#Camielle Day

[writingbyshiloh]

Cautious yet Optimistic and Graceful Part 2

Part 1 & Part 3

CW: Morally gray reader, F!Reader, John Wick-type universe (ie, killing, the reader thinks about past injuries from fights. training not descriptive). Not smut but suggestive thinking from both Vincent and the reader, mutual pinning, and worldbuilding but no description of the reader. Smoking, a nonsexual cigarette burn on the reader, brief drinking. MAYBE OCs (Fictional staff for the fictional hotel). NO BETA

Summary: The Marquis de Gramont still annoys you. But he needs help from you(r hotel). Like a good manager, you help. 

AN: PART 2 everyone!!! Thank u for the likes/comments/reblogs! This takes place a few months after part 1. IDEK if this is ooc the man had like 30 minutes of screen time overall and I’ve been writing this for a week. I read it a few times for spelling but something got messed up copy and pasting and a para or 2 got dropped. Part 3 will be out ???? soon(ish)

Something about today had his words bouncing around in your head. Out of all the ways to describe someone, he narrowed it down to three (well technically he used six). 

Cautious. Sure, you can see that. Out of a love of being alive, you tried not to take any unnecessary risks in your fighting days. You also tried to avoid having a marker whenever you could. There was one in existence with your blood on it. A favour for someone you thought was a friend. You held up your end, the bloody fingerprint stored in the New York Continental as proof. 

Optimistic. That also makes sense. You actually enjoy what you do, loving being part of the criminal underworld before and now. You haven't been the manager for too long but would already die for this hotel. 

The part that was throwing you was graceful. You didn't think you were that graceful physically. You have scars to prove that you've taken a hit, slash, or burn many times. Did he mean gracefully with people? Camille did so much for the hotel, you just deal with regular hotel things (like getting Monument Historique status for a collection of French weapons, take that, Vincent). The other part was implanting rules from the high table. Maybe just being graceful and polite when you were resisting the urge to claw your eyes out. 

It could also be flirting. You felt he wasn't the type to hit on someone out of the blue. Sure he was smart and confident, but it seemed like too big a risk for him to take. Unless he is just a playboy, which is something you find yourself tempted to google twice a day. 

You would rather die than admit it, but you almost like when he called you Mademoiselle. Almost. It was like a nickname, plus it brought out his accent more. When you found yourself enjoying.

To make things worse Camielle caught on to your crush immediately. While embarrassing, it did show how clever she was and you were glad she was the concierge. Her knowing also gave you an excuse to just tell Vincent your direct number, so Camille would stop reminding you how frequently he called.

You love the bar in the hotel. It is beautiful, decorated in an Art Nouveau style, with large windows allowing for the sun to filter in during the day. You were almost pleased that Vincent asked to meet you there, allowing you to subtly show off your business. 

Finding him at the bar wasn’t hard, no one else was wearing a dark green three-piece suit, complete with a complexly tied tie and their coat of arms pin. He looks good but tense, one long leg crossed over the other. Plus, you could see Chidi and another guard in their gray suits keeping an eye. You were thankful that you took extra time this morning on your outfit. 

You slid into the chair next to him, after shaking a few hands with other big names down in the bar for a late-night drink. 

“I hear you have a problem.” You say, while not knowing the full details, just that he wanted to meet you in the bar and something was wrong. It kicked your heartbeat up, even if you only told yourself it was the stress of him being here. 

“Correct.”. 

“I’m sure you know because of your love of rules, but I can only help those who are using the hotel services.” 

You didn't care that much, and would absolutely bend the rules to do him a favour, but couldn't resist a chance to get a dig in.

The Marquis pulls out two gold coins and slides them across to the bartender. He orders a top-shelf spirit before his eyes cut to you. Now he's buying you a drink in your own hotel. You would want him to buy you a drink in a different situation but at least he didn't order for you. That may cause you to actually kill him.  

Clearing your throat you order your usual, quietly thanking the bartender when the drink was placed in front of you. 

The bar wasn't loud, but he dropped his head towards you so you could hear him better and to give the conversation some privacy. 

“You have a cartographer here, no?”

You nodded. The cartographer is excellent. He had blueprints for buildings past and present, as well as the catacombs. He also had knowledge and keys to abandoned buildings if something had to be desponded and not be found. 

“How soon do you need him?” While one of the best, he was away for his daughter's wedding

“Tonight.” 

You took a small sip of your drink. You could probably get the information he was looking but you wouldn't be as efficient. 

“While we do have a cartographer, he's gone to a family event. If your plans are that urgent I can try my best to fill in.” 

Content with your answers, Vincent leaned back into his seat taking a swig of his drink. You took the finishing sip of yours before pushing out of your chair. 

“I have spare keys in my office. I’ll meet you back here in five.” 

For how commanding and prideful he is, you never expected him to need the services from your hotel.

The maps room was fairly boring. Three out of the four walls were filled with lockboxes to various maps. Blueprints, and documents for France and even some other countries nearby. 

“Are these your beloved catacombs?” The Marquis asks, studying the paper taped to the wall. You asked the map maker for more information and for ideas on what you could do with them. 

You hum in agreement, deep down thrilled that he remembered such a small part of your conversation ages ago. 

Your eyes jump over the numbered lock boxes in front of you, trying to find the one he needs. 

You half expected him to help you pull out maps and building plans, a blend of chivalry, showing off his height, and getting under your skin. He didn’t, letting you struggle with the lock instead. 

Vincent knew he should help you, but the way your back was arched as you tried to open one of the lockboxes out of the dozens was more interesting. His gaze moved over your legs, before looking at your ass in your skirt. 

Feeling the lock give a turn to the side, you peek inside the box to make sure the plans were there. Hand sliding in, you pulled the thin tube out, double-checking the label on the front to make sure it is the one you need. Leaving the box unlocked you turn to face Vincent, a triumphant grin on your face.

Maybe your grin and pride in getting the correct documents were a bit unprofessional but he didn't care. Not since the small room amplified the smell of your perfume and how the spent the better part of the last five minutes checking out your legs. 

Uncapping the tube, you pulled out the blueprints and spread them on the backlist glass table in front of you.

“Here are your prints,” you state awkwardly. You're not sure why he needs them, and why he personally came here. Chidi is keeping guard outside the map room, despite you repeating the hotel policy of no business. 

The Marquis nods in response already focusing on the table. You flatten a small map from the tube in case he needs context on the area. Not likely since he already knows what to look for, proven by his notebook and the constant sound of his pen against the paper taking notes. 

Watching him study the map may have been alright at first, but three hours later you are tired. There are only so many times you can look at his hair and wonder if he would get mad if you run your hands through, or gently tug it. Or what his hands would feel like, especially with his signet ring. 

The grandfather clock tells you that it's only 2:36 am but you feel like it's later. Even Vincent looks slightly less than perfect, hair falling out of place from where he had gelled it that morning.

He is a guest of your hotel so you're going to keep helping him no matter how long he stays. Just with a bit less optimism. 

“Mademoiselle?” Your eyes snap to his face at the sound of his voice, pulling you from your thoughts. 

“You look tired. You should go to bed,” he comments. 

Wow. Thanks, you think. 

“I’m okay. I’m happy to stay here as long as you need,” you say while hoping he leaves soon. “How are the plans going? The cartographer can help you with the finer details when he gets back.” 

“That is not necessary. I have all I need here.” He slowly stretches and starts to stand. You never considered it but being hunched over the table must have been hell on his back given his above-average height. Finally seeing your chance to go to bed, you quickly make it over to the door, opening it for him. 

“Merci, again.” He thanks you as if this is not your job. 

“Do you want me to walk you to the main door?” You have all your floor plans memorized. 

“We are fine.” He replies. 

He looks at you and you can't read his expression. He's less tense, obviously getting what he needed from the plans. 

“The high table did a good job making you the manager.” 

You feel pride swell in your chest, despite the exhaustion you feel behind your eyes. 

“Bonne nuit, Mademoiselle” 

“Bonne nuit. Bon matin.” You quietly wish him as he leaves, wasting no time putting the plans away and locking the map room door. 

You let out another exhaust of bitter smoke, watching it curl away on the cool night air. You didn't start smoking in Paris, but dropped and picked the habit a few times.

“Fumes-tu, Mademoiselle?” a voice behind you makes you flinch. You didn’t tell anyone that you have a secret smoking place, let alone that you went out to smoke. 

You spin around before relaxing at the sight of the Marquis, clad in a dark suit, his signature pin on the lapel reflecting the light. 

You nod, before realizing he probably can't see you well under the lights in the alcove. He is by your side quickly, long legs carrying him the short distance. 

You tip your head to the small table, where your rolling papers, tobacco and other smoking paraphernalia sit in a silent offer. Vincent looks at the table before facing you again. Guess he's too fancy to smoke you assume while taking a drag.

You turn your head to blow out more smoke, careful not to blow it in this direction, a hard feat considering he was extremely close to you. The smell of his cologne drifted under the smell of smoke. 

You move your cigarette down and out to the side, fully ready to see why the Marquis interrupted you. Watching his face, his eyes dipped down to your lips and then back to your eyes almost a silent asking. The smooth and sophisticated era was still there but there was uncertainty under it. 

You slowly leaned closer, not wanting to make the first move, but you want this to happen. He hand-cupped your face, the cool metal of the ring nice as he shifted closer, leaving a small gap for you to make the final push to kiss him. Just a few more inches and then -

Pain. A sharp burning pain on your pinky finger. 

You jerk back, trying to examine what happened. Your cigarette slipped while you were distracted and the glowing embers of the end dropped only to land on your pinky. 

“Shit. Sorry,” you apologize, letting out a nervous huff of a laugh while holding up your burn. The Marquis was unreadable, hand withdrawn. Does he think you rejected him? 

He reaches for your wrist and you let him take it. Slowly he brings your hand up to the outdoor lamp to inspect your burn. The stinging has subsided but you are sure the flesh is a bit swollen. 

With his free hand, he takes the offending cigarette and brings it to his lips. You can't help but stare, cigarette burns long forgotten as you watch him take a deep inhale, before exhaling over your head, so no smoke blows in your face. Part of you regret not making the final push to kiss him, while another hopes he takes another puff. 

Vincent brings your cigarette down to examine it in better lighting before placing it back in your hand, still firmly in his grasp. 

“It is not a well-rolled cigarette. It is too tight.”

There it is you think. The classic Vincent snark. But you secretly hope he rolls one so you can watch his hands and watch him smoke it. 

“You don’t have to smoke it.” 

“I just wanted to give you this.” He reaches into his suitcoat pocket, retrieving a white envelope. His hands brush yours while you grab it. 

You know his handwriting from the time with him in the map room, and you could easily tell he wrote your name on the front. 

“Thank you?” you weren't sure what was inside but you were being all the things he described you as. 

“I will go, and let you read it.” 

You watch him leave, thoughts racing too fast to try and save the situation.

Do you call out after him? Does he think you rejected him? Maybe not because he still gave you the envelope. 

You ash your cigarette before collecting your things and going back to your office. Maybe things would make more sense there.

Taglist: @heartrot666

[ultrainfinitepit]

Day 9: Stole for my Angeltober 2023.

Camiel is a power angel, tasked with defeating evils and demons. He pretends to be a priest and an exorcist to go about his duties.

Cam is more of a lover than a fighter but he is good at being either. In his angelic form, Cam resembles a demon with horns and bat wings. He is sometimes teased for this but tries not to let it bother him, he is meant to lure in demons after all.

For today's design I wasn't sure if I liked the more sinister black/red palette or the warmer purple/yellow palette, so if you have a preference let me know.

In his humanoid angelic form, Cam has a tail and bird feet. His feet are inspired by descriptions of demons in Judaism. He also has a more beast-like angelic form that is inspired by the maned wolf.

[lauralot89]

Named Angels

Fallen angels are not included. Neither are gnostic angels because I'm tired.

Aker: Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Al-Khidr: Also known as al-Khadir, Khader, Khidr, Hidr, Khizr, Kathir, Khazer, Khadr, Khedher, Khizir, Khizar, or Khilr. The Servant of God whom Moses accompanies in the Quran is identified as Al-Khidr by Islamic scholars.

Ambriel: Ambriel is an angel associated with the month of May.

Arariel: Described in the Talmud as the angel in charge of the waters of the Earth.

Ariel: An angel in Jewish and Christian mysticism. Ariel has dominion over beasts, creative forces, the North, and elemental spirits.

Arphugitonos: Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Artiya'il: An angel appearing in the hadith. Artiya'il removes grief and anxiety from humans.

Atid: One of two angels in Islamic tradition who records a person's actions. This record is used to confront each person on the Day of Judgment.

Azrael: The angel of death. Azrael is one of the four archangels in Islam.

Beburos: Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Camael: Also known as Chamuel, Khamuel, Camiel, Cameel and Camniel. One of the twelve Kabbalah angels, Camael is assigned to the fifth sephirah in the tree of life.

Cassiel: Also known as Qafsiel or Qaspiel. In Jewish and Christian mysticism, Cassiel is described by various roles, such as the angel of Saturn the angel of the moon, the angel of tears, and the angel of temperance. Cassiel is sometimes said to preside over the death of young men.

Dobiel: Also known as Dubbiel. Dobiel is the guardian angel of Ancient Persia.

Gabriel: An angel who announces God's will to men. Gabriel is considered in archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Gabriel appears to Daniel to explain his prophetic visions. Gabriel foretold the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and the Annunciation of Jesus to Mary. Gabriel appeared twice to Muhammad. In the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Gabriel lived a mortal life as the prophet Noah. Gabriel was named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Gabuthelon: Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Haniel: Also known as Hananel, Anael, Hanael or Aniel. Haniel is sometimes listed as one of the seven archangels. In Kabbalah, Haniel is associated with the seventh sephirah.

Jegudiel: Also known as Iehudiel. Jegudiel is one of the seven archangels of the Eastern Orthodox Church tradition. Jegudiel is the patron saint of hard work and leadership and is often depicted holding a whip (as a punishment for sinners) and a crown (as a gift for the righteous).

Jerahmeel: Also known as Jeremiel, Eremiel, or Ieremihel. Jerahmeel is recognized as an archangel in Lutheran, Angelican, and Orthodox traditions. Jerahmeel is said to comfort the righteous dead in the Bosom of Abraham, or to guard heaven with St. Peter.

Jophiel: Also known as Dina, Iophiel, Iofiel, Jofiel, Yofiel, Youfiel, Zophiel, or Zuriel. In Anglican tradition, Jophiel is an archangel and in Kabbalah, Jophiel is associated with the sephirah chokmah. Some sources list Jophiel as the angel who guards the garden of Eden with a flaming sword.

Kalqa'il: Kalqa'il is an Islamic angel who guards the entrance of the fifth heaven.

Lailah: An angel appearing in the Talmud. Lailah is associated with conception, pregnancy, and the night.

Maalik: An Islamic angel of hell. Maalik carries out God's punishment on wrongdoers.

Metatron: Described in the Talmud as the heavenly scribe, Metatron is allowed to sit in the presence of God to record the deeds of Israel. Metatron was mistaken by Elisha ben Abuyah for a deity, and was subsequently lashed 60 times with a fiery rod to demonstrate that the Metatron was an angel and could be punished, unlike a god. In mystic writings, Metatron is the form Enoch took after his ascension. In Islam, Metatron is the angel of the veil and alone knows what lies beyond it.

Michael: Also known as Mika'il or Mikal. The prince of Israel and prince of the Heavenly Host. Michael is regarded as an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition, and is the only angel explicitly identified as an archangel in the Christian Bible. In the book of Daniel, Michael fought the prince of Persia. In Revelation, Michael fought Satan and cast him out of heaven. Michael and Gabriel are the angels said to have shown Muhammad paradise and hell. In Jewish tradition, Michael prevented the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a ram. Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses believe Michael is another name for Jesus in heaven. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, Michael is the same person as Adam. Michael is named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Moroni: In angel in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Moroni was the guardian of the golden plates from which Joseph Smith wrote the Book of Mormon, and appeared to Smith numerous times.

Muriel: Muriel is a Domination, a class of angel in the second angelic sphere. Muriel is associated with the month of June.

Nuriel: Regarded in some traditions as the same being as the angel Uriel. Nuriel is the angel of hailstorms and commands an army of 500,000 angels made of water and fire.

Pahaliah: Pahaliah is the angel of Redemption. Pahaliah is a throne, an class of angel in the first angelic sphere.

Puriel: Puriel accompanied Abraham on a journey to heaven. Puriel is tasked with examining the souls of those brought to heaven.

Raphael: Known in Islam as Israfel or Israfil. Raphael is regarded as an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. It is believed that Raphael is the angel in the Gospel of John who stirs the pool of Bethesda. In Islam, Raphael will blow the trumpet which signals the Day of Judgment, and the hadith lists him as the angel closest to God. Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Raqib: One of two angels in Islamic tradition who records a person's actions. This record is used to confront each person on the Day of Judgment.

Raziel: Also known as Gallitsur. Raziel is the angel of secrets and mysteries, and the keeper of all magic. In Kabbalah, Raziel is associated with the sepirah chokmak.

Riḍwan: Also known as Riswan. Riḍwan is an Islamic angel who guards the gates of heaven.

Sabrael: Sabrael is an angel appearing in the apocryphal works the Testament of Solomon and 3 Enoch.

Sachiel: Also known as Sariel, Suriel, Suriyel, Sikhael, Sixael, Satquel, Satquiel, Saquiel, Seriel, Sauriel, Saraqael, Sarakiel, Suruel, Surufel, Souriel, or Sachquiel. Sachiel is a cherub who is associated with charity and wealth.

Sahaquiel: Listed as one of the archangels in the Third Book of Enoch. Sahaquiel is attended by "496,000 myriads of ministering angels."

Samkhiel: An angel of Gehenna, Samkhiel is the angel of destruction. Samkhiel torments the wicked to cleanse their souls and eventually reuinte them with God.

Sandalphon: An archangel in mystical traditions of Judaism and early Christianity. Sandalphon is said to gather prayers and bring them to God. Some sources regard Sandalphon as an angelic ascension of Elijah.

Sarathiel: Also known as Serathiel. Sarathiel is an archangel in the Oriental Orthodox tradition.

Selaphiel: Also known as Sealtiel, Selatiel, or Selathiel. Selaphiel is regarded as an archangel in the Byzantine Catholic and Greek Orthodox traditions. Selaphiel is sometimes viewed as the angel in Revelation who offers people's prayers to God.

Uriel: Also known as Phanuel. Uriel is often depicted as a cherub and is the angel of repentance. Uriel is regarded as an archangel in Russian Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, as well as in Kabbalhah. Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Uziel: Also known as Usiel. Uziel is an archangel in 3 Enoch.

Yahoel: Also known as Jahoel, Jehoel, or Yaoel. Yahoel is charged with destroying idolators and restraining the Leviathian. Some sources list Yahoel as the chief angel of the Seraphim. Another lists Yahoel as one of the names of Metatron.

Zadkiel: Also known as Hasdiel. In Kabbalah, Zadkiel is an archangel associated with the fourth sephirah.

Zaphkiel: Also known as Tzaphqiel, Tzaphkiel, Zaphchial, Zaphiel, or Zelel. Zaphkiel is the chief angel of the thrones and is regarded in some traditions as the same angel as Raphael.

Zebuleon: Named in the Greek Apocalypse of Ezra as one of the nine angels who will govern at the end of the world.

Zephaniel: Zephaniel is the chief angel of the Ishim in Kabbalah.

Zerachiel: Also known as Zachariel, Zakhariel or Saraqael. An angel who leads souls to judgment and is set over those who "sin in the spirit."

Zotiel: Zotiel is an angel mentioned in the Book of Enoch.

[helplessavacado]

Prompt 14: Tenebrous (dark; shadowy or obscure)

Archangel Khamuel, standing outside the Assyrian campground (2 Kings 19:35)

Khamuel!! Another angel that isn't mentioned by name in the Bible, but a guy l've had fun with nonetheless. There are a million ways of spelling his name (Chamuel, Khamuel, Camiel, Cameel, Camniel, etc ect) and I went with Khamuel, because K is objectively cooler than C. He's the archangel of strength, courage, and war, and so I decided to give him the smiting of the Assyrian army, as well as a cool flaming sword. As of rn he doesn't really have much of a role or backstory, but he's such an interesting guy so I'll probably write about him in the future

Silly image and Khamuel's design is by the wonderful @holidamned!!! Wouldn't have been able to finish this image on time without his help, so send him some love

Eighth day, fourteenth prompt, see y'all on the seventeenth with "Vespertine"

[angelloverde]

"Mo Soul" Player Playlist 10 November

Down To The Bone - Urban Jazz

Diggs Duke - Something In My Soul

Slow Joe & The Ginger Accident Feat. Yael Naim- Cover Me Over

4hero - The Awakening

Otto - Bob (Edu K Mix)

Camiel - Last Days Of Summer

Jack McDuff - As She Walked Away

Marvin Gaye - Trouble Man

Ziad Rahbani - Abu Ali

Peter Gabriel vs James Brown - Sledge Hammer Machine (DJ Prince Mashup)

Snowboy Feat Noel McCoy - Lucky Fellow

Jerome Van Rossum - Nublado

Italian Secret Service - Vox Media

Tony Joe White - Woman With Soul

Giorgos Hatzinassios - Pursuit

If you really want to enjoy music and help musicians and bands, buy their lp’s or cd’s and don’t download mp3 formats. There is nothing like good quality sound!!!

(Angel Lo Verde / Mo Soul)

[mister-e-filman]

Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir: Year One

Autumn: Copycat

It had been five days since Hawk Moth akumatized Aurore into Climatika, which meant nothing for Bridgette to punch but did mean that both Ladybug and Cat Noir weren't exausting themselves to death. And also meant that Marinette had more free time to figure out how to ask Adrien out, like she was doing on the balcony of the Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. She was on trying out another various things with Tikki who asked "How about inviting him to a movie then?"

"Right, Tikki. Can you imagine that conversation?" Marinette answered dryly.

Bridgette, who was sitting nearby, then pipped up, imitating her twin's flustered attitude, "'Hey Adrien, would you like to gah— wuh,'" she then got tongue-twisted and ended her performance by sticking her tongue out before ending it completely with "Glah."

Marinette had to admit that her twin had a point. "Exactly. I can't help it. Every time I see him, I get all clammy and I feel like fainting," she admitted as she imagined that an image of Adrien appearing in the clouds.

Tikki then pointed out "So... basically the only way you could have a normal conversation with him, is if you were blindfolded."

Marinette nodded before admitting "Pretty much."

Tikki proceeded to tell her main wielder "There is a very simple solution, Marinette, it is called a cell phone. You just need to dial his number."

Marinette ran through a multitude of reasons why NOT to call her crush in her head in the fear of making herself out to be a clutzy nobody. "I don't know, Tikki! I don't think that I have the guts to dial Adrien's number!"

Bridgette then pulled out her phone to text for Alya to get over there ASAP.

Appartantly what they had forgotten was that that day at the Place des Vosges, a crowd was gathered for the Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir's sculpture unveiling, a statue in their honor, sculpted by 16-year-old Théo Camiel Barbot.

Both he and Mayor Bourgeois were facing the crowd, with the giant statue covered with a sheet behind them, being ready to be unveiled.

The mayor leaned close to the young artist and softly told him "I'm sure you've outdone yourself, Théo."

Théo responded back with "It was my honor, Sir. And I can't wait to meet Ladybug, I hope she'll autograph the photo I used as the inspiration for the statue."

"You used a photograh?" the Mayor asked. "Well, uh, as best as I could, you know?"

The Mayor nodded. "Erm, how old do you think they are?" Théo asked rather nervously. He wanted to know so that he didn't come off as a creep. "No clue, as we've never asked because it's quite frankly none of our buisness," the Mayor told him, to which Théo nodded.

“Oh it’s nearly time, Ladybug and Cat Noir should already be here by now,” the Mayor mused. Little did he know that was far from the case.

“Look we all know improv’s not your strongsuit so just stick to the script,” Alya gave Marinette a notepad while she said this. But Marinette was aware of the problem at hand, “But all of the teachers say I don’t sound natural when I read.”

“Then memorize it. It’s pretty simple. You can do this. Just don’t improvise. Got it?” Alya suggested. Her strategy was if Marinette memorized the speech to Adrien enough it would sound natural even though it wasn’t improvised. But the strategy went over Marinette’s head once she looked at her phone and the script, “Forget it! This is never gonna work!”

Alya however was one step ahead. Hitting the speed dial on Marinette's phone, “Too late. It’s dialing,” She tossed the phone back to her friend and jumped behind Marinette's chaise while her friend held the cellphone in one hand. Not knowing what to do.

Adrien's voice recorder suddenly spoke "Hey, this is Adrien's voicemail. Leave a message."

Marinette began panicking even more "It's gone to voicemail!"

Alya quietly but stenly told her "Leave a message! Don't improvise!"

Marinette then began doing exactly what Alya had told her NOT to do "Uhh, hello. Uh, Adrien's voicemail, uh, this is Marinette, who, uh, has a message for you, of course, cause it's, uh, your phone, so, umm..." she chuckled nervously befote suddenly speaking exttemely fast in order to end the entire awkward situation Callmeseeyoulater,bye!" Marinette grabbed her phone and then threw it onto the chaise.

Alya just looked at her, exasperated.

Marinette noticed before moaning "What? What did you expect me to say? 'Hey, hot stuff, this is Marinette, I'd ask you on a date to a movie, but I've got such a crazy crush on you that the only way I can talk to you without foaming out the mouth is over this stupid phone.' Pretty ridiculous, right?"

Before Alya could say anything, an automated voice from the phone said "If you wish to hear your message again, press 1. If you wish to erase your message, press 2."

Marinette gasped in horror before racing over to the phone.

Alya frantically told her "Hit 2! Hit 2!"

Marinette lunged at her phone and tapped the phone. However...

"Message saved. Goodbye," the automated voice from Marinette's phone said.

Marinette screamed, before she collapsed on the chaise.

Alya did think that what her friend had unintentionally inptovised was most definitely cringe-inducing, she did try to keep an upbeat mood "It's not as bad as you think."

Marinette let out a "Hmm?"

Alya desperately tried lying to her "Okay, it's bad. But you were gonna have to tell him one of these days, some way or another. Think of it this way: no more secrets!"

Marinette tried getting her point across "The voicemail recorded the whole conversation!"

Alya told her "Big deal!"

Marinette started explaining why this was terrible "I called him 'hot stuff.' He cannot be allowed to hear that message, Alya! If he does, I'll die of shame!"

Alya started thinking that this whole thing was a bad idea from the start but refused to say so instead just trying to help her friend out "Okay, okay. I got an idea. If Adrien's phone went to voicemail, it means the dude's busy. Which also means you can get to it before he does. Hmm, I wonder where he'd be..."

Marinette then pulled down a large copy of Adrien's schedule from the bedroom's ceiling, which made Alya very uncomfortable. Bridgette noticed Alya's uncomfortableness and told her twin "Told you that this was a bad idea!" Marinette retorted with "Well, it's better than having it be up on the computer where anybody could read it! Welcome to the 21st century, Bridgette!"

Marinette then turned hr attention back to her handcrafted schedule of Adrien's day-to-day life. "Of course! He's got fencing club after school, that's why he didn't pick up! It ends in exactly twenty-two and a half minutes."

Alya then blurted out "You are seriously insane. You know that, right?" to which Marinette giggled at, until she noticed that her kwami was no longer in the room. "Tikki?" Where was she?

Tikki had left to delete the message herself in order to prevent her wielder from coming off as both a stalker and a thief as it had become very clear that Marinette was planning on stealing Adrien's cellphone! So she flew as quickly as she could to Collège Françoise Dupont. Speaking of which, Adrien was indeed taking fencing classes, while his kwami Plagg was in his locker, eating Camembert.

Plagg let out an "Ahhhhh!" when Adrien's phone vibrated.

The Automated Voice from said phone then said "You have 1 new message." Plagg shut it off just as Tikki appeared in the locker. Neither kwami could believe what they were seeing. "Sugarcube? What are you doing here?" "A message was sent by accident by my wielder, a-" she was cut off by Plagg who understood what was going on. He opened the phone's main menu and eventually deleted the message. "Good riddance! Uh-oh, it is time for the ceremony!"

"I need to get back now!" Tikki panicked as she flew away, phasing through the locker as fast as she could.

Back in the gym, Adrien defeated his opponent. He pulled up his mask, and gave him a thumbs-up with a smile.

Adrien then told him "Gotta get a drink of water. I'll be right back." He ran to his locker and opened it, and he opened his bag and saw Plagg inside, finishing his cheese. "Plagg, you pig!" "Nah, you want a pig kwami, then talk to Daizzi, kid!" Plagg told him before burping.

Adrien then ordered "Move, please, so that I can check the time. Oh no, now we're late! Time to transform, Plagg!" His ring flashed, ready for transforming.

Back at the Dupain-Cheng Home, both Marinette and Alya were running down the stairs. They went outside and saw Cat Noir leaping over a building "Woo-hoo! Yeah-ha-ha! Ha! Hahaha!" he gracefully landed in front of the statue. "Hey, everybody!"

Marinette covered her mouth and looked panicked.

Alya also panicked though as much as her friend "They're unveiling Ladybug and Cat Noir's sculptures today! I completely spaced!"

Marinette felt like she was gonna faint from panicking "Me too!"

"Uh, then we'd better get over there

"I can't believe I forgot!"

Alya tried assuring her "Listen. About Adrien's cellphone, what if we go right after?"

Marinette responded with "If we wait after the ceremony, Adrien's fencing training will be over, and he'll have his phone back by then."

"No need! The situation has been taken care of!" Tikki exclaimed proudly.

"Thanks Tikki -:Shit. I gotta cover this event for the Ladyblog... I'm sorry, Marinette!"

"Don't sweat it. I can manage. I think!"

"You sure?"

"Yes, yes. I'm sure."

"Cool. Good luck, and stay out of trouble!"

Tikki then asked Marinette "Isn't Ladybug supposed to be at the unveiling?"

Marinette responded "Yes, of course. Absolutely!"

"After all, it is a ceremony in your honor."

"It is ind-!" Marinette was suddenly cut off by her fainting, her hand glowing blue. Tikki looked up at Bridgette who was watching from her bedroom window.

Meanwhile at the Place des Vosges, the ceremony was about to begin.

Théo walked up to Cat Noir and asked "Excuse me, Cat Noir, but Ladybug's not here."

Cat Noir responded with "Don't worry about Ladybug. I'm sure she'll be here any moment. I can handle this situation alone for now. I am her second-in-command after all, you know."

Théo told him "It's just that, I wanted to ask her to autograph this photo. She's amazing. She's so brave and smart, the way she always saves everyone..."

Cat Noir looked at the photo wondering how the young man had been able to create a sculpture of them from photographs.

The Mayor then offered "Perhaps the ceremony should commence. It might bring her here faster."

Théo begged "Please, just one moment more, Mayor Bourgeois, she's going to arrive, I can feel it..."

A paratrooper landed on the remains of what was once the Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir statue, looking around before taking off back to hq.

"Clear!" Ladybug called out.

"How much further?" Minotaurox asked exhausted.

"We are almost there," Ladybug answered.

"Well, we need to hurry. We can't be out in the open for much longer. She'll come for us!" Minotaurox told her.

"Let her come. Let the bitch come. I'll stab this through her heart for what she did. I want to make her pay!" Action Zoe snarled while brandishing her Minergy-powered sword.

"I understand how you feel, Rena," Ladybug said calmly.

"You have no idea how I feel!" Zoe retorted.

"Please concentrate, we have to stick to the plan to have any chance to make this right!" Ladybug begged. She looked around at the lifeless wasteland that was once Paris, France. Just the very image of it was enough to have someone lose their mind. Like with Zoe when she asked her "Who have you ever loved?"

A silver-helmeted man wearing the Butterfly Miraculous was sitting on a car, laughing. Ladybug turned toward him.

"Au, contraire. She knows exactly what it's like to lose someone he loves. You know, like a... a father. Like a mother," Hawk Moth said, practically daring Ladybug to slip up.

"Be very careful with the next thing you say," Ladybug warned him.

"Like a boyfriend. Is that not right... Ladybug?" He turned toward her, what little sunlight revealing Hawk Moth's face. Ladybug stepped toward him.

"Maybe, in a way, that little action figure is right. Because... how many can die in your arms before you grow numb to death?"

"That is not very careful," Ladybug warned.

"And how many dead eyes can you look into before you die inside, yourself?" Hawk Moth proceeded to prod.

I have been dead inside a long time, you bastard. But even I have a limit. And if you cross that line, I swear, I-"

"Before what, Marinnete, kill me? You will not kill me. I am your best friend! Besides... you need me. You. Need me. To help you undo this world you created by letting her win. You know, I often wonder... How many alternate timelines do you destroy the world because, frankly, you don't have the guts to die yourself? Hm? So, as usual, I'll be the bigger man," Hawk Moth continued, even going as far as to pin the blame for the cause of their world's state onto her. It made Ladybug clench her first just as Hawk Moth produced a holo-card seemingly from nowhere in a bit of close-up magic.

"A truce! Marionette..." he handed her the card, purposefully getting her name wrong.

He laughed dryly as Marinette stepped forward and examined the card.

"As long as you have this card... the truce. But all you have to do is tear it in half and I am happy to discuss with you, in any way you like, why you sent your twin sister... to do a woman's job," he explained.

Ladybug chuckled a bit before telling him "You know, it is funny that you would talk about people who died in my arms. Because when I held Adrien, and he was bleeding and dying, he begged me, with his last breath, that when I killed you -- and make no mistake, I will fucking kill you... that I would do it as slowly as possible. I am going to honor that promise, you can bet your ass," Ladybug half-whispered to him fiercely as she took the card.

Hawk Moth's hand began to shake. The clouds panning to reveal that his face was filled with honest fear, before it shifted to bemusement. "Oh, you are good. You almost had me."

Ladybug pocketed the holo-card, "And maybe this will come in handy."

"Honor? Really, Marinette? Honor? We live in a society where honor is but a distant memory," Hawk Moth told her before he laughed again, jagged and cracked. It echoed across the destroyed landscape.

Captain Storm then asked "Where are we holding up?"

"Somewhere she'll never suspect," Ladybug answered.

"You still think it was a good idea, bringing him along?" he wondered.

What do you think?" Ladybug asked back just before a sonic boom reverberated in the distance. Minotaurox looked up to the sky with fear.

"She's found us!"

Queen V landed in the distance and the team got ready to do battle.

And then Marinette awoke with a start. She was in her bedroom? She glanced over at the clock. She sat up to get a better look and was immediately hit with a massive headache that made her fall back onto her pillow, but not before she saw the time it was too late!

Rewind back to how Cat Noir was handling things at the the Place des Vosges. The ceremony was about to begin.

Everyone was wondering where Ladybug was, though some decided not to say so as to not ruin the event.

Mayor Bourgeois finally announced "It's only proper for Paris to pay homage to those to protect us from evil. The Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir!" he proudly pulled the cover off unveiling the statues.

"Can I get some photos for the Ladyblog?" Alya asked excitedly to which both the Mayor and Cat Noir nodded. Théo however just looked up at Ladybug's statue and sighed sadly.

Cat Noir spoke up to get everyone's attention, "Ahem. if you'll let have me say a few words. Now I don't know if what I'm gonna say will make Ladybug cringe, have her go 'Oh, you're so sweet!' or heck, maybe a bit of both!" the crowd laughed. Cat Noir took a deep breath and began his speech "While both Ladybug and I are technically what you think of when it comes to hope, now whenever you don't see us, just come here for hope because that's exactly what this young man created; a symbol of both love and hope," Thèo blushed and gave a small shy smile. Cat Noir resumed "Already I can feel this beating within my soul and I'm sure that Ladybug feels the same! Because no matter how hard Hawk Moth strikes, we'll all have hope in our hearts to make it through his reign! So let's all give a hand to Mr. Thèo Barbot for his amazing work and for what it symbolizes!" And with that, the ceremony had ended.

Cat Noir approached Thèo, telling him "These statues really are amazing. One thing's slightly off though— I'm actually taller than Ladybug by just an inch," he saw Thèo's reaction and quickly told him "It's a joke, you actually did a damn fine job Mr. Barbot considering with what you had to go off of!"

Théo sighed "Thank you so much Cat Noir, it's just... Ladybug didn't show up. I just wanted to express my adoration for her. Let her know that everything I had went into her statue. I'm sure if she took a little time to get to know me, she would see how much we have in common. Our devotion to the things we love."

"Hey, don't mean to burst your bubble, but you're like... 16 which I'm pretty sure is a few years older than she is, you know?" Cat Noir pointed out.

Théo suddenly asked him "So, Ladybug and you, are you really a thing?"

Cat Noir was taken aback by this, making him confused "Huh? Oh, you mean we're like this?" he crossed his fingers to symbolize what the young artist meant when it finally clicked into place what he meant. Cat Noir sighed sadly "If only."

Unfortunately for Cat Noir, Théo didn't hear this bit before going their separate ways. Thèo walked away angrily. "What does Ladybug see in him?" he growled.

Back at the school, Cat Noir landed on the roof. Having changed back, Adrien opened the locker room door and stepped in, whistling while another student also in exclaiming "Whew! That was rough. Ha-ha." Adrien opened his locker and took his bag.

Back in the present, in Théo's studio the young man was furious, so much so that he was muttering angrily "A thing, huh? You don't even take love seriously. Calling it a thing... You don't deserve her! I do!" Thèo was so wrapped up in his fury that he didn't even notice an akuma flying into the crumpled photo in Théo's hands.

Hawk Moth could be heard inside of his head, telling him "Hello, Copycat. I am Hawk Moth. Once you get rid of Cat Noir, you can take his place. And Ladybug will be yours forever."

"The very thought of it makes me purr," Thèo said menacingly before turning into Copycat, Cat Noir's eyes now being his minus the cheerful playful mischiefness of the feline-themed superhero, instead being replaced by cruelness.

Meanwhile in Adrien's room, Adrien was pondering what Thèo had told him all the while Plagg was busy stuffing his face with cheese. "So, why didn't Ladybug show up at the ceremony?" Adrien wondered aloud. "She was busy with other things, like life. I actually met Tikki while you were still doing fencing lessons!" Plagg told his wielder. "Hm, is that so? Then I wonder what she's doing right now?" "Yeah, as well as Sugarcube-I mean Tikki!"

Speaking of which, back in Marinette's room, Tikki was telling Marinette "Oh, Marinette. You really need to get your priorities in order."

Marinette groaned "I know. Some days it feels impossible to balance being Marinette and being Ladybug."

Little did any of them know that their day was about to get harder as over at the Louvre. Copycat, identical in every way to Cat Noir, the only exception being the color of his hair, which blonde, he coolly strolled down the museum hall, all the while humming to himself.

The civilians were surprised. Some held up their phones to take pictures or videos.

Copycat then stepped across the rope to steal the Mona Lisa, however he knew that the Mona Lisa was displayed in a special hermetically-sealed and climate controlled case behind bulletproof glass due to its great age. So Copycat violently ripped open the case and grabbed the painting and told everyone there "Don't mind me. Just stealing this painting. Go about your business."

A civilian shouted "Hey!" while also placing a hand on Copycat's shoulder. But Copycat tripped the civilian.

A second civilian said "I gotta get this on camera!"

Out in the streets, Adrien was being driven by his chauffeur, since he wanted to get some air, plus he was just flicking through multiple radio stations until he landed on the news one where Nadja's voice came through from the radio. At last, he would be able to hear what the hell was going on in Paris! "And in some astonishing news, there's been a spectacular theft at the Louvre. Amateur video showed without a shadow of a doubt that the thief is none other than the famous hero, Cat Noir."

Adrien brought up said video on his phone, horrified by what he was seeing AND hearing Copycat: "This painting is the cat's meow," Copycat cunningly said before he ran away with the painting.

Adrien was shocked by all of this. "'Cat's meow?'" he got out of the car while continuing to point out the flaws of Copycat "Not only is that person a fake, he's a terrible fake!"

Adrien ran into the school to transform. "Plagg, claws out!" But after he did, he paused in front of a mirror, noticing that his appearance had changed to match that of the imposter. Cat Noir sighed in frustration and then jumped off the building to investigate the scene.

Cat Noir could hear Nadja from the radio inside the car say "Thanks Gigi, now for your weather."

Cat Noir was wondering where Ladybug was as now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen or even so much as heard from her all day, including last night. Where was she, and what was she doing?

Back in Marinette's room. Marinette was lying splayed out on her half of the bed, just trying to figure out why she kept getting unsettling visions from the future.

Marinette's phone suddenly rang, and she answered it; it was Alya. "Where are you girl?"

Marinette asked her "Actually, where are you? I can use some help."

Alya answered with "No can do. I'm waiting for additional details at the Louvre on the Cat Noir robbery."

Marinette asked confusedly "What? Somebody robbed Cat Noir?" Bridgette immediately began laughing herself breathless as soon as she heard that.

Alya corrected her "No, girl. Didn't you hear? Cat Noir came in and stole the Mona Lisa! In broad daylight! Now I'm for sure that Ladybug's gonna turn up, and I do not wanna miss this. I'll be over later."

Marinette replied "Okay." Before ending the call. "Cat Noir is a lot of things, but he's no thief. Time to transform!"

Marinette yelled the transformation phrase "Tikki, spots on!" Marinette transformed into Ladybug. There was some serious business to attend to!

Meanwhile over at the Louvre, Cat Noir appeared, and the police prepare themselves.

Cat Noir desperately tried calming down everybody so that nothing would escalate to dangerous levels "Whoa! Easy, tigers! You've got the wrong cat! That thief's an impostor. I'm the real Cat Noir!"

Agent Roger raised his hand ordering the police to stop.

Cat Noir calmly told them "Let me check out where the robbery took place. I have a knack for finding clues. You know, animal instincts."

Roger seemed oddly chill with him "Of course. Come with me. Thanks for your help, Cat Noir."

They entered the museum, where Cat Noir almost immediately found Théo's lollipop stick on a table. "Ah-ha, a clue!" Cat Noir looked for any more lollipop sticks just in case. He was just starting to walk over to where the Mona Lisa was stolen when at that moment, Agent Roger smirked and pressed a button, as metal bar doors closed, trapping Cat Noir.

“Hey I’m the real Cat Noir! I’m way slicker than that guy!” he complained.

“Kitty’s in the slammer. I repeat, Kitty’s in the slammer,” Roger said over the walkie-talkie. The plan was in motion.

Meanwhile, Ladybug arrived at the museum. She sees Mayor Bourgeois and the police. Time for some of the finer points of being a superhero. Interacting with local authorities.

“Mr. Mayor, this is ridiculous. I’m sure there’s a simple explanation,” Ladybug stated but Roger was unmoved, “Kitty’s in the slammer, Ladybug.”

“Don't think you're gonna keep him in there—” Ladybug started to say but Roger cut her off, “Now, now, Leave it to the experts, Ladybug. We've got it under control.” Ladybug smirked before telling him "Right, just like with Stoneheart. You're all normal cops going up against a superbeing, yeah that's pretty one-sided, don't you think? Good luck with that Raincomprix!" Ladybug chuckled. She was not going to “leave it to the experts” but she didn’t want to get on the bad side of Paris’s finest. And she wasn’t the only hero having issues with the law. Cat Noir had some as well. It’s just his issues were more…intense.

“Is there a problem officers?…” 

Cat Noir just used his Cataclysm power to break the bars and free himself. Only to be greeted by police officers with ballistic shields and riot tonfa batons.

“Thanks for the warm hospitality, but I gotta split, so... I'll just say this one more time. You've got the wrong cat!”

Cat Noir blocked the tonfas with his staff and charged through the police the second he had an opening to escape their clutches. Roger would find out about this when an officer said through his walkie-talkie, “Cat Noir is getting away!” Ladybug and Agent Roger were in hot pursuit on the scene after finding out about Cat Noir. Both of them had a different reaction to this. While none of the police officers were seriously hurt they were all on the floor. Knocked out cold.

“Well, if he's so innocent, then why is he running away?”

“Well, if you were wrongly imprisoned, wouldn't you run?”

And Cat Noir was still fleeing the scene. Mindful of the sound of sirens as he found a quiet place to call Ladybug. From his staff to her yo-yo.

“Requesting assistance, I repeat, requesting assistance. We are in pursuit of the suspect…” Roger ordered in the process of all of this. Things were going to be even more dangerous for the feline hero. Ladybug just wanted answers about all of this.

“Cat Noir, what’s going on?

“You know I’m innocent, don’t you Bugaboo?” Apparently being the most wanted man in Paris didn’t stop Cat Noir’s sense of humor, “Stop playing around and calling me Bugaboo. This is really serious!” Ladybug reminded him. Raising her voice a little in the process.

“I'm gonna find the real culprit and save my tail. I'll get back to—”

suddenly a police helicopter flew over Cat Noir. Watching him intently. One officer flying the chopper, the other one yelling at Cat Noir through a megaphone, “Give yourself up, Cat Noir!”

“Aren't you gonna go after him?” Roger asked. Which made Ladybug think about her answer before giving it, “Uh, I'll leave it to the 'experts.'” And then she swung away.

Cat Noir managed to get a little bit of breathing room in a nearby subway station so that he could safely revert back into Adrien.

“Come on, let’s get him!” yelled a police officer while Adrien stayed close to the walls. Keeping his footsteps quiet, before sucessifully walking out whistling innocently.

Plagg decided to share his thoughts with his wielder while eating his slice of Camembert "If you want my opinion, I would say the thief was akumatized." Adrien held up Théo's lollipop stick before telling his kwami "That much I had figured. See this lollipop stick? The sculptor. How did I not see that jealousy coming a mile away?"

Plagg made it obvious that he wasn't taking things seriously when he teased "Yours or his?" "Ha-ha, so funny," Adrien responded in a deadpan sarcastic way before transforming again to go investigate outside of Théo's studio.

Now heading over to Théo’s studio with Cat Noir and Ladybug working in tandem on the Copycat chase. Ladybug was surveying the situation on top of a nearby building.

He then tried hard to sneak inside, whispering while also smirking "Gotcha, Copycat." He couldn’t wait to tell Ladybug who answered her yo-yo with haste.

Meanwhile, Ladybug was at the top of a building, when her yo-yo received the call.

"Huh? Cat Noir, where are you?"

"I found his den."

“Who?” the spotted girl asked.

 “My Copycat,” the cat-eared teen answered which drew a confused look on Ladybug’s face, “I’m not getting you.” Cat Noir rolled his eyes before he angrily answered her with

“If you'd been there this morning, you'd know what I was talking about,” Cat Noir answered angrily. Which led to both an answer and a question from Ladybug, "I had another vision of the future for goodness sake! Well? Tell me where you are."

"Oh, and no can do Milady, this is between me and him. I got myself into this mess, so I'm gonna get myself out!"

“Uhh, Cat Noir? Cat Noir!” Cat Noir ended their call which immediately got her attention so she then checked her gps and found Cat Noir’s location and sought him out as fast as she could.

Meanwhile back at Théo's studio, Cat Noir wandered around the place until he came across a box with a note attatched go it. He picked up said note and began reading it "'Cat's in the bag?'"

Suddenly the box burst open, and Cat Noir found himself in chains.

"Cataclysm!" he desperately activated his superpower.

Suddenly, Copycat appeared and placed a square object in front of Cat Noir's hand, practically forcing him to destroy it instead, wasting the Cataclysm.

"I really don't get what Ladybug sees in you. A fool who so easily falls into my trap."

Cat Noir noticed that Copycat had his staff.

Copycat smiled evilly before telling him "Ah, looking for this? Which one should I pick up? Your one or my one?"

The staff started ringing, and Copycat answered "Ladybug, hurry up. I've caught the impostor at Théo Barbot's workshop."

"I'll be there in thirty seconds," Ladybug told him unaware of who she was actually speaking to.

"Don't come here, Ladybug! It's a trap!" Cat Noir desperately shouted to her. Copycat then ended the call, unaware of the fact that Ladybug did indeed hear her partner's desperate cry.

"Too late, Cat Noir. Ladybug's on her way, which was my plan all along."

"She won't be duped. She knows me far too well!" Cat Noir spat.

"Oh, but I know you well too." Copycat told him before he looked over at his akumatized photo, of which he kissed. It made Cat Noir sick that this 16-year-old was severely fawning over someone who was very clearly younger than him! Cat Noir decided that once he was deakumatized, he was gonna have some words with him! "And from now on, she'll love me, not you!"

"Love me?" Cat Noir said puzzled. He tried wrapping his head around what Copycat meant until it finally clicked into place, though he refused to show it instead deciding to play along "...You're right! She loves me! That's why she'll be able to reveal your true identity!"

Hawk Moth's mask suddenly appeared on Copycat's face as he told the latter "Copycat, stop this small talk and get me Cat Noir's Miraculous!"

Copycat then knocked Cat Noir down and was about to take his ring, but then Ladybug appeared. She looked at both of them, clearly confused as to who was who.

Copycat let out a "Huh?" when she arrived while Cat Noir let out a triumphant "Ha ha!"

Copycat stood up straight and said to her "There you are."

Ladybug couldn't believe what she was seeing "Cat Noir! Aside from some alterations to your suit and the color of your hair, he really looks like you!"

Cat Noir practically shouted "That's because I am me!"

"So, where's his akuma?" she asked Copycat, still convinced that he's her real partner.

Copycat smiled as convincing of a friendly ile as possible as he told her "Inside his ring, of course. Go ahead and grab it so that we can end all of this."

Copycat could hear Hawk Moth gleefully saying "Ladybug's doing all the work for us. What sweet irony!"

Cat Noir's ring then beeped, causing Ladybug to become suspicious but not fully sure yet. "He even has the same powers as you."

Copycat nervously smiled "Simply amazing, isn't it?"

Cat Noir then said to her in an act of desperation to hurry things up and to get the hell out of there before he detransformed "If you don't believe I'm the real Cat Noir, ask him about our love for each other."

Ladybug let out an "Uhh..." now more confused than before, until...

"Have I ever lied to you, Bugaboo?" Cat Noir asked her while also trying his damndest to do kitten eyes at her. Though he didn't need to bother as Ladybug had now figured out who was who since the one standing and watching from the other side of the room hadn't once called "Bugaboo" or any of the usual nicknames he loved to call her, plus he was way too chill. And so, Ladybug calmly walked over to Copycat and coolly said to him "I hope you didn't tell him about us."

"What..?" both Copycat and Cat Noir said confused in unison.

Ladybug continued while circling around Copycat like a shark circling its prey, which made Cat Noir smile as he finally understood what she was doing "That we're... you know, we made a secret promise? Hmm?"

Copycat chuckled nervously "Uh, yes! Of course!"

Ladybug immediately grabbed his arms and told him with venom in her voice "We never made a secret promise. Copycat!" She then picked him up and threw him over to where her real partner was chained up. She also used her yo-yo to tie him up in a chained position just like Cat Noir was.

Copycat, now furious, then completely broke his façade and shouted to her "I love you, Ladybug! I'm way better than this mangy alley cat!"

Ladybug looked like she was going to flat out murder Copycat for what he just said "Sorry, but liars are losers. Cat Noir may annoy me to pieces, but he's never lied to me."

Cat Noir wasn't sure how to take that "Thanks for the compliment. I think."

Copycat could hear Hawk Moth from his lair scream to him "Do it now, take his Miraculous!"

"If I can't have you, then nobody will! Cataclysm!" Copycat roared in fury, breaking free from his bonds.

Ladybug quickly looked around the room for something, anything for her to use until she spotted a spoon. Though she turned her attention back to her enemy "Let's wrap this up!" Ladybug did jump-backflip-kick to where she landed next to the spoon. "What am I supposed to do with this spoon?" she thought to herself.

Copycat was about to use his Cataclysm on her, but Ladybug held Cat Noir's chains up so that Copycat broke them and freed Cat Noir.

"Excellent job, Milady!" Cat Noir complemented.

Ladybug quickly asked her partner "Where's his akuma?"

Cat Noir answered "The photo in his pocket. Let's make it snappy."

Copycat scoffed "Ha ha ha! You're going to change back before me!"

Copycat and Cat Noir fight by themselves until Ladybug joined in.

Ladybug was watching the both of them, trying to figure out who was who "Damn, he's pretty good."

Cat Noir landed a violent blow to Copycat that threw him to the oposite side of the room before telling her "Don't need to rub it in!"

"I told you I was better than him!" Copycat proudly exclaimed.

Ladybug took Cat Noir's staff and yelled at Copycat "I never said anything about being better, asshole! But I will say that I'm better than the both of you!" She then gave the staff back to Cat Noir.

The two Cats kept fighting, and Ladybug grabbed Cat Noir's arm. accidentally mistaking him for Copycat.

Cat Noir yelped in pain "Hey, it's me!"

Copycat piped up "He's lying! I'm the real one!"

Ladybug groaned in frustration "Ugh, now you're both annoying me to pieces! Show me your ring. How many pads do you have left?"

Cat Noir's ring beeped first, showing only one pad left which made Cat Noir think to himself "Oh no!", while Copycat refused to show his and his ring had three pads disappear at the same time.

Ladybug took notice and told Cat Noir "Cat Noir, scratch attack!"

Cat Noir meowed in delight "Gladly. I love a good cat fight!"

While the Cats were fighting, Ladybug used her Lucky Vision, and it showed her Cat Noir's staff, a wooden rod, her yo-yo and the spoon. Ladybug began using these to make a fishing rod while Cat Noir used his feet to prevent Copycat from attacking and Cat Noir blinked and he unzipped the pocket that had the photo.

Ladybug smiled as she declared "Time to go akuma fishing!"

Ladybug used the fishing rod to lift Copycat into the ceiling and Ladybug snatched his photo and tore it to release the akuma.

Ladybug activated the deakumatization mode on her yo-yo "No more evil doing for you, little akuma. Time to de-evilize!" She caught the akuma before it could reach the window. "Gotcha!" She released the now purified butterfly, saying "Bye-bye, little butterfly. Miraculous Cleanse!" Everything turned back to normal, and Copycat turned back into Théo, who was caught by Cat Noir.

Ladybug complimented "Nice catch!"

Cat Noir smiled "I'm so glad you could tell the real Cat from the fake one."

Ladybug told him "Once I figured out which Cat was really in love with me, it was a no-brainer."

Cat Noir's ring beeped again.

Cat Noir gave a half-smile "We better help the fellow out. His crush just got crushed." "That makes two of us." he thought to himself.

Théo groaned in confusion "Ugh... What happened? Ladybug?"

Ladybug apologized "I'm so sorry I couldn't make it this morning, Théo."

Théo asked "Can you autograph it for me?"

Ladybug smiled warmly "Of course I can! You've got some real artistry here. You've really captured my essence given what you had work with, of course!"

Théo smiled gently "Thank you, Ladybug. And don't worry. I know about you and Cat Noir. It's okay."

Ladybug let out a "Huh?" in confusion. She then stood up and swung away to explain what the hell just happened to both the police force and the Mayor.

"And off she goes again, like the white whale from Moby Dick!" Cat Noir said sadly. He turned to face Théo to explain things. "I'm so very sorry for this whole misunderstanding Théo. Ladybug and I are not a couple even though I wish we were." Theo nodded, clearly understanding his mistake. Just before Cat Noir jumped out the window to find somewhere to detransform, he turned back to face Théo, "I meant every word at the ceremony, and I hope that everything goes well for you, I really do Mr. Barbot." He then quickly jumped out the window and immediately rushed back to College.

When Cat Noir finally made it back to College, he turned back into Adrien, and he returns to the car.

Meanwhile back in Marinette's room, Marinette was with Alya.

Marinette sighed "You know what? I'm gonna tell him. That'd be a good way to start up a conversation, wouldn't it? And I'll invite him to the movies."

Alya beamed "That's my girl."

Over at Collège, Adrien was talking with Nino in class just as the bell rang.

Alya partially whispered to Marinette "Do it now!"

Nino was telling Adrien "Listen, you need some time off. Hey, I know, let's go to the movies tonight."

Alya then piped up because Marinette froze at the last moment "Hey, dudes, mind if a few friends tag along?"

Nino smiled "Sure thing!"

Marinette looked at Adrien and jumped for joy all while she was screaming "YAY!" in her head.

[icequeen1371]

Brother threatens to drop mom off in the am cuz he didn’t make plans for her this wk (we won’t be here 1/2 the time, I have out of town medical treatments & Mimi has therapy etc) cuz he refuses to leave her alone at the house where she’s lived for 30yrs (she wants the week to herself) meanwhile he leaves her alone in Ottawa at his house while he’s at work all day?

What exactly was his plan for this week? I mean why did he wait till the night before he was leaving to go back to Ottawa before trying to figure something out if he’s concerned?

We already told him we couldn’t & usually can’t because of reasons like this that we have going on all week.

He’s ghosting now us cuz he didn’t get the answer he wanted for his mismanagement of the situation.

That’s what happens when ppl assume that just because someone is disabled, they just sit on their butt all day. I’m always going to doctors appts, medical procedures, treatments, therapy, errands etc. When I’m home, I’m exhausted, sick or barely able to care for myself.

How can I care for her like this? Not having her live with me was the hardest decision I’ve ever made & flipping it to make me seem like I don’t care is childish.

Where has he been for 25yrs? Popping up once in a blue moon doesn’t count as being here while we dealt with everything. The bad years between them, getting really sick, Mom’s health scares, Camiel’s illness the past 3 yrs, her memory issues that he ignored when I tried to tell him about it when it started, when she was crying cuz he didn’t speak to her for 6mths at a time cuz she wouldn’t send him money when he asked for it…

He only showed up now. And good. He’s needed. I can acknowledge that. And I’m grateful he can. But act like a martyr just cuz I can’t do it now is dismissive & arrogant. It’s his turn & he’s just pissy about it. He needs to grow up. Jesus.

I’m venting. I don’t care lol

Anyways, I’m glad I had our visit with Mom today & I hope he’ll be responsible with his choice in the morning. I hate it when he twists me into knots. You know those ppl that stir stuff up then leave you upset while they have a clear conscience? Yeah. That. Smh.

I’ll be hearing from her in the morning like I do every morning & I’ll feel better about it as always.

She says we’re each other’s touch stone. I guess she’s right💜

[wikiuntamed]

On this day in Wikipedia: Thursday, 31st August

Welcome, Benvenuto, Willkommen, Selam 🤗 What does @Wikipedia say about 31st August through the years 🏛️📜🗓️?

31st August 2021 🗓️ : Death - Mahal (actress) Mahal, Filipino comedian and actress (b. 1974) "Noemi Tesorero (December 29, 1974 – August 31, 2021), known professionally as Mahal, was a Filipino actress, comedian and vlogger. Noted for her childlike roles, she had dwarfism and a giggly personality...."

31st August 2018 🗓️ : Death - Carole Shelley Carole Shelley, British-American actress (b. 1939) "Carole Augusta Shelley (16 August 1939 – 31 August 2018) was an English actress who made her career in the United States and United Kingdom. Her many stage roles included Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple and Madame Morrible in the original Broadway cast of the musical Wicked. She won the Tony..."

Image by Photographer-Henry Grossman

31st August 2013 🗓️ : Death - Jan Camiel Willems Jan Camiel Willems, Belgian mathematician and theorist (b. 1939) "Jan Camiel Willems (18 September 1939 – 31 August 2013) was a Belgian mathematical system theorist who has done most of his scientific work while residing in the Netherlands and the United States. He is most noted for the introduction of the notion of a dissipative system and for the development of..."

31st August 1973 🗓️ : Death - John Ford John Ford, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1894) "John Martin Feeney (February 1, 1894 – August 31, 1973), known professionally as John Ford, was an American film director. He was one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation. Ford made frequent use of location shooting and wide shots, in which his characters were framed..."

Image by Los Angeles Daily News

31st August 1921 🗓️ : Birth - Raymond Williams Raymond Williams, Welsh author and academic (d. 1988) "Raymond Henry Williams (31 August 1921 – 26 January 1988) was a Welsh socialist writer, academic, novelist and critic influential within the New Left and in wider culture. His writings on politics, culture, the media and literature contributed to the Marxist critique of culture and the arts. Some..."

Image by GwydionM

31st August 1823 🗓️ : Birth - Galusha A. Grow Galusha A. Grow, American lawyer and politician, 28th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (d. 1907) "Galusha Aaron Grow (August 31, 1823 – March 31, 1907) was an American politician, lawyer, writer and businessman, who served as 24th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863. Elected as a Democrat in the 1850 congressional elections, he switched to the newly organized..."

Image by Matthew Brady and Levin Corbin Handy

31st August 🗓️ : Holiday - Christian feast day: Paulinus of Trier "Saint Paulinus of Trier (died 358) was bishop of Trier and a supporter of Athanasius in the conflict with Arianism. At the Synod of Arles (353) he was targeted by the Arians, and was exiled to Phrygia, being effectively singled out by the Emperor Constantius II. He died in exile five years later,..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0? by Stefan Kühn

[petervc88]

Cappelle Calling - 7 augustus 2023

De LP van de Week was een album dat afgelopen week precies 50 jaar geleden verscheen: 'Innervisions' van Stevie Wonder. Ik opende de uitzending met een toepasselijke plaat naar aanleiding van de toestand met het drinkwater in Doorn.

Terugluisteren kan hier.

Dit was de playlist:

Uur 1:

Melissa Etheridge - Bring Me Some Water (1988) James Smith - Common People (2023) Kula Shaker - Hey Dude (1996) Stevie Wonder - Too High (1973) (LP van de Week) The Kinks - Lola (1970) La Belle Époque feat. Camiel Meiresonne - Part Time Peace Of Mind (2023) Queen - Save Me (1980) Incognito - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (1992) (DisCovered) The Beatles - Nowhere Man (1965) Olivia Newton-John - Hopelessly Devoted To You (1978) (Filmplaat - uit 'Grease' ) Kristin Hersh & Michael Stipe - Your Ghost (1994) Stevie Wonder - Living For The City (1973) (LP van de Week)

Uur 2:

Iron Maiden - Can I Play With Madness? (1988) Dawn Brothers & DeWolff - Neighbor (2023) Stevie Wonder - Higher Ground (1973) (LP van de Week) Miles Kane - One Man Band (2023) Stevie Wonder - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (1973)   (DisCovered) The Indien - Sleep When I'm With You (2023) Placebo ft. David Bowie - Without You I'm Nothing (1999) Wilco - Evicted (2023) Stevie Wonder - He's Misstra Know-It-All (1973) (LP van de Week) Bertolf - Another Day (2023) The Isley Brothers - The Highways Of My Life (1973) Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now (live at Newport, 2022)

Cappelle Calling is iedere maandagavond van 20:00 t/m 22:00 te horen op Radio 90FM. Iedere woensdagmiddag wordt de uitzending herhaald van 18:00 tot 20:00. Suggesties voor DisCovered of De Filmplaat zijn welkom via de Facebookpagina van het programma of via cappellecalling@gmail.com.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

245 of 2023

Have you ever been to Costco?

I don’t think we have it in Europe.

Do/did you have to wear a uniform to your high school?

No, I didn’t.

What’s your favourite flavour of iced tea?

I hate cold tea even more than hot tea.

Quick, name the first European country that pops into your head?

Belgium. XD

How many video games do you own?

None, but my husband has the whole collection for all consoles.

Have you ever been to a casino? If so, which one(s)?

No, but I know the Casino of Middelkerke, obviously lol.

Do you love or hate olives?

Hate with a passion.

When was the last time you got delivery food?

Last week.

What’s your favourite suburb in the city you live in?

I guess Assebroek or Sint-Michiels.

Have you ever visited a sex shop?

More than once, but it’s not something that interests me.

Do you like the name Cindy for a girl?

Omg no. Bad associations.

How many sets of keys do you have for your house?

Three, one for each family member.

Do you give spare keys to your place to your friends and family?

No, we don’t even have spare keys.

Have you ever been to Tokyo, Japan?

No, but my sister was twice and she loved it.

When was the last time you saw a movie in theaters?

Years ago, I’m not interested in movies.

What brand is your laptop or computer?

Acer.

What’s your favourite citrus fruit?

Tangerine and lemon.

Do you know anyone who has Parkinson’s disease?

Not in person.

How many cousins do you have? What are their names?

Six or seven first cousins, I don’t remember well. I also don’t remember the names of my German cousins, but from the other side we have Sylvie, Hannah and Camiel.

Have you ever ridden a bicycle through a busy city?

More than once. My city is a tourist spot.

Do you use Instagram? How often do you post there?

I do, but it’s only for my photography and you’re not gonna find my face there. Frequency of posts varies.

What’s your favourite brand of beer?

Lindemans.

When was the last time you high-fived someone?

I don’t remember when, but I remember it was my husband.

Do you like writing? How often do you write?

I’m not good at verbal expression, so no.

Have you ever dyed your hair a very different colour from your natural?

Yeah, I’ve even had pink at one point in my life.

Are there any posters or artworks hanging in your living room?

Just one photo of the street in London.

What’s your favourite place to get pizza?

I’d say Pizza Hut, if they didn’t disappoint us recently. Then Dominos.

How many times have you been to the beach?

I was raised near the beach, so here’s your answer.

Has there ever been a fire inside your house? Tell me the story.

No, there wasn’t.

Are you good at rhyming and/or puns?

No, I’m not. Not even gonna try.

Have you ever ordered anything from Amazon?

More than once, but I don’t like this websitre very much.

What was the last thing that made you feel a negative emotion?

Two days hospital stay. Neurological issues.

When was the last time you drank whiskey? What brand was it?

When I was still allowed and undiagnosed, it was Jack Daniels.

Do you like bubble tea? What’s your favourite flavour?

No, I don’t.

Have you ever had a scary encounter with a wild animal?

No, not really.

How many piercings do you have?

Eight.

What colour are your underwear today?

Black.

Do you know anyone who works in a place 1 hour or more from where they live?

Yeah, I used to work like that. So did my dad.

Is there anything in your pockets right now?

No, there isn’t.

Are there any loose coins around you at the moment?

No, maybe just one laundry coin.

What’s your favourite TV show? (top 5 if you can’t choose):

All these good old British sitcoms.

What do you think of androgynous names?

To each their own.

Do you own a dictionary?

More than one.

Have you ever had a spray tan?

Nope, not interested. Maybe I’m not gay enough for that.

Do you prefer to hang or fold your clothes?

Fold, it’s a good exercise for my hand.

Do you own any sports bras? Where’d you get them from?

What would a dude need bras for? I’m not a fetishist.

Have you ever had sex in a kitchen?

No, our kitchen is too small.

Are you any good at imitating accents?

No, sadly. I would go with my Dutch side.

What’s the most expensive restaurant you’ve ever eaten at?

Probably that hotel restaurant in Waterloo.

[lockawayknight]

Creighton watching the commotion happening far below his Yharnam hideaway:

“What the bloody hell are you all on about this time?!”

[ultrainfinitepit]

Way before any of the angels had human forms, Camael aspired to appear human and live among humans as one of them. However this was incredibly difficult for Camael as they were not gifted with a particularly humanoid form, and they have trouble donning different ones. So instead Camael wore a friendly mask and a cheerful red robe to inspire trust and confidence among the humans they hoped to be friends with. 

Camael was supposed to be one of the archangels, the first angels with human forms, but they happened to be out sick that day and missed their chance to finally be human. An attempt was made to summon them but it ended up summoning Camiel instead. 

So Camael is still out there somewhere in the stardust, patiently waiting for the day they can finally have the human parts they’ve always wanted. Feeling bad for Camael, the other archangels sometimes include them in their roster as an honorary member. 

[divorcedcastiel]

ophanims vs autisticsammy vs camiel vs rabbitnatural vs divorcedcastiel literally unwinnable fight. what if i used divorcedcastiel for valentines day

[dippedanddripped]

In the first few moments of a YouTube video titled “Admitting I Own Fakes In-Front of My Fashion Class…”, Quentin Caruso, better known as Tripping, does just that. “I’m a sophomore in college and I’m taking a class about fashion, and in that class (we) were talking about fakes and replicas,” he explains, adding that he can “throw up some pictures so you guys know I’m not bullshitting”. Asked by his teacher if he knowingly owns any counterfeit pieces, the 19-year-old confirms the sneakers he’s wearing at that very moment – the highly coveted Travis Scott Jordan 1 Lows – are in fact fake. “And how do you feel about that,” she prompts. “I’m fine with it,” he wryly confirms.

Caruso is part of a growing community of fashion-savvy shoppers searching for ways to look runway ready on a high street budget – and, unlike many die-hard hypebeasts, they’re willing to own up to the fact their luxury garms aren’t exactly legitimate. In fact, many take pride in their ability to score a bargain, taking to subreddit FashionReps to discuss new releases, fawn over faux Yeezys, and ask each other for advice on where to pick up the best knock-off Off-White and Supreme styles.

The forum is a democratised, judgement-free zone in which people share a love of high quality replicas or ‘reps’, where members are friendly and even supportive. They help one another to find the best sellers and sites to buy from, while discussing discrepancies between retail items and their counterfeit counterparts – from stitching and logos, to details and finishes. Most users admit they can’t afford head-to-toe designer looks, and at times they even share budgeting tips. "I got into reps cause I didn’t have much money and wanted a few nice pieces," redditor godsip2 shared in August. "Now I have no money at all 'cause I'm addicted to buying reps and can't stop myself."  

While a lack of funds and a taste for luxury streetwear is a driving factor for many, for others it isn’t about the money at all. “Not to brag, but if I want a Dior coat, I can get it retail,” Dennis, 19, tells us. “For the same (amount of) money I can get four reps.” Dennis admitted his breaking point came after a shocking moment browsing resale markets where he saw his ‘grail shoes’ – a pair of Off-White Air Jordan 1s – show up for €3000. “I thought ‘Fuck this, I’m never gonna pay that for shoes that originally retailed for €150.”

It’s been almost three years since he came across the FashionReps subreddit, which he was initially skeptical of. However, since joining he hasn’t just sworn off resale products and full-price retail items, but also introduced his friends to reps. “A €500 sweater wasn’t in their price range,” says Dennis. “When I showed them my reps (compared to) my retail Yeezys, they were instantly sold.”

Historically, counterfeit designer items conjure thoughts of poorly imitated handbags on AliExpress, labels that read, ‘Fashing BALISG’ instead of Balenciaga, and stalls in alleyways, but FashionReps members know where the quality replicas are sold and claim that many knock-offs actually tend to be better made.  “The quality is the same, even better,” Netherlands-based 23-year-old Camiel admits. “I’ve heard of some Yeezys being better and a lot of high-end Louis Vuitton reps being way better than retail.” He believes that “retail Louis Vuitton quality is not so great…”

FashionReps members buy in bulk, spending hundreds of dollars on ‘hauls’ that they break up into smaller packages in hopes of evading customs checks. The risk is part of the thrill, and while some are unlucky and have their packages seized, others rejoice when packages filled with thousands of dollars of ‘drip’ arrive in the mail.

Camiel cites his favourite find to be a Palace red slub-neck, “which you can't tell apart from a real one – which I have one of,” he adds. “The quality is amazing and it's super comfortable to wear, it's my favourite (item) I have gotten so far.” But Camiel hasn’t always gotten away with his thrifty finds.

“In the beginning, I wouldn't wear an item if it had the tiniest flaw. Later on, I noticed that people know (very) little about brands and which items even exist,” he explains. While most people who recognise a rep are likely to ask for the seller or pass on a compliment, Camiel concedes he’s been called out before. “Some high schoolers were at the gym and I was wearing my Nike tech fleece joggers, which have some noticeable flaws, like the black stripe being too short and the cords being too short as well. They called me out on the logo, which I know is perfect. Bunch of clowns.”

For all the people excited about reps, their quality, and believability, there are just as many people out there looking to spot a fake. YeezyBusta, who recently gained prominence for spotting fakes on civilians and celebrities has over 760,000 followers on Instagram. He’s busted the likes of Lil Tjay, Blac Chyna, and Soulja Boy for donning fake Supreme and Yeezys, although his faux-detector has been known to malfunction.

"I got into reps cause I didn’t have much money and wanted a few nice pieces. Now I have no money at all 'cause I'm addicted to buying reps and can't stop myself" – godsip2, FashionReps member

In an episode of Complex’s Full Size Run, hosts tasked the Instagram detective with discerning the difference between fake pairs of shoes from the real thing. After being handed a pair of bone-white Yeezy 500s, YeezyBusta exclaims, “Oh these are real!” Closely inspecting the shoe, he notices “The suede is right…even down to the stitching, the label inside the shoe looks right to me and the insole is right too.” The host, who finds it hard to hide his amusement, blurts out “They’re fake.” Behind his signature black surgical mask, used to hide his identity, YeezyBusta turns bright red.

“I can’t take him seriously,” Tripping admits. In a reaction video to a VICE documentary on YeezyBusta, the fashion student protests his motivation for hunting down counterfeit items so publicly. “It isn’t funny. Does anyone find that funny? To ridicule people online? That isn’t something you should be gloating about.”

Some counterfeit items are so believable that they’ve also slipped past trusted authenticators. The RealReal, one of the world's leading luxury consignment stores, claims that "every item we sell is 100% authenticated by an expert.” However, just last year, Forbes contributor, Richard Kentenbaum claimed the retail giant had sold him a fake Toile de Jouy Dior Book Tote bag for $3,600. What followed was a swift investigation by CNBC, who, after speaking with a dozen former employees and unsatisfied customers, and obtaining internal company documents, revealed that “many of the items on the site were being authenticated by copywriters with limited training.” and those who are doing this work are finding it increasingly difficult to spot counterfeits. Out of 1,400 reviews online for The RealReal, the top complaints are fake items.

It may come as a surprise to learn that this is something FashionReps also stands firmly against. In December, the group came together after Depopuser James’s Closet was spotted selling counterfeit items. Within a day, the subreddit had made efforts to liaise with Depop directly and reported the fake pieces resulting in all the listings being taken down. And this isn’t the only time the forum has rallied against people selling fake items moonlighting as cheap authentic ‘steals’. “People who willingly sell replicas as authentic items are the worst,” Tripping insists. “Knowing that a replica looks so close to retail and not selling it for a lot of profit is challenging for some people.”

Conversely, enjoying replicas as they are comes with its own baggage. Reports indicate that counterfeit fashion is a trillion-dollar industry. "One of the worst stories I read was where they had raided an illegal factory and the children were actually handcuffed to the sewing machines," Ariele Elia, an assistant curator at the Museum at FIT explained in a Complex documentary about the flourishing bootleg industry.

Fashion Revolution, a not-for-profit global movement campaigning for the systemic reform of the fashion industry, notes that there’s an “urgent lack of transparency.” Policy Director at Fashion Revolution, Sarah Ditty, told us that counterfeiting doesn’t usually come hand in hand with good rights and wages for workers. “Factories making counterfeit items are doing so illegally so it’s in their interest to operate completely under the radar and in doing so means we have no idea who the workers are making these products, what they are being paid, what conditions they’re working in, and what sort of poor environmental practices are most likely happening in these factories.”

To them, the moral standpoint is clear: “We would definitely encourage people not to buy fake luxury goods or any other counterfeit items because you’re almost guaranteed to be contributing to human exploitation and environmental degradation.” This is an issue that goes beyond fakes: when you look beyond the manufacturing level at the places where fabrics are made, yarns are spun and fibres are grown, even legitimate brands are guilty of obscuring working conditions.

But Tripping insists it's a media smoke-screen. “adidas and Nike were called out for their treatment of workers in the 90s and early 2000s, so now every factory in Asia is associated with bad conditions and child labour.” Tripping also claims that sellers are in fact increasingly transparent about working conditions, their treatment of employees and factories. “They show what their shop looks like, I’ve even asked sellers to show their shops,” he remarked in one of his videos. “And they’ve posted videos on the (subreddit).” One video posted shows a “top quality Yeezy” factory filled with workers. “Actually looks very clean and cool compared to all of the bad warehouse jobs I used to do here in the US,” Redditor highnnmighty comments.

“That’s like asking if I’ll ever go back to my ex, it was a fun time but in the end, you just feel shitted on” – Dennis, on whether or not he will stop buying fakes

Central to what makes FashionReps a great community isn’t the collective middle-finger to resale culture and hypebeasts or the internet-savvy tips, but the irreverent charm and supportive nature of young people who ultimately just want to look cool, and don’t want money to be the reason that they miss out. It’s rare, if not impossible, to find fashion spaces that aren’t hierarchical, based on wealth, social standing, and nepotism, but FashionReps manages to do all of that, and more. Camiel tells me that recently, the subreddit even banded together to target sellers who began taking higher cuts from sales. “I love how we sometimes work together to get something we want.”

Confronted with the fact that buying reps are taking sales away from workers, brands, and designers, Tripping is unfazed. “Once a limited shoe is released, and sold out in seconds, the company has made its profit. The average cost of manufacturing an Air Jordan 1 is $15-$16. The mark up of that shoe is more than 100 per cent. Nike has no problem with this. If you are wearing a replica of that overpriced shoe (on the resell market), you are basically advertising the brand. The culture side of sneakers is bland and fraudulent, replicas are there to stir things up.”

When asked if he’d ever give up replicas and return to buying retail, Dennis scoffed before saying: “That’s like asking if I’ll ever go back to my ex, it was a fun time but in the end, you just feel shitted on.”

[paytonfischer]

@camillexrodriguez​

Watching as Camielle entered the bar, Payton waited just a moment before rising from the back room. “Naw bro, it’s alright, I invited her.” Giving his brother a knowing look, he exhaled, moving out of the office and into the main area. It was still day, thus the bar was closed leaving them alone. “Hey, you came.” Such a different atmosphere from the last time the two were alone together. “I had some things of yours, figured you might want them back.” 

[angelloverde]

"Mo Soul" Player Playlist 29 July

Down To The Bone - Urban Jazz

Diggs Duke - Something In My Soul

Slow Joe & The Ginger Accident Feat. Yael Naim- Cover Me Over

4hero - The Awakening

Otto - Bob (Edu K Mix)

Camiel - Last Days Of Summer

Jack McDuff - As She Walked Away

Marvin Gaye - Trouble Man

Ziad Rahbani - Abu Ali

Peter Gabriel vs James Brown - Sledge Hammer Machine (DJ Prince Mashup)

Snowboy Feat Noel McCoy - Lucky Fellow

Jerome Van Rossum - Nublado

Italian Secret Service - Vox Media

Tony Joe White - Woman With Soul

Giorgos Hatzinassios - Pursuit

If you really want to enjoy music and help musicians and bands, buy their lp’s or cd’s and don’t download mp3 formats. There is nothing like good quality sound!!!

(Angel Lo Verde / Mo Soul)