#I have been sewing with exclusively felt I really wish I could get my hands on some fleece at the very least!

[starfall-isle]

I think you should get unlimited fabric for free forever 

[x0401x]

Jeweler Richard Fanbook Short Story #13

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Ramen Story

The voice of the owner as he said “welcome” turned into a mutter at the end, fading away. I could understand how he felt. With a light, cut-and-sew jacket draped over him, a blond, blue-eyed man had come inside, standing behind another man who quite literally had the air of a student. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to wonder if he was an actor. But we were just a party of two.

“Two people,” I indicated with a peace sign. We were guided to a table seat. There were no other people around. While we were at it, we gave them the meal tickets that we had bought from the vending machine outside. A couple of negi ramen.

“What a surprise. There’s always a long queue for this shop. So that’s how shops are like right after they open in a student district?”

In this shop, currently reserved to our exclusive use, I talked without restraint about all sorts of things – about the layout of the classroom building in my campus, about the hideout-like garden in the university’s premises, about my friends and even about my teachers. The shop’s atmosphere did that to me. The man who could well be the best listener in the world let me talk as much as I wanted, occasionally making an exasperated face.

“Here, sorry for the wait. It’s hot, so be careful.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

“You too, Mr. Foreigner. This is ‘hot’.”

As Richard replied with a “thank you, madam”, the old lady laughed fickly.

Now for the ramen.

Its soup was salt-based, warm steam wafting from it. That being said, it wasn’t as if there was anything special about it. We hadn’t added any ingredients, so it was a simple one. Fermented bamboo shoots, dried seaweed, fish cake and a large helping of green onions.

We silently put our hands together to thank for the meal, taking the chopsticks and parting them with a snap. I took the dwindled noodles, then opened my mouth wide and filled it with them. I tried to make as little noise as possible.

Delicious.

This shop’s ramen was simple, but it was a strong ally for a student’s cold pockets and quick-to-get-hungry stomach. It stayed steadily in your belly, resolutely reminding you for about three hours that you had eaten ramen today. And above all else, the animalistic joy of eating without thinking was more irreplaceable than anything else. Tasty food was great.

By the moment I was done with my very-IQ-lacking monologue of “thank you, o ramen; o ramen, thank you”, there was only a little bit left of the contents of my bowl. Still eating the green onion ramen without a sound, Richard looked at me with upturned eyes from his bended posture. Those blue eyes made me seriously wonder if there weren’t gemstones inserted in them.

“Hey, you got a moment?”

“As you wish. Whatever you please.”

When I prefaced it with, “This is serious talk – super, super serious talk”, he made a face that screamed, “You’re being too long-winded”, so I went straight to the point.

“I didn’t think you’d actually come eat ramen with me.”

I hadn’t imagined that the day would come when I could eat a bowl of ramen for 450 yen at a historical, cozy ramen shop in the student town with this beautiful man who usually only wore suits. I hadn’t at all. Even now, another side of me was still tilting his neck somewhere within my mind, wondering about “how things came to this”.

Ever since around the time I had started working part-time in Ginza, I had no sense of reality. Not even about the fact that I would later be going to Sri Lanka. No, of course, I was fully ready and had a Visa, so I was in a phase where all I had left to do was get on the plane and I was making the oh-so-busy Richard help me out with that, but...

Richard took a sip of the salt-based soup with the china spoon, then glanced at me. “So you were not expecting anything from me, is that it?”

“No way. On the contrary.”

When I said that I just didn’t think he would give me the OK, Richard’s lips curved in the shape of an arc, and after looking for napkins on the table, he realized that there weren’t any, so he took a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his mouth.

“I value the accuracy of your palate. It is obvious that, if you have a shop you like, I would want to try eating there.”

“Thank you. And for remembering about it too.”

Soon after I had started working part-time, I was introduced to a stone called chrysoprase. I once laughed my butt off when I learned that the etymology of the fresh green-colored stone included the meaning of “leek” or “green onion”. The topic then changed into ramen, and we, the shopkeeper and part-timer who subtly had not yet thrown off reserve with each other, talked about liking green onion ramen, what kinds of toppings we preferred, and other such things. I had kind of thought that “it’d be nice to go have ramen with this guy someday”. Back then, to me, Richard was someone as far-off as the moon and stars that shone in outer space. Of course, he was still as resplendent as the moon and stars even now, but he didn’t feel as distant.

Once I was done drinking the soup up to it’s last drop, I heaved a small sigh. “That was delicious. Last time eating Japanese ramen and this one for a while, huh.”

“How about putting instant ramen in your suitcase?”

“I ain’t used to making those. I’m the type that goes out to eat ramen rather than making instant ones. But there’s curry roux inside. Weird story, isn’t it? I’m going to a curry culture zone, yet I’m taking curry with me.”

“Analyzing Indian and Sri Lankan curry by Japanese curry standards can cause serious stomach problems. Beware.”

I puffed out my chest, saying that I had properly prepared myself for this because he had already told me about it before, to which the beautiful man gave a little sigh.

“May I also talk about a truly serious topic?”

When I told him that didn’t mind it at all and that I wanted to hear it, Richard looked at my face directly. It made me nervous. What was he going to tell me, I wondered.

“I did not think that you would actually invite me out for ramen.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I honestly did not.”

“Why?”

As I kept on tilting my neck at that sentence, which you wouldn’t think would come from someone like him – who looked like just breathing was enough for him to get invited to eat out –, Richard spoke to me reticently. He told me that people were quick to come towards him, but there were also those who surrounded him from a distance, watching him without trying to shorten the distance between him and themselves. So this kind of thing also happened?

Looking back, I was also from the keep-a-distance group at first. But I sucked at giving up, and whenever something that made me happy happened, I would be overjoyed no matter how many times I remembered about it, so every time I recalled the chrysoprase talk, I would find myself thinking that I should invite him out for ramen. It just so happened that the desire for this “someday” had amplified as the number of times that I thought about it increased, and I had finally voiced it this spring.

The shop was tiny and had a bit of a mysterious scent, but it was truly delicious. It would be closing this spring. I was concerned about what to do if he declined it with an awkward face, but the response I got after speaking up was a “When will it be?” without a moment’s delay.

“Was it okay to have invited you?”

“What do you think?”

“Well, I was just thinking I was glad that I invited you, but...”

The reply was a short-range smile. That slightly tired face with no sense of uneasiness to it was bad for the heart. But I was gonna get used to it. I had to.

“Still, was it really all right? That I was the one you had a meal with for the last time at a shop that you have fond memories of, I mean. Would it not have been better to do so with the friends that you always ate with?” Richard asked.

Hmm. So he was gonna bring that up, huh?

“Well, well, thank you very much for your superb consideration. But I’m glad it was with you.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m glad it was with you. Not anyone else; with you.”

I had learned many lessons even in just four years of university, such as that things were shifting, everything kept changing over and over, the green onion ramen shop would be gone, I would be leaving for Sri Lanka in the near future and there was no telling how my life was going to be from now on. But this jeweler was a man who knew very well how to cherish a memory.

Only to people like that did I entrust the things I didn’t want to forget.

Bidding a courteous farewell to the elderly shopkeeper and old lady employee, we exited the shop. Cars rushed on the Yasukuni Avenue. Kasaba during holidays was so quiet that it felt like a different world. As the wind softly blew, the cherry trees planted along the street shook and their pale pink petals scattered about.

“That was delicious, huh~. You got any plans for later?”

“I am going to help Saul with chores. We are not boorish enough to engage in business talk after just eating ramen.”

I stole a peek at his profile as he started chewing on a mint gum. The beautiful man brushed cherry blossom petals off his golden hair. He offered me one of the white gums, asking if I wanted to eat it.

I probably wouldn’t forget this sight. Even if that ramen shop was gone, even if my address was no longer in Tokyo.

Richard tilted his head a little, as I was still staring at his face even after accepting the gum. “Anything the matter?”

“Aah, sorry. Your beauty was like you’ve come from another world, so I spaced out.”

I then changed the topic, saying I was going to think about what to have for dinner or something. There were still lots of shops that I wanted to visit while I was still in Japan, though they were all set-meal and chain ones. I didn’t think I was able to hide my melancholy, but he’d probably act like he didn’t see anything. I was grateful for that.

In the middle of our walk to the train station, I looked back at the cityscape one last time and wordlessly offered a moment of silence to it.

Thank you for everything; I’m off!

[beelsnack]

Obey Me! Boys and the Hidden Talent You Wouldn’t Expect Them To Have

Lucifer: Honestly, they had thought it was just for decoration.

Considering how little the brothers actually used anything in the music room, they had just assumed most of the instruments in there were just for show. The only reason they were proved wrong was by sheer accident.

Their insomnia had been a hindrance back in the human realm, but now that the constant darkness of the Devildom had taken a hammer to their circadian rhythm, they found themselves wandering the halls of the House of Lamentation more and more frequently in the middle of the night. While they knew they weren’t the only one awake at this hour (they had made the mistake of wandering too close to Asmo’s room and discovered that his nights were very active) they typically were the only one out of their room.

It was their second pass around the first floor when they heard it. A faint, unfamiliar melody ringing softly down the hall. Before they realized what they were doing, their feet had brought them to the music room. When they peeked through the doorway, the sight made them freeze.

Lucifer was seated on a bench, eyes closed in an uncharacteristically serene expression. The soft candlelight shone behind him, making him look every bit like the angel he once was as his long, graceful fingers plucked skillfully at the strings of the harp. The song was hauntingly beautiful, much like Lucifer himself, and something about it made the human’s breath catch in their throat.

They hadn’t thought they made a noise, but demon hearing was something else. Lucifer’s eyes snapped open, hands halting over the strings as the two of them made eye contact. 

At first, it seemed like Lucifer was preparing to scold them, and they felt themself reflexively tensing. Instead, Lucifer’s expression softened.

“You should be in bed.” his voice betrayed how tired he was, even if he appeared just fine.

“I couldn’t sleep.” they murmured. Speaking too loudly might break the spell, and this gentle illusion would shatter.

“Hm.” he motioned them forward, patting the spot next to him. The bench was small enough to when they sat down, they were shoulder-to-shoulder with Lucifer. “I couldn’t sleep either.”

“I didn’t know you could play the harp.” they blurted out. Lucifer, caught off guard by their bluntness, stared down at them for a moment before sighing. A nostalgic smile pulled at his lips, and they found themself wishing he would smile like that more often. 

“A skill left over from the Celestial Realm. Playing always put me at ease.”

“Will you keep playing for me?”

He chuckled softly. “Of course. Shall I play a lullaby for the two of us?”

Mammon: “Are we done studying yet? This sucks!”

They didn’t even bother looking up from their textbook. Mammon had done more complaining than studying at this point, and they were honestly too worked up about passing this test tomorrow to worry about entertaining him.

“You can be done if you want, I’m going to keep going.” they mumbled. They talked big, but they had been reading the same sentence over and over again without taking in a single letter. They knew that it wasn’t really helping, but they were convinced that if they didn’t spend every last second studying the material, they were going to fail spectacularly. Honestly, after one semester of Potions, they were never going to complain about chemistry every again.

“You’re gonna ruin your eyes, at this rate.”

They nearly jumped out of their skin. When had Mammon gotten up? How had he gotten behind them without them noticing? Shit, maybe they did need to give it a rest.

“Alright, alright,” they sighed. “I’m not retaining any of this stuff anymore anyway - ow, fuck!” 

“What’s wrong?” Mammon sounded unnecessarily terrified, the big worrier.

“Nothing, nothing, sorry.” they brought a hand up to the back of their neck. “Been hunched over for too long, my neck and shoulders are mad at me.”

“Damn, human, you had me thinkin’ you were dyin’ or something.” he breathed out. “Here.”

“What are - “ they cut themselves off as Mammon’s warm hands settled on their shoulders. His thumbs worked soothing circles on the column of their neck before sliding down to work on their shoulder blades.

They felt their eyes slipping close without their consent. “Holy shit, Mammon.” they probably should be a bit more concerned with how breathy their voice sounded, but he was working wonders on their stiff muscles.

He knew just how much pressure to apply, just how to move his hands. The warmth of his palms seeped through their shirt, and they let out a sigh that might have sounded a bit like a moan.

“Hey, you can’t go makin’ those noises while I’m doin’ this.” his voice had gone just a bit lower. “You’re gonna make it awkward.”

“Sorry.” they muttered. “But you’re really good at this. You should open up a massage parlor. You would make a killing.”

“Heh, I thought about it.” he pulled his hands away, and they almost whined at the loss of contact. “But I don’t want to have to rub my hands over some crusty old bastard.”

“Oh well,” they shrugged. “Guess I’ll have to just keep you to myself then.”

Leviathan: “Hey, normie, open up!”

They considered ignoring him in favor of finishing up this very intense Pokemon battle, but it was pretty rare that Levi came to their room without texting them first. With a sigh, they shut their DS and hopped off of their bed to let him in.

“What’s up?” they leaned against the doorway.

“Didn’t you hear? That new MMO is having an exclusive pre-release event. Only the first 300 can get in! Go get set up, people have been talking about this new totally OP armor they’re going to - “

Levi cut himself, peering over their shoulder and wrinkling his nose. “What’s that?”

At first, they thought he was talking about their DS, but when they looked behind them, they realized what he meant.

“Ah, yeah.” the walked over to their bed and picked up the old stuffed dragon toy. They creadled him gently to their chest and frowned a little. “He got a little roughed up on his way to the Devildom. I had to get creative.”

The toy was clearly well loved, but the real attention-grabber was the piece of duct tape holding its front left leg to the rest of it. Little bits of fluff could be seen beneath the tape and it was clear that the repair job wasn’t going to last for much longer.

Leviathan clicked his tongue. “That’s never going to hold. Bring him over after the event tonight.”

“Why?” the human tilted their head, clutching the dragon tighter like they were afraid Levi was going to mercy-kill him.

“I’m going to fix him for you, duh.” there was a faint dusting of pink high on his cheekbones, and he looked away quickly. “I don’t like to bring my sewing stuff out of my room, I’ll lose it for sure.”

“You can sew?” they sounded incredulous. “Since when?”

“Th-there was a contest a while back. Whoever made the best TSL cosplay got to have a meet and greet with the cast of the movie.” Levi looked like he was about to catch fire now. “Of-of course, I couldn’t just go buy stuff, everyone knows the handmade stuff is better, so I learned how to sew.”

“Levi, that’s amazing!”

Levi blinked. “I-It is?”

“Duh!” they beamed up at him. “I could never do anything like that! I definitely owe you one if you can fix him up for me!”

“It’s not that big of a deal,” he muttered, staring down at his feet. How was he supposed to handle getting compliments like that?

“It is!” they placed their toy back on their bed in favor of wrapping their arms around Levi’s middle. “Thank you so much!”

“Whoa, hey! You can’t just d-do that all of a sudden!”

Satan: They quite enjoyed their study dates with Satan. The two of them could sit in amiable silence for hours and just focus on getting their work done. It was peaceful, and Satan never minded if they took a rest on his shoulder

As they struggled to keep their eyes open (a coffee break might be in order soon) they caught sight of something in the margins of Satan’s notebook.

It started as idle pencil marks in the corner of the page. Little spirals that slowly transformed into vines  winding their way down the side. Delicate little flowers soon began to bloom at random intervals until finally, in the bottom corner, Satan was in the middle of doodling a lotus flower.

“That’s so pretty.” they felt Satan jump as they broke the silence.

“What?” he blinked, refocusing. “Oh. Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it.”

“I should have known you were a doodler.” they laughed. “I read somewhere that people who doodle in class actually retain more information.”

“Is that right?” Satan muttered, more to himself than anything. “That explains my notes in class. I wonder if there’s a reason I enjoy drawing outside of a learning environment?”

They nudged him before he got too deep in his own thoughts. “You’re allowed to just have a hobby, Satan. There’s no need to psychoanalyze it so much.”

Asmo: When they had admitted that they had never gotten their nails done, Asmo had wasted no time in whisking them away to his room. He insisted that everyone should have a manicure at least once in their life, sat them down on the chaise lounge in his bedroom and set to work.

Admittedly, they probably should be taking care of their nails better, and it was nice to have someone pamper them a little bit. They hadn’t really been expecting the hand massage at the end.

“Oh, you have earth hands, darling.” Asmo said as he worked his thumb into the center of their palm. “Reliable, stubborn, practical. Fits you to a T!”

“Huh?”

Asmo ignored them, continuing to analyze their hand. “Your love line starts under your index finger. Well, with seven partners, I should hope you’re content with your love life.”

“Asmo, what the hell?”

“Hm? Oh, sorry, darling.” Asmo laughed, tracing his finger in a circle in the center of their hand. “I suppose I should ask before I read your palm.”

“Is that what that was?” they asked. “I didn’t know you could do that.”

“Mm, there’s plenty of things I can do, my dear.” he practically purred. “An old lover of mine was a practiced chiromancer. I always thought it was fascinating, being able to read a person just by the lines on their hands, so I had them teach me. If nothing else, it’s a neat party trick.”

“Wow...” the human murmured, staring at their hand. “What else can you tell?”

Beelzebub and Belphegor: It had been decided long ago that Beel could not be trusted with cooking duty on his own. So the twins always had joint cooking duty.

It had also been decided that Belphegor couldn’t be trusted with waking up for cooking duty, so Lucifer tacked the human on as well.

None of them particularly minded it. Well, Belphie minded it a little, seeing as Beel had to literally fireman carry him to the kitchen. But all three of them worked well as a team.

It wasn’t terribly uncommon for Beel to hum to himself when he cooked. The kitchen was his element, and cooking always seemed to put him in a cheerful mood. It was uncommon, however, for Belphie to join in.

They hadn’t really been paying attention, simply registering the twins as background noise while they focused on their task. But soon, Beel’s humming turned to lyrics in a language that the human didn’t understand, but sent a shiver up their spine anyway.

Beel sang in a smooth baritone voice that they could feel thrumming through their chest. The human found themself closing their eyes and listening, nearly forgetting that they were supposed to be chopping up mandrake root.

They almost chopped their finger off when Belphie joined in.

When they turned around, the twins had their backs facing either other, but they had paused in their work. Both of them wore identical expressions of nostalgia - eyes closed, lips tugged upwards in a soft smile. Belphie’s soft, clear tenor mixed with Beel’s low timbre, and, despite not understanding a single word, the human felt goosebumps rise up their arms.

When they finished the song, the twins opened their eyes and looked at each other over their shoulder. Beel honestly looked like he was going to cry out of sheer joy. 

“It’s been a while since we sang together.” Beel grinned.

“At least a century.” Belphie nodded, shaking his head. “I’m surprised my voice hasn’t broken.”

“I feel like I’m intruding on a family moment, here.” the human muttered. They honestly hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but by the time they realized, it was too late. The twins had turned their gazes on them like they had just stood on the table and started screaming.

“What’re you talking about?” Belphie drawled.

“You are family.” Beel smiled, crossing the kitchen in three strides to ruffle their hair. “So you can’t be intruding.”

They stuck their tongue out at Beel, ducking out from underneath his hand. “Can you two teach me that song?”

[dentos-wife]

Christmas Fluff

I wrote these back in 2018 and stumbled upon them while going through old docs in my computer. And hey they’re perfect because it’s Christmas Eve. I used to share my writing here...long ago so why not.

The summoner here is my OC but feel free to imagine yours instead. She’s a little sassy and her hair color is mentioned.

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

So this was snow...Cold and wet yet gave the appearance of something soft and fluffy such as cotton. As deceptive as a cloud. And yet the humans, even the manakettes could barely hold their excitement over this snow, faces on the window exclaiming it was snowing with delight in their visage.

This wasn’t the first time he’d seen the object known as snow, for it set the background in the Kingdom of Nifil. His focus was elsewhere at the time, but now with no battle and with flakes falling from the sky he stood in confusion watching the snow fall.

Back in his world, humans wished for snow like they wished for rain; the difference was the kind of human. The more adult beings, the ones more likely to pray to him and then turn on him wished for the rain. The young tiny ones less likely to pray with barely any chance of turning wished for this snow.

And now that he felt it, the cold wet flakes that seemed to have no purpose, he wondered why one would desire snow. Rain he understood, it was needed to keep the earth alive, water the crops, the food humans needed to sustain themselves. But what did snow do for them?

It was currently Christmas Eve or the Night of the Winter Festival, depending on who you asked; which world one hailed from. And since the season began many heroes no matter which world they came from wanted one thing; to happen on this special night. Snow. When the news broke flurries began and it was sticking the barracks erupted in excitement; like the princeling brought news they won the war.

And he didn’t understand.

He held out his hand as he looked up, collecting tiny flakes. Why was this so craved, so coveted? Something that felt it had no reason to be so desired.

“I understand dragons have warmer body temperatures than the rest of us and gods can’t get sick but being out here can’t be that enjoyable.”

“What are you doing out here?” He shook the flake off his hand letting it fall to the ground below and turned to face his partner. “You should be inside with the others.”

“Looking for you of course! It’s Christmas Eve, it’s a time to spend with others, you shouldn’t be out here all alone.”

“Maybe for the rest of you. But I’m the fell dragon. Being alone is like a second nature for me. Besides. The others all have their grievances with me; who am I to intrude on the happiness and joy of those unfortunate souls?”

“If Ike can get along with Zelgius and even the Hoshidians are doing alright with Garon then...Lucina and the other Ylisseans can get along with you. Just for one day...Plus Chrom and Robin have no problems with you anymore. Chrom even considers you a friend.”

“The exalt is a moron.” He scoffed, “He feels no fear from my presence.”

“I don’t disagree. But my point is, if Chrom and Robin out of everyone here have accepted you as one of them, then the others will come around eventually.”

A cold, frigid gust of wind blew through and she squealed, pulling her coat tighter around her Christmas wear, shaking the flakes off and pulling her scarf over her face.

“What don’t like snow?” He held out his red glove as more stuck to his hand smirking. “Why, I thought this was what everyone desired.”

“Oh sure because it looks pretty. It’s Christmas and Winter Festival aesthetic. But actually being out in it?” She shook her head, “No thanks.”

“Then the only reason your kind wishes for this snow is how it looks?” He laughed, “How shallow and selfish you humans are. Not even for a benefit like the rain you pray for.”

“Snow does have it’s benefits, at least for the environment. Nature works the way it’s meant to but...” She sighed, “Yes, unlike rain where people need it to live, they don’t really need snow. It’s more of a nice environment for a Christmas card. There’s things you can do in the snow for fun like build a snowman, have a snowball fight and if you want I can show you all that. But it’s cold and I’d rather be inside with hot coco personally.”

Enough snow had piled in his hand by now that he made a fist over it forming it into a ball. It stuck together fitting the new shape with ease. He supposed he could see how the little ones would have fun with this. “I see. It’s more for pleasure than necessity.”

“That’s a good way to look at it. Rain is a necessity, needed to grow food and stay alive. Snow is pleasurable, pretty to look at, sets a nice atmosphere and can be fun to play in. It’s also hell to drive in when no one knows how to drive in the damn thing...” She muttered the last part to herself.

Drive? Must have been something exclusive to the world which she hailed from...

Smiling she reached into the pocket of her coat. “If you want to stay out here that’s fine but I’m freezing so I’ll give you this now.” Holding up a small box of blue covered the very designs of the flakes falling overhead she held it out to him. “Merry Christmas!”

“For...me?” He looked at her puzzled at first and then sighed, dropping the ball of snow to the ground. Of course. “What do you desire in return?”

“This is a present not an offering. You’ve never been given anything without being asked for something in return...” She looked sad at the realization stepping closer. “No more. This is a gift. A part of the season. I always loved giving others gifts, finding the right thing for them; something special. But it’s really hard finding something for a god who has everything he could ever want so I made you something instead.” She twirled a strand of her cherry red hair nervously. “And if you don’t like it that’s fine too, you’re impossible to shop for... I had to improvise, and as we say in my world; it’s the thought that counts.”

A gift for him? Without expecting something in return? It was hard to accept, no one had ever given him anything just because they always wanted something more, something back. And yet...she stood here shivering, nose slightly red from the bitter cold, all to give him a present.

Carefully he took the box from her hands staring at it. The wrapping job wasn’t perfect, looked rushed and the red bow on the top was lopsided but...he’d never been given a gift before. She probably knew, no use in bringing it up.

“Go ahead and open it. It’s Christmas Eve after all.”

With one swipe of his claws the wrapping paper was torn to shreds the bow decapitated, leaving just the box. Opening the box nestled in some tissue paper, sat a scarf. Dark purple with the symbol of his mark embroidered on the ends in a light purple, very similar to his usual robes.

“So. This is where you were disappearing to after the Muspell war ended...”

She nodded, “I had Camilla teach me how to sew. I had a month to pick it up, I’m not an expert but...it’s not awful right?”

“Hmm.” He pulled it out and wrapped it around his own neck. Soft and warm; he loved it. “It’s passable.”

She breathed a sigh of relief, was she actually worried he wouldn’t like her gift? Something that wasn’t an offering but just for him alone? Silly girl.

“When you’re done contemplating the purpose of snow, come inside okay? I want to spend time with you.” She brought up a gloved hand to her face and giggled, “It really does set a scene, picture perfect with the scarf!”

Ah right the snow. The snow that did in fact have a reason to be. He could understand why he supposed. All these strange traditions...

“Others say it’s pretty romantic to be out here in the snow with your significant other but I’m just cold...” She shivered again, “Sure, if you want to throw away comfort for a nice image, how romantic as you freeze to death.”

“I suppose I understand why you humans would desire this snow. Then as it stands the only tradition that perplexes me is the poisonous plant.”

“Poisonous plant?” She stopped complaining to herself and raised a brow confused, “Oh! You mean mistletoe!”

“Yes that.” Stepping forward he cupped her face chuckling, “Why mark the places you kiss when you always do it where and when you want to anyway?”

“I’m sure there’s some weird reason I’m not aware o-“

To prove his point he leaned in silencing her with a kiss of his own which she returned happily, the warmth of their breath amplified by the cold weather.

After breaking it, he pulled her to his chest purring slightly. “Thank you for the gift.”

“Of course!” She nuzzled up to him. “I’m happy you like it.”

“...I love you.” He usually didn’t voice it like this especially first but something made him want to. She looked slightly surprised but snuggled up closer.

“I love you too.” She looked up at him smiling brightly as the snow continued to fall around them. “Maybe...this does feel more romantic somehow.” Standing up on her toes she placed a kiss on his cheek, “Merry Christmas Grima.”

Perhaps it was the atmosphere after all as she said. It did feel...different once she was out here with him. And that made him smile ever so slightly. “Merry Christmas my little pawn.”

[happyweddingblogs]

150 Best Engagement Quotes By Famous Personalities and Celebrities

Source: Happy Wedding App

You might need engagement quotes to beautify your Facebook and Insta posts; here, I am sharing with you 150+ timeless Engagement quotes given by famous personalities and celebrities. Take a look……

“Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement.” ― Daniel H. Pink.

“I have an engagement ring, which is my favorite accessory.” — Jules Asner.

“I love you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all you’re yet to be.” — Unknown.

“When you have been just told that the girl you love is definitely betrothed to another, you begin to understand how Anarchists must feel when the bomb goes off too soon.” ― P.G. Wodehouse.

“I couldn’t have dreamed you into existence because I didn’t even know I needed you. You must have been sent to me.” ― Kamand Kojouri.

“…learning always occurs in a context of taking action, and they value engagement and experience as the most effective strategies for deep learning.” ― Richard DuFour.

To speak frankly, I am not in favor of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.” ― Oscar Wilde.

“I married a man who was as much a part of me as my own soul.” ― C.J. English.

“Between a man and his wife nothing ought to rule but love.” — William Penn

“Marriage is not kick-boxing, it’s salsa dancing.” ― Amit Kalantri.

“There are many blanks left in the weeks of courtship, which a loving faith fills with happy assurance.” ― George Eliot.

“It is wrong to think of marriage as hyped bondage. You can marry and still be happy. Everything rests on who you are married to. Marriage is a beautiful thing.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson.

“Student engagement is a product of motivation and active learning. It is a product rather than a sum because it will not occur if either element is missing.” ― Elizabeth F. Barkley.

“And try not to make a habit of getting engaged in the first place, Vivie. It can lead to marriage if you’re not careful.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert.

“Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.” — Unknown.

“The success of love is in the loving; it is not in the result of loving.” – Mother Teresa.

“Give a man the finger; he’ll put a wedding ring on it!” ― Ljupka Cvetanova.

“My acronym for full-on engagement: ROAR, Return on Attendee Relevance” ― Andrea Driessen

“The highest happiness on earth is marriage.” — William Lyon Phelps.

“They had exchanged vows and tokens, sealed their rich compact, solemnized, so far as breathed words and murmured sounds and lighted eyes and clasped hands could do it, their agreement to belong only, and to belong tremendously, to each other.” ― Henry James.

“Love is not in the ring. Love is in the heart.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson.

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” — Nora Ephron.

“You Need To Gauge, To Engage.” ― Syed Sharukh

“Doubt thou the stars are fire; doubt that the sun doth move; doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” — William Shakespeare.

Related:  List of ideas for your Engagement party

“When you found someone you really loved, everything fitted.” ― Melissa Hill.

“It is sometimes essential for a husband and a wife to quarrel—they get to know each other better.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

“I’ve found someone who refuses to let me be anything but myself.” ― Hayley Paige.

“We start a relationship with someone not only because of how great they are but how great they make us feel. And because they have granted us this extraordinary gift—a chance to experience Love, joy, compassion, and security —it is our exclusive privilege to make them feel wonderful about themselves, especially during days when they, themselves, don’t feel so wonderful.” ― Kamand Kojouri.

“Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always.” — Dante Alighieri.

“We’re all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness and call it Love—true Love.” — Robert Fulghum.

“Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage.” — Zig Ziglar.

“I won’t give my heart to another girl until God shows me it’s my wife.” ― Eric Ludy

“The reason why women think men should spend a lot of money on an engagement ring is because women are the ones who get to clean up all the poop (stains and toilet bowl swirls included) that is provided by every family member living in the house until they die.” ― Heather Chapple.

“Engagement can be a commitment to love or a declaration of war. One must enter every battle without hesitation, willing to fully engage the enemy until death does you apart.” ― Emily Thorne.

“My forever.” ― Unknown

“To keep the fire burning brightly, there’s one easy rule: Keep the two logs together, near enough to keep each other warm and far enough apart—about a finger’s breadth—for breathing room. Good fire, good marriage, same rule.” — Marnie Reed Crowel

“Once you’ve found the right person, you just know.” ― Sophie Turner.

“A perfect couple shares their failures, mistakes and their successes equally and deals with them all as a team.” ― Ricardo Derose.

“How could I say no?” ― Unknown.

“Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.” — Barnett R. Brickner.

“Calm down, it isn’t a ring,” I laughed, and he pushed the box across the table to me, and I blushed and opened it.” ― Mercy Cortez.

“We’re engaged to be engaged, aren’t we?” ― E.D. Baker

“You don’t marry someone you can live with-you marry the person you cannot live without.” — Unknown.

“Marriage is not the beginning of the journey, nor the end – it is the journey.” ― Carew Papritz.

“He’s just the best person I’ve ever met in my whole life.” ― Jennifer Lawrence.

“His proposal was dedicated to his love for me and the future he wanted to build together.” ― Rachel Lindsay.

“My Constant.” ― Unknown

“He got down on one knee, and he’s like, ‘I forgot everything I’m supposed to say, but you’re my best friend.'” ― Hilary Duff.

“It was so sweet.” ― Hilary Duff.

Also See: 110 Most Romantic Wedding Couple Quotes

“Well, he is the best man I’ve ever met. He’s just everything to me.” ― Unknown.

“Here’s to a lifetime of friendship, purpose & unconditional love.” ― Bindi Irwin.

“I asked my best friend a question… and he said yes.” ― Unknown.

“We have the greatest pre-nuptial agreement in the world. It’s called Love.” — Gene Perret.

“Wherever you are, is my home, my only home.” — Jane Eyre.

“Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.” — Simone Signoret

“She said yes. Locking it down.” ― Alex Rodriguez.

“When he asked, I could not say NO.” ― Unknown.

“Engagement marks the end of a whirlwind romance and beginning of an eternal love story.” — Unknown.

“True love stories never have endings.” — Richard Bach.

“Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.” — Robert Browning.

“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” — Franklin P. Jones.

“The countdown begins.” ― Unknown.

“We are not perfect; we learn from our mistakes. And as long as it takes, I will prove my Love to you.”— Sara Bareilles.

“It’s time to make things official.” ― Unknown.

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller.

“Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite.” ― Unknown.

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; But it is the journey that matters, in the end.” — Ernest Hemingway.

“Every day is an engagement day for us.” ― Unknown.

“The secret of a happy marriage remains… a secret.” — Henny Youngman.

“25 days to go.” ― Unknown.

“I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.” —Charles Dickens.

Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes.

“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” — Maya Angelou.

“You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” – Arthur Conan Doyle.

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you, and I’d choose you.” —Kiersten White.

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” — Aristotle.

“Love one another, and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.” — Micheal Leunig.

“It’s not your perfectness that I fell in Love with. It was your flaws that brought me in.” — Unknown.

“All commands from your lips are sweet, I say, and now have you not said the sweetest of all? Marry you!” — Byron Caldwell Smith.

“My whole heart for my whole life.” — French Proverb

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” — Emily Bronte.

“Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love.” — Albert Einstein.

“A marriage is like a long trip in a tiny rowboat; if one passenger starts to rock the boat, the other has to steady it; otherwise they will go to the bottom together.” — David Reuben.

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you, and I’d choose you.” — Kiersten White.

“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” – Ruth Bell Graham.

Related: 65+ Beautiful Wedding Album Quotes

“Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each includes the other, each is enriched by the other.” — Felix Adler.

“It is sometimes essential for a husband and a wife to quarrel—they get to know each other better.” — Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet to see who they really are.” — Will Ferrell.

“Love is the longing for the half of ourselves we have lost.” — Milan Kundera.

“The disgusting way an engagement is regarded public property; all these older women smirking…but my point is their whole attitude is wrong— an engagement, horrid word in the first place, is a private affair and should be regarded as such.” — Daniel Day-Lewis.

“If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married.” — Katharine Hepburn.

“It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” — Rita Rudner

“We may have started as individuals, but now we are as one.” — Bryon Pulsifer.

“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” – A.A. Milne.

“Today, engagement parties still allow both families to meet each other if they haven’t done so before. Even if both sets of parents have met, it’s nice for siblings and other extended relatives to meet and mingle, so they are all acquainted with one another before the wedding.” — Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer.

“They say that marriages are made in heaven. But so is thunder and lightning.” — Clint Eastwood.

“Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.” — Barnett R. Brickner.

“Find the person who will love you because of your differences and not in spite of them, and you have found a lover for life.” — Leo Buscaglia.

“Courtship to marriage is a very witty prologue to a very dull play.” — William Congreve.

“It is the duty of the bride’s father to give a party to announce the Engagement. Apparently, this is done only after everyone knows about it.” — Spencer Tracy.

“Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight.” — Phyllis Diller.

“The best thing that the diamond ring could do; was to amicably occupy a place on the engagement finger.” — Nikhil Parekh.

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. Your Love paints a beautiful picture of what Love really means.” — Unknown.

“You rose into my life like a promised sunrise, brightening my days with the light in your eyes. I’ve never been so strong. Now I’m where I belong.” — Maya Angelou.

“Engagement can be a commitment to love or a declaration of war. One must enter every battle without hesitation, willing to fully engage the enemy until death do you apart.” — Emily Thorne.

“It’s never out of style to have good manners. If possible, make the engagement announcement to the bride’s parents in person.” — Joyce Scardina-Becker.

“Love would never be a promise of a rose garden unless it is showered with light of faith, the water of sincerity and air of passion.” — Unknown.

“A perfect couple shares their failures, mistakes and their successes equally and deals with them all as a team.” — Ricardo Derose.

“Marriages don’t work when one partner is happy, and the other is miserable. Marriage is about both people being equally miserable.” – Forget Paris.

“In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing.” — Mignon McLaughlin.

“I won’t give my heart to another girl until God shows me it’s my wife.” — Eric Ludy.

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.” — Antoine.

“You rose into my life like a promised sunrise, brightening my days with the light in your eyes. I’ve never been so strong. Now I’m where I belong.” — Maya Angelou.

“Although somewhat outdated, the use of formal announcement cards is a beautiful and elegant way to spread the word of your engagement.” — Joyce Scardina-Becker.

“Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage.” — Zig Ziglar.

“If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them. If we were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one.” — Michelle Hodkin.

Also See: 111 Best Wedding Anniversary Wishes for Friends

“I would rather not be engaged. When people are engaged, they begin to think of being married soon…and I should like everything to go on for a long while just as it is.” — George Eliot.

“If you tell me you love me, I might not believe you, but if you show me you do, then I will.” — Unknown

“An engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged; no harm can be done.” — Jane Austen.

“An engagement should come upon a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant as the case may be. It is hardly a matter she could be allowed to arrange for herself.” — Edith Evans.

“For a marriage to be a success, every woman and every man should have her and his own bathroom. The end.” — Catherine Zeta-Jones.

“Let us be together for the rest of our lives; I will assure you that, starting from this engagement.” — Unknown.

“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is a conversation.” — Oscar Wilde.

“I choose you, and I’ll choose you. Over and over and over without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat, I’ll keep choosing you.” — Unknown.

“For it was not into my ear, you whispered but into my heart.” — Judy Garland.

“The only gift is a portion of thyself.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“We may have started as individuals, but now we are as one.” — Bryon Pulsifer.

“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” — Carl Jung.

“He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began.” — Leo Tolstoy.

“To love and to be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” — David Viscott.

“I promise to take care of you when you are old, but the first time you hit me with your cane, I’ll wash your dentures in toilet water.” – Unknown.

“No engagement is worth anything unless it has been broken at least once.” — Dorothy Tutin.

“There are many blanks left in the weeks of courtship, which a loving faith fills with happy assurance.” — George Eliot.

“Each time you happen to me all over again.” – Edith Wharton

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” — Ernest Hemingway.

“Love is not blind—it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less.” — Rabbi Julius Gordon.

“Without you, I’m nothing, with you I’m something, but together we are everything.” — Unknown.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” — Audrey Hepburn.

“I try to remember, as I hear about friends getting engaged, that it’s not about the ring and it’s not about the wedding. It’s a grave thing, getting married. And it’s easy to get swept up in the wrong things.” — Gwyneth Paltrow.

“I feel like this is the beginning, though I’ve loved you for a million years.” — Stevie Wonder.

“What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life—to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories!” – George Eliot

“A relationship is like a house when a light bulb burns out you do not go and buy a new house, but you fix the light bulb.” — Unknown.

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.” — Antoine.

“My instinct is to keep my engagement ring. After all, I wouldn’t like to see it on the finger of a cheeky girl.” — Sian Lloyd.

“Engagement is the time when you have a clear view of how wonderful your coming life will be. So try to get the best vision of a great and wonderful future waiting for you.” — Unknown.

“Love doesn’t make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” — Franklin P. Jones.

“If I had a single flower for every time, I think of you, I could walk forever in my garden.” — Claudia Adrienne Grandi.

“All commands from your lips are sweet, I say, and now have you not said the sweetest of all? Marry you!” — Byron Caldwell Smith.

“For you see, each day I love you more, today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.” — Rosemonde Gerard.

“I love you and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald.

“You are my answered prayer because you are more than a giver in many aspects—a giver of Love, hope, and happiness. You are a great giver in your own peerless ways.” — Unknown.

“I love you’ means that I accept you for the person that you are and that I do not wish to change you into someone else. It means that I will love you and stand by you even through the worst of times. It means loving you even when you’re in a bad mood or too tired to do the things I want to do. It means loving you when you’re down, not just when you’re fun to be with. ‘I love you’ means that I know your deepest secrets and do not judge you for them, asking in return that you do not judge me for mine. It means that I care enough to fight for what we have and that I love you enough not to let go. It means thinking of you, dreaming of you, wanting and needing you constantly, and hoping you feel the same way for me.” — Deanne Laura Gilbert.

Everyone has an addiction; mine just happens to be you.” — Unknown.

Use these beautiful Engagement quotes to write wonderful F.B. and Insta posts to announce the great news to the world.

[andtheyweredeskmates]

MLB Coffee Shop AU

I found this saved in a cryptic folder on my desktop called “Weird Stuff” and I’m sure I’ve posted this before but I competely forgot about and am wondering if I should do something with it? Idk if anyone has feedback let me know, I’m always a whore for feedback

+++

Dunn Bros Coffee shop was the most relaxing environment Marinette could manage to find in her busy city. It was nestled in between the quiet back alley of a road that encased the definition of bustle, and a neighborhood that screamed snotty. But Dunn’s had a way of repelling the noise and excitement. Upon walking in there was the distinct smell of coffee and relief that hit just right so that all the kinks in Marinette’s neck seem to ease out with a sigh. She walked in, dropped her things in her seat and ordered her coffee at the counter. Dunn’s just seemed to be an unspoken gathering of fantastic human beings. Not that Marinette would really know. The most she ever spoke was to the barista when she ordered her usual although sometimes even ordering required no words. Tim always knew what she needed and that included when her eyebags indicated the necessity of a double shot. There was the occasional smile between her and the hot blonde boy who sat in the corner near the window but when she walked into Dunn’s it was because she had work to do. She didn’t come in for the company, though the quiet warmth that lingered was welcoming and enticing. When she was especially overwhelmed she’d take her headphones out and people watch to the folk music that played in the background. But that usually only happened about once a week and typically for about 10 minutes before her anxiety overtook her and she had to get back to the problem. Problem, typically taking the form of an also anxiety-stricken boss.

Marinette loved her job. Truly. She was constantly surrounded by beauty and fabric and sketch pads and creativity. But where the creative mind took shelter, so also did the chaotic mind. Every day she was met with impossible dead lines and over the top, dramatic, break downs and every day Marinette met the dead line and endured the responsibility of comforting the most ridiculous of people. Most of her work was done to satisfy the mainstream and Marinette took comfort that there were plenty of people wearing what she designed. But her true passion lay in creating something new and unseen. Her boss called it an “adorable hobby” but prompted her to spend her time researching what was being demanded.

Dunn’s seemed to accept that she had deadlines and anxiety and crazy people in her life and just let her be. She loved that about Dunn’s. So sitting her usual corner booth with coffee overpowering her nose and music filling her ears, Marinette sat content and continued her work. She did all the paperwork, matched all the right designs, and even whipped out her sewing kit to fix a stitch on a blouse that had been bothering her all day. She found time and peace to do all the things she needed to do. She glanced around the coffee shop, her eyes drifted aimlessly to the hot blonde boy who sat in the corner near the window. She didn’t know anything about him. Just that he was hot, blonde, a boy, and that he always sat in the corner near the window. Usually alone. But not today. Today there was another blonde though she did not look as particularly kind as the hot blonde boy who sat in the corner near the window. She had an impenetrable attitude that said she deserved to be worshipped and she knew it. Sometimes Marinette wished she could carry confidence like that. She knew she was pretty and she knew other people thought so but she didn’t know how to make it work for her or how to get the right people to notice.

Marinette watched the two for a few minutes, trying to decide their dynamic. There was a certain mutual admiration. The confident blonde girl that sat in the corner near the window, touched the hot blonde boy that sat in the corner near the window often. She squeezed his hand, affectionately ran her fingers through his hair, smoothed wrinkles from his shirt almost subconsciously. Marinette wished she could see the hot blonde boy’s face. He seemed to hide it in the corner near the window. It was obvious he didn’t mind the confident blonde girl but without seeing his eyes Marinette could not determine if he enjoyed it.

With the shake of her head, Marinette snapped out of her daze. It did not matter if he enjoyed it. It did not matter who they were, what they did, or why they did it. She didn’t know them so it certainly was not her business. Marinette floated to the counter debating if she really should have another coffee. She was so used to having late nights she was unsure of what the caffeine protocol was when there was a possibility of sleep. The barista, Tim, cocked his head a little.

“Are you confused?” Marinette just chuckled nervously.

“Sorry, it’s just, I finished my work and I don’t know what to do.” Tim chuckled back.

“Well typically people relax. Or go home.” Marinette nodded.

“Home isn’t as relaxing as here.” Tim just smiled.

“Well I can understand that. I’ll make you a cup of peppermint hot chocolate. Caffeine isn’t good for sleeping.” He turned around without another word and carried out his task. Marinette didn’t dare question him. Other people knew better how to do “normal” than she did. While she waited, her eyes wandered back to the blonde pair in the corner near the window. She still couldn’t see the blonde boy’s face. She found herself wishing that the blonde girl would leave. Marinette laughed to herself.

Leave it to her to get attached to people she didn’t even know. She thought about saying hello to the boy. There was a certain comradery there. They always saw each other sitting in their respective seats and Marinette always daydreamed about him when she had the time. But Marinette wasn’t good with strangers and she especially wasn’t good with hot strangers. Alya would probably laugh if she heard what Marinette was thinking.

“Girl,” she would say. “That’s literally your job, to deal with hot strangers.” But most of the people she worked with weren’t really strangers. Most of the models she worked with were the same to the point where she kind of felt like she knew them all. And she understood it. They had impossible standards to meet and incredible pressure. They were concerned about doing their job and doing it right. It wasn’t their fault it required them to be obsessed with their image. Maybe a little too obsessed.

“One peppermint hot chocolate for Marinette.” There she was, daydreaming again. She went to grab her drink when her phone started ringing. Her boss.

“Hello?” She thanked Tim silently and picked her drink up from the counter.

“Marinette!? Where the hell are you? Your deadline was fifteen minutes ago?”

“What are you talking about Audrey?”

“The lingerie line! The one we were presenting to Gabriel Agreste next month? Don’t tell me you forgot?”

“Of course not Mrs. Bourgeois, I gave it to my assistant yesterday to send to you this morning.”

“Well, its not here!” Marinette sighed.

“I’m coming. I’ll be there in just a minute.” She hung up the phone and hurried to her corner gathering her things. Another restless night. Same shit, different day.

…

“So Adrien, did hear about the line my mother is doing for your father?” Adrien took a sip of his coffee.

“No, what is it Chloe?” That was lie but it was best to just let her talk.

“It’s a lingerie line. Mother says if I lose a few inches around the waist I might get to model one of the designs at the launch party in a few weeks. Isn’t that great?”

“Chloe you don’t need to lose a few inches around the waist. You look fine the way you are.” Chloe rolled her eyes.

“You know for someone in the industry you seem to know nothing about fashion. Women need to be at least a size zero to look good in anything. Anyone who knows anything knows that.”

“Then maybe designers should make things that actually look good on normal people.” Chloe sighed.

“You could try being at least a little bit supportive Adrien.”

“I am!” Adrien protested.

“No you’re complaining again about how unfair life is. ‘Woe is me, my father is a world famous designer and all his designs are so exclusive, the humanity’!” Chloe mocked Adrien, a hand to her forehead in fake distress.

“Now who’s not being supportive?”

“Whatever. I have to go. Try not to mope to much while I’m gone, You’ll get worry lines.” Chloe ruffled Adrien’s hair as she walked away.

Adrien sighed. He looked to the opposite corner and saw that Marinette was gone. He knew her but she didn’t seem to know him so he felt awkward saying hi. He knew that she designed for Chloe’s Mom. His father spoke highly of her. He even commissioned that lingerie line from Marinette herself. Not that he would tell Chloe that. It was obvious that she was too wrapped up in her own little world to think much of anyone outside her bubble.

Adrien checked his phone.

1 New Message.

DJ Bubbler:

Dude you have to come over, I found a black cat on my patio and I don’t know what to do with it!

Adrien laughed. Same shit, different day.

Next Chapter

[loogifan715]

Super Mario Christmas Plushies by Banpresto

Super Mario Christmas merchandise isn’t exactly uncommon, there’s actually a decent amount out there. However a lot of it is either not really Christmas themed, overpriced or bootlegs. Some understandably so like if the merchandise is very old but I’m not spending ten quid on wrapping paper. BUT there is something that I think is absolutely worth having if you are a collector of Mario merchandise and want something Christmassy.

From what I could gather about these three little cuties, they were by the company Banpresto. Banpresto has been responsible for several Mario themed merchandise but seemed to be a particularly popular choice for the 90s in Japan. Not only were these Japanese exclusives from the 90s, they were also arcade machine exclusives that were not sold in shops.

For a while these were extremely difficult to find due to the above factors despite them being stuff I really wanted, especially Luigi. Funny story, several years ago I saw Luigi on eBay for 100 quid in a mostly good condition. Unfortunately the person who was selling it couldn’t ship outside of their country. My parents actually contacted him and tried to persuade the seller but he couldn’t do it, though he seemed nice enough.

But now I am very thankful that I didn’t get that one, these plushies were about 25-35 quid each and in mostly good condition. They’re easier to find on eBay as well recently but the state they’re in can vary.

Before we get into the whole thing, there is something else I need to point out. This isn’t the full collection as I’m missing one more, Angel Princess Peach. These photos were from Google images. As of now I haven’t found her and the ones I have found were either way more expensive or were in a more used state yet at the same price. I have heard there are a couple of collectors saying that some Peach merchandise can be more valuable than other characters from the same set due to Peach having a dedicated fan base.

With all of that said, let’s get a closer look at the plushies I do have!

Starting off with Mario in a Santa Claus costume, way before Mario Odyssey! Though it makes sense for Mario to dress as another jolly, fat man with facial hair who wears red. He's got a Santa hat with his emblem on, a big white beard, a belt and even a sack. All of the essentials to dress as Santa. And just look at him, he's absolutely adorable! I love the little waving hand and the smile on his face.

He's also decently well made. Perfection isn't really expected for what are suppose to be cheap arcade plushies but this nice. Parts of it were made of felt like Mario's face, hair, facial hair and belt. Other parts are more velvet-like such as the hat and coat. The bag is more like a cotton-type material. The eyes are plastic and seem to be glued onto the plush. Fortunately most of this has been made by sewing or using really strong superglue... Well all except for the emblem on Mario's hat which is unfortunately iron on or some kind of sticker. I hate when this technique is used, it means these elements are more prone to cracking. But other than that, a really nice Mario plushie. Now onto Santa and Mario's most reliable animal companions, Rudolph being played by-

... Luigi? Yeah, this was an odd choice. You would have thought Yoshi would be dressed as a reindeer, in fact Yoshi does have a reindeer costume in Mario Kart Tour and plenty of promo art.

However this is still really cute! It's like Luigi's got a reindeer power up! After all this was after the frog, tanooki and hammer bro power ups were introduced so the Mario bros wearing animal costumes was nothing new.

I also really like Luigi's pose and face, it's like he's got a scared/surprised expression. Keep in mind this was way before Luigi's Mansion yet this along with many other examples were precursors to Luigi's lovable coward persona.

Yet despite Luigi's distinct expression, pose and overall design, it's still odd that they felt the need to put Luigi's emblem on his tummy. Did they think people wouldn't distinguish it as Luigi?... I guess this was before he was as popular as he is now. Also, yeah, the nose on his reindeer hat has been frayed. Not too surprising and it isn't too much of a downside. He's otherwise intact, including the iron on emblem on his tummy.

Fortunately Luigi does have something that Mario does not have which has been beautifully executed, the tag!

Typically the tags aren't anything special on plushies but not only are these ones connected to the plush with nice, golden strings, they have original art on them depicting the plushies by a log cabin. Such a wonderful attention detail that wasn't needed but very much appreciated. It's surprising that these tags haven't been posted online properly sooner.

Last but not least, we've got Yoshi! There is something distinct and unique about 90s Yoshi merchandise. He's always looking so chill with his eyes half closed, mainly due to the official Mario World promo art. Yet again, very adorable. I love the idea of him making himself warm and cosy in a giant Christmas stocking with the Santa hat emphasising the Christmas aspect of this plush. There's also a nice Christmas-themed print on the fabric used for the stocking, even if it's not necessarily Mario themed. Though between Angel Peach and the fact that the stocking has a church with a cross on top, this is probably the most religious Mario merchandise.

I love any type of merchandise that is unique. Something that seems like it would actually spice up my collection and actually add something different. This is definitely an example of that. For one the fact that the characters have a chibi design definitely makes them stand out compared to more recent Mario plushies that try to keep the characters more on model. In a way these remind me of the Mario and Luigi Nendoroids that came out many years later and I wish we got more stuff like that. But more importantly, the fact that Banpresto were allowed to experiment and create a set that isn't directly based on anything from the games. Santa Mario was never in a Mario game until Mario Odyssey and even Reindeer Luigi or Stocking Yoshi aren't based on anything. I love it! It makes them stand out more! It's a shame we don't get more stuff like this from Nintendo, but I really hope this does change. Game Freak lets Pokemon get recent Christmas and Halloween merchandise, why not stuff for Nintendo's series?

Anyways, if I don’t get the chance to say this later on, I hope everyone has happy holidays no matter what you celebrate!

[szopenhauer]

Do you like Chanel purses? no

When was the last time you had Pepsi? ages ago

Do you know anyone with exaggeratedly big muscles? not personally

What is your favorite endangered animall? elephant

Can you name someone with the same last name as you? my parents

Who was the last person to scream your name? ...

By the way, that wasnt meant to be perverted.  too late  I have no idea why I thought about that - no one ever screamed my name this way and nobody ever will :x

Do you struggle to articulate your thoughts and feelings? it seems Name something that you are doing tonight. nothing and I realized that I don’t want to go to sleep more than ever before, I just don’t want to wake up tomorrow and yet I’m scared of dying (suffering)

Do you like the smell of a barbecue? nah

Would you date an 18 year old at the age you are now? too young for me Are you more likely to show affection through your words or your actions? words I guess Do you have an easy time falling asleep? I wish Are you a crier? crybaby Do you like to wear makeup? no Do you have a high tolerance for people? pfft Do you like your bed? why not How many times have you been to the ER? few

Are you wearing shorts? basically never

Do you eat randomly, just whenever the hell you want? ...

Did you have trouble getting up this morning? yeah What’s a few things that automatically make you go, “Awww”? cute little dogs Do you have soft hands? Do you like holding hands? do I? I like to hold hands tho What’s your opinion on perfumes that are REALLY expensive?  dumb, I hate perfume but expensive - that is ridiculous! Have you ever really hated a teacher and practically made it clear you did? Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know. Are you a little bit cautious around horses? Do they scare you a bit? I’m just a cautious person in general  If you could live next door to ANYONE, who would you want to live beside? love of my life, I mean - we can live together but for now it would be cool if we were neighbors at least, you know what I mean? Do you think your friends are pretty? Do your friends think your pretty? what friends... Are you currently worried about your parents finding out about something? maybe mom about that one particular thing that starts on S and ends with X

What is your opinion on air pollution? less cars!

Were you forced to read ‘The Odyssey’ in high school? from what I remember

Who was the last person to come visit you? M.

When was the last time you shaved your legs? recently

Do you own any superhero shirts? nope

What is your opinion on the “Team Edward/Team Jacob” shirts? I dislike Twilight

If you had to teach a class, what would you teach? if I really had to then art

How did your parents meet each other? personal

What profession do you think is the most under-appreciated? garbage collectors, those who clean the streets or hospitals, postmen etc.

Have you ever drawn on someone while they were sleeping? don’t do that

Does time really heal all wounds? Or is that just a trivial saying? trivial saying

Where is your favorite place to take a nap? I don’t do naps but my bed

Would you rather lose all your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? not be able to make new

Have you ever swerved off the road to avoid hitting an animal? I don’t drive

What’s a tradition you hope never dies out? it’s a secret

Do you have any exes you’d consider dating again? I’m dating my ex 

Have you ever went a year without getting your hair cut? yes Do you think you could go a week without sugar? without sweets? I already do, I don’t even drink tea with sugar  Would you be willing to go one day each week without meat? absolutely Do you feel comfortable telling people how much you weigh? whatever Are you any good at sewing? I know basics Have you looked at any old photos of yourself lately? this year Do you carry a calculator around with you everywhere? I don’t need it that often Do you like to plan things out or just go with the flow? plan but not strictly

Do you garden at all? If so, what types of things do you grow? I help my parents which I find pointless because there is always much more work than results Do you consider cooking to be an art? when done right How many pairs of sunglasses do you own? too many considering that I barely wear ‘em ^^” Are you a fast or slow reader? fast Would you ever spend $500 on concert tickets? hell no Do you know anyone who looks like you? there was a gal who was similar to me on tumblr but younger than me, I lost contact with her  Do you get nervous when you go to the doctor?  yeah :( Are you a short tempered person? oh well...

Does it take a lot to gross you out? I’m easily grossed out  Last time you seen an ocean: never saw ocean in person Do you collect sea shells? not as much as I used to

What is one change you need to make in your life this month? lets not talk about it, ok?

Would you have sex with the last person you texted? done Are you planning on kissing anyone tomorrow evening? she’s gonna be busy working Do you require a lot of private time? yasss Have you ever told a guy you were a lesbian to get him to leave you alone? it’s because I’m a lesbian lmfao If you have a favorite television show, who’s your favorite character? in my most fav shows plot was more important to me than characters tbh, it’s hard to explain, I hope I’m not the only one who thinks this way haha but in Buffy I didn’t like Xander and Angel was annoying even though he was necessary, I wasn’t a fan of Faith and didn’t understand Riley existence in the universe, also Dawn changed a lot for worse but I swallowed it with patience, in Call the midwife I felt crappy when they took Chummy and Jenny away, I didn’t watch newest episodes so I have no idea who Lucille and Valerie are, I horribly miss sister Evangelina :(

What’s the best part about flying? don’t ask me, I’ve never been on a plane

Did you ever watch Sailor Moon? fragments

Chocolate or Vanilla ice cream? vanilla

If you had to get glasses would you wear contacts? I’d prefer glasses

Are mac’s really better than PC’s? I’m a PC gal

D0 y0u l1k3 t0 t@lk l1k3 a 5c3n3 k1d? *cringe*

When you were red and green clothes do you feel like a Christmas Tree? lol

What TV show has the best theme song? hard choice

New Year’s Plans? I don’t plan to live that long

Would you agree that Sex and The City is the best show ever? no way, I didn’t even care enough to watch one episode of it

Do you call your friends with red hair “ranga’s”? wtf

Have you ever been surfing? me? surfing? r u kidding?

Would you feel funny if you kissed somebody of the same sex? excuse me, I’m into women exclusively

Name a thing in your room that other probably don’t have in theirs: me ha!

What’s your best jacket like? comfy :3

What’s something you can cook or bake like a pro? nothing 

If you could pull off any hairstyle, what would it look like? I have couple of ideas ;)

What is the worst thing that happened so far today? my failed appointment as I didn’t get any answers nor help for my heart condition and allergies and that was the last attempt, I have no other ways of fixing things to survive next months, my life;s officially over, I only have suffering and fear left, I’m a burden and I want to kill myself sooner than food or cardiac arrest 

Did that ruin your day? it ruined my LIFE

What’s something good you’re looking forward to? sweet relieve of death?...

What’s something that you think is really cute?

*wish it was mine

Describe your feet: eww, why, better not

If you see somebody crying, do you start crying too? depends

How do you like your hoodies? oversized, without kangaroo pocket in front and/or a zipper, yuk

Is having to pee really badly worse than being really thirsty? it is to me at least

Were you a cute baby? I was a red haired potato

Are you talking to anybody right now? online 

How tall are your tallest socks? I kept my rainbow knee high socks but I don’t use them anymore

Are you waiting for a phone call? at night?...

Do you look forward to swimsuit season, or get really nervous? I was skipping swimsuit seasons for over 10 years until this summer - I bought the cheapest and went to stand/walk in the water and sit on a beach despite my insecurities 

If you could live for a year with any foreign family, where would you go? don’t wanna, scary

What do you wish people would pay you to do? browse the internet XD

Do you take good pictures? I try

Should you be doing something else right now? wash my hair, drink water, commit suicide - who knows

Did that question make you nervous? that question made me sad 

Why don’t girls like porn? some enjoy it 

Tell me a memory of this summer: this summer is all about romantic love, illnesses and nostalgy

Do you think it’s pretty when 100s of balloons are let loose into the sky? a waste but still pretty, sorry love, I know you’d be irritated so don’t worry - I will never do smth like that to ya

[cutiecrates]

Cutie Reviews: Kawaii Box June 19

I don’t have much to say for this one, but I decided not to include the prices and such. I know I probably should but I don’t actually know if it serves any purpose...

Word of the month: Ma-meido - Mermaid

Chocobar Z & Marukawa Kirby Mix’n‘Match Gum

This is unusual, I’m beginning with the snack items first. For this month we got 2 of them, the Kirby Gum and a Special Surprise Treat, something they also did last month, but it was a bonus item rather than a snack. So this is an item I’m semi-familiar with, pretty sure I had one before.

This is pretty much a chocolate umaibo; but it’s not of the Umaibo brand and they have their own chocolate flavor. This reminds me a lot of it, but it has a bitter aftertaste and it’s much thicker. It also brings to mind a chocolate breakfast cereal, it’s pretty yummy. But I wasn’t able to locate it on Blippo.com.

-----

Our next item is a delicious Kirby packaged gum set. Basically you have so many flavors of gum that you can chew separately or mix to get a new flavor, as you can see by the pic.  

I had this years ago back when it first came out and it’s essentially the same, but I noticed right away that before it only had 4 flavors (Yogurt, Mystery, Apple, and Orange), and you could make a few of the same combinations, one of which was actually cola, which was removed because it’s is a flavor now, along with white grape/muscat and soda.

Of course, being a curious person I sat down and tested everything; and once I did I still had a good amount left over. Here was what I thought: 

Cola - a little tangy, tastes like cola candy.

White Grape/Muscat - normal muscat/WG candy, but my tongue felt like I had a little salt on it from this one. No idea why. 

Soda - typical ramune or soda flavor, very yummy, hard to mess up.

Orange - tastes like orange tic-tacs. I loved these when I was little.

Apple - a sweet apple, delicious~

COMBINATIONS

Soda + Apple = Champagne - It was unique but I’m not sure if I liked it or not. It confused me.

Soda + Cola =  Gingerale - Same as above, and I’m not sure it reminded me of gingerale either.

Soda + WG/Muscat = Melon Soda - A strong melon taste with a hint of grape! Very tasty.

WG/Muscat + Apple = Wine - Weird -_- but it tasted better over time.

Apple + Orange = A fruit mix? - I mostly taste orange and couldn’t tell what it was supposed to be.

Soda + Apple + Orange = Vitamin Drink - It was very tasty with a strong citrus flavor.

WG/Muscat + Apple + Orange = Pear - Like the gingerale one, I found it hard to tell if I liked it and if it tasted like what it was meant to be. This one felt a little more successful to me, but I was still unsure.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

None of the flavors tasted badly, I really like them. The flavor lasts for a bit, maybe like 10-15 minutes; and weirdly enough, every piece I spit out had a really pretty pearlescent color and they all came in a different color of the rainbow! I’d recommend these; especially if you like Kirby!

Round Neko Plushie Charm

(Sorry about the items in the background~)

Our next item is an adorable plushie charm based on a round kitty. They’re the purrrfect size to roll around in your hands and squish on when you don’t have a squishy available or just want something different. They also come in a variety of cute kitty colors and patterns and they are completely stuffed with filling.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

As cute as the kitty is I have to admit, the face detracts a fraction of cuteness away from it in my opinion, but I still think it’s very sweet looking. It’s decent looking in terms of sew job and if you like firm plush then I think this would be a good one to get; but I prefer squishier, softer plushies and if you look at the picture, doesn’t the whole thing feel a little unbalanced? It might be easier to see in person, but it kind of bothers me a little.

Dreamland Puffy Stickers & Mermaid Nail Stickers

I love panda bears, so I thought this pastel themed sticker sheet we got was very cute! Besides the panda we also have cute flowers and clovers, birds, and bubbles. Oh, and if you’re wondering they’re sadly not scented.

Rating: ♥ ♥ 

This bothered me, because I ADORED these. But they get a 1 or 2 out of 10 on the puffy scale, they have a very slight puff to them in appearance, but when you press them they’re very hard. I find them ultra-kawaii but if you’re looking for actual puffy stickers, then you’re not going to be satisfied with these.

-----

Besides adorable panda clovers, we also get a cute mermaid themed nail sticker set by Snow Fox. Specifically these are their 3D Design Nail Stickers, due to have a 3D element in the form of cute little diamond accents. These are perfect for summer or if you just like mermaids; I especially love how they look like Ariel.

So.. because I didn’t use these yet, I decided not to rate them. Also, I’m pretty sure they’re just like any other sticker; there isn’t much you can say about them and you could probably use them on other things if you wanted to.

Aiko Little Mermaid Face Towel

As of late we have been getting adorable exclusive Kawaii Box/Blippo.com goods featuring the adorable Aiko-chan~ They always fit the theme and they’re made in really good quality too, I love them and it’s such a nice touch to personalize the box more x3 But you can also buy them off of Blippo.com. 

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

It’s on the smaller side, but it’s perfect for a hand and face towel/rag/wash cloth. The details are really nice, it’s spot-on with the theme, and it feels very soft, and it’s small size makes it very handy for putting into numerous things you might want to bring with you.

Little Twin Stars Key Cover

This item is a bit random (in my opinion) but it’s still cute! This is a Sanrio original item you just pop on over your keys to add a touch of adorableness every time you pop them out, and it includes a ball chain so if you don’t plan to use it for the intended purpose, you can just turn it into a cute charm or keychain. 

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I like Little Twin Stars, but Lala has always been my favorite out of the two. I was a little disappointed I didn’t get her, but I still think they’re both really sweet and adorable. The chain is good and the key cover is made from rubber with really nice, but simple and bright detail. It even has molded on writing on the back for the branding that looks amazingly crisp and clean.

Our Little Mermaid Notebook & Puffy Narwhal Sticky Notes

To go with our theme, we have these 2 cute writing stationery items by Tree in Art; a gorgeous mermaid notebook, which I’m sure you can tell is a lot bigger than what we usually get in these boxes; I was surprised! And it came in a few variations, all with a lovely watercolor/pastel theme.

The paper is basic lined, nothing fancy, but it has Discover Your Senses written on the bottom of each sheet. I like how it seems to go with the image.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

So I know you can judge paper quality by doing various things or using various pens and coloring tools on them- but I don’t really know paper at all, so I can’t really do that. But I mean, I didn’t notice anything wrong with the paper the one time I’ve used it thus far, I wish the pages were a little more decorative though to match the outside.

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I don’t really know anything of the Tree in Art brand, but so far I’ve been liking what we get. It’s very soft and sweet looking, like this puckered lip narwhal sticky note set o3o

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I really like the detail they put into the backing of these, you can see it in the pic right? It’s a very cute touch to go with the very cute sticky note image. I could see these floating around quite quickly in the office or school among friends~

Also, these tear very easy. Not easy enough that they won’t stick to each other, but easy enough there’s no issues tearing them off.

Kawaii Jellyfish Pen

Our last item, and one of my most favorites in this months box is an adorable Jellyfish themed pen :D besides having a cute, simple design on the tube using various pastels and pink tones, there’s an adorable jellyfish charm hanging from the top, the main attraction! The jellyfish feels like a light plastic and has fabric strands as the tentacles; it can also be taken off if you wish to turn it into a keychain, or a charm for a necklace or something.

The pen is a fine tip, and these came in a few color variations if I recall.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

I love love love it~ it’s so adorable and fun looking, and I love fine tip pens x3 you need to give them a few seconds to dry when using them, but they right so smoothly. It’s also really fun to use the pen and watch the jellyfish wiggle around on the tip.

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Content - 5 out of 5: I really liked this box, all the items were well-made and seemed thought out, and like usual we got a mix of things. I didn’t see any real quality issues or problems.

Theme - 4 out of 5: Only half of the box fit the mermaid/sea theme; but to be fair, the other half seemed to fulfill the fantasy side. Lately Kawaii Box has been confusing me with its themes and items, but I felt like this one was really obvious :3 perfect for summer too!

Total Rank: 9 out of 10 Cuties. Besides one or two little issues with a single item (and they were minuscule and only my opinion), I felt like this box really picked up the pace after the past two or three boxes. I liked them but with their confusing themes and lack of items fitting them, this one nailed it! Everything is really kawaii and fun, I’d recommend this box!

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

1. Mermaid Notebook - I love the gentle colors and overall sweetness of the cover. I do wish the pages were a little more matching with it, but I still really like it.

2. Jellyfish Pen - it’s so cute the way it sways around~

3. Narwhal Sticky Notes - Very cute, I love how decorative the clear backing is to go with them.

4. Kirby Gum - I love Kirby, and I really did like this gum so it was really fun to experience how it changed over time.

5. Aiko Hand Towel - Perfect for the summer season x3 Aiko-chan looks so cute. 

6. Dreamland Puffy Stickers - Very sweet and cute, they give me a dreamy vibe that I love to look at them; but I was disappointed by the lack of puffiness.

7. Mermaid Nail Stickers - They’re so pretty, I’m a little afraid to use them~

8. Chocobar Z - It was delicious~

9. Neko Plushie - I was surprised by this because I love cats. But I don’t know, I just wasn’t feeling it.

10. Little Twin Stars Key Cover - it’s cute but I don’t know when I’ll use it and I feel like out of everything its the least practical for me.

[amwritingmeta]

15 Questions 15 Mutuals

I was tagged by @fuckedupasusual @assbuttboyfriends @misskittyspuffy @nerdylittleshit @casismybestfriend - you guys are the bee’s knees. *heart eyes and thank you!*

Are you named after anyone?

I was named for the second star on the right. (okay no I’m not starting on a lie) (but I fervently wish I had been named after that star) (I also fervently wish the second star on the right actually was known as Annelie) (like how cool would that be?) (fuck I think my Peter Pan complex is showing)

When was the last time you cried?

Last night I had a dream that I was out at night walking around aimlessly in a strange city - I think I was lost, trying to find my way back to my hotel - and I was in this really rough neighbourhood and it was like the animals who have no homes had all come out after dark and they were malnourished and lonely and these two cats were huddling together and a really skinny dog was scavenging for food in a bag of trash and suddenly I was the only passenger on a bus that was driving really fast towards those two cats huddling in the middle of the road and the bus drove right over them even though I screamed for the driver to watch out - but they were okay - I just felt this overwhelming sorrow and I was crying then. Does that count? It’s technically the last time I cried.

Do you have kids?

I have eleven children. Oh, I’m not joking, but I’m making the statement wildly out of context. How what why you say? I’ve been a nanny, on and off, since I was 18 and I’ve taken care of 11 kids over the years, if you can believe that. (the Captain Hook complex comes with the gig)

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

I’m sorry what?

What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Well, before I can notice anything about them I gotta make sure they actually are people, right? I’m all with the holy-water-hand-washing and silver coins on the floor and coughing things that would antagonise them if they should prove not to be people, yeah? Can’t just look at someone and think, oh, a person, how nice. Jesus. Have you learned nothing? (fuck my trust issues are showing)

What’s your eye color?

Blue.

Scary movie or happy ending?

This question implies they are mutually exclusive and I take issue. ;)

Any special talents?

I’m exceptionally good at making pancakes. (I can mix the batter by heart and I inherited my grandma’s frying skills so) (nuff said is all I’m saying)

Where were you born?

In a hospital. I wish I could say something original like on a slope while my mum was out for her winter morning hike (my mum would not have been) or on the roof of our house because mum was so busy cloud-reading that she didn’t even register labour (my mum totally registered she was having baby pains like ow) (also wtf is cloud-reading?). Anyway. Truth it is, hospital it was.

What are your hobbies?

Hobbies are meant to be active, right? 

Have any pets?

I did. Thanks for reminding me I don’t anymore. Okay, sorry, I joke, kinda. I do still miss our cats like mad and it always feels a little empty going back home to visit my parents without our cuddly kitties there to lie on my face when sleeping or come tap me on the shoulder while sat at the computer. The little darlings.

What sports have you or do you play?

I don’t understand the question. This question should be what sports have you or do you like to watch, btw. Just throwing that in there. (hockey all the way)

How tall are you?

Tall. Majorly tall. Like so tall that I just put my hand up and reach ceilings everywhere all the time. I’m imposing. I’m telling you. I’m the friend you want to have next to you in a dark alley at night. Also, that’s because I know about how to look at people and not just think oh, a person, how nice. STREET SMARTS via SPN.

Favorite school subject?

Anything practical tbh. Like, seriously, on the real tip, I loved woodwork and sewing (we did have actual sewing class up until we were 16) and art. I don’t know, I guess the only class I ever really wanted to get the fuck out of was maths, and it wasn’t that I hated maths, we just had the most boring teacher everrrrrrr so I traded the points I would have made for my grade taking maths for the extra points I made joining the school choir. Yup. (stay in school kids) (or don’t) (or do and join the student body and work towards promoting change in the educational system because the politicians clearly don’t know wtf they’re doing no matter where in the world you’re attending school) (fuck yeah my sociopolitical eye rolling is showing like wtf is wrong with our leaders rn??) (we gotta step up and teach the clueless ones who drag down the clued in ones how the fuck to to their) (sorry)

Dream job?

I’m lucky enough that I’m doing one of my dream jobs atm, which is working as a reader (while keeping an eye on a couple of kiddies to actually make rent) but I’m also working my ass off calmly and collectedly towards being able to write full time. I have high flying and idealistic ideas of how stories can change us and how, if they can change us, then they can help change the world, too. We live our lives through narrative connection, trying to make sense of things, it’s how our brains are wired, so I can’t imagine not utilising narrative for purposes that go far beyond telling a straightforward story. This is, sincerely, the main reason for why I’m right here, right now, hooked on what SPN is doing. Did this question morph into my dream job being related to SPN? Hmh. 

I know some of you peeps probably don’t want to do this so feel free, of course, to ignore, but I’m tagging you: @elizabethrobertajones @studio82a @thevioletcaptain @blueskysammy @deletingpoint @daughter-of-the-rain-and-snow @when-in-doubt-sing @godshipsit @helianthus21 @purgatory-jar @myed89 @winchester-reload @elicedraws @wigglebox @mittensmorgul @kayanem @rosewhipped22 @paperwhitenarcissus and anyone who wants to join in, I would tag all of you, you know I would, and I’m sure I’m going to post this and then go oh I wanted to tag THEM too, so to everyone not on here - you should be. :)  <3

[delusionalllamacrusade]

The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, @emzurl! I am your Miraculous Ladybug secret santa! It has been my pleasure to create this for you, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Wishing you a happy, happy new year (n_n)

Big thanks to the folks at @mlsecretsanta for setting this all up!

Title: The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword

Pairing: Adrien/Marinette, Marinette/Chat Noir, Ladybug/Chat Noir, Ladybug/Adrien I mean it’s the lovesquare so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Summary: Marinette is in a design slump. Adrien is in a fencing slump. Maybe they can help each other out?

Chapter one is under the cut; read the rest here on AO3!

“Oh, no,” Marinette groaned as she raced along the streets of Paris.

“Marinette, slow down!” Tikki zoomed alongside her. “You’re going to fall!”

“Hide, Tikki! Can’t slow down, late for school!” Marinette panted. She couldn’t be late again. Between saving Paris and sewing new pieces for her latest design competition, Marinette hadn’t had much time to sleep, and it showed in the school attendance record.

Tikki zoomed into Marinette’s purse just as someone stepped onto the sidewalk in front of her. Her shoulder glanced them and she fell, sending her books flying across the pavement.

“Hey, watch where you’re going!” Marinette scolded, frowning up at the—

“Marinette! I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Man, I’m such a klutz.” Adrien Agreste flashed an apologetic smile and bent down to pick up Marinette’s books.

“Adrien!” Marinette sputtered, “No, I’m the klutz. I mean, I just— I ran into you, you shouldn’t— you don’t need to apologize.”

“Nah, I should’ve been more careful.” Adrien offered Marinette a hand. She accepted it, cheeks burning. “Come on, let’s get to class.”

By the time Marinette and Adrien reached the school, it was twenty minutes after first bell. Adrien had insisted they walk and enjoy the weather, but Marinette was sure he was just worried she’d fall again.

Ms. Bustier looked up from her desk. “Adrien, Marinette. Nice of you to join us,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

The class stared as the pair stood frozen in the doorway. The smug look on Alya’s face only worsened Marinette’s embarrassment.

“Sorry, Ms. Bustier.”

“Would you care to tell the class why you’ve both missed half the lesson?”

Marinette hesitated. She’d spent most of the night battling an akuma, but she couldn’t tell that to Ms. Bustier. She felt Adrien shift uncomfortably next to her.

“I stayed up too late,” they said in unison. Marinette immediately wished she could melt into the floor. Adrien laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

Ms. Bustier sighed. “You can’t keep being late like this, Marinette. You both have detention. See me after class.”

Marinette nodded and quickly followed Adrien to their desks, eager to have the class’s attention turned away from her. Ms. Bustier continued the lesson as Adrien turned around and mouthed, “Sorry.” Marinette shook her head and gave a small smile, ignoring Alya’s teasing nudge.

Despite Alya’s optimism that detention would be a great way for Marinette to spend time with Adrien, they’d spent the entire time so far sitting in silence. Marinette had decided to use the time to work on her latest piece, a formal skater dress that she planned to enter into one of the biggest design contests of the year - Gabriel Agreste’s youth fashion ball. The top ten contestants were invited to attend an exclusive gala with some of the most famous designers in the world, but with the entry deadline only a few weeks away, Marinette doubted she’d ever get to see it. She’d been trying to perfect the embroidery on the skirt for weeks, but nothing looked right. She was erasing her latest attempt, a row of sparrows flying along the hem, when Adrien appeared at her shoulder.

“Wow, that design is incredible,” he said, making Marinette jump. Her hand slipped and she smudged the design, making the sparrows look more like sad, little ghosts.

“Uh, thanks! I mean, I’ve designed better before, but— I’m glad you like it!” Marinette managed.

“Can I see your other designs?” he asked, already reaching for the notebook.

“Sure,” Marinette automatically replied as Adrien flipped through the book. He paused, looking closely at one of the larger sketches.

“Is that… me?”

Marinette’s eyes widened. She snatched the book back and stared at the drawing on the page. Sure enough, a boy in fencing gear was lunging across the paper, sabre in hand.

“Well,” Marinette stammered, “I was just trying to practice drawing different poses, and I was walking past the gym one day while you were training, and— I mean, I’m not stalking you. I promise. But—“

“My form is awful,” Adrien stared at the page, eyebrows drawn in. “I totally get what Monsieur D’Argencourt was saying.”

Marinette blinked. “What? No, your form is amazing! I just messed up the pose, it’s— it’s really my fault.“

“Thanks, Marinette.” Adrien smiled and shrugged. “But this one’s on me. I’ve been losing tournaments all month. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“Well, my drawings aren’t doing so great either.” Marinette sighed. “All my favorite designers are holding competitions this month, and I haven’t won a single one. I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever get over this slump.”

“Look at us. What a sight,” Adrien joked.

Marinette giggled, then paused, an idea slowly forming in her mind.

“Maybe we can help each other,” she ventured.

“Help each other how?”

“Let’s make a deal,” Marinette started, but before she could continue, Ms. Bustier looked up from the papers she was grading and shot the two a stern look. Adrien returned to his seat, and Marinette once again trained her eyes on her paper. She heard a soft scratching sound coming from Adrien’s desk, and then a small slip of paper appeared at her elbow.

What kind of deal?

Marinette glanced up at Adrien, who put a finger to his lips and winked. She wrote back.

If you win five tournaments by the end of the month, you get free croissants for a year.

Adrien smiled and wrote back. And if you win five design contests, I’ll convince my father to feature you on his website.

Marinette couldn’t believe it. Her designs, featured on Gabriel Agreste’s website? It was a dream come true. She slipped the paper back to him. These stakes seem pretty unfair.

You’re right, he wrote back, I’m getting a way better deal. If you win five design contests, I’ll get him to give you a spread in the next magazine. Shake on it?

Marinette’s heart skipped a beat. She smiled as Adrien held out his hand. She reached across her desk and shook it. As she turned her attention back to her design, he slipped one last note onto her desk.

Come with me.

Marinette looked up, confused, just as the last bell rang. Then Adrien grabbed her hand, and they were off into the sunny streets of Paris.

[argyle-s]

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME CHAPTER 4/?

Rating:  Mature

Read at Ao3

Start at the Beginning

After saving Alex's plane, Kara recruits Winn and Maggie to help her become Supergirl.

Update: This story has now been betaed by @ifourmindbeso.  Any remaining mistakes are entirely my own.

Chapter 4 - In the Light of Day “Pretty cool, huh?” Kara asked as she walked by Winn.

“A plane-saving lady?” Winn scoffed.  “How is the world supposed to take her seriously if she can’t even come up with a suit?  What…  Metropolis gets him and what does National City get?  Some rookie superhero?”

Kara laughed.  “Maybe she wasn’t expecting to save a plane last night.  Ever think of that?  Maybe she was out having drinks with a friend.  Or maybe, maybe she just needs her best friend’s mad cosplay skill to help her come up with a suit.”

Winn looked over at her.  “Seriously?  That’s what you’re going with?”

Kara shrugged.  “What?  You think having super powers automatically makes you know how to sew stretch knits?  Does every origin story come with a free serger?  Is there a super hero manual that explains how to pick bomb-proof fabric?”

“You’ve given this a disturbing amount of thought,” Winn said.

“Maggie got called in to work, so I went home early,” she said.

“Sorry.”

Kara shrugged.  “It happens.”  She turned her back to Winn and took a second to heat vision Cat’s Latte before announcing “She’s here.”

***

“I know many of you are used to being second best but it's new to me.  The most incredible event in the history of National City and yet we have no exclusive of any kind.”

“We don't have much to go on. The image we're working off is low res... I guess she's around 5'9”. It's tough to Gauge with her height measured up against an airplane.”

“Hair color brown. Or black.”

“Or maybe her hair is just dirty. You know, from soot. The plane exhaust,” James said, cutting off all the rambling.

“James, you make an excellent point. Do you think there's any connection between this hero and...” Cat asked.

“To my friend in blue? I don't know. I mean, not that he mentioned, but if she's anything like him, she's a hero.  Saving people is what they're born to do.  She'll be back.”

Cat smiled.  “Hmm. She better be. This girl is the answer. She is exactly what I need to save the Tribune. Besides fatty foods, there is nothing people love more than a hero. We are going to blow her up. We will feature her online and in the paper, but we need images, we need video, we need an interview, and exclusive content. So go. Go get me that girl. And, Keira... Go get me a lettuce wrap.”

Kara nodded, a smile on her face.  She’d forgotten just how good that little speech had made her feel the first time around.  How much confidence it had given her, especially after the fight with Alex the previous night.  She turned around and started to head out of the office, only to find James falling in beside her.

“It's funny,” He said.  “That was the first thing he did. Save a plane, I mean.”

“Must run in the family,” she replied as she walked over to Winn.  James gave her a slightly puzzled look as he headed for his office.

“Winn, come with me.”

“What?  Why?  Where?”

“The roof.”

“The roof?  What’s on the roof?”

***

Winn looked around nervously as Kara led him up onto the helipad.  Kara felt a little bad for him, because she knew he hated heights almost as much as Cat, but she also knew this was the only way to convince him.

“Hey, uh, just whatever you have to say, can you make it quick? I'm not really into being this high up,” he said.

“Listen, Winn, I'm going to tell you something about me that only a handful of people in my life know. Can I trust you to keep a secret?”

“Yeah, yeah, of course.”

“Good.  I just really need someone to be excited for me. There's something about me that for most of my life, I've kept hidden. But last night, I embraced who I am and I don't want to stop.”

“Um, Kara, I know you’re gay.”

Kara laughed.  “Please, like that’s a secret.  Winn, what I’m trying to tell you is, I’m her.  The woman who saved the plane.”

Winn stared at her for a moment, then he started laughing.  “Okay, that’s a good one.  You almost had me believing you were serious for a second there.  This is because I made fun of her for not having a suit, it’s it?”

Kara sighed and walked over to the edge of the building.

“Kara.  Hey, Kara, what are you doing.  No, stop.  Kara, you’re going to get hurt.”

Kara just pitched back off the edge of the roof, arms out, letting herself fall for a couple of seconds before she flipped over and shot straight up, flipping over again and coming down in the center of the helipad.

“Ta da!” Kara said.

“You’re her!” Winn shouted.  “Holy shit, you can fly!”

Kara gave him her widest smile.  “Yep.  And now I need my best friend’s mad cosplay skills to make me a suit, because Mom did not put a serger in my escape pod with me, and I do not know how to sew stretch knits.”

Winn nodded.  “Okay.  Yeah, okay.”

“The good news is I do have bomb proof fabric.”

Winn stared at her for a moment as a smile slowly spread across his face.  “This is gonna be so cool!”

***

The elevator opened and Kara stepped out, rushing as fast as she could and wishing she already had her Supergirl suit because it would have made getting Cat’s lettuce wrap a thousand times easier.  Of course, it would probably have been faster if she hadn’t taken the little detour to reveal her secret to Winn, but that had been necessary.  She was not doing this without her support structure, which in the first few days had consisted entirely of Winn.

Of course, that was before Kara had deliberately rigged the game.  Which probably explained why Maggie Sawyer was standing next to her desk when she walked into the bullpen, talking to Cat Grant.

“Hello, Ms. Grant,” Kara said as she approached them.

“Keira,” Cat said, turning around with a somewhat predatory smile on her face.  “You didn’t tell me you were dating a member of NCPD’s finest.”

“Well, that’s because we’re not dating, though I do appreciate the vote of confidence in my game.  Also because you’ve never shown any interest in my love life before.” Kara held up the bag with Cat’s lunch.  “Your lettuce wrap.”

She turned to Maggie.  “What brings you to CatCo?”

Maggie held up a large paper bag.  “You left your purse and jacket at the bar,” she said.

“Oh,” Kara said, trying to give her face just the right about of panic.  “Thank you.  I went back for them and they were gone…”

“Well, I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I let your things get stolen, would I?”

Kara felt Cat watching the back and forth and knew the woman was picking up that there was a lot more going on, which was actually helpful in the long run, but inconvenient in the short term.

“Ms. Grant, would you mind if I took a few moments to talk to Detective Sawyer?”

“Oh, no.  Not at all.  After all, she was nice enough to return your things.  Which you left in the bar, where you were not on a date,” Cat said.

Kara blushed about five shades of red as she realized Cat thought she had caught her in a booty call.

“Thank you,” was all she said.   She gave a small nod to Maggie, then turned and lead her towards the nearest conference room.

“So,” Kara said, as she closed the door behind them.

“That was you,” Maggie said.             

“Yeah.”

“So, are you and Superman...?”

“He’s my cousin.  Younger cousin.”

“Younger.”

“Yeah.  It’s a long story, but the basics are, he came straight here, while my pod got knocked off course.  I spent twenty-four years in suspended animation before my guidance system rebooted.  The long version is a bit more complicated than that, but there are not enough tissues in the room for me to go through the entire thing.”

Maggie shook her head.  “You know, back when we met, you told me you had trouble finding someone with shared life experiences.  I figured there was a bad break up, or maybe a girlfriend who died or something.”

“Hey, I told you you’d have to come to Thanksgiving dinner to unlock my tragic backstory.”  Maggie laughed, and Kara found herself smiling a bit at that, but she kept going.  “Look, Maggie, things are about to get really, really nasty.  Superman and I, we weren’t just nobodies on Krypton.  We’re both the heirs to dozens of dynastic titles, and because we’re the last survivors of those houses, all of their enemies will be coming for us.  What’s more, my mother was the Kryptonian equivalent of a federal prosecutor and a federal court judge and when Krypton died, more than one of our prisons was broken open.  Now that they know I’m alive, the criminals my mother sent to those prisons are going to be coming straight for me.”

“The smart thing for you to do would be to go home and forget what you saw in that alley last night.  Pretend it never happened.”

Maggie looked at her for a moment, then shook her head.  “Fuck that,” she said.  “You went out last night and exposed yourself to all of that to save lives.”

“My sister’s life, Maggie.  My sister was on that plane.  It was not an unselfish gesture.”

“Yeah, but what about next time, and the time after that, and the time after that?  I’ve seen the good your cousin has done over the years, the lives he saved.  If you’re anything like him, this city, hell, the whole world needs you.  And if I can help, what kind of person would I be if I refused?”

Kara smiled, and held out her hand.  “Welcome to the team,” she said.

***

Of course J’onn was waiting for her when she got home.

“You can’t be here,” she hissed as she walked towards him.  “What if Alex shows up?”

“She won’t,” he said.  “I’ve got her putting together a tac team whose job it will be to bring you in for questioning.”

“Yeah, I figured that was coming,” she replied as she stepped by him and unlocked the door.  “You couldn’t just drive over with her and let her introduce you.  By Rao’s light, you are such a drama queen.

“We need to talk,” he said as he followed her inside.

“No, actually we don’t. I’m expecting company, so please, skedaddle.”

“Skedaddle?  What kind of word is that?”

“One I picked up from someone I probably shouldn’t have been hanging around with in the first place, but there it is.  Now, I’m serious.  Winn and Maggie will be here any minute.”

“Did you know about the bomb?”

“You seriously think I would have let my sister get on a plane if there was any danger she’d get hurt?” Kara asked, and she felt just a bit guilty, because she *had* done just that, but only because she already knew how it would turn out and had taken every precaution to make sure her sister was safe.

“No, but I can’t help but feel like you knew this was coming.”

“I knew something was coming.  I heard Vartox had been at the airport about two minutes before I got word about the plane being in trouble.”

“Vartox did this?

“Unless Aunt Astra sent two assassins to National City at the same time.”

“Great. I’ve read his file.  He’s a nasty piece of work.”

“Yes, he is.  But he’s also predictable.  He likes carnage, but he’s a planner, and he’s obedient.  He’ll check in with his control before he moves again.  We’ve got a couple of days.  I doubt he’ll move again before Monday.”

“I take it you have a plan?”

“I do.”

“Want to share?”

“Yeah, I’m going to kick his ass, then let him go.”

“What?”

“I need to get a message to Astra.  When Vartox comes after me, I’ll give him the message, and then you move in a strike team to drive him off.  We’ll give him time to report the message back, then take him down for good.”

“I hate that plan,” J’onn said.

Kara shrugged.  “Yeah, well… that’s because it sucks, but it’s the best plan I’ve got right now.”

“That’s encouraging,” J’onn said.

“Well, if I can just get her the message, we might be able to end this without bloodshed.”

“I don’t see that happening.”

“Honestly, neither do I.  The Coluan is going to have to be put down.  Probably my uncle Non as well.  The others though, we might be able to negotiate a conditional surrender.  Bring them into the fold.  That many Kryptonians working for the DEO would be a hell of a response force come the day.”

“It would be, if we can trust them.”

“If I can bring Astra around, we’ll be able to trust anyone she vouches for.”

“I don’t suppose you want to tell me where you’re getting all your information.”

“Doesn’t matter.  The well ran dry the moment a picture of me hit the news.  I can make a few predictions based on how well I know the players, but one of the reasons I haven’t fed you more names over the last year is the risk of poisoning the well, which is exactly what I did when I caught that plane.”

“I knew you were holding out on me.”

“Yeah, well, someday I hope you’ll forgive me, but if we had pushed them into accelerating their time table, it wouldn’t have been good.  Alex wasn’t ready, the DEO wasn’t ready, and honestly, I’m not ready, but I should be if Vartox will hold off until Monday morning.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

Kara shrugged.  “I fight him in my yummy sushi pajamas and a pair of bunny slippers.”

“That’s not funny.”

“No, it’s not, but right now, I’m not too far from that.”  Kara said.  “One other thing.  I’m going to need to you work up a security clearance on Jimmy Olsen.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m pretty sure my baby cousin is a blabber mouth, and spilled the beans about me.  Olsen has been dropping hints.  He’s about as subtle as a coyote with an anvil, but he’s been working with Kal for eleven years or so.  If he already knows who I am it makes sense to read him in on it.”

“Sometimes I hate when you’re right.”

“Well, I’m right about you needing to leave.  Winn’s just pulled up downstairs, and I need to help him carry in the sewing machines.”

“Sewing machines?”

“If you’re gonna fight a war, you gotta wear a uniform.”

“Did you just quote Captain America to me?”

***

“She’s not flying around the city, fighting aliens in that,” Maggie said as she looked at the first design sketch Winn held up.

“Oh, come on, it’s great,” Winn said.  He turned to look at Kara, and she just looked right back at him, completely ignoring the puppy dog eyes.

“She’s not wrong,” Kara said.  “I wouldn’t wear that to the beach.”  She took a drink of her orange juice, then asked, “And where’s the cape?”

“Capes are lame.  You can tell your cousin I said so.  Actually, never, never do that.”

“Lame or not, capes make you more maneuverable when you’re flying,” Kara said.

“Really?” Maggie asked.

Kara nodded.  “The extra drag helps you corner tighter.  Also, the fabrics we’ll be using could insulate a fusion reactor, and serve as a micro-meteor barrier, so I’ll be able to wrap them around someone to protect them from fire, explosions, stray bullets.  You name it.”

“Okay,” Winn said.  “So, we’ll go with a cape.”

Kara nodded. “And don’t forget the El coat of arms,” she said.  “When I go out there, I want people to know who I am.”

Winn nodded.  “You know, now that I think about it…”  He started flipping through his sketch book until he found something.  He turned it around, and Kara smiled.  It wasn’t quite right, but it was clearly a working sketch of her first suit.

“We’d go with blue,” Kara said.

“Of course, but we’d do the skirt in red,” Winn said.

“Black sheer tights underneath,” Kara said.

“You really wanna go save the day in a skirt?”  Maggie asked.

“I like the skirt,” Kara said.  “I think it’s cute.”

“Okay,” Maggie said.

Kara could tell she wasn’t quite convinced, but that really didn’t matter.  She wanted the original suit, because anything else would remind her too much of the war, and what it was like after Cadmus.  After things started going south.

“I don’t like the boots though,” Kara said, turning back to the sketch.

“Yeah,” Maggie said.  “You’re going for superhero, and Doc Martens are about two decades out of fashion.”

“Hold on,” Winn said.  He flipped over a couple of pages, and held up a sketch of a pair of knee boots.  “How about these?”

Kara smiled.  “Those are perfect.  Can you put pockets in the boots for my phone and some other things?”

“Sure,” Winn said.  “I do have one question though.”

“What’s that?”

“If this fabric is so tough, how are my dinky little sewing machine and serger going to work it?  Heck, how am I going to cut it?”

Kara smiles.  “Oh, did I forget to mention that?”

“Mention what?” Winn asks with more than a little trepidation.

“Konex,” Kara said.

“Yes, Lady Kara,” a disembodied voice replied, causing Winn and Maggie both to jump, just a bit.

“End stealth mode,” Kara said.

“Whoa!” Winn shouted as he jumped up from his seat and backed away from the gold and silver robot appeared out of thin air above the table where he was sitting.  “That’s… um… that’s…  Kara, what is that?”

Kara laughed.  “This is Konex,” she said.  “Konex, scan and approve for level two command access.  Winn Schott Jr.  Formal address, Mr. Schott, familiar address, Winn.  Konex, scan and approve for level two command access, Detective Sergeant Margaret Sawyer.  Formal address, Detective Sawyer, familiar address, Maggie.  Addendum.  Detective Sergeant Margaret Sawyer is tier four law enforcement.  Set ancillary privileges as appropriate under Earth, United States of America, State of California and National City laws.  Addendum.  Mr. Schott and Detective Sawyer are pledged allies of the House of El.  Access Levels House General, Cadet Branch General, Cadet Branch Compartment Three.  Approval Code, Kara, El Mayarah, Su-Von.”

“Acknowledged.  Greetings Mr. Schott, Detective Sawyer.”

“Um… hi,” Winn said.

“Hello,” Maggie said.

“Konex and his brothers Kolex, and Kelex are tier four cyber constructs.  Konex was my personal attendant when I was growing up.”

Kara watched Winn’s face, and could tell he was torn between being slightly frightened, and completely fascinated.

“You had a flying robot butler?”

“Butler, doctor, teacher, playmate.”

“That is so cool,” he said as he stepped forward, reaching out and stopping just short of touching Konex.  “You’ve had him all this time?”

“No,” Kara said.  “The original body was destroyed along with the rest of Krypton.  But Konex is technically software.  His memories had been downloaded into a storage unit on my ship.  I had Kelex, Superman’s attendant, build a new body for Konex about a year ago.  Konex built Kolex a couple of months ago so I could bring him back here while Kolex runs my secret lair.”

What Kara didn’t add, because it would have needed weeks of explanation, was that she hadn’t even known about Konex or the sanctuary crystals stored in her pod until nearly a year after Myriad.  She’d asked Kal about how he built the Fortress, and he’d told her about the set of crystals hidden in his pod.  She’d gone and asked the hologram of her mother why she wasn’t given a set, and the hologram had politely explained to her that she was, and they were still stored in her pod.

Having her own Fortress, which she’d dubbed Sanctuary, tucked in neatly a couple of hundred miles off the California coast had seriously upped her Superhero game.  It had also given her, J’onn and Alex a place to operate out of after the situation with the DEO had gone south in the fallout from Cadmus.

“Wait, secret lair?” Winn asked.  “You have a secret lair, and you didn’t share?”

Maggie just shook her head.

“Well, it would have been a little hard to explain why I had a secret lair without mentioning the part where I’m an alien.”

“Yeah, that’s actually a good point.  I’m not sure I forgive you though.”

“Yeah, yeah.  You say that now, but wait until Konex shows you the Kryptonian fabric extruder.”

***

Kara stared out into National City from the roof of her apartment building, listening to the sounds, letting it all wash over her.  She didn’t open herself to much, because if she did, she’d hear the cries for help, the pain, and the struggles.  Noises she hadn’t been entirely able to ignore for the last year.  She had dozens of rescues under her belt, starting with the eight campers who’d died in the California wild fires a year earlier in the original timeline.  Her super-speed, and a few tricks she’d learned from Barry, Oliver, and Bruce over the years had kept her from drawing too much attention.  She suspected NCPD and NCFD might be scratching their heads over some of the things she’d done.  Muggers suddenly hanging from a street lamp by half a roll of duct tape.  Fires that mysteriously went out before the fire department arrived.  A mud slide that froze solid in the middle of summer, fifteen feet from the road, giving them time to finish an evacuation before it thawed enough to be a hazard.

She couldn’t help it.  She’d been Supergirl for so long, even a war across dozens of different universes couldn’t take the desire to help away from her and now that she was almost there, almost to the point where she could help out in the open again, every moment she wasn’t helping weighed on her.

“You okay?” Maggie asked from behind her.

Kara nodded.  “Yeah.  I suppose it might not seem that way, but I am.”

“That’s good,” Maggie said.  “You wouldn’t do anyone any good out there if your head wasn’t in the game.”

“I know,” Kara said.  “Experience was a bitter teacher on that point.”

“Sounds like there’s a story there.”

“Not one I want to remember,” Kara said, and it really wasn’t.  Barry had tried to talk her out of fighting the day after Alex had been killed, but Kara hadn’t listened, and the results had been ugly.

“I keep thinking you’re too young, you can’t possibly know from experience, but something tells me you do.”

“I am a ruined vessel of sorrow and regret.  But I am free.”

“Something from Krypton?”

“No.  Mass Effect 2.  Winn made me play the whole trilogy.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“You’d like it, it’s a series of video games about a Lesbian Space Cop, her partner, who’s a dinosaur rooster thing, and her hot blue archeologist girlfriend.”

“Sounds like something the little troll would be into.”

“Nah, he plays the male version of the main character, and hooks up with the gay shuttle pilot in the third game.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.  Winn’s bisexual.  He’s just…  He’s not perfect, there’s a hell of a lot more baggage there than you’d think, but after I told him I was gay, he never once made so much as a suggestive comment.”

“I think that outfit he tried to put you into counts.”

Kara laughed.  “Yeah, you should see some of the ones he’s drawn my cousin in.”

“Oh,” Maggie said, right before she giggled.  “Did he show them to you?” she asked, barely able to hide the mirth in her voice.

Kara frowned, not getting the joke.  “Yes?”

“Oh, to be a fly on the wall when he makes the connection…”

Kara’s jaw dropped, and after a second, they both exploded into a fit of laughter.

“Oh, God,” Kara said, “I needed that.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Maggie said.  “You looked like you had the weight of the world on those unfairly muscular shoulders.

Kara raised an eyebrow.  “Don’t tell me you’ve got a cape crush.”

“No, no, no.  I adore you Kara, but you are definitely not my type.”

“Not into aliens?” Kara asked.

“Actually, Darla is a Roltikkon,” Maggie said.

“Wait, you mean to tell me the girl you’ve been crying on my shoulder over on and off for four months is a telepathic alien?”

Maggie shrugged.  “Yeah,” she said.  “That’s how I found out she was cheating on me.  When you can read someone’s mind every time you kiss, sooner or later, stuff like that comes out.”

“I’m sorry,” Kara said.

Maggie shrugged.  “I’m over it, thanks in large part to this really friendly Kryptonian who let me cry on her shoulder.”

Kara smiled.  “Glad I could help.”

“I need you to promise me something, though,” Maggie said.

“What is it?”

“What you’re doing.  It can’t just be about humans.  There are a lot of aliens here, and they don’t have any recourse.  No way to seek justice.”

“I know,” Kara said.

“Do you?” Maggie asked.  “I don’t mean to be harsh, Kara, but you pass for human every day.”

Kara reached out and took Maggie’s hand, giving it a squeeze.  “I know, Maggie.  Trust me.”

“Okay,” Maggie said.

Kara looked away, staring out into the city.  “I didn’t want to do this alone, Mags.  Not like my cousin.  It’s easier for him.  He was born on Krypton, but he doesn’t remember.  He didn’t watch it die.  I have issues.  Anger.  Rage.  I sometimes, I forget that I can’t let those out.  That I’m not normal.  I need help, people who know me, who can remind me what it means to be a hero when all I want to do is tear someone apart.  That symbol that Winn is sewing on my costume, it’s the Ancient Kandorian Glyph for a word that literally means hope, but it also stands for my family’s motto.  El Mayarah.  It means ‘stronger together’.  But the person I want with me the most isn’t ready to accept this.  Not yet.  I thought… hoped you and Winn could be that for me, be the people I drew strength from, but it wasn’t fair of me to ask you.  You don’t owe me anything.  You can still walk away.”

“No, I can’t,” Maggie said.  “Kara, whatever else you are, you’re family.  You have been since the night I met you.  I’m not sure why I felt that way about you so quickly, but I did, and I do.  I’m here for you.  But we’re going to do this the right way.  No back alley beat downs.  No Star Chamber justice.  We do this in the light of day.”

“I can’t promise that,” Kara said.  “The part about the light of day.  There are reasons I’ve stayed hidden, and some of them are pretty scary.  And there are times even police don’t tell the public the entire story, to avoid causing a panic, or because it will lead to reprisals against innocent people.  I’ll promise you though, that if I hide something, it will be because there’s a good reason.”

“Those prisoners you mentioned?”

Kara sighed and gave the city one last look.  “Come on downstairs.  Winn deserves to know what he’s getting himself into just as much as you do, and I don’t want to tell this story twice.”

***

“How do I look?” Kara asked as she stepped into the living room.

“Good,” Winn said, smiling at her from his spot on the couch.

“He’s right.  I’m still reserving judgement on how practical the skirt is, but it definitely has style.”

“The swagger helps,” Winn said.

“Yeah,” Maggie agreed.  “The swagger definitely helps.”

Kara turned around, looking at herself in the mirror.  The suit was nearly identical to her original Supergirl outfit.  The only real difference was the hidden pockets in the boots.  The original suit only had one for her phone.  This one had two phone pockets, one for money, and one which held an anti-kryptonite shield.  She hadn’t told J’onn about that last one, because if she had, she wasn’t sure he’d have given her the kryptonite in the first place.  She knew J’onn had come to trust her, but this J’onn was still the J’onn that she’d known her first few months at the DEO.  The J’onn before he confronted the White Martian.

She stopped and took a deep breath.  So many of the befores were going away soon and she could start rebuilding her family.

She turned around.  “What have you got for me?”

“Car chase on the 112 Freeway,” Maggie said.  “You in?”

Kara smiled, remembering how this went the first time.  “I got this,” she said.  “Konex, you ready?”

“Yes, Lady Kara,” it said as it vanished into stealth mode.

“Wait, you’re taking him with you?” Winn asked.

“How else do you expect a live camera feed,” Kara said before she launched herself out of the window.

***

Her first time living through this day, Kara was still a weak flyer.  She was running on instinct alone, and didn’t have the advantage of a cape to aid with maneuvering.  When she’d tried to catch the car, she’d flown into an embankment when it cut a corner far too sharp for her.  This time, she had years of combat flying experience under her belt, and could turn on a dime at anything less than supersonic speeds.  When the car skidded around the corner, Kara took the turn without a second thought, and put on just a bit of altitude.  She used her X-Ray vision to aim, then used her heat vision to cut the battery cable on the car.  A few seconds later, she landed next to the car as it rolled to a stop, jerked the door open, and pulled the driver out, dragging him to the rear, and bending him over the trunk.  As the cops approached, she gave him a quick once over with her X-Ray vision, then turned to the closest of the cops.

“He’s got a knife in his right boot,” she said.  “Don’t forget.”

The cop nodded as she stepped back, only letting go one the man had the suspect’s arms secured.  She tapped her fingers to her forehead, a quick acknowledgment, then kicked off, taking to the sky again as she took flight.

“Okay, what else have you got for me?” she asked.

***

Kara ducked through the window of her loft, smiling as she caught a whiff of fresh pizza.  She’d circled the block twice while Winn was paying the delivery guy, but now that the coast was clear, she was eager to eat.  Konex followed her in through the window and decloaked once he was safely inside.

“Hey!” Winn said.  “A car chase, three ambulances carried to the hospital, a mugging, and a bank robbery.  Not bad for your first day.”

“Not bad at all,” Kara said.  She looked around, and frowned.  “Where’s Maggie?”

“She left right after the bank robbery,” he said.  “Said she got called in to work because apparently there’s some alien flying around playing superhero.”

Kara signed.  She’d been looking forward to sharing their success with both Winn and Maggie, but she couldn’t blame Maggie for having to work.

“Pizza?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Winn said, pointing to the table. “Five extra larges.”

Kara laughed.  “Flying burns a lot of calories,”

“Man, I always wondered where you put it all before, but I’m guessing your appetite is just gonna get bigger, isn’t it?”

Kara nodded as she picked up two of the pizza boxes.  She didn’t even bother with a plate.  She just carried them over to her sofa and plopped down, flipping open the top box and digging in.

“So, are we done for the day?” Winn asked.

“You have plans?”

“No,” he said.  “But I was going to see if I could borrow Konex for a bit.”

“What for?”

“I wanted his help with my Winter Soldier outfit,” he said.  “Most of it is really easy, but the metal arm is a pain.”

“Tell you what,” Kara said.  “If you can show Konex how to tie into 911 dispatch, along with police, fire and ambulance dispatch, as well as the emergency broadcast network so he can run superhero central when you’re not around, he’ll help you with your costume.”

“Awesome!” Winn said.

“No Kryptonian technology though,” Kara said in her Supergirl voice.  Winn’s face fell slightly, but Kara ignored it.  She knew she was going to have to introduce several Kryptonian technologies to the world at large, but she was going to do that in a very carefully controlled way, and she needed to make sure the patents stayed in friendly hands.  That meant either Wayne Enterprises or Themyscira Enterprises.  Letting Winn use any Kryptonian tech risked Maxwell Lord, Simon Tycho, or Lillian Luthor getting their hands on it.

The two of them ate in companionable silence for a while, and Kara used the time to rest for the confrontation she knew was coming.

“Four-alarm fire at Gates and Igle.”

The sudden sound made Winn jump, but Kara had been expecting it.  She swallowed her last bite of pizza, and stood up.

“Konex, stay here with Winn.  Let him show you how to run the equipment, and incorporate as many functions as possible into your internal hardware.  Winn, after this, we will be done for the night.  Let Maggie know, then, go home and get some sleep.”

“See you tomorrow?”

“I’ll text you,” Kara said as she jumped out of the window.

[andtheyweredeskmates]

Coffee Shop AU

Dunn Bros Coffee shop was the most relaxing environment Marinette could manage to find in her busy city. It was nestled in between the quiet back alley of a road that encased the definition of bustle, and a neighborhood that screamed snotty. But Dunn’s had a way of repelling the noise and excitement. Upon walking in there was the distinct smell of coffee and relief that hit just right so that all the kinks in Marinette’s neck seem to ease out with a sigh. She walked in, dropped her things in her seat and ordered her coffee at the counter. Dunn’s just seemed to be an unspoken gathering of fantastic human beings. Not that Marinette would really know. The most she ever spoke was to the barista when she ordered her usual although sometimes even ordering required no words. Tim always knew what she needed and that included when her eyebags indicated the necessity of a double shot. There was the occasional smile between her and the hot blonde boy who sat in the corner near the window but when she walked into Dunn’s it was because she had work to do. She didn’t come in for the company, though the quiet warmth that lingered was welcoming and enticing. When she was especially overwhelmed she’d take her headphones out and people watch to the folk music that played in the background. But that only happened once a week and typically for about 10 minutes before her anxiety overtook her and she had to get back to the problem. Problem, typically taking the form of an also anxiety-stricken boss. 

Marinette loved her job. Truly. She was constantly surrounded by beauty and fabric and sketch pads and creativity. But where the creative mind took shelter, so also did the chaotic mind. Every day she was met with impossible dead lines and over the top dramatic break downs and every day Marinette met the dead line and endured the responsibility of comforting the most ridiculous of people. Most of her work was done to satisfy the mainstream and Marinette took comfort that there were plenty of people wearing what she designed. But her true passion lay in creating something new and unseen. Her boss called it an “adorable hobby” but prompted her to spend her time researching what was being demanded. 

Dunn’s seemed to accept that she had deadlines and anxiety and crazy people in her life and just let her be. She loved that about Dunn’s. So sitting her usual corner booth with coffee overpowering her nose and music filling her ears, Marinette sat content and continued her work. She did all the paperwork, matched all the right designs, and even whipped out her sewing kit to fix a stitch on a blouse that had been bothering her all day. She found time and peace to do all the things she needed to do. She glanced around the coffee shop, her eyes drifted aimlessly to the hot blonde boy who sat in the corner near the window. She didn’t know anything about him. Just that he was hot, blonde, a boy, and that he always sat in the corner near the window. Usually alone. But not today. Today there was another blonde though she did not look as particularly kind as the hot blonde boy who sat in the corner near the window. She had an impenetrable attitude that said she deserved to be worshipped and she knew it. Sometimes Marinette wished she could carry confidence like that. She knew she was pretty and she knew other people thought so but she didn’t know how to make it work for her or how to get the right people to notice. 

Marinette watched the two for a few minutes, trying to decide their dynamic. There was a certain mutual admiration. The confident blonde girl that sat in the corner near the window, touched the hot blonde boy that sat in the corner near the window often. She squeezed his hand, affectionately ran her fingers through his hair, smoothed wrinkles from his shirt almost subconsciously. Marinette wished she could see the hot blonde boy’s face. He seemed to hide it in the corner near the window. It was obvious he did not mind the confident blonde girl but without seeing his eyes Marinette could not determine if he enjoyed it. 

With the shake of her head, Marinette snapped out of her daze. It did not matter if he enjoyed it. It did not matter who they were, what they did, or why they did it. She didn’t know them so it certainly was not her business. Marinette floated to the counter debating if she really should have another coffee. She was so used to having late nights she was unsure of what the caffeine protocol was when there was a possibility of sleep. The barista, Tim, cocked his head a little. 

“Are you confused?” Marinette just chuckled nervously. 

“Sorry, it’s just, I finished my work and I don’t know what to do.” Tim chuckled back. 

“Well typically people relax. Or go home.” Marinette nodded. 

“Home isn’t as relaxing as here.” Tim just smiled. 

“Well I can understand that. I’ll make you a cup of peppermint hot chocolate. Caffeine isn’t good for sleeping.” He turned around without another word and carried out his task. Marinette didn’t dare question him. Other people knew better how to do “normal” than she. While she waited, her eyes wandered back to the blonde pair in the corner near the window. She still couldn’t see the blonde boy’s face. She found herself wishing that the blonde girl would leave. Marinette laughed to herself. 

Leave it to her to get attached to people she didn’t even know. She thought about saying hello to the boy. There was a certain comradery there. They always saw each other sitting in their respective seats and Marinette always daydreamed about him when she had the time. But Marinette wasn’t good with strangers and she especially wasn’t good with hot strangers. Alya would probably laugh if she heard what Marinette was thinking. 

“Girl,” she would say. “That’s literally your job, to deal with hot strangers.” But most of the people she worked with weren’t really strangers. Most of the models she worked with were the same to the point where she kind of felt like she knew them all. And she understood it. They had impossible standards to meet and incredible pressure. They were concerned about doing their job and doing it right. It wasn’t their fault it required them to be obsessed with their image. Maybe a little too obsessed. 

“One peppermint hot chocolate for Marinette.” There she was, daydreaming again. She went to grab her drink when her phone started ringing. Her boss. 

“Hello?” She thanked Tim silently and picked her drink up from the counter. 

“Marinette!? Where the hell are you? Your deadline was fifteen minutes ago?” 

“What are you talking about Audrey?” 

“The lingerie line! The one we were presenting to Gabriel Agreste next month? Don’t tell me you forgot?” 

“Of course not Mrs. Bourgeois, I gave it to my assistant yesterday to send to you this morning.” 

“Well, its not here!” Marinette sighed. 

“I’m coming. I’ll be there in just a minute.” She hung up the phone and hurried to her corner gathering her things. Another restless night. Same shit, different day. … 

“So Adrien, did hear about the line my mother is doing for your father?” Adrien took a sip of his coffee. 

“No, what is it Chloe?” That was lie but it was best to just let her talk. 

“It’s a lingerie line. Mother says if I lose a few inches around the waist I might get to model one of the designs at the launch party in a few weeks. Isn’t that great?” “

Chloe you don’t need to lose a few inches around the waist. You look fine the way you are.” Chloe rolled her eyes. 

“You know for someone in the industry you seem to know nothing about fashion. Women need to be at least a size zero to look good in anything. Anyone who knows anything knows that.”

“Then maybe designers should make things that actually look good on normal people.” Chloe sighed. 

“You could try being at least a little bit supportive Adrien.”

 “I am!” Adrien protested.

 “No you’re complaining again about how unfair life is. ‘Woe is me, my father is a world famous designer and all his designs are so exclusive, the humanity’!” Chloe mocked Adrien, a hand to her forehead in fake distress. 

“Now who’s not being supportive?” 

“Whatever. I have to go. Try not to mope to much while I’m gone, You’ll get worry lines.” Chloe ruffled Adrien’s hair as she walked away. Adrien sighed. He looked to the opposite corner and saw that Marinette was gone. He knew her but she didn’t seem to know him so he felt awkward saying hi. He knew that she designed for Chloe’s Mom. His father spoke highly of her. He even commissioned that lingerie line from Marinette herself. Not that he would tell Chloe that. It was obvious that she was too wrapped up in her own little world to think much of anyone outside her bubble. 

Adrien checked his phone. 

1 New Message. 

DJ Bubbler: Dude you have to come over, I found a black cat on my patio and I don’t know what to do with it! 

Adrien laughed. Same shit, different day.