#I was called Baby’s aunty yesterday and it ONCE AGAIN nearly started crying

[icterid-rubus]

I got a beautiful picture of my friend’s baby laying next to a stuffed bunny my dad bought, and Baby is smaller than the toy, cuddled under its ear. I’m fighting every urge and desire to make it my phones background.

[sabineelectricheart]

Letters to a Flower Bud

Summary: Sylvain, fearing for his poor communication skills, writes letters to his daughter, from birth to marriage.

Rating: K+ - Suitable for more mature childen, 9 years and older, with minor action violence without serious injury. May contain mild coarse language. Should not contain any adult themes.

Words: 4600

Notes: I’m fluffy these days. I’m planning an angst to end all angst, though, so do not get complacent.

It was a mild evening of Summer in Gautier. The date was the 22nd of Blue Sea Moon, day of the Goddess’ Rite of Rebirth of Imperial Year 1190. A blessed day, not only because it was the holiest festival of their religion, one his wife is the chief officer of, but also because it was the day his first daughter would be born.

Babies that arrived on this world on the same day the Goddess star was once again seen in the sky were favoured by fates, they were granted assured lifelong happiness, and he came to find out that his happiness is now conditional on hers.

“How you feeling, Sylvain?” Ingrid asks, quietly.

The ostentatious margravial chambers was quiet, as the nursing mother was fast asleep from exhaustion on the cleaned bed just next to them and neither one would want to wake her. After all, Byleth had just given birth to the Gautier scion.

Sylvain sits by her side in a stuffed armchair. His legs feel weak and he feels hunger settling on his stomach, but he could care less about how uncomfortable he feels. Not when he has his little girl in his arms. This tiny little bundle is his. His girl, his child.

Isolde Gautier.

“I… I don’t know how I feel.” He breathed out against his conjoined hands in an unspoken prayer.

For once in his life, Sylvain did not have anything to say. No smart comeback or a funny joke. His little girl has only been in this world for a few hours and she has rendered him completely speechless.

“She’s going to be the death of me. I just know it.” He mumbles softly as his daughter leans into his chest.

Sylvain is not the best with his emotions. Despite his so-called silver tongue, he had found little success whenever he tried to articulate his feelings into intelligible sentences. Sometimes, he says things he does not mean and other times he says things the wrong way. A part of him is terrified that there will be so much he does not say to his girl, or that he will, though words or actions, screw things up somehow.

“You are thinking too much, Sylvain.” Ingrid chuckles softly as she watches the cogwheels turn in her old friend’s head.

The redhead sighed once more. “I can’t really seem to help it. This baby got me wrapped around her tiny little finger.”

Ingrid pulls up another chair from their sitting area and sits beside Sylvain.

“It reminds me of when you two first started courting, in a weird way. You were completely whipped, you know that?” The blonde woman teases as she gestures to his wife’s sleeping body. “Clinging to her all the time and all those disgustingly sweet letters you wrote her when she had to return to Garreg Mach.”

Sylvain smiles fondly as he thinks of the love letters he used to leave his then-intended. Averting her minty eyes, Byleth had quietly admitted how much she appreciated them, how much she depended on them to spend her days alone at the monastery. As for himself, he loved imagining the smile on her face as she opened a new one.

Then, a wide smile passes through his face.

“Ingrid, dearest, you have given me a wonderful idea.” The redhead jumps to his feet. “Here, do you want to hold her?”

Ingrid’s vivid green eyes widen as Sylvain carefully hands him Isolde.

“Hi there, love, I am your auntie Ingrid.” The knight coos as she cuddles the new-born to her bosom.

Sylvain walks to his desk, lights a candle with a flick, dips his quill on ink and starts writing with a flourish on the paper.

Hello, my darling Isolde,

It is your father here. I am writing this because I cannot talk to you right now because you will not remember. You have only been in this world for a few hours but you are already my whole world. You and your mum have stolen my heart. When you get older, I will tell you all about your old man and how cool he is but I want you to know that you have made the great Sylvain Gautier speechless. I admit, I even cried when you were born. You are so small and after you were born you cried for me and your mother and it shattered my heart in the best possible way. When I held you, I could feel everything melt away. You grabbed my finger with your tiny little hand and fell asleep in my arms. I am so excited to see what this world will bring you and what you will do in this world. I will always be here to protect you. I love you so much my darling flower bud.

Your dad,

Sylvain.

*_*_*_*_*

“Come on, flower bud, say dada.” Sylvain coos as he shakes a stuffed bunny in front of Isolde. “Dada. Da-da.”

Their holy monarch, Dimitri, watches in amusement as his friend tries to bribe his goddaughter with a stuffed bunny so she would talk. Isolde has been on the verge of saying her first words for weeks now and Sylvain is eager to hear them. The Blue Lions are even running a betting pool to guess what word it will be.

“Sylvain, honey, do stop pressuring our child into speaking.” Byleth calls from the armchair on the far end of the room. “The more you annoy her, the less she will be willing to talk.”

“Di-di!” She holds her hands out to Sylvain reaching for the toy.

“Not Didi, love, Dada.” The man insisted. “Come on Isolde, you can say it. Say dada.”

Setting down her book, the Archbishop walks over to Sylvain and leans down to kiss his daughter cheek.

“She will talk when she is ready, Sylvain. Not when you offer her a meagre stuffed animal.” The woman said, pointedly, at her husband.

Sylvain sighs and sets down the bunny making Isolde very unhappy. “It’s not meagre. I bought Sweetbun from an Adrestian merchant. He said all the children in Enbarr loved it.”

Byleth looks unimpressed with her husband. “Sweetbun, Sylvain? Really?”

Dimitri watches as Isolde’s lip forms a small pout.

“Do not be sad, dearest Isolde.” Dimitri coos as he picks up the bunny.

He begins to shake it around and lightly taps her button nose with the bunny’s nose. His goddaughter lets out a loud laugh and makes grabby hands towards the King and the bunny.

“Dima!” She cries happily making everyone stop.

“Dima?” Dimitri asks confused as he sets the bunny down.

Isolde reaches towards her godfather once again. “Dima!”

She is clearly talking to Dimitri, who looks at Sylvain with a grin on his face. “That’s right, Isolde! I’m Dima!”

“No, no, I cannot accept this! Dima is not a real word.” Sylvain whines as he grabs the bunny from Dimitri’s hand and coos to Isolde.

Her attention shifts to Sylvain and she begins to smile. “Dada!”

Sylvain grins and hands her the bunny. He turns to his wife with a cocky smirk.

“Ha! See, I’m her first word!” The margrave jumps up in excitement and then leans down to peck Isolde’s cheek.

Rolling her eyes, Byleth gives her daughter a rare big smile and pick her up from the matted floor, presenting her to her gushing father.

“Say it again, my flower bud.” The redhead coos happily.

Hugging the bunny close to her chest she laughs loudly. “Dada!”

The excitement of her first words is too much for Sylvain to handle. Excusing himself for a moment, he heads to his study and pulls out blank parchment.

My darling flower bud,

You said your first word today! While, technically, you were calling for Dimitri, which, I admit, I am a bit annoyed at you called him Dima, and, to me, that is not a word, you said dada just after that. So, if anyone asks, I will always say that dada was your first word. You looked so happy and so cute, I nearly exploded. I love you so much my flower and I just know you are going to be a daddy’s girl. Don’t tell your mum, she will have my head. I cannot wait to keep watching you grow, my baby.

Love you lots,

Your dada

*_*_*_*_*

“Sylvain, get in here!” Byleth yells from the nursery room.

Isolde had started to stand recently and she is getting closer to taking her first step. The margravial couple had been watching her like a hawk hoping to be there when it finally happens.

Prompted to run, the nobleman rushes in with soaking wet hair.

“I just got out of the bath. Is she going to do it?” He crouches down next to his wife and holds out his arms to Isolde, who was currently trying to stand on her wobbly legs.

“Come to mamma and dada, Isolde!” The Archbishop stimulates, holding out her arms so the baby could come nearer. “Come here, my strong baby!”

Sylvain watches as she looks at the two of them and cries out wanting her parents.

“Don’t cry baby, just a few steps and we’ll pick you up.” The redhead encourages, even though seeing her cry makes him want to pick her up right this instant.

Byleth holds out a hand to keep him from it, and it is a good thing he did not, because a few seconds later she takes a few steps towards her two parents before falling on her butt.

“She did it, Sylvain!” The margravine cry happily as you run and scoop her up, peppering her face with kisses. “My little daughter can walk now! Walk!”

Sylvain grins and kisses the baby’s cheek, and then kisses his wife’s.

“Look at my little princess. Growing up so fast.” He says sweetly.

Inside, his heart aches a bit. It feels like just yesterday he was holding her in his arms as a new-born and here she was now, walking and babbling.

“My sweet girl,” He says softly as he kisses her tiny hand. “And my other sweet girl.”

The man turns to his wife, grabbing her chin lightly to kiss her lips. Then, he snakes his arm around the woman, hugging her from behind while cooing towards the baby.

“My perfect family.” He finishes, with a chocked voice.

It was later in the day when Sylvain found the time to sit down and write. Byleth was reading Isolde a story while the husband finished up some quick paperwork.

My darling little girl,

You took your first steps today! Goddess, you’re growing up so fast! I can barely keep up. Soon you will be walking and talking and I will be able to show you off to the world. You are growing up a little too fast for my liking, though. I wish you could stay my tiny darling flower bud forever. Be as it may, when you start walking, I already have a list of places to take you. We can see the jousting matches in Fhirdiad, see the boats in Derdriu and walk the greenhouses at your mother’s place. You are going to love it, my dear, I promise. I can hear your mother reading stories to you in the other room and my heart is just bursting. Please stay like this forever.

Love you,

Your dad

*_*_*_*_*

“Do you have everything?” Byleth asks as she ushers her daughter to the carriage tasked to take her away.

The margrave and his wife woke up early this morning to send their daughter away to school. Since Isolde had shown much promise, and did not have to take up arms to defend the northern border as soon as fourteen, the margravial couple had decided to send her to the Fhirdiad School of Sorcery. The redhead girl was much excited to leave, but her parents not as much.

Both Byleth and Sylvain were used to Moons away from their children, as they would spend their days either in Gautier with the margrave or at Garreg Mach with the archbishop, but never have they ever let one of theirs leave home alone, and so the anxiety was great.

The margravial couple came to Fhirdiad with Isolde, as to delay her parting as much as possible. Lucky for them, the prince of Fódlan would be attending this semester, too, and so they could spend a week together at Castle Blaiddyd before the first day of classes.

“Wait, mum!” Isolde cries as her red velvet scarf falls off her head. “It came undone! Help me.”

It was only polite for the women to cover their heads in formal occasions, and the school had been adamant about it in their acceptance letter.

Sylvain, who was falling behind, bends down and picks up her scarf. Kneeling down, he places the precious garment in the Gautier House colours on top of her head, while her mother pinned it once more.

“Careful, love, you would not want to lose anything here.” He smiles at his daughter. “Your mother and I will not be able to help you if you misplace your things, so be mindful, yes?”

She grins up at her father and grabs his hand. “Sure will, dad!”

Prince Lambert crosses the courtyard after a cool goodbye to his parents, climbing the carriage and looking haughtily at the margrave, as if hurrying him.

Before the nobleman could comment on the situation, his wife placed a hand on his shoulder. “You best not let the coachman waiting, honey.”

“Yeah, sure, the coachman. Now, are you sure you have everything? Clothes, supplies? Do you need anything else?” Sylvain bombards her with questions as he pulls her into a hug.

“Sylvain, let the girl breathe!” Byleth says as Isolde pulls away, coughing softly.

“Do not hate me for doing what you want to do.” The man smirks, standing up.

“Sure, that is the reason for my comment. Now, Isolde, always remember your father and I love you very much and we are beyond proud of you.” The archbishop says softly as she kisses her forehead.

“I know, mum. I love you, too.” She hugs her mother tightly before facing her father.

“I’m so proud of my flower bud, make sure you show those stuck-up nobles what you got, alright?” He says with a wink.

“I love you, dad.” Wrapping her arms around Sylvain, she hugs him tightly. He can feel his heart melting right there. “I love you too mum.”

The fourteen-year-old holds out her hand for her mother to join the big group hug.

“I love you, my flower bud.” Sylvain whispers as he holds onto her tightly.

“I love you too, dear, now go make your mark.” Byleth smiles softly, kissing her daughter’s hair.

Wiping a few tears from her face, Isolde takes her trunk and hurries on the coach.

“I do not know how we are going to do this five more times.” Sylvain says as he pulls his wife into a hug, his eyes following Isolde through the window.

“We will cross that bridge when we get to it.” The woman teases as she leans back into his chest. “Is it too soon for me to harp Dimitri into letting me visit her?”

Sylvain laughs but inside he is missing Isolde already, too. For the past fourteen years, he has looked after her. Through every tantrum and injury to every pancake breakfast and bedtime story. Letting her go was so hard because he knows what aristocratic society is like and he was so scared for her. He knows she can handle herself, but it still hurts to see her gone for so long.

“She’s going to be just fine, By.” He says, kissing his wife’s forehead. “We’re going to be fine, too.”

My darling flower bud,

You are not so little anymore, as today you went off to school for the first time. I already miss you, but I know you will do wonderfully there. I know you will make lots of friends. You have your mother’s smarts, so I know you will get excellent grades and dazzle every instructor. Yet, you should know that none of that matters to me. I want you to be happy and to enjoy your youth. You are my little girl and I just know you will make me and your mother proud. You have already made me so proud. I love you lots, my darling.

Love, dad

*_*_*_*_*

Sylvain knows that maybe he is being unfair, but he is not thinking rationally right now. Not after the shouting match between him and Isolde. He has let her go out every day this week with her friends, and even agreed to winter in Deirdriu with the Royal Family, so she could have more to do while in vacation.

Preparing to leave for the Officers’ Academy, his lovely daughter is heading full speed towards the dreaded teenage years. She is no longer his sweet innocent little girl. She is growing up and it kills him.

One afternoon is all he demanded, as in to spend quality family time before his wife had to return to Garreg Mach, but the conversation turned into a massive argument, with Isolde claiming that he was too overbearing and Sylvain saying that she does not care about her family. He regrets saying what he said but the hurt in his heart caused him to lash out.

Byleth knocks softly on the bedroom door. “Sylvain? Do you want to talk?”

This was their first major argument and the archbishop knows both sides are hurting. After consoling their crying daughter, she decides to check up on her brooding husband. He is currently working at the desk but, with anger clouding his mind, he is not getting much done.

The margravine sits down in the bed and taps the spot next to her invitingly, to which he does not respond.

“Are you okay?” She asks softly.

Sylvain still has his back to his wife as he slams down his hand on the table.

“She hates me.” He mumbles sadly.

The anger fades into hurt as he collapses his head into his arms.

“She doesn’t hate you, Sylvain, dear.” Byleth said, walking over to her husband and kneeling down next to him. She takes his hand, kissing it softly.

“You heard her.” He says, grimacing at the memory.

The image of Isolde, tears streaming down her face, stomps her foot and yells “I hate you!”, before storming away to her private chambers elsewhere in the castle.

“She does not mean it, Sylvain. She loves you.” Byleth rests her head on his knees.

Opening the drawer of his desk, she searches for the letters he wrote before and took with him everywhere.

The woman hands them to Sylvain, who just stares at them. “I think you should write another one.”

Getting out a paper and a quill, she hands them to him. Sylvain only wanted to capture the happy moments, but raising a child came with the good and the bad.

My flower bud,

We had our first big argument today. I said so many things I did not mean and I am sure you did too. I know how exciting it is to have friends and spend time with them, and the truth is I am terrified of you growing up and leaving us behind. I hate that you are getting older. Soon, you are not going to need your old man anymore and it hurts me to think about that. You have grown into such a wonderful young lady and I am sorry for how I reacted. I doubt this will be our last disagreement, but I hope it is the last big one. My heart breaks to think that I made you cry like that. No matter what I say to you, and I will probably say something stupid again, as your mother tells me, I will never stop loving you. No matter how big you get, you will always be my baby girl.

Love,

Your very sorry dad

*_*_*_*_*

“Sylvain, you cannot challenge a seventeen-year-old teen to a duel.” Byleth shouts through the archbishop’s chambers in Garreg Mach.

Their daughter has gotten her heart broken for the first time and Sylvain is absolutely furious. He warped over from Gautier to the monastery, carrying with him the Lance of Ruin and all sorts of nasty spells to cast on the Gloucester scion.

“Like hell I can!” He growls angrily as he looks over her shoulder to see his baby crying on the couch.

“Sylvain, dear. As the archbishop, I cannot let you use a Relic on a teen, and as your wife, I have to stop you from declaring a blood feud over usual happenstances of teenage years.” The woman said harshly, and then relaxed her expression, caressing her husband’s face. “I understand you are mad, and I am, too, but this is normal. This is a pedagogical opportunity for our daughter. From now on, she will make better choices.”

“But he hurt my flower bud…” His heart aches when he catches a glimpse of her tear-stained cheeks.

Sighing, the woman takes his hand and lead him to the bed. “Sylvain, I know you have feelings and opinions, but what she needs now is her mum, her dad and a lot of comfort.”

Kissing his wrist to calm him down, he melts into her touch.

The man sighs. “I will be right back okay?”

Byleth nods and let Sylvain slip off to her office as she goes back to the couch and wraps her arms around Isolde.

My Isolde,

You got your heartbroken today by that Gloucester pansy. Seeing you so upset breaks my heart. When you sent that letter telling me you got a boyfriend, I flipped out. Your mother had to fly with the mail and calm me down, but I was already scared for you and your heart. When you came to your mother crying because he broke your heart, I was ready to beat him up for you. I am writing this because I want you to know that you deserve the world and no good-for-nothing noble boy should make you feel worse. You are my baby girl and no guy deserves you. I am off to get some snacks for you now, but please remember that you deserve everything, my flower bud.

I love you,

Dad

*_*_*_*_*

“Are you ready for this?” Byleth asks lightly as she wraps her arm around Sylvain’s.

“Never.” He says with a small smile.

It was Isolde’s wedding day to the Crown Prince of Fódlan and Sylvain was filled with so many emotions. He was so happy for his flower bud, who, for reasons that escaped his comprehension, actually loved the twerp, who was still as sullen as ever, but letting her go is one of the hardest things he has to do.

“You look beautiful, Your Grace.” Sylvain kisses his wife’s forehead, making her giggle like a schoolgirl.

“I will meet you at the ceremony. You have a very important job to do, mister, and you better hope I do not hear any complaints about it.” She lightly taps his nose and hurry off to prepare to officiate the ceremony.

Sylvain makes his way over to the bride’s door.

“Flower bud? Are you ready?” He asks nervously.

The door opens to reveal Isolde in her wedding gown, all dressed up holding a bouquet of beautiful lilies. Once again, the margrave is speechless. Tears well up in his eyes as his daughter looks up at him with her big beautiful amber eyes, the same ones that stared at him when he first held her in his arms, over two decades ago. The same ones that would look up at him for comfort when she got hurt and for excitement when she felt bored.

“You look beautiful, flower bud.” Sylvain whispers out.

Plucking a lily from her bouquet he tucks it behind her ear.

“Thank you, dad.” She says as she looks up at the aging man.

“You’re growing up too fast, love.” The nobleman says softly. “But I’m so proud of you.”

He can barely hold back his tears as he pulls her into a tight hug.

“Oh dad, cut it out. Else I will cry and then aunt Mercedes will be mad.” Isolde hugs back tightly.

“Let her. I know it is a little early for gifts, but I wanted to give this to you.” The margrave pulls out a stack of envelopes. Some of them look new while some look many years old.

“I have been writing these letters since the day you were born, and now is time to deliver them.” He dried his eyes with his sleeve. “I know I have never been the best at expressing how I feel, but I think these do it for me.”

Isolde carefully takes them into her hand and flips through them. Years of memories, of words from her father. She begins to fan herself in order to stop the tears but they come anyway.

“I love you so much, dad.” She cries as hugs the letters to her chest.

“Here, I will hold onto them for now.” Sylvain takes them back and slips them into his pocket. “I love you too my darling flower bud.”

Sylvain leans forward and kisses his daughter’s forehead as she beings to wipe away her tears. Holding out his arm, Isolde links hers and leans against his shoulder.

“You know, if you want to back out now and go back home, I will have your mother smooth things over with Dimitri. He always tripped over himself to do whatever she says.” The father of the bride jokes lightly as the two of them wait for the music to start playing.

Rolling her eyes, Isolde smiles. “This is not a goodbye forever, dad. I will still come around for the free food.”

The man chuckles as the music begins to play.

“Are you ready, flower bud?” The margrave asks as the doors start to open.

“I am.” She said, confidently. “Are you ready dad?”

Looking down at his lovely daughter, Sylvain flashes back to everything. From the moment he held her in his arms to right now, giving her away at this damn wedding. All the good days and the bad days. He knows he would never truly be ready to let go but seeing how happy she looks, how much she has grown, he knows he will do it anyways. It fills him with pride.

“Yeah, I think I am, my flower bud.”

My wonderful, lovely flower,

It is your wedding day tomorrow and I do not know how to feel. I am so happy you have found someone who loves you, regardless of my personal opinions on the matter. I am happy for you, but knowing how big you are makes me feel so old. It feels like just yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time. I watched you grow and learn. Not all of it was happy, mind you, and some days were particularly difficult, but I am still glad. You have taken everything you have learned from me and your mother and you have become such a wonderful lady. I know whatever you do, you are going to be amazing. I love you so much my flower bud. Never forget that. I will always be here for you and, no matter how big you get, you are my flower bud.

I love you with all my heart,

Your dad,

Sylvain Gautier

*_*_*_*_*

Fire Emblem Masterlist

Three Houses Masterlist

[silvia7272]

11 ~ 3 In 1 ~ Piper Burst/Training Time/Added Member

Ok so I was still sad that I hadn’t included everything from the previous chapter so this may just be a shorter part 2, unless if I want to include the 3 in 1. Or both, both sounds good.

Word Count: 5381

Tags: @queenmj10, @fangirl39, @animegirlweeb, @northernbluetongue, @maribat-is-lifeblood, @raisuke06, @indecisive-mess-named-me, @luleck, @themotherofhogwarts, @more-or-less-human-i-guess, @gwennex, if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged.

This fanfic and its ideas were all made after season 3 and before season 4/movie came out, so if something doesn’t add up please don’t worry. That information wasn’t available then, and unless it fits into my story or I like it, I won’t include it in my story.

.

Just so it's not too boring there won’t be an Akuma/Amok/Trinklet in every chapter. I may like fight/action scenes but too much isn’t good, kinda wish canon did that as well. So, I’m proposing that Hawkmoth won’t be making an Akuma every single day. Sorry canon, I don’t want my story to become repetitive. Probably the only other reason why is because I can’t think of any Akuma names/powers/reasons to be upset just for 1 time. Damnit, I have better things to do.

***

“Girls you need to wake up soon.” A voice shouted from downstairs. The three girls stirred awake.

“Ok, Maman sorry.” Marinette rushed downstairs in a panic, nearly tripping over the last step only to be caught by Rosina.

“C’mon Mari, let’s hurry,” Said girl pushed herself up and soon dressed in her usual attire. Yesterday was a hectic day, she hoped today would be much simpler.

No promises.

Kissing her Parents on their cheek, Rosina and Marinette prepared to leave, but someone tiny was following them.

“Oh Piper you can’t follow them, they have to go to Collège now. But you can stay with us and wait until they come home” Sabine crouched to her level and reached out her hand to pat her head.

But once again Piper grasped onto Rosina yet again, she wasn’t scared of Sabine, but she was still extremely cautious of everyone besides the redhead.

“Hey, Piper, its alright, it won’t be for that long” Rosina tried cooeing her, but she continued to grab onto her clothes.

“I don’t think she’s gonna let go” That could be a problem, if they left, they knew Piper would cry and may end up Akumatized, but they couldn’t skip Collège.

What to do what to do? …

“I know, I’ll call the college up and ask if you can bring Piper along, even if it's just for a short amount of time. Hopefully, by then, Piper will come out of her shell.” Sabine smiled towards the girls. She certainly didn’t want to make any of the girls uncomfortable, and she could tell how Piper wasn’t at ease around anyone besides Rosina and Marinette.

“Really? That would be so nice of you Sabine” Her smile widened as Marinette pounced on her Parents, exclaiming her gratitude as well.

“Well, we’ll cya later. Bye Maman, bye Papa” They waved, Piper copying the two as they took one step out.

“Marinette, Rosina! Now you have to explain!” A hand was pointed towards them by none other then Aurore.

“Aww she looks even cuter here”

“So, you weren’t kidding?” Marc stared in shock.

Who else had stopped them at the base of her door? Her friends of course. Of course, it had to be them, of course, they couldn’t wait until they got there.

Oh well, they would’ve had to tell them eventually right?

“Ok ok, we’ll tell you on the way” Piper was still shy and decided to bury herself in Rosina. They opted to tell them the same story Marinette told her Parents, after all, it would get too confusing if more stories were made.

“Soo Rosina just made a mistake? Good, we were worried you just took the girl from the street, man you got us worried” Marinette nervously gulped, if Rosina wasn’t as good a liar as she knew she was she’d think they would be in deep trouble.

“Is she alright? She does seem really scared” Marc asked worriedly, he knew the signs all too well.

“Yeah, she’s just really shy of new people, she always has” Rosina pat Piper’s head, and started to coax her into meeting her other friends. Saying things like they are just like Marinette and Chloé, and that they would never hurt her, and they would like her immediately, in fact, they do.

The three nodded but didn’t move so they wouldn’t alarm the girl. Piper peaked out of Rosina, gave them a slight wave in their direction, before turning back and hiding herself.

It was a good start the girls proposed.

“Aww, that was adorable.” Mireille cooed out. And Marc smiled. But Aurore noticed something tied around her waist. It looked… Like a mask.

.

Wait a minute!

“How does she have Crisono’s mask!?” Aurore didn’t mean to shout it, but the shock just overcame her.

Unfortunately for them, someone overheard that question.

“Who has Crisono’s mask?” The ombre haired girl asked, she had come up to the group, surprising them with her quickness and speed, she looked around before her eyes landed on Rosina and a kid she didn’t recognise.

“You have a Sister? No way me too. Tell me, is she a brat sometimes? Mine can be such a handful y’know, you can never get away from them to have some peace and quiet” Marinette's mouth hung wide open. The hell? How could that be the first thing she says? Yeah, siblings could be annoying (she didn’t know but with her sometimes babysitting Manon she could definitely say they could be a handful) but she couldn’t just outright say it!

“I know exactly how you feel, one of my Mother’s friends always asked me to babysit their kid and they could prove to be so much of a handful y’know. They eventually listened to me after so much time together they immediately grew to love me. But if you want, I could give you some tips?” Lila had entered the fray, and they hadn’t even processed it yet.

.

“Excuse you!?” It was Chloé. And boy did she look furious!

“There's one thing to intrude upon a conversation, there's another thing to just rudely cast your opinions upon a child!” Chloé prodded her fingers into the girl's chest, jabbering at her almost as much as her words.

“As if you can talk, you don’t even have a Sister. The most you had to take care off was your attitude, and even then, look where that got you” Alya jabbed back, as if she’d let Chloé of all people walk over her.

“Hey what the hell was that for? You were in the wrong first, and there's no need to fight in front of a child” Aurore jumped in, she saw the saddened face of the two girls and wanted to help. Her and Chloé may not see eye to eye but that didn’t mean she was going to leave her like that.

“Aurore I cannot believe you girl, I thought you had more sense than that. How can you stick up for Chloé after everything she’s done?” Alya held shock on her face, she thought Aurore was smarter than that, was she under the blonde and bluenette’s spell as well-

“That’s enough!” They all heard the voice, but were shocked at whom it was from. They all turned to look at Rosina, a wave of slight anger in her eyes they hadn’t seen before, two had and even they wished they could erase it from their memory.

The girl waltzed up to Chloé and Aurore, grabbed both their hands and walked off.

“We’re going to class so you can stop being mean to my friends” They walked off and into the school. Marinette, Mireille and Marc followed after them, surprised to see Rosina like that.

Alya and Lila stood there in shock, one noting that she wasn’t as much of an airhead as she thought, the other thinking maybe she had gone a bit too far with her comment about her Sister. Whatever the case, they decided to give her some space.

***

“Err… Rosy? Are you ok?” Marc was the first one to ask. Upon arriving in their classroom, it was empty, meaning they had some time before people would come crawling in. Maybe it would be good to meet up like this, so they didn’t have to wait for that one lunchtime to meet up.

To their luck, Piper didn’t understand the conversation they just had, and they were able to distract her with crayons and pieces of paper. She was drawing carefully for such a young person her age.

While she was in her element the rest grew concerned with Rosina’s outburst. They had never seen her like that, was it normal?

“Sorry, I just don’t like arguments. Me and Aunty never had them, so I really don’t like them…  And I didn’t like that Alya called Piper a brat.” Mireille rested a hand on the girl's shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“It’s ok Rosina. I hate arguments as well, it's normal. So, if anything else ever makes you uncomfortable just tell us ok?” Rosy stared before her smile stretched across her face, quickly hugging her.

“You guys are the best” Mireille was surprised as her emotions were quickly changing.

“Group hug!” Someone shouted, she wasn’t sure who, but it didn’t matter, everyone was engulfed in arms.

.

.

“You too Chloé”

“Ahh! -” She slowly accepted her fate, though her clothes may be ruffled, for once she didn’t care about it. Baby steps.

Time passed as they all talked over plans to hang out, since it was a Monday they all planned to watch Rosina’s fencing match, D’Argencourt allowed them to as long as they were quiet and wouldn’t distract any other students, and afterwards meet up with Luka and Noémie. Kagami would already be there and by her Mother’s command have exactly 2 hours of free time with her friends on weekdays. And if she had finished her noble arts and studies earlier, she would have some extra hours at weekends. It was better than before so they were glad they could bring Kagami along.

They had planned on going to an arcade, there was a small one apparently Noémie knew about, somehow, she knew all the best places, she must’ve explored a bunch of unknown sites.

Rosina felt tugging from her top and looked down to see the black-haired girl hand her some paper. It held scribbles of flowers and stars drawn all around it. Marinette had a few picture books she had used for when Manon would be quiet, and she quite enjoyed them. Piper seemed to adore them as every one of her drawings contained it.

That’s right drawings.

“Aww Piper these are adorable”

“What a real artist”

“I know exactly what to buy you for your next birthday” Piper had made a drawing for each of them, so 6 in total. And they were all great. They all felt honoured she would draw for them.

Ring… Ring

The bell had rung signalling for them to attend their own classroom. As the three from Mendeleiev’s class began to exit the room a certain redhead arrived.

.

They stared for a bit, one glared while another tried to dodge the gaze. Aurore grabbed onto Marc’s hand and marched straight out of there, if Nathaniel wanted to believe a liar more than his friend then that was on him. He made his bed now he can lie in it. Mireille walked along with them, and away they went. Marinette was still disheartened about the whole thing, she wasn’t able to convince Nathaniel to change his mind, she didn’t know what exactly Lila had told him but whatever it was, had fully convinced him Marc had to go.

Even after everything they had been through, he chose to throw it all away.

But that was how life was.

More people filled the room, some were surprised to see a child, others hadn’t noticed, some had taken double takes but the teacher luckily entered and was able to explain everything… Even if Marinette could tell she wasn’t thrilled about the situation. Marinette didn’t say anything, I mean, she was just a child, who may have not been taken care of, who was she to deny the girl some affections from her newfound Sister?

***

“Did you enjoy today Piper?” The little girl nodded, a toy was cuddled up to the girl, a toy a certain blue-haired boy was able to win, earning the trust of the girl right away. Since Luka was the only one to have a sibling, that they knew of at least, and with Juleka being his Sister, he automatically knew how to get the girl to come out of her shell.

It was incredibly cute, even Chloé couldn’t deny it. Her little arms reaching around to hug the second eldest of the group. Piper may have been shy towards the teens at the start, but she became pretty social afterwards. Accepting hugs from all of them and even being carried by them, she was then considered the little Sister to them all. And although it took a while for Kagami to earn the girls trust, she loved her none the less. Noémie begged to take a picture of the cute girl as they all posed again before leaving.

And it was at that time Marinette noticed she started to smile, she had seen the girl looking at other people laughing and hugging others, Marinette thought maybe she was just glancing at a lot of things considering her age, but now she knew it was because she was intrigued and probably just wanted to do it herself.

It was surprisingly Chloé and Aurore who were able to produce the first smile, Piper had pointed to a toy with a female in a giant pink tutu and in such an elegant stance, it appeared she was beginning her own routine. She didn’t know what it was so the group explained ballet to her, Aurore suggested someone demonstrating so Piper could properly understand and selflessly volunteered Chloé for the job. The other blonde appeared to challenge the thought and smugly waltzed onto an empty DDR machine. She danced as they all wooed her, clapping’s and a lone whistle was heard. She also had an audience partaker; Rosina copied her movements perfectly. Piper widened her eyes, astonished of how cool and fun it looked.

“Wow,” She whispered, a small astonished smile appearing on her face, making Marinette notice and pick her up to join them.

.

.

But she was only able to make everyone else unbalanced and all of them fell onto the floor in a pile. But they all laughed, her clumsiness was well known at this point, what else could they say?

When Piper waddled up to Chloé and looked up towards the blonde, she bent down towards her… And had her nose booped.

It happened, it finally happened.

Chloé hadn’t been so happy than in that moment.

Picking her up and spinning around saying she was going to teach her everything there was to ballet.

They continued playing with a bunch of other machines before the tiny girl was worn out.

Overall, the sleepy expression the tiny girl held on her face was well worn. And as the two girls headed back home to rest up, Chloé having departed already, they were going to enjoy their quiet free time.

Tap, tap, tap.

.

‘… Huh?’

Tap, tap, tap.

Marinette sat up, that wasn’t Chat Noir was it? He hadn’t visited for a while; she guessed his civilian self might have been busy but oh well.

“Chat what are you doing here?”

“How dare you mix me up for that oversized cat?”

Mrs Hernandez?

Her bedroom window opened, and the older woman had entered. One girl jumped as the other held an enjoyable expression on her face.

“Aunty!” Of course, she hugged her, and of course she had proceeded to be whacked on the head.

“What are you doing here Aunty? Is there another Trinklet? Or is there an Akuma we need to take care off? Do we need to bring Chloé with us again?” A whack was heard once more in the room.

“No amaretto, there is a much urgent matter to attend to”

“What is it?” Marinette grew worried, was this about the Miraculous, any side effects she had yet learned off?

“This… Is about your training”

‘Huh’

“Chop chop, you shall meet me in 10 minutes near the Louvre. And you best bring that Bourgeois girl as well” They couldn’t ask any more questions as a box was thrown towards them and she vanished.

What the hell was that?

And- wait 10 minutes, quick they had to leave now!

***

“Ok, we’re all here now, why did you have to have this now? I had to cancel a hair appointment for this!” Stinger huffed crossing her arms, clearly annoyed at the clash of events. Finding Mrs Hernandez at the Louvre was one thing, her pushing all three into the Trinklet without any time to speak was another.

“Well Bourgeois, if you want to take that hair appointment instead of learning how to be a mediocre hero, then you are free to leave and prove my point” They glared at each other before Chloé huffed off, saying she’ll stay here instead.

Hernandez smirked, knowing she had achieved a small victory.

Ladybug sighed, if this is how they’re going to act for all meetings she’d rather not be a part of any of it.

But the older woman coughed to get everyone's attention, they all stood in a line awaiting any other further instructions.

“Now that you’re all here you should expect that your once normal and average lives will be changed and altered forever, and because you’ve already accepted you can’t step back” Ladybug was about to speak up, they already had the Miraculous how crazy could it become?

She was silenced by the woman’s stare and promptly closed her mouth.

“Your training starts now, and I expect all of you to follow my orders without hesitation” A loud yes ma'am was heard, the other two promptly followed shortly afterwards, although with less enthusiasm.

“Now transform back” Crisono did it without hesitance.

Ladybug and Stinger froze and grew shocked!

“What? We can’t, I can’t let anyone learn about my identity” Chloé quickly shook her head, she knew everyone there knew about her identity but she couldn’t learn about Ladybug’s, not now and certainly not here in the Trinklet again Stinger had to have a moment to collect herself on being transported to two different worlds in two days.

“Oh hush, you can still keep your identity a secret if you really want to even if it would be so much easier if you didn’t” Ladybug and Chloé looked so confused, what?

“There is a spare set of sports clothes in those doors, change into them when you detransform… Secret identities are so much hassle” She muttered that last part as she walked away. Ladybug and Stinger looked at each other still unsure.

“Is this a good idea? I mean, doesn’t the Miraculous protect us from learning about our identities?” Stinger asked, she didn’t want to find out who Ladybug was, although she liked the mystery to remain she didn’t want to accidentally reveal her idols identity.

“I’m sure it’ll be alright, you’ll both be wearing masks still, plus I think your Kwami’s might be able to give you both a magic cover so I don’t think there's any reason to fear. Plus, now your Kwami’s can give pointers and help us and-” A finger was placed on her lips to silence her.

“Whoa whoa whoa, settle down there Rosina. One thing at a time. Let’s just get changed first before we get into that” Ladybug smiled, no matter the situation, Rosina would always be so hyper.

“Sooooorrrrrryyyyyyyyy, I’m just happy that we’re all going to train together, I know it's going to be hard at first, and hurt all over your body, and as days past you’ll wish to just stay in bed all day and forever… But I promise you’ll love it; we’ll all be the strongest heroes in the world”

.

.

.

What the hell did they get themselves into?

***

“Left right left right! Come on Ladybug, aren’t you faster than that!” She was dodging flying planks of wood that would swing right in front and back to her… Without her Miraculous. Man, what a nightmare, and this was meant to be basic training?

“What's the matter Stinker? Got cold feet already?” She turned her head towards the hero clad in yellow, fully knowing she wasn’t fearing well much either.

“It’s Sovereign Stinger to you” She replied but didn’t move. Below her were tiles that would set of a trap, she had to run to the other side without setting any of them off, if she did she would have to go back all the way to the beginning and start all over again.

‘I may hate this but I am so going to complete it just so I can shove it in that old woman's fac-’ Red flashed her eyes as the tile opened up and swallowed her whole, she would be placed at the start yet again.

The Kwami’s were busily indulging in food as they watched their respective holders… ‘Training’ they were of course worried but Hernandez told them not to, if they are any good at being heroes then this will be a piece of cake by the time they complete it.

They didn’t seem too convinced until they remembered to look up. A lone type rope was there, and a redheaded figure was slowly making her way across it, she was as straight as a board, and the baton she used to steady herself helped as far as they could tell. Until they were able to make out that she wasn’t holding it with her hands, oh no, she was holding it with her feet.

“Rosina is crazy” Pollen nodded her head.

“Yes indeed, I wouldn’t class this as any regular training I’ve seen, how can she see with that blindfold?” Pollen spoke, worried for her holder's friend as the colour from Tikki’s face drained.

“Wait she’s BLINDFOLDED!?”

“Of course she is, you wouldn’t think I’d give her something basic to start off with like those two?”

“THIS IS MEANT TO BE BASIC TRAINING!?” Ladybug screamed but she had lost her focus, she had gotten hit and flew across the field. Her and Stinger landed in a pile together.

“I have to say, you two did better than what I thought, but I suppose you can have a break” The girls smiled, finally some rest.

“Rosiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” The older woman screamed. As the two girls looked up, they were able to see their friend swinging around on the rope, if it was anyone else but her, they would’ve been petrified at that prospect but they weren’t concerned.

This wasn’t even the craziest thing she’s done-

Wait a minute she wasn’t swinging anymore.

“Heeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy guys” Arms were wrapped around the two girls as they screamed in shock.

“Wait for one-second Crisono, how did you get down here so quick!?” Rosina’s smile left her face immediately, and she leaned in very close towards the girls, they leaned in as well to hear her answer.

.

.

“Maaaaaaaaaagic.”

They fell over in shock.

“Now let’s get us some water I’m thirsty” She joyfully skipped over to their fridge as Ladybug and Stinger resolved to just sit down there, hoping there wouldn’t be any more surprises.

“Heads up!”

… Why does she keep jinxing herself?

A bottle landed on the bluenette, with no way for her to cover herself after being so exhausted with her previous training, she gave a glare to the redhead, who only smiled back in return.

“Sorry about that Ladybug. Heads up” Was spoken yet again, but the object was thrown in a different direction. And was caught by her Aunt.

Ladybug supposed it was natural, they must’ve done this routine over a hundred times by now, of course, they were used to it.

“You both need much more training before you can even qualify as a hero in my books, but considering it's only been a day I suppose it’s the best you can produce” Normally they would have a retort but they were too exhausted to think of anything witty, so they just waved her away.

“And I believe you require another person to join” The three girls looked up in confusion.

“When I’ll have you do the next step in your training, it's important that you can fight your opponent efficiently, but to do that you’ll need to fight each other to prove to me you listened to every instruction. And since I don’t want you slacking off, I think it’s time for you to include someone else.” The two girls glared at her with that last sentence, but she didn’t care.

“And so when you all train together you’ll know everyone's strengths and weaknesses, and since I want it to be even I believe someone else joining would prove useful to you. I want you all to know the importance of fighting without your Miraculous and not to rely on your magical power for everything.” Ladybug thought for a while, before deciding on someone.

“Great, I’ll bring Chat here and then we can get him up to speed with the Trinklets and Revenant-”

Whack.

“OWW!”

That sound was heard throughout the field, but instead of the redhead being hit, it was the bluenette.

“What was that for!?” Hernandez glared at the young heroine; she was so naïve it hurt her so.

“I will not have that mangy cat anywhere here until he proves he can act serious in a battle. Until then I want this to remain a secret from him… Do you all understand?”

“But Chat is Ladybug’s partner, they can’t keep secrets from each other” Tikki tried to reason, Chat may act goofy sometimes, but he was still a hero to Paris no matter what, he still helps whenever he can.

Mrs Hernandez however never lifted her glare.

“I won’t repeat myself again,” Tikki reluctantly flew back down to Ladybug’s side saddened she couldn’t persuade her former holder, but a gentle pat on her head calmed her down.

“Now I expect you to pick someone that will have a strive to protect and conquer any enemy in their way.”

Ladybug looked down in thought, if she couldn’t let her own partner know who else was there? It, of course, couldn’t be Alya or Nino, she hadn’t called them up since last summer, they were unofficially retired.

And it couldn’t be anyone from her class, it may be petty of her, but she also believed they wouldn’t keep it a secret, she still feared for the day Alya would tell Lila she was Rena Rouge.

What about one of her new friends?

Although, they might find it strange to suddenly called for, plus she didn’t want them to fear for the new threat.

She needed someone that would be composed and loyal, and who would take the situation seriously.

.

.

A light bulb went off in her head.

“I see you’ve made your choice… Hurry along now, make sure you don’t keep me waiting” Ladybug got up, said her goodbyes with the promise of bringing someone who would be perfect for them.

After all, they already knew each other.

***

“Amoretto, I know she’s your friend but you do have to hit her at some point, you need more help with your combat abilities as it is”

A dodge was made.

“But Aunty I can’t, she’s my friend… And she might hit me harder”

A fist was pulled back…

“Damn right I will”

But it couldn’t make contact.

“Get back here Rosina!”

“Nooooooo you’re scaring me!”

And that’s the story of how Hernandez had two children running around her in circles.

“Ahem,” Someone cleared their throat to gain the three’s attention from their… “Training”

“I thought long and hard about what you said Mrs Hernandez, and I believe I’ve chosen the perfect candidate” Ladybug stepped out of the way for the person to come out.

They waited before seeing blue hair and a maroon mask, they had already gotten changed into the Gym clothes so at least then they could get started.

“Hooray a new face. Hiya there I’m Crisono” The new blue-haired girl stood back, so this was Crisono Tassa? She had expected her to be a bit, how would you say? Formal? Serious? But here she was all smiles and giggles.

And reminding her of someone.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Crisono, I’ve heard so much about you, I would be honoured if we could have a fencing match?” Crisono’s eyes lit up in awe. Sparkling with joy.

“Of course of course of course. Aunty can we can we can we? Pleeeeease?” She fluttered her eyelashes in her Aunt’s direction.

Hernandez, however, didn’t respond as she was looking the newcomer up and down, trying to stare her down, but it appeared she wouldn’t look away from her glare. Almost challenging it weirdly.

“Heh” Hernandez smirked, she liked this kid already, she seemed to prove herself in a matter of unspoken seconds, she couldn’t wait to see what else she could prove.

“I suppose seeing your skills in action would be a way for me to test what your capable off, if you think you can handle it?” The new girl nodded.

“I will strive to do everything to prove myself” She bowed formally.

“Very well, cherub teach her what it takes to be a true hero” Crisono excitedly waved her arms up and down again, a habit the girls noticed she would do whenever she was happy.

“Ok… Does that mean we can fight?”

“Yes, of course it means you can fight… What am I going to do with you?” Hernandez sighed as Rosina giggled before taking the new girl’s hand and take her to a large field. Ladybug and Stinger making their way over as well, wanting to enjoy the show.

“Oh yeah, what's your superhero name?” The new girl looked down, she knew, in the long run, she wouldn’t be able to go by her old name, Hawkmoth already knew her identity and she couldn’t put her friends and family in danger.

So, she decided to choose someone who had inspired her for a sport she had grown to love.

“I’m YukiOta”

.

.

“I suppose you’ll need to catch me up to speed Tikki” Longg floated over to his long-time friend, forgetting the last time he had seen her he was excited to spend some time outside.

“Of course Longg, don’t worry it's not all bad… At least I don’t think so” Longg looked confused, what did she mean by that?

“Here Longg, we have plenty of snacks to eat as they all train. But don’t worry about them, they’ll be alright” Longg gave a puzzled look again before settling down near them, greedily taking a cookie while listening to Pollen and Tikki retell the recent events that had transpired.

.

.

“THAT’S BASIC TRAINING!?”

“You’ll get used to it”

***

In a classroom, voices were heard. Well, more like whispers were formed by the people in there.

And it was very clear as to why.

They all saw, it was impossible not to notice.

I mean, the three girls who sit in the back come in, all with bandages around them? What had happened? Were they involved in a fight? Was there a short Akuma attack the news team couldn’t capture because they couldn’t get there in time?

Whatever had happened they were still worried and asked what had occurred, they may not be on the same page but to leave them like that would just be heartless, a brunette couldn’t really care less but had to act as if she did.

.

“We’re starting paintball lessons”

.

.

And like that everything went back to normal, of course, that had to be the reason. Kim vouched, saying the last time he went paintballing he came back with a bruised leg, he hadn’t worn enough protection and shivered at how long it took for him to heal.

And even though it seemed plausible… It still seemed strange that someone as clumsy as Marinette, and someone as dirt free as Chloé would ever participate in such an extreme sport such as paintballing.

Rosina, they could kinda understand, she had already proved to be a pro of a fencer so this activity would just be a form of exercise.

Chloé had asked why Marinette was all banged up only for Rosina to say her Aunt wants her to personally teach her some self-defence tactics, but she kept falling over. Chloé laughed at that as Marinette huffed asking why she’s so banged up, Chloé’s smirk fell off her face as she stuttered for a reason, eventually saying she was starting karate thank god Marinette seemed to buy it.

The girls thought the next few days wouldn’t be as bad.

.

Boy were they wrong.

***

And it’s done, sorry this might have taken longer, I kinda got into a Pokémon phase as I plan to do something big with Pokémon, but I need to plan it out more, so hopefully, that will be good. Also, hope you like it, next one is either 3 in 1 or Felix I’m leaning more towards Felix, haven’t decided yet, anyone have any short requests for me to do in the 3 in 1? Any scenarios?

Well anyway, I’m going to upload YukiOta’s design afterwards so you can all see it. Hope you’ll like it.

Also, what really sucks is that my drawing tablet doesn’t work with the Paint Tool Sai and every time I install it and uninstall it, it always makes my computer reset so I really hate that. Hopefully, it's just a problem with the laptop as I’m planning on getting another one for uni soon. But that also means updates will be slower so sorry, but I want to pass uni.

Anyway, hope to see you all soon. Have a good day/night.

[stardust-squish-blog]

fairy tale ♡

it was chan’s birthday yesterday so here’s a little something i wrote

member: lee chan / dino

genre: fluff with the tiniest bit of angst

11 . 02 . 17 

the first good thing about today was not missing her alarm. she had woken up precisely at 08:15, when the sun had risen and the birds were chirping and there was stardust in her room. the air smelled nice, too. she had no idea why.

the ‘ding’ that came from the device on the nightstand gave a clue.

reminder: chan’s birthday ♡

her eyes found the little brown bag and balloon by the door and instantly, a smile blossomed. today was a special day. 

on the eleventh of february, nineteen years ago, a boy named lee chan was born.

today, he was going to turn nineteen.

and today, she had things to do.

09 : 19

“alright, guys, have a quick break. we’ll resume practice soon.”

choruses of groans and ‘thank you’s’ echoed throughout the practice room as thirteen bodies flopped to the floor, cheeks squished against the cool surface. for a while there was no movement, just contented sighs coupled together with the gentle whirring of fans. 

then the oldest boy sat up. “good job guys.” carding a hand through his hair, seungcheol flashed a reassuring smile. “it isn’t easy, but let’s work hard. we’ll get there.”

his comment elicited a snort from the chinese boy lying on his tummy. minghao snorted, “what do you mean? that wasn’t good at all. did you see mingyu? he totally sucked.”

a gasp rose from the accused, who immediately shot up, hands clasped over his chest. “how could you say that? that hurt my heart. and besides,” mingyu pouted while glancing distastefully at the other boys, “i wasn’t the only one who screwed up. why, chan kept on messing up that part! vernon was the one who got scolded by our choreographer the most! an-and jeonghan-hyu—ow! hyung!"

jeonghan leisurely stood back up, dusted his hands on his hoodie and shot mingyu a glare. “you dare to insult an angel? know your place, gyu.”

“chan!” 

all eyes instantly focused on the figure sitting in a corner of the room. the boy in question lifted his head, mumbling a reply with a quiet “yes?”

“come here. let’s practice that part again.” a sigh left their choreographer’s lips as she adjusted the music. “focus, okay? this part has to be perfect.”

but not matter how hard he tried or how many times he practiced, chan could not get it right. the other boys watched as the duo danced, again, and again, and again. no longer than ten minutes had passed and their choreographer was at the end of her tether.

“gosh, chan, what’s wrong with you today?” 

twelve minds thought of twelve answers, all exactly the same.

twelve lips shared twelve hidden smiles.

out of the thirteen boys, all knew. all, but one.

“i-i don’t know. i think i’m just tired. i’m sorry, i’ll work harder.”

09 : 31

jeonghan watched the boy leave the room, dollar bills poking out from his fist. poor kid. he thinks we forgot. he sighed as he chuckled to himself. that’s good, it’s all going according to plan. 

soonyoung sidled up to him. “hyung,” he whispered, nearly scaring the elder boy out of his wits, “is she here yet? when’s she gonna come?” his eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. “hyung, i can’t wait to see his reaction!”

“she’ll be here when we end,” jeonghan’s eyes settled on the wall clock of the practice room. “about an hour more.”

the notification that popped up on his phone told him otherwise though.

baby’s baby: i’m here :>

jeonghan’s eyebrows shot up. she’s here?

over his shoulder, soonyoung’s eyes expanded to the size of  saucers. “hyung, take the stairs. it’s faster.”

“i’ll be back.”

angel: already? hold on 

as he sprinted down, taking the stairs three at a time with a hand running through his hair, jeonghan’s mumbling got increasingly heated. 

“did she have to come an hour earlier? what if he sees her? then everything would be ruined! everything we worked so hard for would be ruined! why are kids so inconsiderate?” the adrenaline pulsed through his veins and the fire burned in his blood as he vehemently spat, “sometimes i just want to slap some consideration into them!” 

the second good thing about today was her mood.

she liked the way she dressed today. yes, it was her usual style, and yes, it was honestly nothing special, but she was in a good mood today. she left the house smiling, she didn’t forget anything and she looked pretty nice. 

was it magic? days like this were rare.

the walk to pledis was good too. people smiled at her. middle-aged aunties tending to flowers, young couples with hands intertwined, businessmen in suits and ties. their lips curved up when she passed them by, with a lilt in her steps that was never there. it was as if they knew where she was going, what she was doing and why she was doing it.

who could blame them, really, when her dreamy expression and the balloon in her hand made it all too obvious.

she was early too. maybe a little too early. sighing as she tucked her hair behind one shoulder, she sent a quick text to a certain self-proclaimed angel.

while awaiting his response, her hand found its way to her head, making sure no hair was out of place, and then she was dusting fluff off her skirt, adjusting her bag strap—she almost burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. why was she being like this? she was hardly ever this concerned about her appearance.

perhaps it was the excitement of surprising the person you love.

yeah, that was probably it.

a million thoughts raced through his mind as he saw her standing there. when did chan grow up? he now has a little lady friend to call his own. everyone expected jun to be first. wow, my baby is growing up :’). i can’t accept this. why is he growing up so quickly? what has he been eating? i need to kn—

the calling of his name brought him back to earth. she appeared in front of him, balloon nearly hitting him on the head. smiling sheepishly, she tugged it closer to her and looked up at him expectantly.

“you’re an hour early.”

cue the increase in size of said sheepish smile. “i know. i’m sorry. i just didn’t want to be late.”

jeonghan sighed as they made their way to the lifts. “it’s alright. it’s good to be early, but an hour early? are you nuts?” then with the biggest shit-eating grin plastered on his face, “or is this perhaps something only couples understand?”

at his comment, she turned pink. as pink as jihoon’s hair. 

well.

chan blushed too when he got teased.

“gosh, you’re just like him. but what would i, an innocent who has never experienced such a feeling, know, right?” he smirked as the hue on her cheeks deepened. 

attempting to change the subject, she held up the paper bag in her hands. 

“i have the cake.”

jeonghan nodded approvingly. “good good. you’re officially accepted to be my daughter-in-law.” they shared a laugh, both knowing the possibilities, before he continued, tone a little more serious. 

“you know where to go right?” at the nod of her head, he continued, “i don’t know how you’re going to entertain yourself, but i suppose you can do up the room a little more. rearrange stuff, add stuff, remove stuff, whatever floats your boat. set up the cake and banner. knock yourself out.” she nodded once more, and the lift doors opened. 

“i have to go practice now. good luck!”

she smiled back. “good luck!”

10 : 25 

back pressed against the wall, she admired her work. presents nicely arranged, balloons and streamers framing the mirror, the birthday banner, the lovely cake—and she didn’t smell bad.

well, what could she say? today was a really good day. 

the minute hand ticked closer and closer to six. hurriedly, she stood up and brushed herself off. they should be here by now. 

as if on cue, eleven boys started to file in, all whispering in hushed tones. 

“get into position, idiots. hurry!” 

“ooh, it’s jeonghan’s other baby. hello.” 

“hi.” 

“did you do all this?” 

“yeah.” 

“wow. very nice.” 

seungcheol’s command ceased the chatter. “alright guys, shh!” 

there were a few seconds of silence. then a giggle broke it. 

“i can hear him,” soonyoung wheezed. “he’s grumbling because we left him behind.” 

seungkwan whacked him on the head. “i can hear his footsteps. shut up!” 

“remember, shout ‘happy birthday’ when he walks in,” seungcheol whispered as the door knob turned. the countdown silently began. 

3. 

2. 

1…

10 : 29

the 19-year-old boy trudged along the deserted corridor, drink cans clutched tightly in his hands. his eyes brimmed with tears as he recalled his hyungs’ behaviour this morning. 

“did they really forget?” chan mumbled, taking small and heavy steps towards the practice room. a sigh escaped his lips. could he tell their choreographer that he wasn’t feeling well? the morning without birthday wishes or claps on the backs or hugs and kisses was enough to make chan feel sick. 

they had left him behind too. making him go and buy drinks from the vending machine two floors down and ditching him at a different practice room because of a “blackout”?

what an absolute load of nonsense. 

it was because he couldn’t perfect that one part, wasn’t it?

but it wasn’t his fault. they were the reasons why.

maybe it was true that nobody cared about the youngest ones. chan’s bottom lip trembled as the tears threatened to spill. maybe he was just insignificant in seventeen. they didn’t even tell him where they had shifted to. he had to ask one of the cleaners if they had seen twelve rowdy boys leaving practice room A.

no. that can’t be. we’re family, right? the small voice in his head repeated the quote that joshua always said. ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind. 

but even his own girlfriend did not send him a birthday greeting whatsoever. no text message, no video message, no snow story, no skype call or face time. did she know how long he had waited for his phone to light up? for the notification that read from: my love ♡  to pop up on the screen? 

a lone tear dropped onto his palm, shaking chan back to reality. it’s okay, chan. you’re strong. you aren’t going to let them see you cry, right? it hurts, but mum’s gonna send you something later. it’ll be alright. with a final swipe of his hand across his face, chan took a deep breath, held his head high and pushed the door open. 

“hyungs! here’s the drin—” 

but chan was blown away by the shout of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAN!” and suddenly the whole room erupted into hoots and balloons and faces and everything was blurring together into one big, happy, sparkly and beautiful mess.

“aw look! he’s crying!” soonyoung ruffled chan’s hair affectionately. this was followed by a bear hug, courtesy of minghao, who yelled, “jeonghan-hyung, your cliché blackout story actually worked!“ 

junhui pinched chan’s cheeks. “you’re so cute. you really thought we forgot, huh?”

jihoon laughed. “fat chance of that happening. we’re family, remember?” 

that made it even worse. chan was now straight up bawling into jeonghan’s chest. how could he have ever doubted them? they were right.

joshua was right.

seventeen was family.

and he knew they would never leave him behind.

seungcheol’s gentle hand coaxed him away from jeonghan’s embrace. “come here chan, let’s sing the birthday song. there’s someone whom you want to see and who wants to see you too.” 

and there she was. shining brighter than the nineteen candles sitting atop the cake. chan’s eyes curved into crescents. she, out of all people, would never forget a date like today. 

aish, i ought to hit myself. i am so so so stupid. the youngest in seventeen and also the dumbest. 

she looked so pretty right there and then. as they ended the birthday song with cheers and claps, chan found himself gravitating towards her and capturing her in a cuddle. 

“you’re here too.” he breathed her in. she smelt like flowers and warmth and home. he liked it. 

she giggled. “of course i’m here. i would never miss your birthday, you know.“ 

"i know.” chan sighed and closed his eyes. what was this feeling? was it bliss? happiness? he didn’t know. maybe one of his hyungs would. he’d make sure to ask later.

but there was one thing he did know: he loved everybody in the room. so, so, very much. 

the voice of their choreographer cut through the cheerful atmosphere. "come here everybody, gather round, i’ll help you take pictures.” she tutted as she reached for the camera. "wow, this looks really nice. like something out of a storybook. look here everyone! say ‘happy birthday chan’! 1, 2, 3!" 

23 : 05

she got one polaroid as a momento. "here,” their choreographer had said, “you’re his girlfriend. i picked the best one for you. go home and display it somewhere. if chan comes over and sees it, he’ll be very happy." 

as she tucked herself into bed that night, she rolled over to face her study table. the polaroid hung from a string strung across the cork board above her desk. and when sleep lulled her into dreamland, the only thing she remembered was how lovely the picture looked, with sparkles, streamers, happy faces and so full of love. oh, and how the stars twinkled so bright tonight. 

today, was indeed a fairy tale.

11 . 02 . 17 ♡ happy birthday, chan ♡

[abittoosweetie]

Slam Dunk Chapter 1 (Sneak Peek)

Welcome to the sequel for Dribble, and the third sequel for Defence! Slam Dunk takes place nine years later and there is a lot of catching up to do. Derek and Ahsha have ended their seventeen year marriage and are in the middle of a divorce and are joint parenting their four children. Will these four children be able to fix their parents relationship? Find out in Slam Dunk.

For now this is the sneak peek. Only because my sister and I are working on a new series that we’re super excited for you guys to read! 

I really hope you guys enjoy this sneak peek!

"Mom, can I stay over Dad's for dinner?" Mackenzie asks Ahsha who just came in from a long day at work at the dance studio. The mom had been working on choreography at her dance studio and was in need of a well deserved nap.

"Yes sweetheart. Where is your brother?"

"He's hanging out with Daddy. Do you want to speak to him?" The nearly eleven year old has a sly smile on her face as she looks at her great aunt, Katharine who is sitting on the chair in the living room.

Ahsha tenses up at the mention of Derek's presence and she finishes putting the papers into their appropriate files.

"No Ken, it's okay. I can just talk to Carter later."

"Ken, is that your mom?" Derek asks as he strolls into the room with Carter at his side, the two just finished watching basketball. Ahsha tenses up.

“Ken I’ll call you back.” She insists to her daughter who is barely paying attention.

"Yeah, here dad!" Mackenzie cheers and practically throws the phone into her father's hands. Derek chuckles at his daughter and shakes his head.

"Thank you Ken."

Derek and Ahsha have not spoken to each other in two years and had just finished with the finalization of their divorce. "Hey." Derek answers the phone, letting out a light chuckle at Ahsha's incoherent rambling on the other end of the phone. He hopes that she says something to him over the phone.

"Hey. Derek, I need go. I'll be at the mansion to pick up the kids around eight, if that's okay." She blurts out and smacks herself in the head for talking, grabbing her laptop.

"Yeah, it's fine Ahsh," Derek answers and his eyes widen at the mention of his ex-wife's nickname, Ahsha's heart skips a beat. "Remember, you're always welcome over for dinner."

"Thanks Derek. I really need to go, I'm in the middle of something important. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay. Talk to you later." Derek retorts.

"Bye." Ahsha says and quickly hangs up the phone. She feels her heart racing once again and feels tears rushing to her eyes. She quickly wipes the tears away before they turn into full on sobs.

"You already cried over him last night. When are you going to stop?" She asks herself, unable to stop the tears from flowing this time.

Her phone rings once again and her heart races as she closes her laptop. She grabs the phone and realizes that Kyle is calling her phone.

"Hey Carebear!" The blonde answers excitedly. Little does Ahsha know, Kyle is making her way up to her condo now.

"Hey."

"Carebear? Spill it." Kyle drills, sensing the tone of her best friend's voice.

"I'm fine Kyle." Kyle's phone cuts off and she knocks on Ahsha's large white door. Ahsha jumps up and opens the door for her best friend.

Kyle walks in and gives her best friend a tight, comforting hug.

"Sister intuition told me you weren't fine which is why I came over. Now spill it." Kyle says as she lets her best friend go and takes a seat next to her on the chair, putting her Celine bag on another chair.

"Derek invited me over for dinner and I don't know if I can go. Kyle I'm not even over him yet." Kyle nods her head in understanding and rubs Ahsha's back.

"I know it's been a year since the divorce and I know how hard it is seeing him everyday and not being able to still jump in his arms and tell him you love him. It's okay to still be upset. Getting over him is going to take some time, take as much of it as you need but don't rush it."

"I still love him." Ahsha admits for the first time since the day of the divorce being finalized.

"And that's okay, love." Ahsha wipes her tears away and wraps her arms tighter around Kyle, holding her close.

Ahsha's phone rings once again and she sees Derek's number pop up on the screen. Kyle gently rubs her back as she picks up the phone.

"Hello." She answers, hiding the fact that she is upset and hears her babies talking.

"Mommy can you please come for dinner? We're having chicken parmgon." Chloe answers.

"Chloe it's parmapon." Lillianna answers, causing Mackenzie and Katharine to crack up at her.

"Sweetheart it's Chicken Parmesan." Mackenzie says before taking the phone. Ahsha sits at the other end of the phone chuckling at her girls.

"Mom can you please come for dinner?"

"Please mom?" Carter says, standing next to his older sister while his father is still busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.

"Pleaseeeee?" All four kids beg, warming Ahsha's heart.

"Fine I'll come to dinner tonight. Auntie Kyle's coming too."

Kyle's face has confusion written all over it. "Okay mommy! I'll talk to you later, bye!" Mackenzie answers before she quickly hangs up the phone, seeing her father walking into the den.

"What are you guys doing?" Derek asks, noticing Mackenzie and Carter's nervous expressions. Chloe and Lillianna look at each other with their eyes wide open.

"Nothing!" The twins say at the same time.

"Chloe and Lilly are up to no good like always." Carter says, causing the twins to give him the side eye.

"They look just like Ahsha." Katharine says out loud as she looks up from her phone, laughing harder as the twins simultaneously roll their eyes at Carter.

"The act just like her too." Mackenzie chimes in and sits next to her great-aunt on the chair.

"I'm going to take the chicken out of the oven. Dinner should be ready in about fifteen minutes." Derek tells everyone and leaves the den.

"Kids." He scoffs as the thought of Ahsha coming for dinner dances over his mind.

Back at her apartment, Ahsha is now tapping away at the emails on her laptop while a million and one questions escape Kyle's lips.

"What if you two get back together again?"

"Kyle."

"Ahsha. I'm just asking Carebear, it's so obvious that you still love him."

"How so?" The mother asks as she stops typing up the roll sheet for tomorrow's hip hop class. The conversation strikes a nerve and she tenses up.

"Shall we talk about when he walked in here with the twins yesterday? You couldn't stop staring at him." Kyle says as Ahsha looks down at her lap.

"Yeah. But."

"There's no buts Carebear. Plus you told me twenty minutes ago that you still love him. Let's go, I'm hungry." The blonde chuckles and wraps her arms around her best friend.

"I'm not driving." Ahsha tells her. The two best friends head out the door and get into Kyle's car.

En route to the mansion, Kyle starts to ask questions again. "So are you excited to finally talk to Derek?"

"I don't want to talk to him Kyle," Ahsha replies bitterly. "The last time he and I had a full conversation, it was the day I divorced him."

Kyle stays quiet and continues driving. "What?"

"Nothing."

"What, Kyle."

"You don't think you guys gave up too easily? I get that he was hurt about Mary pretending to change and then using him the way that she did and that he decided to shut down. You shut down on him too."

"Kyle I really don't want to discuss why he and I divorced. I am trying to move on."

"Move on or keep stuff from me? Carter told me that you still cry in your sleep. I know today wasn't the first time you've cried." Kyle takes a glance at Ahsha before she pulls up to the red light.

"I’ve done it once or twice."

"Not counting tonight. Last night, two nights ago?" Kyle asks, seeing Ahsha crumble.

"Yeah."

The blonde stops the car at a stop sign and looks over at her friend again. "Like I said, It's okay to still be upset babe. You two have been divorced for a year, no one says you have to heal overnight."

"It's easy for you to say when you're married and you two are going strong, Kyle. Do you know how bad it hurts to see him everyday and know that what we had is gone?" Ahsha asks as tears fill the rim of her eyes.

Kyle pulls into the driveway at the mansion and hugs Ahsha after putting the car in park. "I can't go in there crying." Ahsha jokes and wipes her eyes.

"I'm right here, remember." Kyle tells her and grabs her hand.

"Thank you, Ky."

The two get out of Kyle's car and walk to the door of the mansion. Kyle knocks as Ahsha stands there somewhat frozen in fear of what the evening holds. Max barks in excitement as he smells Ahsha's scent. He usually smells her scent on the kids' clothes which makes him equally excited as well.

Katharine opens the door and beams as she sees Ahsha. "I missed you!"

"I saw you at dance earlier Kath." Ahsha chuckles and hugs Katharine back.

Max waits for Katharine to stop hugging Ahsha before he jumps on her and then jumps back down. "Max!" Ahsha coos and plays with the large pit bull dog who is very excited to see her. He excitedly rolls over and lets her rub his stomach.

"Mommy!" The twins scream and run to their mother. Ahsha perks up and stops rubbing Max.

"Hi my babies!" Ahsha coos and kisses Chloe and Lillianna all over their little faces. They let out their little laughs and hug their mom.

Ahsha puts the girls down and notices Lillianna's hair is out of its ballerina bun and into a regular ponytail. “Where’s your pretty bun?” Ahsha asks her daughter.

“I took it out.” She replies laughing and hugs her mother again. Lillianna Amaya Roman is known as the hugger and is the exact replica of her mother all the way down to her little attitude.

"Auntie Kyle!" Lillianna screams, making Kyle laugh.

"Lilly pie!" Kyle happily cheers and picks Lilly up, kissing her all over her face.

"What about me?" Chloe says, crossing her little arms.

Little Chloe Imani Roman is Derek’s exact mini me with nothing of Ahsha in her little personality.

"If you aren't your daddy's twin." Kyle says and tickles Chloe whose loud laugh echoes through the foyer.

"No! I'm Lilly's!" Chloe replies as Kyle kisses her cheeks. Kyle places both of the girls down and notices Ahsha and Katharine in conversation.

The twins run off to go tell Derek that Ahsha and Kyle arrived. Ahsha and Kyle take off their shoes and place them next to the door with every one else's shoes.

"Hi mom!" Mackenzie calls out and rushes to give her mother a hug.

"My big baby!" Ahsha says and wraps her arms around her oldest child.

"Your favorite baby." She reminds her mother as Ahsha kisses her forehead.

"No, Mackenzie. I think Carter's my favorite." Ahsha says as she sees her son coming into the room to greet her as well.

"Hey!"

"It's not my fault I'm mommy's favorite." He replies as he hugs Ahsha as well. Ahsha presses a kiss to her little boy's forehead and holds both of her children close to her.

"I love both of you."

"We love you too." The two siblings reply at the same time. The three let each other go and they go to hug Kyle.

"I'm your favorite, right Auntie Ky?" Mackenzie asks, batting her big brown eyes.

"Yes you are, my sweet Kenzie." Kyle tells her and kisses her forehead, wrapping her arms around her goddaughter.

"Me too?" Carter asks, seeming hopeful. Kyle laughs loudly and hugs her godson.

"Yes you too, my handsome."

Derek walks into the living room with the twins at his side, he looks at Ahsha and suddenly forgets what he has to say. He is taken aback at her beauty.

Even in a pair of leggings, a Loyola Marymount hoodie, no makeup, and her hair up in a bun, Ahsha Hayes could still be the most beautiful person to Derek.

"Dinner's ready?" Katharine asks, noticing Derek and Ahsha looking at each other without breaking their gazes.

Katharine and Kyle look at each other and wink. "Yes." Derek answers when Lilly bumps his side on purpose. She and Chloe look at each other and laugh loudly.

"Let's eat!" Chloe cheers and rushes into the large dining room, pulling Lilly with her. "They still love each other!" Chloe excitedly whispers.

"I know!"

Everyone follows behind the twins, unaware of their whispers to each other.

Taking their seats, Ahsha notices that she is sitting in between Mackenzie and Kyle.

Derek says grace and then everyone passes around the food. The parents each help the twins with getting their chicken parmesan and spaghetti on their plates.

The dinner table was filled with small conversation as everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by Derek. Ahsha internally sighs, appreciating the taste of Derek's cooking all over again, not realizing how much she missed it. Chloe and Lilly were the first to finish and were excused from the table to go play. The kids finish eating and leave the table while everyone shares stories about their day.

The sound of her ex-husband's deep voice was enough to send Ahsha's heart beat into shock once his turn for story time came around.

"Well guys I have to go. I have a presentation that I have to prepare for class tomorrow." Katharine tells everyone.

"Go ahead Ms. high schooler." Ahsha teases, making the teen laugh. Katharine gives Kyle, Ahsha, and Derek hugs.

"Goodnight guys."

"Goodnight. Let me know when you get home." Derek calls out, finishing his Sprite. Ahsha and Kyle finish eating their food and are stuffed.

Chloe and Lilly run back into the dining room. "Daddy what's for dessert?"

"Apple pie and ice cream in thirty minutes." He answers. The two run back into their playroom right after they get the answer they were looking for.

The table falls awkwardly quiet as the three adults sit in silence, not knowing what to say next.

"Excuse me." Ahsha says and gets up from the table feeling hot, dizzy, and nervous. The young mom wanders upstairs and straight into her large, spacious, old master suite without even realizing her actions. She heads straight to the bathroom and starts to use it. Looking to the left to grab toilet paper she notices that there is barely any toilet paper left.

She uses what she needs, gets dressed again, and goes about her business in the bathroom.

After she washes her hands she plans on getting more toilet paper but remembers she cannot reach. "Okay, jump." Ahsha says, speaking to herself jumps as high as she can to grab the toilet paper.

"Dang it." She says and continues to try and reach the toilet paper.

Derek finds himself checking up on Ahsha who has been gone for a while. He makes his way to the master suite and hears Ahsha trying to reach the toilet paper and chuckles at her failed attempts.

"Do you need help?" He asks, sending an entire army of butterflies to her stomach causing her to jump a little. She opens the bathroom seeing Derek with a smirk on his face.

"I got it." She replies, realizing that her tone came out somewhat harsh when she sees his face change.

"Sorry I didn't mean..."

"It's okay. Here, let me help you." He tells her. He comes behind her and wraps her arms around her waist, picking her up so that she can reach the basket with the toilet paper. She grabs a roll and Derek gently places her back down on the floor, slightly hypnotized by the smell of her perfume.

"Thanks." She tells him and looks up at him, realizing that she cannot look away from his dark brown eyes.

She notices what is happening and excuses herself. "I'll see you downstairs.”

“Ahsha, wait.” Derek calls out as she strolls out of the bathroom. She stops walking and turns around. In one swift moment Derek wraps his left hand around the back of her neck, rests his right hand on her backside and presses his soft lips to hers.

@msnefie-honeylove21 I hope you enjoy our little mini twins (Chloe and Lilly) ;)