#Chloe: what if I can’t talk and was just a normal worm

[chloepleasestopdying]

Personally I think Chloe is the one asking if Max will still love her if she is a worm.

Max thinks about it for like an hour but she is just like ‘… well of course Chloe would love me as a worm’

[itsmeevie01]

Bio!Dad Bruce Day 9- Last Name (Wayne)

ok, so, if youve paid attention, the you know that i can’t write dialouge for the life of me lol.so today…i bring you dialouge in the form of texting :)

Marinette didn’t make a big deal about who her father was. Of course, when she had just met the man, she had relied on her friends to help her navigate the tricky situation. Since then, the teen had gotten good at only saying what she needed to. Chloe knew. Nino knew. Kim ands Alix knew. Max knew. They all knew and didn’t bring it up. They knew that she had processed it and moved on. To her, Bruce Wayne was just her father. She didn’t talk about the money, or all the work her father did. Marinette made a point to just be herself, and not worry about what names were attached.

At school, of course, she was Marinette Dupain-Cheng. On her ID? On her ID, she was Marinette Cheng-Wayne. Only those who needed to know knew. That how Marinette liked to keep it, at least, if she could help it.

When Marinette was 14, a new girl joined her class. The girl was sweet, if a little delicate. She said she had a lot of different injuries and conditions, but who was Marinette to judge? When the girl started to cling to one of the boys, Adrien, Marinette got a little worried. It wasn’t the end of the world, if he had offered to help, but he looked uncomfortable. When she mentioned this to Chloe, the girl had snarled. “That leech has been worming her way into his head. If you could hear what Gabriel was telling him to do- “her friend shook her head. “If I step in, want to help?” Marinette felt a smile crawl its way onto her face.

“gladly.”

Over the next few weeks, the girls watched what their new classmate, Lila, did. By that point, Nino had brought up his own concerns at fit far too well with theirs. Finally, Chloe decided it was time to take action. The blond stormed into the class and settled into her seat with a scowl. When Sabrina hurried over to join her, Chloe shook her head. Marinette took pity on the redhead and tugged the girl to the back of the class with her, whispering a quiet “watch”. When Nino and Adrien came in, Nino made his to the back, where he plopped down next to Kim. Alix and Max sat across the aisle, and all of them were ready for the explosion that was bound to happen. As Lila and Alya slipped in together, chatting and giggling over some story, the others exchanged glances. They had all been pretty close for years. Because of that, it was hard for others to join their group. The newest addition was Sabrina, and that was only because of her tendency to hang around Chloe. A ding on Kim���s phone drew the groups attention, making them all glance down at their own phones. In the group chat, Alix had sent a video linked to the LadyBlog.

Alix: saw this, this AM. Might be worth looking into. (video attached from the LadyBlog, Titled The Secrets of the Wayne Family)

Mari: wtf

Mari: what is she trying to do

Mari: her ass will get lawyered so fast

Max: she obviously hasn’t thought this through

Kim: is she claiming to know them????

Chlo: oml

Chlo: SLANDER

Chlo: please Mari, please tell me that she doesn’t know your family?

Mari: I mean

Mari: she might? But I think her family name would have come up when Tim and I were planning world domination if she did.

Max:!

Mari: don’t worry, its been put on the back burner. Dad has a new kid that keeps trying to stab Tim w/ a Katana lol.

Nino: Mari, aren’t you supposed to go visit soon? Maybe you should just stay here, dudette.

Chlo: ITS SHOWTIME

The friends hurriedly stowed their phones away and returned their gazes to the front of the room where Lila had approached a confused Adrien. The boy had been deposited next to Chloe in the first row, confusion evident in his green eyes. The Italian girl leaned over the desk, trying to garner as much attention as possible. “Adrien, why don’t you come sit with me? I was hoping you could help me keep up with the lesson.” The dangerous flash of her eyes was so fast that most would have missed it. Marinette narrowed her eyes in suspicion. It looked like Chloe hadn’t been exaggerating about what was going on behind the scenes. Moving before things could get out of hand, Marinette skipped down to the desk.

“I can help, Lila! Literature is one of my favorite subjects!” the anger that glowed behind Lila’s eyes was worrying, but Marinette wasn’t worried. She grabbed the other girl by her elbow and tugged her towards the seat the brunette usually occupied. “I’m sure that Alya wouldn’t mind sitting next to Sabrina!” as Marinette settled into the new seat, Lila folded herself onto the bench and pulled out her notebook, shunning her new seatmate. As Marinette got her own supplies ready, she mentally prepared herself for an hour of clod anger directed at her.

After the bell rang, Marinette slowly started to collect her things. The girl next to her was moving faster than the noirette expected. For a girl who was supposed to a wrist injury, Lila sure wasn’t trying to avoid the pain. Shaking her head, Marinette finished collecting her stuff and went to join Chloe where she was waiting at the door. As they linked arms, Marinette realized that there was a sharp voice behind her, crying. “Oh Alya, it was awful! Marinette wouldn’t answer any of my questions, and told me that if I didn’t understand it, I should keep my mouth shut!” Chloe sniggered next to her and strode away towards the lockers, pulling Marinette with her.

“Honestly, Mari? I wish you had told the brat to shut up, maybe then she would be scared of you.” Marinette rolled her eyes at her best friend.

“your only scared of me, because you’ve seen me with Tim, and know that we already are on the path to world domination.” Chloe shook her head and closed her locked with a soft thud.

“Mari, you are worse than all of your brothers, simply because you don’t use your fathers name to back you up. If you did that, then you would have the same royal brat rep I do.”

Chlo: so, is anyone going to put a stop to the liar’s yapping?

Adrien: wait what? Chloe, who are the other numbers?

Chlo: Adrien, please.

Chlo: do you really not have these numbers saved already?

Nino: yeah dude, that’s a little mean

Mari: lol yeah, I’m insulted, Adrien!

Adrien: Wait, Nino?

Adrien: who…is in this chat?

Alix: Me!

Max: Markov and myself

Kim: and me, man

Adrien: that…doesn’t help.

Chlo: oh honesty!

Chlo: you idiot, its Mari, Nino, Max, Alix, and Kim.

Chlo: you are Ridiculous

Chlo: UTTERLY RICICULOUS!

Mari: Chloe, chill. I don’t think he’s been in one of our…unique chats before.

Max: affirmative. Adrien usually spends time with Nino, Alya, and Lila if he isn’t with Chloe and Sabrina

Chlo: back to the topic at hand!

Chlo: the brat has to stop

Mari: I mean…she hasn’t done anything we can stop her with yet.

Nino: we need solid proof

Alix: are we just going to forget this AM? (video attached from the LadyBlog, Titled the Secrets of the Wayne Family)

Adrien: is someone going to tell me what’s going on?

Mari: we can’t drag them into this, Alix. it’ll make it worse, not better.

Alix: M, are you sure? we could shut her up real fast. Your fam, mine, Chloe’s?

Max: theoretically, it would be the path of least resistance.

Mari: THEY ARE A LAST RESORT

Mari: I AM NOT LETTING JASON MOCK ME FOR THIS

Mari: bc that ass totally will.

Adrien: ok, but what’s going on?

Max: Lila is trying to use you to catapult herself to fame

Kim: haha yeah, its not going to work if we have anything to say about it.

Chlo: also, very happy Mari never brought Alya into the fold

Mari: fuck no

Mari: do you see the way that girl doesn’t research anything. She latches on and never lets go.

Nino: so, you’ve said, Mari. I still think your over exaggerating on that one, lol

Mari: lmfao

Mari: Nino, she thinks I have a crush on ADRIEN of all people.

Mari: sorry, Adrien, bc you’re my friend? But she latched onto something and won’t let it go

Alix: shit I remember that. She tried to get us to set the two of you up. Those plans SUCKED.

Mari: remember how I kept sabotaging them lol? She just thought that fate was against her

Max: logically, shouldn’t that be a sign that you two aren’t meant to be?

Mari: haha I wish. After that, she tried to set me up with Chat Noir.

Chlo: WAIT

Chlo: that’s what Lady Wi-Fi was about?

Mari: yesssssssss

Adrien: um…should I be concerned about this?

Kim: I mean…no? its normal at this point.

Max: Chloe, plan #3 might work for taking down Lila? We wouldn’t need Mari’s family to join in if we do that.

Mari: if that fails, I’ll call Tim.

Mari: but ONLY if #3 fails, and we can’t make say…#5 work.

Chlo: you got yourself a deal, Marinette.

When the group entered the classroom together the next day, Chloe and Marinette were chattering excitably together. Adrien and Nino were talking about something on his phone while Max was keeping sore for whatever competition Kim and Alix had going on. When Lila approached Adrien and tugged him over to her seat, the others tracked her movement wordlessly.

When Alya came in and found them watching, she smirked at them. “those two make a cute couple, don’t they? Lila was practically glowing earlier when she was talking about the date they went on last night.” The friends exchanged telling glances but otherwise brushed the girl off as they dispersed to their seats. As she made her way to the seat she had claimed at the back at the beginning of the year, Marinette paused by Lila’s desk.

“Lila, do you need help again today? I know that the topics we’re covering are a little difficult if you’re not familiar with them.” The brunette scowled up at her.

“sorry, Marinette, but you can’t really keep up with the help I need.” The smaller girl shrugged.

“I’m sorry that you feel that way, Lila. If you ever need help, feel free to ask.” as she made her way to her seat, Marinette could hear Lila say loudly

“She’s just jealous that I have connections like the Wayne’s and Jagged stone and she’s just a little miss nobody.”

Mari: fuck it, it’s on bitch. I’m calling Jagged and Clara. These are slander charges now.

Chlo: should I expect your family’s lawyers too?

Mari: hell no. Tim is a last resort.

Mari: dad’s friend tho? THEY are defiantly going to be getting a few phone calls.

Mari: hey Jagged, Penny. I have just a tiny question.

Penny: Marinette! We were getting ready to contact you! What’s going on?

Mari: what kind of slander would be bad enough to sue over?

Penny: why?

Mari: this (voice file attached. Label reads SeNd To JaGgEd ASAP)

Jagged: little lady…where did you get this?

Mari: I recorded it during class today

Jagged: this liar is your age?

Penny: Marinette, would you mind if I send this to our lawyers?

Mari: go right ahead.

Tim: so…

Tim: would you like to explain why Jagged Stone is ranting to B in the entryway about a “little lying brat” who is in his “favorite niece’s class?”

Mari: wat

Mari: idk what you’re talking about

Tim: Little Bit, you can’t possibly think he hasn’t name dropped you yet.

Mari: WHAT.

Mari: fuck

Tim: ummmmmm

Tim: WHEN DID YOU START CUSSING?

Mari: tim. Please remember who my brothers are.

Tim: OH neverminded

Tim: why didn’t you get me involved?

Mari: theres no reason for Marinette Dupain-Cheng to know the Wayne fam

Mari: also, we wanted to use #3 and #5 first. If they didn’t work (they are) we were going to rain fire lolz.

Tim: fine. When your ready for the power that comes with the name, lmk

Tim: aslo, I insist on being included in the planning.

Mari: also*

Tim: fuck off

Tim: I wan to be ready for whatever damage control might be needed with the press

Tim: also, I live the kind of chaos that you and Chloe create together lolz

When Adrien turned to Marinette during lunch that day, there was clear confusion in his eyes. “Mari?”

“what’s up, Adrien?”

“who was that guy…Tim? That Chloe kept mentioning?”

“oh? She didn’t tell you?” the blond shook his head, looking worried. Marinette smiled ruefully and sighed.

“he’s my older brother on my father’s side.” When Adrien furrowed his brow, Marinette elaborated. “My father lives in the United States and runs a big corporation. He spends a bit of time in the limelight, but he keeps us all out of the press.”

“the…Dupain family?” Marinette laughed before smoothing over her friend’s confusion.

“no, Tom is my dad, but Bruce is my Father. He lives on the east coast, and I spend most holidays and breaks with my siblings over there.” Adrien nodded and smiled at her.

“I guess that makes sense. Its really cool at you get to spend your time with both sides of your family like that. What is your father’s last name then? I don’t think I’ve heard it.” Marinette winced.

“My father’s last name is Wayne. Anywhere except school, I use the name Marinette Cheng-Wayne.”

ok, thats a wrap. for once, this could be read by itself with almost no context. this will fit intothe overall storyline, but i had to go back and set the stage (this) for when Mari is 15. here, its the begining of the school year that she turns 15. (her b-day is in April bc i want to mess wiht cannon even more than i already do.)

[black-streak]

Waiting for the Worms - Empty Spaces

Part 2

Please heed warnings of part 1. Added warning of suicidal tendencies. If Anything about suicide makes you triggered, don't continue reading this particular story. Please be mindful of yourself. This WILL get worse.

Tag list of known masochists (I'm playing, you guys are amazing):

@northernbluetongue @thethirdwheelfriend @shizukiryuu @theatreandcomicfreak @michellemagic @karategirl119 @moonlightstar64 @my-name-is-michell @mystery-5-5 @zalladane @queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm @wuvpancakes @dorkus-minimus @jardimazul @allthebooksandcrannies @g-arya @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @persephonescat @mycupisbroken @luciferge @18-fandoms-unite-08 @dawnwave16 @alwaysreblogneverpost @kris-pines04 @mysteriouslyswimmingfan-blo-blog @weird-pale-blonde-person @you-will-never-know-how-i-think @kokotaru @naclychilli @slytherinhquinn @clumsy-owl-4178 @ladybug-182 @darkthunder1589 @evil-elf16 @lysslovsanime

~---~

Coming to in Marinette's body was jarring to say the least. Moments earlier, pain was all he could register and now he was leaning back on a bench in the back of a classroom. 

Leaning forward and hiding his face in his arms, he focused in on the tug in the back of his mind, trying to bring it forward. To force the switch back, only to be met with harsh resistance.

"Dammit Mari, don't do this. Let me back!" He whispered under his breath, panic starting to lurch to the forefront. He started to shake all over, the longer the connection lasted and the longer she resisted.

"Marinette, please stop, please? You can't keep doing this," he murmured, slowly rocking back and forth, pushing with all he had at the bond.

"God, how pathetic can she get? Faking a breakdown for attention," a voice from the front spoke, pitched just right to be intentionally heard by him.

"Why don't you mind your own damn business," a haughty voice exclaimed from his left, before a body drew closer, arm wrapping around his shoulder. He held back a flinch, trying to tune into her normal reliance on others for comfort, instead leaning into the body, vaguely recognizing it as Chloe. 

The resistance dropped and finally the tug calmed down. He still couldn't switch back, but she wasn't fighting him anymore either. He let out a sigh as the shaking calmed down. Bruce must've found her. She was safe, but likely exhausted and unable to switch back. As much as he hated her taking the pain for him, all he could do now was wait for the bond to pull again and leave a letter detailing exactly what he thought of her little stunt here.

This time Jason did flinch. He felt the first few blows Joker landed, he could only imagine how much pain she must be in now.

"You okay there, marzipan?"

That was a new one. Glancing up into worried baby blues, he gave one soft nod and slumped into her side, paying attention to the lesson. Mari would be upset if he let her fall behind in her studies while she was gone.

…

It had been four days since then and Jason couldn't help feeling like something was horribly wrong. It wasn't the first time they switched for an extended period of time, by any means, but his gut told him this time was different.

Sure she had claimed his body for well over four days before to wait out an injury or get more extensive training with Bruce before and he had held her body hostage for over a week once when she was in the hospital with pneumonia, but normally a tug or two would tell him that one of them was holding out on the swap.

This time, nothing came. His mind was achingly devoid of her and as the days passed, he feared he might end up here longer than planned. It would make sense. Multiple broken bones, blunt force trauma, and the sheer force of their swap could easily have overwhelmed his body and dropped it into a state of unconsciousness. 

He took to her computer, trying any combination of words related to the accident to see if anything had been reported only to come up empty handed.

That couldn't be right, if she were in the hospital, if his body was properly reported as a Joker victim, the report would be made public, even if the identity was kept under wraps for being an unknown minor. Anything to indicate someone was caught up in the accident. Surely Bruce wasn't relying solely on Alfred to patch them back up?

It wasn't until a week after the incident that he received his answer, buried in a tiny little notice in the back of a Tuesday local newspaper. Like an afterthought. Amongst the obituaries. A tiny note that the late Jason Peter Todd had died.

His soulmate died in his body and didn't even make it into the citywide Sunday paper. Just a local midweeker with barely more than two sentences.

Disbelief struck first.

This couldn't be real, right? Soulmates weren't able to just. Die in the other's place. That wasn't a thing. It was his body, if anything, he would have immediately been evicted the second his body died and moved on while she returned to hers. So how the fuck was he still here?

Next came anger.

How dare Marinette die in his place. How dare she end her life for his mistakes! And by the Joker! The fucking Joker deserved to die for torturing and killing his sweet little soulmate. He deserved a life worse than death. To be strung up and peeled apart inch by inch until he begged for death. And Batman... How dare he not make it in time to save her. It'd be okay if it were him, but not her! She didn't deserve this. Mari had her own life, her own desires and dreams, her own villain to hunt down, and that was torn away from her because Batman let them down. But even worse, Bruce barely cared enough to be open about his death. To mourn the loss of her like he did, even if the man didn't know it was an innocent in that body and not him. And even if it had been, it hurt knowing that he alone wasn't worth more than a barely there acknowledgment that he was once alive in an unseen back page.

Last came devastating grief.

She was gone. Marinette, the girl who never even really met him, cared so much for him, she sacrificed her own life for his. Forced him to stay in her body and took his as her own to the grave so he could live as her. With her loving parents and colorful room and warm heart. She gave him everything and wanted nothing in return. Slept on the streets for him at times, took brutal fights on as Robin so he could have a reprieve, skipped meals so he could taste something he'd never had before that her parents made that night. Learned English from an early age so they could talk and he wouldn't be alone in the world. And now that one of them had died, she ensured that he would be left in the best environment she could provide him, even if it had become rougher around the edges from when they were younger. And now she was gone. Dead. Never to return. And as he turned towards the mirror and looked into her beautiful, glowing blue eyes, he saw the tears trail down her face before he collapsed into himself, cursing anything and everything in the universe for allowing such a cruel fate.

…

For the next month, he moved through life like a zombie. As much as he hated her classmates for treating her the way they had, he couldn't help but feel grateful that no one wanted anything to do with him. They still muttered under their breath and glared and purposefully manipulated situations against him, but no one tried to ask what was wrong.

Everyone but Chloe and Juleka avoided him like the plague, which felt accurate in a sense. He didn't have to fake a smile or pretend to be okay like he had when the class still loved her. He could sulk and cry and grieve and it went unquestioned. The others hated him and the two girls, while worried, knew that sometimes she needed the reprieve of just letting her negativity go unchecked for a little while to make up for bottling so much of it all the time, so they let it go as well. The teacher barely glanced his direction. If it weren't so beneficial to him at the moment, Jason would be pissed at the obvious neglect his soulmate had endured at the hands of this lot. As it stood, he just cried a little harder at night in his grief, Tikki curled to his neck with tears of her own. 

The two quickly bonded over their mutual loss and the inability to talk about it to anyone else. Despite the stress of it, Jason refused to let anyone else know that Marinette had died. Her parents didn't need to suffer her death while looking at her living, breathing body, knowing she wasn't in it. That it was his fault she had died in the first place. And he couldn't even imagine having to tell them how she died.

So he resolved himself to live in her stead. To live as she would for the sake of her loved ones and in her honor. He had enough practice in the past to pull it off. It helped that they had both learned to suppress their emotions to the point of nonexistent in the light of facing Hawkmoth.

That was another thing entirely, though. While he resolved to fake a smile and play the happy designer in her civilian life, Ladybug took a turn from that day forward. He warned the cat off him, not playing into the teasing and banter, becoming stoic and professional. And when the kid got too brash, too pushy, too unreliable, he stripped the ring from him and moved on. Built a team she would've been proud to lead.

Over the next three months, he slowly adjusted her mannerisms to be more natural for him. Not enough to be noticeable or seen as anything more than growing older and slightly more jaded, but enough to make it a touch easier and less like he was living a lie.

…

Six months had passed and everything was different. 

The rest of the class didn't bother him. Didn't make accusations. Throw insults. Acknowledge his existence in any way. And maybe that was meant to be punishment. To be treated as a ghost haunting an unknowing audience. But it was pure bliss. He couldn't thank them enough for their continued silence. 

At least this way he could pretend her last days of life were happy and surrounded by people who cared for her. That they were grieving her just as he was.

There were still mornings he forgot. Times he'd walk by a mirror and smile, seeing her looking back and thinking it just another of their sporadic swaps where he'd wake as her and find a note waiting for him. 

Then reality would crash around him as the little kwami would come out and look at him with those sad eyes, nuzzling his neck (her neck, this was her body god dammit). On those days it hit him differently. Sometimes he'd shut it all down, going through the motions for the rest of the day. Other times he'd break down and cuddle the small being as close as possible and share in her despair, not bothering to leave the house. Usually anger would coarse sharp and deadly through his heart, urging him to seek vengeance. On those days, any remarks made his way were brutally rebutaled, until the remarks stopped entirely. Ladybug fought with just a little more violent intent; he couldn't avenge her until Hawkmoth was defeated. Those gorgeous blue eyes set into her face turned into a deadly storm of promised danger. 

It all kept swirling and cycling through him over and over until one day, the desperation and grief and hurt all hit a little too hard and he laid on the floor, staring up at the dark ceiling, wishing he could be by her side. That he could join her and not have to feel like this anymore. That it could all just go away and he could be happy for once in his miserable life.

That night he wished for nothing more than to die. If it hadn't been for the absolute heartwrenching sight of her little, pale hand wrapped around a too big knife, he has no doubt he would have gone through with it. 

Afterwards he could only thank his cowardice for preventing him from destroying her body like that. She wanted him to live and who was he to deny her? 

That night, he curled up on the cold, hardwood floor and begged her forgiveness, promising to do better. To be better. He knew she couldn't hear him, would never respond, but he begged all the same.

[akimmito]

Heroes are made by the path they choose

Previous | AO3 | Next

___________

Chapter 7

Marinette returns to battle having merged Longg and Plagg. She confronts the Akuma, whose name is unknown, and invokes the power of the Lightning Dragon, the AT field is activated again, but manages to crack enough so that she, using the sword, pierces the shield (perhaps she used a bit magic to enhance the impact force). Chloe jumps behind her and the two fall on the Akuma, just then the chirp sounds again and more mist appears, this time surrounding them all.

They hear voices, they can't see anything and, although for some it's almost heartbreaking to hear, they can't be distracted. Paris depends on them, they may not all be useful at the time, but they never know what could happen.

"Cataclysm!"Marinette wastes no time and, accustomed to Talia's voice, does not stop from her main mission.

Soon, the bark cracks and begins to light up as it seems to expand... there is no butterfly anywhere.

By the time he realizes it, the crust has exploded, staining everything twenty kilometers away from a liquid that looks like blood.

And where the golden diamond was, now there is a kind of worm floating above the Luxembourg Palace.

____________

Just Robert @PoorButterflies

What the fuck?

#WTFParis

Ladybug come back @ LadybugHero_89

PEOPLE! THE ANGEL EXPLODED! It was quite a scene from NGE, will the heroes be okay?

Little Little Sun @ ErasmusLS_564

My sister sent me a video of the exact moment the Akuma exploded, how shocking.

[Attached Video]

#AngelInParis #WTFParis

_____________

Felix feels numb, the scarlet liquid completely covering them. The big problem is that due to the strong smell of metal, he knows it's blood, but that is only part of the matter, what makes him annoying is that it was hot and it's making him sick, not in the sense of feeling disgusted, it's as if the blood was poisonous.

"Guys?"He barely recognizes Luka's voice before falling to his knee as he tries to make his limbs listen to him.

It's a moment of stupor, but the next thing he registers is that a whiplash sends him and Red Fox flying from the building where he was (destroying the construction on the way). It crashes into one of the statues at the University of Paris, La Sorbonne, and then falls to the ground. Nathaniel suffers the same fate, but ends up knocking down the spire of the dome and falling to the other end, within the grounds of the university.

He feels stupid, if he had anticipated it, he could have put the shell on at least the two of them and not seem like a pathetic hero attempt. It feels like an amateur, it's a shame. How could anyone think it would explode?

"If it wasn't so terrible, I'd be excited to fight an angel. Luka, the second chance. "

Return.

Felix watches Marinette and Chloe jump over the Akuma when the AT field falls. At those times, communications sound.

"Kagami, go to Felix's side, now. Felix, put on a shell! The Akuma is going to explode. "Kagami obeys immediately trusting Luka's words, he must have used the second chance. As soon as the girl is by her side, he activate the shell, just in time.

"Cataclysm!"

And the Akuma, in effect, explodes bathing everything in a blood red liquid, inside the shell it's seen how it seems to boil and evaporate, but Felix notes that it considerably weakened the protection of his shield. If they had been hit directly by the liquid, it would have caused a lot of damage.

He look in the direction of the Akuma, there is no longer the rhombus, there are no signs of Chloe or Marinette either, but he doubts that they have exploded, perhaps they were only thrown away. Take note of the Akuma's new look and the interesting metal plate on what he imagines is the head. Not that he finds much shape in what looks like a giant silver-colored noodle, although he understands that it may be a worm.

"He will attack in your direction, separate."

Felix deactivates the shield and the three jump in different directions, just in time to avoid a whiplash from the Akuma's tail.

"Rakkīgāru, we will cover you. "Nathaniel speaks the moment he activates his power. "Mirage. "

Kagami pulls away a little, allowing the two boys to fight. Between the three of them they should be able to take down Akuma, correct?

"Lucky Charm!"  When activating her power, a tight suit with a very curious design falls into her hands, she has no idea how a suit would help them defeat the Akuma. What would Marinette do? She turns to battle, ready to cope. They must reach the alleged akumatized object.

"A suit? "Felix questions, looking at him curiously. Is it really a suit will give them victory?"

"It's a Plug suit... what? I didn't watch the series, but I do know about the suits because I wore them for inspiration. "Red Fox jumps as the illusion fades and the Akuma's tail slams in his direction. "Well, the illusions don't seem to work much. "

"Anything to mention about the suit?" Felix leaps at the worm and hurls the shield directly at the metal plate, only to find another AT field. "Really? "He growls annoyed when he sees his shield bounce off and it's lost in the sea of fog.

"Those suits have instruments for monitoring the health condition, and it also allows for increased synchronization with the Eva... which we don't have. "

"Well, let's be creative."What else can that suit do?"

"I think it can inflate, I saw that it looked round in an image of a red-haired girl."

Felix only listens to them without really understanding. The whole situation is simply disastrous.

____________

Héctor de Troya @EpicAdveturerHector

Hello? Can someone explain what is happening at the Luxembourg Palace? There is a giant worm!

Adrien A. @AdrienAgreste

We were arriving home from the airport when the police owed us to an Akuma shelter just as it explodes. Since when is the butterfly active?

Shinji @AllOrNothing_

@AdrienAgreste The new Hawkmoth seems to hate fashion, he almost didn't send his first Akuma at the opening of fashion week.

Just me @LonelyA_loveless

Apocalyptic scene, blood littered the entrance to the Akuma refuge in Saint-Sulpice. Let's hope the heroes finish quickly.

____________

Miraculously, as they talk about the properties of the suit while avoiding attacks and watch the Akuma destroy the Luxembourg Garden, they come up with a plan to traverse the new AT field. That includes distracting him with the blissful ball-shaped suit (they figured out how to turn it into that) while Ateliade uses her powers to drive the Akuma's powers insane, hopefully, being something so harmless, he doesn't consider it a threat, especially since monkey powers are not such a common knowledge.

Ateliade falls onto one of the shattered ceilings with her already summoned power, her evil smile only telling her that she's excited to join saving all of their butts. Normally the strategies are made by Marinette, but the Akuma had very specific abilities from a very specific program that only Pegase had seen.

However, this has given them a much clearer idea that this new butterfly user is much more committed to destroying them. In addition to their victims not shouting that they want the prodigies, they seem willing to tear them apart and then take the jewelry. If Felix is honest with himself, he only talks a lot about how his uncle like villain was so nefarious

If this works out, Felix will pay everyone's drinks and give Damian a Great Dane, all because he has no faith in the blissful plan, but it's the only thing they could think of where they could wear the suit.

Five minutes later, the suit by itself would have been a fiasco, but Nathaniel decides to use his power again (thus activating the timer) to simulate that the suit was one of them, that generated the perfect distraction for Ateliade to launch what it seems a plush bunny that, without being a real surprise, collides with the AT field, but, by the nature of the monkey's powers, it makes the shield go crazy.

Now, they have to really figure out how to get through that without being cut in half by the crazy AT field.

Atelaide is crazy enough to do it, using her stick to propel herself using the craziness of the shield. She manages to fall on the worm's head and, while he twists to get rid of she, she summons her power again (the previous one fell into the mist), this time it looks like a plush ball and only drops it.

This time the Akuma writhes, the butterfly mask appears as the worm crashes into the Luxembourg Palace. After several more movements and leaving the building reduced to heaps of rubble, a purple butterfly flutters out.

Felix takes that as a sign that as soon as everything is fixed he will order the best liqueurs and distribute them to everyone on the team. Now where can he get a Great Dane?

___________

Shinji @AllOrNothing_

He threw a stuffed animal at him and the AT field went crazy! What the hell with her powers? It's great!

#EpicVictory

Rayn @TheGreatestWorld

Oh lord, bless the Lord. The cure was launched.

Ladybug come back @ LadybugHero_89

Everything is fine, the heroes are leaving. I don't blame them, they managed to defeat the Akuma who was a fucking Angel from Evangelion. Have you seen the series? Not? Whatever, fucking Akuma.

____________

Luka is not feeling well, not until Marinette is on the MT and the first thing he does is hug her. He also hugs Chloe, although the blonde is more reluctant to accept the show of affection. Knowing they were left in the bloody blast twice, leaves him messed up.

"We are fine, thanks to you." Marinette smiles at her best friend, Luka became her support and, when she decided to form the MT, she already knew that she wanted him back in the team with Kagami. They were the first ones he sought out and began to explain the plan.

"Mother." Damian approaches her, is not wearing the mask and has removed his gloves. He's confused, he woke up a few moments ago, but until he heard voices he didn't move.

"Damian!" He's not prepared for the strong hug in which his mother catches him, but he accepts it stunned. All the others leave the room immediately, especially when they see that the child seems about to break.

Damian leans against her after overcoming his initial surprise, letting her hug him as much as she wants. He closes his eyes and just lets himself feel strange when he perceives his face getting wet. She releases him, but keeps him by the shoulders; she also sheds a few tears.

Marinette was aware that the cure would heal him, but seeing him barely alive was shocking, worse still when she heard Talia's voice again.

"I'm happy that you're fine." She smiles and wipes the tears that are running down her son's cheeks. This time, he embraces her again and leans against her to take him in her arms, h'es no longer of age, but he doesn't want to get away to her.

"Let's go home, mother."

"We will, I just have to talk to Felix." She adjusts him in her arms, adjusting him to look for Felix.

She doesn't have to walk much, Félix is returning to the room. They both had the same idea, he smirks.

"It seems that we resume activities tomorrow, may I suggest you take one of the computers of here? That way you don't have to come every day, you can focus on your work. "

"Marc to stay in charge of communications while the others divide the work. I trust you… And thank you, Felix. ”She places a hand on his shoulder and then goes looking for Max to return them home.

Felix only sees her disappear down the hall making a little eye contact with the boy, noting the disturbance in his eyes.

__________________

Chloe B. @BourgeoisQueen

Two Akuma in one week, do you want a medal, butterfly gross?

Marc @MarcAC_twt

Can Hideaki Anno please sue our villain?

Alix @TheLostHeroBunnix

@MarcAC_twt He must take responsibility for art theft!

Marie @MarieLenoir

I hope everyone caught up in the fog will be encouraged to receive mental health care, anyone who comes to @AgapeClinicParis will have a free consultation and if you decide to follow regular sessions I will pay for the first three months.

Polaris Vermilion @Elgato_Solaris

Did you see Paris will soon be @MarieLenoir. Trembles @BruceWayneOfficial, you have competition!

Dick Grayson @TheFlyingGrayson

Who is @MarieLenoir and why is she mentioned so much with B?

Tim Drake @TimDrakeW_

@TheFlyingGrayson You damn heathen, how can you not know when I mention she three times a day?

Dick Grayson @TheFlyingGrayson

@TimDrakeW_ Isn't what you mention Lady Black?

Roy @RoyHarperQ

@TheFlyingGrayson @TimDrakeW_ She's the owner. Marie Lenoir, Oliver has two of his exclusive outfits. He says they mention them a lot together because last year she adopted a nine-year-old boy and racks up philanthropic projects at the same rate as Bruce.

Tim Drake @TimDrakeW_

@TheFlyingGrayson @RoyHarperQ And she has black hair and blue eyes, I wouldn't be surprised if the kid had any of those characteristics.

Roy @RoyHarperQ

@TheFlyingGrayson @TimDrakeW_ Rumors say that his eyes are green.

Jason @IAmYisus_XD

@TheFlyingGrayson @TimDrakeW_ @RoyHarperQ Gossipers.

[dw-writes]

Dial Tone Devil - Chapter Two

Summary: Lucifer’s reputation of granting favors is the second best thing his known for. So when you ask for one - point blank - and offer him immediate repayment in the form of a coin he thought to be long gone, he immediately agrees. But you come with baggage, and series of suspicious circumstances, and Lucifer finds himself full invested in your story.

All because of a suspiciously familiar coin.

Interesting.

A/N: HELLO AND GOOD EVENING!!! I’m SO excited for this chapter, and for you guys to read it!! I was SO happy with the feedback and the excitement for the series, and I’m looking forward to you guys reading it!! :D So here you are!! Chapter Two!

Chapters: Chapter One || Chapter Two || Chapter Three || Chapter Four || Chapter Five || Chapter Six || Chapter Seven || Chapter Eight || Chapter Nine || Chapter Ten || Chapter Eleven || Chapter Twelve || Chapter Thirteen || Chapter Fourteen || Chapter Fifteen

More Content: Dial Tone Christmas || The Keys to Lux || Quarantine

To Tag: @revinval @spotgaai2000 @measure-in-pain @kittenlittle24 @broadwayandnetflix​

“So what do I call you?” you asked as you looked around the office. Maze leaned on the door, peeling an apple with a curved knife, and eating the pieces directly off the blade. You looked over as you pulled the computer around the desk and knelt to plug it in.

“My name is Mazikeen,” she answered. She sat on your desk as you worked beneath the ebony metal contraption, making sure that everything you had ran up to your desk and sat in the right spots. As you crawled out from under the desk, you saw she was right in your face. “You can call me Mazikeen,” she added.

You nodded slowly, and rose to your feet. “Alrighty then.” You connected the phone, and sat in your brightly colored rolling chair to program it.

And she stared all the while, eyes narrowed as she watched you. “What are you doing?”

“Programming numbers?” you suggested. She scooted around your desk. “So, between certain hours, the calls from Lucifer’s number will come to this phone, and I’m programming the numbers in so that I can see who it is,” you explained, “I’m also adding a short cut to this so that when I’m out, the calls all forward to my phone.”

Mazikeen slowly lifted a piece of the apple to her mouth. “Are you a witch?” she finally asked.

You snorted. “No. I just read the instruction manual.” You held out the newspaper thin booklet for her to take. “I figured this would make life a little easier.” You finished with what you were doing, and taped a list of numbers next to the phone for your quick reference. “Actually, you’re in charge of the bar, yeah?”

“Yes…?”

You smiled. “Do you think I could have your order book? I can just order everything that you need at the same time as I order everything else. Make it easier on y��”

She hopped off the desk and stabbed the knife into the wooden side table next to you. You pressed your lips together and watched her leave. “I think I’ll like you,” she said as she reached the door.

You stuttered, lost for words as she left, and leaned back in your seat. “Okay,” you called to empty air. You heaved a sigh, and glanced around the massive office, at the blank walls and dark paint, and wondered what you could do with it all. You left the office, leaving behind a blazer, and rolled up the sleeves of your shirt as you entered the club proper. The phone behind you rang, calling for you, and you groaned and jogged back down the hall, leaving Mazikeen to stare after you and laugh.

You snagged the phone off the cradle on the fourth ring. “Lux,” you said, introducing yourself after, “How may I help you?”

There was a pause of silence. “Uh, is Lucifer…there?” a woman asked.

You wedged the phone between your ear and shoulder, and pulled a notepad over to you. “I’m actually his assistant.”

“Oh!” The woman laughed lightly. “I didn’t know…he…needed an assistant.”

“Apparently he does.” You smiled and clicked the pen. “So, what can I do for you, Ms…”

“Oh,” she said again, “This is Detective Decker. Chloe…D-Decker, I’m sorry, this is weird, is Lucifer around?”

You wrote her name down and pulled the cradle off the desk, peeking down the hall from your door. “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t see a thing from my hall. I’ve been banished to a dark corner to do all this work.”

“He needs to get a phone of his own,” Chloe Decker mused.

“You know, he has one, but I’ve been told to forward his calls to me,” you replied. You sighed and wandered back to your desk. “Detective? I’m assuming you have a case, right? Since he does the consulting thing?”

“Yeah, yeah, I do,” she finally answered. She gave you an address, which you jotted down and circled. “Can you have him meet me there?”

“Of course, Ms. Decker.”

“Oh, just…Chloe. Please,” she insisted. You nodded, and ended your call, setting the phone to forward to you, and heading out of the office.

Mazikeen leaned on the bar, pouring over a book, jotting down notes on its pages. She looked up when you entered. “Already working?” she asked.

“And you’re adding to my work, I see,” you chimed. She shrugged. “Is Lucifer here? Upstairs? Where would I find him?”

She pointed to the elevator above your head. You nodded, headed up the stairs, and entered the elevator. The penthouse button required a key, and you patted your pockets to search for your copy. As you inserted the key, Mazikeen’s head popped up above the alcove floor. “Oh, be careful. He might have company,” she commented.

You started to ask her what kind of company, but the elevator doors shut. You huffed, and picked at your sleeves as the elevator started up the building. You passed your floor, the sixth, where your FAR too big apartment took almost a sizable chunk of the floor. The furniture you had hardly filled the space, and that was from an eight-hundred square foot apartment! You heaved a sigh and watched the elevator continue up, heading to the penthouse that you knew Lucifer occupied at the top.

When it stopped, and the doors slid open, smoke wafted into the compartment. You coughed, surprised, and squinted into the room as you walked in. There were muffled giggles, soft gasps, and quiet moans that you couldn’t find the source of. As you walked in, you found beautiful crystal decanters in the shape of skulls, and a massive glass reservoir on the bar, with spouts on four sides, filled with the green liquid of absinthe.

“Lucifer?” you called into the smoky haze.

A sounds were cut short, and you heard quiet reassurances from your right as you crossed the room to the glass wall of his balcony. You pushed open the door, and coughed as the smoke was suctioned out past you, billowing into the air. Lucifer’s voice sounded behind you, a gentle purr of your name that had you turning around. He was belting a silk robe closed. “Fancy seeing you here!” he exclaimed.

“Not really, I work for you,” you replied. You felt your voice catch in your throat as men and women in various states of nudity left the room, picking up clothes from the floor. A man with full dark hair winked as you met his gaze, and you felt your face flush before you looked away.

Lucifer glanced back, and grinned. “You know, I could introduce you to Henry, he’s a marvelous fellow, very well endowed—”

“Detective Decker called!” you rushed to cut him off. You politely turned away, pressed your lips together and did everything you could stop a grin from worming across your face. You cleared your throat. “She has a case for you?”

“Oh!” You heard Lucifer turn away. “Well, why didn’t you lead with that!” You turned away, and found Lucifer had disappeared into the area sectioned off for his room. The man, Henry, was leading the rest of the party into the elevator. He met your gaze before the door closed, and smiled, waving just enough to keep your attention before the door shut. “I told you I can introduce you, he’s a good man, and very talented,” Lucifer commented. It took you a moment to look up at him, finding him completely dressed.

“Uh, no, I’m….far too preoccupied—”

“A good shag always reorders the mind, you know,” he responded. He straightened his coat, a beautiful import by the looks of it, and smiled. “You ever been to a crime scene?” he asked.

“No?” you offered. “Because it’s generally frowned upon for normal, non law enforcement people to be loitering at a crime scene.”

“We just have to fix that then,” he said. He waved an arm around your back, hovering just above touch, and motioned to the elevator. “After you, dear.”

He brought you to a massive hotel – a ritzy one, where your car had to be at least one-hundred thousand dollars or even the valet wouldn’t look at you – and helped you out from the front seat. You followed him through the hotel, down lush red carpet on sleek onyx floors, and out to an infinity pool that overlooked the cliff the hotel sat on, with a view of the Los Angeles skyline to kill for.

To one side, where the outdoor patio backed up to where the laundry and pumps for the pool would be, stood who you assumed to be Detective Decker. Red and blue lights strobed against the building as you walked closer, following Lucifer’s confident strides. The Detective looked up once, twice, and finally settled a questioning gaze on you. You shook your head, and shrugged.

“Uh, Lucifer,” she started, turning to him.

He, in turn, swept an arm around you with the largest grin he could muster. “Detective, I would like you to meet my personal assistant.” You tried to smile, you really did, but it shrank as he kept talking. “Part of the job is to be with me while I work cases, in case anything else happens to come up, of course.”

You backed up and pointed at the ground. “I’m gonna stay right here, outside of the crime scene, and keep to myself, like a good civilian.”

“What, no, what if I need your eyes, or a second opinion?” Lucifer asked.

“No, that’s a very good idea, thank you,” the Detective said over him. Lucifer scoffed, and followed her beneath the yellow tape, around the corner, and out of sight. You heaved the heaviest of sighs as you looked around the area. It was a beautiful white stone patio, massive, with gorgeous metal tables and chairs with stuffed cushions, plush towels, and an incredible view of the city. You wandered along the edge of the pool, down a strip of stone that outlined the pool, right to its edge. Below you was a small fence, just a short distance away, but far enough that someone could, at least, break an ankle if they fell off the edge. The water of the pool trickled over its hidden glass rim, down into the lip surrounding it and back into the pool.

There was a familiar sound, one that made you squint the longer you heard it. It didn’t belong in a pool area, that was for sure. You turned as you tried to pinpoint its location, listening harder, trying to think of where you had heard it.

It was water on metal, like something you heard in your sink. You inched closer to the edge, your breath caught in your throat, and you shouted, “Detective Decker!” You twisted away, felt your foot slip off the edge, and stumbled forward back to the patio. The Detective’s head popped out around the corner, and she ducked under the tape. “Are you missing a gun?” you asked through a wheeze.

Lucifer peeked around the corner as the Detective made her way towards you. “See, what did I tell you? Useful!”

[flutteringphalanges]

Her

Summary: Four years after a car accident takes Chloe's life, Lucifer is left to raise their young daughter alone. One afternoon, he decides to pay Dr. Linda Martin a visit where he finally finds the strength to open up and reflect on life. *Major Character Death*

Relationship: Chloe/Lucifer

Rating: T 

Read on AO3 and FFN

Loosely based off this gif set

                                                        Her

Jane. That's the name they chose for her. Well, the name Chloe had picked out. He'd found it a little plain, somewhat unfitting for someone whose father was literally the king of the underworld himself. But it seemed right. Even though she was far more precious than any four letter word could describe. Perfect. Fragile. His daughter. Jane.

Everything was fine until the accident happened. Jane was only a few months old when Chloe, sleep deprived, went out one night in search of diapers. He'd forgotten to pick up a pack on the way home from Lux. They fought. Argued. It was such a trivial matter. When he got the call about the crash, everything around him seemed to shatter. The phone fell, cracking on the floor, and the baby cried from her crib. But he didn't seem to notice.

Lucifer hated funerals. Pitying the dead. Either they'd done well and would go to heaven, or slip into the fiery depths he once called home. No need to remember. But he stood there anyway, Jane bundled up tight, as he numbly nodded thanks to those who shared their condolences. He hated them. Hated himself. Jane cooed, but he didn't have the energy to look at her either.

Months went by. Years. The pain still ran deep within him, like raw cuts from animal claws, but he learned how to work around it. Jane had grown, now four years old. She was talking, smiling, playing like any normal child. But she looked like her. Her hair. Smile. Eyes. In her, he saw Chloe, and it burned. Lucifer fought it as best he could. For her. For Jane. For Chloe.

"Daddy?"

Lucifer eyes opened. Jane had crawled on top of his bed, peering down at him with a smile. He exhaled, sitting up. Most days, he tended to wake up on time. When he didn't, his daughter made sure that their day wasn't delayed.

"Morning," he yawned, offering a small smile. "I suppose you didn't make me a cup of coffee?"

She giggled at his joke and shook her head. "Nope," she exclaimed.

"Pity," he exclaimed, running his fingers through her messy bed hair. "Well, at least there is always breakfast. Cereal and cartoons? I do hope we haven't missed Tom and Jerry."

"Not yet," she assured him. "But we have to hurry! Come on, Daddy!"

Perhaps not the best breakfast of champions, but he didn't think Chloe would mind too much about giving their child a little extra sugar. She was a good girl, after all. Didn't cause any trouble-which came as quite a relief, seeing that she was his child.

After Chloe's death, Lucifer's involvement with the LAPD began to slip. At first he didn't realize it, but he'd begun to distance himself from anything that reminded him of Chloe. Of course he had to suffer through visits with Dan, Jane was Trixie's half sister after all. The older girl always put on a brave face. She was like her mother in that way. It was nice to know Jane had someone to look up to.

"Hurry alone, Jane, it's nearly time for preschool," Lucifer called out, peering down at his watch. An anniversary gift from Chloe. Something he didn't have the heart to part with. "Aunt Maze will be picking you up today. I have some matters to attend to at Lux."

Maze had been a constant companion after the accident. She had forced herself on him-and not in a sexual sense. When he was at his lowest, it had been her who'd figuratively kick him in the ass to sober up and be there for Jane. He was lucky to have her and she loved Jane, a feeling that was reciprocated. The demon had a knack when it came to Chloe's kids. He'd never understand it.

"Backpack?" He inquired, adjusting his jacket. "Lunch?"

"Uhuh!" Jane chimed in cheerfully, whipping around to show him the pink bag with a skull patch ironed on in the middle. An accessory done by Maze. "Ready!"

He hadn't a clue about kids. The idea made his stomach crawl. When Chloe announced she was pregnant, for the first time in his life, Lucifer Morningstar felt absolutely terrified. The pregnancy itself went well, the detective's occasional hormonal outbursts a rather unpleasant side effect. When she went into labor, the overwhelming pressure of it all almost brought the Devil to his knees. But the moment he held her, gazed down upon the tiny newborn, he'd never experienced such happiness, such fear in his life. From that moment forward, he swore to protect her. His little hellion. Jane.

"Let me out," the little girl protested, struggling against her car seat restraints. "I'm stuck!"

"Hang on, hang on," Lucifer exhaled, rolling his eyes. "What's the bloody rush for?"

"I wanna sit on the bean bag," she explained hastily, nearly falling out when Lucifer unclipped her. "Before Jaime Dunn does."

Jaime Dunn. Of course. Father a wealthy banker. Mother a trophy wife. Their son would surely grow up into a prick. Not someone he wanted his child around. But Chloe had picked this school. Even before Jane was born the detective insisted on preparing ahead. Who was he to deny her of her wish? He owed her plenty.

"Hug and kiss," he said, bending down to wrap his arms around Jane. "And perhaps, if you are so inclined, maybe slide a worm down Jaime's shirt?" Lucifer winked, his daughter's smile broadening. "But don't get caught."

"Be stealthy," she declared. "Like Aunt Maze!"

"Exactly," he smirked. "Clever girl."

"Bye, Daddy," Jane waved, heading towards the school's entrance. "I love you!"

"I love you too," his smile began to falter, eyes watching as the doors closed. "More than you know."

Dr. Linda Martin had tried from the moment she learned of Chloe's death to help Lucifer. Try to get through the thick, muddy waters that was his depression. He had been low, but after losing her, he'd sunken to the deepest parts of Hell. It was a dark place. His mind. And the thought of carrying on seemed so difficult. But then there was Jane. This tiny piece of his beloved he still clung onto. The only hope in an empty existence.

"It's good to see you, Lucifer," the doctor smiled as he took his regular seat on the couch. "It's been awhile."

"I suppose it has," he admitted.

"How's Jane?" She inquired, leaning forward. "Amenadiel was just talking about her the other day. Dan had shown him some pictures on his phone of Trixie and her playing?"

"So my brother has sunken to the level of finding companionship with Detective Douche," Lucifer scoffed. "Not a surprise."

"We miss you, you know," Linda said, her expression sympathetic. "We all do. Lucifer, it's been quite a long time. I know things are still hard…"

"Don't," he shook his head. "Don't start. All of you keep thinking that you know. You don't."

The therapist was silent for a moment. "How's your relationship with Jane?"

Lucifer's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? She's my child. I do fatherly things with her. With lack of experience and coming from the family that I did, I'm assuming things are rather bloody peachy."

On the offense. That's how he always got when the subject was broached. He didn't mean it usually. Even after four years it was still sensitive. Lucifer was doing his best. At least he tried to. What would Chloe think if she saw him now? Would her love still stand?

"Fine," he said quietly. "We eat breakfast together, watch cartoons. She likes to finger paint, gets the stuff bloody everywhere. I read to her each night, well, I try to. Jane likes the park, the swings. The other day she saw a toad. Even picked it up."

Linda nodded thoughtfully. "And how are you doing, Lucifer?"

He stiffened visible, fingers digging into his palms. Yet another subject he didn't wish to discuss. His feelings. Thoughts. He preferred to push everything back. Far into the depths of his mind. But they'd reappear in his dreams. Sometimes haunting him. Nightmares. He'd wake up in a cold sweat and look over half expecting Chloe to be there lying fast asleep by his side. She never was.

"Fine," he lied. "Actually, I think I need to go, I…"

"Lucifer," Linda's voice was firmer, making the man stop in his tracks. "How are you?"

"I see her," he mumbled.

"Who?" Linda asked softly. "Who do you see?"

"Chloe," he finally answered. "In Jane. Whenever I look at her, I see Chloe. Her eyes. Her face. Her hair. The way she smiles at me. Sometimes I can't even bear it, I have to force myself to look at her. My own child. It's like someone is squeezing my bloody heart."

"But you love her," Linda ventured.

"Of course I bloody do," he nearly snapped. "More than anything. She's all I have of Chloe. She's my daughter. I'd do anything for her." Lucifer sighed, fighting back tears. "But I don't deserve her. It should've been me that night, not Chloe."

"It wasn't your fault-"

"But it was," Lucifer countered, sucking in a sharp breath. "I forgot the diapers and we got into some silly, bloody argument and I let her go out. I didn't offer to do it. It should be Chloe raising Jane, not me."

"But you are raising her," the therapist said gently, reaching forward to rest a hand on Lucifer's knee. "And if Chloe was here, she'd be so proud."

"I miss her," he swallowed hard, eyes watering. "And the more I try to stop, the more I do. I just want the pain to go away." He paused, recollecting himself. "But I look at Jane and realize that I have to be here for her. It's what Chloe would want. I'd do anything for Chloe. For Jane."

"I know," Linda smiled. "Jane couldn't ask for a better father."

Sometimes he pulled late nights at Lux-either he had things to do, or needed to clear his mind. When he arrived home, greeting Maze who sat drinking a cocktail in the kitchen, he slipped his shoes off and entered Jane's room. Through the mess of stuffed animals, he could just make out a small, sleeping figure huddled under the covers. He smiled softly, quietly making his way over. Fast asleep, he gently moved back a lock of her hair.

"I'm sorry I got home so late," he whispered. "I'll make it up to you. Ice cream for breakfast." He chuckled softly at the thought of Chloe's reaction to that. "Goodnight," Lucifer murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you."

Forever and always.

[casimania]

Piercifer scenario cause I don't make enough of them: sort of future-ish AU where Lucifer and Pierce have been together for a couple of years, Chloe had her Devil/Cain reveal and is dealing with it (maybe even Ella, Trixie and Dan, especially him since he's involved with Charlotte) but the Hell/curse situation is still a bit unsure.

And then one day Lucifer and Chloe get shot at and while Chloe gets rushed to the hospital, Lucifer gets smuggled back home to recover. He does so pretty quickly and immediately checks on Chloe. In the following days he notices Pierce acts a bit off and can't put a finger on it until he sees him suddenly being even more of a hardass with Chloe when she's back at work. And she's kinda miffed about it, can't figure out if he's angry as her boss because of how the last case went, or personally angry for Lucifer getting hurt with her because he loves him. But he's impossible to talk to like this, she's dismissed at work and ignored out of it. And then he goes from being uncharacteristically clingy with Lucifer to snapping at him and closing off. Lucifer thinks about it a lot and has an inkling because he notices him being short with Ella too and suddenly ignoring Maze too who threatens he beat him to a pulp if he doesn't pull his head out of his ass.

So he ends up cornering Pierce to talk about it, and the discussion is like pulling teeth but Lucifer thinks he knows what the problem is and he keep pushing until Pierce blows up in his face and yells that he was worried. He got Lucifer home and could barely breath during his recovery, he was worried sick like he hadn't been in a long time. And then he was fine and immediately up and about and rushing to Chloe because he didn't know what conditions she was in. And Pierce realized he didn't know either, and she could very well die. And then had the horrible terrible realization that he /cared/ and now that the "Fuck fuck Lucifer is bleeding all over the place if he dies his family or the demons could use his momentary weakness to trap him in Hell again" moment passed he's got nothing to distract him from the fact that he was worried about Chloe. And then of course his brain is on loop and he's thinking about how Ella grew on him too and could also die any minute and Maze is though cause she's a Demon and is immortal but she's not unkillable and not as though as an angel and she could die defending Chloe, Trixie, Linda, Charlie or Lucifer from his siblings or even by human stuff if she's not careful enough. And he's frantically walking back and forth the house and is barely able to calm himself by the time Lucifer is back and tries to act normal. But then he's at work and is an ass to everyone because he's realized just how much opening up to Lucifer let his wall down and made him more open to other people and he's like "Nope". And just starts being again as unpleasant as possible so people want to stay away from him.

His instincts are telling him it's time to call his contacts, grab a new identity and fucking abscond. But 1) he doesn't even have contacts anymore basically, cause both he was as happy as he could be all things considered with Lucifer and had stopped planning his next move and new identity and because Lucifer didn't like the sort of people he was involved with and didn't even realize he picked up on that and was slowly unraveling the whole Sinnerman thing because of it and 2) for the first time in his life he both doesn't want to leave Lucifer but he's also thinking about how him leaving could affect Lucifer. Over the millenia he's justified himself that leaving the people he loved and that loved him was necessary to protect his feelings but also they could always meet and love someone else and had families and friends and he was just tired of being the one being left behind. He's always had a bit of a problem with putting himself first and justifying everything he did, and it only got worse with the curse (I hc that God hopen for the opposite result but fucked up big time like with Lucifer) and his walls became one big ass wall between himself and the rest of humanity as he felt less and less part of it.

And Lucifer wants to shake him because he knows he's scared and feeling vulnerable but he can't keep isolating himself and being more and more of an asshole because that obviously didn't help him either. Instead of seeing people he loves die he has to see people around him flourish and be happy while he feels lonelier and lonelier while telling himself it's a good thing and hurts less even as he forces himself to push away people by being unpleasant because he's human and deep down still craving contact and connection with other people. And it's good that he tought about Lucifer's feelings in the matter and he knows how hard must it be for him to realize how he's gotten attached and that leaving would hurt a lot Pierce too (and that's hard and scary and hurtful for him). But he needs to accept the fact that he cares for other people too and their feelings matter too. Now he doesn't have to deal with the fallout alone and they're still trying to find some sort of solution for him too that isn't just Lucifer being is one and only reason if lying. What his previous actions got him was only a lot of hurt and leaning more and more into his worse side. Because better care for only himself, people are fleeting and hurt you. And who cares about being good, he's already been dealt such a harsh punishment and remembers by history as literally the first bad human. He's just doing what's expected of him. But now he can seek redemption and help instead of digging himself a deep and deeper hole.

And in all of this Pierce is pulling at his hair because he can't fathom anymore someone caring for him so much and just being so selfless and him not being disgusted by it or feeling superior for not feeling that. But also he doesn't know if he has the strenght to do any of that anymore. It was just easier to be a worse and worse person and thinking about ceasing to exist. Thinking about loving someone, being loved back, accepted, catering for other people, admitting his mistakes and facing them? It feels like so much. Until not too long ago he loved in apathy, everything was a gray sludge and seeing how Lucifer was way older had still so bright and curious was unbelievable and he just told himself it was just because their situations were different and Lucifer just needed more time and losses and eventually would have ended up like him.

In the end Lucifer spent so much time finding something Pierce was vulnerable to to kill him but /he/ ended up being his vulnerability. He wormed his way between the cracks in his walls and ended up making them crumble and now Pierce is opening himself up to all sort of shit and feels kind of untethered and unprotected. And Lucifer swears he will be with him through it all but he needs to trust him and stop pushing them all away.

Their talk doesn't fix everything but they probably both yell and Pierce cries for the first time in who knows how long and he doesn't even know why but it's jsut that he's suddenly dealing with a lot of emotions and he's been bottling or ignoring everything for such a long time they have to get out somehow. And he's just crying and insulting Lucifer because it's all of his fault and he should have left him alone to do his own thing. Instead now he's doing shit like getting attached and caring how his actions affect others and wanting to be /better/ and he just keeps around the room going through 15 diferent emotions per minute and freaking out and still insuling Lucifer but lets himself be gathered up in his arms and held until he just Stops. And Lucifer's like "Oh my Dad he dead??" cause he's sort of cathatonic. But honestly he's just exhausted and goes into apathy mode. Lucifer rolls him into bed and looks over him until he falls asleep. And he sleep for like 12-14 hours in a row and Lucifer's calls Linda cause oh fuck he broke him. But Linda says this exhaustion is already normal for a regular human after a therapy session with a trained professional (and Lucifer has himself dealt with some of this after draining session with her, but he's never seen it on someone else and to this extent), and this was basically two fucked up immortals who are also dating trying to deal with how one of them was literally begging to die not too long ago and ready to just be evil and mow down everything in his way of it get him to finally stop existing and now he's suddenly wanting the opposite of that and who got him down that road his the man he accepted he loves who's also the Devil (the irony in that) and that's bound to be messy and tiring. And even Lucifer has to admit he's kinda exhausted.

By the time Pierce wakes up he's disoriented as fuck, ravenous and still kind of all over the place emotionally. Keeps his eyes trained on Lucifer around the house but is still short with his words. Lucifer tells him they don't have to go back to that discussion but to keep it in mind and to please not shut him out. And Pierce looks at him with these tired eyes and asks him why put himself through all of this, cause it's obvious Pierce's actions and words had their toll on him too. And Lucifer kisses his forehead/top of his head and tells him it's cause he's worth it. He's with him all the way because he wants too. Pierce looks away and grumbles he hates how Lucifer always manages to say things that make him go all squirmy inside. Then he pull a face and says "I can't believe I just said 'squirmy'". Lucifer laughs his ass off, Pierce grumbles more and goes back scarfing down his breakfast-lunch-dinner condensed into one.

He doesn't change much in general but he checks in with Lucifer more and just tries dealing with the fact that he's changing. Sudden mood swings and bouts of dickishness included.

Then probably Eve, Dromos and the Charlie kidnapping thing happen and then other shit and Character Development and Redemption Arc and Fixing Things with the Eden Family and Cathartic Discussions and a Wild God Appears and many other things and Pierce is just like, internally screaming through it all becuase he couldn't imagine himself in these situation even in his wildest fantasies. After millennia of bitterness, pain, deep seated anger, apathy and becoming the worst version of himself now it's a continuous "AAAAAAAHHHHHHH" both emotionally and in general becuase of the shit that happens around Lucifer.

[themarauderstheoutsidersandpeggy]

Could you do a minific where Reader tells Sirius she’a pregnant with his baby? The relationship is up to you (also I understand if you don’t want to) and I would love some “What If I’m Like My Parents?” angst if you’re down :)))

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You drummed your fingers on the table, watching the clock. As five chimes sounded you heard a pop and you knew that your husband was home. You stood up, rounding the corner into the living room and smiling when you saw Sirius taking off his shoes. His head popped up at the sound of your footsteps, and he tossed his shoes against the door as he came forwards for a hug.

You hummed contentedly as he gathered you up in his arms, holding you tight. Your hands found the back of his head and laced themselves through his hair, running through the slight curls.

“How was your day my love?”

You smiled, the term of endearment bringing slight heat to your cheeks even after a year of being married.

“It was alright, I slept in nice and late, caught up.”

His lips curled slightly, the smirk that you knew well worming its way onto his face.

“Good, you won’t be getting any tomorrow, I have the day off.”

Your cheeks heated up further and you slapped his arms lightly, trying to hide your smile as he laughed.

Your smile dropped, however, an expression of concern on your face.

“I actually wanted to talk to you about that..”

His brow furrowed and he turned to face you.

“About se-?”

“nO! God no, but I guess it is something sort of related…”

He was really confused now, grabbing your hand and sitting down with you at the small table.

“Is it something bad, are you okay? Are you hurt? Did I hurt you…?”

“No, I’m not hurt and I don’t think it’s anything bad but that’s for you to decide on your own.”

“Okay, go ahead then.”

You took a deep breath, pulling your hand away from his in favor of fiddling with your wedding ring, spinning it around your finger.

“Babe, what is it? You can tell me, I won’t be upset or anything.”

You nodded, looking up from your lap and making eye contact with him.

“I’m pregnant,” You blurted out, falling silent afterwards.

There was what felt like ten minutes of tension-filled silence before you felt a hand curl around both of yours and pull them apart, enveloping one. 

“You’re pregnant? You’re sure? Maybe you should check again.”

Your head shot up, brows furrowing as you took in his almost condescending tone.

“Do you not want our baby? Is that what you’re saying?”

His eyes widened and he shook his head frantically.

“NO! Of course not! Of course I’m not saying that, of course I want our baby. Oh god, our baby. Our baby! We’re going to be parents, you’re going to be a mother! I’m going to be a-” 

He cut himself off with a frown, the word father seeming to halt his excitement.

You frowned putting the pieces together.

“Sirius, I’m sure you’re going to be a wonderful father!”

He met your eyes, and you could just barely see a layer of unshed tears there.

“What if I’m like mine?”

He seemed to breathe a little faster, chest beginning to rise and fall with more motion than was needed.

“Don’t talk like that! You’re so much better than them, you’re nothing like them! You’re kind, you’re brave, you’re intelligent, you’re caring, and you’re so many more things that your parents could only dream of being! They were disgusting, traitorous creatures and I know that you’re nothing like them. I know you’ll be an excellent father and I’ll be by your side no matter what!”

He had begun to cry, tears falling on your hands that were still interlocked. You squeezed his hand, standing up and walking around the table to stand next to him.

You scooted his chair out from the table, planting yourself between his legs and combing your fingers through his hair. He wrapped his arms around your waist, letting most of his upper body weight fall on you. His head rested on your stomach, and he turned his face so that he was burrowed into it. 

You could feel his breathing slowly return to normal and you smiled, beginning to pull back. However, he stopped you, pulling you right back into his arms, nestling his face ever further into your stomach.

“Hello little one. I’m so happy you’re in there. I promise, I’ll give you the best that I possibly can. Your mummy and I will love you so much and I know you’ll be the best little baby. I can’t wait to meet you peanut.”

His speech brought tears to your eyes and once he pulled away you pulled him up to stand next to you. Once he was upright you brought him into a hug, crying onto his shoulder. He rubbed his hand in circles on your back, using the other one to wrap tightly around your waist. He smiled into your hair, willing  nine months to just pass already.

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[looselucy]

Losing Focus

October 24th Niall was rubbing his hands together when Paula came and placed the Full English Breakfast in front of him, about to consume an amount of food no person should be physically capable of. “You can’t possibly eat all of that.” I sniggered. “Watch me.” He said excitedly, picking up his knife and fork.

We’d decided to kick off the day by getting breakfast at our favourite café, PJ’s, before it was time to open up shop and take on another Wednesday. It was a little grotty in there, but that was what gave it it’s charm. It hadn’t been done up in years, the tables and chairs all one huge contraption which had then been nailed to the floor, which always made me question if they’d been designed to avoid fights or theft, but it didn’t matter. It was a firm favourite with the older generation of Rosebury, which luckily for Paula was the majority of Rosebury, so that kept business booming. As booming as it could be. I was preparing myself for another busy day, and beginning it with a proper meal felt like a good start. I was due to have my third one on one session with Harry, and I knew just how exhausted I’d be by the end of the day. I needed to prepare myself for that in any way I could. “You had any more dates recently?” I asked, taking the first bite of my bacon butty. “I wish. No such luck.” He huffed. “There aren’t enough options available to me.” “I suppose nothing is better than Neil.” “Do not talk to me about Neil.” Niall was one of the few members of our group who was good for early morning plans. With our village being so small, the businesses there could open and close whenever they chose, meaning that most mornings could be spent rather lazily. I liked to have Niall around so that I had a way to fill quiet mornings when the rest of our friends were still in bed. “You heard from Sam?” He enquired. “Nope. Nothing.” “Weird, right? For him to just up and leave like that.” “Very.” As ever, it hadn’t taken long for gossip to travel around Rosebury, meaning it had only been a few days after I’d spoken with Tom before everyone was made aware that Sam had quit his job and skipped town. Everyone had predicted I’d know something about it, meaning I’d been asked by what felt like everyone, even little old ladies popping into the shop just to see if I had any information as to his whereabouts, but I’d had to let everyone down. “Do you think he’ll come back?” He asked between mouthfuls. “I’m not sure. But I’m definitely not missing him.” Sam not being around had taken such a weight off me, which in addition with Harry’s lessons had left me feeling much calmer than I’d been expecting. The last few weeks had been good to me, life seeming to return to normal, things seeming to fall into place. “No, I can’t say I am either.” Niall admitted. “Do you think it’s because you broke up? Why he left?” “Um… I think it plays its part, yeah. But whatever, let’s not talk about Sam. Let’s talk about someone else.” “Let’s talk about Harry!” He proposed. “Ooh, okay! What about Harry?” “He’s fit, isn’t he?” “He is.” I chuckled. “I really like him.” “Me too. I think he’s blended in really nicely.” “Right? I mean… I thought we’d be harder to infiltrate, to be honest. I thought he’d have a harder time worming his way in.” “I think it proves just how well he fits in.” Niall shrugged. “It’s like he’s been here forever.” “I guess so.” “Hey, how come Chloe didn’t come to the match on Monday?” He puzzled. Chloe had been struggling with Harry’s company for the past few weeks and I couldn’t necessarily blame her. Ever since her proposal to Harry about staying at hers for the night, and his very polite refusal, she had been excessively awkward. It would pass, in time, that much I knew, but she was going through a difficult stage with him. She’d avoided going to watch the match on Monday, leaving me sat on my own in the freezing cold with no hot chocolate to keep my fingers warm. I’d missed her. “She’s too embarrassed about the whole… Harry situation. She’ll get over it.” I dismissed. “Course she will. After she’d tried it on with me, it took her a good couple of weeks to chill out again.” “Was she as forward with you?” “Oh yeah, it’s intimidating!” His eyes went wide. “She’s very forward.” As much as Chloe could definitely take things too far, I really wished I had a bit of her confidence, a bit of her forthrightness. The truth was, it worked most of the time; whenever we’d been on nights out somewhere other than Rosebury, where she wasn’t trying her moves on friends, she had always been successful. She was gorgeous and funny and forward and I would have loved just a tiny slither of that self-confidence. “I hope she gets over it soon.” I sulked after swallowing another mouthful. “I need her to cuddle up with on the matches. It’s cold.” “It’s freezing. I’m ready for summer. I wanna go swimming in the river again. I wanna go out to the lake again! We need warmth. My dick would freeze off if I went swimming in there at this time of year.” I almost choked on my sandwich, not expecting penis talk at such an early hour, but it was hard to be too surprised when it was Niall Horan I was sat across from. Shaking my head, I tried to digest my food appropriately, rolling my eyes at the smug little look on his face.

“Come on, Alfie. Just a few more hits!” Harry yelled upliftingly. “I can’t.” I was woozy, the bag ahead of me swinging softly from side to side. “I can’t, Harry, I’m tired.” “Two more minutes of blitzing it, then we’ll stop.” “I can’t. I’m so tired.” I began cuddling the bag, convinced it was the only thing keeping me on my feet. “I think I need a nap. I think I should nap. Shall we take a nap?” “You’re so fucking close, Alf, c’mon!” I felt like I’d already been in that gym for hours. My head was spinning and my limbs were failing me and I really wanted to lay down on the floor and sleep. He’d worked me to the bone, stood beside simply egging me on, shouting encouraging words and clapping and pushing me to my absolute limit, which at that point, I was pretty sure I’d reached. “I need to nap. Everything hurts. I think if I nap it would be really good for me.” I closed my eyes. “I’ll carry on when I wake up.” “You’re not napping.” “We could get the yoga-mats out and just… sleep. Remember sleep? It’s so good.” “You’ll get plenty of it tonight. But right now, you’ve got a job to do.” “Please?” I opened one eye, poking out my bottom lip. “Punch the bag.” He demanded one last time, and I didn’t need to be told again. I steadied myself, blinking my brain back to life before getting back into the desired position, ready to give it my all for just a few more minutes before I completely caved. He remained at my side, encouraging me throughout, driving pure determination into my bones. Things had been similar the week before; it was clear that Harry enjoyed pushing me way past what I believed to be my limit, pushing me to peaks I’d thought were too high. He never paid attention to my whining, or my requests for naps, he’d just force me further and get the most out of me that he could. As difficult as it could be, I’d left that room for the past few weeks feeling satisfied and driven. “That’s it, Alf! You’re killing it! Keep it up!” I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage the group training after such a vigorous workout, and I wasn’t sure how I’d ever be able to get away with lying to the girls this week by saying we’d worked out just a little bit before they all arrived, but I had to try. I could feel and see that all my skin was bright red, my body becoming so flimsy I questioned how much longer my feet could take my weight. I hit at the bag a few more times, involuntarily grunting as I did, when he finally saved me. “Okay, okay! That’s it. Well done, Alf! Have some rest.” I stopped, spinning dizzily round on my heel and staggering towards the centre of the room, whining pathetically until I’d found what I believed to be the perfect spot, where I collapsed backwards, sprawling out across the floor like a starfish, eyes closed, heart beating wildly. It was hard to keep track of the time, but I knew it wouldn’t be much longer until everyone started turning up for the group lesson, but I hoped the remainder of our time just the two of us would be spent resting. I placed my hand on my chest, slowly calming down, opening one eye for a moment to watch Harry. “You smashed it!” He yelled cheerfully, moving to stand at my feet. “This is it.” I spoke up to the ceiling, closing my eye again. “This is how I die.” I heard him sniggering and the sound of his footsteps before the music came to a stop, and before I’d had the chance to open my eyes, I felt a towel land directly on my face with quite some force. “Sorry.” He snickered. I managed to sit up, rubbing the towel over my face and around my neck, catching my breath, already dreading how much my body would ache the following morning. I took the bobble out of my hair, letting my bleach blonde locks fall dramatically over my shoulders, cracking my neck. “Thank you.” I sighed eventually. “How do you feel?” He sat himself down ahead of me, crossing his legs and pushing a bottle of water towards me. “Exhausted, but good. I feel really good. But also, I feel terrible.” I took a quick sip. “I really dunno how I’m gunna do this class.” “Y’know, it’s probably best not to just stop completely now-” “Don’t make do anything else yet, dear god please.” I blubbered. “Just stretches.” He grinned. “You can stay sat down and everything, but just stretching a bit now will really help.” I knew he was probably right, that stretching until the rest of the women arrived would likely be much more beneficial that just stopping completely then trying to pick up again, but even the thought of such minor movement was making me want to sob again. “Okay. Alright, gimme a minute.” Harry began to position himself, removing his trainers before stretching his legs out, ready to carry on teaching and clearly not too keen on giving me the minute I’d requested. “You ready?” He asked, chirpy as all hell. “Fine.” I huffed, mirroring his frame, first taking off my shoes before placing my legs outwards so they were shut together directly in front of me, the bottom of our feet almost touching. “Okay, so all I want you to do, is lean forward and touch your toes. Then you can grab your feet, and try to make your body as flat as you can so your face is almost resting on your legs. That’s it!” He’d said that’s it as though this was going to be the easiest thing imaginable, but he was clearly failing to take into consideration just how much I was aching and just how inflexible I was. I followed his lead, touching my toes but already feeling like that was my limit. I think he could tell from the rather alarmed look on my face. “What?” He questioned through a smile. “I… I can’t.” “You can.” “No, I really don’t think I can.” I chortled. “This is me at my absolute limit.” “Really?” “I’m being totally serious. I’m hurting.” “Fine.” He laughed lightly. “We’ll start a little easier. Maybe… Okay, put your legs apart instead.” I did as I was told, stretching my legs relatively wide, immediately trying to reach down and touch my toes without his instruction, only able to grasp for a few seconds before it was like my body snapped back into place, groaning dramatically. I flopped backwards again, going back to laying on the floor and sobbing. “I can’t, I’m weak! What’ve you done to me?” “Okay, c’mere. Let me help.” He got to his feet. “Sit up!” I flopped back forwards, still vocally complaining via disgruntled noises as he walked so he was behind me, and then before I could even fathom what was happening, he was back on the floor just behind me, slotting himself perfectly around me, widening his legs so they could be placed on the outside of my own, the front of his body pushed up against my back, causing me to tense rather substantially, quit my bleating. Initially, he seemed unfazed by the position, talking casually. “I’m gunna lean into it with you, okay. Kinda… hold you in place.” He was so close, his voice lingering around my right ear, sending more shockwaves through my body. I wanted to remain casual, in the zone, but all I could focus on fully was his voice, the way it felt having him almost wrapped around me that way, his body pushed against mine. Trying to think of anything other than the feel of his toned stomach,  I began to reach down towards my right foot, slowly trailing downwards, feeling Harry push with me, his body cushioning and caving over mine, placing his hand on top of my own to keep me in place once I’d reached down to my foot. There were so many muscles in my body that were aching, begging me to go back to laying on the floor, but Harry literally had me cornered between his own build, his breath burning the side of my neck. “Hold it, and then we’ll move back up, and do exactly the same on the other side. Yeah?” “Mm.” His voice was wickedly low, charming, hypnotic. I couldn’t concentrate, my head was swimming, to the point where I couldn’t even think about my aches, it was just him. He moved from me just slightly, but only so he could gently place his hands on my waist and guide me back upwards to him, his fingertips tender against my bare skin. I moved gradually, closing my eyes and miming curse words to myself, hoping the experience would end soon because I felt like I was enjoying it for reasons I wasn’t meant to be. I moved down to my left leg, feeling him follow once again, repeating our actions, just as heated and slow as before, one of his hands on mine and one still on my waist. “Now I want you to… spread your legs a little more,” I literally heard him swallow. “Then after we’ve moved back, I want you to lean forward, right between your legs, and reach out as far as you can. Okay?” “Yeah. O-okay.” I widened my legs a bit more, amazed that Harry could match the width with his own. Before I could move back upright, his hand moved from my waist, reaching for my unruly hair and gently gathering it all in his hand, organising it for me so it fell down my back rather than hung in front of my face. I was biting my lip by the time I was moving back up to him. Before I’d even noted the change in my own breathing, I noted the change in his, once again able to feel his breath on my neck as soon as I was back against him, so intense I wanted the distance as quickly as I could, propelling myself forward with speed, my whole body shuddering. I was so distracted by the way he was making me feel that I was ignoring the pains that had been holding me back before, bending my body forward so much that my chest and forehead just about met the floor, feeling like a relief in some way, like it was hiding how flustered I’d become. “Fuck.” I heard Harry groan behind me, my eyes bolting open at the word that had poured piercingly from his lips. All I’d thought about was the distance between our bodies, not the new position I was in, the angle from which he was now viewing my body. His hands tightened on my waist somewhat, seething in a sting of breath, the noise penetrating my ears so much I bolted back upright, needing to change the mood of the room before I lost my fucking mind. My back crashed back against his body, the room silent other than our harsh breathing. I looked down to the ground, attempting to control myself, to not make myself so obvious but we were beyond that. He cursed again, suddenly resting his forehead on my shoulder which sent another shock through my body, quite blatantly attempting to cool down. It was all too much. Without warning, my desire formed a life of its own, not thinking as I slightly shuffled my backside further towards his groin, feeling the faint imprint of his erection against me, on the curve of my rear and leading up to the bottom of my back. Harry seethed again, harsher this time. There was a frantic apology on the tip of my tongue, just about to drag my body away from his before he lifted his head from where he’d rested it, turning to trace the very tip of his nose soothingly over my neck, his breath glazing over the area, my skin prickling, lolling my head back to give him more access, landing firm on his shoulder. I felt his hand move, his left locking tight to my waist as his right snaked around to the centre of my stomach, brushing the tips of his fingers over my skin before they began playing with the hem of my leggings, cautious at first, as though waiting for me to stop him, ask what he was doing. I had nothing to say. He took that as his sign, lowering his hand so it became hidden in the material, sliding his fingers into my knickers and finding my clit as soon as he could. “Holy fuck.” I gasped, biting my lip and easing into it. It was hard to think about how suddenly it was all happening, how strange the scenario was, the fact that Harry was touching me that way. All I could concentrate on was how good I felt, how he was making me feel in that very moment, his fingers jolting silkily over my sensitive nub. He was unhurried at first, watching down over my shoulder to see the shocks of his hands through my pants, focusing all his attention on my pleasure, finding out what was working and feeling good for me by tracking my moans, working with my body to gain the most out of what he was doing. I felt amazing, so satisfied but calm, just oozing into the whole feeling, possibly with a smile on my face but I was too lost in my state to know for sure. He dipped his hand lower, easing two fingers into me, lifting his lips up to my ear. “I wanna feel you cum in the palm of my hand.” He groaned. Then he started kissing at my neck, grinding his hips to some extent so I could feel him against my back, curving his fingers and placing his thumb against my clit. My moans and whimpers became more consistent, louder, bending my knees up and pushing further back into him, his tongue stroking over my skin sweetly. It was like he’d taken complete control of my body, like every function it was currently undergoing was entirely down to him; the beat of my heart, my hairs standing on end, my disordered breathing, my trembles and quakes and my pleasured cries. Everything was under his control and it made me feel so fucking alive. He lifted his teeth to my ears, biting pleasantly at my lobe, his free arm snaking to grasp around my stomach, yanking my just that bit closer to him, a gritted grunt forming in his throat. I could feel myself getting closer and closer, welcoming back a sensation I hadn’t felt for a long time. Even with Sam, it had been so long since he’d cared about my pleasure, about me getting the most out of sexual experiences. I couldn’t even recall the last time I’d been made to feel that way, where the only focus was me and my body, my satisfaction. He went back to kissing my neck, the way he grunted only making my own moans increase, my hand reaching to clasp at his leg when we heard noises, shuffling and scuttling and showing there were women on the other side of the door, waiting for the group session. “For fuck sake.” Harry grumbled, stopping for a second or so before his instinct insisted that he continued, rubbing again. “I wanna finish you off, but you’re too loud.” “Just do it, I’ll be quiet.” I gasped. I tried to hold it in. I tried so hard to dull my tones so he could finish his wonderous work, but I couldn’t! No matter how hard I fought it, my throat continued to produce noises that I couldn’t stun, achingly aware of the gathering of women outside his door but more aware of how good I felt. It wasn’t something that could be silenced. “Alfie-” He growled, taking his arm off my stomach so he could bring his hand up to clasp over my mouth, covering my lips to keep me quiet but if anything, it just made my moans increase, being the exact thing that could lead me to my orgasm. I cried out into the palm of his hand, every single inch of my body quaking, Harry shh-ing me and slowly steadying the work of his hand, checking over his shoulder to watch the door, make sure no one had allowed themselves into the room too early and seen what we were up to. When he knew we were safe, he came back to me, grinning against my neck as he tried to kiss over the area. I didn’t even need to see his face to gather how smug he felt. My body went from rigid to sluggish rather quickly, collapsing back against him, trying to catch my breath, my body literally sliding downwards as he freed both his hands, my head landing against his chest. I was totally limp. “I…” He was still breathless. “I think we lost track of time.” “Mm.” Was all I could reply, completely beat. “Shit. Are you alright?” “I think I’m dying.” “I need to let everyone in.” “No! No, no. Nope. No. Just… Gimme a minute. Let me gather myself.” He sniggered before planting a firm kiss against my temple. “Okay.” He whispered. “Take your time.” So I did. I didn’t rush myself or try to get back to normal just for the sake of those outside, I let it all play out naturally, soothing at my own speed, Harry not moving, stroking the backs of his fingers up and down my arm to aid my mending procedure. “What the hell just happened?” I panted, producing a large smile. “I have no idea.” He laughed a little, gazing down to me. I giggled to myself for a while, closing my eyes, relaxing, beginning to feel normal again. Well, as normal as I possibly could, given the scenario. He gave me my time, clearly unfazed by the now very loud noises coming from outside proving it was likely every woman who took his class was waiting to get in. He didn’t care, he simply granted me every second I needed to regain my senses and stature. “How’re you feeling?” He asked eventually. “Okay.” I opened my eyes. “I’m good. I think I’m ready.” “Yeah?” “Yeah. Let them in.” I sat forward, rolling my shoulders and inhaling deeply, Harry standing himself up and walking to my front so he could offer me a hand and lift me triumphantly back to my feet. Once I was upright, we stopped again for a moment, our bodies close, Harry looking down to me like he had something to say, maybe trying to find the right words, though of course neither of us knew what those words could possibly be. With a sigh, he gave up searching for them, simply leaning in very briefly to plant a tender kiss just beside my lips, at the very corner, before he wandered over to the door, opening wide with a cheery smile, allowing the eager ladies to leak into the room. I was stood still staring off into nothing when Libby and Chloe marched over to me, pulling me from my trance. “What was that about?” Libby questioned. “We’ve been waiting ages!” “Um…” I spun so I was facing the front of the room, trying to create yet another lie to accompany the many others I’d been crafting of recent. “Hi!” It seemed I was still a little more dazed than I’d bargained for, not having heard her question properly. She lowered her brows, and asked again. “What took so long?” “We were just talking about… what happened that night. Y’know, on my birthday. It got a little intense.” “Are you okay?” Chloe asked, clearly concerned. “Yeah, m’fine.” I nodded. “He… He helps me feel loads better. I’m good.” “Good, I’m glad.” She smiled back to me. I knew if I told either of them, especially Chloe, what had actually just happened in that room, they’d have absolute meltdowns. Fuck, I wasn’t even sure they’d believe it, because I could barely believe it. I looked up to Harry, and to be honest he seemed just as perplexed, trying to figure himself out, calculate his next move. “Um… m’gunna quickly nip to the toilet before we start.” I mumbled to the girls, darting towards the door, getting Harry’s attention instantly. “Hey, you alright? Are you leaving?” He leapt to me, panicking, speaking quietly. “No. I just need to… sort myself out.” I tried not to cringe. “Right. Yeah… Right, of course, yeah.” He distanced again. I left the room, uncomfortably making my way a little further down the corridor to the toilets, wondering if Harry was considering a similar trip, to both physically and mentally wash his hands of the experience before the class got underway. Concentrating solely on his class had never been as difficult as it was that day.

[sunsetcurve]

this is your heart (can you feel it?) - Pt. 2

(Part 1) (Read it on AO3)

Summary: The Thundermans deal with the aftermath of Mastermind’s attack, and Max gets some closure with his father.

Relationships: Max Thunderman & Hank Thunderman, Max Thunderman & Phoebe Thunderman, Family Dynamic

Word Count: 2,268

A/N: hey everyone! i finally finished part 2 of this fic! this chapter is less action and fighting and more of the hurt/comfort and family stuff. it kind of turned into a bit of a fix-it towards the end, with some much-needed bonding between Max and Hank. thanks for reading, and i hope you like it! leave a comment or a reblog if you do!

MONDAY 11/15. 19:36 EST

Metroburg.

When he wakes up, Max is in a hospital.

It takes a minute for his vision to adjust to the bright lights. He's lying on white linen sheets, surrounded by blank walls and the smell of antiseptic, and the beeping of a heart rate monitor fills his ears.

Suddenly, panic rushes through him and he jolts upright, only to have pain sear through his chest. A small cry escapes his lips--Hospital, he can't be in a hospital--

And then there are gentle hands on his shoulders, pushing him back down even as he struggles against them. "Max, Max! It's okay!"

He blinks, the figure in front of him slowly coming into focus. "Phoebe?" he rasps, and his voice is slightly slurred and sounds like tires over gravel. "Why're we 'n a hospital?"

"We're at the superhero hospital," she explains, her hands still on his shoulders. "In Metroburg. How do you feel?"

Blearily, Max lifts a hand to rub his head and finds himself surprised at the sight of his wrist wrapped in a black cast. "Like I got...ugh, hit by a truck," he groans, trying to ignore the pounding in his skull. "What-what happened?"

She hesitates for a moment and tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. "What do you remember?"

He tries to think back to everything that happened before he'd blacked out. Lightning in the room, his dad's hand around his neck--no, not his dad, he thinks, and then it all comes rushing back. "Where's Dad?" he says abruptly, voice rising and sliced with harsh coughs as he starts to sit up. "Is he still--"

"He's fine," Phoebe cuts him off immediately. "They found Mastermind and put him back in prison, along with the other escapees. They're in the waiting room, I should--"

"Mom? Billy? Nora? Chloe?"

She gives a small laugh, without any real humor behind it, and pats his hand gently. "Everyone's fine, Max. We were all just worried about you."

He pauses for a moment, letting that sink in. He lifts his uninjured hand to touch the bandage on his head, the stitches on his cheek, the bruises along his jaw. His ribs twinge at even that small movement, and he winces. "How long...was I out?" he asks slowly.

"Almost three days." Her brow is creased slightly, the way it gets when she's worried, and he notices for the first time that her eyes are red and wet. "You scared the hell out of us Max, I thought--I thought--"

"M'okay, Pheebs."

"You almost weren't, though," she says shakily. "A few more seconds and he would've--" her voice breaks slightly, "and I would've just been stuck under that stupid couch, where I couldn't even move."

"It's not your fault," Max says quickly, recognizing the guilt and shame in her tone. It's characteristic of his twin, and he knows that nothing he says will make her blame herself any less, but that doesn't mean he won't try.

Phoebe shakes her head and shuts her eyes, then reaches for his unbroken hand. Her fingers tighten around his. "I'm just...I'm really glad you're okay," she breathes softly.

He squeezes her hand gently and shoots her a grin. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."

She gives a small laugh and sniffs, blinking the water from her eyes. "You're right. You're way to stubborn for that." She reaches for something leaning against the table--crutches, he realizes abruptly--and pushes herself up out of her chair. Max notices the cast around her leg for the first time.

"Are you okay?"

Phoebe looks down at her foot and then back up at him, shaking her head slightly. "Yeah, this--this is nothing. The couch kind of crushed my leg but, it should be back to normal in a few weeks." Max nods, and she says, "I'm gonna go tell the others you're awake, okay?"

"Yeah," he says, watching as she limps out of the room and leaves him alone in the silence.

His ears ring uncomfortably, and he settles a little deeper into the hospital bed. Absently, he plays back the memory of the fight; the books and vases hurtling around the room, Nora pounding on the door of the closet, Phoebe struggling underneath the couch and his dad, his...not his dad, the hand around his neck, slowly squeezing, cutting off his air supply and--

"Max!"

He snaps out of the memory as a tiny pair of arms latches around his body, knocking the wind out of him. But he can't bring himself to care about the pain that shoots up his chest, not when Chloe is hugging him like he's the world. "Hey, kiddo," he says with a soft laugh, wrapping his arms around her.

Billy comes speeding into the room then, joining Chloe in crushing Max's already-mangled ribs. "You're alive!" he exclaims.

"Yeah," Max wheezes, "but I'm not sure how long I'll stay that way."

"What do you--oh," Billy scrambles off of him quickly, giving him a sheepish smile as Chloe does the same.

As they do, his parents and Nora come rushing into the room, Phoebe hopping close behind them, and Max tries--tries, and fails, not to flinch at the sight of his father. His mom cups his face in her hands, eyes wide with concern as she kisses his forehead. "Ouch--Mom," he protests, although he doesn't actually mind it all that much, and finds himself a little pleased when she pulls back but doesn't move her hands from his cheeks.

"You scared us all to death, Maximus Octavius Thunderman!" she scolds him, her voice hoarse and her eyes red. Had everyone been crying?

He gives a small laugh that quickly dissolves into a cough and lets the corner of his mouth quirk upwards. "I'm fine, Mom. Really."

Gently, she smooths back his hair and smiles warmly at him, and then he hears a soft sniffle. Nora looks up at him, tear tracks glistening on her cheeks, and he notices abruptly that she's taken her bow off, fiddling with it in her hands. "Nora, hey," he says softly. "I'm okay." She shakes her head, hastily swiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "You were--you were--I was stuck in that closet, and I came out and you were just lying there, you looked like--you looked like you were dead--"

"I'm not," he says, his voice strained, and he really hopes she's not adopting Phoebe's trait of putting the world's weight on her shoulders because Nora is far too young for that. "Nora, it's okay. I'm okay."

She just sort of collapses into him, burying her head into his shoulder, and he pats her back with his unbroken hand and finds himself wondering suddenly if they've all always cared this much or if it just took him until now to notice.

The shaking of her body against his eases a little, and there's tension heavy in the silence so he says, "Almost get strangled to death and suddenly you're everyone's favorite Thunderman, huh?" and Nora gives a watery sort of laugh, but maybe it's not the best thing to say because Phoebe's hand squeezes his fingers just a little tighter and he thinks he sees his dad flinch.

He still hasn't said anything.

There's this--this look on his face, though; guilt and worry and just...anguish, and he's never felt this much concern come from his father before. Towards Phoebe, maybe, but--never towards him. He won't really meet Max's eyes, focusing instead on the IV bag or the heart monitor, the soft blue paisley-patterned curtains.

And then Max feels a sudden flash of irrational anger, because it should be him that's avoiding his dad's eyes, not the other way around, because it's him that looks at those eyes and can feel the kicks landing on his chest, can feel the blood, hot and sticky, running down his face, can feel the hand around his neck slowly tightening--

His breath hitches and then his mom's hand is on his shoulder. "Max?" she's saying, and his ears are ringing again. "Max, are you okay? You're shaking."

"Fine, I'm--" he shakes his head and sinks back into the pillows. "Fine. Just tired."

"Maybe we should leave you to rest." She puts a cool hand against his forehead. "The doctor said he'd be in to check up on you in a little bit."

Max nods slowly, and his mom starts to usher Billy and Chloe out of the room, but his dad pauses beside the bed. "Actually, er, Max, can we talk?" he says slowly.

And maybe Phoebe catches his shoulders tense, because she stops by the door to give him a look that very plainly asks if she should stay. Max gives the tiniest shake of his head. He's not entirely keen on being alone with his dad right now, but the rational part of his brain reminds him that it's not like he has anything to be afraid of. It's not like it was really his dad that put him in this hospital bed.

That doesn't stop the dread from pooling in his stomach when Phoebe limps out of the room, though.

His dad's eyes train on him. There's a few beats of silence, and then, "Max," he says, at the same time that Max says, "Dad--"

"You first," they both say together, and then his dad shakes his head. "Max, I'm so sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. That--that was Mastermind, right? That wasn't you." And he hates the way he sounds so unsure, hates that he feels unsure, because he knows his dad would never, but the things his mind-controlled voice had said have wormed their way into his mind, have dragged his insecurities up to the surface and left him feeling both vulnerable and very, very afraid.

"It wasn't me," his dad agrees, and winces. "But I was watching him do it. I felt him using my powers, using me, to--to hurt you."

Max isn't sure what to say to that, so he just looks away from his father, one hand fiddling with the cast around his wrist, his fingers curling in the sheets. Finally, he asks, "Was he lying?" His dad blinks at him, silently urging an explanation. Max swallows tightly. "He said--he said I was your biggest failure." His voice is hollow. "He said y-you--that you wanted to get rid of me."

His dad doesn't say anything, just stares at him open-mouthed, and something in Max's chest plummets. He feels like he can't breathe, sure he's being strangled again--but there's no hand this time, just his father's eyes and the beeping of the heart monitor beside him and his worst fears confirmed. "I didn't--I never--" and then his voice breaks, and the tears come so suddenly he doesn't get the chance to hold them back. "I'm sorry I wasn't perfect like Phoebe," he says, half-shouts, even as the pain in his chest and his bruised throat flares. "I'm sorry I was never good enough, no matter what I did...and I know I wanted to be a villain but I never--I never wanted you to hate me--"

"Max...Max," He's not sure when his dad started calling his name, just that there are hands on his shoulders and he wants to flinch away, but they're careful, and gentle, and when Max looks up, the eyes he meets are glassy with tears. "I could never hate you," his dad says softly. "I never wanted to get rid of you...everything he said, everything he did to you...that wasn't me."

Max takes a shuddering breath, hating the way his shoulders shake as the words catch in his throat. "He said...he said you'd thank him for it," he breathes quietly.

And then his dad pulls him against his chest, arms tight but secure and safe and warm, and this time, Max doesn't wince or pull away. He lets himself be held like that, lets the tears flow and he can't remember the last time he's cried like this, because villains don't cry and heroes are too strong for that, but right now, he can't bring himself to care.

"I'm sorry, Max. I'm so sorry." His dad's hands run through his hair and Max clings to him a little tighter, sixteen years of missing his father's affection besting the one day of fear.

His dad is still holding him when his sobs fade, when the shaking of his shoulders starts to ease a little and the tears begin to slow. "If I ever--" he begins, and then swallows tightly. "Max, if I ever made you feel like you didn't matter to me...like you were worth anything less--I-I'm sorry."

Max nods wordlessly against his chest.

"And I...when you were going to join Dark Mayhem, I told you that you wouldn't be my son anymore."

His whole body tenses. "Yeah," he breathes quietly. "I remember."

"I never should have said that to you." Max pulls away for a moment to look up at his dad, whose eyes are filled with guilt, voice hard but shaky. "I was betrayed and angry and...I never should have said that. Max, you will always be my son. No matter what happens between us...you'll always be my son. I'll always love you."

Max feels his heart skip over a beat at those words, feels himself suck in a sharp breath as his eyes widen. Slowly, he lets a smile pass over his face and tucks himself close to his dad. "I love you too, Dad."

And just maybe, Max thinks, he's gonna be okay.

[avengers-nextgen]

First Day Of School

The discussion was brought up by Nathaniel who was already excited for when his niece finally had her first day of school. Granted, it was a while off, he was stoked to get the opportunity to be a cool uncle sending her off with a look of pride.

“Sometimes first days of school aren’t that great,” Scout noted.

“Awe, I thought you liked school,” Orion frowned.

“I do,” Scout admitted, “but my first day was a bad day.”

“What’d you do? Eat glue?” Penny asked, earning a glare from the book worm.

“No,” Scout shook his head, “I missed the bus and had to ride on Uncle Steve’s motorcycle to school. It messed up my hair so I looked like Albert Einstein which the other kids found funny. I wasn’t allowed in the book section without supervision, and then they refused to let me have peanut butter on my celery sticks because of nut alergies. I asked if anyone had nut alergies -they didn’t. Then I had to sit in the corner for being smart with the teacher. And because I wasn’t used to getting in trouble I cried which made the other kids laugh so I cried more.”

“Awe,” Orion pouted, “that actually does suck. Earth education is stupid.”

“Well what was space education like?” Penny asked out of curiosity.

“My first day of school entailed a nice relaxing space ship ride to the campus. There, we played hover hockey which is basically hover ball soccer. We had about two hours of play time a day and even in class it was fun. There were lots of hands on activities. Music was the best though,” Orion grinned.

“Shit, can I have that?” Penny asked.

“What about you? How was your first day?” Orion arched a brow.

“Well, I didn’t know I was dyslexic or that I had ADHD and neither did my parents,” Penny frowned, “so the teacher got pissed over my inability to sit still and not being able to find the desk with my name on it. I mean, I couldn’t really read, none of us could, but most kids could at least recognize their names. Anyways, my day was redeemed when I got to crack into the legos and build a full on replica of a double helix.”

“How does one do that?” Nathaniel snorted.

“With care,” Penny grinned. “Hey Arthur?!”

“Hmm?” The boy asked poking his head out from the kitchen.

“What was your and Chloe’s first day of school?”

“Oh,” Arthur smiled thinly as he made his way to the couch. “We cried our eyes out. The school thought it was best to separate us earlier rather than later. Chloe was absolutely pissed and threw such a large tantrum they had to call our mom to pick her up. “

“That’s actually adorable!” Penny gushed.

“They then moved her back into my class once mom took her to lunch and got her calmed down. Then she pretty much stayed by me and insisted no one mess with her sibling,” Arthur grinned. “I was just shy and nervous. I didn’t really interact with anyone and just hung out with her.”

“Seems stupid they’d seperate you,” Nathaniel shook his head.

“What about you though?” Penny asked looking accusingly at Nathaniel, “you have yet to tell us.”

“My first day of school included me throwing things all over the room from pencils to paper and trying to make baskets or hit fake targets. The principal had to have a talk with my dad because they considered me a threat to the other kids,” Nathaniel laughed. “It was great!”

“What about the others?”

“Why don’t we ask them?” Nathaniel smirked. With that in mind he and the others went knocking on everyone’s door. Curiosity had clearly won over and the stories were too good not to share.

“My first day of school....”James frowned tapping at his chin, “oh I remember now. Well, I got in trouble for climbing on things. I managed to get on top of a filing cabinet. Then, my teacher took issue with me sharpening my carrots with my teeth to make spear heads.”

“You did what?” Orion stammered.

“Hey, my mother thought it was funny,” James shrugged.

“That’s honestly hysterical,” Penny snickered. “What’d they do after that?”

“Essentially kicked me out,” James grinned slyly, “so I got extra summer vacation.”

“You sly dog,” Orion chuckled.

“Hey, just ask Alex what happened with her it’s even better,” James promised.

So they asked her.

“I dropped a set of scissors and I got worried that I’d lose them. When I couldn’t find them I may have picked up the desk with one hand and then managed to collect the scissors with my other. My teacher nearly had a heart attack,” Alex blushed.

“That’s amazing!” Sage cackled, “I would pay to see the look on your teacher’s face!”

“Well I didn’t know what I was doing,” Alex stammered, “I was little and I just wanted to make a picture during craft time.”

“It’s okay,” Sage laughed wiping at her tear filled eyes.

“What about you? You can’t make fun of me if you don’t share your first day,” Alex pouted.

“My first day was what you’d expect from me,” Sage smirked getting a gleam in her eyes, “I caught a lizard on the playground and set it loose in class. I named it Steve. They never found him. Then during lunch I used the spoon for my yougurt to launch raisins at kids. I also pulled a kids pants down after he said I was stupid for thinkig girls could throw. My mom was very unamused at first but when we got in the car she laughed. The school didn’t let me go back.”

“You named a lizard after my dad?” Alex snorted.

“I didn’t even know your dad at the time,” Sage rolled her eyes, “but it seemed fitting.”

“Are you saying my dad is scaly?”

“I mean,” Sage shrugged, “he could be I don’t know.”

“Shut up,” Alex laughed rolling back onto her bed.

“So, nothing about you has changed at all has it?” Arthur asked.

“No, not really.”

After a small lunch break, Nathaniel and his little gang moved on to Siyanda eager to see what the princess’ first day was like.

“I only growled like a cat at people because I didn’t want to be friends with anyone since they annoyed me. I also only ate sitting on the floor. I essentially made myself seem so weird no one wanted to talk to me just so I didn’t have to put up with other people. My parents were mortified,” she explained.

“The amount of commitment,” Scout whistled, “I should take notes.”

“Please don’t start growling like a giant cat,” Orion whined.

“It’s a joke,” Scout assured him.

The next story they heard was that of Fox’s. She showed up with miss matched socks, an inside out shirt, and syrup from waffles on her cheeks. She intimidated the other kids too much for them to actually talk to her and even the teachers weren’t sure what to make of her. While she seemed rather free spirited due to the interesting fashion choices, her eyes could kill.

Enzo, on the other hand, was extremely personable and nearly everyone liked him right away. The only ridiculous thing that happened was him trying to eat the macaroni for the macaroni necklaces his class was making. Apparently it doesn’t taste good.

As for Piper, she had to endure a bunch of odd looks and rapid fire questions. She came home and passed out asleep on the couch from sheer mental exhaustion. After that, Tony put her in a smaller, less overwhelming school.

“I guess as kids with super parents we just have really weird first days,” Penny decided.

“Thankfully Ellie has two very normal parents,” Nathaniel sighed.

“Yeah, but a weird ass uncle,” Arthur teased.

“Oh ha ha,” Nathaniel joked, snaking his arm around Arthur’s shoulders and giving him a good knuckle sandwich. “You remember that this weird uncle is still super cool.”

“Okay, Okay!” Arthur laughed, dropping to his knees to escape the assault. He laid their gasping for air while Nathaniel grinned like a cat.

“I love this family,” Penny sighed.

[titconao3]

I do get why, for a lot of fans, Lucifer and Chloe having a child of their own is important: it makes sense given he’s got (understandable) daddy issues and since it would mean he’s managed to get past them and is more a peace with the weight of his family.

However, and while it doesn't mean I won’t ever read Deckerstar kid fics or that I can’t enjoy some ;-) I’m definitely not a fan of that idea. Not saying it can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, etc happen: we can talk about it or agree to disagree ;-) but here are my reasons why:

> Chloe is a working mother, she loves her job and Trixie and has managed to find a balance between being a good detective and a good mother to her daughter; and now she is even trying to carve some me-time (girls night, developing her relationship with Maze...). I think she mostly likes her life as it is now: sharing a house with Maze, finding bad guys, reading stories to her little monkey in the evening. Making room for a partner is possible, but a partner and a new child? And we know she’s definitely not an absentee parent and would probably not be comfortable delegating a lot of child-rearing to her network - not that the whole gang wouldn't jump on the opportunity to babysit Spawn 2 in a heartbeat, but she certainly would want to spend a lot of time with Offspring The Second herself, I think. She’d probably choose ti sacrifice her me-time again, and that... doesn't appeal to me.  Not that time managing and new rules and quality family time wouldn't help, not that people don’t manage all of this every day, everywhere in the world; but...  is that what Chloe wants? I’m not sure.

> Chloe is 35, by the time she gets with Lucifer AND have that conversation, how old will she be? The older you are, the harder it can be to get pregnant, the harder pregnancy can be on the body, and when you've spent your 30s caring for a little girl do you want to also spend your 40s doing the same? For some the answer is yes, but no isn’t a wrong answer either.

> what would its nature be? Angelic / partly angelic? with what kind of lifespan, what kind of developmental schedule? So many issues possible here: it lives very long but not as long as an angel, and Chloe only lives until it vaguely reaches a human 5-year-old kid’s maturity? It’s human and dies after a few decades like we all do, and Lucifer is crushed? It’s in between and everyone is sad? Does it have wings and that’s a concern when they pop out at the beach or with doctors etc? What about preternatural health or knocking down other kids when play fighting? Argh.  Other things should be tackled before going there - please no human!Lucifer, this gives me the creeps. Can’t see him dealing at all with himself getting a pot-belly or the sniffles or aging or any of the little human indignities we must go through (although it certainly would not diminish his starry-eyed looks at Chloe regarding her own, normal, aging). Renouncing / changing your identity for love has always seemed like a bad idea to me, but that’s another can of worms that fandom loves and somehow I don’t so I’ll just stop there ;-) I’m not a fan of angel!Chloe either, because to me it’s their differences in nature, personality, behaviour, etc that makes their story engaging and interesting.

> there’s the classic child of the devil = Antichrist issue but that’s not really a concern, I’d think; since the character is very much not a big bad devil ;-) There’s also the much-loved Nephilim-related angst, which is yet another possibility.

> why does a so-called ‘fairytale’ happy ending so often equate “and then they married and reproduced” (and often a “the end” tagged onto that?? Is life stopping at that point?) in so many stories? Ew. This has bugged me since childhood. It’s right for some people, not right for others; and the Lucifer writers have so far been rather good at turning tropes on their heads. (I love tropes, but I love topsy-turvied tropes ;-) )

So, what’s your take on it?

[ssilverstreak]

A Cat, a Fox, and a Bee walk into a Bakery 35

Sorry this took so long, real life has been kicking my butt.  This is the last real chapter, all that’s left is an epilogue.

By the time they made it to Marinette’s balcony, she was beginning to shake and sniffle in Chat’s arms. Vixen glanced between all of them, then gave a decisive nod.

“Chat.  You and Queenie comfort Marinette.  Scarabee and I will get the dog settled up here, we can’t bring her into the house until she’s been washed and de-fleaed, especially not with the bakery on the first floor.” She shot Scarabee a reassuring look. “She’ll be fine up here, don’t worry. We’ll get her some blankets and food and water, and she can sleep under the awning in case it rains.  You stay up here with her, I’ll go grab what she needs.”

The other three nodded, and Scarabee set the dog down, sitting in one of Marinette’s chairs and ruffling her ears to keep her occupied.  Vixen opened up the hatch to Marinette’s room, slipping down the ladder easily and registering Chat jumping down carefully after as she headed for the trap door to the rest of the house.

Her worry about where to find old blankets and having to hunt for them was appeased when she spotted Marinette’s parents bustling around the kitchen, making dinner.  Sabine looked up and shot her a warm smile.

“How did the fight go, Alya?”

Vixen started, tail lashing in her shock.  “Uh…”

“Oh, don’t be surprised. You three weren’t being very subtle when you suddenly stopped coming around in costume and started dating Marinette normally.”

“… Please don’t tell anyone,” Vixen squeaked.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us,” Tom said, wiping his hands clean and moving to give Vixen a one-armed hug, then a reassuring pat to the shoulder.  “All of you.”

“Besides, someone has to look after all of you.  I don’t know how you got these abilities, but giving them to teenagers and expecting them to go out and fight with no support system in place for between fights?” Sabine gave a very unladylike snort.  “I’d like to give them a piece of my mind.”

“Ladybug’s mentioned a Guardian before…” Vixen said weakly, then winced, ears laying back and tail tucking between her legs.  “Actually, um… here’s the thing… Marinette was tonight’s akuma, so…”

Now Tom and Sabine looked genuinely alarmed.  “What could have happened to her to cause her to be akumatized?”

“We’re… not entirely sure yet.  Chat and Queenie are with her upstairs right now.”

Tom and Sabine shared a look.  “… How did you purify the akuma without Marinette as…”

Vixen winced.  “Nino stepped in to do that.  I think he’ll be glad to give Marinette back her… powers,” she said carefully, not sure how much was safe to tell them.

Having adults who knew what you were up to as a superhero was going to take some getting used to.

Speaking of Nino... “Um, that’s part of why I’m down here.  Nino kind of… picked up a stray dog that got dragged into the fight.  We don’t want to bring her inside because of the bakery, that and she could really use a good bath and flea treatment, so we were just going to get her settled on the balcony with some food and water and a couple blankets.”

“Thank you for thinking ahead.  Tom, can you help her find the old blankets?  I’ll put some leftovers in a bowl that the dog can have.  All of you are staying for dinner, right?  Don’t bother coming down, we’ll bring up plates for the five of you so that Marinette doesn’t have to get up.” Sabine started rummaging through the refrigerator.  “Just make sure to call your parents if you plan to spend the night. We trust you kids to not get up to anything, or at least to use proper protection if you do.”

“Mrs. Cheng!” Vixen squawked, tail lashing in agitation, and tried to ignore the sudden howling laughter in her head, courtesy of Trixx.

“What?” The small woman looked far too innocent as she dumped some rice, steamed vegetables, and chicken in broth into a bowl, another filling up with water in the sink. “I’m not ready to be a grandmother just yet, so it’s important to practice safe-“

“Okay it’s been great talking to you thanks for being so understanding but I have to get back to the others!” Vixen yelped out hurriedly as she snatched up the blankets Tom had just pulled out of a closet and two bowls, juggling them for a brief second before darting up the stairs to Marinette’s room as fast as she could.

Tom and Sabine shared an amused look, then broke down into laughter.  “No need to scare them off, sweetie!”

“Come on, what’s the fun of Marinette having four boy- and girlfriends if we can’t tease them all?” Sabine shot her husband a wicked grin full of mischief before pulling out more ingredients for dinner.

Five hungry teens ate a lot, especially when four of them were superheroes.

************************

Vixen glanced at the trio on Marinette’s bed on her way back up, and her ears pinned to see that Marinette had her face buried in Chat’s chest, soft sobs shaking her body.  Chat and Queen Bee were pressed as close to their girlfriend as they could get, and Queenie was hissing softly into her burner phone she kept for use as Queen Bee, clearly angry but not willing to yell in case she upset Marinette further.

The fox-themed hero flicked an ear in Chat’s direction, and he looked up to murmur softly.  “Delayed reaction hit once she came out of shock. Queenie’s on the phone with the police, she’s pulling every string she has to get those guys in lockup.”

Probably just the word of one girl wouldn’t be enough in most places, but at this point Paris had a special dispensation for akuma-victims, and any akuma that was furious enough to go right after the reason for their akumatization instead of the local heroes were more likely to be believed.

That, and as heroes they were used to giving reports to the police for more serious akumatization reasons.

Sad as it was, Marinette wasn’t their first victim who had been akumatized because they were attacked, and those akuma always, always went after the ones who wronged them first.

“I’ll check the submission for the Ladyblog later and write up an article then, if there’s any video of Scarabee I’ll put that the official story is Ladybug was out of town and needed someone to fill in for her,” Vixen replied, then leapt up through the roof hatch onto Marinette’s balcony.

It didn’t take them long to get the dog settled, although they had to hand feed her because she wanted to scarf down all of the food at once, and neither of them wanted her getting sick because she ate too fast.

“What are you calling her?” Vixen asked as she finished tucking a blanket around the dog with Scarabee.

“Marinette already named her,” he chuckled, ruffling the dog’s ears before following her to the hatch. “Fenrir works just fine.  Besides, she doesn’t know it’s a boy name.”

“Fair enough.” Vixen shrugged, carefully climbing down the hatch and waiting for Scarabee to finish closing it behind him before worming her way into the pile on the bed. Scarabee hesitated, and she snorted before using her tail to yank him after.

Queen Bee tapped ‘end’ on her phone call and huffed.  “Okay, we’ll have to give our statements tomorrow suited up, but the police will be on the lookout for the assholes.  Thankfully they already have profiles from the last incident, so they know who they’re looking for.” With a tired sigh, she handed the phone to Chat, who set it on Marinette’s nightstand, then dropped her transformation.

Vixen and Chat did the same, and Alya looked over at Scarabee.  “It’s easy, just want the transformation to end.”

He nodded, and one wash of red sparkles later, a tiny red and black figure shot over to Marinette, smacking into her cheek hard enough to make an audible sound.  The girl jumped, pulling back from Adrien’s chest, then brought both hands up to cup Tikki and bring her around, where the kwami leaned in and rested both tiny hands on the end of Marinette’s nose.

“I’m sorry…” Marinette whispered, then swallowed and repeated it a little louder, voice hoarse. “I’m so, so sorry, guys.  I wanted to tell you, but-“ She stopped as Tikki laid a tiny hand gently between her eyes, then leaned in to press forehead to forehead with her Chosen.

“I already explained that it was me who kept urging you to keep your identity secret,” Tikki said. The little kwami took a shuddering breath, then continued.  “I was wrong. Maybe if I hadn’t been so insistent, tonight wouldn’t have happened.”

“Mari?” Adrien reached out to gently tuck a loose lock of hair behind her ear.  “What exactly happened?  For you to be…” He trailed off, unable to finish.

Marinette cupped Tikki a little closer and closed her eyes, taking slow and deep breaths to steady herself. “I was on my way back after my last delivery.  They cornered me in a street where I had no way out, and nowhere to duck into so I could transform.”

Alya hated, hated to ask, but she had to.  “Did they…”

“They didn’t get to me.” Marinette gave a wry look.  “I hate to say it, but Hawkmoth… actually saved me.  They ran as soon as the akuma showed up.” She shook her head.  “I tried to fight the possession, but all I could do was get my Miraculous off and send Tikki to go find you guys.  After that… it’s kind of a blur.” She swallowed. “Did I… Did I hurt anyone?”

Chloe wrapped her arms around Marinette, pulling her over a little so that she could spoon her girlfriend’s side.  “No. You scared the crap out of those guys, and we had to deal with a couple of giant animals, but you didn’t hurt anyone.”

“Actually…” Nino moved up to press a kiss to Marinette’s cheek.  “It was you who defeated… well, you.”

Marinette blinked, confused. “What?”

Alya smiled, pillowing her head against Marinette’s belly.  It was a little awkward, arranging five people on Marinette’s bed, and Nino had to wrap an arm around Adrien to steady him so he didn’t fall off, but all of them felt the need to be close to her.  “When you came up against all of us… you stopped.  You recognized us, and you told Hawkmoth that you wouldn’t hurt us for him.”

“You handed over your akumatized item yourself,” Adrien finished, lifting a hand to gently stroke Marinette’s hair.  “I’ve never seen an akuma fight off Hawkmoth’s control like that.”

“You’re amazing,” Nino murmured, then frowned a bit and scooted down slightly so that Adrien was less in danger of falling off, as his arm was aching already from the awkward angle it was in.  That put him next to Alya, both of their lower legs hanging off of the bed, and let Adrien scoot up a little further to curl around Marinette’s upper body. “Okay, if we’re going to do five-person cuddles, we seriously need something bigger.”

“We can use my room or Adrien’s,” Chloe said, burying her face in Marinette’s hair and voice a little muffled.  “One of us can carry you up, Nino.”

“Stairs are a thing, guys,” Nino said dryly.

“Kind of hard to sneak you into my room through the house itself,” Adrien pointed out.

“Guys…” Marinette sighed, tension slowly leaving her at being surrounded by her boyfriends and girlfriends.  “Back on topic.”

“Yes, My Lady,” Adrien purred, joining Chloe in nuzzling into Marinette’s hair, and thus missing her blush at the endearment.

Alya nuzzled into Marinette’s stomach.  “I’m not going to lie, I at least am a little upset that you kept your identity from us… but I understand why you did it.  I just wish we didn’t have to find out in the way we did.”

Marinette swallowed hard, throat scratchy from her earlier crying, then stroked Alya’s hair.  “I’m sorry.  I really did want to tell all of you, but…”

“I’ll take the blame for that,” Tikki said, floating up to rest on Marinette’s temple.  “Now, if you don’t mind, Nino?  No offense, you’re a wonderful boy, but Marinette is my Chosen.”

“Oh, right.” Carefully, Nino took off the earrings and passed them back to Marinette.  Confused, he paused and then fingered the small holes at the top of his ears.  “Hey, they’re healed up.”

“Consider it a thank you,” Tikki said.  “To save you the grief of waiting for them to heal on their own, since you only got the piercings because of the situation.”

A small voice piped up from Adrien’s shirt.  “Since the ladybug is out of the bag, can the rest of us come out now?”

Tikki sighed and rolled her eyes.  “Oh, fine.”

Suddenly, three blurs shot out, one from Adrien’s shirt and the other two from Alya and Chloe’s hair. All three tackled Tikki at once, knocking her off of Marinette’s head and onto her cat pillow, the lump of which resolved into four kwami having one big group hug, with Tikki at the center.

Nino blinked.  “Wait, all of you have little buddies?”

“They’re bonded to the Miraculouses,” Adrien explained.  “The little black cat is Plagg.  Honestly, he’s a little shit who likes the stinkiest cheese he can find, but…” He shrugged and grinned, reaching out to run a fingertip over the top of Plagg’s head.

“Trixx is the fox. She likes playing pranks, so don’t be surprised if she pulls a few on you.  They’re harmless ones, at least,” Alya said.

“Pollen is my kwami. Horrible at telling the truth, but…” Chloe shrugged and gave a wry grin.

Marinette blinked. “Huh, Tikki’s always been sweet and helpful with me, if pretty cautious.”

“Ugh, you are the lucky Ladybug, you’re the only one who has a kwami who isn’t a jerk,” Alya huffed.

All five teenagers burst into laughter, the last of the tension and adrenaline from the fight fading away.

Marinette’s laughing was interrupted by a large yawn, and she buried her face into Adrien’s chest with a sleepy hum, unable to tell whose hand began stroking her hair but not caring. “Thank you.  All of you.  For being there for me.”

“We’ve all got each other’s back,” Nino said softly.  “It’s why we all work so well together.”  He yawned as well, and shifted to better pillow his head on Marinette’s stomach, next to Alya.

“Gotta love the adrenaline crash,” Alya mumbled.

Chloe gestured for her phone, and Adrien passed it to her.  She muffled her own yawn as she tapped at the screen a few times.  “I set an alarm, we can all take a short nap before dinner.  Marinette’s parents will wake us up if it’s ready before then.”

“Sounds good,” Adrien said as he set the phone back on the nightstand, then pressed in closer.

Yeah, they’d probably have more things to talk about after dinner, but they were finally, finally all on the same page.

Half an hour later, Tom opened the hatch to Marinette’s room, and smiled at the sight of five out cold teens piled onto Marinette’s bed.

At least he managed to get a picture before he had to wake them all up.

[televinita]

Zoo, 3.03 (super late)

Once upon a time I posted one short Feeling Explosion in the middle of this episode, then forced myself to stop and deal with a work-nado, and before I could claw my way back I heard "Welcome to the O.C., bitch," and that's the last thing I remember before waking up from my coma 6 weeks later. That's my story and I’m sticking to it. Claims that I may have woken up briefly to comment on bits of episodes 4 and 8 are unsubstantiated because officially, until last night I had not yet finished episode 3. (and that is the actual truth. I technically got to the end and a bit beyond, but only because I tore both apart for Mitch/Jamie content just like I feared I would and left the rest to spoil. Guilt may have played a part in my inability to come out of the coma.)

As I am Very Stubborn about not watching the next episode of anything until I have thoroughly spun the last one around in my head, dissected my feelings about it and processed them into text product, and I struggled with what to say, I got stuck in Zoo purgatory. But after an hour of freewriting, I think I have enough babble to feel content. This is mostly for me, but perhaps you’ll enjoy following my journey.

Originally Planned Opening Statement: Hey, remember when this show was was about weird mutant animals and not bizarre government conspiracies to abduct and experiment on children? Because I do. This is not the show I signed up for and it makes my soul feel gross.

(more evidence for the “why I had trouble moving forward” file, I think) Television Parents Council So we're three episodes in and I am really feeling like dramatic anguish is not Alyssa Diaz's strong suit in the acting department. It all feels kind of strained and forced? But hang on, I gotta go be way more outraged about her character's choices, as seen in this live reaction note: "WHAT IN THE FRICKITING FRACK DARIELA WTF. Is this* why you got divorced last time, 'cause I'm gonna have to assume it is seeing's as we literally never got any other reasoning for that random-ass info drop last year and I keep waiting for an explanation." *cheating on her husband

(and oh man, for the first time I am so glad it's these two who got the kid and not Mitch and Jamie, because can you imagine if I had to hear Jamie had cheated on Mitch with Logan and wrecked their relationship that bad? I would perform brain surgery on everyone with a power drill.) (nobody talk at me about the almost as distasteful thing that happened with them)

To be fair to Dariela, she and Abe mostly bonded over having a kid right after they met; I can't really say it feels like she betrayed an epic soulmate bond. I can muster up some sympathy for her feeling lonely and abandoned.)

Except that's not even her last horrible reveal of the episode*. What are you trying to do, run this character I miraculously chose to accept into the ground??

*possibly selling out Clementine to rescue her own kid from a sketchy situation. I will make a lot of allowances for putting yourself and your family's comfort and safety over the needs of strangers, but this does not fall under that header.

But, um, other than that, Papa Lion Abe is intense and amazing and I thought the whole desperate chase-after-the-military-convoy aspect was really well done.

----

Television Parents Council Pt. II Live Reaction Note: "Mitch is a testy bitch in this episode and I love him." (I remember this being debated, but part of the reason I love his Testy Bitch self is what you see at the end of the episode. If he doesn't wrap himself in defensive anger, cling to it like a buoy, the pain of confronting everything he lost and missed will win.) I really love Mitch's two seconds of happiness when he thinks Jamie raised Clem in her fancy penthouse and they ended up thick as thieves. I am less fond of the reality that Max took her away when she turned 14, so the only solace I can take away, before I spiral into that "who TF invited Logan to this party" post we started with is "SWEET HALLELUJAH AT LEAST JAMIE GOT OVER THREE YEARS TO BOND WITH HER." Also, Jamie is so the adult who gives the kids beer to supervise them. I still think it's hilarious that Mitch assumed any adult gave her a beer at 14, because don't most teenagers just have friends who come up with it? I mean, I couldn't even find alcohol on my college campus so I am not the authority on this by any means, but that is the impression I get from books. My point being, I like to think that even in the happy world where 2x12 is the series finale and they had a life together after, this would still have happened and he and Jamie would have had more than one clash regarding her blurring the line between parental authority and friend, and it would have sounded exactly like this, so...thanks Zoo, for accidentally fulfilling my Domestic AU interests in the weirdest possible way! Awww @ Mitch's impatient little "hey" when Clem casts doubt on Jamie's ability to perform brain surgery with a power drill, and then uses that particular tone of voice to tell her it's going to be fine. Awww @ Clem sticking up for Jamie's parenting skills. You know what, just assume that I loved any and everything else that happened when these three were on screen. And I maintain that Jamie, while willing to stop him if he gets too far out of line, also remembers very well what it's like to wake up with missing time where everything's changed and gone wrong, and that means he gets the time and space he needs, within reason, to lash out and come to terms with it while she waits for the worst of the storm to pass. She does point out when Clem's upset, and she checks him with "she turned out okay," but never once do I get the sense that she takes any criticism he lobs at her personally.

(I might have said this before. I tagged wrong and can’t find it.)

--------------------

JKras and Emily Blunt's Alt Reality Doppelgangers (shhh just go with it)

Guess what I started shipping exactly two seconds before we went with the "slapping men across the face isn't domestic violence" trope on top of the "this one piece of information that is not about how you assaulted or killed someone in cold blood invalidates absolutely everything I love about you" trope. It's a two-fer of ship torpedoing. (How do you say no to that face! Look how tragic and sad it is on top of its normal rugged handsomeness and love for helping people! Also, guess who is probably gonna quit shippin' it and throw the lady right back out the door if/when she returns and eliminates Jackson's need to talk to the people I care about. That's just how I unfairly do. The Chloe-shaped hole in my heart won't heal, it's weird.) --------------- I LOVE YOU, MAN

And then this episode ends with Jackson's face lighting up at the sight of Alive!Mitch and glomping on him in a bear hug, and everything is right with the world now that my two faves are together again. ---------------

Yet More Thoughts

-Live reaction note: “I am glad to see that Mitch has shaved the beard and subsequently restored his powers of snark to full glory. They must have been suffocating under that thing.” -I loved Clem's montage of practicing how to tell her dad she's pregnant. These are useful sound bites for alternate takes.

-”Everything went wrong. The world went wrong.” This is somehow the most poetic thing I have ever heard on Zoo? Between the writing and her specific cadence, it sounds like something you'd hear in an award-winning speech, dressed up in voiceovers for trailers; IDK, I just really love it.

-Who even are you Abigail; your name and your hair make me want to get to know you but everything else (including my fandom girl-bros reacting to you with all the love they had for Logan last year and essentially forming a rousing chorus of "Don't need another You Part 2"), very much makes me want to not. -LOOK AT THESE GIANT UGLY WORM TUNNELING DINO-VULTURES, I LOVE THEM. -Mitch's JAMIE WHAT THE FUCK reaction to her stabbing her prisoner through the hand was pretty amazing. -In case you were wondering how appropriate for polite company my reaction to Jackson hotly threatening "I am gonna find you, and I am gonna stop you" is, the answer is "not very." -Quick question: how did Mitch's sacrifice save the world, exactly? I'm fuzzy on this. I wasn't tracking plot very well after Mitch "died" last year, but I thought it was a very personal sacrifice meant to save Clem alone.

-Well. That ending sounds like a fun little sophie's choice of "death vs. memory loss." Looking forward to seeing what episode 12 or 13 does with that. (If you kill him again, all the protection of "reality" in the world won't save you from the worm dino vulture pack I will summon to come after you.)

[alya-bug]

Manger des Cochonneries

Ao3 link

Just a cute story about Ladybug and Chat Noir bonding over junk food.

Chat Noir was clearly in a bad mood. He had barely made a single joke since they started patrol and he had a frown in place of his normal smirk. Ladybug had had enough.

“Chat, can we stop for a minute?” She swung onto a flat roof and gestured for him to join her.

“What is it?” He snapped.

“Chat.” She sat down cross legged and looked at him. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

He looked like he was about to say something but instead just sighed. He plopped down next to her. “It’s my father.” His frown deepened. “I know you don't want to hear more, because it’s normal life stuff.”

“Hey.” She leaned her head on his shoulder, comfortingly. “You’re not the only teen boy in Paris to have issues with his father. I am sure a little venting won’t give you away.”

He laughed. “That is true.” He was quiet for a moment before speaking again. “He is just really controlling. He won’t let me do anything because it will reflect badly on his ‘image’.” He rolled his eyes. “Basically the only time I see him is when he wants to tell me I am doing something wrong. He wants me to be this perfect emotionless robot son. He wants me to apologize for having basic human emotions. I am already so repressed that I am exhausted from acting all the time. Polite and vacant smiles, all day, everyday.” Chat smiled in a way that was very unlike him. It was polite, mild and didn't reach his eyes. It almost reminded her of someone, but she couldn't put her finger on who. He dropped the fake smile and scowled.

Ladybug was surprised. Chat never talked much about his homelife but she had guessed that it wasn’t as idyllic as her own. As he described it, suddenly his over-the-top behavior made sense. He was acting in a way that he couldn’t in his regular life.

“What about your mom?” She asked, hoping that they at least had a good relationship.

Bad move, judging by the sadness in his eyes. “She. . . went missing about a year and a half ago.”

“I am so sorry.” Ladybug touched his face in sympathy.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.” He smiled at her, sadly. “We don’t really know what happened to her so she might come home someday. At least I have the memory of a good parent.”

“What’s your dad’s problem, anyway?” She felt bad bring up his dead mother and felt angry at his dick of a father.

Chat sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “So, we’re, like, really rich.” He blushed. “Like, really rich. ‘Stupid rich’, as my friend says. He wants me to represent the family and make us seem dignified at all times, as to not embarrass him in front of all his rich friends. Which is why I was barely allowed to have friends until recently. He didn’t want them to be a bad influence on me.”

“I didn’t expect your secret identity to be a ‘lonely rich boy’.” She laughed, but then felt bad. As a daughter of middle class small business owners and classmate of Chloe Bourgeois, she was not used to thinking of rich people as having real problems, but Chat’s dad sounded awful.

Chat chuckled. “Frankly, that you didn’t expect it is a good thing. I try not to act like, well, Chloe Bourgeois.”

She laughed. “You know her? She’s the worst.”

“Our families run in the same circles.” He laughed.

Ladybug paused. That meant he might know Adrien. Should she ask? No, that would be weird. Instead she just laughed. “You should rebel.” She suggested, jokingly.

He raised an eyebrow. “How? I don’t really want to get addicted to drugs and have a lot of anonymous sex, like most rebellious rich idiots.”

She laughed. “No, you fight super villains instead. But I think you need some extra rebellion. What’s something fun that you know he would just hate the idea of?”

Chat looked thoughtful. “He never lets me eat junk food.”

“Perfect.” She stood up and held out her hand. “Will you eat junk food with me, mon petit chaton?”

He took it, laughing, and stood up with her. “Really? Like, now? That sounds . . . fun, actually.”

Ladybug shrugged. “Why not? We can keep our eye open for criminals and akumas. I think you need this.”

He gave her a quick hug before pulling away, a silly grin on his face.

She smiled, surprised by how excited he seemed, before a thought occurred to her. “One problem. We don’t have our wallets in our suits.”

Chat Noir frowned. “I can just de-transform, toss you my wallet and then transform again.”

“Sounds good.”

“Okay, turn around and we can do this.” Chat Noir said eagerly.

Ladybug did as he said and heard the crackle of magic detransform her partner. It was weird, knowing that if she just turned around, she would know what he looked like under the mask.

“Here it is.” She felt something nudge her hand behind her back. She grabbed on to it and was surprised when her gloved hand made contact with his gloveless fingers. She brought the wallet around in front of her and looked at it. It was black leather, slim, and clearly designer. He wasn’t lying about being rich, apparently. She almost flipped it open before stopping herself. His ID was probably in there. She fought down her curiosity and reminded herself that she didn’t actually want to know his identity.

“Okay, Plagg. Transform me.” The magic transformed him again and she turned around to face her partner, who was grinning like an idiot.

“Let’s do this. Let’s eat some junk.”

Swooping down to street level, they walked for a block before Ladybug spotted what she was looking for. They stood, giggling outside a late night corner store, hesitating at the door.

“So, we are actually just going to go in there, in our uniforms, and buy a bunch of junk food?” Chat asked, smiling stupidly.

“We’re going to buy a mountain of junk food.” Ladybug said, confidently.

“I’ve never been to a place like this,” he said, nervously eyeing the advertisements for cigarettes and lottery tickets.

She rolled her eyes. “Come on, rich boy.” She pushed open the door. The only other person in the store was the cashier, a middle aged Arabic man who stared at them with a confused look on his face. Having two superheros come into your small store probably was a bit of a shock.

She turned her attention to Chat Noir. His eyes were wide as he looked around the small store. The brightly colored, precariously stacked packages seemed to overwhelm him. Ladybug laughed as he ran over to the cold drinks fridge and peered excitedly at all the sodas.

“Ladybug! They have Coke! I have always wanted to try Coke!” He exclaimed pulling out a bottle from the fridge.

“You have seriously never had a Coke before?” She shook her head in disbelief. “Grab me a Fanta.”

“Some of these flavors . . . seem a little odd.” He said staring at the wall of chips.

She laughed. “Yeah, just stick with the classics.” She grabbed several chip bags from the shelf and through them into a basket. She threw in several small bags of candy on top and a jar of nutella. “This should be a good start to your junk food education.”

Chat Noir grinned. “I will follow your lead, my lady.” He put the sodas into the basket.

They went over to the cashier, who was still gaping at them. “Hi,” Ladybug put the basket on the counter. “We want to buy this.”

He seemed to realized what was going on and shook himself out of his daze. “Of course.” He said in lightly accented French. “Will that be everything?” He asked while scanning the items.

Ladybug nodded and Chat reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He slipped his credit card out and started to hand it to the cashier before Ladybug grabbed his hand.

“Really, minou?” She asked. “You are really just going to give someone a card with your real name on it?” She turned to the cashier. “No offence, Monsieur.”

“None taken, mademoiselle.” The cashier said, automatically. “We do not take credit cards, anyways.”

Chat Noir looked sheepish as he handed the man the cash.

As he was counting out the change he spoke. “My daughter is a big fan. I am too, of course, but my daughter really loves you two. It would mean a lot to her if I could get a picture.”

Ladybug laughed. “Of course.”

Several minutes later, after posing for a picture and collecting their food, the two heros sat on a nearby rooftop.

“This is terrible. So sour and fake tasting.” Chat Noir exclaimed, laughing. He took another gummy worm. “Why can’t I stop eating them?”

“It’s one of life’s mysteries.” Ladybug looked at the pile of ‘food’ spilled out between them. She grabbed the jar of Nutella. “You need this next.”

Chat raised his eyebrow. “My lady, I’ve had things with Nutella before.”

“Ah, yes.” She tried to convey an air of a teacher about to share important knowledge. “But I’m guessing you have never eaten it straight from the jar.” She held up two plastic spoons she had remembered to grab as they left the store.

He grinned. “That sounds ridiculous and slightly disgusting. I love it.”

She would always remember the way his eyes lit up with that first spoonful of Nutella. It was adorable. They finished the jar far too quickly.

“I think my stomach is going to rebel if I eat anymore.” Chat said, groaning.

Ladybug laughed. “No junkfood binge would be complete without a horrible stomach ache.” She flicked his nose. “It’s part of the experience.”

He stuck out his tongue and then smiled. “I love having experiences with you.”

The sincerity in his voice made her blush. “I like it a lot too, Chat.”

He leaned over to her and her breathing quickened. His eyes were tender with affection and she was terrified he was going to try to kiss her. Before she could go through all the reasons she didn’t want that to happen, he rubbed his thumb against the tip of her nose. He grinned as he held his thumb up to her. There was a chocolate smear on it.

“How did you get Nutella on your nose?” He laughed.

The moment was gone and she breathed a sigh of relief. “It gets everywhere. It isn’t my fault.”

“Slob.”

She threw a candy bar at him. “Here, eat this. Maybe you will eat yourself into a candy coma and I won’t have to deal with you anymore.” She laughed as he tossed a bag of chips back at her.

They laughed together in the cool night air.

[ireviewuread]

Let’s talk about that screen in the room

I wanted to post a beauty video today but I suddenly got the inspiration to talk about TV. Little known fact to many of you, I am a huge couch potato. I can spend hours and hours in front of the TV - from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep. 

However, I am also a Singaporean. That means I multi task while watching TV - doing work, editing posts, etc. At the same time, I still can’t figure out why I can’t connect with others over the show I watch. 

I thought about it and realized there’s two reasons behind this: 

I watch non-mainstreams American shows which people in Singapore would not tend to watch

I mainly watch shows which are convenient - shows which are on starhub tv. I tend to not ‘follow up’ with the shows after they were off the network because I simply HAVE to multi task and I like camping in my living room.

Anyways, so here is the extensive list of shows I watch. As much as I could recall that is. They will be categories according to their genres. 

Action Drama 

Grey’s Anatomy | Scandal | The Catch

One of the best drama shows I watched are written by Shonda Rhimes. From Grey’s Anatomy to Scandal to The Catch, I watch them all. there’s just a hook to it that I can’t explain. It’s just amazing 

Teen Wolf

Supernatural creatures, hot guys, blood, six pacs, story line, Dylan O’Brien, beautiful ladies, great action, like what else do you want? 

White Collar 

For those of you who love The Catch, you would love White collar. Or should I say for those of you who love white collar you would love The Catch cause White collar came out first. Anyways the plot of these 2 are similar just that there’s handsome and hot Matt Bomer in white collar and his blue eyes are so dreamy .. what are we talking about again? 

Yeah, criminal trying to get out of doing jail time by joining the FBI and working cases for them but really, a leopard can’t change it’s spot can they?

Horror

Personally, I don’t really watch horror like ghosts or gore eg. Saw because No.

But American Horror Story is just different. It’s weird, it’s dark there’s a story line, there’s charming matt bomer and lady gaga. I don’t know why but it attracts me. 

You should see him in white collar - so hot - see below

*Faints*

Family Drama

Glee

I know this is not really ‘family drama’ but it was really hot during the days and I like music. It’s more of the high school days, where all kind of people are dumped together and we’re expected to get along - but we really don’t.

Parenthood

This is a very touching show for you can literally see them grow up, getting married, parents growing old, next generation being born and so on. It’s them living a normal life, facing everyday problems we face, which is so heartwarming. It really reminds us that “We are too busy growing up that we forget that our parents are growing old.” A comic of the same theme is “For the better, For the worst.” Touching. 

Comedy

2 Broke Girls | Modern Family 

When life becomes epic, you should make it into a TV show. What I like about modern family and 2 broke girls are their snarky humour. 

Family Guy | American Dad | The Cleveland Show | The Simpsons

Family Guy is my favourite. They are not afraid to go the length, to talk about (sometimes insult) different cultures, shows and people. Makinig it both sacarstic and funny. American Dad and The Cleveland Show does have the same concept as family guy but family guy is still king. 

Whereas for The Simpsons, I felt that the humor and the poking at people’s button are still quick subtle so there’s not much of an impact. 

Reality TV

Married at First Sight 

This show literally is it’s title. They had experts evaluate these people and match them according to their personalities and background. Matchmaking. Then they live together as a married couple for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks they decide if they want to continue their marriage or divorce. Then, they will check in 6 months later to see if there’s any changes in the married couples and singles.    

The first season was nice with 2 couples out of 3 continuing their arranged marriage - one of the couple is expecting a baby now! However, the following seasons doesn’t seem to have much happy endings after 6 weeks which is such a waste for some of them. 

Seven Years Switch 

This is where couples whom are married or just together for a very long time try out switch therapy for they have been having troubles in their relationships. So they were 

Are you the one?

This is a mtv drama series. 10 male and 10 females were put n a mansion and they are supposed to find their perfect match to win alot of money. Like other MTV series (Jersey Shore), it’s dramatic. Season 1 is cool cause they got perfect matches and a pair even got married and having their second child now. 

However, the seasons thereafter, is not as exciting though :/

Dance Moms

Well, for those of you don’t know who Maddie Ziegler is, you need to get out more and view this:

Yes, she’s that dancer for SIA. A little back story, she’s on dance mom, in Abby Lee’s dance studio practicing for years on how to be a dancer before she made it. Along with the other dancers, Nia Sioux, Chloe Lukasiak (left in the earlier seasons), JoJo Siwa, Kalani Hilliker, Kendall Vertes, Mackenzie Ziegler (Maddie’s little sister), Brooke Hyland (left in the early season, the mother was actually Abby’s mother student), Paige Hyland (left in the early season and mother sue the school).

Anyways, the point is if you like screaming mothers, emotional situations and just drama in general, this is the show to watch. You can see how Abby is very bias towards Maddie - which leads to her success - and eventually Mackenzie too because of how their mother treat Abby. Although Abby seemed nuts on TV, she’s actually really cool on social media which is what I would like to call, TV magic. 

The Extremes 

Extreme Couponing | Extreme Cheapskate

If only extreme couponing is in Singapore, I would be busy couponing now instead of blogging. It’s really cool to see how people go to the extremes. I feel that extreme cheapskates is too far off the rear end for nobody should eat dumpster food. It’s just hygienic. 

Extreme Time Cheaters

Recently, there’s a new show where people are saving time to the extreme. I would say that these people will fit in to Singapore/Hong Kong’s culture like a glove but they need to stop exaggerating it. On this show there’s this guy which count his steps to ensure he save time but technically he is wasting more time counting steps. 

Animal shows

Cats 101 | Dogs 101

These shows, remind me why I am human. Not only I get to see cute animals and be happy, I get to learn about the different types of cuties there is too. 

My Cat from Hell

Cats are assholes. We all know that. This show have the same concept as Ceasar the dog training show but for cats. I don’t know it’s because I have a sudden interest in cats but I feel that just by watching this show, I learned so much.

Travel show

Watching shows are one way of ‘travelling’ without leaving your couch. Plus, you get to 'go to’ places which you know you never would travel to because of various reasons.

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations | The Layover | Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

I like how Anthony present things. You can tell he is the no BS kind of people and just say things to your face. Plus I love the parts unknown one where he goes to Lebanon and just talk to the locals, have them share their situation. It’s like a peak in their world, their culture. To understand to learn. 

Plus, the videography for the show is great. 

An Idiot Abroad 

This is basically a travel show where the producers force their unwilling friend, Karl Pilkington to go out of he’s comfort zone, travel the world and do crazy things like bungee etc. What’s funny is him being so sarcastic and opposing to these activities. Plus he makes a lot of sense. One of the most memorable quote which I remember from the show is when he was in a cave looking out at this beautiful palace - Petra Jordan - and he was like:

“ I'd rather live in a hole with a view of a palace than live in a palace with a view of a hole."

He added that in life, it’s better to be ugly looking at good looking people than to be good looking and looking at ugly people. You can view that short clip here: 

Food Source食在好源头

Pornsak is a very entertaining host. Positive and interesting. Plus there’s food.

I tend to watch random chinese travel shows because in a way I’m building up my Chinese - for education via school fail me and they seemed more interesting. 

House viewing 

I don’t know if it’s because of age or what but I have been binge watching house viewing shows recently. 

Charlie Luxton Homes by the Sea | Charlie Luxton Homes by the Med

I love Charlie Luxton’s voice. It’s so calming. Plus all of his shows just makes you go “Wow” you never knew a house could look like that. I never knew a house could turn like that. It is truly incredible. If you love drone shots, you would love this show. 

Tiny House Hunting | Tiny House | Waterfront house hunting 

HDBs are getting smaller and smaller. So are houses in the states. Tiny house are the way to go. These are get ways to get inspirations on how to store your furniture. Whereas for waterfront house hunting, I guess, it’s for the rich but it’s nice to see though. 

Survival Shows

Naked and Afraid 

Before naked and afraid, there was bear grylls. My mother was obsessed with survival shows so I was force to watch them as well. Now that bear grylls got tired of drinking snake blood, his pee and slimy worms, there’s new shows which were inspired by his braveness. Naked and afraid is one of them. Where survivalists tries to survive nude in the forests / island for as long as possible. 

This list is honestly a little short for what I actually watch. However, I don’t remember all of the shows I watch and some of the show I watch are too crappy to be named. Aside from this, I also watch anime and Chinese shows too but this list is getting too long for a post. So I shall stop here. 

Pictures credit to various sources