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[annaroberts2404]

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[pixel-percy]

🎬 Newly divorced actor, Cooper Howard, finds comfort in his personal assistant when he needs it the most. 🎬

🎬 Word Count: 19.6k 🎬 Music Vibes: West Coast Love by Emotional Oranges 🎬 Warning(s): Smut (piv/unprotected, brief mention of others), very light exhibitionism, make-outs/heavy petting, semi-canon universe, post-divorce drama (+ the angst that comes with it), brief alcoholism, accusations of infidelity, age gap (consensual, reader mid-20s), workplace power imbalance (consensual), & brief mention of blood 🎬 A/N: Holy shit. I did it. This is the longest fic I've ever written & it's complete! Pretty sure I started this back in June or July & have been working on it on & off ever since. I'm dropping this with a light proof read so if you spot any mistakes, no you don't lol May also add to the warnings if I feel like I missed any, but, yeah. I had such a blast writing for pre-Ghoul Cooper so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do <3

The moment you stepped into Cooper’s house, the scent of cigarettes washed over you and the steady sound of idle chatter filled your ears. Most of the attendees ignored you in favor of rubbing elbows with potential business partners and movie deals and, those who did recognize you, greeted you with warm smiles and sometimes exuberant shouts of your name. You did your best to return each greeting—a cheek kiss here, a handshake there, a narrow dodge of an errant hand guided by booze—and maneuvered through the crowd expertly. You hadn’t spotted him yet.

A hand on your elbow called your attention toward the feeling and you managed to catch a glimpse of Sebastian Leslie, one of Cooper’s close friends, as he leaned close to your ear. You smiled, mostly for the attendees, and leaned into him a bit, hand against his forearm. Curious eyes passed over you both momentarily but moved on just as quickly when they realized who you two were.

“He gave her the divorce papers before the party,” he whispered loud enough for you only to hear. “It’s been an hour and he hasn’t shown his face once.”

Your smile hadn’t faltered for a moment, adjusting his ascot and squeezing his upper arm reassuringly.

“I got it,” you said and turned away from Sebastian. Truthfully, you didn’t know if you did have it, this entire thing with Barb had him acting distant and slightly cold to everyone that wasn’t Janey.

You’d done your best to just stay out of his way, handled anything that was asked of you without much complaint, and generally just tried to make his life easier while he navigated the treacherous terrain that had become his home life. Which is what made this all the more difficult—the Vault-Tec deal, his new movie, and the party at hand at the result of them both. Hollywood stars and scientists mingled all in the same space awaiting the man of the hour… unaware of what was happening behind closed doors. But that was a problem for tomorrow you and tomorrow Cooper.

“Nice dress, by the way,” Sebastian commented. It was, in fact, the nicest thing you currently owned, even if it had been the very thing you wore under your college graduation gown a few years prior. White and gold, with swirls and florals, no sleeves, a modest front, and a deep v in the back that stopped at a bow. The skirt was asymmetrical, showing off your legs and a pair of cute heels you saved for parties like this. You were a P.A not a starlet after all. You did a little twirl for Sebastian which earned some laughter from you both before you left him completely.

The greetings continued on your path toward the stairs that you knew would lead up to his bedroom, the most likely place he’d be holed up in. Glasses clinked and boisterous laughter carried over the soft music, while you made your way up to the second floor where the partygoers hadn’t dared tread. The sounds of the party muffled with every step into the dimly lit hallway, framed movie posters lining the walls toward the door at the end of the path, ajar enough to let a sliver of light pour out. You reached out your hand to rap lightly on the wood.

“Mr. Howard?” you tried. A small, familiar woof hit your ears and soon you spotted a curious nose, sniffs loud, and tail wagging furiously. “Hey, Roosevelt,” you said affectionately, the door opening naturally as you offered him pets. “Where’s your dad at huh?” Roosevelt pulled away and went back into the room as if requesting you to follow. You did so cautiously, not wanting to intrude if Cooper wasn’t decent, and closed the door behind you. “Mr. Howard?” you called again.

“In here!” he finally answered back.

You moved further into the space until you spotted him in front of the large mirror beside his bed, a deep blue shimmery tie dangling from his neck and a yellow one with polka dots that he was holding up for comparison in one of his free hands. He sighed.

“So you’ve been stuck in here for an hour picking a tie?” you asked lightly, a soft smile on your lips. He spotted you in the mirror and gave a halfhearted chuckle.

“I guess so,” he said. You could tell he was deflated, and rightfully so. The blue of his attire was so deep it was almost black—on brand as always but subtle enough to feel like he was mourning something. Appropriate but in combination with his tone, it made you feel sad. He wasn’t just your boss for the last couple of years, he was your friend, and you cared about him, about his family. It hurt you to see them being torn apart like this but you knew it had to be for a reason… a world-shattering one to bring divorce into it.

You stepped a bit closer, smile and tone still soft.

“May I, Mr. Howard?” you asked and held out a hand. Cooper turned to you with heavy eyes, lingering on your face in a way that made you want to pull him into a tight hug, but you resisted. He held out the tie for you to take and you did so, approaching him and laying the fabric gently against his shoulder to compare. You could feel his eyes on your face as you contemplated between the two items that had supposedly kept him in his bedroom this long.

“Be honest with me…” he whispered. “Did I royally fuck this all up?” Your eyes tilted up to his, a tight-lipped smile growing as you considered him. It was a vulnerable question. He was hurting, you could see it in the way he held himself, the slouched shoulders, semi-puffy eyelids, and the tone of his words. Meaningful conversations were not uncommon for the two of you, especially when he felt out of his depth about something or needed reassurance, but you hadn’t expected him to even mention the divorce to you right now.

“I think…” you started, cautious again. “You love Janey and Barb, so so much.” Your fingers wrapped around the tie that’d been hanging loosely around his neck so you could gently remove it. His eyes flicked to your movements briefly before returning to your face. You tossed the pieces of fabric onto the dresser. “And if whatever made you feel like this was the right course of action… Well…” You adjusted the collar of his shirt—the top two buttons were undone already in that casual style he liked—and brushed the shoulders of his deep blue, velvety blazer. You looked him directly in the eye. “I think you should trust your gut.”

Cooper returned the gaze. He nodded slowly, your words absorbed like water in limestone. You stepped back and removed your hands from his shoulders, but stopped when you felt his fingers wrap around your wrist, just enough pressure to keep you from turning away. He gave you the biggest smile he could muster and put both his hands over yours.

“Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for being here. For everythin’ lately.”

“Of course,” you replied and squeezed his hands back with yours. It felt like he was tethering himself back to reality in a way, the veil of his pain and heartache lifting enough for him to feel a little closer to normal. Only a little though. “You sure you want to go out there? I can tell ‘em all to scram if you really want me to,” you offered, tone playful though you fully meant it. That earned an amused huff out of him and he released you, the warmth from his palms lingering on your skin.

“Nah, s’alright,” he said. You reached for the whiskey glass on the dresser that he looked to have been sipping from before you arrived; it was just under halfway full. The ice clinked against the sides of the glass as you handed it to him.

“I guess you’d better get out there, Mr. Howard.”

“It’d seem so,” he said, taking the glass from you. You watched him close his eyes and inhale deeply, finding his center again. Roosevelt whined softly from his dog bed. “Alright,” he muttered a little reluctantly. Cooper took a couple steps past you and you were content to follow behind him had he not stopped, your name leaving his lips as a question.

“Yes?”

“Just…” He nibbled at the inside of his lip and offered you his elbow. “Just Cooper tonight, alright? I need somebody to treat me like a normal person.”

“Sure thing, Cooper,” you said with a smile, taking the offer and giving him a reassuring squeeze.

“Thank you.” Cooper shifted his shoulders beside you, no doubt holding all of his tension there, and you made a mental note to schedule a spa day for him. You both walked toward the door. “You look lovely by the way, m’sure Sebastian was makin’ eyes at you.”

“Sebastian Leslie can keep his eyeballs to himself,” you said with a roll of your eyes and a smile. “I’m not interested.”

“Look at you, breakin’ the hearts of Hollywood’s most eligibles,” he said. You dug your elbow playfully into his side. “Come on, back to the wolves we go.”

“Last chance. I can still run ‘em off,” you said.

“You’re a terrifyin’ lil’ force of nature, but, unfortunately, these investors' pocketbooks are what’s gonna keep the lights on.”

“Then let’s put that movie star charm to good use,” you said.

“You think I’m charmin’? Psh. I remember distinctly hearin’ you call me a pain in the ass on set the other day,” he joked, sipping his whiskey.

“That’s because you were being a pain in the ass,” you responded coolly.

“Yeah… Yeah, I was,” he laughed—a genuine sound you were happy to hear given the circumstances—as the two of you left the room and traversed the hallway decorated in Cooper’s accolades back toward the bustling party.

Months had passed since the night of the party, tension inevitably brewing between Cooper and Barb every time he’d double or triple down on the divorce. You’d stayed out of their way, performing the necessary functions asked of you like you had already started to do, and offered an ear when asked of you. Barb never did though. In fact, it felt like she avoided you completely, probably because you were essentially an extension of Cooper by job, even when you did your best to show you held no animosity toward her.

You still didn’t know why Cooper even wanted the divorce. It wouldn’t have been fair to him, her, or Janey if you treated her differently. So you stayed quiet and offered pleasantries she often barely acknowledged. The day the divorce was finalized you had been waiting outside of the courthouse for Cooper, an unpleasant backdrop of paparazzi waiting for them to depart so they could prey on their misery.

Barb was the first to exit, sunglasses covering her eyes, but they didn’t block the passing look she gave you that felt like you had been stabbed in the chest. You’d learned that you were just another ‘casualty’ of the divorce, because not only would Cooper have gotten you regardless, but he also got primary custody of Janey too. So she was probably pissed. Even Cooper didn’t offer much, understandably so, requesting to be taken home immediately and to be left alone for the rest of the day.

All you could do was frown and try not to take it personally… but it was certainly hard not to at times.

Now, you felt your nerves ignite as you turned the engine of the car off in front of Barb’s new house. It was a deep feeling in your chest but one you couldn’t let get the better of you. So, you climbed out of your car, went around the other side, and opened up the back door for Janey whose expression had been sunken every day since the divorce.

You did your best to give her some normalcy when you could, to ease just how bad the divide between Cooper and Barb actually was, but no amount of ice cream, roller rinks, and other well-intentioned distractions could do that. Especially when her parents had both dived deeply into their work as their way to escape the pain.

“You want me to carry your backpack?” you asked, watching as the young girl fidgeted with her fingers.

“I don’t wanna go with, Mommy,” she muttered, practically a whisper. Your expression shifted into a frown but you expected this to happen at some point. Using the door to keep your balance in your heels—opting for a more casual pencil skirt and button-up combo today—you squatted beside her.

“Why not?” you asked. She shifted again, hesitating.

“I dunno, she’s just, never really home so I have to stay with Miss Leah most of the time.”

“But Miss Leah is nice though, isn’t she?”

“I guess,” she said. “But… But I have more fun with you and Daddy.” Your heart dropped a little. “Miss Leah doesn’t take me to the roller rink like you do.”

“It’s not a competition hun,” you said softly, which only made her frown. You held out your hands, palm up, and waited. Despite not being a child of divorce, you’d seen the repercussions of it in your friends growing up, and you could certainly empathize with her. After a few moments, she placed her hands into yours and you gave her a comforting squeeze, a tight-lipped smile on your lips. “Your parents are trying their best. I know that’s not what you want to hear right now, but I promise you it’s true.”

“Why did they get divorced?” she asked, small tears building in her eyes. This wasn’t a conversation you’d expected to have right now but, honestly, you couldn’t blame her… Your hands squeezed hers again.

“Unfortunately, I can’t answer that for them,” you said.

Janey’s mouth opened to say something else but her eyes flicked behind you and it closed immediately. You had a feeling you knew why so you gave her shoulder a little rub before standing, guess confirmed by the sound of a pair of heels behind you.

Barb, who’d left her porch to make her way down the walkway toward you both, eyes on her daughter.

“Janey, baby,” she said, arms open and waiting. Janey’s eyes flicked to you for the briefest moment as she hopped out of the car and embraced her mother. 

“Hi, Mommy,” she responded.

You closed the door behind her, a little terrified to face Barb fully just from the general feelings you were getting, but you did so with hands on your hips and a smile.

“Hello,” you said. Her gaze turned to you, your name leaving her mouth in such a way that you could feel your nerves surge for a moment and a knot twist in your stomach. You cleared your throat. “Uh, Cooper said he’s going to pick her up next Sunday once his shoots are done—”

“Cooper?” she asked, smile twisting in a way that felt dangerous. You furrowed your eyebrows in slight confusion. “No more ‘Mister Howard’?... Interesting.”

Oh.

Oh no.

“Barb,” you tried, cautiously casual as you tried to deflect whatever she was trying to say.

“You can tell, Cooper,” she said and you took a deep breath. “We agreed on Friday.” Janey looked between you two. Your heart pounded. Nothing had happened between you two, where was this coming from? You’d never even entertained the idea of something like that nor had Cooper ever tried. He was your boss, this was his family, and your function was to make their lives as easy as you could.

“Yes, but he’ll be on set every day and I have to be there too, so he was hoping—”

Barb held up her hand. Your jaw clenched.

“Next time he needs to change his mind about our agreed schedule, he can call me himself instead of sending you.”

“He tried, but you didn’t pick up,” you said. Janey looked up to her mother before leaving her grip and making her way inside. Barb’s gaze followed her until she heard the door close and then turned back to you. Before she could say anything else, it was you who held up a hand. “I have nothing but respect for you, Barb. I always have. I’m just trying to help.”

“I’m sure you are,” Barb said, venom in her tone.

“Barb, please—”

“Just let him know I’ll figure it out. I always do,” she said and promptly turned away. You didn’t say anything in return, simply watched her disappear into the house, and you took a long, steadying breath. Your hands were shaking still when you climbed back into the driver’s seat.

The set was abuzz when you arrived, a stack of papers—a new version of the film’s script for Cooper to review—in the crook of one of your arms and a black coffee in your opposite hand. You weaved through all the busy bees, giving a few friendly nods, and headed directly for the trailers.

It was just before midday when you arrived on the lot, less shaken than your initial drive over from Barb’s, but still haunted by her words and expressions. You were completely innocent, never sparing a glance in Cooper’s direction in a way less than professional. He was never uncouth and never made an errant comment in your direction, his eyes were always on Barb. It wounded some part of you to know she thought you would do that to her.

Cooper Howard was your boss. That was that.

Your knuckles rapped at the door, the contents of the cup sloshing.

“Mr. Howard?” you tried over the sounds of all the bustling workers. Your knuckles hit the door again, this time so hard the coffee slipped out of the lid and almost threatened to stain the script gripped opposite of it. “Cooper?”

Still nothing.

An impatient sigh left you and, instead of waiting for his reply, you expertly utilized your fingers to open the door and stepped inside. The trailer was cool enough to combat the heat outside, a welcome reprieve, and it didn’t take you long to find Cooper. Your jaw clenched.

He was sprawled out on the dark leather couch, head propped up on the arm, and half-dressed in his costume for the movie. The spurs of the boot he had up on the other arm dug into the material, pants on with the top button popped, and his shirt completely undone which exposed his chest. It was like he’d made an attempt to get ready but never finished. His signature white cowboy hat was tilted down over his eyes.

“Cooper,” you said, trying to be firm enough to get his attention. His chest moved steadily up and down and when you took a step toward him, the distinct smell of whiskey hit your nose. Then you spotted it, a glass on the floor with his fingers loosely around the edges as though forgotten in his slumber. A tinge of frustration rippled through you and if you were honest with yourself, some disappointment, and it took all of your willpower and respect for Cooper not to just rip him off the couch and onto the floor. “Cooper.” Your voice was louder, tone much firmer, as you gave the boot dangling to the floor a nice kick.

“What the hell—” Cooper’s words slurred a little as he fixed his hat. “Oh, hey sweetheart.” The nickname fell on unappreciative ears and tumbled into the tension building in the space.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” you said, irritation rising in your chest. “Are you drunk right now? When you’re supposed to be on set in 45 minutes?”

“Just had a coupl’a sips of whiskey s’all,” he responded, accent thicker than usual and riddled with sleep. With a controlled but frustrated sigh, you slapped the script onto the nearest surface—a little more gentle with the coffee—and stood next to the couch with your hands on your hips.

“Just a coupl’a sips,” you mocked. Cooper peaked out from under his hat.

“Hey, now, that ain’t nice,” he said as he pointed one of his index fingers at you. You moved the whiskey glass next to the coffee.

“Nice?” You gave an indignant huff, reaching down to grab onto his forearm. “You’re making my job a lot harder than it should be right now.” Cooper’s head lolled lazily, just like the rest of him, but he made what appeared to be an effort when you pulled him off the couch and to his feet. He wobbled, chest hairs tickling your hand as you tried to steady him. “I don’t have to be nice. I have to get you out on that soundstage.”

Cooper chuckled, the smell of liquor wafting over your nostrils, and said, “There she is. My own personal force’a nature.”

You looked up at his face finally, intending to show him just how much destruction you wanted to cause, and felt something unfamiliar pang throughout your body. It sat uncomfortably in your chest.

“Could topple’a building with that damn look,” he muttered.

Your heart thundered in your chest. This was the closest you’d ever been to Cooper for more than the few seconds a hug required—and you were hyper-aware of your hand still on his chest. You didn’t know what to do. You’d never seen him drunk like this, messy, let alone on set. He was always so professional, polite, and just generally kind to most people. You could almost always count on him to be in his right mind.

You pulled your hand away from him, only to feel him place his own over yours to keep it against his chest. Your entire body tensed.

“Cooper,” you warned, eyes holding his. The rich green-brown of his were muted by the shadow of his hat and minimal light in the trailer, but nothing could hide the way they searched your entire face and lingered on your lips. “You’re drunk.”

“Only a couple’a sips—”

“Your demeanor would beg to differ—”

“What’s it to ya, huh? Why do’ya care if I am?” he asked, drunken defensiveness in his tone. That struck you in a way that snapped you out of the haze you were teetering on the edge of. You pulled your hand away from him and took a full step back. A long breath released from your lungs, nostrils flaring. “Cooper Howard needs to be the prize fuckin’ horse all the time, huh?”

“Sugarfoot is the prize horse,” you responded in the same dry tone you’d provided Barb earlier in the day. Cooper swayed in place and chewed on the inner part of his lip while he considered you. Your dismissal wasn’t meant to be hurtful but you’d dealt with enough of the shockwaves of this divorce for one day. 

“Then make the horse say the fuckin’ lines.”

“Maybe we should if you’re going to be drunk in your trailer—” You checked your watch, a gift for your first anniversary of working for him. “—Now 30 minutes before your call time.” Cooper sucked his teeth in response. “What happened to make you do this? Was it the director? Vault-Tec?... Barb?”

“Watch it now,” Cooper warned as he pointed at you again and took a step closer. You stood your ground.

“Or what, Mr. Howard?” you asked with a bit more venom, your frustration starting to boil over. “You're gonna fire the only person aside from your daughter who’s been truly looking out for you? Especially since the divorce?” Your hand moved, smacking his index finger away from you. His expression shifted momentarily, taken aback by the gesture. “I’ve already had to dodge Janey’s unanswerable questions about her parents and deal with Barb’s accusations today. So if you want to make an ass out of yourself on set, you sure as shit can do it on your own.”

You turned to leave. Cooper said your name and reached for you.

“No,” you said sternly with a face contorted in anger. “Sort your shit out and maybe I’ll see you on set tomorrow.” You opened the door but stopped just at the bottom of the steps when you heard your name again, turning ever so slightly to look at him. Cooper’s expression had shifted into one that was difficult to parse. A mixture of sadness and anger if you had to guess.

“Please… Don’t go,” he pleaded. The words hit you in the chest, posture straightening reflexively, and a frown on your lips as you shook your head.

“I won’t be your emotional punching bag,” you responded.

With that, you left the trailer and made the trek back through the set. A few eyes followed after you, confusion evident on their brow, but no one said a word. Except for the director who asked where Cooper was and where you were going.

“He’s still getting ready. Give him an extra 15. As for me, I’m taking the rest of the day off,” you said. The tone of your response must have made him think twice about pushing for more information, especially with the way your heels thudded against the ground with every purposeful step you took across the lot.

The heat was becoming unbearable for a reason that had to be solely influenced by your heightened emotions. In the back of your mind, Barb’s accusations rung loud and clear. Your fingers tingled with the memory of being on his chest, the thin sheen of sweat that had built up in his sleep dampening your skin… you rubbed the pads of each finger together subconsciously. 

Cooper Howard was your boss. That had to be that.

The silence in your home was broken by the television and the soft snores of your golden retriever, Oliver, who’d cuddled up against your legs once you’d settled in for the night. You were half paying attention to the game show you’d landed on, mostly providing background noise as you scribbled notes in a book about screenplay writing.

It was a pastime of yours, a comfort really, something reserved for the quiet hours of your day. Some didn’t understand, like your parents, why you worked for a movie star daily, helped with movies and scripts, and still came home to read books about it all.

Thankfully, you didn’t have to deal with their questions often now that this was considered ‘your’ house. It was the one you’d grown up in and returned to after college. They thought about selling it numerous times, but since it was so close to Cooper’s—and many other Hollywood elite—they thought it better if you occupied it for now. Retirement was one hell of a paycheck for them and their sun tans were evidence of it every time they came back for the holiday of their choosing. Or sometimes… just not at all.

But you were okay with that.

Your eyes started to get heavy, words blurring on the page, and fingers loosening around your pen. You’d have succumbed to it if a sudden knock on your door didn’t startle both you and Oliver, who barked at the sound. The possibilities of guests this late were slim to none. Solicitors? At this hour? Your home didn’t have a gate like the movie stars around you so it sometimes made them feel bold…

Your eyebrows furrowed but you got to your feet as quietly as possible, adjusting your silk sleep shorts and matching camisole, and tiptoed into the entryway. Oliver followed close behind but stopped just behind you to observe. You moved up onto your tiptoes to gaze through the peephole, loose braid swaying against you with every movement. The person beyond it—

With a quick flick of your wrist, you unlocked the door, inhaled deeply, and pulled it open.

“Mr. Howard,” you said evenly through the medium-sized crack in the door. His lips tightened a little at your intentional professionalism. 

Your eyes floated over him enough to see he was dressed down—the sleeves of his half-untucked blue button-up pulled up messily with the top three buttons undone, worn jeans you rarely saw him in, some even older-looking boots worn with dirt, and hair partially disheveled. In one hand he held a fast food bag with the logo of a chain you loved and in the other, a simple bouquet of your favorite flower.

“What can I do for you?” you added. The same flame you’d felt earlier in the day when you found him in the trailer was a fizzle of embers, barely a wisp of the same feeling. So you’d hear him out at the very least.

“I know it’s late,” he started, taking what you could only assume was a steadying breath. “But… I wanted to say I’m sorry for… earlier.” Cooper wiggled the bag a little in his hand. “If you don’t wanna hear my bullshit tonight I get it, I just figured apologizin’ face to face was better than a phone call—”

You pulled the door open more, wide enough to let him in the house, and he held your gaze for a long moment. The weight of it made you shrink a little, given your attire currently, but you stood as firm as you could beside the door waiting for him to enter.

“Alright,” he whispered. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He finally removed his eyes from your face once he’d stepped inside and Oliver, who’d waited so patiently despite the loud thumps of his tail, bolted to greet Cooper. His entire body wiggled with excitement as he sniffed the man’s legs. “Hey there Ollie,” Cooper said in a slightly higher pitch. “Kitchen’s through here right?” he asked, pointing to a room to the left of the staircase. You nodded as you closed the door. “Don’t worry, I got you a small fry too,” he said to Oliver who eagerly followed beside him to the kitchen.

Once he’d moved out of sight, you rushed back into the living room to grab the silk robe that you’d tossed off of you hours ago, fastening it tightly. You felt some of the self-consciousness dissipate and when you finally entered, you found Cooper opening up the bag of food and pulling out what looked to be two burgers and some fries, which he quickly rewarded Oliver, who’d been sitting patiently next to the island where Cooper had set the food.

“You, uh,  got a vase I can put these in for you?” Cooper asked, nodding toward the bouquet. He seemed a bit timid, eyes on you, almost as if he thought you would regret your hospitality at any moment.

“I got it,” you answered and moved past him to open up one of the cupboards. Upon reaching in, the tips of your fingers grazed a clay vase that you knew. You pulled it down, gently placing it on the counter, and the lights of the kitchen reflected off of the carefully placed recycled pieces of colorful glass shards. It was a little project you’d done alongside Janey, who opted for recycled bottle caps for hers, and was an entire day of work—careful work—while babysitting her the year prior.

“Janey still has hers,” he commented as he placed a fry in his mouth. A smile tugged at the corner of your lips at that, always touched that Janey appreciates the little gestures you do for her. “She made some paper flowers for it, different colors for the people she loves in her life… Your favorite color’s in there too.”

You turned to him then and found him chewing on another fry, eyes flicking up to you. Your hand moved to the side of the vase, gently running your fingers against the material.

“That’s… so sweet,” you said softly.

“She’s real attached to you,” he added, just as soft. You believed that sentiment, you loved Janey, but you couldn’t help but feel how weighted that statement felt. Something was hovering behind it, like a shadow that danced on the edges of the light. His gaze stayed on you, expectant in a way, and that heat from earlier started to return. That tingle on your fingers…

Actual tingles. Pain.

“Ow!” you winced, pulling your hand away from the vase. You raised your hand to your line of sight, deep red trickling down your shaky index finger.

“Shit,” the two of you said in unison. Cooper was next to you in an instant, fingers pulling your hand toward him so he could inspect. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, you’d always known him to be a wonderful, attentive, husband and father, so why wouldn’t he be the same for his friends? But you still found yourself blinking in surprise, watching him intently.

“The hazards of artistic innovation,” you tried to joke. He huffed a laugh while still examining the cut.

“Don’t look too bad. You got a med kit somewhere?”

“Uh, bathroom, upstairs on the right.”

“Alright, go ‘head and wash it off, be right back,” he said and disappeared from the kitchen. Oliver followed him but didn’t leave the entryway to the kitchen, opting to wait within the line of sight of his small bag of fries.

You did as you were instructed and took a few steps toward the empty sink. The water flowed from the faucet onto your finger, blood clearing and flowing into the drain. It stung but your mind was elsewhere, occupied by Cooper’s energy tonight. His apology seemed genuine, the flowers and food thoughtful… 

Maybe you were just in your head about what had happened in the trailer, but you couldn’t put your finger on it. Cooper was your boss so it was usually you doing things like this for him, Janey, hell, even Barb when they were together. Taking care of them. Maybe that was it… Yeah. That was it.

You finished rinsing the cut just as Cooper came back into the kitchen, placing the supplies he’d grabbed on the counter next to you—some rubbing alcohol, ointment, a bandage, and one of the hand towels from your bathroom. He reached for your hand, holding it gently in the palm of his over the sink. The solution hit your finger and you winced a tiny bit.

“Sorry,” he muttered.

“It’s alright,” you reassured.

He took the washcloth next and dabbed thoughtfully, eyes on your finger like it was the most important thing in the world.

“I spent some time with Sugarfoot after the shoot. Tried to, uh, clear my head,” he started. You mumbled an ‘mhm’ as you watched his movements, the ointment sliding from the tube to the cut effortlessly. “It felt… wrong, without you there today.” You hummed, still feeling a little strange about seeing him that way. It wasn’t the Cooper you knew and from this talk, it felt like he knew that too.

“I think I might’a…” He sighed, wrapping your finger in the bandage. “I might’a been takin’ advantage of just how much you do for me every day. Keepin’ me on track, takin’ care of Janey…”

You noticed he was done tending to your wound but his hand didn’t move, yours lying in his palm as his fingers gently flexed around it. Your gaze turned up and caught his eyes searching your face for any objections. You surprisingly had none.

“I don’t appreciate you enough,” he said, tone sincere as the words panged in your chest. You couldn’t remember a time when Cooper had done something like this. Minor apologies occurred here and there, of course, but never like this.

“Cooper,” you said. You reflexively turned to look down at your hands, unsure how to react to the intensity of his stare. This was more than the casual breezy times you shared together as his assistant. Especially when you felt his fingers touch your chin to return your gaze to his. It was gentle enough for you to refuse the motion, to pull away, but you found yourself allowing it. That heat was back. It crept up the back of your neck into your cheeks the longer Cooper’s fingers remained on your chin.

“I apologize for my behavior earlier,” he said and dropped his fingers. The places they’d been felt like they’d lost something and you weren’t sure if you were disappointed or not. “You’re not my emotional punchin’ bag. You’re one of the most important people in my life and I don’t want my stupid fuckin’ decisions when I’m upset to drive you away.”

You nibbled on the corner of your lip and considered his words. You’d known him long enough to see through his bullshit and this… this was the furthest thing from that. It was a vulnerable moment for him and you could tell not his proudest either.

“You’re not going to miss your call time tomorrow, right?” you asked. You hadn’t realized just how close you’d been, neck craning a bit to look up at him. He chuckled which instinctively made you smile.

“Yes ma’am,” he said. You rolled your eyes as you finally removed your hand from his—which had remained curled around yours almost the whole conversation—and approached the island. Oliver had fallen asleep while you two were conversing but his head perked up the moment he heard you open the food bag.

“Well, Mr. Howard, we should eat this before it gets even colder,” you said.

“Damn, still in the doghouse then, huh?” he asked, stepping up next to you, shoulder brushing against yours.

“For now,” you joked, looking up at him for a moment. “We’ll see how I feel after you make it to that call time.” You held up his burger and he chuckled, taking it from your grasp.

“Bright and early then,” he conceded. You smiled and took a nice, hearty bite out of your apology burger.

“Lookin’ awful hard at that,” Cooper said from the other side of the hot tub. “Somethin’ I need to worry ‘bout?”

You spared a glance away from the script atop your knees—you weren’t in the hot tub with him, instead perched on the wooden stairs that led down from it. Since filming had wrapped for his most recent movie, you weren’t due on set with him today and opted for a more casual outfit; some shorts that had migrated a bit further down from your knees when you sat, a strapless top that tucked into them, and your hair tied up in a scarf. Your free hand fiddled with the chain of your necklace as you tapped a bare foot against the stairs. 

While the luxuries of the Howard household were open for you to utilize at any point, per Cooper’s explicit reminders as of late, it was too warm and you had business to conduct with him and this script.

“Aside from the fact that it’s pure Vault-Tec slop?” you asked, distaste evident in your tone. He let out a breath of laughter as he took a sip from the gin martini you’d prepared for him. Your own martini glass sat on the tray next to the cup of olives, untouched, as you sat bewildered by the script in your hands. Your voice turned almost sing-songy as you lifted the script up to read, “‘Strong enough to keep out the rads and the Reds’...” Your face scrunched into distaste. “Who wrote this? An intern?”

“Someone named Bolt Ass-skins or somethin’, I don’t remember,” he said and sipped more from his martini. You snorted a little in response.

“Well, it does exactly what it needs to, unfortunately,” you sighed and tapped your pen against the papers. “Peddling safety and exclusivity from a make-believe nuclear nightmare…” You stared down at the paper, teeth gently nibbling the inside of your cheek absently. “Because who should be saved but the rich and elite.”

There was a small moment of quiet after that, your mind taking you elsewhere, a place where Vault-Tec’s fear-mongering might be true and you and your family were left in the nuclear dust, lost to time and dispersed to the universe with every gust of wind that passed over your bones. Forgotten.

The water sloshed a bit as Cooper moved toward your side of the tub and you snapped back to the present. Your assistant mode kicked in and, though Cooper looked to be reaching for the olives, you got to them first.

“You’d have one too, you know,” he said casually. Your brow furrowed as you turned your eyes down to him, olive plopping softly in the glass he held out. “You & Ollie—right next to me and Janey… or with us, if you wanted.”

“That’s… That’s kind of you, Cooper, but I could never ask you to do that—”

“I know, but you don’t need to,” he said. The sun caught the green-brown of his eyes, the salt in his pepper hair glistening as he looked up at you. “Hell, I’ll even put some money down for your family if you want them there too.”

“As long as you put them on the other side of the vault,” you joked, which earned a laugh from him and made you chuckle.

“Consider it done,” he said, with a smirk that you rolled your eyes at. You didn’t doubt Cooper’s sincerity about that offer but it was so grandiose, so out of your ballpark of realism, that you couldn’t truly consider it. “What time is it?” he asked suddenly. 

You rolled your wrist enough to see the time on your watch and said, “Just after one.”

“I should go shower real fast so I can get Janey from school,” he said and drank the rest of his martini, and the olive, in one motion. “Maybe later we’ll go grab some ice cream at that place y’all like. Forget about that Vault-Tec stuff for a little while.”

“Hard to forget when you’ve got that photoshoot coming up in a couple of days and they still haven’t given you the dress code,” you said.

“Suit and tie until otherwise notified,” he commented nonchalantly, proud of his rhyme. You watched as he stood, just long enough to see his exposed chest, and turned away when the top of his small cobalt swim shorts—practically a speedo—peaked over the top of the water. You reached behind you for his towel and offered it to him without looking. He made a noise, something like a chuckle.

“Come on, up with ya.” Cooper gave your exposed thigh a little tap, water trickling down your skin, signaling he was headed for the exit of the hot tub. You moved instantly, making your way down the small wooden staircase attached to the adjacent tub, and focused back on the script. He joined your stride back up to the house, still dripping wet and with the towel around his neck now, but you kept your eyes on the words in front of you.

“So, any edits then? Or is the slop good enough?”

“Even if I did, I don’t think Vault-Tec would give a damn about them,” you said. Cooper held the backdoor open for you, the cool air of the house a welcome reprieve from the hot tub’s steam and the sun’s rays. “I’ll give this another once over while you shower. Just for posterity.”

“You’re gon’ have that memorized before I do.”

“I usually do,” you said with a wide smile intended to ooze playful sarcasm. This time he rolled his eyes. “Now go.”

“Alright, alright,” he said, hands up as he walked toward the staircase, Roosevelt in tow. You resisted the temptation to peek up at him, eyes rereading the same line over and over until you heard both of them disappear fully upstairs. An exhale left you, a tinge of heat on your cheeks, and you found yourself slapping the papers onto the nearest surface to get yourself an ice-cold glass of water. It hadn’t been that hot outside, but you felt like you were slowly burning up on the inside… or at least your face did.

You had found a place on the couch to wait for Cooper and reread this script for the millionth time, two full glasses of ice water downed, when the doorbell rang. Cooper hadn’t told you about any guests paying a visit. You placed the script on the coffee table and padded toward the door. A quick peek through the peephole revealed a man in a suit, who looked a tad nervous and carried a medium-sized box in his hand branded with the Vault-Tec logo. You opened the door and put on your friendliest smile.

“Hello, how can I help you?” you asked.

“Oh, uh, hi, I’m… Is Cooper Howard home?” the man asked.

“I’m his assistant, how can I help you?” you repeated, your tone sickeningly sweet in the face of this man. He chuckled nervously.

“His assistant, right, right,” he said like the information had just dawned on him. “I’m sorry to, um, bother him here, at his home. I’m actually an assistant too—Miss Howard’s—and I was told to deliver this to him.” Miss Howard… Your eyebrows rose slightly at the mention of Barb having her own assistant now, but you staved off your curiosity and nodded along.

“Nice to meet you, Mister…?”

“MacLean. Hank MacLean,” he said with a big smile.

“Nice to meet you Hank,” you said, reaching your hand out to shake his. He obliged, despite fumbling with the package for a moment. “Can I ask what this package is for…?”

“It’s Mr. Howard’s suit for the upcoming photoshoot. Custom made for him,” he clarified. Hank offered you the box and you took it with the same smile you’d given him originally. “Between you and I, I’m a big fan of his, and I’d love to meet him at some point.”

You gave your business laugh and nodded your head before saying, “I’m sure you’ll get the chance. I’ll get this to Mr. Howard right away. Nice to meet you, Mr. MacLean.” You slowly closed the door, a bit of surprise on his face.

“Nice to meet you as well! I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other a lot in the future. You know, assistants and all.”

“Looking forward to it,” you said before you fully closed the door and promptly locked it. The smile disappeared from your lips. The Vault-Tec logo felt obnoxious, as was most of what they did, and the box felt like it had a bit of weight to it. Despite your immediate curiosity, you made your way upstairs and approached Cooper’s bedroom.

“Cooper?” you called into the space.

“Still in the shower!” he called back. “Everything alright?”

You moved further into the room and approached the bathroom door, which was cracked. The steam trickled out like a fog, dissipating into the cool air of the rest of the house. Roosevelt was asleep in his dog bed.

“Yeah, you got a package from Vault-Tec!”

“Vault-Tec? What’s in it?” he asked over the running water.

“Dunno, haven’t opened it yet. Barb’s new assistant delivered it though. He seems… nice.”

“New assistant?” Cooper laughed.

“Yeah, he was real keen on meeting you, Mr. Howard,” you said and he responded with an amused noise.

You moved into the room, looking for something sharp to open up this package, and settled on the pocketknife Cooper had sitting out on his dresser next to one of his signature white cowboy hats he’d kept from set. It opened with a click, and you slid it over the packing tape, right through the Vault-Tec logo, and opened the box up. Inside was a suit, but not a classic suit, more similar to a jumpsuit in his signature cobalt and trimmed with yellow. You were intrigued, but also, confused, as you closed the pocketknife and placed it on the sheets. The water in the bathroom cut off.

“Well, it’s a suit but not— OH!” You had turned to shout back to Cooper when your eyes found him emerging from the bathroom and approaching you, with only a towel around his waist. You’d glimpsed a bit of his leg as he walked, peeking from the material, all the way up to his hip. No undergarments in sight. You instantaneously spun around, back toward him, and fire blazed in your cheeks. Picking out ties was one thing, but this… This was new. “I’m so sorry, I can leave.”

“Ain’t much different than seeing me in that hot tub,” he said.

You clenched your teeth, throat bobbing as you contemplated how to best remove yourself from the situation. There was a small part of you, one you didn’t even realize existed, that wished you’d turn around. It yearned for it… Yearned. No. You stifled the feeling with embarrassment, stomping it out the best you could.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful,” you managed.

“Y’ain’t,” he said, so instantly, so certainly, that it made you hyper-aware of your rising heartbeat. You heard movement, both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for a reason you couldn’t place. The hair you’d released from your scarf earlier framed your face, nurturing the heat in your cheeks.

You practically jumped when you heard Cooper’s voice right next to your ear.

“If you’re so concerned about it, why don’t you hold onto this for me, sweetheart,” he whispered, voice low and breath tickling your ear. The heat from the shower radiated from his bare chest and settled gently against your back, his body inches from yours, you’d realized. Your breath hitched.

Before you could indulge in any further self-examination, you felt a pressure on top of your head, and through your eyelashes, you could make out the brim of Cooper’s cowboy hat. He’d leaned it far enough forward that it blocked anything that wasn’t directly below you.

“There. Good now, darlin’?” he said in the same tone as before. Your body felt as though it wanted to melt, but whether you wanted to melt into Cooper or the floor was the concern you were met with.

“Yes, sir,” you said, professionalism tainted by the breathiness of your response. A sound of acknowledgment left him, some sort of ‘mm’, and your shoulders tensed even more. The sun’s beams had nothing on the heat you felt trickling down your throat and pooling all in your gut.

“At least it’s in my colors,” he said, neutral, from behind you. You heard the shuffling of material like he’d pulled the suit out of the box and promptly dropped it back down without much thought. Then you heard his footsteps move away from you. “Ice cream tonight, right?” he asked.

You turned, finally, and lifted the brim enough to see him walking away, water trailing down his broad shoulders and back.

“Right,” you said.

When he reached the bathroom door he turned his face enough to see you watching him. A smirk crept onto his lips.

“Looks good on you,” he said, words genuine but laced with a bit of smugness like he’d proved something to himself. Or maybe to you. Without much else, he slipped into the bathroom and left you there with that pool of lava in your stomach. Even a gallon of ice cream wouldn’t be able to fix that.

“So, has he said anything about the script? Any notes?” Bud Askins asked you, voice full of that corporate confidence that only a pressed suit and a 401k could exude. Your arms were crossed and your eyes remained on Cooper who stood before the camera. He’d just found his stride with a charming thumbs up that had everyone exhilarated like he’d invented the damn gesture in the first place. Even Barb, who stood a few feet from you, on the opposite side of the camera, was sporting a smile. One that she probably thought no one would see except Cooper; he hadn’t spared a single glance at her. If he wasn’t looking at the camera… he was looking at you.

You caught the corner of your bottom lip with your canine to resist returning his smile.

Bud addressed you again.

“Hm?” You tore your eyes from Cooper to look up at Bud who was all smiles and borderline insufferable puppy dog eyes. His endearing allure was stifled by the knowledge that he was some sort of head honcho at Vault-Tec. “Oh, no notes,” you whispered back with a smile. He nodded back as the photographer shouted something out to Cooper that sounded encouraging.

 You naturally looked at the photographer and caught Barb looking over at you. The two of you locked eyes for what felt longer than it was before she turned away from you, expression slipping to something you couldn’t recognize. A frown tugged at your lips that you didn’t hide fast enough, Cooper’s eyes on you again while he adjusted to a new pose. So quickly you might not have caught it if you didn’t know him as well as you did.

The photos carried on for another ten or so minutes, Bud Askins desperately trying to converse with you about Cooper and his opinions, to which you answered most with ‘I’m not sure’, despite knowing the answers to everything. Once the photographer called a wrap on the shoot, Cooper exhaled and started to head toward you. He shook a few hands along the way, flashing that Hollywood smile at everyone.

“Man–” he started, reaching out to grab your arm. Barb intercepted it, hand gripping his upper arm while simultaneously stepping a bit between the two of you. It was so swift that you had no time to react.

“Cooper, we’ve got some business to discuss before you go,” Barb said. The tone of her voice sounded just as insincere as Bud’s. All corporate with a tinge of bite that was likely reserved specifically for you. You smiled at Cooper.

“I’ve got scripts to review, I’ll just meet you back at your trailer,” you said. Cooper looked between the two of you but understood, giving a small nod. “Barb,” you said respectfully. She said your name but it held nothing. 

Cooper gazed back at you as she led him away, gaze apologetic. While you absolutely could have been part of that conversation as his assistant, there was a sort of guilt eating at you for the other day with the cowboy hat. Guilt that you were almost sure Barb could sniff out and exploit if she wanted to. Despite being fully capable of standing up for yourself, the last thing you wanted to do was cause more problems for Cooper and Janey.

So you walked back to his trailer and settled yourself on the couch you’d found him passed out on weeks ago. A deep exhale left your body, the heaviness of being around Vault-Tec wasn’t the same as being on a movie set. The egos could rival each other of course but you’d take arguing with a director over one of those suits any day.

You weren’t sure how much time had passed when you finally heard the trailer door swing open. The force of it immediately drew your now widened eyes and you caught Cooper’s crimson-kissed cheeks and scowl as he slammed behind him. He walked past you with a muttered ‘sorry’ and to the room at the back he used to get dressed. He didn’t close that door. You peered to the front door, half expecting Barb to charge in behind him, but nothing.

“Cooper?” you tried loud enough for him to hear. Silence, only the faint sound of him fussing with the suit. Your brows furrowed, concern building as you placed the scripts to the side and moved toward the room he’d disappeared into. From the short hallway you could see Cooper with his back towards you, hands pressed against the vanity and head hung low. “Coop,” you said again, softer. He took in a steadying breath.

“Help me get outta this thing, would’ya?” he replied loud enough for you to hear. “It’s hot as shit.”

“Sure thing.”

Cooper turned to face you, the tinge of red you’d seen color his face was now a light pink. He’d already brought his zipper down to his waist, a thin white undershirt peeking from beneath. Curiosity danced across your mind as he reached out one of his arms to you, your fingers hooking into his sleeve securely. He tugged and wiggled to free himself.

“What’s bothering you, Coop?” you asked. You looked up at him but he didn’t look at you.

“Nothin’,” he attempted. You answered with a deadpan stare.

“Try again.”

He ran his tongue over his teeth while he contemplated. It could’ve been a handful of things with him, but there was only one person here who could get under his skin like this. You just weren’t going to say it.

He hummed an irritated noise, giving up on freeing himself from the suit, and ran his free hand through his hair. His eyes finally settled on your face.

“You got plans tonight?” he asked suddenly.

“Why?”

“Just–” He looked like he’d bitten back some frustration that was threatening to spill over onto you. “Do you want to get outta town with me? Just for a little while?”

The way he looked at you made your heart sink. Cooper and Janey meant the world to you and you hated to see him so rattled—it made you want to do anything in your power to resolve or ease it.

“I don’t need my assistant, I just…” Cooper’s free hand reached up and, for a moment, you thought he’d touch your face. You found yourself unopposed to the idea. Instead, though, you caught his hesitation, another fleeting moment, just before he redirected himself to your upper arm. It was a gentle touch, but one that felt like it meant more than either of you would admit. Grounding. “I just want your company.”

You gave him a slow nod.

“Where’d you want to go?” you asked with a gentle smile that he tried to match.

Not as an assistant, but as a friend… You could do that.

The sun was setting by the time you’d left the city, the Hollywood sign had long since faded into the distance behind you both. You’d been in Cooper’s Kaiser Darrin before, always enamored by the convertible with its sleek pastel yellow design and the quiet cruise it offered wherever it arrived. Typically, the subtle hum of the radio or idle chatter kept any empty air from feeling awkward or strange, but tonight this two-seater never felt more suffocating. 

You couldn’t tell where the nerves were coming from. You had no idea where he was taking you, but you trusted him so it couldn’t be coming from that. Years, you’d spent years as Cooper’s assistant and accompanied him to plenty of places both professional and casual, even with Janey. There was no reason you should’ve felt as tense as you did during the drive.

Whether Cooper noticed or not, you had no idea. Since leaving his house—after dropping off Oliver to keep Roosevelt company and pester the dog sitter for fries—he’d been quiet, though his interactions were brief but not mean. Whatever happened at the photoshoot had him tangled up in his mind.

The radio remained off for at least the first hour, sounds of the city filling your ears, including the loud comments people considered whispers as they ogled the movie star temporarily halted by the stop light. You did your best to avoid their stares, big sunglasses and a headscarf were barely a comfort. People who cared about that stuff knew you were his assistant but all it took was one rumor to sweep through and potentially ruin everything. Cooper remained unbothered about all of that too.

When he finally turned on the radio, the sunset was casting all of its hues of tangerine, gold, and violets over the highway. The tinkle of the opening piano keys to ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ played loud enough for you to recognize and suddenly the sunset was no longer your focus, it was Cooper’s voice.

You’d heard him sing a tune before, especially at home dancing with Janey, or even Barb, but you never gave it much thought. Never really listened. He was no Sinatra, but he didn’t need to be. He sang for himself, effort elevating with every word, voice piercing through the wind to reach you. Despite not sparing a glance at you and his casual demeanor—one arm propped on the car door while the other handled the wheel—you could sense an underlying context. Something deeply personal seeping through. You wouldn’t pry, not right now anyway, so instead… you sang too.

Cooper finally spared a glance at you then and you did the same. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips but he hid it with his free hand, both of you returning your attention to the road ahead of you. 

“Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies… Don't fence me in,” you both sang.

The tension you’d felt began to ease, continuing your duet and releasing the pressure that’d built up in your shoulders. You sang for the wind too, let it dance on its wisps to twist and mingle with Cooper’s, released into the evening air.

It took another hour or so before you left the highway and the hills started to have tall trees, until eventually, the tree-lined road led to an imposing gate for a community you couldn’t quite make-out. Your curiosity peaked further as Cooper slowed the car and approached a booth with a security guard already leaning out to greet him.

“Coop!” the guard greeted, a big smile on his face.

“Hey, Henderson,” he answered. The two exchanged a handshake before the guard’s attention turned to you. Immediately you felt a wave of unease wash over you, that paranoia you’d felt earlier in the city with the fans on the street.

“Hello,” you greeted. To your surprise, the guard greeted you by your last name and a friendly nod.

“What brings you both out here?” Henderson asked. There seemed to be a genuine curiosity about him, nothing nefarious, but your worry was gnawing at your psyche again.

“Needed some quiet,” Cooper said. “City’s too loud.”

“Tch, I think that every morning when I have to drive home,” Henderson chuckled. He reached back into the booth to write something down on a clipboard before he pressed a button that began opening the gate.

“Jim still outta town filmin’ that movie?” Cooper asked.

“Sure is,” he responded. “But you know you and yours are always welcome here. Glenda will clean up in the morning like usual.”

“Thanks, Henderson,” Cooper said and, without you even realizing, had pulled a hundred dollar bill out to hand to the man, which he promptly took. “Say hi to the wife and kids for me.”

“Will do,” he said with a salute, bill still between his fingers. “Enjoy your time away from the big city.”

Cooper waved casually and moved the vehicle forward into the darkness, headlights illuminating the paved road and trees around it. Some roads led to obvious houses in the distance, while others remained out of sight, and it only took a couple of minutes before a charming cottage came into view. While it was undoubtedly expensive, it wasn’t too over the top, surprisingly quaint. Two stories, modest windows, rich brown wooden sidings with dark trimmings, and lovely greenery partially illuminated by the front porch light.

The car came to a slow stop just below the porch.

“Where are we?” you finally asked as Cooper turned off the engine.

“Somewhere quiet,” he repeated, voice quieter than you’d anticipated. You didn’t push, instead turning your attention to your seatbelt as he got out of the car. Before you could reach for your door handle Cooper was already sliding your door open and offering his hand to you. “C’mon.” You nodded and placed your hand in his, legs aching from the long car ride when you finally stood. He didn’t hold on for very long, the feeling gone as quickly as it started, so you followed him to the front door.

Cooper caught your apprehensiveness, probably in your body language alone, so while fiddling with a set of keys, he said, “No one’s home. An old actor friend’a mine barely uses it, stays empty when it’s not summer, so he lets me stop by whenever I want.”

“Jim…” You tried to recall the name and the face but there were no bells ringing up in the tower of your mind. Cooper chuckled and finally found the key he’d been searching for, inserting it into the keyhole, and opening the door.

“You know most of the people I work with, but not all of ‘em,” he said. Your unamused expression dissolved rather quickly into a smile as he stepped inside of the home to flick on some lights. You followed behind him, the smell of cleaner settling into your nostrils—Glenda’s doing if you had to guess—and the shine of picture frames, tables, and well-kept knick-knacks, pulling your eye every which way.

It wasn’t until you reached one of the back rooms that you noticed the modest windows at the front were not the same as the back of the home where almost every wall had one. This room in particular had a beautiful stone fireplace with plenty of seating surrounding it and the view from the window was limited to the well-lit backyard, nothing but darkness beyond the hill.

You heard the door close behind you and turned in time to see Cooper approaching. He set a duffel bag on the floor by the fireplace, one you didn’t realize he’d even packed and stood with his hands in the pockets of his grey dress pants. He ran a hand over the front of his sweater, almost like he was nervous.

“Not sure what’s here by way of food, should’a probably thought of that before leaving, but Glenda usually likes to keep the basics anyhow,” he said. “And I do make a mean PB n’ J. Rave reviews.”

You chuckled.

“Janey’s reviews are critical,” you said. “I wouldn’t mind trying that.”

“Consider it done,” he said and turned to head toward where you assumed the kitchen was. He added, “Make yourself comfortable.”

You heard the sound of Cooper exploring cabinets in the kitchen and did some light exploration of the rooms around you. It was a nice home, but not egregious, you could understand why this would be a nice getaway space. All the fixings for comfort but nothing that reminded you of being back in the city. No glitz or glam that took you out of where you were, just happy family portraits, mementos, and a warmth only good memories could fill a room with.

It wasn’t long before you found your way outside again, the backyard as well kept as the rest of the home. There were chairs to sit on and a small fire pit for those lucky nights that actually carried a chill, where you could roast marshmallows and share intimate secrets and laughs with friends. It’d been a while since you’d experienced that, college a few years back if you had to guess, and while they were fun, you didn’t yearn for your college days like so many others. You liked your life right now, even if it felt a little complicated at times.

“Order up,” Cooper’s voice said from behind you. You turned to see him set a plate down on one of the tables accompanied by a glass of water. “If you hate it, don’t say anything.” A chuckle left you as you approached the table, fingers wrapping around the sandwich and eyes locked on Cooper’s face. He was waiting. So you took your time overly examining it, twisting and turning it, and adding little ‘hmm’s for effect. He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. Just as he was about to say something you finally took a bite… It was good, of course it was. The perfect ratio of ingredients.

“Not bad,” you teased.

“Not bad?”

“I’m a harsher critic than Janey.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” he joked.

You huffed a laugh again as he turned back inside, returning a moment later with his own sandwich. You turned to look out at what you’d gathered was a lake, a dock at the bottom of the incline this home was on, a singular lamp post at the end of it. On either side of you there were darkened homes and unlit docks, probably also abandoned outside of the summer, and the rest was the dark lake. It made you feel a bit more at ease, the chance of paparazzi or nosey neighbors dropping drastically, so you let yourself breathe a bit more and wiggled the tension that had built up again in your shoulders. The two of you ate your sandwiches in silence for a few moments, enjoying the light breeze coming off the water and the stillness of it all.

“A shame he took the boat,” Cooper said as he took a large bite.

“I don’t think I’d want to be out there at night anyhow,” you said.

“No?”

You shook your head.

“I’ve never been in or on a lake, they make me uneasy,” you admitted. “I’d take the beach instead any day.”

“How local of you,” he teased, finishing up his last bite.

“Hey,” you said. You tossed the last bit in your mouth and turned to him to point your index finger at him. “I don’t appreciate all the jabs you’re taking at me tonight, sir.” Cooper turned to you and matched your energy. Instead of addressing your comment though, his eyes dropped to your lips and he leaned down a little bit. The unfamiliarity of the motion made you reflexively lean away a bit but he remained.

“You got something—” He reached up his hand before you could try to rectify whatever situation he was indicating and you felt his thumb press against your lip. You stopped, eyes on his face, but he was focused on your mouth. Your heartbeat increased at the simple motion, soft but just enough pressure for you to feel, and when he swiped it along your lip, it felt like minutes had passed. Cooper held up his thumb for you to see the culprit. “Jelly,” he said.

You touched your face self-consciously and half expected him to wipe it on his sweater, so the surprise in your expression was genuine when you watched him put that same thumb up to his mouth. His tongue dragged along it, slow, like a show, watching you. A smirk settled onto his lips when he finished.

“Can’t waste Glenda’s supply,” he said. You had nothing. Cooper looked like he was resisting the urge to laugh as he started down the incline toward the path. He offered his hand to you. “C’mon, I wanna show you somethin’.”

It took you a second to snap back to this moment, mind wandering to incredibly inappropriate places where his tongue was running along—

“Sure. Sure,” you said, placing your hand in his.

Cooper carefully led you to the stairs that brought you to the bottom of the incline as opposed to the slick grass you’d almost slipped on. The dock itself was sturdy, but you were still cautious with every step you made, especially after Cooper turned the light at the end of the dock off. He didn’t let go of your hand the entire time, grip reassuring and helpful, and when you reached the end, he released you—to your disappointment—and pointed up.

“This is it,” he whispered.

You turned your eyes up to the sky and felt the breath leave you for a moment. It was a clear night, the moon beautiful and waning within the blanket of sapphire and surrounded by twinkling stars. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d seen the sky as clear as this, been able to take in the majesty of it all without the flood of Hollywood lights. It calmed you, made you feel as though you were weightless, so much so that you could feel a well of emotions building within you.

Silence overtook you both again for a while…

Cooper sighed.

“It was Barb,” he managed. Your brow furrowed in confusion. He pulled a cigarette carton and lighter from his pocket, slid a singular one out, and put the pack away again. “She…” He sighed again, finding it difficult to formulate the thought he wanted to say. “She’s got me on this leash with Vault-Tec. She knows it’s all I got going for me right now. If I lose this… There’s a chance she’ll try to take Janey from me completely.” Cooper lit the cigarette and took a long drag before pocketing the lighter too. You turned to him slightly.

“I’m so sorry, Coop,” you said with deep sincerity.

Cooper huffed a laugh, one that held no amusement or warmth, just irritation. He didn’t look at you.

“On top’a that, she keeps throwing you back in my face,” he said. “Like I’m not allowed to move on or be happy in any way with anyone. But ‘specially not you.” His voice had dipped into a whisper but you heard every single word.

Your confusion deepened. What was he saying? You knew Barb was strange when it came to you, had been since the divorce was finalized, but you never thought she would weaponize you against him. Not like this at least. You, of all people… It made you feel awful.

“I shoulda known she’d stoop this low eventually. I knew she was capable of it. If it wasn’t you, it’d be someone else, you’re just the closest to me and…” Cooper spared a look at you then, but it was brief like he couldn’t take more than a few seconds, such a contrast to earlier.

“But we’re not…” you tried, but couldn’t even find the words to finish. “You don’t want me like that.” It was all just Cooper Howard being a charming movie star… right?

“Well that’s just it, ain’t it, sweetheart?” he asked, blowing smoke into the night air. You watched Cooper intently. He sighed, ash tumbling from the cigarette twitching in his fingers. “I dunno what you’ve done, or how, but I can’t stop thinkin’ ‘bout you. Not for one damn second.” He finally looked you in the eye then. The moonlight did no justice for that beautiful green-brown you knew all too well. Your heart hammered against the cage of your chest as you resisted the urge to fold under the weight of his gaze.

“Coop,” you whispered. There was no string of thought you could find for this moment. You couldn’t say there weren’t signs—ones you may have chosen to blatantly ignore. Truthfully, there was a part of you that wondered if you were just a placeholder until some starlet strolled up to him one day and took him off the market again. A familiar distraction. That platonic piece of his life that would never be anything more than a casual flirt… But you knew each other. He’d never shown interest before these last couple of weeks. When he was with Barb, he had eyes for no one else, especially not you.

And yet.

Here he was now showing you the heart on his sleeve, beneath the stars, in a place where he felt safe enough to do so. For you and only you.

The way he said your name was unlike anything you’d heard from him before. So soft it could have been a breath. It made your heart flutter. He stamped out the last of his cigarette and turned to fully face you. You looked up at him. Cooper took a step forward. There was barely an inch between you.

A cool breeze passed over the bare part of your legs, sending a shiver through you. Cooper reached up then and gently placed his warm palm against your cheek. Even in the moonlight, you could tell he was searching your face for any sign of rejection, ready to pull away at a moment’s notice.

He inched closer to you with every second that passed. One of your hands found his chest, halting him for a moment, but the other glided up his arm until your fingers wrapped around the hand he’d placed on your cheek. There was a brief moment you considered pulling away, to not solidify this potential problem in Cooper’s life, to add fuel to the fire that Barb was already igniting.

“I thought you just wanted a friend,” you said quietly. The tension in the air was palpable. You could practically swim in it.

Cooper took a long moment, a deep inhale through his nostrils.

“Who the fuck was I kiddin’.”

His lips collided with yours, a cocktail of desire and residual nicotine—a concoction so intoxicating that you melted into him instantly. Your hatred of cigarettes was overpowered by the way Cooper’s lips moved against yours. Everything you’d known before this moment felt like a world away, magnetism finally colliding with one another after narrowly avoiding each other’s pull for weeks now.

Cooper’s hands shifted, gliding over your ribs until they settled on the back of your shirt, and stopped.

“This alright?” he asked and pulled away enough to look down into your eyes. “Can I touch you like this?” He was respectful, but you could tell he wanted more. The way he flexed his fingers and tugged on the fabric and hovered just above the waistline of your skirt drove you mad. Feelings you hadn’t acknowledged were cascading and reverberating throughout your body—electric.

No longer surprised, you found yourself saying, “You can touch me however you like.” Cooper hummed at that and pulled you as close to him as he possibly could.

“Those’re some dangerous words…” he breathed, a small kiss on the corner of your mouth.

“I work with a cowboy for a living, I think I’ll be fine,” you replied, both smirking against each other's lips. Cooper’s hands dipped down to your ass, cupping it tightly through your skirt, a gasp-moan escaping you only for him to swallow it. He returned it, a sound deep in his vocal cords, and it spurred him on. You stumbled a little and immediately grabbed his upper arms to steady yourself, a burst of giggles tumbling from your lips.

“Y’alright?” Cooper asked amusement in his voice.

“Never made out on a dock before,” you admitted.

“Mmm,” he breathed, nose against your cheek. He pressed a kiss there as he ran his hands up your arms and intertwined your fingers. “Sit for me.” Your eyebrows furrowed, unsure about the request and feeling a tad defiant at it outside of your previous professional dynamic. Even then he didn’t ‘order’ you around. He knew better, just like now, tacking on a, “Please.”

So you slowly lowered yourself—with Cooper’s aid—onto the well-preserved wood, the slight sway of it less noticeable the moment you sat down fully. Cooper brought himself down next to you, hand instantly on the back of your neck and fingers tangled in the bottom of your hair. He pulled you to him with ease and you grabbed his sweater to ground yourself. It felt like you’d float away if you didn’t.

 You weren’t sure where this was going if this was meant to lead to anything, but you could still feel those nerves bundled in the pit of your stomach. Were you actually comfortable or was this just the rush of being in Cooper’s orbit? That magnetism that could shift an entire room’s attention to him effortlessly?

Cooper pulled at your hip lightly and, after you managed to hike up your skirt, you swung your leg over his lap to straddle him. This time it was his breath that hitched, lips detached and breath heavy. You braced yourself on his shoulders and he immediately found your hips, fingers digging into the skirt like he’d rip it off you if he could.

“Oh, Cooper,” you whispered shakily. Nothing made sense, the world was spinning, and it felt like a tether was pulled taut between your chests.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he asked. It was a tad raspy, a calculated question that took concentration—like his mind was focused on trying not to ravage you completely.

You glided your hand over his hair, moonlight catching on his greys and twinkling like the stars above.

“I…” you hesitated. “I’m not… Should we do this? I don’t… I don’t want to complicate things more for you.”

“You’re the least complicated thing in my life right now,” he said so definitively that it shut you up entirely. “We can slow down if you want…” Cooper took your hands in his and pressed his lips to them. “Honest, I just wanted to kiss you. Didn’t have much of a plan after that,” he said with a laugh. You could feel him under you, dress pants doing nothing to hide it, but you took a steadying breath.

“Is this—” You took a breath. “Is this just a distraction for you, Coop?”

Cooper said your name, tone laced with a tinge of sadness, and instead of pulling you closer, he grabbed your thigh to help you slide off his lap. You were a bit confused but you obliged. Did you ruin it? Whatever this was? The thought bounced around the walls of your mind as you searched his expression for any sort of negative emotion… There was none. It was soft and understanding with something lying underneath it all.

“I’m not interested in distractions,” he said. “I thought Barb was it for me… I thought I was done after the divorce. But you—” Cooper sucked air through his teeth. “I don’t know how to explain it. You ain’t some sort’a toy.”

“But I’m your assistant… It’s so… Grey.”

“You want me to fire you?” he asked lightheartedly. 

“Cooper,” you sighed. You pushed his shoulder with the hand you weren’t leaning on for balance and he reached up in time to grab your hand before you pulled away, practically enveloping it in his.

“Point I’m tryin’ to make is, if you want me to, we can stop right now. Cold turkey. No skin off my nose,” he said. As well as you knew him, you were pretty sure that wasn’t true. If he felt like you felt to any degree, it would devastate him. “But…” The grip he had on your hand tightened as he scooted closer to you, inches from your face again. “If you want to… figure this out like I do… I’ll do anything to prove I mean what I’m sayin’. Every single day you want me to, until finally you get sick of me.”

You chuckled and ran your thumb across his skin, considering his words. A one-night stand would have been hurtful in the long run but at least it was cut and dry. Feelings didn’t usually come into play or at the very least didn’t matter. This was something you were unprepared for. The way things evolved so naturally, so quickly, was terrifying. One moment your boss is just your boss, nothing more, and the next you felt yourself falling into the deep end.

“I think…” You took in a steadying breath, closing your eyes like it’d help. What might this be? Would it be something you’d regret? You weren’t sure but… “I think I might like that.”

When you opened your eyes again, Cooper’s relieved expression was the first thing you saw and you couldn’t help but smile. He kissed you again, but this time it was slow like nothing in the world mattered but your lips against his. A steady rhythm, like the light waves of the lake against the shore, and a passion you’d never known. You weren’t sure what any of it meant, but at least for now, this was a secret between you, Cooper, and the stars.

The night spent at the lake house was soft, sweet, hands kept in respectful places even when sharing a bed. It was a side you knew Cooper had, but one that was strange for you to experience. You spent the time before bed shyly shuffling around each other, Cooper offering you an extra sweater and some too-big sleep pants that didn’t match. You hadn’t realized you’d be staying overnight somewhere, but by the time you both returned to the house, lost in the quiet and comfort of each other’s embrace, it was well past midnight.

So you both laid there, quiet for the most part, facing one another, and just listening to the sound of your breaths as sleep tugged at your eyelids. Your hand had settled on Cooper's cheek and his hand found purchase on your hip.

“What’re you thinking about?” he asked you, eyes closed and voice riddled with sleep.

“You,” you managed. Sleep also tugged at you. “This.” You gently rubbed your fingertips on his cheek and he hummed a ‘mmmm’ in response.

“We can take it as slow as ya like,” he said, accent thicker. It made you smile a little, that rugged cowboy slipping through the Hollywood facade, charming and down to Earth. “I ain’t forcin’ you to do anythin’ you don’t want.”

You leaned forward and pressed a soft, sleepy kiss to his lips.

And slow it went.

The next morning was spent driving back, Cooper’s hand on your leg the entire cruise down the highway. It was nice, simple, and you placed yours over it, liking how it felt—such a simple gesture. It only lasted until you returned to the city, both of you instinctively pulling apart. No one needed to know. Not yet. This was yours to cultivate as you both pleased.

Any business you conducted, like being on set, was professional, as always. Barely a glance out of place and strictly kept what needed to be accomplished—business as usual.

When Janey was around, nothing, the same as before. It made you feel a bit strange, wary of potentially hurting her and making her home life even more complicated. You struggled with that for a bit and you’d probably struggle with it for a long time regardless of the outcome of whatever this was.

You avoided Barb as much as possible. Cooper did everything he could to drop Janey off himself or have Barb, or her assistant, or babysitter, come collect her for her shared time with her Mom. If you had to, you did so and kept any interactions brief to none at all.

But when you finally had time alone, away from all the eyes, just you and Cooper, it was extraordinary. Stolen pecks in the trailer before a scene, soft touches cooking dinner together, long, drawn-out kisses after lifting you onto his work desk, conversation by the pool with fingers intertwined and splashes of water. No matter your previous experience romantically, this was on a completely different level. Despite that nagging part of your mind that wouldn’t quiet about ‘starlets’ and ‘secrecy’ and ‘getting tired of you’, you persisted. 

Cooper was nothing if not reassuring. His sass and snark didn’t let up, but he tried his best to never be mean, even before all this, and doubly so now. An occasional present or two like flowers or something small because he knew how you loathed large gestures. Not once did he pressure you to have sex with him, though the hints were there. A slide of his fingertips just under the hem of your skirt nibbles at the top of your breasts after popping the top few buttons of your blouse, or the way he pressed up against you from behind, an innocent hug now charged as he nibbled your ear and the natural way you arched into him. But never pressure. That decision was on you, and you weren’t sure when you’d be ready for that to change.

You wanted Cooper. There was no doubt about that. It was more so Barb that kept you at bay. No matter how you two spun this story, it would never be good enough for anyone, but especially not her.

It was always going to be the ‘classic’ tale of infidelity with the woman that he spent the most time with, no matter how recent of a development those feelings were. The added pressure of her potentially wanting to take Janey away also weighed on you, and despite how clearly stressed he was because of Barb—especially with his final commercial for Vault-Tec due for filming the following week—you still relished in the quiet, gentle moments on the couch in your embrace, fireplace crackling and dogs snoring at your feet.

You wanted Cooper Howard, but you had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t come without a cost, and you weren’t sure how steep it would truly be.

“CUT! RESET!” called the director from his comfortable chair. A bell rang twice and you watched from the refreshments table as everyone on the crew sprung forward to reset the stage & fix up the actors.

You still couldn’t shake the feeling of being in one of these vaults, a big number four on the door behind Cooper where his first scene was set. It felt… unreal. A big metal fortress underground meant for a nuclear fallout felt so outlandish that if you hadn’t been here yourself, you’d have thought it was just a set built up on a soundstage. An uneasiness tugged at you when they gave you a tour of the living spaces, watching the camera crew set up in one of the rooms and a family—whose two adults were scientists—sat in makeup chairs until it was time for their scene.

Cooper was your only grounding force. During the tour he’d gently touch your back for a brief moment, pretending to just pass by you or urge you in front of him. He only lingered a little longer once when he heard you take in a shaky breath while Bud Askins and company rambled about how amazing this place was. It didn’t help that Barb was here as well to oversee the shoot. She barely acknowledged you and focused entirely on Cooper like you were a set dressing. You tried not to think about her too much though or else your shaky breaths might turn into a full on breakdown.

It was just a shoot in a location you weren’t familiar with. Everything was safe. Everything would be fine.

So when the director called for a reset, you quickly approached Cooper with a cup of black coffee for him to grab as people fussed with his hair and suit. A grateful expression crossed his face as he took a sip.

“Thank you so much,” he said, Hollywood charm still turned up to the max. While you were used to how he was on set, you couldn’t help realizing now just how much of a mask he wore for his work. Not that he wasn’t always authentically himself, but he did carry himself in a way that you didn’t see when you were alone.

“Need anything else before the next take?” you asked.

“Not anythin’ I can have right now,” he responded with a tinge of flirtation in his tone. You tensed a little, the women who were fussing over him didn’t even bat an eyelash at the comment. It was just you. He knew you were a little anxious before and was likely just trying to lighten the mood, but with him looking so dashing in his gray suit and his ex-wife was standing just at the edge of the room, eyes flicking over while she conversed with her colleagues, it was difficult to relax.

Cooper finished his coffee—the women dabbing his face and reapplying touch-ups—and you took it from him. Your fingers grazed his as you did so, a small gesture to let him know you were still there with him despite the circumstances.

“I’ll make sure to set up a reservation for you at your favorite restaurant,” you managed with a smile that he returned instantly.

“You know me so well.”

“It’s my job to,” you responded, gazing up through your eyelashes before you turned around fully to leave the shot. For the briefest of moments when you turned, you thought you caught his gaze moving downwards to your ass, but he’d returned to a recording-ready stance the moment you began to walk away.

“Alright, next take!” the director called. Everyone scattered out of the way of the cameras. “Quiet on set!”

You moved just out of frame, Cooper’s empty coffee cup in your hand, and watched him work his magic. The lights went out and once the cameras were rolling again, a singular spotlight lit on Cooper who had a fresh cigarette in his hands.

“Oh. Hello there. Yup, it’s me, Cooper Howard, star of stage and screen.”

Recording continued and, while the vault still unnerved you, you did your best to focus on Cooper. You watched between each take and tended to anything Cooper might have needed while keeping your space. The takes flew by despite how many there were and by the time you reached ‘Sycamore Street’, specifically room number 429, which was printed on a pristine mailbox, you could tell Cooper was starting to feel a bit drained by it all. So when they called for a cut, family of scientists at the table next to Cooper, you approached him with some water and a smile.

“Almost outta here, tiger,” you said to him as he took the cup of water and chugged it. He breathed out a sigh and handed it back to you.

“Kinda wish it was whiskey.”

“I’m sure they’ve got some around here somewhere if you really want,” you said.

“You’re the best,” he returned, a charming smirk on his lips. You couldn’t help but feel yours brighten at the sight and as you were about to turn and walk away from him, a voice chimed in that made your blood run cold.

“Are you done being distracted by your plaything? I’d like to get everyone out of here on time,” said Barb from the doorway, arms crossed. Silence bellowed into the room the likes you’d never experienced. Not even a breath. You felt as though someone had punched you in the chest as a deep-seated mortification rippled through your entire being.

“What was that?” Cooper asked. While his voice was a whisper, you could hear the lethality dripping from every syllable. Even his calm, cool, and collected movie star mask slipped a bit, brow furrowed and jaw locked.

“Cooper,” you warned, also in a whisper. “It’s fine, I’ll just—”

“No.” The firmness of his voice took you aback, but it wasn’t directed at you, he was locked on Barb. “Say it again.”

This man was going to burn down everything in this very moment with a camera crew and innocent bystanders to witness it. Barb adjusted her stance to match his challenging energy. One look around the room and you felt like you wanted to simply disintegrate.

“I said—” Barb tried.

“Enough!” you declared firmly. Once again you were in the middle of them and their drama, their loathing, everything. It didn’t matter though. You stepped in front of Cooper fully, not even looking at him but at Barb with a forced smile on your lips and said, “I’ll go. No problem. I think my work is done for the day anyhow.” 

Cooper said your name but you held up a hand. This was awful enough as it was, you didn’t want to give Barb any more fuel and destroy what he had going for himself today. You took a step forward and felt the graze of Cooper’s hand as he reached out for your wrist, which you promptly pulled away. Your hands were shaking at all the eyes on you but they parted as you approached the door Barb was posted by. She watched you approach and, for a moment, you considered just walking by without a word… but you heard her huff an amused sound, you decided not this time. You stopped right next to her in the doorframe, stood as tall as you could, and stared straight into her eyes.

“Barb, I want you to know that I have always had a lot of respect for you,” you started softly. “I don’t know what happened between you and Cooper, and quite frankly, at this point, I don’t care.” Barb smirked a little, like she was about to say something. “It’s your business. What I do care about is you dragging me into it and trying to make my life hell when all I wanted to do was help.” You took a step forward. “I’m not the source of your problems, Barbara. You are. So keep my goddamn name out of your mouth.”

Your heart pounded in your ears. Barb’s face was professionally cold but you knew there was anger simmering beneath her exterior. You’d embarrassed her, just as she embarrassed you, in front of all of her colleagues whose opinions she seemed to hold above everyone else’s if she thought this stunt would be cute. Jaw clenched, you turned away from her and made your way through the crowd of her coworkers. You didn’t know if Cooper was going to be upset at you, if you’d just blown up his life, or if you even had a job, all you knew was that you needed to get away from whatever the hell was back there.

So you explored further into the vault with no goal aside from getting away.

COOPER

To say Cooper was upset would be an understatement. Even with years of practice, he found it more difficult than anything to put himself back into the scene when everyone finally unfroze from their goddamn shock. He’d stared down Barb, who didn’t do the same, and instead exited the room once you’d left. If you hadn’t stopped him, he would have probably destroyed any sort of tenuous work agreement that was left between him and Barb… but he had a contract to finish.

So he did.

He shoved down all of his radiating anger and put on that showbiz smile everyone knew him for. The crew eased almost immediately once he’d done so and said, “Shall we?”

The rest of the shoot went by without a hitch and once his scenes were wrapped, he gave out handshakes and compliments until he’d finally made it out of the room. In the hallways were all of the men who’d been watching, eyes cautiously avoiding him after the fiasco with Barb, who was chatting with someone at the other end of the hall. Cooper made a b-line for her but stopped just short by—

“Mr. Howard, great work today,” the man said and reached out his hand.

“Oh, thanks. Thanks, man,” Cooper responded.

“Bud Askins. I oversee our Southern California operations—”

“Hey, sorry, could you just hold on for one second?” Cooper asked. The man blinked but nodded.

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” he answered, a bit taken aback.

Cooper’s attention immediately moved back to Barb, who hadn’t bothered looking at him despite likely hearing his approach, and he stepped between her and the person she’d been conversing with.

“‘Scuse us,” Cooper said to the man. It was firm enough that he simply nodded and moved away from the both of them, but Bud Askins still hovered nearby. Barb’s shoulders straightened once he’d left and she barely managed to look up at him. There was disdain there, something that would have hurt him to see not too long ago, but now? Now, he was pissed.

“I thought I’d been disgusted by you enough to last me a lifetime, but you just keep pilin’ on don’t you?” Cooper said. He did nothing to regulate his voice and knew that her nosey little pack of rats here in the halls would be listening.

“Coop—”

“No. Enough of this bullshit,” he said, rage hovering beneath his words. Barb’s jaw tightened, stance combative.

“You brought her to set,” she said with an empty chuckle.

“She’s my fucking assistant,” he bit back. Barb looked at him incredulously as he took another step forward. “And if she were anything else, it still wouldn’t be your business. You’re not my wife. You made that choice for us both when you chose Vault-Tec and this future—” Cooper gestured at the vault around them. “Over your family.” The room quieted again. Despite the tears welling up in the corner of Barb’s eyes, he didn’t feel sympathy. No remorse. He was too angry for any of that. “This commercial is the last of our business together, Barbara. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got someone I need to find.”

Cooper moved past Barb and further into the vault. The weight of everyone’s gazes fell on his back. He shook out his arms like it’d help release all the pain, anger, and exhaustion from his body, help him navigate this mess, but truly he just wanted to find you… Wherever you’d gone.

YOU

It was surprising just how quiet everything was in this room, unnerving if you were being totally honest. The teals and whites and pastel yellows and colorful abstract paintings gave it all a home-y feel but it couldn’t have been anything further from it. You were hyper-aware of the underlying lead, the bones of this vault, and it all just felt so… cold. Just like Vault-Tec.

You weren’t sure how long you’d been in this room, examining every little thing until your nerves finally calmed from your very public confrontation with Barb. You didn’t even know if you could face Cooper. He had to have been upset with you and your behavior, it wasn’t the time or place to confront Barb like that, and you were sure you’d sealed your fate with everyone, including him, when you opened your mouth to her.

So you sat at the shiny white dining room table, upon the brand new yellow chairs, and sobbed into your hands. Your tears dropped onto the surface, the faintest of sounds in this secluded space, and it spurred you on. Everything in your life was about to be turned upside down. Not only were you probably going to lose one of the best men you’d ever known, but your name was likely going to be the talk of the town if Barb had anything to say about it. 

The part of you that wanted to be understanding and sympathetic, wanted to excuse her actions as someone acting out of grief for her lost marriage, kept gnawing at you and imparting guilt onto your conscience. Even if you knew she was wrong for that, you still couldn’t find it in yourself to hate her. You just felt… bad for her. Even though you’d meant every word you’d said and still felt that residual flickering anger in your chest.

Now Cooper was going to lose everything because of you…

The sound of the door opening sent a jolt through you as you immediately got to your feet, fingers wiping away the tear streaks along your cheeks.

“Color me surprised when the janitor told me you were still hangin’ around down here,” Cooper’s voice rang from the doorway. You couldn’t tell if you were relieved or even more tense than before, jaw clenched.

“Cooper,” you breathed, a sad sound. You cleared your throat and adjusted your dress with shaky hands. Cooper had taken a few steps forward, as though he were testing the waters, if you wanted him to be close or not. “Sorry, I just… started walking and didn’t know where to go so I just… stopped in here to collect myself.”

“I see,” he said and inched closer, hands in his pockets. “What you think?” Cooper’s gaze shifted upwards to indicate he meant the vault. You knew he was trying to ease into a conversation with you about what happened, which gave you a bit of hope since he didn’t come in here screaming and shouting about how unprofessional that was or how everything was screwed up now. It was a relief, no matter how small.

“Cold,” you admitted. “Living behind lead walls when you’ve seen the sky is a tragedy.” Your arms folded over your chest, protective, nervous.

“That’s one way of puttin’ it,” he whispered back.

“Did I screw everything up, Cooper?” you asked suddenly, voice cracking a bit with the emotions that bubbled with every word.

“Oh, hey,” Cooper closed the distance, hands cupping your face so you’d look him in the eye. “No. My business with Barb is done, whether she likes it or not. I don’t give a damn about what she said.”

“But what about, Janey? And your contracts—”

“I’ll manage,” he insisted. “Like I always do.”

“I don’t want to be a distraction for you,” you said and tried to pull your head away, but to no avail. Cooper’s gaze intensified slightly as he pulled you back to look at him. You swallowed hard at the motion.

“I told you already, this ain’t a game for me,” he said firmly. “I don’t want to lose you because of stupid shit my ex-wife said. I can’t… You’re one of the most important people in my life.” You didn’t know what you had expected from Cooper, but it certainly wasn’t this. There was no waver in his speech, no indication that these were falsities, nothing, simply pure truths. “Until you’re sick of me,” he repeated, the phrase plucked from your memory of the lake house.

“Coop—”

There was no arguing, not with the way he kissed you. Intentional, powerful, deep, it was all present in the way he moved against you, the way one of his hands shifted to the nape of your neck and the other pressed against your lower back so that you were flushed with his own body. Your breaths floated into the quiet of the room, lost in the way you both touched and held each other, the temperature rising by the minute.

“Wait, what about—” You tried to gesture to the door that was still wide open, and, without even looking, Cooper backed you both up until his back hit the override button. The door dropped down instantly and he continued devouring your lips. Everything was spinning. “Cooper,” you gasped. His lips traveled down from your lips to your jaw, then to your neck where he bit down greedily. It earned him a moan that you couldn’t help, a blush immediately pooling on your cheeks.

“Keep making sounds like that and I might lose what little control I got left, sweetheart,” he said, all tongue and teeth against your collarbone.

“Should we? Here?” you asked breathlessly. Cooper picked his head up to look at you then, eyes glazed over and a pink tinge over his own cheeks.

“I don’t think you understand,” he said and hovered his mouth over yours. “I’d do just ‘bout anything you asked. Even here. Especially here.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Barb had sufficiently pissed you both off enough that you were willing to desecrate a future residence for a family you didn’t know. Any other day you’d have been the responsible one, insisted that it was inappropriate, but today, a more defiant side seemed to be in control, one Barb had conjured earlier. Even with all the guilt and sympathy you felt, your feelings for Cooper superseded them all and that flickering anger within you had settled into a spitefulness you would have never typically acted on. Until now.

Fuck being his assistant.

Fuck being just his friend.

In this moment, you wanted to be his. Entirely his.

Whatever that meant.

“What’re we waiting for then?” you asked as you gazed up through your eyelashes at him. His breath stuttered, eyes searching yours for any sign of second thoughts, but quickly cut short by the way your fingers found his belt and began undoing it.

“Don’t gotta ask me twice.”

Cooper walked you both back to the bed on the opposite side of the room, just as pristine as the rest of the unit, until you fell back onto it. You watched him as he slid off his jacket, setting it on one of the dining chairs, and undoing his cufflinks. While he rolled up his sleeves, you wiggled off your underwear, giving them a small tug when they got stuck on your heels—which were a little too difficult to take off at the moment. Cooper let out an exhale at the sight, just watching you work. So you slowed down a bit, grabbed the hem of your dress, and dragged it down your thighs.

“Goddamn,” he said with a whistle. Your heartbeat was wild, your breath uneven, and everything about you craved him. He looked so goddamn delicious in his white button-up, loose tie, and grey dress pants that were doing nothing to hide his erection. Cooper approached again but stopped just at the edge of the bed to look at you, the mess you were becoming.

“What?” you asked. Self-consciousness had started to creep in, despite knowing you didn’t need to be. Cooper gestured to you like he couldn’t believe you were there, dress hiked up and eyes expectant.

“Just… Damn,” he said. “What a sight.”

Your cheeks heated up again.

“Well, don’t leave a girl waiting,” you said. He laughed at that.

Cooper dipped down, kissing your propped-up knees, down your thighs, and nudging himself between them. Your head lolled back, heat radiating through your body. The shakiness of your hands had lessened but not gone as you reached up to undo his pants. Cooper shifted back to your neck then, grunting when you finally freed him, tugging his boxers down over his bulge.

“Shit,” he muttered, looking up at you in your eyes again. “Still sure?”

You answered by capturing his lips with yours and guiding him down to your entrance. Without hesitation, he pushed himself in and your gasp turned into a moan as he moved into you, inch by inch. While he wasn’t some egregious size, it’d been a while for you so it took a moment to acclimate, gripping his shoulders tightly until you felt his pelvis against the back of your thighs. You both stayed there for a second, drinking in each other’s presence and the sensation of him inside of you.

Cooper took a deep inhale before he pulled back a couple of inches and slammed back into you. The breath you’d taken was cut off, a beautiful sensation of pleasure trickling through your lower body and dancing upwards, setting your nerves alight. You nodded at him to continue and so he did. Sweat beaded by his brow while pleasure contorted his face.

He thrust back into you a bit harder this time. A moan tumbled from your kiss-swollen lips as you two got lost in one another, grasping at every piece of each other you could get.

Any time before this felt like ages ago, like this was where you were both meant to be and any doubts or reasons against it were out of the window that was still open for anyone to see you. As much as you still cared about being discovered like this, you were too far gone, lost in Cooper’s embrace. Vault-Tec was despicable, Barb was acting horribly… Neither of you deserved that shit.

With a bit of effort, you guided Cooper onto his back, belt jingling against the floor and bed creaking at the movement. He was just as gone as you were with your disheveled hair tumbling over your shoulders and dressed jumbled up to your hips where Cooper’s thumbs pressed into. You settled yourself over him, eyes locking, and he placed his hand on your cheek, caressing it.

“You’re so goddamn beautiful,” he managed.

You smiled as you slid yourself back down onto him. This time, it was him who moaned, a drawn-out, deep-in-his-throat type of sound that you’d never heard from him before. The grip he had on you tightened like he was holding onto the reins of a horse, attempting to be in some sort of control, but when you moved your hips, it was more like he was desperately trying to hold on.

Curses and gasps and moans filled the room, a language all your own. It felt so good that it made you delirious. One of Cooper’s hands slid up to grab your breast, kneading it through the material of your dress and bra, desperate for a new handhold. For a small moment, you could understand the appeal of this pieced-together life. This small slice of life perfectly catered for survival, the preservation of humanity through an act like this, all of it. You could understand the appeal for those who already coveted the white picket fence lifestyle. You didn’t know if this was something that could work for you, but for now, it served its purpose.

You continued to ride him and absorb the sounds that escaped him—all for you.

“Shit,” you whined just as the pressure building within you released, clenching around Cooper who groaned at the feeling.

“Y-You gotta… I’m…” he couldn’t form words but you knew. You removed yourself from him and laid beside him as he pumped one, two, three times, and released all over his hand. His chest was heaving just as much as yours. “Holy… shit…” Cooper used his free hand to rub his brow.

“Yeah,” you breathed.

There was a quiet few seconds between the two of you that was broken by Cooper’s chuckle.

“Just so you know, this ain’t how I thought this would happen,” he said.

“You and me both,” you said with a chuckle. You reached toward the bedside table to grab a tissue, an attempt to help, and he obliged, taking it from you to clean up the mess he’d made.

“I got an idea for next time.” Cooper got up and brought his pants back up, getting himself together again.

“Next time?” you asked in a playful tone, eyebrow raised.

“Sick of me already?” he asked. While he also matched your playfulness, there was something about it that sounded a tad insecure. Unusual for the Cooper Howard. You smiled at him and took the hand he offered to help you up.

“I don’t think I ever could be,” you said. He returned your smile, a sheepish boyish little thing, and placed a sweet kiss on your lips.

The moment you stepped downstairs of the Howard residence, the scent of cigarettes washed over you and the steady sound of idle chatter filled your ears. While the man whose arm you were on would garner attention naturally, it was the togetherness of your body language that drew it this time. Almost every attendee greeted the two of you, even those there to rub elbows for business, niceties and compliments abound. Even the Vault-Tec individuals that had been on set that day played nice. If Barb was there, she didn’t make it known and avoided the both of you for the entire night.

Despite being nervous about the decision to be public tonight, you found it rather easy to do. Cooper did most of the greeting and talking, refusing to stop touching you in some way unless it was for a good reason. It was sweet and you were thankful for the amount of, at least surface-level, respect that was offered to you by everyone. Of course, there was plenty of side-eye and blatantly ignoring you, but Cooper made it a point to introduce you to everyone who wanted to say hello to him unless you knew them.

At some point in the night, Sebastian approached the two of you—a kiss on the cheek for you and a firm pat on the back for Cooper. His eyebrows raised in surprise when he saw your arm looped with Cooper’s, hand resting on his bicep.

“So, finally promoted from assistant to lover—”

“Manager,” the both of you corrected. Sebastian chuckled at you both.

“She’s the only person I really listen to anyhow,” Cooper said, sipping his drink in his hand.

“Aside from Janey,” you corrected.

“Of course,” Cooper said and, to your surprise, placed a kiss on your cheek. You did your best to ignore the nosey side-eyes and smiled at Sebastian.

“Well, congratulations on your successful run with Vault-Tec, and endless happiness to you both,” Sebastian said. He and Cooper clinked their glasses before you all went back to mingling.

The wrap party continued without a hitch, which you were incredibly thankful for, and aside from the small bits of uncomfortableness, you both made it to the end of the night. Once the last guest was out of the door, the two of you retired to his bedroom.

A shared warm shower later—both in temperature and in the way Cooper pinned you against the wall with his own body to run kisses along your shoulders and upper back—you two tumbled into his bed. Your naked bodies slowly writhing against one another, Cooper enjoying you in any way he could, tongue against your clit, fingers deep inside of you, kisses along your stomach… You came undone so many times you almost forgot what century you were in.

Once you had your fill of one another for the night, you laid there like you did in the lake house, and shared soft touches and kisses. That was how you spent most of your nights now, in the comfort of each other’s embrace. Maybe the world would end one day, but as long as you had Cooper Howard, you felt you could withstand the fallout.

[spooner-the-trinity]

Ni Hao a Aloha Mai - Chapter 5

July 31st 2005

“Lookin’ good, Dan.” You smiled into the mirror as you donned the ascot of your current outfit. Today was one of those days when you were between guides so a member of the team had to fill in, and this time it was you who pulled the shortest straw this time around.

So you sucked it up and put on a happy face as you greeted the next swarm of guests. "Hello, friends. My name is Danny and I am one of the many talented artists (talented artisi, yeah, right.) in these hallowed halls that polished up A Few Good Ghosts to be the first fully computer animated film from Walt Disney Feature Animation. You know, that movie that's spent its second weekend getting a payback spanking from a certain candyman after bumping it to number three at the box office." A few good laughs were had at its expense as expected from a patchwork like this. Still, Kirk and Gary did their best and it certainly showed, perhaps it could find a cult following like Black Cauldron's been gaining of late. "But this experience it's cast of characters are having today of going head to head with Wonka's grand return to the silver screen is unique amongst our backlog of well over a thousand familiar faces."

His secretary Tamara pressed a button on the control panel to activate the first clip. A looping animation of all the films they've made and/or distributed rolled on the main screen as you continued. "And the purpose of our tour is to show you how we do what we do here both through our new computer overlords and our native pen and paper. But to do that, we must start at the very beginning and to do that, we turn the mic to our roving reporter!"

Tamara then pressed another button to activate another clip on the screen. One that saw an amphibious green creature with a microphone stand behind a wall of photographs depicting the life and legacy of Walt and Roy Disney as a pair of janitors cleaned up the place in the background. "Hi-ho, Kermit the Frog here at the Disney Archives to give you the inside scoop on how to create one of its world class characters. From the constant struggles for financial solvency to the opening days of Disneyland to the planning of his sacred Florida project, Walt Disney never could take no for an answer. Just listen to that sheer will to innovate evident in his voice."

Archival footage of Walt Disney started rolling as the cleaner drew nearer to the wall "Well, a project like this is so vast in scope that no company alone may make it a reality. But if we could bring together the technical know-how of American industry and the creative imagination of the Disney Organization."

Bump! Ink starts oozing onto the wall from a jar that fell over from this familiar looking janitor. "I believe we can build a community that more people can talk about and come to look at than any other area in the world." You watched as the Ink drew closer and noted the celebrities portraying the custodians responsible. It had been decided that this would be an ongoing tradition of bringing in big-name celebrities to turn into new animated characters as a demonstration of the power of Animation. You clearly recognized Matthew Perry, but the blonde was admittedly less of a friend but with how many roles she was getting, Tara Strong was Family. "Speaking for myself and the entire Disney Organization, we're ready to go right now."

As he spoke that last line, the Ink washed over the image and turned it into original animation. It gave you chills when you heard Alex Trebek's voice out of the newly illustrated mouth of Walt, so many years of being Archival footage of a performance the man himself came to loathe over time and now he was being portrayed by a man who channeled that same persona before Roy, who genuinely referred to the man as Uncle Walt.

(D23=16)

And while it still sounded much like Alex, there was enough of Walt in there to impress him and earn his respect. With that, he was in the recording booth and probing Kermit about what was going on as the two undercover stars apologized for the mess. 

"How about we show you how we create our famous characters." You addressed the screen in the blank beat made for the guide. "You sure?" Asked Alex/Walt "Cause I'd like to get back to work on EPCOT."

'EPCOT's dead!' Yelled a heckler as Kermit reassured them that they would take him back once they were done. "Now where do you wanna go, little lady?"

Tara blushed and giggled as she gave her response. "God, what I wouldn't give to be a fairy princess in Sleeping Beauty."

"Well, follow me and we'll see what we can do." 

Walt began to walk out of the painted photograph before Kermit rushed in front of the man "Hey, not to dissuade you or nothing but a lot has changed while you were away."

"Kermit's right, maybe I should get Mickey." You interjected onto the screen.

"Nonsense, I know the studio like the back of my…" Walt would look in awe of the catalog of cartoon creations that were made following his 'exit', taking in the radically different environment that no such technology in the 60s could create. He even spotted a few films made via CGI like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, needless to say, he was lost. "You know, I might need a little help."

"I figured as such." I shrugged. "Don't worry, we created a few of them here in Florida that can help you to Aurora."

"Florida?" Walt felt his spirits lift in response. "So the project came to term, eh?"

"Well, we built what we could." You spoke in half-truth. "Including this place where we made a movie featuring a warrior 'princess' and a red lizard."

"Dragon, DRA-GON! I don’t do that tongue thing." You 'pause' the clip before the characters on the cel screen. "Now, with so many characters, it's easy to find a contrast between any given pair. Be it on the asthetic outside with a hand drawn talking mouse or a computerized cowboy doll, or on the mental inside like a snarky mythical drago-"

"Meega, Nala-Creesha!" Couldn’t wait to pounce on Woody, huh. Thank goodness Pixar could just use a texture-less ball for Stitch to be drawn over as he bounces around the CG backdrop of Andy's room. Ah, the Wonders of Computer Puppetry! I watched with the kids as Kermit was slammed into layout art of the Lost Boys in Peter Pan. It was here that another perk of the Pixar connection cake in, the kid who played Nemo as a familiar tabby cat-clad lad who walked in to find the best effect in the whole short.

A green sock rotoscoped into a ink-stained arm as Kermit staggered back up massaging his temples with his newly articulate fingers with a subtle “Sheesh.” Kermit is quick to notice the change in greenery. “Ah! Please tell me this washes off, Piggy’s gonna kill me if she sees me all stained like this.”

“Don’t worry, I can clean you up when we get back.” Matthew mused back only for Mushu to wisecrack back.

“And what makes you think you can mop away all this?” argued Mushu. “Is it the wetjet, laundry machine, or maybe that celebrity castin’.”

Couldn’t argue with that, Friends was wrapping up when we were crafting the short and he was readily available for the live shoot. The problem now was the scale. “Look, we can just get on with the whole creating a character thing?”

“Creating a Character?!” smiled the lost boy, Whim as the studio decided to call him. “In front of all these people like how I came along?”

“Say no more.” Walt smiled, pulling a piece of paper from a book he picked up in the background earlier in the short. “We’re going to bring out this little fella named: Redfeather?”

“Ah, sounds like someone for Pocahantas.” You chimed back. 

"Yeah, and what about me?" Tara asked.

"Don't worry, madame." Whim leaned against Tara's shoulder. "They're the best in the biz, they won't leave you hanging."

"Especially since this is all prerecorded." You snarked.

“Okay, quick question.” Matthew asked. “How does it work?”

“Well, when a Mommy dragon and a Daddy dragon love each other very m-” Kermit was quick to squeeze Mushu’s big snout shut.

“Thank you, Kermit.” you spoke to the screen.

“Don’t mention it.”

“Now, not every character makes it to the screen, and you, sir, have pulled out a concept drawing of one such failure.” You pointed to Walt. “He was gonna be with Flit and Meeko, and they were even gonna talk.”

"Ey, go get im, ya little guy!" Meeko proceeded to make some face noises as the gears in the lad’s head started turning. "Haven't I seen your picture in the post office side view"

The boy’s eyes flared up with childish fury. “That’s my old voiceover!”

“Technically, it’s an unused outtake from his later character…” You couldn’t help but correct them “But hey. You do you.”

“Whatever ya said, I’m a hundred percent with ya.” Meeko was whapped.

“Can’t you do something?”

“Well, since two's company and three's a crowd,” You continued. “The team chose to drop poor Meeko.”

A rock crushes Meeko and out comes the voiceover (in the exact same form the disembodied voice took in Back to Neverland) “Gocha!”

“A hummingbird and a Turkey?!” Mushu complained as the lad proceeded to ingest the voice. “I don’t even see that working for a sitcom!”

“I would’ve done mouth to mouth but you ain’t that attractive.” He spoke in the archived outtakes voice only for Mushu’s tail to whip him in the head, causing him to spit out the voice right into the spiral shell Kermit picked up in the lair. (Mainly, it was the same shell Ursula used to house Ariel’s.) “Oh, come on!”

“We have a policy of using genuine child actors around these parts.” Walt asserted over the lost boy.

“Doesn’t mean I could still play with it, ya codfish.”

Walt halted in his tracks. “Codfish?”

“Oh, dear.” Kermit knew what was coming.

“Are you comparing me to old Captain Hook?”

“Nooo, sir. Why would I compare you to him?” Whim panicked. “You made this all possible and Hook? Well, he tried to feed me to the crocodile within the first few minutes of my life.”

“Of course he would…” Walt sighed, rubbing his temples. "But he's even more of a codfish compared to Maleficent."

"...Maleficent?" that name made Chandler freeze up.

"The mistress of all evil herself." Walt confirmed as a boom mic came close to Matthew.

"It's a good thing Redfeather was made to be a self-proclaimed ladies' man." Whim sneered as he pulled a reading table in. "Gonna take a smooth operator to sweet talk her into releasing the good little fairy she's holding captive."

Tara was boxed in by her mic and table as well as the mixing room with an operator in place. "Scene 19, take one."

"So that's what I gotta do, huh." Matthew inhaled deeply. "Ya like jazz? Oh, who am I kidding you're a dark opera kinda gal, maybe something about where you're horns are pointing because I'm thinking you're acute!"

As he attempted to flirt with the dark fairy. The operator adjusted the volume and the bars on the speakers flowed from its LED display and into one of Whim's shells right in front of Tara Strong who reacted accordingly. "HELP! LEMMIE OUTTA HERE! I LIKE MY BODY THE WAY IT IS, I DON'T WANNA DO THIS ANYMORE! HEE-EEEEELP!!!"

Once more, the voiceover lights up the LED, turns pink and flows into a third shell. "Great voiceover, lady. Are you sure this is your first time?"

While most guides would just compliment her or ask what the big deal was, you responded to Whim with: "She voiced Bubbles on the Powerpuff Girls, of course it's not."

"See, the actor provides the voice and the Animators does the rest." Walt described.

"Kinda like acting on paper." Added Whim. "Turn 'em like a flipbook, and poof, you're alive."

"Of course, unlike Redfeather we need to design the character first and they tend to evolve in many different ways." Walt mentioned before asking: "Could we have these new computer graphics for our feathered friend."

"Don't have a choice. It's prerecorded. " You deadpanned. You wanted to get to the Caffeine Patch faster, so you pulled up the DVD remote. "You'll take Matt to Pixar and this guy'll design Tara."

"Hi, Mushu. Remember me?"

"THE ANCESTORS!" Mushu scrambled to hide as you took the chance to abscond for a moment. Leaving Chris Sanders to elaborate on the Character design process as he creates multiple good fairy designs for Tara to choose from. Bud Luckey sculpted the character model for Redfeather and explained the advantages of CGI over animation as you sipped your coffee and bit into a Reese's Stick. When you got back, you had found Tom Brancroft had flipbooked Fula and Freema into being. 

"I couldn't decide which one to voice." Tara spoke as the maiden fairy Freema before bouncing to the toddler-sized Fula. "So I picked two for one!"

"Now that's a steal if I ever saw one!" Mushu complimented. "How about we take these two for a spin, eh?"

"Yep." Tom smiled. "If I can draw it, you can do it."

The second screen displayed Animators acting out the scenes Freema was doing, most of them were recycled from reference footage. "They have to get the moves just right if ya wanna see the character come to life." Explained Walt. "By moving around and acting it all out, they gain the reference needed to illustrate the personality scripted."

"Actors with pencils." Smiled Whim. "When it's all sketched up, it's time to scan it in." Cue stock footage of the Cel Process from Back to Neverland as he continued. "When I came along, I was painted on a plastic cel you copy the drawings onto. But these days, you just get a scanner and some painting software on a computer and presto, ready to color and plop onto any stage the layout artists can draw or in your case, recycle." The characters are layered into Maleficent's castle.

"Our software is christened the CAPS system." You explained with a snack in your mouth. "And thanks to this first gift from Pixar, the paint room is now a gift shop and the camera department that puts it all together was repurposed into an activity center to draw your own character."

"Okay!" Michael as Redfeather smiled. "Everyone's together again, in a dark gloomy castle…"

"Filled with monstrous minions." Freema spoke. "And lit with sinister green flames."

Kermit was getting nervous. "And the woman of the house…"

"...Is the Mistress of all Evil." Mushu and Fula spoke in unison. A silence fell broken by Mushu bluntly saying "Yeah, okay." before running to the screen in an attempt to escape. Only this time, there's a wall of glass blocking Mushu and Kermit. "Walt! C'mon, lemmie out!"

"Another wonder of computers." Whim smiled at Walt as he sat in a chair of an office we filmed. "A glass screen called a monitor for the interface, and you can just plop the music and sound effects recorded for this or whatever you can find in the archive that matches the mood. All that makes it reeeealy creepy, am I right?"

"Yeah." Redfeather piped as the mood truly set in. "Real creepy."

A strong bolt of green lighting strikes as the creatures turned around to see the fairies bottled up and Maleficent right behind them. "Pitiful, insignificant fools! You dare try to sneak into my domain?"

"Noo, I didn't mean to." Redfeather slowly backed away from the sorceress with Kermit and Mushu. "See, I bumped into this ink, brought Walt to life somehow and painted over Kermit the Frog here."

"Please don't rope me into this." Kermit whimpered.

"Then there were concept sketches, animators, and this lost boy that's just sitting there by a computer." The three were backed against a wall as Whim sipped his milkshake with a bucket of popcorn next to him. "Please leave me be, you've got such an elegant face that If ya just put me in their-"

"Now wait just a minute." And now Mushu was about to put his foot in his snout yet again. "If you think you can step all over a fierce dragon of China such as myself, then you've got another thing coming!"

"Very well," Maleficent coldly sneered. "You now face with me…"

"Oh, yeah!" Mushu barked back, looking to breath fire all over. "Bring it on, tall, dark and horny!"

"And all the powers of HELL!"

A pillar of green flame and dark magic erupted on cue, and thus Mushu truly felt as small as he was against Maleficent's draconian form. Banter and fleeing ensued before Stitch decided to take action himself, wrestling the CGI dragon with Mushu providing colored commentary as Redfeather and Kermit released the two fairies who rewarded them with Pixie Dust. "Hey, kid! The Pixie Dust is kind of a Peter Pan thing, but the ladies did it anyway, you don't mind, do ya?"

"No sir." Whim smiled back, then proceeded to watch the three pull at Maleficent's wings before Stitch yeets her by the tail into the pit in which she perished. "I'm pretty sure you get the idea, right, Uncle Walt?"

Walt was not paying attention, instead he was looking at two movie posters, posters for films he had always wanted to see put to film. Further accentuated by Part of Your World's leitmotif playing in the background, Walt is feeling wistful and melancholy. "We had our stumbles, but in time we picked ourselves up and got back in the groove. Hey, we know a gut who'd love to meet ya!"

And words could not describe how warm you felt when you directed that scene, Alex came in, mustache and all, surprised Roy and Michael in how intricate the costume was, and Eric even animated a scene for Walt and Mickey's reunion (The mouse himself was playing a guessing game like in Michael and Mickey with the roles reversed when Mickey spots Walt entering his office.) before the face to face meeting between the living nephew and animated uncle. 

"You sure you don't want to stick around?" Roy Edward Disney asked Walt as the instrumental music seamlessly flowed from Out There to Feed the Birds. "I'm sure Michael could use a pointer or two."

"Nah. I've got a city to get back to." Walt smiled. "Permanent work in progress, you know?"

"I understand." Roy sighed back. "But thank you."

"Just keep moving forward, Roy." Spoke Walt to his nephew as Once Upon a Dream kicked in. "It's what we Disneys do best. So long."

That meeting was filmed on the day Iger woke up from his coma, and the chills you felt as it was filmed spoke for themselves as the sheer happenstance of it all felt too fortunate, he would then get called up to restart Fox Kids, going as far as to gobble up a good chunk of Turner like its MGM library and even Cartoon Network. You and the crowd all watched as the animated characters flew off into the sunset, and the shorts completion prompted you to introduce the preview like it always did. "Okay, with all that, let's dig into our upcoming release Chicken Little. Yes, we put out our first two fully in-house CGI flicks within months of each other without a certain fella at both ends of the feature."

You pointed to a nearby Luxo Lamp. "Don't worry, Pixar's coming back next year to save our skins. Stars Larry the Cable Guy as a redneck truck, check it out!"

Box Office Results for A Few Good Ghosts

(D900=224)

$224 Million Dollar Gross

You went back to your apartment, exhausted from wasting a day of your life corralling a bunch of kids across the studio over and over when you find yourself watching Cartoon Network when you find a clock ticking at the bottom of the screen, you wonder what it means and within a half hour, you see it.

"We live our lives taking each second for granted."

"But what would you do if you knew how much time you had left."

That last voice.

"Unus Annus."

"One Year."

It was Alex.

"This space, like all of you, has a limited amount of time."

"And every day, we March ever closer to this institution's inevitable doom."

He and Pat Sajak were on screen, one in white, one in black.

"That's why every day will be a completely different schedule excepting this network's myriad blocks until the clock strikes zero."

"And then, it's game over."

"Bye, Bye."

"Finito."

"Finished."

"Curtains."

"Farvell."

"Kaputski."

"Night-Night."

"User Wins."

"Dead."

"Forever."

That doesn't sound good.

"Doubtless, you think they'll just stop with the new schedule, do you."

"That's what they said back when we hosted this at DuMont."

"And all that was left afterwards were mere memories of what could have been."

"For much like death, you can't take it with you."

They really were that stupid, were they?

"You remember DuMont, right?"

"No? Perfect."

Yep. They were.

And the best place for cartoons was about to die for it.

Film Opening=Kagemitsu's Origin (4 Votes)

Dororo's Intro=Flipping Stolen Goods (4 Votes)

Regained Sense=Hearing (5 Votes)

Smell Sense Monster=Centipede Mantis (4 Votes)

After a montage of demon slaying, the duos end up in a part of a settlement.

How are our heroes clued in on Ohagi's criminal enterprise?

Ohagi has his taste, how does she relinquish it?

After a calm moment where Yak speaketh, Someone has caught Mio on her route!

[oneofyatosfollowers]

Yatori Week 2021- Day 7

@yatoriweek2021

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32090953/chapters/79500055

Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13905660/1/Yatori-Week-2021

It was a natural law in this world that humans were connected by ties. 

Individuals connected to one another through spiritual bonds, their relationship in it’s very essence. Most of these bonds are created as a person goes through life: best friends, bosses, classmates. There were only a handful of relationships that are decided before an individual is born into the world. The most suspenseful and life changing bond a person had no control over was who they fell in love with. Their soulmate. It was someone they were guaranteed to meet and whose existence was the only solid evidence of bonds people had. Unlike every other tie a person develops, an individual is given a hint about the bond before it’s ever really tied. Once the individual turns 16, the first words their soulmate will say to them appear as an unerasable mark on the person’s body. It is the only designation of the tie the two are destined to share. While a soulmate bond can never be broken, if they die, a new soulmate is matched to the individual. The words disappear as new words form elsewhere on the skin.

The entire thing was romanticized by society, especially newly turned-sixteen year olds. Of course Hiyori was no exception. She wasn’t as vociferous as her other female classmates but that didn’t mean Hiyori wasn’t excited the morning after her sixteenth birthday and searched her body. Which is why when she finally found the word, neatly scrawled out on the soft part of her arm, Hiyori’s entire future came crashing down around her.

“Hiyori!” Yama whined, “come on, why can’t you just show us what it says!” Her friend insisted during lunch break. It’s been over a month since Hiyori turned sixteen and since then she has put makeup on her arm every day. Thankfully this was not an uncommon practice, most people covered the words for their future soulmate for various reasons. Unfortunately, Hiyori’s reason was one of the more unsavory ones. Not that she could ever tell anyone that.

“Because Yama! It’s a- it’s a surprise! I want to be the only one who knows when I meet him. It has to stay a secret,” Hiyori answered. As her friends swooned and sighed she subconsciously tucked her arm against her stomach, taking care not to let the make-up rub off.

“Of course, it’s much more romantic that way! Lots of people do it,” Ami agreed. They giggled and turned the conversation to other stories of cute soulmate meetings. What Hiyori told them was common, it was natural for people to want to get to know their soulmate before telling others close to them. Part of Hiyori, on the other hand, would rather not meet her soulmate at all. She frowned at her arm later that day in the bathroom. It was best to re-apply makeup every four hours. There was some leeway with the rules of the universe. It wasn’t just the first ‘word’ that was written on the skin, it was more like the first sentence. For Yama, she had “You like that band too?” scrawled on her back while Ami just had “Excuse me, miss” on her hip. Hiyori only had one word. One word that would not disappear until he said it to her. That wasn’t the thing that bothered her. Despite hearing about the wonders love did for a person, how it felt, Hiyori did not want to fall for someone who’s first word to her is going to be “boobs.”

---

Yato stepped out of the convenience store with a sigh. He could already hear Yukine complaining about microwave food for dinner but pay has been rather tight this month. Since he never graduated highschool, despite self-teaching most subjects, Yato’s job opportunities were far and few in between. As such he could only do odd jobs around town and whatever else he could sweet-talk his way into. The past month was the convenience store during the day and bartending at night and on weekends; while next week he would spend his time window washing and move the convenience store to the night shift. They were lucky they decided to room with Kazuma at college and help split the rent and fees, but taking care of a teenager when you were barely 23 was a handful in various ways. Still, Yato didn’t regret it. He considered himself to be a rather lonely and standoff-ish person- having been raised by a violent, manipulating man- and Yukine was the same. Raising him was the least Yato could do with his sorry life; that way at least Yukine could feel better about meeting whoever he was destined for.

As Yato continued down the street he swerved around giggling couples and happy families. Part of him wanted to gag and roll his eyes, but that part was very old and small compared to the rest of him. The majority of him just glanced at them with blank eyes and a melancholy sigh, still unbelieving of the concept and its power. It wasn’t that he didn’t have one, of course he did. Yato just didn’t believe that- whoever they were- would truly love him as he was and would live happily ever after with him. Yato was aware he wasn’t the type of guy parents wanted their daughter or son to bring home, if his frequent homeless was anything to go by. Bad luck and misfortune followed Yato around like the plague to the point where Yato felt sorry for the person forcibly tied to him.

“I’m home!” Yato called into the house. He would have to pull himself out of his funk before Yukine got concerned. As he took his shoes off, Yato dug around in his pocket for the extra change he collected and let them clink into the glass bottle on the table. Kazuma was still working on his masters, which meant they would be able to live in this nice place for at least another couple years. The money in the bottle was originally for Yato’s proper education which then transferred to Yukine’s college fund. Of course that was still up for argument but they would need a place to live eventually. With another sigh, Yato walked into the kitchen to see Kazuma and Yukine eating a healthier looking meal.

“Welcome back,” Kazuma greeted. The third seat at the table had a plate with larger portions on it, steam coming from the top.

“How was work?” Yukine asked around his food.

“Don’t choke,” Yato immediately switched into mother-hen mode which caused the kid to roll his eyes.

“Rough day?” Kazuma asked as he watched Yato put the instant food away.

“Not really,” Yato shrugged. It was true, nothing particularly happened today but maybe that was the problem.

“Still haven’t talked to your soulmate, huh?” Yukine snickered. From across the table, Kazuma chided him but Yato just rolled up the newest edition of Yukine’s favorite magazine he picked up and whacked him lightly on the head.

“Well we can’t all be like Mr. Asked-Out-My-Soulmate-The-Moment-I-Turned-Sixteen over here,” Yato thumbed over to Kazuma who just stuck his nose in the air.

“I knew it was her before-hand. I could just tell.” He insisted.

“Yeah, well, knowing Yato he’s going to end up as one of those people who don’t meet their soulmate until they’re 80,” Yukine scoffed, “and with first words like that I wouldn’t want to anyway.”

“Yukine!” Kazuma hissed. Yato just waved him off, the kid didn’t mean any harm.

“You better be careful. You know they say it’s bad to make fun of another’s soulmate, especially when you haven’t gotten yours yet,” Yato grinned at the kid who happily took the gift.

“I thought a soulmate was chosen when you were born?” Yukine huffed.

“Hmm that’s up to the gods,” Yato sang, “two more years, two more years.” He held up a peace sign at the fourteen year old who just huffed again and opened the magazine.

“Yato,” Kazuma said as he walked by, though it was unclear what he was going to say. Not in the mood for pity, Yato just winked.

“I’m going to hop in the shower real quick.” He scampered off down the hall just as Kazuma and Yukine got into their bickering match. Yukine didn’t understand why Kazuma was so iffy with soulmates around Yato and that was understandable. There were many reasons as to why that the kid didn’t know. For one, Yato was the one who got Kazuma to his soulmate, introduced them in fact, but that was a story for another day.

Once the shut door cut off their voices, Yato sighed again and started to undress. First he took off his ascot, which revealed the words on the side of his neck, then his shirt which revealed his empty naval. Yes, Yato did have a soulmate, but the one that claimed his neck was different than the one he once had. One glance at his phone, and the date, revealed the reason he had been so down: it was the anniversary of his original soulmate’s death. Regardless of the fact that it had been years, or that Yato had lost track of the date, the loss of a soulmate was something he felt annually whether he acknowledged it or not. That very fact was one of the only reasons Yato still believed in the power of ties.

In the mirror, Yato’s eyes traced the empty skin under his belly button like he had done when he was younger. When he turned 16 he spent the entire night wide awake, waiting for the fabled words to appear. He remembered being so happy when they did, running to the bathroom much like this one to read the words “Aren’t The Cherry Blossoms Beautiful?” He had dreamed about the day he would meet her, spending most of his time hanging around sakura trees and attending festivals. He wondered what she would look like, what she would be like, what his words to her were. With a sentence like that, she sounded kind. The words made him want to be kind too, they were his saving grace that could never go away no matter how much his father tried. But then, just as quietly as they appeared, they disappeared. After six months. He had been frantic, panicked, pulling and tugging at his skin until it turned red, running down stairs with tears rolling down his face. Kazuma was there for him but even he could sense the effect it had on Yato.

“They must have died,” his father had said, “that’s what happens.” The picture of Yato’s mother hung on the wall.

“You’ll get a new one eventually,” he checked his wrist to look at his own second soulmate, “but whether or not you choose to remain loyal to the first is up to you. The gods are fickle that way.”

Shaking his head of the memory, Yato forced his eyes up to his new future. He refused to become miserable like his father, taking out his loss on the children a soulmate’s love produced. Yato would be kind to his soulmate and treat her like the precious blessing she was. At least, that’s what Yato told himself. When the new words appeared one morning on his neck years later- showing how much younger his soulmate was- his sister had laughed. She said that the gods made a mistake with the first and that he was destined to be with a gyaru. What even was a “Jungle Savate” anyway? At the time he had done a quick google search, the words were the name of a wrestling move, and Yukine laughed that he would fall in love with a beefy wrestler. Of course Kazuma said that there were wrestling schools across the country and that a spunky fighter would match Yato perfectly. Either way, Yato may or may not have gone to the supposed wrestling schools once or twice. Even thought about signing up if it weren’t so expensive. But Yato had long since decided to focus on taking care of himself and Yukine, allowing the soulmate to appear naturally.

“Gyarus aren't that bad anyway,” Yato muttered to himself in the shower.

“Just keep telling yourself that!” Yukine hollered from the hall.

“Yukine!” Kazuma gasped loudly. Despite himself, Yato chuckled and decided that whatever makeup skills he learned from his sister would be put to good use.

---

Even though soulmates were the biggest event in a high schoolers’ life, there were other landmarks that were also exciting to experience. The major event coming up for Hiyori was the culture festival. Since she wasn’t in any club, she would be helpling her class put together a cafe. She had been sent to the home-ec room to grab some essentials and was on her way back to the classroom when Ami came running down the hall.

“Hiyori! Hiyori!” She called, arms waving. This was rather odd for the no-nonsense girl to do so Hiyori stopped immediately. Her friend ran up to her with a breathless smile.

“Yama just found her soulmate!” Ami exclaimed.

“Really?” Hiyori gasped. With a nod, Ami ran back to the classroom with Hiyori closely behind. Entering the room, the entire class was still in applause for the new couple, taking turns congratulating them as they gushed over the event. Yama was not so shamefully showing off her now empty back while the young man standing next to her showed off a blank calf. He was tall with short black hair and a kind smile.

“Awe I missed it,” Hiyori sighed good-naturedly. She giggled with Ami regardless.

“His name is Abe! He’s in the grade ahead of us which is why she’s never seen him before! Turns out he was looking for his friend and accidentally walked into the wrong classroom. What a coincidence, huh?” Ami gushed.

“Seriously,” Hiyori gasped with awe, “that’s all it takes huh?” They mused for a moment before approaching their best friend and giving their congratulations. The merriment went on for about ten minutes before the teacher gently nudged the class back to work and Abe back to class. The two made plans for a date that night and Yama waved him goodbye. As Hiyori was directed to where she should put her things, she noticed even the window-wiping guy was applauding her friend. While the class continued to work, Yama went on about the event to Hiyori and Ami non-stop. Behind her the window man swayed back and forth on his elevated bench.

“So yeah, I just bumped into him and he saw my phone key chain and-” Yama’s chattering was cut off by loud laughter. A group of the more rowdy group of boys were slacking on their work in favor of snickering with the window cleaner. The teacher had left some time ago which allowed the man to splash suds on the glass and draw rather inappropriate images.

“Ugh,” Ami scoffed, “honestly some boys never grow up. It’s like they're looking at their future’s reflection.” With another roll of their eyes, Hiyori’s friends went back to their project while Hiyori kept watching. The minor pity and disgust she felt for the man quickly faded when he wiped the drawing away and instead continued on with his work. Instead of the regular rhythmic wiping he had been doing before, the man felt he still had an audience to put on a show for. With a new splash of soap, the man twirled the wiper with his fingers, tossing it in the air before spinning it along the glass. Even Hiyori found herself in awe as he kept it spinning along the window, seemingly on its own, while he pulled out a second one that moved at lightning speed to clean up after it. While he made quick work of the window, keeping the students who watched entranced, Hiyori found herself looking past the theatrics and the barrier at the man.

He was young, like someone who should be in college with her brother not washing windows in the middle of a weekday. He had nondescript black hair, white tee-shirt, scarf, and paint stained jeans with sneakers. His eyes, on the other hand, were something Hiyori had to stare at. From her spot within the classroom, Hiyori could tell how piercing they were. They were blue, bright blue that sharply stood out against the clear sky behind him like day time stars. They were amused, crinked by his slight smirk as he continued his dance, yet Hiyori felt they weren’t as bright as they could be. Even with the tiredness, or lack of happiness, she thought the man felt, his performance devolved into actual dancing with his wipers and water. He didn’t seem to notice most of the students went back to ignoring him but the perfect pigeon he managed to shape with the water had Hiyori sputtering out a laugh.

“Ooo Hiyori! Laughing at the attractive window man with the wet t-shirt? What would your mother say?” Yama suddenly teased, “not that I blame you.” They looked at the man together, Hiyori’s eyes catching onto the ropes holding up the bench.

“Yama, you literally just found your soulmate,” Ami huffed at her. They dissolved into giggles as the window washer did a backflip and landed heavily on the metal seat, the ropes holding him up stretching under the stress.

“Hiyori? Hiyori!” Ami’s called after her as Hiyori sprang to her feet. Hiyori ignored them and rushed to the back of the class, pushing her way through the group of boys to the window. By now the man had noticed her and stopped his dancing, but behind him one of the ropes was starting to unravel, unnoticed by everyone else.

“Oi! Iki!”

“What the hell?” The boys sounded in alarm as Hiyori unlocked the window and threw it open. It slid out of the way with a harsh clatter just as the rope untied itself. For a moment, Hiyori was face to face with the blue-eyed man, expressions a mirror image of intense fear. The connection between their gaze was shattered as he started to fall and Hiyori lurched her hand out to him, not noticing the way her knee was slipping off the edge.

Hiyori shut her eyes as she fell through the air, the fall seemed to take forever yet was over in an instant. As the wind whipped through her hair, roaring against her ears, Hiyori’s outstretched hand accomplished it’s task of grabbing onto his shirt. It was something she failed to notice, just as she didn’t notice the way his arms wrapped protectively around her, latching her against his chest to try and cushion her fall.

In a second, they fell to the ground with a harsh thud, Hiyori’s entire body jolting from the impact. It knocked the wind out of her. Hiyori kept her eyes screwed shut and she tried to breathe in and out, a tear squeezing from her eye. Somewhere she heard people shouting along with the groan of the man she pushed. Eventually she tried to get up, blinking away the spots in her vision as her balled fists pushed against whatever they were holding. She only made it a couple inches forward before the adrenaline and shock caused her arms to give out and she fell back down.

“Hiyori!” Yama cried from above.

“Hiyori, are you alright?” Ami exclaimed. More shouting came from above and Hiyori opted not to try and lift herself up.

“Yeah I’m fine!” She called. Which was surprisingly true. They only fell from the second story window but Hiyori figured something would be broken. It was then that the mass under her groaned and Hiyori realized the reason behind her lack of injuries. With a gasp she looked down, unable to actually see the man she was completely laying on top of. Her mouth opened and closed as Hiyori struggled to ask if he was okay, or apologize, or berrade him for dancing while suspended in the air. The man, however, was quicker to get in control of his limbs and frantically tapped her sides and shoulder. She could feel him fight the same battle as her, taking in a breath so deep, Hiyori felt herself rise.

“Boobs,” he wheezed. Hiyori heard herself squawk as her body temperature boiled from her feet to her head. The window washer batted her shoulder again, a little harder. This time Hiyori felt his mouth move, hot and gasping against her chest.

“Heavy. Can’t breathe,” he gasped. With another noise that sounded between a yelp of embarrassment and a cry of outrage, Hiyori was finally able to scramble off him. She couldn’t go far, just able to sit next to him with her arms wrapped around her top. With knitted brows, Hiyori watched him gasp for air like he just endured CPR. It was then that Hiyori realized three things. One, this man called her heavy; Two, she almost suffocated him with her breasts in front of the school; Three, he was her soulmate. With another gasp he forced himself to a sitting position, his fingers kneading his forehead as he groaned.

“Did someone get a teacher?”

“Are they okay? That girl just jumped out of the window!”

“Did he just say ‘boobs’?” The student chatter from the open windows finally flooded into Hiyori’s senses. Mortified, the arms wrapped around her breasts hugged them tighter against her. In her panic she stood sharply, stumbling for a second before catching herself. The action caught his attention and those bright blue eyes whipped up to her.

“Hey, are you okay?” He asked, concerned, “what were you thinking jumping out of the window like that?” It was as if he didn’t notice the bench that once suspended him in the air was now lopsided tilting down towards a nasty fall. The absolute nerve of him! The insult, the sexual harassment, the absolute lack of brain cells! Hiyori felt the steam from her fury and embarrassment cause her teeth to grind under the pressure. She seethed as the man before her- her soulmate no less- was just blinking up at her with honest worry, unaware that she was a smoking gun ready to fire. Hiyori didn’t even have time to think about this being the first thing she said to him as she pivoted her back foot.

“Jungle,” Hiyori lashed her leg out, “Savate!” With a twist of her body and an absolutely perfect form, the top of her foot landed squarely along the light blue targets. His eyes only had time to widen before his head was sent harshly back down to the ground. It took a couple of heaving breaths for Hiyori to realize- rather proudly- the man was knocked out cold. Then it took until after the teachers arrived, followed by the paramedics accepting Hiyori’s request to bring them to her parent’s hospital, for her to realize what her first words to her soulmate were.

---

When Yato came to, he could already feel the smile on his face. It was rather confusing at first, his brain couldn’t come up with the answer as to why he was happy. But when a white light blinded his retinas, Yato figured he must be in heaven. Before he could send an honest apology to his soulmate for kicking the bucket so easily, he heard the voice of another- less angelic- little angel.

“If you’re going to wake up just do it already, stop moaning like you’re dying,” sassed Yukine from somewhere at his side.

“Yukine please! He’s concussed with broken ribs and has a cracked rib cage,” Kazuma fretted from the other side. Smile already in place, Yato could only huff a laugh and rub his eyes. The headache had settled in but Yato forced himself to blink away the lights, eying the concerned way his friends were leaning forward. Even with Yukine’s scowl and glare Yato could clearly see the blonde’s red-rimmed eyes. The image was always adorable, the kid tended to be a cry baby, but Yato remembered he was smiling for another reason.

His soulmate. A spunky, feisty, beautiful young woman who was just as kind hearted as he had hoped. It was a bit off-putting that she was still a highschool student- laws covering soulmates would make Yato look a little better- but Yato figured she must have recently turned 16. It made him feel better that she had no problem cracking him across the face with one hell of a kick when he was out of line, not that he did it on purpose. Still, he owed it to her to go talk to her. He wanted to go talk to her! And make sure he was remembering correctly and it wasn’t the concussion talking. Looking around, Yato was in a hospital bed, that was for sure. Under a thin white blanket on a raised mattress. The LED lights showed that they were the only ones in the room, that no other beds were lined up next to him. Come to think of it, the room was ridiculously nice. Far too nice for anything in their budget. Maybe he really was in heaven and these were just fake roommates.

“Where am I?” Yato asked. His question was met with silence as Yukine and Kazuma shared a concerned look from across the bed sheets. Suddenly, Yukine slipped his hand into Yato’s and his big, baby eyes grew shiny with concern.

“Yato?” Yukine asked, “do you remember us?” He said it so honestly, so gently, that Yato’s expression dropped into shock. Biting his lip, Yato realized he had a golden opportunity here but there were more important things to do than making his kid cry.

“I don’t have amnesia, Yukine. I still remember the little munchkin that mooches off of my side gigs,” Yato snorted, squeezing their hands. With a grin, Yato and Kazuma snickered as Yukine hissed and tossed their hands off to the side.

“That was some fall though! I heard you saved a girl that jumped after you?” Kazuma said.

“She did jump!” Yukine gasped, “or did you grab her?” He accused with narrow eyes.

“I did not! She tried to grab me and we both fell,” Yato explained. So his memory wasn’t screwy. The first thing that girl said to him was ‘Jungle Savate’ the same as that famous kick. Even better! The first word he said to her was...was…

“What is it? Are you in pain?” Kazuma fretted when Yato groaned and let his head fall back against the pillow.

“What about her? Did she get hurt?” Yato asked, eyes closed.

“No actually. They put her down the hall and she walked away without any bruises,” Kazuma said, “in fact it was her that insisted on coming to this hospital. Apparently she has family here, which is why they put you up for free.”

“For free really?” Yukine blinked.

“Yeah, I was talking to the doctor. He was really grateful. On behalf of the family I guess.” Kazuma shrugged.

“Well that’s really nice of her,” Yato sighed, a smile growing back on his face. She truly was kind, and seemed to come from a loving, equally kind family. Yato made a vow to worship the ground she walked on. Before Yato could open his mouth to inform his friends about the amazing, life-changing, discovery he made in such an in-characterly unlucky way, they heard a group of girls down the hall.

“Are you sure you should be moving around, Hiyori?” One voice echoed. Yato’s heart leaped in his throat and his mouth clicked shut.

“Yeah Hiyori, and why do you even want to see this pervert anyway?” Another comment sounded even closer and stabbed Yato right through the heart. They were easily heard by the rest of the room and Yukine gave Yato a shoulder pat filled with mock sympathy. There was some harsh sushing from the group of gossiping girls as they approached his room.

“Cause he saved my life and got hurt that’s why,” a familiar voice whispered. It took a couple moments before a trio of highschool girls entered Yato’s hospital room, taking a moment to whisper about his name. They walked in like they owned the place, like they were going to kick Yato out of their lunch table. In the middle, Yato’s soulmate led the other two. She fit his memory perfectly, long brown hair with round brown eyes. Now that she didn’t have a look of absolute fear and panic, Yato noticed her eyes had specks of mahogany within their depths. He could stare at them for hours and happily get lost. Unfortunately, she still had a look of nervous anxiety and Yato was reminded of the elephant between them.

“Um, hello! Are you, um, the guy who was washing our windows?” The girl with the shortest hair asked.

“Yes I am,” Yato smiled, “and you can just call me Yato.” He let his eyes move from her to his soulmate, keeping his smile as tamed as he could.

“Thank you for saving our dear Hiyori!” The girl wailed, the other one with glasses comforting her. Hiyori suddenly seemed to straighten out slightly and Yato caught her pressing the inside of his arm against her side. From what he could see, the skin was empty, and he didn’t have to look to know his neck was just as clear. It seemed the short haired girl wasn’t the only one with bravery, as his soulmate cleared her throat and steeled herself.

“Hello Yato, my name is Hiyori Iki. It’s nice to meet you.” She came to stand next to Yukine, her eyes never releasing Yato from her gaze, and she stuck out her hand. Yato let his eyes flicker to the perfectly manicured hand then back up to her. Amusement curled his lips and sparked his eyes. But he just snorted and took the offered greeting.

“It’s nice to meet you too. I heard you are alright, is that true?” Yato asked. As happy as he was, the thought of his soulmate getting hurt because of him didn’t sit right. His question seemed to surprise her, shock shooting up her arm and spreading a pretty pink across her cheeks.

“Oh, um, yes, I’m alright. Thank you,” she sputtered, pulling her hand back. The room watched as they stared at each other, Yato’s grin only growing, the more red he watched spread across her face. Yato ignored the very intense way Kazuma was staring at his empty neck, watching their interaction with his famous meticulousness.

“What is wrong with you,” Yukine suddenly growled from his chair. This caught Hiyori’s attention and she looked at the blonde like she just noticed he was there. The little shyster was quick to slap on that adorable smile.

“Thank you for helping this guy out with the medical bills. He’s the type to insist he’s fine until he falls over dead!” Yukine tried to joke but Hiyori looked rather concerned.

“Ah!” Yato leaped forward only for his battered ribcage to knock the wind out of him. Yato wheezed as pain shot through his bones but when he saw the pretty Hiyori reach out in concern, he forced another wobbly smile. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he didn’t believe in self care, or worse, that he was dirt poor. Which he was.

“He’s only joking! Of course I go to the doctor! Just not one as nice as this,” Yato quickly said, “but yes, thank you for your generosity and please thank your family for me too. Let me know if they need anything. Anything at all!” His smile was the largest it’s been his entire life and a laughter bubbled up from his throat. Yato could feel the entire room looking at him like the concussion caused serious brain damage but he didn’t care. Hopefully they would write off the stray tears as part of his joy.

“Oh, well, I’m sure my parents don’t need window washing?” Hiyori, the sweet angel, tried. It was clear she was uncomfortable, her friends as well. Thankfully, Kazuma got over himself and became the ever so level headed friend. Standing up, Kazuma cleared his throat.

“My name is Kazuma and this is Yukine, we are Yato’s roommates and very close friends. We also wanted to thank you and your family for all your help,” Kazuma said, “and if I may, what Yato forgot to say is that he’s a man of many trades. A handyman if you will. So if your parents needed any sort of repairs done, he would be more than happy to do them for free.” His words smoothed over the tension in the room and Yato found himself sighing along with everyone else.

“Oh, well, thank you, I’ll let them know.” Hiyori said.

“You’ll need my number!” Yato suddenly gasped. The room’s air suddenly turned sour but this time Hiyori just blinked at him. There were a couple seconds where she said nothing. She didn’t look uncomfortable, just thoughtful, she held his gaze evenly with just as much knowing.

“Sure,” she eventually said. Her friends looked shocked at her, along with Yukine, but Kazuma just pushed his glasses with his finger to hide his smile.

“If you would, Yukine,” Yato pressed. When the kid did nothing but look at Yato like he just squashed a spider with his bare hands on his homework, Yato cleared his throat and pointed his head in the young lady’s direction. The kid scoffed and didn’t even bother trying to hide his eye roll but Yato considered it a win that he pulled his backpack onto his lap and took out one of Yato’s business cards.

“Oh! Thank you!” Hiyori took it a bit too happily. Then, to everyone’s shock, she took out her phone and started typing into it. Yato was eliated, so much so that his grin grew so wide his mouth started to open. Before he realized it, he was doing the one thing he shouldn’t: talking. From his side, Kazuma adopted a look of horror.

“Just don’t put me in your phone as the boob guy, alright?” Yato laughed again. His eyes were shut so he didn’t see the people surrounding him collectively flinch. The card was crumpled in the girl’s fist as she started vibrating with that mortified-fueled fury.

“Jungle Savate!” Her voice shocked his heart and it thudded happily while his head mourned the sudden impact. She really was incredible, for her foot to not only reach his face from that height but to hit the exact same spot as before. At least this time she didn’t knock him out again, but he wasn’t fully conscious when she spun around with a huff and walked away.

“Geez, what's your problem? You’re so creepy,” Yukine said, failing to hide his snickering.

“I’m in love,” Yato swooned, his sigh sounded a little more loopy than it should. The young men at his sides scoffed but for different reasons.

“You’re messed up is what you are. She’s in highschool. You just took too many hits to the head,” Yukine rolled his eyes so hard he didn’t see Kazuma making gestures to his neck and Yato’s neck. So, in his lull, Yato decided to help the kid out.

“She’s my soulmate.”

“Hah. Yeah,” Yukine peaked out the hallway and let his eyes wander up expensive shoes, long legs, swaying hips, a highschool uniform, and smooth hair, “sure she is.”

[2manyfandoms2count]

You can count on me (I will be there for you)

Aaaaand here we are with the final chapter of this story! A very cracky finale, with a surprising amount of fashion judgement and a lack of serious damage. I’ve made them suffer enough on their wedding day.

Thank you so, so much to everyone who’s read so far! It was a genuine pleasure to write this story, and the positive response has warmed my heart. Lots of love for everyone 💕 Hope you’ll enjoy this!!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | AO3

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Chapter 9

Max has conveniently chosen the room they’d all met up in earlier for their lift back, Ladybug notices as she steps out of the portal. Rena Rouge and Queen Bee are standing at the door, discreetly peeking at the reception on the other side. They turn around when they hear the portal’s low hum.

“How’s it going?” Ladybug asks, joining them in their stakeout.

“I think they’re starting to feel a little uncomfortable.” Alya nods towards the next room, and Marinette steals a look, not knowing if her friend is referring to their primary suspects, or Nino and Kagami.

A look inside answers her question. The four of them are standing in the middle of the room, and it’s quite clear from their body language that her friends are doing their best to look at ease, while their interlocutors are clearly desperate to go. They show it differently, though: whereas Gabriel is standing straighter than ever, eyes darting towards the nearest exit as Nino enthusiastically speaks to him about something involving large hand gestures and a lot of shoulder pats, Nathalie seems exhausted, shrunk on herself while Kagami talks about something technical, if Ladybug can trust her frowns as she explains.

“Well, as long as it’s them and not the guests, it should be alright. Wouldn’t want a mass akumatisation on our hands.” Ladybug straightens up and sighs.

“So, it’s really them?” Alya asks.

“I think saying ‘most probably’ would be an understatement.” She shakes her head.

“Poor Adrien,” Queen Bee mutters next to them. “This is honestly the last thing he needs.”

Marinette looks at Alya worriedly, and her friend squeezes her hand. “He’s up to speed, I think he’s hanging in there.”

“I’ll have a talk with him later.” Ladybug promises herself.

“Anyway, what’s the plan now?” Queen Bee turns towards her expectantly.

“Well, see, that’s my problem, I’m not entirely sure how to go about it-”

“I am.” Chat Noir walks straight past them, stormy eyes fixed on the two suspects, his tail slipping through Ladybug’s fingers, and he's out in the open before she can retain him. She hadn't heard the portal close behind him, nor his approaching footsteps.

She starts to run after him, we don’t have a plan, what is he doing, but Rena Rouge grips her arm before she can, yanking her back inside their honorary headquarters. Ladybug’s offended look melts as her friend delicately takes her veil out of her hair. She’d completely forgotten about it.

“Might not want to out yourself to them right now, since they probably don’t know who you are,” her friend says softly.

“Now go make sure your partner doesn’t get into too much trouble. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ll figure something out if anything happens, but you generally do pretty well without the B team.” Queen Bee pushes her out of the room with a wink.

Ladybug glances back one last time before she heads in; Max has come closer, and her three friends smile at her reassuringly as she does. She smiles back, hoping it expresses just how much she’s thankful for them being there, and not how worried she is about what might unfold.

---

Chat Noir barely hears the guests’ gasps as they make way for him. He strides purposefully into the room, his eyes trained on his father. Gabriel Agreste. Hawkmoth.

When he catches sight of the dark figure approaching him, the man tenses even more than he’d already been, which Chat hadn’t thought was possible. Yes, you can be worried, he thinks, nodding at Nino and Kagami to relieve them of their duties. Both stand aside, and start ushering people away from the newly formed trio.

“Chat Noir,” Gabriel greets coldly, eyes flickering to his right hand’s ring finger.

Even now, that’s all he can think about, Chat shakes his head, protectively balling his hand into a fist. He’s ready to seize the opportunity, even if it means disrupting his only son’s wedding. He hopes his scorn is visible as he looks at him.

“What a… pleasant surprise,” his father lets out without conviction, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips.

It takes all of Chat Noir’s willpower to not spit at his feet, and even more to not spit in his face.

“Mr. Agreste,” he says through gritted teeth. “I believe we need to talk.”

“Do we? Whatever about?” His eyebrows shoot up, and he looks around the room with fake amusement, as if trying to find an allied face in the crowd. Most people look away uneasily. He’s a powerful man, but his challenger is one of Paris’ most trusted protectors. Something must be up, and although it isn't clear what side it's best to be on, something tells them it's not Gabriel Agreste's.

To the untrained eye, Gabriel looks perplexed, almost hurt by the request. To Adrien Agreste, though, who has spent years scrutinising his father’s facial expressions, searching for any hint of pride, love, anything positive, there’s no mistake; he can read the fear in his eyes.

He takes a step forward.

“That’s a nice scarf you have today.” He nods towards his father’s neck, sporting his classic candy-cane Ascot. “A little… ten, fifteen-years ago, though, don’t you think? If it ever was in fashion.”

“It’s a signature look,” Gabriel scoffs, offended by the superhero’s words. “As Chanel once said, la mode se démode, le style, jamais.”

“Yet that implies that you actually have style, which is a statement I’m sure I’m not the only one to disagree with.” He takes a look around the room, pouting pensively. “Actually, you know what? I think the scarf should come off. It clashes with the wedding’s colour scheme. Unless it holds a higher meaning to you?” He asks innocently, but there’s no mistaking the threat in his eyes as he holds a hand out.

Gabriel shares a look with Nathalie, who nods uneasily. He takes off the tie, revealing a single, gleaming, amethyst underneath (bingpot, Chat thinks), and hands it over to Chat Noir. “Of course not. In fact, if this is a way of getting something of mine, you know, I would’ve given it to you for a lot less hostility. Would you like it signed?” He smirks again.

Chat is about to lunge at him when he feels a hand on his shoulder.

“Chat Noir, don’t you think we should take this some other place? Somewhere less public, perhaps?” Ladybug asks soothingly.

Chat’s eyes flicker to her for the briefest of instants. It’s enough for Gabriel to seize the opportunity.

“Nooroo, dark wings rise!” Gabriel makes the most of his opponent’s distraction, yanking Ladybug by the arm to hold her against him.

She yelps as she feels the cold metal of his cane against her neck, almost choking her. Her eyes dart wildly around, taking in the panic that washes over the room, and she tries to free herself, but Hawkmoth tightens his grip. People scream and push each other as they run for shelter. This is exactly what she’d wanted to avoid.

“There, you have what you want, don’t you?” Hawkmoth lets out a dry laugh. “A public reveal. Maybe you should’ve consulted with your girlfriend first, though.” Ladybug feels the cane start digging in her neck, and she gasps.

“She’s not my girlfriend anymore,” Chat Noir snarls, taking another step forward. He knows he can't go straight for his opponent with Ladybug trapped like she is. He'd run the risk of her getting severely injured.

Ladybug is thankful for his diversion; her captor’s attention is fully on him, rather than on the hundreds of agitated guests. Her mind whirrs as she tries to think of something to do that wouldn’t end in total carnage, but the lack of oxygen is making her mind fuzzy.

“Oh? What a shame. You know, I could help you get revenge for her breaking your heart. I’ll take her earrings as down payment, and you can give me your ring when you’re done.” His smile makes him look deranged. Chat Noir can feel the panic rising in his chest, but represses it.

“Who says she broke my heart?” He shoots him a look of disgust and opens his hand, ready to invoke his Cataclysm.

He doesn’t get that far - a portal opens behind Hawkmoth and out flies Carapace’s shield in a flash of green, hitting the villain straight in the head before falling at his side.

He grunts and loses his grip on Ladybug, who seizes the opportunity to take a deep breath and scramble to Chat’s side. Her partner steps in front of her, his arm extended protectively in front of her body, as Hawkmoth pushes himself up to reach for his cane.

He stumbles back down before it can fly back in his hand, yellow flashing out from the same portal and hitting him in the lower back. His knees buckle under him. Queen Bee and Carapace step out of the portal, the former rewinding her spinning top.

Chat Noir yanks Hawkmoth’s brooch off of his immobilised body, releasing his transformation. Kagami comes forwards, holding Nathalie with her arms pinned behind her back. The assistant had apparently tried to make a break for it when her accomplice had transformed. They are soon joined by the police special forces, advancing cautiously behind their shields to secure the perimeter.

As Gabriel and Nathalie are cufflinked and brought out of the room, Ladybug catches Adrien and an illusion of herself out of the corner of her eye. She doesn’t think she’d look as panicked and distraught as Alya is making her, were she a mere bystander, but then again, her expression matches Adrien’s. It probably isn’t as over the top as she thinks it is.

Carapace picks up his shield once the floor is cleared, dusting it a little before fastening it to his back.

“I know it’s not the first time I knocked Hawkmoth in the head, but man, it feels even better now that I know who he is.”

“He deserves all the worst.” Chloé looks at Nathalie and Gabriel’s backs the same way she’d looked at socks in sandals the previous summer - with complete and utter disdain. Ladybug is almost surprised that she doesn’t sprint after them to kick them or something.

Chat nods along, before his attention snaps to Ladybug. Worry wrinkles his forehead as he holds her at arms’ length, looking for any sign of injury. “Are you alright, my Lady?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about me.” She waves his concern away, even if her voice is hoarser than usual. She pushes him back slightly and cups his cheek.

He’s the one she’s worried about. An anger she’d never seen so potent on him had seemed to emanate from him as he talked to Gabriel Agreste. She needed to talk to him about it.

“Marinette?” Alya’s voice sounds in their ear, interrupting their fussing over each other. They wince a little at the volume.

“Yes?” She replies, keeping a hand on him.

“People are starting to fuss over you and Adrien, I think you should come and detransform. I’m not sure I can handle hugs.”

She glances at Chat Noir.

“Go, I’ll be fine.” He squeezes her shoulder. “I’m going to make sure they don’t escape their lift to jail. I promise no punching will be involved, even if I feel like I missed out earlier.” His smile is a little tense.

“Okay.” She lets go of him cautiously. “Come and find me after?”

“I purr-omise.” He kisses her forehead and watches her walk out of the room, barely sparing a glance at their doubles who start following her. She therefore misses fake-Adrien retaining fake-Marinette and whispering something in her ear. The latter nods, and he kisses her knuckles before leaving through another door. Fake Marinette blushes and gives him a small wave with a lovestruck smile. Alya really has us nailed down, hasn’t she, he shakes his head as he watches the scene unfold.

“Hey dude, how are you holding up?” Carapace drapes an arm around his shoulders. Queen Bee and Kagami move closer to them as well. From the concerned look on Chloé’s face, Adrien deduces that the others must have brought her up to speed on the situation. She’d never been a big fan of Chat Noir.

“It’s a lot.” He admits, raking a hand through his hair. “But I’m so thankful for you guys. I lost it earlier, and that almost lost us Hawkmoth and Ladybug.” He looks up at his three friends with a small smile.

“We’ll always have your back.” Chloé pats his arm. “Especially when it’s this satisfying.”

“Now, go and watch your progenitor get driven away. I hope you’ll find it enjoyable.” Kagami nudges him towards the exit.

He nods and takes his leave. He has one last card to play to make it truly fulfilling, and he’s definitely putting it down.

---

Chat Noir walks towards the van, feeling his anger boil again at the sight of his father’s profile through the back doors’ windows. He takes a moment to breathe in deeply and think happy thoughts. Now that Hawkmoth has been arrested, he’ll finally be able to reveal his identity to Marinette. He’ll do it before the end of the day, so they can make the most of their honeymoon. Maybe there is a silver lining to this, after all.

Having regained his cool, he strides up to the van, his step unusually heavy. Gabriel Agreste looks up at the sound of his footsteps on the gravel, and frowns.

“What do you want?” He asks dryly.

“See, I just thought our conversation earlier was cut a little short. What with you attacking Ladybug and everything.” His eyes shoot daggers.

“Why would you care, if you’re not together anymore?” His father scoots a little away from the van’s back doors as Chat Noir approaches.

“I never said we weren’t together anymore. And even if that were the case, I’ll remind you that we’ve been fighting evil, you, for over a decade. Nothing could break our bond at this point. But what I actually meant was that ‘girlfriend’ is no longer a suitable title for her. She’s now my wife.” He tells him, an almost manic glint in his eye. This is going to hurt you so much, and I'm going to enjoy every last minute of it. This is for hiding Maman from me.

“Are you expecting congratulations from me?” Gabriel all but rolls his eyes, his voice laced with sarcasm.

“Well, even if you didn’t exactly say it, I feel like you covered that part earlier.” Gabriel’s eyes are on the verge of reckoning. He would probably figure it out with a little mulling over during the drive, but Chat needs the satisfaction of seeing his expression at the exact moment he realises what he means. “She’s a bit busy at the moment, but I’m sure she’d join me in thanking you for coming to our wedding today… Father.”

Gabriel’s jaw drops and Chat enjoys watching the thousands of emotions that flicker through his eyes, distorting his face as the van starts to drive away. It’s perfect timing. He can see his father shouting, banging on the doors, but he’s out of earshot. He stands on the porch until the vehicle is out of sight, then heads back inside.

He’s almost tackled by Marinette as he does.

“Chaton, something just… doesn’t seem right,” she whispers as she hugs him. She’d thought about it while she reassured her parents and some other guests that she and Adrien were fine, although the latter's absence made her question his well being. Not wanting to worry too much about it, she’d dissected the events in her head, instead. “Everything seems to be sorted now, we uncovered Hawkmoth’s identity, but then who was blackmailing me? Who was blackmailing him? And why?”

Chat Noir notices people are looking at them a little pointedly, whispering. He untangles himself from her arms and reluctantly steps away. “We’ve got all the time in the world to discover that, Princess.” He nods towards their audience and she nods in understanding, although she looks a little disappointed. “It was an honour saving your wedding.”

“Yes, thank you for that.” She clears her throat.

“We can discuss it with Ladybug after your honeymoon.” He says, and she notices he’s a little tense, almost brooding as he stands before her.

“Speaking of which, I… I should go and find Adrien.” She looks around, hoping she’ll finally spot the familiar mop of blond hair in the crowds that have returned, slightly shaken. Alya told her that he’d gone to freshen up after the arrest, and she can’t help but wonder if he’s okay. It’s been a little while. “Want to come with?”

“I don’t think my presence is necessary. I’ll catch up with you later.” He feels a giddy smile spread on his lips, his thoughts clinging to his reveal. Marinette shoots him a quizzical look before heading off towards the stairs leading to the bedrooms.

He manages to beat her to his. He detransforms, and opens the door right as she’s about to knock.

“Oh, hey, Marinette.” He jumps back a little, pretending to be caught off-guard by her presence. “I was just about to join you downstairs. Is everything alright?”

“That’s my line.” She tries to joke, but his jumpiness concerns her a little. “Can we talk, just for a second?”

“Yeah, of course.” He opens the door wider for her and leads her inside the room, fidgeting with his ring. He invites her to sit at the foot of his bed.

Marinette opens her mouth, then closes it. She frowns as she tries to find a good opening question, comment, anything. She hasn’t been this tongue-tied since collège, and this has got to be the worst moment for it to strike again. She utters a couple of words, but backtracks again and again. None feel really right in these circumstances.

Adrien patiently listens as she tries to find the words. She doesn’t dare touch him, if her distance on the bed tells him anything. He wished she would though; he could do with a hug, their previous one having been interrupted. He knows hugging Adrien could make her feel uncomfortable, though, on account of the fact that she thinks he might have feelings for her, and that she doesn’t want to lead him on. Always so thoughtful, his Lady.

“How are you feeling, Adrien?” Marinette finally says, carefully taking his hands in hers and squeezing them. “You say the word, and everybody goes home. I’m really so sorry things turned out this way, had I known, I wouldn’t have done anything today…”

“Marinette,” Adrien squeezes her hands back and looks at her earnestly. “Trust me, you did the right thing. It would never have been a good time to learn about my father’s… activities anyway. At least you had everybody who matters with you, ready to help. It might have been more complicated to have that any day.” He smiles sadly. “Besides…” He starts, but hesitates.

“Adrien, I’m here for you. You can count on me to be there, to listen. Don’t hold back.” She leans forwards, encouraging him when his silence stretches.

Adrien’s smile strengthens, becoming almost hopeful as he shifts closer to her on the bed. This is it, he thinks. Now or… well, not never, but this is as good a time as any.

“Besides,” he clears his throat, “I’ve been meaning to tell you something for a while now, and I guess this is just a sign that we should have this conversation now. You said that we should wait, but-”

“Ah, there you two are!” Alix barges into the room without knocking, and Marinette would have flung herself at her to thank her for the interruption, had she not been afraid of hurting Adrien’s feelings. She carefully lets go of his hands and stands up, crossing her arms over her chest.

She hadn’t liked Adrien’s tender eyes just now. Like they were hoping for something she knew he knew she couldn’t give him. She didn’t feel like turning him down today, not after everything that had happened, after he’d basically lost his family. But she wouldn’t really have a choice if he tried again later.

Where are you, Chat Noir? she thinks. Having him around would probably keep Adrien at bay. She wonders what better things he could have to do at this moment, but nothing comes to mind.

She turns towards her friend. She’d have to do, for now.

“Alix?” The young woman had started slow clapping about halfway through her inner monologue, looking excessively smug.

“I’ve been looking for you two everywhere, I wanted to congratulate you in person.” She grins.

Marinette and Adrien look at her, slightly puzzled. Marinette wonders if she’s off somewhere, and just wanted to say goodbye. Clapping seems a little over the top, though.

“You solved my mystery!” She clarifies, prompting Adrien and Marinette to look at each other.

“Care to elaborate?” Adrien raises an eyebrow.

“She got us a sort of escape game as a wedding present,” Marinette starts explaining, although she’s failing to see how everything ties up together.

“Yeah, and you did really well! Not gonna lie, I was expecting more drama from today, but hey, it was probably for the best.” She sighs when she sees her dumbfounded friends’ faces. “See, both of you were just so cute together, it was honestly getting a little nauseating back in the burrow.” Alix sarcastically joins her hands near her cheek. “Everything was in order, no end of the world in sight” she shoots a pointed look at Marinette, “but that made you slow down on the Hawkmoth hunt, so I had to do something. I know I’m not supposed to meddle, but hey. Hawkmoth and Mayura were getting on my nerves, and I’d kept my mouth shut long enough. ” She shrugs. “And I thought the detective play was pretty fitting, remember Mylène’s Akumatisation, when we were trying to film that movie for a competition in collège? You guys played some agents or something, and I think it was the moment pretty much everyone started shipping you two together, if they hadn’t already been.”

“But, we're not..." Marinette starts before another thought goes through her mind, the first of many that prevent her from finishing her sentences. "And the envelopes…” She shakes her head, trying to organise her thoughts. Things don’t add up in what Alix is saying, but she’s too stunned to figure it out.

“Planted by me, for you and Hawkmoth. I thought it would speed things along, whoever made the first move. Sorry for freaking you out so much. I actually wasn’t expecting you guys to go through the fake wedding route, but it ended up making things a lot easier for me. Everybody was in the same place at the same time, so really, great job on that.” She nods to herself before looking up at them again. “It was even super easy to get Max to bring his equipment, just had to make a post on one of his usual forums saying a life-size hide and seek was a great wedding activity, especially if you had earpieces for the seekers, and voilà. You have a convinced man.” She gives them a satisfied smile. “I’ll get him to launch a game before the end of the day. He might be disappointed otherwise.” She adds pensively.

Her friends still look at her like she’s grown a second head. She rolls her eyes at the lack of response, but kind of understands.

“Anyway, I know there’s a lot to unpack, but just know that everything’s fixed now. I’ll leave you two to enjoy the honeymoon you so deserve. Ladynoir for the win!” She winks.

Turning around, she takes a couple of steps, hands digged in her suit pockets, mentally counting down for Marinette to connect the dots.

3, 2, 1…

“Wait, Alix?” Marinette calls out to her friend.

“Yes, boss?” Alix smirks as she turns around.

“What do you mean, Ladynoir?” She’s frowning, eyes darting between her and Adrien.

“It's a ship name, for Ladybug and Chat Noir?" Alix asks, angelically batting her eyelids. "Oh, no, don't tell me; you guys hadn’t reached that part of your discussion yet.” She snaps her fingers and shakes her head, her grin giving away how unrepentant she is. “Well, spoiler alert, then, I guess.”

Marinette turns towards Adrien, who’s smiling sheepishly at her.

“I was just about to tell you, Bugaboo,” he says and her eyes widen in response.

"I'll leave you two to it!" Alix smiles as she walks out of the room, whistling the wedding march tune. She doesn’t need to turn around to know Adrien has probably taken his bride’s hand in his and is probably kissing her knuckles, while Marinette is on the cusp of having a meltdown.

Her job here is done.

She slides the ‘do not disturb’ panel on the door handle; something tells her they might need it. So what if the first dance is even more delayed. She’s not in charge of the day’s schedule.

But she definitely won the best present award.

[aarcanechaoss]

1. Breathe

The teams finally get to meet the Yokohama school, after brief introductions from their coaches they are nervous and excited- some already believing they could beat the coed team but playing against them is a different story entirely.

“Yokohama Port High School can not be messed around with.” Ukai said suddenly as the team drove to Tokyo in a bus. “They’ll be joining the upcoming training camp.”

“Who?” Hinata asked, being brave enough to actually ask.

“Yokohama’s Port High school made it to nationals- third year in a row. All thanks to their current team who has been smashing their opponents and Nekoma was kind enough to ask them to join the upcoming training camp.” Takeda added. “Probably so we can learn their movements and make strategies in case we ever play them in general.”

“Chuuya Nakahara, is the captain, Libero and a third year. Like carrot top here he’s a short ginger but with a temper. Osamu Dazai is vice captain, setter and also a third year. Bare in mind right now I’m telling you the most crucial members that we will be with more often... they only have around eight or nine members so the other odd three I don’t know their names.” Ukai said.

“Who else?” Daichi asked.

“Wait the captain in a Libero?” Nishinoya asked. 

“He could just be acting captain until number 1 can play again- I’ve heard a player had a nasty injury... not surprising since they are in Yokohama.” Takeda said. The team nodded. 

“Second years Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Ryoko Fukami are outside and opposite hitters respectively.”

“Isn’t Ryoko a girls name? Sorry I guess I shouldn’t judge.” Yamaguchi apologised.

“Not wrong YPHS is a coed team. Due to how little people joined the seperate teams but don’t take that to think they aren’t strong. Fukami’s their current Ace she’s tall, strong and fast a deadly combo.” Ukai continued. “Last of the main team- or at least who I know about- is first years Atsushi Nakajima and Gin Akutagawa who are the teams middle hitters and blockers.”

“Is Gin-?” Nishinoya started.

“Yep. Ryoko and Gin are the only females on the main team as far as I know. Again don’t doubt them. Their captain sent me a video of their matches... those girls are a force to be reckoned with.” Takeda said. “Their managers are a bit intimidating I’ll admit well the third year is the first year not so much.. I think.”

“I was actually going to ask if she and the Ryunosuke guy were related.” Noya mumbled.

“Oh yeah they are siblings as far as we know. Anyway the coed group is nothing to trifle with so I don’t want to see any of you thinking you are better just because of the ladies.” Ukai said with a glare.

“Who’ll be at the training camp?” Suga questioned.

“Yokohama, Nekoma, Fukurodani, Aoba Johsai, Shiratorizawa, Itachiyama and Inarizaki.” Takeda grinned.

“That’s a strong group of players.” Kageyama admitted.

“Yes which is good. More practice to build morale and strength.”

Finally they’d reached the camp. It was an older training ground with a tiny bit of dilapidation. Most of the teams were here already. Now only missing Yokohama.

Then they arrived. Dressed in their fancy looking uniform with black blazers and grey button ups. Ties seemed non existent and the skirts seemed a tad shorter than the ones from other schools along with the form fitted slacks that no one seemed to wear the same. A boy with choppy silver hair had his cuffed mid shin while another wore an entirely different colour. They lined up in front of the bus and bowed.

“Thank-you for having us.”

“Welcome to the training camp.” Aoba Johsai’s coach gleamed a sliver of mischief in his eyes. They were planning to learn their every move.

“Wow they look so cool.” Hinata gasped. A short ginger stepped forward along with their coach.

“I’m Coach Hirotsu.”

“I’m Chuuya Nakahara, the acting-captain of the Yokohama Port High’s team and Libero.” Nishinoya’s brows furrowed- acting captain made sense he supposed.

“Damn they got some cute girls for managers.” Tendo snickered. Orange glowing eyes snapped towards him an air of annoyance drifting off her.

“Ryoko and Gin step forward.” Hirotsu said. Soft pale pink hair fluttered as she stepped forward, along with long dark hair that was tied in a ponytail. “This is the Ace and our middle hitter- respectively.”

“Hiya.” Ryoko said cheerily. “I’m Ryoko Fukami nice to meet you.” She stood roughly at 5’10” only a fraction shorter than the tall bandaged setter beside her.

Said setter shivered at her cheery tone.

“Gin Akutagawa.” She said quickly. Her voice sweet and airy. Unlike Ryoko’s who was deeper and still eerily cheery.

“Ryoko don’t scare them... yet.” Hirotsu said. “Other members should probably introduce themselves too.”

“Osamu Dazai, I’m our setter.” The bandaged one waved. And everyone had a single thought- what’s up with the bandages.

“Akutagawa. Outside hitter- Ryoko is an opposite hitter.” He had an angry look on his face and looked like he didn’t want to be there.

“I-I’m Atsushi Nakajima... Middle blocker- hitter.” The choppy silver haired boy said quietly but loud enough his name was heard. Gin patted his head comfortingly.

“I’m Higuchi outside hitter.”

“Oda Sakunosuke I’m the official Captain- I’m injured so thats why Chuuya said acting captain. Opposite hitter and substitute setter for Dazai here.”

“Still mad you didn’t choose me.” Dazai whined. The other teams laughed.

“You’d make an awful captain and we’d never do any work.”

The last two weren’t mentioned in the briefings, like Ukai said he only knew so much about them so at least Karasuno figured out who some of them could be already knowing their names at least- they hadn’t a clue if the others were briefed the same way. 

“Shall we get a practice match underway?” Hirotsu grinned. The coaches all agreed. 

Ryoko was the first to leave the change rooms shortly followed by Shiratorizawa’s manager, Rika. Both adorned simple black exercise gear. 

“Manager?” Ryoko asked. 

“Acting, Shiratorizawa’s original threw their work at me and dipped.”

“Sounds like a bitch move- I’m Ryoko.”

“Rika Matsuo I can’t wait to watch you kick their asses.” 

“Rika you are meant to cheer for us not someone else!” 

“Eh who cares Tendo”

“Trust me. I’ll take joy in knocking them down a peg.” The Ace’s grin was feral, almost animal like making Rika’s breath hitch. Gin was quick to join the pink and the purple haired girls. She signed something to Ryoko who just nodded towards their team before waving and walking off with the dark haired girl.

“Knock us down a peg.. I doubt it.” Tendo pouted making Rika roll her eyes and shove him away.

“So the plan?” Chuuya started, arms crossed. His hair was pulled back with loose strands hanging around the sides and wore a red and black shirt and sweatpants.

“Knock their ego’s down.” Ryoko laughed cocking her hip and bumping into Fyodor who only rolled his eyes. She wore a loose tank with leggings same as Gin. Fyodor ever the well put together man was in all black from mask and T-shirt to pants and shoes. His hair however hung in front of his face unlike the girls who pulled their long hair into braids. Ryoko’s muscles flexed as she crossed her arms in mock annoyance at his unresponsiveness.

“I agree to that. Game plan seven?” Dazai grinned. Seven was their harshest play and probably should only be played against Shiratorizawa because of the teams size differences physically. Dazai as per usual was covered head to toe in bandages with cream sweatpants and white shirt.

“Only for Shiratorizawa.” Tanizaki reminded Dazai. “We might be a powerful team but they do have size against us they are all exceptionally large.” The casually dressed teen shivered. His jumper and jeans not at all hiding the shiver.

“Depends who we play against first for what game plan. If it’s Karasuno I’d say plan five because of their quick attacks.” Atsushi chimed in whilst playing with his Grey T-shirt- his blue shorts cut off at his knees.

“I agree with the were- Nakajima.” Akutagawa coughed- another in all black (long sleeved shirt and sweat pants) albeit with white trim.

“Thank god you aren’t wearing that awful ascot.” Ryoko said. The boy just glared at the pink haired teen.

“The ascot isn’t awful!” Higuchi defended. The team all grimaced. “You’re just a... a bitch jealousy you can’t pull one off.”

“I’m going to punch her one day.” Ryoko grumbled. Fyodor gave a soft chuckle.

“Don’t do that Fukami.” He started. “You’ll have to wash your hands a few times to get her germs off.”

“Hey!” Higuchi yelled. The team just ignored her. Her... love for Akutagawa always made her a bit uneasy and he clearly didn’t like it that much either if he even noticed it.

“Yokohama and Karasuno are first.” Coach Hirotsu said as he joined the teens with Ranpo at his side.

“Game plan five it is.” Ryoko grinned cracking her knuckles.

“I suddenly feel very scared.” Yamaguchi said to his team.

“What do you mean Yams?” Hinata asked.

“Like we are about to have our asses handed to us really really badly.” Ennoshita added with a shiver.

“Alright we’re up against Yokohama first.” Ukai grimaced. Karasuno fell pale. Yeah their asses will be handed to them on a silver platter.

[howdywrites]

Apollo

A drabble for my WIP They Called Her Delilah

[ Intro post ]

After a late night drive, I managed to break free from the severe writer’s block I was experiencing and sat down to write this. I’m still trying to get a grasp on Thomas’ character, so this is the first time I’ve centered a drabble on him. Hope you enjoy!

Length: 1,046

Warnings: One singular curse word

Comment or message me if you’d like to be added to the taglist!

        Wet acrylic filled Thomas’ senses. His hand flicked, adding purposeful strokes of cool tan to brighten the shadows of his partially finished portrait. The room was quiet save for the soft smearing of brushes on canvas. He paused, dragging his gaze away from his work to look up at the model.

        A man near his age, though no older than thirty he suspected. Dark chocolate curls that shagged around his ears and neck. A strong jaw darkened with stubble and a distinct nose that he filled several pages with in his sketchbook trying to get it just right. ‘Dan’ they called him, a law student who volunteered to pose for them after unending badgering on their instructor’s part. He stood proudly on the small raised platform, white fabric bunched and draped over his body to give him a Grecian aesthetic.

        Thomas silently cursed their instructor for posing him the way she did. Facing him directly so every time he studied him - or rather stole a bashful glance - their eyes would meet. He could see every emotion reflected in those olive green eyes. Power. Certainty. Humor, though he couldn’t be sure why.

        The same humor they possessed right in that moment as they stared each other down. The corner of his full lips pulled upwards, smirking and dimpling the space between his mouth and cheek. Yet another small detail he missed during his quick glances. Dan rolled his shoulders back some, his collarbone peeking out from the draped fabric. How often did he work out? Thomas trailed his eyes over his chest and arms, how they tensed with his small movements. The Apollo Belvedere alive and breathing. 

        Dan dipped his head a bit. Towards him, he realized in horror. Something wet and cold plopped on top of his foot, making him jump out of his stool. Through the leather straps of his sandals, cool tan smudged over his pale foot. Heat bloomed in his cheeks and he cleared his throat. Every eye bore into him, even the ones not directly looking at him. Trying to be cool about it, he simply wiped the mess on the back of his calf. The cold paint smeared. A problem for future Thomas to deal with when he didn’t have captivating olive eyes staring him down.

        Clenching his jaw, he poured himself into his work. Commanding his hand to refrain from trembling as he worked on the details of Dan’s face. That angular jaw. He imagined trailing his fingers over the rough, unshaven state of it. Cheekbones that could cut through his paper thin heart if he wasn’t careful. 

        No shade of green Thomas mixed captured the essence of this man. The first two were too cold, another too warm. He needed a green that could seep into his soul and settle there like soft spring moss. Again and again he mixed and scraped his palette until he settled on something that could pass.

        Like a skittish rabbit, Thomas alternated between his work and Dan. Each time their eyes met those soft lips would curl again and send his brush twitching between his aching fingers. After today’s session, he would no longer be tortured by the sight of him. Both a blessing and a curse.

        “That’s all the time we have today.” The instructor’s bored voice piped up. The room still and the group took a collective breath and broke out into soft chatter. But not Thomas. He stood frozen in front of his easel and realized he no longer had a portrait of Apollo as the assignment dictated.

         He painted Dan the law student. Dimple and all.

         Shit.

        “Here.” A deep voice offered, a figure appearing out of the corner of his eye. Dan stood so close Thomas’ breath hitched in his throat. His head spun as if he were near a god himself. He offered him a blue and white bandana he plucked from his pocket from under his makeshift toga.

        “Thanks-” Thomas’ voice grew weak, his mouth dry. He set his brushes down and stooped down to brush the dried paint off of his tan sandal. He began to spill his guts without thinking. “I’m sorry I got your eye color wrong. I tried about six different shades and it didn’t quite work, and I-”

        “You got my dimple.” Dan chuckled. Thomas snapped his head up at the man, his heart drumming behind his ribs. Those soft lips smirked again. Amusement danced behind those eyes he had battled the entire three hour block. “Got a good eye for detail. Will you be in the figure drawing class next week?”

        “Oh… yeah I think it’s on my schedule.” Thomas didn’t know how he was speaking properly. His tongue always got twisted when an attractive man offered even the smallest interest in him. Dan’s eyes sparkled as he stood up, winking and taking a moment to give him a once-over.

        “See you then.”

        Stunned, Thomas stood there like a deer in headlights. His fingers clutched at the paint smeared bandana that Dan left behind and he watched as he picked his things up by the door and slipped out without another word. His body floated in a void, putting his portrait up to dry and washing his brushes to take back to the apartment. If the portrait class nearly turned him into a puddle, the figure class would surely end him.

-

        Velma looked up from her 4th bowl of cornflakes as the front door to their apartment unlatched and swung open. Thomas stood in the doorway like a ghoul, his face a mix of awe and horror. “You okay, dude?” she asked between bites. She raised a brow at the stained blue bandana tied around his neck in a stylish ascot.

        “I think I need to lie down. Velma, do you think a smile can kill a man?” He asked, shutting the door with his foot and tossing his bags on the ground. She hopped off his couch and sat on the arm. Thomas flopped down, his face buried in the ugly green throw pillows they stole from the dumpster behind a local furniture mart. 

        “No. Why?” Velma spooned the last of her cereal into her mouth.

        “Because I think I met Apollo himself. And I think he might be at my figure class next week.”

        Velma snorted. “That’s rough, buddy.”

--

They Called Her Delilah taglist: @celestialbunnistories @sybil-writes @draculinawrites @sapphcon-ic  @thoughtbloom @phantom-stargazer @mshelleys @ditzysworld  @writingpostmidnight @writerwaage @redwritesreads @aslanwrites @donovyn--nox

[aliceslantern]

Heartlines, a Kingdom Hearts fanfic, chapter 19--Lion’s Den

Twelve years ago, Xemnas betrayed the royal court of Radiant Garden to his father, Xehanort. Prince Ienzo flees to another city and begins university in the aftermath, hoping the anonymity will protect him from eager eyes with ill intent. The darkness spilling across the country, as well as an individual from his past, cut short Ienzo's new beginning and bring new conflicts to light. Strained between the desires of his magic and his heart, Ienzo's choice will change him forever.

Modern Fantasy AU, Soulmates, Zemyx. Updates Fridays until it's done.

Chapter summary:  Newly a captive, Ienzo tries to learn what Xehanort wants from him, as well as his plans.

Read in on FF.net/on AO3

---

Ienzo woke suddenly, flailing against the blankets draped over him. His breasts ached terribly and there were wet spots on his shirt; he must’ve been under for some time. He touched one, wincing.

Xehanort’s son. Strands of nothingness around his throat. Darkness.

Where was he?

He was in a small, narrow room. It was minimally furnished--the single wrought iron bed was against one corner, by a narrow window; a small, very old oak writing desk was against the other wall; a squat, two drawer dresser was next to it. The walls were painted a faint violet, adorned with a crown moulding. A cracked door opened to a tiny bathroom with a shower. Ienzo padded across to the other door and tried it; locked, of course. He reached for his magic and found it sluggish, deadened. He darted over to the window, looked outside, and his heart nearly stopped.

Ienzo knew where he was; the castle in what was once Radiant Garden. A strange, faint mist wreathed the city, vaguely sulfuric. Massive poles in the distance held floodlights, likely to defend the remaining populace against Heartless. He opened the window and tried to reach out, but a ward blocked him.

He was a captive.

Amalia.

Panic overtook him then, and he tried the door again in vain, pounding on the thick old wood. “Let me out!” No response; he suspected a muffling charm had been placed on the door.

He hadn’t realized how dependent he was on her presence, her aura until it was gone. He had to have been drugged somehow, or enchanted, for his magic to simply be sleeping like this. But he hoped more than anything that Amalia was safe back in Demyx’s arms. He found himself mouthing a fervent prayer to whatever was listening for that to be the case. He had no idea what Xehanort or his sons would do to his newborn daughter if they had her. Kill her? Mold her into a shiny tool to use? He had no idea which was worse.

The door opened, and he struggled to conceal the wetness on his shirt with his blanket. He saw a small old woman with a tray of food, water, tea, and of all things, a lily in a thin crystal vase. “Good, you’re finally awake,” she said. She had a kind smile. “You must be starved, poor thing.”

Ienzo was reeling, wondering how to react, what angle to play. Motionless, he watched her cross the room and set the tray down on the writing desk. He could physically overtake her, he knew, and bound out the open door--unless that was warded too. But how far would he reasonably get before he ran into a guard, or worse? He couldn’t defend himself from prowling Heartless without magic.

“How are you feeling?” she asked. “I treated those scratches on your throat, the bruises. Just awful, in my opinion.”

“Who are…” he trailed off.

Another smile. She brushed off her skirt; she was wearing what had once been servants’ livery under Ansem’s reign, crisp, comfortable, and functional. “My name is Lydia,” she said. “I’m surprised you don’t remember me, your highness. I was once the castle librarian. You were always there, weren’t you?”

Ienzo blinked slowly; a veil of time and panic made it hard to remember. Lydia had looked much younger then, her hair brown instead of gray. She’d always been happy to give him the books that Even said were too mature for him. “I apologize, I--”

She smiled again. “I know, I haven’t aged well.” A wry laugh.

He swallowed. “Am I a… prisoner?” he asked cautiously.

“The word being used is “guest.”” She bit her lip. “I think that’s for you to determine, your highness.” She pulled the domed lid from the plate, revealing a breakfast--eggs, toast, hash browns. Ienzo struggled not to react; ever since he’d been breastfeeding, his appetite had been nearly insatiable. “I’ll bring you a change of clothes. Go on, eat.”

She left, and shut the door behind her; Ienzo heard the click of the tumblers as it locked. He approached the food warily, sniffed it. His magic could tell him if it was poisoned, or drugged--except it was dead.

The practical thing to do would be to wait out this sensation until he could sense if anything was in the food.

But the smell made him weak . He’d need food to be able to think clearly, to plan. He sipped the water timidly; it tasted normal, so did the tea. The flavor of the egg nearly brought tears to his eyes. Xehanort must’ve kept the castle’s chefs; it all was the same as he remembered.

Focus, Ienzo.

He was nearly finished when Lydia returned with a small cloth bundle. “Better?” she asked.

“...Quite.”

“Remy heard you were here and made it specially. He so rarely gets to cook the way he wants to anymore. Xeha--er. His Lordship prefers things sour, bitter.”

Specially. What did that mean? “Give him my regards,” Ienzo said in a neutral voice.

“...Of course.” She reached past him to take the tray. “I’m told someone will collect you in half an hour, if you’d like to shower and dress.”

Ienzo hesitated for a moment. He didn’t want to appear like he was playing into Xehanort’s hands--but maybe he should? To find out what he could? Play innocent, naive, claim Even had been coddling him all this time.

Either way, he could not go wherever he was going covered in breastmilk. If they didn’t know about his daughter, he couldn’t risk letting them find out. Perhaps the rush of magic from her birth had been confused for a spell of his own creation. And if that were the case... why wait four weeks? To lull them into a false sense of security, he realized equally.

He showered--the water smelled vaguely like iron--and winced, his nipples twinging again as he touched them. Without magic, he couldn’t exactly strain it off into the sink or toilet, despite the relief it would give him. The soap smelled harsh, but at least it washed off the scent of the milk. He washed his stained shirt thoroughly and left it to dry on the towel rack.

The clothing he’d been left was simple, but rather formal--slacks, a neatly pressed button-up, a white sweater vest, a purple ascot. He combed his messy hair with his fingers.

And then Ienzo waited.

It didn’t take long before someone came for him. There was a gentle knock at the door, then the lock clicked open. Ienzo tried to keep his expression open, neutral, but it was difficult when he saw their face.

Xemnas. The man had the gall to smile. “Old friend,” he said, in a voice that had only deepened with age. “Did you enjoy your meal?”

Definitely medicated, Ienzo decided. “Quite. You’ll have to give your father my thanks.”

“You may do so yourself. Would you like to go for a walk?”

Ienzo smiled pleasantly. He followed Xemnas out of the open door. The man was dressed similarly smartly, in a well-tailored black suit with a red tie. He realized he was being kept in the old servants’ quarters, from before Ansem had given them the apartments; his suspicions were correct and a pair of armored guards were at both ends of the hall.

“Please do not take offense to this,” Xemnas began. “But when my brother brought you in… we were rather surprised. We were expecting…”

“A princess?” He made himself smile again. “I’m afraid that phase of my life was left behind long ago.”

“I’m sure it protected you quite well.”

“Quite.”

Xemnas paused. “No harm will come to you here,” he said. “Be sure of that.”

“That so?”

“My father seeks to earn your trust. I hope it will work in the other direction too.”

“All this talk… I have never actually had the pleasure of meeting your father.” He found himself infinitely glad of the etiquette lessons Even had given him when he was younger. Best be diplomatic for now, until he had more information.

“I’m afraid outside opinion may have tarnished your view of him.”

Ienzo had to bite his tongue. “...Perhaps.” They continued walking in silence for a while. Xemnas’s pace was sedate, even relaxed. The faint smell of sulfur was everywhere; Heartless dazedly wandered the halls, but did not come near them. “Our guards,” he explained calmly. “After all, they do not need breaks, nor they need to eat.”

“Practical,” Ienzo said, trying to swallow the horror.

The castle, to his surprise, was much the same, down to the decorations; the only thing that had been changed was all the crests, away from the violet he’d known under his father, replaced with a deep red with a large X. “The symbol “chi,”” Xemnas told him, “Though some pronounce it “key.””

“...I see.”

He saw a few human servants here and there; they paused to bow to Xemnas as he passed. All the while, Ienzo swallowed the bittersweet nostalgia that threatened to overtake him. Memories stabbed him behind the eyes--here, Braig teaching him to ride the stair bannister; hiding here from Even as he chased him for his lessons; riding Aeleus’s shoulders along this hallway on their way to the gardens. “...Is it good to be home?” Xemnas asked, cutting his gold eyes to Ienzo.

“It certainly is nostalgic.”

“It could be your home once more. Had I… my way, you’d have never been forced to leave.”

He struggled to come up with a response, anger scalding his veins. Had Xemnas kept him here, doubtless they would've used and abused his power. “It seems there was poor communication all around,” he said vaguely.

“Indeed.”

They reached the throne room at last. Ansem had hardly ever used it in his reign other than for public events; he was much more comfortable meeting dignitaries or the public in his labs, his studies. It makes us more approachable, less mythic, he’d told Ienzo. The last thing you want to do is foster a divide between yourself and your people. We are royal, but we are not superior.

Ienzo’s heart beat heavily in his chest. He tried to keep breathing steadily, aware Xemnas was watching every little twitch of his face.

A pair of guards opened the large, heavy double doors.

It was just as Ienzo remembered, yet it had been perverted, too. The high, Gothic ceilings with the stained glass, sunlight pouring through; the marble, carved and laid in the shapes of flowers, polished to a shine; the long marble columns, the mural painted on the back wall, of the gods’ first contact with what was considered Ienzo’s first ancestor. The three thrones were the same, too. The middle one, the most prominent and most ornate, was reserved for the ruler, the lesser two for their heir and their consort.

All three of these thrones were occupied, and the mural was partially covered with another large banner, but this one had a different symbol; a black and red heart with an X crossing through, its bottom flared into a strange parody of a fleur de lis.

And there they were. The youngest son who had kidnapped him; the eldest son, boredly reading a book. And Xehanort himself.

He was much older than Ienzo thought he would be, in his eighties most likely, his bald head wrinkled, the veins visible. When he stood and spread his arms in welcome, his back was slightly hunched, and his legs were spindly. He took slow, long steps towards Ienzo, and when he got closer, bowed deeply. “Might I say it is an honor to meet at last, your highness,” he began, in a low, scratchy voice that sounded like he’d gargled marbles his whole life.

“Please, call me Ienzo,” he said. He offered a polite smile. “The pleasure is all mine.”

“Aren’t you a polite young man.” He stood back up. “Ienzo. Is that, perhaps, after the first archmage?”

“The very same.”

“Aren’t names so much more meaningful, when we can choose them?”

He nodded once. He noticed the youngest son was watching him with a wicked smirk; he was petting something. Ienzo thought at first that it may have been a black cat, but the thing lifted its head. A Heartless. A disconcertingly small Heartless. He wasn’t quite able to mask his fear. It wasn’t--not--

“Oh, did you see young Xehanort’s pet? Bring it here, would you, son?”

He obeyed. Ienzo tried to keep breathing. It had sharp, long antennae, but it seemed rather content in its master’s arms.

“My eldest made these,” Xehanort explained, giving the Heartless a stroke. “Pure shadow--and nothing else. We’re hoping to see if they develop sentience, the way our other Heartless have. You’re a man of science, aren’t you, Ienzo?”

“...Quite.”

“Darkness is not quite so evil as you’ve been taught your whole life. Rather… it is one side of a coin. That balance is crucial to all life; one can never hope to crush out all darkness.”

“Do you seek to crush the light, then?” he asked, without meaning to.

Xehanort chuckled. “Of course not,” he said. “Of course not.”

It was the repetition that put Ienzo ill-at-ease. Instead, he just nodded.

“Darkness gives power, stability, clarity . It’s never been fair that your kind has been able to utilize magic, whereas the common folk… cannot. Think of how many fewer people would die of sicknesses, injuries, starvation, dehydration, if they just had the means to… borrow power from the earth.”

“Can the darkness do that?”

“Quite, my dear prince. I’d be happy to show you. But alas, we are only new friends.” He smiled. “I want to make this world better . Your father… well meaning as he was, simply could not stop what has been brewing for years. People should be equal .”

“And magic is an equalizer?”

“ Power is an equalizer.” He paused, as thought to let that sink in.

“...I see.” Scarily, Xehanort had a point. But some bodies simply couldn’t handle magic--the entropy and energy alone could kill, or in Isa’s case, degrade. Was that worth it? Was there not another way?

“I hope you’ll come to understand what we’re doing here,” Xehanort said.

“Perhaps I will.”

---

For most of the rest of the first week, Ienzo was kept in that small room. He was allowed out once a day for a half-hour walk with Xemnas. Other than Lydia bringing Ienzo his meals three times a day… Ienzo was alone. He realized that even in their most desperate circumstances, with Even he’d never been alone . There was always someone to talk to, scheme with, fight with.

Ienzo kept trying to use his magic. For three days he flushed his meals down the toilet, hoping maybe it was some kind of drug that would wash out of his system, but nothing came of it and he was only making his own head cloudy.

His breasts still ached tremendously. He tried to squeeze the milk out, with his hands, but all he did was give himself bruises, his already too-pale flesh marking easily. The omni-present ache made him think of his daughter, the way she felt in his arms, the way she smelled. The way it felt when the three of them cuddled together, so perfect, like nothing was missing. Ienzo’s heart felt like it was on fire.

Demyx. Amalia. Their names echoed constantly in his head, and more than once he woke with tears in his eyes. Please let them be safe. Please. Please.

Ienzo could not fall apart. He couldn’t afford to. He had to keep his head on straight, to perform, to try to earn Xehanort and his sons’ trust so he could--

Could… what?

Ienzo sat up slowly. He hadn’t been sleeping well, hurting too much inside and out to get much rest. What did he plan on doing, exactly?

It came to him in a flash--the computer. If he could gain enough favor to get down to that lab, he could contact Tron, who could contact Cid, who could let the others know that he was alive and safe (relatively speaking), and that, more than anything, he had an in--even if it made him seem like a traitor.

Maybe it was time for the prince to come out of hiding.

---

He’d just fallen into an uncertain sleep, and dreamed about his daughter. Hefting her up in the air. Kissing the little pads of her feet. The joy, the love on Demyx’s face as he cared for her. When he woke his breasts were hurting more than ever, and again, milk had seeped through the thin pajamas he’d been given.

He heard the click of the lock at the door, and before he could adequately cover himself, Lydia came in with his next meal. “Oh,” she said softly, and for the first time she shut the door behind her. “You… poor dear. You’re nursing, aren’t you?”

Ienzo knew better than to lie. He could smell the milk, slightly sweet. He just pulled the blanket to his chest. One lie he could tell was that the baby had died, but as he tried to force the words past his lips, the tears ran over. “Don’t tell him.” Humiliation broke over Ienzo in a wave, along with more panic. “Please, don’t tell him.”

Lydia picked up the napkin from the breakfast tray and handed it to him. She locked eyes with him. “I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said, her dark eyes sharp and serious, and while there was complete honesty in her tone--and faint memories of her helping him in the library--Ienzo could not trust her.

He could barely eat that morning, in too much of an anxious haze. Xehanort could not know he’d had a child. He was not going to let Amalia and Demyx be doomed.

Didn’t you doom them simply by carrying her to term? An insidious voice asked in the back of his head. If you’d aborted her, she wouldn’t have ever been in any danger.

But what about the Forecast?

It took a lot of strength--almost all he had left--to clean himself up and wait to see if someone would retrieve him. Lydia came back several hours later with another tray, some cloth, and a book. The cloth wasn’t out of the ordinary--she brought him his laundered clothing--but the book was new. “Something to help with the leaking,” she said, and took the tray without another word.

Ienzo unfolded the bundle. It reminded him of a binder from years past, but thin cloth pads had been slipped into small pockets. She’d even left him some extra pads as well. He exhaled slowly and put it on. At least he no longer had to worry about this.

If he didn’t get back to her soon, the milk would dry up. Losing that connection before he was ready only made his eyes tear up further. He blinked it away. He had to be strong for her, to get through. Falling apart would only be self-indulgent. This taken care of, he picked up the book.

It was a simple volume of fairy stories, one he remembered well, one that had been taken from Ansem’s study. He sniffed the pages; old paper, leather, glue. The ribbon marked one of the pages towards the back of the book, and he flipped towards it.

Ienzo did not remember this story well. Perhaps Ansem had never let him read it, or he’d already moved on from fairy tales by then. The story was about Kingdom Hearts; that it was the gods’ paradise, and that one young god, unruly and rebellious, had gone against her parents’ wishes to visit man. She fell in love with a mortal, and when they married, their child could talk with the earth, could use that magic of the gods--Ienzo’s ancestor.

But there was more to the story than this, namely that Kingdom Hearts had thereafter been sealed to prevent more gods from giving mankind what they didn’t deserve. But the god that did the sealing was clumsy… and he dropped the key.

In a neat, firm pencil in the margins was “Keyblade.”

Suddenly the eradication of the seekers made a whole lot more sense.

Xehanort wasn’t looking to craft a Keyblade. He was looking to find one. To find one… he had to engineer a seeker or magic user, perhaps with the nothing, with the darkness…

Even’s replicas…

Ienzo’s breath caught. Of course. That was why he’d wanted them. If these “fake” bodies died from incompatible magic use, it wouldn’t be noticed--it wouldn’t matter. If they could not learn to wield Keyblades as Even had originally hypothesized… perhaps they could learn to seek those who could.

He had to get this message to them somehow.

A knock at the door. Hurriedly, Ienzo shoved it under the mattress before the lock clicked open. “Ienzo,” Xemnas said pleasantly. “My father was wondering if you might like to join us for tea.”

He swallowed. “Sounds wonderful.”

[fantasyfandommaiden]

ML Counsellor AU: Gabriel Agreste’s Session

Occurring post Collector

Carmine had a personal code when it came to her patients. Whoever they were, no matter who or what they were, if they wanted help, she would do everything in her power to help. In this one case, she hated her personal code.

If it weren’t for the fact of this personal code, as well as her duties to the city, and the favour she owed, this session would not be happening. But her she was.

A knock at the door made Carmine look up and let out a sigh, straightening slightly as she called “It’s open.”

The door opened and her next patient walked in, before they stood in front of her desk, looking down at Carmine through black framed glasses as she looked up to them evenly with a tight lipped smile. “Would you care for a cup of tea, Mr. Agreste?”

[[MORE]]

Gabriel had sat down in Carmine’s office without so much as a word, looking Carmine over with judgemental eyes, no doubt appraising her clothing choices. Nathalie had warned her before booking the appointment that appearances were important to him. Carmine reminded Nathalie that Gabriel could go take a swan dive into the Seine for all she cared about his option, but for her friends sake she wore some of her ‘nicer’ clothes.

“No Mlle Regal, I do not require any tea. I wish to get this over with as soon as possible.” He said, adjusting his ascot as he looked around the room.

Carmine brought her own tea cup up to her lips, taking a sip of the calming tea she had brewed before his arrival and felt the effect of the brew almost instantly wash away her irritation in an instant. Gabriel looked over at her quickly, a look of confusion on his face. Carmine simply raised a brow at him as she took another sip of her tea before speaking.

“Very well. I understand you were Akumatized yesterday?” She said to him, looking at him with her hazel eyes “How exactly did that happen?”

“Hawkmoth sent an akuma after me because I was upset, I imagine you would know how it works by now Mlle Regal.” Gabriel responded curtly, looking at Carmine with a disapproving expression on his face.

If Carmine hadn’t taken the calming tea brew, she would have smacked that look off his face. Although this was technically the first time she has ever met the man, she had heard many things from both the students, as well as Nathalie. Parents who had no involvement in their kids life were a pet peeve of hers, along with controlling parent. So him being a parent with no involvement in Adrien’s life, along with micromanaging his ever single activity? Oh, she did not like him one bit.

Carmine looked at him with a raised brow “So, shall I guess why you were upset than? Perhaps someone made a critique about your next fashion line and you disagreed? There are some people who are saying your losing your touch, your last few lines only received mixed reviews, leaning more towards the negative, no?” She asked innocently, looking at Gabriel with a coy expression. “Not that I know much about Parisian high fashion.”

Carmine took a bit of pleasure in his look of disapproval at the shade she threw at him, taking another sip of her tea “I’m not a mind reader Mr. Agreste, if you don’t tell me HOW it happened, I can’t help.”

“Adrien took something of mine without asking, than lost it, I became upset, Hawkmoth than Akumatized me.” He awnsered curtly, looking at Carmine boredly “The item has since been returned p, luckily undamaged, so everything is fine.”

Carmine looked at him with a deadpanned stare at his statement. Really? He got mad over a stolen item, that has got to be- no. Carmine took a deep breath, slowly exhaling. She was letting her personal feelings get involved, she had to stay objective about this. “I take it this item was very important, to cause such a reaction?” She asked him slowly.

At first, it didn’t seem like he would respond, however he finally spoke out “It was the last gift my wife gave me before her disappearance.” He stated truthfully “... I often look to it for inspiration well designing, and the fact that Adrien took it without telling me, than lost it... angered me.”

Carmine looked at Gabriel with a neutral expression as she observed the designer, taking another sip of her calming tea for good measure before speaking “Did Adrien know that before he took the item?” She asked.

“No, he did not.”

“So you than punished him by not allowing him to go to school?”

Gabriel glared at Carmine who continued to look at him with a neutral expression “We are here to discuss me being Akumatized, not my family.”

“Your family has to do with you being Akumatized, so we will need to discuss it. You know most parents would just take away a cellphone, or ground them for this sort of thing, but to isolate Adrien completely is going a bit overboard. What if he had been Akumatized?”

“So are you saying I should never dissaplean my son if he does something wrong?” He sneered, glaring at Carmine.

Carmine looked at him with a raised brow “No. I’m saying that the punishment should fit the crime. You wouldn’t sentence a child to life in prison for taking a candy bar from a corner store would you? Also, Adrien is a very respectable, polite boy. If he had known that the item was SO important to you, I doubt he would have taken it without asking you first.” Carmine stated bluntly to him.

“Don’t act as if you know my son.” Gabriel stated darkly “From what I understand, he has never so much as spoken to you.”

“And you would know this from your daily luncheons that you have with him correct? Where he sits eating at home, alone.” Carmine stated, looking at Gabriel straight in the eye, as if daring him to argue with her “I may not speak with Adrien, but I hear things in the hallways. ‘Poor Adrien, his dad bailed on him again for lunch, but he won’t let him have lunch with friends.’ Those are the type of things I hear from students in the hallways, as well as from the expression on Adrien’s face when he tries to argue that you are simply busy.”

Gabriel was gripping the arms of his chair as he glared at Carmine darkly, but the woman wasn’t backing down or wavering from the intense stare. “When was the last time you even had a meal with your son?”

“When was the last time you had a meal with your family?” Gabriel argued back. He remembered how Nathalie had stated that Carmine’s family all lived in the states and she could only see them during long breaks or holidays, surely this would shut the woman up-

“Last night, we had pancakes.” Carmine replied back easily, causing Gabriel to pause, looking at her confused, and he felt his argument falling apart. Were they visiting? “We Skype eachother at least once a week to have a ‘meal’ together. This can be a bit hard since we are seven hours a head of New Orleans, but my family and I make it work.” She said, sipping her tea, looking at Gabriel “Now... when was the last time YOU had a meal with Adrien, Mr. Agreste?” She asked again calmly.

Gabriel scowled at Carmine, adjusting himself somewhat in his seat as he stared her down. He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he sat down to have a meal with Adrien. “I wish to change the subject.”

Carmine did her best to not smile triumphantly as she simply shrugged “Very well. You said your wife gave you the item, and Adrien is aware of its importance now. Have you spoken to Adrien about her disappearance?”

“We are here to discuss my Akumatization, but my family life Mlle Regal.” Gabriel all but snapped at her, glarring at her “You would do well to remember that.”

Carmine took a deep breath as she sipped her calming brew again, thinking happy thoughts as the brew took its affect.

Gabriel looked at her somewhat annoyed “What on earth is in that tea?!” He asked somewhat annoyed. Her emotions would get annoyed than calm after drinking it, it occurred faster than a blink of the eye.

Carmine looked at him with a raised brow, still sipping her team “... Camomile, jasmine, a bit of lavender, and lots of honey...” she stared to him nonchalantly. ‘As well as some calming agents not found at the farmers market and a bit of magic...’ she thought to herself privately “I had asked Nathalie if you had any allergies, she responded in the negative.”

Gabriel continued to look at the tea cup in confusion, shaking his head “No... it’s just that you seem to be... enjoying that tea greatly.”

It was Carmine’s turn to raise a brow as she looked at the elder Agreste, sipping her tea again before placing the tea cup down on the table. “Mr. Agreste, I understand that talking about the disappearance of your wife is difficult, truly I do. I have spoken with many people who grieve for the loss of a loved one.” She said of him, looking at Gabriel “But you have to remember, you are not the only one grieving, and by not telling Adrien the importance of the item that was taken, and unjustifiable punishing him, that could have caused your relationship to strain even more. I’m not saying don’t punish him. He did take something from you without asking, and that is wrong. But you need to make the punishment fit the crime.” Carmine than gave him a hard look as she than stated to the man “You need to talk to your son so you are both able to improve your relationship before it is too late.”

Gabriel gave Carmine a long, hard look before standing up, straightening up his suit “... I do believe we are done here, Mlle Regal. My Akumatizion was a horrid experience, and I have moved on. I am sure that once this whole thing is over, everyone could forget about it.”

Carmine looked back at him, leaning back in her chair “You mean when Ladybug and Chat Noir defeat Hawkmoth, I am assuming.”

“what else could I mean?” Gabriel countered back, begining to walk out fo the room.

“Deflection. Interesting.” Carmine mused, picking up her tea cup and sipping it as Gabriel stopped just before opening her door, glancing back at her with a glare.

“Good bye Mlle Regal, I hope we do not ever have to meet again.”

Carmine looked back at him with a cheeky grin “Oh, Mr. Agreste, I assure you the feeling is entirely mutual. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

[maximusthewolfe]

hope in the hopeless

Time Dwarf gets a sandwich. Margo and Eliot go camping. 

Also on AO3

It took Eliot too long to realize that Margo was gone. To more accurately define “too long” in this particular fiasco: it took a slide to the center of the Earth, ham sandwich in hand to exchange for as many psychedelic Fillorian cave mushrooms as he could carry, a gloriously freeing trip that started somewhere around minute 45 of the slide back up to the surface, and a quiet, aching hollow that told him he needed more mushrooms to realize that Margo was gone.

He weighed a mushroom in his hand, staring at it like it held answers to questions he was too chickenshit to ask, before he shoved it back in his pocket and pulled out his flask instead. "Bambi, you better be grateful for this," he muttered under his breath before throwing his head back and gulping greedily. After drinking until he coughed from the burn in his throat, he capped the flask and set off in the direction of the dungeons. It was the only place he could imagine her being. Even on Margo's most furious days, she'd never stayed angry at him this long.

Annoyed, frustrated, and terrifyingly close to sober, Eliot twisted his fingers expertly, blowing the guards at the front of the dungeons away without a second thought. They hit opposing walls like rag dolls and if they were unconscious or dead, he didn't really give a damn.

"This is a little melodramatic, don't you think? Even for us," he mused when he found Margo, clinging to a drab piece of cloth on a cold, stone bench.

"Get me the fuck out of here, would you?" Margo hissed, standing from the bench and meeting Eliot at the bars of her cell.

Eliot knew Fillory wasn't really one for progress, but he thought maybe three centuries would have brought a little more advancement in the way of holding cells. He supposed he should be blessing the kingdom's ridiculous, archaic ways for making this so easy. He glanced up at her for the first time since her dramatic exit. There was a tension in Margo's brow, a tired, sad something in her eyes that hurt for Eliot to look too closely at. Hurt even more to think he might have caused it.

"You sure you don't need a little more alone time?" Eliot sniped, already raising the ring of keys he'd levitated off one of the immobile guards.

"I'm not alone, that's the fucking problem," Margo said, glancing back at the concrete bench. Another quip about fairy overlords being so 300 years ago danced on the tip of his tongue when a strange static filled the air in the cell and, with a few flickering spasms of light, there was Josh.

Oh.

With haste he hadn't felt since returning to his body, he rushed forward, slotting the key into place and turning it, opening the gate and tugging Margo out by the wrist just as he heard Josh's worried, quiet voice echo.

Margo, wherever you are.

"Time for our grand exit," Eliot said, raising his voice to drown out whatever came next. He pretended not to feel the way Margo's shoulders shuddered under his arms as he led them out and hurried them away from the castle.

They were settled somewhere in the Darkling Woods by the time the suns started to set. Margo started a fire with her fingers in record time and with impressively explosive results. Eliot tried not to think of what allowed that power. Eliot tried not to think of a lot of things. He stood from the log he was perched on and walked away from the roaring flames, turning to face the darkness of the wilds around him. He reached into his pocket and broke off a piece of mushroom, and quickly popped it into his mouth.

Eliot didn't want to take away Margo's chance at happiness, not really. But she was all he had, now. He'd seen the pain on her face in that cell. Seen the toll it had taken on her. And here he was, cursing her for it. Cursing the fact that she'd been visited by the trauma ghost of about-to-be-beheaded Josh because it was something. It was more than he would ever see.

"At least you get that," he wanted to say.

He wanted to scream it, to shout until his throat was raw about how she had real memories, from this timeline. About how she had the opportunity to make the right choice, and she did. About how he would give anything including the pathetic, bourbon-washed excuse for a life he was drowning in now, to be visited by the ghost of Q. But that wasn't the kind of thing you got when the man you loved didn't just die - he was obliterated.

All Eliot had was a memory of cowardice. A flash of what he prayed was hope in a short-lived freedom. And something he wished he could forget.

It was right after he'd returned to his body. Right after cooperative magic and Margo's insane desert axes saved his life and almost ended it. Margo was the sweetest thing he could have hoped to see in that moment. Her saving him, it was the image he was clinging to for however long he was trapped inside his own mind. She was everything, everything, everything. His Bambi had saved him. What he hadn't dared to hope for, though, that surprised him. His eyes shifted, just past Margo's shoulder, and there he was. Right there. Almost within reach, if he had any abdominal muscles left to speak of.

Fierce, determined, inimitable Q. Tutting like the world depended on it. Tutting like it was the last thing he would ever do. Both were true, as it turned out.

Eliot remembered looking, staring, drinking in the sight of him. It was equal parts heartbreaking and life-affirming. The kind of feeling that started somewhere beneath the giant gash in his stomach and grew, glowing and brilliant, until he felt like it was pouring out of every piece of him. The kind of thing he assumed all the Renaissance writers were on about all those years.

Peaches and plums. Let's try again.

It was there, stuck somewhere in the back of his throat. He was sure it would burst out of him if only Quentin would look over at him.

But he never did. Whatever ancient, unstoppable essence the monster was made of after the axe slashed through him filtered into the bottle and Quentin capped it, grabbed it, lightning-fast. His jaw was set. He hiked the strap of the bottle over his shoulder. Penny popped in. Quentin nodded. The muscle just below his temple flexed, restrained. So much restraint. Then they were gone and the vignette of Eliot's vision faded to black. When he woke up, Q was gone.

Hopeless.

He didn't want to tell Margo that this was hopeless. After everything she'd done to save him. After everything she was still doing to try and bring him back from yet another brink. She deserved to know he wasn't giving up. But hopeless was the only thing he felt. It was a hungry, vicious void inside of him that refused to be sated. It wanted only to consume everything inside of him, everything around him, until he existed in a black hole that felt as insistently, pervasively empty as the hopelessness itself. Empty, he thought, might be better.

He returned to the fire, ignoring the flickering against Margo's sorrow-lined face and how familiar it looked. Ignored the phantom fuzz of a fucking stone fruit in his fingertips as he sat down beside her.

"I'm not giving up," Margo said, resolute.

When they were first years, there was a night, basked in the warmth of red wine and before apocalypse was their baseline state of existence, when Margo looked up at him, her head in his lap, and smiled. Eliot had asked what dirty things she was dreaming up, and Margo had laughed, a softer laugh than he'd ever heard out of his sharp-edged Bambi. "I think I need you," she'd said. At the time, he'd grinned back and waved a hand in the air for vague emphasis. "Of course you do. I'm fucking fabulous," he'd quipped back. But he'd never understood why she said that. Margo fought for what she wanted. He was fairly certain he'd never been resolute about anything other than ascots and alcohol. Eliot needed Margo far more than Margo needed Eliot, from where he stood.

"I know," he said finally, shoving away the memory as the crackling of the fire reminded him they weren’t in the Physical Kids’ Cottage. They weren’t lying on the floor in a too-damp forest. They were here, now, in a reality he was ready to forget.

His muscles were starting to loosen up, his thoughts slipping through the spaces in his mind that the mushrooms created. He was moments away from losing himself in the sway of the fire or the rustle of the leaves on the trees just beyond it. He needed the escape, needed to feel fine again. But he could give Margo something before he slipped into sweet, sweet oblivion. He wanted to. Needed to. Hopelessness wouldn't stop tugging at his ankles, grasping at his wrists and beckoning him into its dark embrace. But if he couldn't fulfill his promise the way he had intended, maybe he could get somewhere close. If Margo needed him, maybe he could, for once, let himself be needed.

Be braver.

"We'll find a way," he said. Margo slid her hand over to cover one of his, and maybe it was the mushrooms slowly leeching away his pain and replacing it with a technicolor version of the wind and the sky, but there was something about the way she squeezed his fingers that said he'd finally done something right.

It wasn't enough, but it could be enough for now.

[dcwastelands]

Throwback Theurgist Event - Jan 1, 2018

Eevelion: It was roughly noon as the crowd finished gathering in the meeting hall a tall sharply dressed scientist stepped up to the podium, adjusting his tie and glasses before straightening a stack of papers in his hands, clearing his throat, and adjusting his glasses again before addressing the crowd “Alright, is this all the attendants? Mediocre turnout, but sufficable. Anyway, onto business, at eleven-hundred hours this morning a ghost was found to have escaped lab containment, on checking the surveillance cameras, the closest time we can point to it having escaped was around ten-hundred hours. Now on-” As they were about to continue another scientist, this one smaller and significantly more energetic than their stick-in-the-mud colleague, ran up to their side and started pushing him away from the podium “Shoo, you weren't supposed to be handling this briefing, the effects still haven't worn off.” The male scientist was somewhat resistant at first but relented shortly after, yelling back at the admin as he head off into a back room “I'll be telling HR about this!”As the admin took her place at the podium she pat some dust off her coat and gave a sigh before continuing “Okay, sorry about that, okay let's see, he gave the times, well, military time, It was found to have escaped at 11-o-clock and the cameras said it got out at 10-o-clock, just so we're clear.” She gave an inquisitive look at the papers the other scientist left on the podium before wadding them up and tossing them at a nearby trash basket “Anyway, so what you saw with that guy was kind of one of the effects of the ghost we're looking for, got him while it was on its way out, I'll explain that in more detail later. So, this ghost, Throwback Theurgist is what someone in the labs named it, firstly, it can disguise itself as any sort of appliance, phones, laundry machines, radios, only problem with that disguise is that it always looks like a really outdated version of that thing, like, it could be a landline, a washing board, or a walkman respectively, that's kind of how it escaped, someone didn't notice one of those 1980's brick phones at the checkpoint. Okay, second power, it's got this tongue, usually hidden under a grille or something on whatever it's disguised as, any appliance it licks with that tongue turns into an outdated version of itself, so pretty much the same thing as its disguise ability but applied to other things.” She stopped to take a breath before continuing the briefing“Finally, last power, it's what you saw with that guy and is kind of the hardest part to explain, when people get licked by the ghost, it turns them into sort of like, a flatter version of themselves, like, they're not uhhh, fully developed as people, using our example, as you saw, he was a very boring straightlace scientist, well, last week he was balancing a hoagie on his nose among other things. Anyway, using what we know of the ghost, it's likely still in the city, probably hiding in some appliance store, we want you all to make your best effort to recapture it, it's probably one of the least destructive ghosts we have down there, so we're not authorizing you to destroy it, but feel free to rough it up a bit if it'll make capture easier. Just remember if you notice any super obsolete equipment in a store or something, that's probably where it's hiding and to keep any grilles or the like pointed away from you, if its tongue touches you this mission will be harder on everyone. There is both digital and analog ghost capture gear available for you all in the lockers, use whatever you feel will work best for you.” With her briefing concluded she head the same direction her afflicted colleague went, mumbling to herself “Stupid papers didn't even have anything written on them.”

EverSoNitro: Mous crossed her arms as she listened to the briefing, quirking an eyebrow as the first scientist was shooed off the stage. From the sound of things, this didn't seem like an especially destructive ghost, so at least PR didn't have to worry about having a lot to cover up when this was all done with. So long as her colleagues weren't running around like a bunch of lunatics, at least. But hey, this promised to be a good excuse to get out from behind her desk. She'd have to keep her phone on her though, in case her favorite radio station got wind of things while they were trying to take care of it.

Dezzy: Pendant eyed around the room with hidden caution. She would try to get to the ghost first before anyone took advantage of freedom to rough up the ghost. Poor little thing is genuinely harmless… And if Pendant could capture it first they could have it lick and transform her appliances into vintage aesthetic. A colorless TV, VCR, tapes, phone and the such would sure do nicely to gothen up her cove. She simply gave a nod at the end of meeting, striding over to Mous since she seemed one of the more reliable attendees. “Might be a good idea to search in pairs, or something, to catch Throwback,whatever.” Her tone was tonless and nonchalant, ready to get down to buisness but also with an air of dismisal.

Gigi: Ascot leaned back in her chair, arms behind her head. She let out a tiny smirk, what kind of silly prank was this? It'd be a break from the normal shenanigans in her department at least so, whatever. Being roped into stuff pertaining to research was always weird, but....apparently they needed crowd control, or something.Why couldn't they get their own succubus for this, anyway? "Hey, question," she raised her voice a bit, otherwise unmoving. "What if we're dumber than a box of rocks and don't know exactly what model of ipod from 2069 we're looking for, anyway? People are all about going retro these days, maybe it's a new Nebula s420 or something I didn't hear anything about."

Proph: Peasant Top picked his teeth with a small knife, scoffing to himself as the ghost's list of "powers" was rattled off. "I thought we'd have literal walking cannons or somethin' by now." Regardless, he was trained as a frontliner, so odd jobs like this are par from the course. Listening to Ascot's question, he was glad  all he carried on him was the aforementioned wittling blade. What can that downgrade to, raw steel?

Eevelion: Admin stopped short of leaving the room to turn to Ascot “Well, Throwback seems to only be able to disguise as and turn things into versions pre-year 2000, so it definitely won't be disguised as a smartphone at all, please use your best judgment and try not to break someone's nose to get their Blackberry or whatever.” she'd also turn to Peasant Top “The walking cannons are in a different section of research, please don't underestimate the diversity of our projects.”

Proph: "'s'fair." was his reply. Let's be fair, we all know who would issue walking cannons, or at least watch them get made, and the last thing PT wants to do is cross that amazon in ANY way. Self preservation at its finest.

EverSoNitro: Mous glanced to Pendant and nodded. "Indeed. Having a few smaller groups would help us keep a low profile out in public, I imagine a large swarm of us roving around would raise suspicion." Of course, as Ascot spoke up, she couldn't help but give out a little scoff. "Well, fortunately for those less observant among us, the... let's say more experienced and worldly among us should have an eye for such minor details, like myself, for instance. If you're not sure about something, I'd be happy to help you identify a "genuine article" from a vintage reproduction."

Gigi: She gave Mous a look that seemed just as boredly acerbic as her voice. "I'm pretty sure I can tell a gramophone from a record player, grandma."

HappyPaca: She-la was just comming out of a repair shop after getting her bike a good old fashion tune up from one of the only repair shops in city tht would take her old clunker. But  it was her old clunker and she love it. doesn't matter how old her bike gets it's still running like a dream to her. She didn't have much planned for that day so for a moment she pulled over and parked to take a drink of water and take out her phone to see if there was anything going on today.

Dezzy: Pendant knew she had picked the perfect partner for today, vintage mood board post on tumblr here she come. She was going to get sooooo many followers after this. “The mall might be a good hotspot to check out. Plenty of tech like phones, tvs, kiddy video games a plenty for it mess with and junk.” Pendant could already imagine the tears on some 10 year olds face as their precious  game console turned into gameboy classic.

EverSoNitro: Mous huffed a bit at Ascot's reply, particularly the "grandma" comment. "Well, if you discover you can't, I'll be here to assist." She nodded to Pendant. "Good thinking. And, if it does happen to be there, it shouldn't be too hard to keep it contained until we capture it."

Proph: "You always bicker like this?" Peasant Top snipes as he stood into a groaning stretch. "I know you're a bit eccentric like any celebrity, but do you even HAVE a limit?" He starts to lumber off in search of anything pre-pre Fall looking. Hopefully he remembers that capture gear? No? Yes? Maybe?

Gigi: Ascot rolled her eyes at Peasant Top's departure, good luck setting out on your own, dude.  She propelled herself into an elbows-on-knees position, looking at the others. "You two have a point though with the malls. Does anyone think more than one location is likely? Do we know anything about behavior patterns that would suggest other locations?"

Dezzy: “Car and motor dealerships might be worth checking out as well. Electronic warehouse stores too.” Ew capture work how troublesome Falda thought to herself, rounding out the edges of her nails with a file. But it couldn't be helped she guessed having rejoined HQ a few months ago. Even it seemed like grunt work given her rank with them it was fitting. She gave a small huff, slipping the file away into a pocket.

EverSoNitro: Mous squinted a bit at Peasant Top, opening her mouth to defend her bit of cattynes, but decided to drop the subject, for the sake of keeping things running smoothly. Collecting up her own capture gear, she shrugged a bit. "That would be a question for Research personel. Though that does raise the question, will someone be on-hand to assist?"

Eevelion: Throwback was enjoying its current freedom, walking down the park disguised as a heating iron as its synthetic brain replayed the objects it had devolved so far, a block back it turned a really nice stove into its cast iron counterpart and a fridge into an old icebox, while crossing the street it turned a food truck into a hot dog cart, luckily the guy was out for a smoke break and didn't get crushed when the truck compacted, that would have been grotesque. As more memories of things it recently changed played through whatever would be analogous to its head it noticed a Harley motorcycle, and its presumed owner distracted, scurrying up next to the metal beast it extended its tongue out of one of the holes in the grille of the heating iron, making a faint “Rerorerorero” sound as it licked the Harley, quickly turning it into a Penny-farthing bicycle. Not wanting to be on the receiving end of its owners wrath, Throwback waddled off, there seemed to be a neat looking mall just a block down it was interested in.

HappyPaca: Pin fixed his shirt collar some what aloof to all that was going on, he was suppose to be over seeing preparations at his restaurant that day but had to put this meeting first. "sigh, i suppose i should go check on my business to make sure the kitchen hasn't been converted to the point my sues chefs have no idea how to use the equipment" he stood up. An looked to Falada "care to look with me mon cheri?" he offered hoping to make the day more barible with a search partner.

Eevelion: When Mous asked about on-hand assistance she suddenly received a call on her phone, when she would answer it a voice on the other side would ask “Waddup, pimp?” Robe chuckled from a chair behind where Mous' group was standing, one leg crossed over the other.

Gigi: "Oh great, a baby is babysitting instead of me. Perfect," Ascot went over to grab some gear herself. Frankly she didn't care who was supervising, as long as she didnt have to do it. Fuck if she knew what she was doing with research business. She knew how to do cop stuff, and that was about it.

HappyPaca: She-la felt her self being raised up as Cyclone was converted into something she has only seen once in a cartoon  she autibly gasped and yelled "WHAT THE FUCK?!" as the bike tipped over and she fell harshly onto the side walk not knowing how to keep her balance on the damn thing. if she wasn't wearing her Riding suit it would have been a much nastier fall. "What happen to my bike!?" after recovering quickly as she could from the fall, she stood up and looked at it up and down trying to fathom what happen to cyclone.

Dezzy: With impeccable timing Lessy pulled up to the repair shop and spotted She-la, giving her a honk with her car’s horn, “ Hey, Ghost Rider!” Once she noticed the… just what the hell was that? Lessy scoffed in uncontrollable laughter, covering their painful smile with a gloved hand. “ HAHA, What the fuck? I didnt think your ride couldnt get any shittier than before but DAMN did you prove me wrong!”

EverSoNitro: Mous quirked an eyebrow as her phone began to ring, though as she answered it and heard the voice, she sighed a bit, hanging up as she turned to Robe in person. "Alright, well, if that's everything then, I can drive us all to the mall." Mous's own Aston Martin was in the shop, and so her current vehicle of choice was a bit more cartoonish, and oddly appropriate given the circumstances. She'd taken her reproduction Mystery Machine out of storage.

Eevelion: Robe looked at her phone with an annoyed expression as she was hung up on “Wow, she hung up on me, that's crazy rude.” She'd announce loud enough the group could hear her before actually addressing the group “So yeah, I'm not going, but if you need to know something you can call me, I helped with Throwback once or twice. They're alright.” After that she'd wave them off.

Dezzy: Pin’s familiar face brightened Falda up if only just a little bit, “Oui, but i’m not sure if the restaurant is the best place to start for this mission, don’t you agree? What with the heavy preference for electronics for its meals,” she gave his shoulder a soft pat with rub. “Not that your menu isnt delicious enough, I assure you. Maybe the car dealership would be fruitful with electric cars and the such.” plus, she just really wanted to check out some sweet lambos. "Shotgun," Pendant announed after the phone call.

Gigi: Ascot let out an exasperated scoff, letting her head tilt lamely onto her spine. "Seriously? I hope you all aren't expecting me to actually know what the fuck I'm doing." She absently grabbed for a capture set, regrouping to the others. "I already don't have hope for whipped-cream-for-brains here."

Eevelion: Robe sent out a tweet about the rudeness of some people then checked the rest of her timeline before thinking to herself, she was bored, “I'm going to the mall.” She'd announce to no one in particular.

HappyPaca: Pin smiled glad to see he could brighten up her day abit with a simple gesture. "As usual your right, i supose my staff isn't entirely hopeless if a problem arose." and besides it thing should be alot easier to spot in an open are if they cn find it that is. Pine grabbed some equiptment being sure to be ready to go when ever. "would you like to ride with them or take my car and we follow?" he gestured to Mou's forming group.

Proph: While everyone else was smart and paired up, Peasant Top just walked the sidewalks of the city alone.  Destroying a kebab, his lone wolf tactics (accidentally?)bore some fruit, finding some poor joe bawling over a vintage hotdog cart. With over half the kebab left, he kept following the trail of nostalgia while looking for a ride.

Dezzy: With the inclusion of Ascot, Pendant’s team could split up an search various stores in the mall. “Right, so, with Ass here we can search the Phone, Game, and electronic stores at the malle no problem. I call dibs on checking out the cells.”

HappyPaca: She-la  was on the phone calling the repair guy she just went too "And your SURE this isn't some god damn joke your  pulling on me?  then how does a Harly davison turn into a damn 1900 bicycle?!" she was confussed and alittle embarissed rubbing her temple.

EverSoNitro: Mous huffed again, grimacing at Ascot. "I hope you're not just using ignorance as an excuse to not help." Mous replied, before motioning for her own squad to follow her to the psychedelic van. "We'll head for the mall first, perhaps pick up Peasant along the way if we see him." Rounding to the driver's side, she climbed in, waiting for the others to join her.

Gigi: She followed along, putting her hands up a bit. "Nah, I'm just letting you guys know I'm not research, I catch things but this is a little different than what I usually do." She opened up the back sliding door, and made herself comfortable with the extra room. "Place me where you see fit, I can't make any guarantees I won't beat up the first mlg softboy that throws shit my way, though."

Dezzy: Pendant slide into the passenger side next to Mous but not before giving the rather cartoonish car a double take, “Zoinks,” she mumbled before taking the passenger set net to Mous. "Take the game store then I guess," she waved to the back at Ascot. "Pry a Nitendo 64 outta some dude's hand if you gotta." From the looks of it Mous’s car would be a tight squeeze, so she shook her head, wrapping an arm around Pin’s and locking elbows, “I’ll ride with you, of course.”

HappyPaca: He was alittle bit ahead of Falada already pulling out his car keys to his convertable "To be honest i wouldn't mind if the ghost licked my car. It would be fun to see an old french convertable again" He laughed as he open the door for Falada bfore getting in himself. "my grandmother had one." he added.

Proph: "Oh hey, a carpool." said the meat-loving giant. He glanced around, glared at the van, shrugged, then worked on trying to wedge his large frame inside it. "Don't complain if your gas mileage takes a hit." he calls from the far back as the shocks moaned from his settling in.  RIP Ascot's ears, though; his burly tone in such a confined space had to be a bit loud.

Dezzy: Falda hummed approvingly at the thought as she got in,”Ooo, vintage isn’t so bad in some aspects.” She couldn't help but think back to straight out of a Scooby-doo van Mous and the others were riding in and gave a small giggle. “ Some, that is.”

EverSoNitro: Once their riding situation was figured out, and her passengers were loaded in, Mous nodded and backed out, quietly dying a little inside as she realized Falda would be seeing her driving a hippie bus. Trying to to let her embarrassment totally rot her soul, Mous pulled out, following the breadcrumb trail of out-of-place vintage vehicles. Pulling up as she spotted PT, the van was thankfully accomodating to his frame, if only just. Still, it'd get a bit more cramped for Ascot in the back, PT being a bit larger than a great dane. "We were headed for the mall," Mous explained. "That seemed like the best place to start looking, and from the look of things, that's where it was headed." Mous glanced to the Penny-farthing bicycle as they passed by, grimacing a bit. "Someone might want to be making a note of where incidents are, clean-up might be a bit of a hassle..."

Proph: He gave a thumbs up while stuffing the remainder of the kebab into his maw. Some of these things stood out like actual sore thumbs, kinda hard to miss

HappyPaca: Pin started the car and started driving toward the dealer ship closetest to trail of vintage memorablia following Mous's car for some time, he never visited the dealership often but he remebered something they coud use as an excuse to look. "if the dealer ship gives a hard time for looking so throughly, let's just tell them since your new in town i'm getting you a new car as a small welcome back gift." He gave a charmming smile and winked "and if you find something mon cheri don't hesitate to ask, it would make things more believeable." he suggested.

Eevelion: One by one, everyone (sans She-la) would hear a ping on their phone as Robe added them to a group text channel, with the first post reading [I just realized you all probably need a way of telling each other if you find Throwback without having to yell across a crowd.] with the second post reading [FYI, maybe try not to cause a bigger panic]And a third reading [BTW, nice van Mous]

Gigi: Ascot gave an affirmative grunt and not much else, being shoved into a corner.  She checked her phone, looking at the messages. [Thats gonna depend on how many sweaty guys are out today.]

EverSoNitro: As Mous pulled into the mall parking garage, she'd hear the ping on her phone, reading the message and pausing for a moment. "Panic... Oh, damn it all..." Mous seethed, quickly checking social media. Sure enough, there were those leeches sticking their noses into their business. "You all go on ahead, I've got to deal with this... everyone pick a store and fan out." Mous's nose was buried in her phone, hanging back for a moment and working on a cover story to quell suspicion.

Proph: Peasant looked at the phone hanging from a lanyard around his neck, looking fun-size in comparison in his meaty hoof of a hand. With the nail on his index finger, he carefully typed out a [ok boss] before letting the device drop under his namesake, dangling like the dongle it is as he poured out of the back of the van.

Eevelion: As Mous' group started to make their way through the mall they would come across a handful of people walking towards the exit with bulky CRT TV screens, NES cartridges, a couple brick phones, and one person even leaving with a ColecoVision, indicating a sort of trail left by Throwback, even more indicative, hastily taped signs to a few storefronts saying “Retro Sale!”

Dezzy: With a click of her pen Pendant was already on taking notes of the incidents as they drove by them, “ On it.”  Pendant shuddered in her seat as Peasant munched the remainder of his kebab. Food crunching wasn’t her preference in asmr. Once they pulled up Pendant hopped her short legs out with equipment  safely tucked into her bag. “Find me at phone shops when you catch up,” Pendant said Mous and trotted over to the cellular stores. At the sight of all the people leaving with archaic devices Pendant could tell Throwback had been there. “Perfect cover,” agreeing with a soft giggle she heard the noise go off from her phone. Falda then began to type and verbally read out loud her response for Pin[ Pin and I will let you all know if we see anything at the dealership. Good luck everyone]

Gigi: "Hah, try not to get chewed out by the vampire too much!" She got out, closing the door behind her and walking in. Unfortunately she was in enough time to see that yes, she'd have to smack a few gamers today, if the boxy consoles that looked nowhere near as sleek as the usual models she's used to dealing with on smuggling cases was any indicator. "Oh , for the love of......FUCK."

HappyPaca: " ah merci, I can't reply while driving" Pin pulled into the dealer ship actively looking around for ny retro car the may have seemed to pop up out of no where, it seemed that day though their was a wide varity. he parked and got out putting on some shades that were acutally perscription so he could look a bit more throughly. "Let's get started shall we?"

Proph: PT wasn't too far behind, watching a couple frat boys carry out a big screen box-set tv straight out of an 1980's sitcom. Not being the biggest tech guy, he thought it the Best Idea to check out every home entertainment section in the major chain stores, keep the search simple. He liked simple.

EverSoNitro: Mous huffed a bit as she put her phone away. "Damn it, I don't have time for this..." Mous intoned. She'd have to help with the official statement later, right now there were more pressing matters to attend to. Stowing the device in her pocket, Mous headed up to the mall proper, deciding that she should investigate the food court. Surely there'd be a number of unattended phones for Throwback to slobber all over.

Eevelion: As Mous checked the food court, sure enough there were a couple of retro-fied phones, but not enough to establish a sort of pattern. Back over by the electronics section there lay on a bench a TI83 Graphing Calculator, sitting there in all its monopolizing glory despite being an outdated piece of junk.

EverSoNitro: As Mous spotted the phones, she squinted, approaching cautiously, arming herself with the capture gear. She stepped closer to the first, an old Mickey Mouse rotary phone (and mentally recalling the one she had in her own collection) before carefully nudging it with an activated glove.

HappyPaca: She-la was just sitting on the curb by this point kinda stranded and still lil confused on what the hell to do with this bike. but then basically said 'fuck it zipped down her ridding suit tied it around her waist and tied her helmit to the back and after a few minutes of trail and error started riding the stupid looking bike back to her appartment.

Gigi: Ascot stormed in, stretching out, the chaos in the air tasted nice but there was just too much joy in it. Terrible. No time for asking people questions, she followed upstream of the surges of people running about, pushing aggressive customers out of her way with minimal effort.

Dezzy: Pendant browsed around the cell store she was at, so far there was no noticeable signs of Throwback had been there. A couple brick phones sure but it seemed like it had already done its damage by the time she arrived. [Nothing at the cell shop. Less you count last year’s Ipad as archaic.] With a nod and link of their elbows once more Falda agreed and began the search. Falda eyed the cars like it was she was a little girl in a candy shop. “Call me what you want, but I just think lamborgini’s to be so stylish.” she mused happily at the sight of gold lambo, walking around and fawning over it like it was an adorable puppy.

Proph: Muscling through one department store only to turn right back around and leave, Peasant took the time to peck out an update. [dept store on E end looked clear didnt come this far] Slipping the phone under his shirt PT went into another shop. Oh. An ACTUAL home entertainment store, good call.

HappyPaca: he smiled as she hung on his arm browsing the more suspious cars as they walked. looking particuarly at models that were more then 40+ years old. looking up and down the lambo as Falada fawned over it. "i Personally i'm more found of Charcoal grey cars but a lambo of any color is always nice. This seems like a newer italian model too." he chuckled and made sure to keep looking around but stood by as falada was fawning over the nice car. checking throughly of the cars around them for any suspious activity enjoying his time more with Falada there to lighten things up.

Eevelion: As Mous nudged the phone suddenly a voice came from one of the other food court tables “You really gonna try to touch it?” Robe asked from her seat, but that distraction was just enough that the phone, in truth Throwback, was able to climb past her glove and jump at her face, tapping her forehead with her tongue before skittering off towards the entertainment section of the mall. Robe laughed at Mous as she changed, typing out on her phone [Critic down :P]

EverSoNitro: Mous glanced up as she heard the voice, squinting a bit as she saw Robe lounging nearby. "You know, you really ought to be properly helping, considering this came from your-" Of course, while Mous was preoccupied with criticizing Robe's work ethic, she failed to notice the beloved cartoon icon grab for her upper arm, yelping and stumbling back as it scrambled up and slapping her forehead with her tongue. Falling on her rear, Mous's head began to spin, until she gave her head a shake, seemingly recovering. "Ugh... you detestable little insect..." Mous began, carefully getting to her feet. Once standing again, she seemed to look down her nose at the imp a bit more, than normal, taking a rather haughty and self-important stance. If one were to look closer, it also appeared that her makeup was a bit heavier, as if concealing injuries. "I would have had it, too, if you hadn't divided my attention..."

Proph: Of all the people to first reply, it was the 9 foot literal meatslab. [is ms ego ok? is ghost there?] Clearly not in the right neighborhood, Peasant left the store he was haunting, awaiting a reply. Or a return volley, depending on who answered.

Eevelion: "Maybe you would have had it if you used your capture gear instead of just trying to grab it." Robe snarkily replied, waving her off "Now go get back to work, it already hit you so you're immune to any further effects." meanwhile she tapped out on her phone [She's fine, just bratty, ghost head towards electronics section.]

Dezzy: “ I like my cars to stand out amongst the crowd,” the are was so clean that Falda could ee her reflection on it. She flashed a cute smile at herself till her phone went off, to which she huffed and unlocked her phone. “Ah, it seems the experiment is at the mall. Poor Mousquetaire.” she feigned sadness at that last part if only out of respect. “We should head to the mall now, I guess.” She gave the yellow lambo a pet on its hood. Someday, but not today. Pendant meanwhile left the store and headed to the food court with Robe and Mous. Helping Mous onto her feet and into the food court's chair she asked flatly, “ Where did it go?”

Proph: PT replied with a thumbs-up emoji because it was faster before stomping off to where he was pointed. He fingered the capture gear as he thundered down the thoroughfare; Hitting things is is forte, but since Mous was ALSO a member of the Hit Things club, he decided to be cautious this time.

Gigi: Ascot heard a buzz, and checked the message. She typed a hasty [ok, on it] before taking off her neckpeice and readying the kit. Guess everyone in the games department would be spared for now. Though...if they spotted the ghost, things weren't going well already....Thankfully not too many people were in her way this time, as people tend to avoid a large, blackened sword that's vaguely skeletal-looking. Someone screamed, and she whipped out a badge. "Sheesh, woman, don't you see the crowds! It's not black friday!"

EverSoNitro: Mous rolled her eyes. "I was using my capture equipment, imbecile." She flashed her activated buster gloves, which presently seemed just a bit bulkier than normal. "Besides, in the very probable case that you hadn't noticed, there's tons of potential candidates for that ghost's disguise in this mall." She jerked her arm away from Pendant as she was helped up, before looking incredulously at Robe. "You're telling me what to do?" She let out a rather haughty laugh, before planting herself in her seat. "I don't think so."

HappyPaca: Pin sighed "Poor dear, we should invite to take her out for dinner later." he said as he once again pulled out his car keys and took off his shades. "Let's hurry so we can possibly try to minimize the damage knowing the group thats currently there at the moment" now that he thought about he wounders how Mous is now while under the affcts of throw back.

Dezzy: Raising her hands up defeatedly Pendant shimmied around the angry Thrownback!Mous  and headed for the electronics store, retrieving a mask and metallic pointer that one would use for presentations from her bag and began proding around the area. “Agreed,” she kissed into her hand and placed it one the lambo before Pin and her were off again on the road to the mall.

Gigi: Something particularly old and boxy caught the periphery of Ascot's eye, and she tried to rush and swipe for it. It lunged at her, and she began backing up quickly, thrusting her arm out quickly to let her sword extend properly. No connection, but that did seem to scare the moving appliance for now....she kept following, more slowly this time. Her eyes were still peeled onto it, and she wove her way through the crowd a few hundred feet back.

Proph: Blade resting on his shoulder, Peasant storms in right as Ascot swatted the critter away. He followed Throwback through the food court as best as his bulk could go. Clearly, it won out in raw speed, so, Without a thought, he hefted the sword up and held it inverted, hefting the massive sword he flipped it around so he held it inverted, and matching his stride, chucked the heavy blade at the ghost like a javelin. PT managed to clip the ghost along the side, but this made it run /faster/.

Eevelion: As Throwback ran down the corridors it ran into MORE people that seemed to want at it, narrowly dodging a sword from one and taking a slight clip from the other, as it circled back it gave them a wide berth, not wanting to take another hit, back towards the food court it went.

HappyPaca: Looking at the way falada liked the lambo hmm... maybe pin could get her a welcome gift after all it's a strong maybe. As soon as the two found a parking space convently next to Mous's van, He grabbed the equiptment from his trunk while Falada was stepping out of his car and got them both ready as they headed for the Mall's entrance making sure both of them were prepared for whatever may come their way. As if he was prepering a excellent meal for an importent guest.

Dezzy: At the sound of Throwback making its way back to the food courts Pendant sharply rose up from inspecting, grabbing onto her namesake to allow it to transform into its true rapier form and  made long strides for the ghost. “C’mon goth momma needs a new…” she took a swipe “Aesthetic!”  her sword missed, stumbling on her feet a little before she could fall. She cursed under her breathe bitterly.

Eevelion: As Throwback barreled back towards the food court it passed by Pendant who seemed very intent on capturing it as well, as it ducked past her rapier and head towards the food court Robe popped the lid off her drink, controlling the liquid inside to try to make a cage of ice around the escaping ghost, unfortunately her placement was off, and instead of encapsulating it, the ghost launched off the side sending its trajectory... straight towards her, “Oh crap” she muttered, as it collided with her its tongue lolled out and tapped her on the scalp. As she held her head where it had bumped her she seemed to shrink into her clothes a little, but that was more overshadowed by those clothes getting bigger, and when she stood up she was almost completely covered in her robe, except for the top of her head, which she quickly put a huge wizard cap on, the gremlin was here. Meanwhile, Throwback continued its escape path, running into the same direction Pin and Falda were entering through.

HappyPaca: Pin thrusted forward the secound he saw the lil bastardheading towards him and flada causing a ruckus umong his associates. "It's time to falay the main ingdent!" cheesy phrases aside pin nly manages to graise throwback as he passes him, quickly turning back to Falada "Quickly grab it mon cheri!" hoping she could use the moment to her advantage being so close to him.

Gigi: Ascot was still chasing after it, though it was getting increasingly difficult to follow it within all the ruckus. She grabbed her phone in frustration, tapping out a [DO WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO ATTEMPT A QUARANTINE, BECAUSE I THINK WE REALLY OUGHTA]. The way it was going it looked like she was getting closer to the entrance, about back where she came from...no good, no good at all.

Eevelion: Gremlin Robe gave a quick peace sign with a playful “See ya, suckers!” before running off to the electronics section with surprising quickness for someone covered so wholly, as she passed by Pendant she leaped, snatching her hat off her head and placing it on top of her own hat, continuing down the electronics section she slowed down and held her primary hat over her face as she saw the absolutely gargantuan Peasant Top, taking a wide arc around him and never taking her off him till she was far away enough to start running again, straight out of the mall.

Proph: Still catching his breath, PT just watched the jittery imp circle around him with a look in her eyes like he was going to eat her. He shrugged it off, though, truth be told, he got looks like that a lot. Looking at the latest page, he gave an exasperated sigh before retrieving his blade from the floor it was impaled in and following the others.

Dezzy: “Hopefully the team inside has it managed,” she said, shoving her phone back into her jacket as she entered the mall, only to be greeted by the said ghost the group were aiming to capture.  “God damn it.” grabbing the hem of her long skirt and with one swift movement it turned into its pistol form around Falda’s hands and for Falda to stand in her pantsless glory. She pulled the trigger and missed by the skin of her teeth. [Quarantine sounds good. Box it off before it can escape. Through the parking lot.] Pendant went to go grab Robe but it seemed that the small imp had, somehow, gotten visibly smaller than thought possible. She ran a hand through herbangs and sighed but it was short lived as her big hat was taken from here. “What the-” Pendant shook her head. Nevermind that they had to contain this thing before it got out.

Eevelion: Throwback had almost made it to the door, sweet sweet freedom was at hand, then suddenly it found itself in front of a couple pulling out weapons, it managed to dodge their attacks, but couldn't risk trying to pass the two, so it turned and head back into the food court, jumping up onto a table to try to figure which way it could run to next.

Gigi: [on it, I'll notify the blarts.] She held ground, calling up a security line. "SUP, its Enforcer Pheles, I'm gonna need you guys to keep guard on entrances for any rogue objects that look like they're moving on their own..................Don't shut down the place but have people recommend they either don't go in or go into another shopping center...........Dude just do what I say okay and make sure nobody panics!" She hung up. Might as well stay in the food court to do what she does best, crowd control. Also, eating.

HappyPaca: Pin's cheeks turned pink seeing falada in her under garments and quickly un button his shirt having an undershirt on underneath  do to recent cold weather. so he did not mind lending his shirt to Falda to tie around her waist "Here, i'm so sorry this is all i have at the moment. but if you do not mind contenueing we should try and follow it"  he gestured towards the food court.

Dezzy: Pin was much taller and larger than Falda that the ends of his shirt went down to just above her knees. “Thank you mon cheri,” she gave him a small peck on his cheek with a wink and jogged to the food court. [Food court] Pendant typed in the group chat and approached the ghost once more. She gave another strike at Throwback but blade only seemed to collide with the floor tile and fell back into a chair. Taking a knee Falda tried to line up a good shot at the thing but also missed. This is why she just left the action to CGI.

HappyPaca: Mean while She-la fell off the penny bike again and just decided to sit on the side walk and contiplate life.

Gigi: Ascot was in a fair amount of concentration, trying to sap energy out of everyone. Panic wasn't quite her favorite flavor but it'd work--and crowds around her seemed to clear out. Good. Pendant and Falda's noises gave her a general idea where to watch where the ghost was going--and took a guess at the location it'd land in, and slap. SATIN extended outward, slamming into the floor and holding the ghost firm by one of its legs. "FUCK, DID I GET IT?"

Proph: With the wind back in his sails, Peasant reconvened with the others, blade held firm, tip resting on the ground. e watched Ascot work, waiting to strike when the proverbial iron was hot. Much as he would love  being a gloryhog for once, it didn't feel right to steal the kill. Then she acted. Well then. Nothing against getting an assist! With the critter pinned, he lunged forward with a throaty roar, swinging the chunky sword up then down in a solid arc,like an oar, slapping the ghost into the ground one last time.

Eevelion: As Throwback was well and truly pinned an energetic clapping could be heard from behind the group, the first scientist from the briefing stood there “Good work everyone! Very impressive work, anyway, the effects wore off on me about fifteen minutes ago, so I figured I should come by to bring Throwback's containment cage over so you don't have to bring it back to HQ at arm's length.” Mentioning Throwback's cage he'd pull out a small bird cage before leaning down to where the ghost was, picking it up gingerly from behind and placing it inside the cage “All done!” he exclaimed “Don't worry about getting it returned, I'll handle that, the rest of you just enjoy your day, and again, thank you for your work.” Bowing out he head back to HQ with a small enforcement team just to make sure the ghost didn't escape again.

HappyPaca: She-la resorted to walking the penny bike home wanting nothing more then a cup of hot coco when she got back.

Dezzy: Pendant gave a half hearted fist pump as the scientist from earlier took her vintage dreams away in its cage. She tilted her head back exasperatedly and let it hit the table behind her, running a hand through her hangs. Well… the effects hadn’t totally worn off the other effected appliances yet, there was still hope to be salvaged. She sharply rose up from her seat and pulled out her camera she had tucked away in her bag. “I’m going to just… take some photos record today’s events for research,” she announced before scuttling away. Falda gave a sigh of relief and wrapped her namesake back to hug at her hips,. “Problem solved, now to deal with clean up and those tontos at Panic.”  How did they even know her panties were edible?

Gigi: Ascot wiped her brow and dismantled her kit. "NOTHIN' TO SEE HERE FOLKS, EVERYTHING'S UNDER CONTROL." She shooed off shoppers that looked like they were lingering too much. Don't think about it too hard. She looked over to the rest of the team, with a slight grin. "Good job, guys, we...got the job done and I got lunch free of charge."

HappyPaca: Pin nodded to falada after thanking the scientists for their work and strentch alittle, "it sounds good to me. we can end the day with a good drink." He could here his wine cellar calling his name just thinking about panic and their shenanigans. He looked around abit and thought "maybe we should call chaleco to pick up robe as well where ever she went."

Proph: "That's all one can wish for, right?" Peasant once again donned his namesake, just in time his bare barrel chest was gettin' nipply. "Jus' thowin' it out there, but how about we DON'T go hunting next time we go out, okay? A run, some lunch, little weightlifting, make a day of it!"

Gigi: Whatever joy was on her face got replaced with narrowed eyes and a slanted, tight lipped look. "Don't push it, dude."

Proph: He raises his hands is mock surrender. "Jus' bein' nice, calm down. We're all friends, here." The ONE time he wasn't trying to put the moves on someone...

Dezzy: Falda hummed as she texted her brother to come pick up Robe, "The only exercise I want today is...." She stopped herself right there and smiled innocently, "I could go for a drink though."

HappyPaca: Pin gave a chaismatic smile and said "if anyone else cares for free drinks just tell inferno i sent you in. there all on me" he'd ask falada on the ride back if she wanted to have drinks at his place or inferno, options are always nice.

[lsacrew]

thurs 9-9

solid few days! a couple of powerful giftings and good connections. did a lot of poncho thread snipping hah.

i counted all ascots except the santa fe blossom/cactus/skies etc. the rest should be present and accounted for. on that note though, we got a photo bin drop back and i didn’t get around to putting everything away. they’re in the usps box in the backstock closet. any ascots in there need to be added in.

cards are all barcoded and floor is fully stocked.

Darryl Wash is wondering if we can get a Taka hat in pink in a size 59. we have his email stored.

i’m not realizing i think a couple of the tees up front need hang tags. 

someone came in and bought plantopedia. on the back of the book it says 40 but we had it in as 20. i changed it but tori said that happened recently with something else so could be worth double checking if they were in the same shipment and make sure everything else is priced correctly.

Have a great friday and beautiful weekend with your sis!!

chels

[xsunqueensx]

THE NEW NORMAL

I showed the royal guest to the dining hall. “Please, make yourself at home; we have any and everything to be desired here. “Princess, would you like to visit your chambers? I know a journey by sea can be quite exhausting. Our servants can bring your meal, if you wish?” I clasped my hands as I scanned over our the new faces in the crowd. “Your majesty, thank you for your hospitality; I’d love to freshen up a bit if that’s alright?” I motioned towards her ladies and our guard. The princess seemed delighted enough, a trail of animals followed closely behind her. “It would seem that our zoo is expounding.” I sighed. Nitu alone was a handful, that cat had such a ‘quirky’ character; I glanced down at the scar on my inner palm. “Damn cat, biting the hand that fed it.” The sun shun brightly into the massive window pane causing me to squint; only then did I realize my eyebrows were furrowed. I downed some wine, and sat on my throne observing my ‘new normal.’ The Thearians appeared to be enjoying themself, live music started to play once everyone settled. A handsome face approached and gave me a bow, “Majesty, the honor is mine.” His hair was shoulder length and his bangs moved the more he did. “I can assure you the pleasure is all mine. With whom do I have the privilege of speaking?” I straightened my back, his eyes were piercing through me. “My name is Jamison, I’m an aid to king Okoro and his daughters. I’m originally from Peth, I was moved to Thear at an early age by request of the King.”

The young man stood and he was fairly tall. “Jamison, I could use a stroll, walk with me?” I sat my glass down and straightened my gown. I reached for his hand and he guided me down the few steps. “So, what do you think of Kydith?” I asked, “It’s lovely. What a blessing to have come at the prettiest time of year. I look forward to seeing more of this wondrous castle, the statues alone are magnificent.” He said eyeing a sculpture of Aphrodite.

“Are you familiar with this piece?” I questioned gently tracing over the marble block. “Of course, ‘The one from sea foam, the goddess of love.’ She’s one of my favorite Olympians.”

“Ah, for her beauty?” I asked looking up at him. “Not at all, for her weaknesses. She seems to be the most human out of them all. What’s more than human than wanting to be loved? She took multiple partners; showed her true self as vain, jealous and extremely bad tempered. There’s so many tales to learn from but, her’s keep me grounded. I try to never get ahead of myself and I’m still learning how to be content.” He circled to another statue but, this one was of Athena.

“I’m impressed, you’re different from most men; at least the ones I’m surrounded by. They all seem so blasé? Greedy? Selfish?” Jamison paused before he spoke, “If I may say so, it sounds as though you’re keeping company with the wrong gentlemen or should I say boys?” I only smirked at his candor, “Well, I can attest to that; my late husband never seemed to get it.” I was about to make a joke when Jamison dropped to the floor.....he was kneeling? Highness, my apologies, for my jesting was ill timed. Please let me grant you and your late husband my upmost respect.” As twisted as it sounds, I laughed. “Oh for Pete’s sake, get off your knees.” Jamison starred at me bewildered, “Highness?” I stuck my hand out to the young man, “I said off your knees. It’s refreshing to talk to someone who isn’t worried about my mental fortitude collapsing every time they speak.” Jamison slowly raised to meet my eyes, “Let’s make a pact now, you’ll always speak freely to me and I to you?” Jamison blinked at my proposition. “Well, we’re certainly not getting any younger”, I said cocking a brow. He stumbled into a response and it made us both laugh. “I would like that very much your Highness.” He said bowing respectfully. “Katherine, call me Katherine.” I said extending my hand.

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

I followed behind the same gentleman that helped guide the carriage. “So Sanson, how long have you been a general?” He glanced back over his shoulder, “This is my second year princess.” His frame was rather handsome, Ameerah had some lovely scenery for sure. “Ah, well it seems to suit you well. You’re men respect you greatly.” A slender hand ran through his hair, “Thanks, I’m lucky to have them.” He seemed extremely friendly, our conversation hadn’t been very long but; his demeanor was kind and welcoming. “Princess.” A smooth voice reached my ear, the sound alone made my goose flesh dance. I couldn’t quite make out the figure down the hall, Sanson spoke first “Lord Kihyun.” The two acknowledged each other all the while I sat there like a fly on a wall. My mouth was dry as I took a deeper look at the gentleman. He took my breath away. Granted, we had met before but, what I met now was a handsome man and not a boy.

“My lord, how nice it is to see you.” I know I’m supposed to bow but all I can do is stay put under his gaze. “Make sure her things reach her room.” He spoke towards Sanson. “Come.” Kihyun said turning abruptly. I almost tripped on my dress trying to keep up. My lord, where are we going? I was met with only silence. I cleared my throat sounding my annoyance at his disrespect, I slowed to a complete stop. Kihyun noticed and stopped. I was expecting and explanation but, all I got was a hand around my wrist pulling me behind him. “Hey take it easy, you don’t have to drag me.” I said snatching my hand back, Kihyun looked at me blankly “Fine, but we must hurry.” He led me down a corridor that was covered in blue crushed velvet, there was silver silk lining that webbed all over it. “This way,” Kihyun said holding a giant door open. I slowly stepped through dreading what was to come next. I glanced around, the room was practically empty. “Where are we?” Kihuyn made his way to a desk in the corner of the room. “You should make yourself comfortable, we may be here awhile.” I gulped, “Again, where are we?” He spared me a glance before crossing his legs under a desk, “My guest chamber, obviously.” My cheeks started to flush, why I hadn’t put that together yet was beyond embarrassing. No, no, why would I? It’s not normal for a prince to drag a princess to their chambers. “You do understand the kind of uproar this would cause if I was caught in here?” I was starting to lose my patience. “Do you take me for a fool? Of course I’m aware, besides we’re already betrothed. What’s the point of making a fuss if it’s just us? You can try screaming if you like, I doubt anyone would hear you.” He said with a petulant smirk. If he hadn’t been such an ass, I would probably find his sarcasm attractive. I sighed. “Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be arriving next week? I’ve already did what you’ve asked and packed for my brief stay in Peth.” Kihyun crossed his arms, “Things have changed, we need to act quickly.” I stepped to the desk, “Ok, enough of being cryptic Kihyun, am I coming to Peth or not?” A knock on the door startled me, “My lord, I’ve brought you lunch.”

“Thank you Alec, just leave it outside the door.” We both waited awhile before speaking. “Unfortunately, my father is out of his coma.” I wasn’t quite understanding, “long live the king, my lord that’s great ne-“

“Great news? Heh, the fools only been awake for a few days and already talking of war. The battle of brothers took a greater toll on our land and livestock then we first thought. See, King Tobias paid off our local merchants to slaughter any and all livestock. Who would have thought, our own people turning on their city? Granted we’re in the trading route but, King Tobias has been purchasing an obscene amount of seed and cattle from many passing merchants. By the time any goods arrive in Peth, their numbers are very slim. You can only imagine how our people are fairing, hunger is a root cause for most crimes. Father is beyond furious and feels that he should retaliate and make Kydith suffer a fate far worse than hunger.” I gulped, “Like what?” Kihyun made his way to the window and looked below. “Pure carnage. He won’t stop until he’s killed thousands, he wants Kydith to feel as helpless as he does.” I only stared trying to process the information. “This is madness, surely you jest? What resources does he have? Wasn’t the majority of your armies taken out? He surely wouldn’t have the man power? Thear’s army alone would demolish your kingdom in sheer hours.” I stepped towards him and placed my hand on the window seal. “Trust me, I’m well aware and so is he. That’s where you come in.” I kneed Kihyun in his jewels and quickly twirled his ascot around his neck. He let out a grunt and crumbled onto his knees. I pulled him back against my chest. “Should I break your neck or just slit it?” Kihyun tapped my arm asking for a silent reprieve, “Hmm? You know I find it extremely rude when people don’t answer me.” Kihyun whipped his head back hitting my chin, it startled me just enough that my grip loosened. I rushed to my feet and readied myself for whatever was coming next. “Fuck, are you always like this?” Kihyun gasped, crouched over. “Just when it comes to the people I care about.” I said quite matter of factly. Kihyun chuckled and dusted off his pants, “Well then, it’s nice to see where your priorities lie. I have to admit as my future queen I won’t accept you flying off the handle like that, you’ll do well to keep that in mind.” He finally adjusted the knot around his neck. I only looked at the man, he had completely lost his mind. “You won’t allow me? You talk of me as property; you’ve claimed nothing but my disdain dear prince.” Kihyun blinked at me, his pointy tooth peeked over his lip as he rubbed his chin. “ Regardless of what you’re thinking, I didn’t come here to fight. I’m in search of a confidante that will do whatever is necessary to protect Peth, I assumed it’s next queen would be the perfect start.” I relaxed a bit as his words washed over me, “I’m listening.”

“Highness.” Said a young male trimming some hedges in the garden; his eyes we’re all but bulging out of his skull, it was probably due to the sight of myself and Jooheon soaked to the bone. Regardless, we both gave the youngster a cheeky smile and proceeded into the gardens. “Well, I say this is one for the history books?” Jooheon said, still wringing out his long sleeves. “ I think you’re right; any idea what you’re mom will say?” I smiled back, the grass felt so good on my feet. I looked into the sun and she kissed both my cheeks, it was pleasantly warm today.

“GOOD HEAVENS, WHAT’S HAPPENED TO YOU?” Katherine called from a bench tucked behind a wall of roses, she had been sitting with Jamison. I felt like such a naughty child under her gaze; poor Jamison , he was sucking on his teeth trying to not laugh. “Ah, mother there you are, there’s no need for concern; we just can’t let Ameerah to steer the boat again.” He said straight faced. I playfully socked his arm, and we both laughed. “Now if you’ll excuse us, I need to show her the rest of the castle.” Jooheon grabbed my hand and ran past them both. Katherine called out behind us, “Watch out for my Persian rugs, we just had them cleaned!” I starred as his muscles rippled under his wet shirt, I had no clue where he was leading me- but, for some reason I didn’t care as long as we were together.

[zeldahijinks]

Headcannon for Link, Sidon, Teba, and Revali seeing for the first time their s/o doing an adorably sweet and super effective puppy dog face that smites them? 🐶🐶🐶

[A/N: adorable sweet was the request but my brain went for something else. That’s what 5 cups of coffee will do to you! @v@ Omg, hope you get a kick out of it anyways!]

The Power of the Puppy eyes

Link

He knew that hearty fried wild greens were your favorite. This motherfucker KNEW, but there he was chowing down off of his plate.

He ignored your jabbing glares and continued to eat. Link was a major foodhog and although he was absolutely adorable while cooking, he had BALLS to make your favorite without telling you!

And he didn’t have much left to share. The audacity of it all!

Well, you figured that you would have to pull in the big guns in order to get that last bit of it.

Link only gave you a bland stare as you sat next to him with a fussy air about you.

He knew exactly what he was doing, but he just wanted to be a pain in the ass for a bit.

He didn’t anticipate you grabbing the hem of his sleeve though

When Link looked at your face, he felt the food lodge in his throat.

He had never been subjected to your puppy dog face before and felt like ten years had been added to his life

However, he was extremely torn, looking between you and the delicious food.

But…your eyes. MMMMMMM

You cheered happily while running away with the rest of his food. Link only sighed with a lopsided smile, and figured he might as well make more.

Sidon

It’s been weeks since you and Sidon spent anytime together and it was beginning to annoy you a tad. So you were in his study with him while he worked on reading over paperwork.

 Usually this big softy would be more than happy to shower you in love and affection, but his duties called first and foremost.

Didn’t mean you couldn’t whine about it tho.

He’ll ignore your whines of calling his name out, and also when you laid across his desk.

 “Let’s do something.” you’ll say, which he’ll only glance at you for a moment before returning to his work.

 “My droplet, please have patience. I will be done momentarily.”

“You said that three weeks ago and here we are.”

He ignores you once more and you huffed in retaliation.

 “Siiiiiddddoooooooooooonnnnnn.” You drawled out his name, and his sigh will be audible. It is only then does he set his quill down, rest a hand under his chin and looked at you wearily.

He did not expect to see your puppy dog face at all, and he cursed inwardly feeling the mighty powers of it wash over him.

 Your eyes glimmered and lip quivered excessively.

 His eye twitches just a split second before he set his quill in its holster. “One hour, my droplet, but not a second more.”

You’re all too giddy and will attempt to push that hour into three.

Teba

If there is one thing that you could ever ask of Teba was for him to show you how to properly shoot an arrow.

But he was a stubborn ass and would snap at you whenever you would slightly bring it up. okay maybe you shoved it in his face a few times, but that’s besides the point

He was sitting at the flight range mending the bow and ignoring your presence

You were pretty used it since you could be a bit excessive for anyone, but you were not going to have it today! You were going to learn to shoot that damn thing if it was the last thing you do!

 or when he gets upset and gives you that evil eyes of his

”Tebaaa”, you’ll call out and he’ll just give you once over before ignoring you again.

He knows where this is going. “No, [Name].”

Your nose flared at his blunt refusal. “C’mon, Teba. It won’t take very long! Let me try to get one bullseye!”

He’ll just give you a flat stare before turning back to his work, “You’re going to end up hurting yourself and I won’t be held accountable for it.”

You knelt next to him, “I’ll be careful!”

He went to give you another glare but came to halt seeing your best puppy dog eyes. He visibly stiffened and you felt a sense of pride.

He was silent and staring at you longer than he should have before he turned away.

“No.”

 Teba is immune to your powers.

You pout for the rest of the day and hide his extra arrows.

Revali

His champion cloth always looked soft and comfortable and it bugged you to no end that you never felt the damn thing.

But as he was undressing for the day, he put his ascot on its hanger.

He was about to remove his chest piece when he noticed your eyes locked on the piece of fabric.

He clicked his tongue and watched you slowly scoot closer to the object.

Your fingers lightly touched it but quickly pulled away when you heard your name.

Your eyes locked on to Revali’s as he gave you a long look.

“Can I wear it?” You asked abruptly and he quirked a brow.

 “Pray-tell, why would I let you do that?” He’ll speak in a dead tone.

 “Because you love me?”

 “Mmmm. Perhaps, but not a valid enough reason.”

Revali was pretty amused but he wouldn’t tell you that, but he did not anticipate you clasping your hands together and strike him with your puppy dog eyes.

He could feel the feathers on his neck rise and looks away to save himself from your overwhelming influence

But try as hard as he might, he could feel the stare penetrate his soul.

Next thing you were aware of is his sapphire prized possession draped over your head.

He still wouldn’t look at you.

 “Don’t you dare get it dirty, [Name].”  

[jk28147]

69 Design Ideas For Bathrooms - Transform Yours Today

Design Ideas for Bathrooms 

Today more home-owners are taking a good look at their bathrooms. Now you can browse Design Ideas For Bathrooms & discover 2 ways to Transform yours Today! ... This year continues to produce excellent new bathroom design ideas. This year continues to produce excellent new bathroom design ideas. And with all the hot, new patterns arriving on the market a bathroom update may become even very tempting for you. Modern Bathrooms combine style with function what in turn produces a 21st century space, that has a visually balanced style and modern conveniences. So with that in mind, here are 69 bathroom design ideas to help and motivate you to make a choice There's something for everyone in these bathroom styles whether you're preparing for a small remodel or planning a brand-new home. Even if you have only a small apartment or condo, we've got paint or tile ideas for you, to jazz up your living areas. Maybe, you have an out-of-date 2nd bathroom that is still stuck in a 30’s design. We'll reveal to you how to turn the space into a power powder room. However, if you're looking for modern bathroom decorating ideas for your master bath, You will love these illustrations. We've got a lot of photos sorted by color and various bathroom Styles. Develop Your Own Dream Bathroom From These 69 Inspiring Designs

Modern Design Ideas For Bathrooms Are Blue:

1. Ranch Style Bathroom

Info: Farmhouse bathrooms 2. Blue Coastal Bathroom Idea.

Source: photos.hgtv.com. If you're fortunate to have a house with an ocean view, this is a brilliant and classy bathroom style. The pastel blue wall color will improve the ocean view while the aquamarine devices and green and coral tile are the ideal color matches for beach side house design. The Victorian-inspired claw-foot tub welcomes you to soak and delight in an excellent book while the stand-alone shower includes all the modern-day features. This bathroom is likewise a glamorous home. You can bring up a chintz chair by the fireplace and take pleasure in a glass of white wine and a remarkable sundown. 3. Navy Blue Bathrooms Design Ideas

Source: raahome.com If you simply have a little area to redesign, you most likely desire bathroom ideas that will not spend a lot. This visitor bathroom has actually been totally redone with simply a coat of paint, brand-new components and some brand-new floor covering. The complex blue and white tile brings the entire space together. The deep blue wall color includes a touch of beauty to the space while the white cabinets bring light to a dark area. The sophisticated silver components and the fresh flowers makes this a space you and your visitors will wish to go back to once again and once again. 4. A Seashell Gallery

Source: homcy.com. If you have a wacky collection you wish to show, why not include it to your house design. The fascinating collection of seashells makes this rather little bathroom a warm and welcoming area where you can take in the tub or delight in a manicure. The pale blue wall color makes the seashells the star of the space, and the antique shower head and burnished brass components include a retro ambiance without taking your attention far from the seashells. The antique glass doorknob ends up the space off with a whimsical touch. Tip: if you do not have rather as a big of a collection as this, the cool specific niches still make fantastic storage area. 5. A Blue Bathroom Oasis

Source: houzz.com Decorating your bathroom in your preferred color design is a sophisticated design concept. This abundant sapphire bathroom with crystal and silver accents is an example of how a brilliant color pattern can loop a whole area. The marble counter tops and white marbled tile flooring offer a mild background, which lets the abundant wall color and sophisticated lighting components end up being the star of the space. The big window above the sunken tub offers adequate light while the stand-alone shower includes a glamorous rainwater shower head. The silver gilt chair and cabinet is the ideal location for a manicure after your bath. 6. Second-Story Glory

Source: porch.com Numerous older houses have fascinating architectural aspects, so why not make the most of the nooks and crannies by producing a 2nd story bathroom. This light, airy area with a striking window specific niche makes a trendy bathroom. The sunken tub fits completely into location and the staggered style of the vanity produces strong, tidy lines that match the house's architecture while likewise offering lots of storage area. The pastel space color and the gleaming silver components match the space's strong lines. Very little decors like fresh flowers and a couple of objet d'art are all that is required to bring this bathroom together. 7. Aquamarine Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: pinterest.com This relaxing bathroom ideas combines a number of tones of blue to produce a dream-like style. The tile wall, with tones of blue varying from deep navy to fade cornflower, is the centerpiece of the space. The Victorian design claw-foot tub in robin's egg blue boosts the area while the wall colors discreetly match the tile. The space's other style components bring the whimsy back to down earth, specifically the tough Colonial wash basin and the basic style of the Shaker chair. 8. Historical Bathroom Style

Source: godrichinteriors.com It can be challenging for owners of historical homes to keep the stability of their house's style and have an advanced facility. These design ideas for bathrooms integrate a colonial design with a glamorous modern-day bathroom. The large stand-alone shower has tiles that are suitable for the time duration while the deep blue wall color and wood floorings are traditionally precise. The window shutters are a fantastic style aspect that is proper to the Colonial duration, however they are likewise an extremely practical method to protect personal privacy. And the elaborate style of the crystal chandelier connects the entire space together. 9. Luxury Has No Limits - Persian Design Idea

Like in 1001 Nights a dreamy bathroom in Persian Style

Do-It-Yourself Design Ideas For Bathrooms

10. Stencil Bathroom Beauty

Source: conceitodeestilo.com.br If you are a knit or crochet fan, why not bring your fancy or hobby into your bathroom decorating ideas. The beige walls with their homemade stencil pattern and the stone flooring likewise include a pleasant touch while the streamlined lighting component and wood vanity offer a more contemporary contrast in the space. The windows, which generate lots of light, are another crucial style aspect. And the repurposed coat rack, which is doubling here as a towel rack is an awesome idea. 11. Repurpose Design Style

If you look up "repurpose : in the dictionary, there should be this image beside of it. 12. Tiny Space &, Big Impact

Source: architectism.com Some bathrooms, specifically for home occupants, are just the size of the closet however that does not suggest you need to desert your bathroom style ideas. This small area develops a huge effect by putting all the style concentrate on one wall. This eccentric tile style is a remarkable centerpiece that will instantly draw in appreciating appearances. The style likewise elegantly fixes the issue of restricted area. The streamlined vanity supplies sufficient area for health and storage while the distinct PVC lights are a dazzling service to a unique absence of headroom. 13. Farmhouse Bathroom Design Idea

Farmhouse Bathrooms

Flower Design Bathrooms

14. Half A Bath, Full Of Style

Great Russian Design Source: houzz.com A half bath offers you the chance to try out vibrant design. The complex print of this wallpaper, which stimulates 18th century paintings, would be frustrating in a big area, however it makes the best declaration in this little half bath. The gilt sink basin and components and the marble floorings include a more touch of luxury to the currently strategy. The big mirror offers the impression of more area without discussing the top. The little bidet in the center of the space is both practical and unnoticeable. 15. Flower Power Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: hgtv.com. This enjoyable and cool style is ideal for a 2nd bathroom remodeling, particularly if you have a girl in your life. The brilliant wallpaper is a terrific method to interest your teen's love of color while at the exact same time concealing the dated and dark bathroom styles that are all too typical in older houses. The clever vanity provides everybody lots of space to finish their early morning health regimen. Plus, she and her sweethearts can bring up a stool after school to explore makeup and charm pointers. The tidy white cabinets and 3 mirrors likewise assist to brighten the dark area.

Glamorous Bathroom Design Ideas

16. Black & White Classical Bath Idea

Source: bostonhm.com. Fans of old Hollywood glamour can select bathroom design ideas that are a tribute to their preferred stars. This advanced black-and-white bathroom is a homage to the Audrey Hepburn movie, My Fair Lady. The black-and-white style echoes the outfits in the popular Ascot scene, while the stained glass window remembers the arts and crafts motion of the Edwardian age. This style likewise utilizes the long, narrow area in a creative method. The graphic print opens the space, while the square style of the sink and cabinets offer lots of storage in the little area. 17. Vintage Glory Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: www.yoenna.com The star of this bathroom is the deep pink flower wallpaper that stimulates French nation styles preferred by Marie Antoinette. The big gilt mirror and the elaborate chandelier would have been right in the house in 18th century France, however they likewise look excellent in a modern-day bathroom. The porcelain tub and sink basin work completely within this little area and the recessed white walls and wood flooring include a warm radiance. This bathroom likewise showcases some cool style ideas for little bathrooms. The sink consists of a classy towel rack, while you can keep your soap and hair shampoo on an unique rack in the tub. Likewise, do not forget the little touches, like the little arrangement of roses, that make this bathroom so welcoming. 18. Hollywood Glamour

Source: homeinteriordesign.co.in Old-fashioned stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford would be right in your home in this attractive bathroom. The golden color combination, which is balanced out by the brown and taupe tile pattern, evokes the abundant radiance of an Oscar, which might be completely shown in the remarkable black specific niche that surrounds the sunken tub. You'll constantly be prepared for your closeup with the big mirror, which has sufficient recessed lighting for makeup and appeal treatments. The remarkable color design is boosted by the abundant wood cabinets and the white tile flooring. The stand-alone shower is another glamorous facility in this space. 19. Vintage Royalty Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: www.primainteriors.net Naturally, among the most convenient methods to invigorate a bathroom is to include a fresh coat of paint. Among the most popular patterns in 2016 is wall color motivated by the Victorian age. This charming shade of violet includes simply the correct amount of classic appeal, which is increased by the wrought iron mirror and the antique devices. The warm wood of the vanity and cabinets and the black tile flooring are likewise a good enhance to the strong color option. The advanced drifting style of the vanity and toilet is another perfect style option. It offers the retro area a little bit of an unanticipated sci-fi twist.

Bathroom Ideas In Gold

20. High-end in a Limited Space

Source: house-made-of-paper. blogspot.hu. A glamorous bathroom is possible, even if you have actually restricted living area. This extremely practical bathroom artfully integrates whatever you require into one little location. The long style of the stand-alone shower offers you lots of space, and the artfully positioned tub fits completely without using up any leg space. Likewise, the streamlined components offer adequate storage for required products. This style with its abundant color pattern of bronze and gold likewise makes the area appear bigger and provides it an apparent old-world glamour. 21. Chic Bathroom Design Ideas

Source: houzdsign.com This nation design bathroom is another stylish house design concept for little areas. The stone flooring integrated with the black and white tile provides a sense of brightness and openness to the space. The eggshell-shaped tub has a shower accessory and the double sink vanity offers lots of space for your early morning regimen and great deals of storage area. Other terrific style components are making use of the blinds as a towel rack and the numerous specific niches for storage and design. The eggshell-shaped mirrors ties the entire bathroom together, and the shape is echoed in both the tub and the calla lilies spread around the space. Discover & Enjoy Our Best Bathroom Design Ideas Video No. 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFD7uEIAGIw&feature=youtu.be 22. Art Deco Bathroom Design Idea

23. Blending Metals

Source: katedavidsondesign.com The gotten knowledge in house style utilized to be that you didn't blend and match style components, however house decor patterns are revealing that, if you do it right, blending metals produces a vibrant style declaration. The burnished gold of the sink basin, the bronze shower components, and the silver towel rack collaborate to develop a smooth contemporary area that would fit right in at any high-end hotel. Dark wood vanity includes a touch of heat to the area, while the glamorous marble flooring and walls have a gold vein style that merges the whole bathroom. A minimalist style likewise makes the luxurious stand-alone shower the focal point of the space. 24. Gold Rush

Source: houseofhoney.com The easy, tidy lines of Scandinavian style are among 2016's most popular house decor patterns. This bathroom integrates the streamlined modernism connected with the Scandinavian appearance with a couple of eccentric touches that assist individualize the area. The plain white walls, flooring and tub produce a relaxing and invigorating space where you can practice meditation or delight in an excellent book. The gold components, specifically the wacky seahorse deals with, include a customized touch to the space. The distinct chandelier with its gold decoration and uncommon style ties the whole area together.

Green Design Ideas for Bathrooms

25. Rock the Casbah

Source: lushome.com These bathroom decorating ideas will make you seem like you simply returned from a Middle Eastern market. The deep greens and clear blues of the wall tile show the spectacular colors of the ocean and the beaten bronze tub and sink basin would be right in your home in Casablanca or Marrakesh. The Persian carpet and elaborate stand likewise look like they originated from an outside market, while the coral and deep burgundy towels connect the area together. The light blue tiles on the flooring bring an included measurement of light into the bathroom. 26. Stylish Shower Window For More Light

Source: kathy-studio. designshuffle.com In this stylish bathroom the homeowner opted for a shower partition Window. The frosted-glass window allows light while preserving personal privacy, and the big storage niche is a terrific location for keeping hair shampoo and soap. The rest of this bathroom's style matches the shower, consisting of the mint green wall color and the blown glass sink basin. 27. Studio Style

Source: decorandstyle.co.uk Studio apartment or condos have their own unique bathroom decorating requirements. This smooth, minimalist style takes advantage of the brickwork and big shower that control the area. This bathroom does not have any windows, so the green-glazed bricks show remarkably off of the recessed lights to include a warm radiance to the space. The bathroom's focal point is the elegant shower, which has a rainwater shower system and a location for taking a seat. The wood stool and the standard components interact to increase this spaces significant effect. 28. Ocean Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: joshta.com An Ocean of blue tiles surround the room, creating a sparkling effect. The mosaic is only minimally interrupted by shining metal and subdued white colors. The vintage vanity is perfect for contrast

Kid's Style Bathroom Design Ideas

29. Kid's Style Spanish Bathroom Design Idea

Source: asid.org This enjoyable and cool kid's bathroom detects the pattern for tropical colors. The aqua color of the porcelain sink basin is gotten in the tile pattern and the ceiling, while the canary yellow trim deals an eye-popping contrast color. The big mirror includes a sensation of depth to the narrow area while the frosted glass window includes light without compromising any personal privacy. The whole space is looped by the sunburst lighting fixture. Another helpful feature is the tub/shower combination, which is simply the ideal size for light ones. 30. Polka Dot Pride

Source: photos.hgtv.com Numerous older houses have little spaces with odd angles that are perfect for renovating into a kids' bathroom. This little area ends up being brilliant and pleasant with the polka dot wallpaper and fuchsia devices. The double vanity makes it possible for more than a single person to prepare in the early morning or your child can have buddies over for a sleep celebration. This bathroom is likewise really practical. The big cabinets supply lots of storage area for towels, linens, or perhaps clothing. 31. Purple Love.

Source: apartementlifestyle.net. This enjoyable, flower style is the best house design option for the little princess in your life. The relaxing pastel blue of the walls integrated with intense purple flowers on the drapes and zebra-striped devices will assist kids finish their early morning regimen in a pleasant way. The tub is likewise specifically developed for kids. The stepping stools and deals with will assist your youngsters leave the tub without mishaps, and the soft cushions spread about the space make it simple for grownups to help at bath time. The canopy style and chandelier likewise include visual interest to bathrooms that have an out-of-date design.

Marble Classic Bathroom Ideas

32. Glowing in White

Source: homebunch.com The old stating states that whatever looks much better in white, however that's specifically real for bathrooms. These stylish marble tiles on the flooring, walls, and shower bring a unified aim to this stylish area. The gleaming white marble is specifically helpful in bathrooms that do not have much access to sunshine. The downplayed beauty is boosted by the specific niches beside the sunken tub and the gold lighting fixture. The marble likewise boosts the sophisticated crown molding and wood door. 33. Rosewood Marble

34. Relaxing Simplicity

Source: smalldesignideas.com If you are searching for a serene retreat, these calming bathroom styles are best for you. The taupe, brown, and beige color pattern instantly brings a sense of calm to the environment that is just increased by the sunken tub, which is the space's focal point. The artfully positioned specific niches are completely developed for candle lights and the high windows and sunroof generate light while safeguarding your personal privacy. Nevertheless, the space's pièce de résistance is the waterfall that streams into the tub, which brings an immediate sense of harmony. Other glamorous facilities are the stand-alone shower and the stone floor's. 35. Fire and Ice Bathroom Accent

Source: decorationofhome.net. You'll seem like a snow queen in this glamorous master bath. The frosted glass doors open to a welcoming sunken tub where you can soak while warming yourself by the electrical hearth. While you're unwinding, you can search for at a stellar nigh sky, which was made by numerous little pinholes of light that are set versus a black background. After your bath, you might wish to stick around for an area of tea in the fur covered chairs or just appreciate the progressive chandelier with the winter season branch style. The whole bathroom is combined by the gleaming white marble floorings that look like a skating rink. 36. Classic in Marble

Design Ideas for Bathrooms Include Plants

37. Bathroom Designs with Life Plants

Source: homify.pt These bathroom design ideas are perfect for both fans of nature and passionate D0-It-Yourself'er. Outdoors types will not have the ability to withstand this carpet of turf, flowers, and ferns, which bring a fresh and peaceful feel to the bathroom. The outside carpet covers a good deal of area, so it's likewise perfect for remodel'er who require to cover an entrance way or something unattractive in an older house. Whatever your factor, the outside carpet is the focal point of this style. The plain white walls and practical style of the tub and chair enhance the riot of green that is the focal point of the space. 38. Why not? ... A Beach Themed Bathroom Idea

Source: thistlewoodfarms.com

39. Small Plant Gallery Bathroom

Discover & Enjoy Our Best Bathroom Design Ideas Video No.2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6WGMyZZj6w&feature=youtu.be 40. Powder Room Power-House

Source: www.home-designing.com Among the very best methods to include a style component to little bathrooms is to generate a pop of color or include a touch of nature. These bathroom design ideas do both. The Japanese inspired flower plans make this incredibly small bathroom feel warm and rejuvenating while the Kerry green towels and washcloths include an intense pop of color. The abundant wood likewise bring a warm radiance into the interior area. The ingenious style of the vanity and sink basin are perfect for little areas since they offer additional storage. 41. Indoor - Outdoor Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Design Ideas for Bathrooms In Red's

42. IKEA Bathroom Design Ideas

Source: eastsidehomelink.com These bathroom style ideas utilizes IKEA furnishings for a cool, diverse ambiance. The brick has actually been suppressed to lighten the interior, and the IKEA cabinets have actually been painted in mauve, burgundy, and red, which offers the bathroom a fifties feel. The enjoyable stone pathway that ranges from the shower to the toilet is an extraordinary style aspect that is likewise a terrific method to dry your feet. The big window at the back of the space permits you to absorb some sunshine on the comfy burgundy divan. The entire area is looped by the large stand-alone shower with a sinuous art deco shower component. 43. Pretty in Pink.

Source: photos.hgtv.com. This eye-popping bathroom design is for the fashionista who has whatever. The fifties-inspired style has a serpentine vanity where you can primp in design, and there's a lot of storage area for your Manolo Blahniks and designer bag collection. The cool components and the swirling wallpaper enchance the retro-feel, while the tidy white tile floorings cheers up the interior. This bathroom has a lot of cabinet area for your cosmetics and charm care products while the recessed lights will include additional light when using cosmetic and charm treatments. 44. Clever Fifties Design

Source: kathy-studio. designshuffle.com. This cool bathroom brings the design of a fifties automobile hop into your design. The brilliant red-tile in the stand-alone shower is the space's focal point, and it is completely triggered with the canary yellow flower tiles. The circular mirrors with neon lights boost the retro feel, while the bare light bulbs and bare bones components are similar to a fifties gasoline station. The appearance is finished by the slate gray floorings. Another excellent function is the wood cabinets, which offer lots of storage area. 45. House on the Range.

Source: hupehome.com You'll seem like you simply entered the wild West with this rustic cowgirl bathroom. The livestock barons of the 19th century preferred flower patterns and abundant colors, which you can see in the wallpaper and burgundy paneling in this bathroom. The bronze shower head and components contribute to the space's old-fashioned feel, however the piece de resistance is the stand-alone tub, which can be branded with your initials for a genuine Western feel. The Persian carpet, gilt mirror, and wood floorings finish the abundant style, while the elaborate lighting fixture might have come directly from the nearby saloon. This bathroom likewise has lots of cabinets for storage.

Design Ideas for Bathrooms & Subway Tile

46. Industrial - Feel in Brick & Subway

Source: arkbuilders.co.uk. Numerous metropolitan residents are refurbishing old apartment, storage facilities, and even factories into modern-day home. These bathroom ideas works within the uncommon area to produce a practical bathroom that integrates commercial trendy with contemporary innovation. The custom-made constructed shower fits completely into what would otherwise be an uncomfortable corner, and the exposed pipelines are an elegant style touch that likewise offers the impression of more area to the space. This bathroom likewise has lots of modern-day touches with a cutting-edge shower head and a heated flooring.

47. Another Brick & Subway Tile Finish

48. Mad Style Bathroom Design

Source: home-designing.com This retro cool bathroom stimulates the sixties design promoted in the TELEVISION series, Mad Men. The neon indication and big drawing evoke classic marketing campaign, while the basic sophistication of the clear tub is similar to the Mod design that ended up being so popular in the late 1960's. Other excellent design components are the twin sink basins and white brick wall. This bathroom is likewise really practical with a luxurious shower head connected to the tub and lots of storage area.

Design Ideas for Bathrooms & Touch of Spa

49. Master Bathroom Addition.

Source: houzz.com This style concept reveals you how you can include a bathroom to your master suite without compromising any design. This bathroom mixes into the white design of the bedroom through using the glass doors and white tile. The bathroom has an elegant tub with shower accessories, and the vanity supplies adequate area for health and storage. The recessed lighting is another great touch that is both practical and an extension of winter white style. A basic tree vase is the completing touch that connects both of the spaces together. 50. Relaxing Elegance Bathroom Idea

Source: hupehome.com The majority of us are surrounded by innovation all the time, which indicates all of us require a peaceful area to escape the pressures of the outdoors world. This contemporary bathroom develops a peaceful environment where you can revitalize your body and mind. The taupe and brown color design produce a calming color scheme, while the tile floorings and walls include a touch of visual interest. The arts and crafts design sink basin is the centerpiece of the space, however this bathroom does not stint any contemporary features. The stand-alone shower has a rainwater shower head, and you will have a lot of space to unwind in the sunken tub. 51. Spa In Mind Bathroom Style

52. His and Hers

Source: alvarezhomes.com A lot of us wish to share our lives with our loved ones, however not always our bathrooms. This glamorous his and hers master bath style indicates you'll never ever need to defend area once again. The 2 big stand-alone showers are particularly practical for working couples who both require to prepare yourself in the early morning. The calming gray walls and marble floorings are matched by significant black accents in the vanity and divan. The adequate recessed lighting will help you in placing on cosmetics and charm treatments.

53. Masculine Bathroom Design

Design Ideas for Bathrooms In Wood & Stone

54. A Tranquil Space for the Body and Spirit

Source: decorationofhome.net This smooth contemporary bathroom combines form and operate into a peaceful home that is in tune with nature. The big windows, rocks, and ferns bring a sense of the serenity to the bathroom that is increased by the natural wood floorings and cabinets. The tidy easy lines of the porcelain tub and sink contribute to the zen-like feel, as does the exceptional usage of area. The skillfully created cabinets supply a lot of storage while the big vanity can accommodate more than a single person.

55. Cedar Bathroom Idea

Source: architizer.com This gorgeous design brings the peace and tranquility of the spa into your home bathroom. Cedar wrapped ceilings and walls bring warm healing properties. The simple clean shower design in combination with the wood dressings create a warm feel for a usually sterile room and add a touch of nature. 56. Design Ideas for Bathrooms In Black

Source: awesome-interior.com. Black utilized to be thought about a huge no-no for bathroom decorating ideas, however that's all altered in 2016. Black is among this year's most popular colors, and it works particularly well in little areas. There isn't a great deal of area in this space, however the black stone floorings and black tile walls provide this space a classy edge. The abundant wood accents and candle lights heat up the area and produce a sharp contrast with the silver components. The specific niches are another ingenious style concept for little bathrooms. They provide you a lot of storage alternatives without using up any additional area. 57. Back-Door View Bath Idea

Source: hupehome.com Lots of house owners desire their home to stream naturally into the outdoors, which is precisely the case in these relaxing bathroom styles. The calming brick and concrete style streams naturally into the outdoors where you can look at gorgeous flowers while taking in the sunken tub. The big windows generate a lot of light, however they are evaluated for personal privacy by the big aromatic bushes that line the side of your house. The speckled granite walls and the deep color of the wood likewise boost the feel of living in a natural setting. This bathroom likewise has adequate features consisting of a removable shower head in the tub and a big, well-lit vanity. 58. Rustic Bathroom Idea

59. Let the Sunshine In

Source: sweetiefry.com Dark and dim bathrooms are a typical issue, however this light and airy interior resolves that problem with a stylish, however basic style. The big bank of windows allows an optimum quantity of light at all times of the day, which is shown in the 2 big mirrors above the vanity. The marble floorings and walls and pine ceiling are likewise created to improve the brightness of the area. When it's dark, the big fluorescent lights above the sink and the sufficient recessed lights generate sufficient light. This bathroom likewise has a streamlined, progressive style with the strong, tidy lines of the big vanity and the cabinets control the space. 60. Kind Meets Function.

Source: houzz.com. These bathroom style ideas are a marvel of both energy and design. The long, narrow sink offers lots of area for your early morning health regimen while the wood stool will assist kids get to tough to reach locations. The cool light is not just a fantastic example of recycling, it's likewise a terrific device that is perfect for getting a little additional light when you're placing on cosmetics or doing a charm treatment. The plain white cabinets offer lots of storage while likewise including a much required strong lines to the space's style. The soft gray floorings and walls offer an abundant contrast with the pine paneling. 61. Industrial Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: dkd.com. Not everybody is a fan of chintz furnishings and pastel wallpaper, so with that in mind here's some bathroom decorating ideas for the rugged lone wolf. This bathroom integrates a practical design with a little bit of whimsy, utilizing wood boxes for storage and electrical bulbs hanging from extension cables for lighting. The concrete floorings and grey marbled walls likewise boost the building and construction zone feel of the space without reviewing the top. In spite of the rough edges, this is a completely working, cutting edge bathroom with a classy shower and tub. 62. Comfort Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: www.briandressler.com If enjoyable and cool explain your style visual, then this space-age bathroom with all of the modern-day conveniences is for you. The exposed duct and the sheet metal sink and bath tub include a commercial feel to the space, however that does not imply you are compromising any of the animal conveniences. The tan walls and pine ceilings welcome you to hang out in this area with a relaxing take in the tub no matter the weather condition. The electrical fireplace will warm you up throughout a February snowstorm while the luxurious ceiling fan will cool you down on a hot July afternoon. These bathroom ideas are likewise extremely practical. The vanity and medication cabinet supply a lot of sink and storage area. 63. A Rich Roman Mosaic.

Source: homeditorial.com You'll seem like you went back in time with this distinct bathroom design concept. The mosaic tile and stone floorings remember the Roman bathhouses, which were a glamorous part of life throughout ancient times. The roomy shower feels more like a medical spa, while the big, classy tub is perfect for an invigorating whirlpool bath. Although this style is displayed in a big area, you do not require a big house to make it work. The positioning of the home furnishings works rather well in a little bathroom, and the basic specific niches are sophisticated ideas for storage area. 64. Mosaic Wall Tiles Bathroom Design

XXX Designer Bathroom Ideas

For some out of the box thinking! 65. Rock & Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: drummonds-uk. com. 66. An Artistic Statement

Another 2016 house decor pattern is including a big piece of art work as a declaration piece. This bathroom includes a painting from biologist J.J. Audubon, however you can utilize any big piece of art work from an Andy Warhol motivated graphic print to a classic image of 1950's New York. Although the painting is the focal point of the space, that does not indicate the remainder of the bathroom design was overlooked. The cast-iron tub is put near a big window so you can delight in a gorgeous outdoors see while you soak. The long vanity and sink basin are likewise a sophisticated and practical alternative for the narrow area.

67. Woods Design Ideas for Bathrooms

Source: decandyou.blogspot.com Who says wallpaper is dead? Far from it. This birch themed wallpaper adds lines to this bathroom makes the room seem larger. The simple, geometric back-splash breaks this wallpaper design. Discover Decorating With Wallpaper 68. Minimalist Chic.

Source: housedesignlover.com House occupants have special difficulties when it concerns bathroom style. This basic, yet elegant style lets you optimize your design even when you have a minimum quantity of leg space. The square shape of both the sink and toilet is contemporary and trendy without taking an additional area. The Cubist motivated tile style is a terrific method to include a vibrant pop of color to an otherwise soft combination. Plus, if you do not like yellow, you can pick tiles in a rainbow of colors. The medication cabinet is likewise a subtle method to include light and design to little area. 69. Urban Outfitted.

Source: esteedesign.com. This diverse bathroom is for anybody whose style visual is street clever and city. The big, graffiti-style art work is the space's focal point, which is echoed in the commercial style of the components and home appliances. The gleaming gray tile walls are completely couple with the gritty ambiance, while the basic tile flooring evokes metropolitan subway train stations. The red accent carpet, which is echoed in the art work, connects the space together. In spite of the commercial ambiance, this is a modern-day, elegant area. The shower/tub combination has a rainwater shower head and a different shower accessory.

Now I like to turn it over to you -- Your Dream Bathroom Starts Here!

We know these are a lot of options…  Here is how you could tackle this! Option A: If you just want to update without the mess of a full flesh remodel: Discuss with your family what everybody would like to get out of the update – The Wish-list Next you set your priorities that would be the – Must-have-list. Take your must-have-list and price the desired item (go to Lowe’s.com and shop the shopping cart will give you a total price with tax and delivered). Now reality check: how much can spend on your bathroom update? If needed you adjust your-must-have list, and remove the items from the shopping cart. Next you need to decide who does all the work… Going do-it-yourself? If not, double of your project costs.  Better jet take the Lowe’s Bill and multiply it with 2.5 to 3.5 depending how nice it shall get. Option B: Should you desire to remodel your bathroom, I suggest you checkout our remodeling process article Keep in mind: Your bathroom style likewise depends upon you and your household's requirements. We only shared with you how to advance your styles, from outdated bathrooms to modern master baths. And that should motivate you no matter where you are in your life. Find this year’s latest bathroom decorating trends to update your bathroom design for years to come. Feel free to leave any comments or questions in the box below. And thanks for reading and sharing this post. Read the full article

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Vie Hotel Bangkok Selects Organika Products for Renovated Spa

The Vie Hotel Bangkok, part of Accor's MGallery Hotel Collection, has chosen Organika spa products to enhance its newly renovated spa. Guests visiting the new Vie Spa by Organika will see an all-new reception area, while dedicated therapists are available to provide a personalized consultation on a range of spa and massage treatments available for various body types and wellness preferences. A strong emphasis is placed on the positive benefits of aromatherapy, with calming and energizing scents carefully created to help rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.

Guests can choose from a range of aromatherapy packages and full body treatments, facials and scrubs designed to detox, calm and purify. The spa’s signature 90-minute Zenith of Relaxation treatment is an aromatic candle massage that uses pure essential oils, soy butter, jojoba and vitamins A and E to help nourish and replenish skin moisture. This therapeutic treatment has been created to relieve the body from stress and aches and to promote a deep and restorative sleep. A range of Organika spa products, using natural ingredients, are also available for purchase, including the all-natural aroma massage candle, aromatic milk bath & massage oil, organic hand & body wash, aromatic ambiance diffuser and more. Located on the 10th floor of the hotel, the spa comprises six private treatment rooms, a Thai massage room, a single treatment room, three rooms equipped for couples treatments, and a luxurious spa suite with a jacuzzi. The hotel is located within walking distance of the BTS Skytrain Ratchathewi Station. See latest Travel News, InterViews, Podcasts and other news regarding: Spa, Accor, Bangkok, Wellness. 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