “They stay open until three - I made sure they stood open late when we checked in.”

“You’re the best,” she squealed. “I’m a little sad that I didn’t get to eat more at the reception. Everything I had was delicious, but I was too busy talking to everyone to actually eat a full meal.”

“I think I got to eat a little more than you did, but I could go for a burger, myself.”

“I don’t even know what I want, but a burger sounds great. Or maybe penne alla vodka. Or pizza.”

“We could order a bottle of champagne, too,” he added.

“Mmmm,” she sighed, contently.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes,’ then.”

She nodded before leaning her head on his shoulder. “What was your favorite part about tonight, Eugene?”

He hesitated for a moment before answering. “Well, marrying you is obviously my favorite part. But I really loved those few minutes between the ceremony and the reception; it was the first time that we had time to just...talk. With no interruptions.”

“And then we went right back to taking more pictures,” she giggled. “I really loved that, too.”

“What was your favorite part?”

“Everything,” she answered, squeezing his arm.

“No fair! That’s cheating,” he teased. “I gave you a real answer.”

“I don’t know if I can pick a favorite. Everything was just so perfect.”

“Fine, I guess that’s an acceptable answer,” he jeered. “I can’t wait to take this suit off.”

“I never want to take this dress off,” she pouted, looking up at him. “I love it so much.”

“I mean, you don’t have to take it off, but it will get grungy and dirty if you don’t.”

“Stop using logic,” she grumbled.

“Sorry,” he chuckled.

“My mom is coming by tomorrow to get it before we leave for the airport. She’s going to take it to the dry cleaner’s for me.”

“I hope she’s going to take this suit, too.”

She nodded. “Definitely. She’s taking anything that isn’t coming with us to Greece.”

The car came to a stop, then, and they knew that they had reached their hotel. Eugene climbed out first, and held out his hand for her. She took it, and gracefully stepped out behind him. The hotel lobby was dead, except for a few members of the hotel staff who stared at them from the front desk. The elevator ride was quiet, and they practically skipped down the hallway to their room. 

“I did leave my phone here!” Rapunzel exclaimed, as soon as she saw her phone resting on the mattress. She picked it up and the screen lit up before her eyes. “Wow! I have over 200 text messages.”

“Calm down, there, miss popularity,” he said, handing her a room service menu. “Pick what you want to eat first, then read your messages.”

“Actually, it’s missus popularity,” she corrected, handing the menu back. She sat down on the edge of the bed. “And just order me a burger.”

“Easy enough,” he shrugged, walking over to the phone on the nightstand. 

She scrolled through her messages as he ordered the food, and a moment later he was sitting next to her.

“Look at this,” she said, holding her phone out to him. “One of my friends got lost on the way here and thought that the best way to figure out where the venue was, was to text me.”

“...this person knew that you were the bride, right?”

“That’s why it’s so funny!” She laughed. “And look, my coworker sent thirty professional-looking pictures that she took!”

She handed him the phone, and he scrolled through the pictures. “These are so great.”

“I know!” She said. “I still didn’t open most of the messages yet, but from what I could tell, most of them were just ‘congratulations’ messages. I’ll answer everyone tomorrow.”

“I’m afraid to see how much stuff we’re tagged in on social media,” he chuckled.

Her eyes widened and she flopped backwards. “I forgot about that. I’m too tired, now; I’ll look tomorrow.”

“No sleeping until after you eat, sunshine,” he warned playfully.

She leaned up on her elbows. “I’m not going to sleep yet. Do you know what we should do?”

“What?” He asked, cautiously. 

“Jump on the bed!”

He chuckled. “I don’t think our downstairs neighbors will appreciate that, sunshine.”

“Who cares! We can do whatever we want because we got married today.”

“I don’t think it works quite like that, but…” he trailed off, looking around the room. “Let’s do it!”

So they did; they jumped and giggled like children for a minute or two before collapsing in a heap on the bed. 

“Well, that was fun,” he said, trying to catch his breath.

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I still can’t believe we’re married.”

“Me either,” he agreed, with a smile. “The start of forever.”

“Our happily ever after,” she grinned widely, squeezing his hand.