#THIS IS TRASH BUT ENJOY ANYWAYS BESTIES I TRIED MY BEST

[gunsatthaphan]

✌🏻✨ ~ 2023 wrap-up ~ ✨✌🏻

another year gone, another post no one asked for djkghdf

I normally don't talk about personal stuff on here but like in the previous year I wanted do a little recap and give shoutouts to some lovely people 🧡

It hasn't been an easy year for me, I started a new job which has been stressful and annihilated my work-life balance which resulted in me being sick a lot & just being stressed for most of the year lol. I barely found time to maintain this blog which may not seem like it on the outside since I somehow managed to frequently post but it's been difficult. I know I don't have to be online 24/7 but the fear of slipping into irrelevancy due to lack of content remains. I didn't have much time to watch bls & asian shows in general which I still consider my safe space and escapism so I'm resentful that I didn't get to fully take in and enjoy the things I'm passionate about and make content about them like I did in the previous years. That being said thank god for all the weekend shows that I did manage to watch and fully focus on like Only Friends and now Cooking Crush and Cherry Magic. Those have been life savers lol and also thank god for all the talented creators who gave us tons of content; I will mention some of them below.

But aside from my personal schedule and despite not watching a lot of stuff, I still tried to keep an eye on what's going on in the BL world for my monthly breakdowns, which I still enjoy making and I will likely continue them in 2024. I also came to the conclusion that 2023 ended up being another rendition of quantity > quality in the BL-verse so not much has changed lol - not that I expected it to. We got a wild and extended mix of different genres and subgenres this year which was nice to see. We saw companies & actors experimenting a lot (with varying results), we got new ships, new fandoms and new enemies, as well as a variety of comebacks and retirements. My watchlist this year was limited to Thai BLs and my blog mostly consisted of gmmtv related content and like I said, if I had had more time I probably would have explored more different shows - but I eventually resorted to what's familiar. I guess I needed an anchor in midst of all my personal chaos lol.

But despite my short list, there were a few gems that I enjoyed. The big ones like Only Friends, Moonlight Chicken, Be My Favorite, etc., and the small, less popular ones like Be Mine Superstar, Mission Fan Possible and a few more. I enjoyed talking to friends & making content about them in the limited timeframes I had. My opinions mostly matched those of the general public but unfortunately there were a few disappointments that were bathing in a success that I could not wrap my head around - Dangerous Romance and A Boss and a Babe being at the top of that list, followed by La Pluie and also a few of the lakorns I watched. But anyway.

Anyone who knows me knows my blog has been 83% FirstKhao this year lmao, they're my favorite people in this industry and watching them act, interact & making content about them has been one of my highlights. I'm excited to see what 2024 brings for them and even if it's not a series, I'm looking forward to seeing what else they will be up to 🥺 🐈‍⬛ 🐈

I'm going into 2024 with mixed feelings but above all I hope I will get the chance to expand my watchlist a little. I will post a personal top10 of the shows I watched this year shortly; until then I want to talk a bit about some lovely people this year - I’m not good with words lmao but thank you for being you and making this hellsite a better place 🥹 lol.

@leonpob - bestie!!! 🧡 our BL opinions have drifted apart this year lmao but who's to say friendships are solely based on mutual opinions. You're the best, stay the way you are and here's to another year of sharing thoughts and hopefully finding more shows to watch together (no matter if trash or not lol) 😉😘  @mayalunas - ahhhh I loved talking to you sooo so much this year, we agree on so many things that I'm convinced we share the same BL braincells lmao. You're one of my favorite people on this website, thank you for being such a good listener and a positive & supportive person to talk to 🥺 I hope you have the best 2024!!! ily!!! 🧡 @khunvegas - GURL idk where you went this year or if you still exist sdjkds but just know I haven't forgotten about you and I miss our talks 🥺 come back pls thank. @my-wandering-rabbit - I love our random out-of-context talks once a month lmao, I appreciate you and I hope we will continue our ritual of me watching shows and you asking me questions without watching them kjsdhg @bl-recs-and-reviews - Bestie!!! I love our catch-ups on Discord, you were one of the first people I ever talked to like 4 years ago? crazy. look at us. I still love you, you're the sweetest and I love talking to you 🧡🥺 @dreamedofyou - ahh I absolutely love your blog!!! I noticed you a lot in my notifications this year so I wanted to say thank you so much for interacting with my unhinged content (mostly FK related lmao) - We haven't talked a ton but I think of you as a very nice person and I hope we can talk more next year 🥹🫶🏻

and then of course some more shoutouts go out to all the wonderful and talented creators out there; I will never be able to tag all of you so sorry in advance but here are a few that I appreciate, some of which have also mentioned me in their wrap-up posts so thank you for that!!!

@taeminie @seatawinan @loveisactivated @forcebook @jimmysea @guzhu-furen @daymork @itsallaboutbl @seatawinans @blneobin @blmpfff @wanderlust-in-my-soul @pranpat @milkpansa @raypakorn @ahxu-laowen @forcebookish @forcebookcorner @morkofday @chinzillas @seajimmy @dimpledpran @i-got-the-feels @bengiyo @benkaaoi @25shadesoffebruary @moonkhao @smittenskitten @respectthepetty @earthfluuke @pharawee @khaotunq @khaotunqs @pranink @gabrielokun @piningintrovert @zhaozi @markpakin @firstkanaphans @firstforkhao @khaotungsfirst @wen-kexing-apologist @firstkpp @firstmix @bunnakit @khaothanawat @alienwlw @ffirstkhao (I can't tag the last 4 for some reason..)

have the best 2024!!!

🧡🧡🧡

[scoonsalicious]

Ok, so my brain never shuts off. Like ever. (Oh the joys of being an over thinker). So I’ve been thinking pretty much non-stop about Pocket and her situation.

So going back to Chloe. I know she’s blaming herself for that whole tragedy. But! She did save a girl that night: Birdie. If she hadn’t done what she did, would Birdie have been punished or killed? 🤔 Pocket did save her.

I’m also wondering if we know WHY Chloe was killed? Did they figure out how old she was? Did she refuse to do something? Or screw up? Or was she with a John who just got a little too aggressive? Maybe one of the other asks was right, and Hydra did experiment on her and it went badly…

As for the miscarriage…somehow, based on your answers, I knew this was coming. And it breaks my heart for both her and Bucky. I can see both of their sides too. I think Pocket’s “trash” comment was maybe her way of trying to convince herself that she was fine with it. That she didn’t really want it anyway. But I can also understand Bucky feeling and reacting the way he did too. It’s hard because I’ve never been in that kind of situation. Never experienced such a terrible loss. But you wrote it so well!

You write everything so well. You bring all of the characters to life. And I LOVE that you have backstory that isn’t in the chapters. You just get it. You’re a natural writer. I’m so impressed by your talent. Please never stop writing!

So much love! I’ll just be over here…(im)patiently waiting for the next part(s) to drop…

Oh, Bestie! My brain never shuts off, either! It's always running a million miles an hour, lol.

Pocket did save Birdie! You're 100% right. It's just so hard for her to recognize that when all she's focusing on is her failure. If Birdie hadn't done the coke, she probably would have been punished, and that was what Pocket was focusing on. But, she sees her actions as failure, because they led to a girl's death (however inadvertently; I'm not really sure what she thought she could have done to save Chloe, anyway-- it's just the perpetual 'what if' hanging over her head).

Unfortunately, Chloe wasn't killed for any big Hydra purpose. Hydra is selling women through the Wiggle Room as a funding source. They're doing it straight up to make money to support their other endeavors, and they straight up have no care for what happens to these women once they've been bought-- they just see them as revenue. So, whoever bought Chloe at auction did what he did to her simply because he wanted to, and he felt that he had the right to, because he bought her. It's as simple and sick as that. It ties back to this over-arching subtheme Pocket deals with of men hurting women because they think their wants are greater than a woman's life. She experienced it growing up, she experienced it with Bucky cheating on her, and now she's seeing it here with the trafficking.

Yeah, everyone jumped on the "Pocket is pregnant" bandwagon so quickly, I was not prepared, lol. Which is why I really tried to push poisoning, just to keep everyone guessing. Her "trash" comment was definitely a defensive maneuver, her trying to convince Bucky (and herself) that this didn't bother her, that he, in a way, still didn't have a hold on her. But, she admits that, if she let herself think about it, she would have wanted to have a baby with him. It was something that took them both completely by surprise, and hit them emotionally. Neither one was approaching it from a rational mindset, so things were said that wouldn't have been said if they had taken time to think things through, first. Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm just over here doing the best I can to make this convoluted fantasy from my head make sense on "paper," so it's so rewarding to know people are enjoying reading it as much as I've enjoyed creating it!

<3 Next part(s?) coming soon; I'm home sick with a migraine today, so maybe a little earlier than expected ;)

[hessofather]

Chapter One- 1980 Something

A/N:  I’m just writing about family stories and my life. Sad, happy, funny, painful. There is one thing that all these memories have in common. It all screams white trash. Maybe I’m using this as a way to cope. Maybe nobody will ever read this. But if you are, please, go grab your cigarettes and boones farm strawberry wine with ice in it, and enjoy the rollercoaster of events that I call my life.

Ok so imagine this, it’s summer 1980-something. You’re a 15 year old, who comes from an abusive home with an alcoholic step-father, and satan as your mother. Like literally satan. (Don’t worry there will be more stories later) You live in a two mile long town with 1500 people in it. You’re gorgeous, tan, blonde, skinny, and a killer sense of style. You’re wearing a pair of yellow overalls that are shorts with a white tube top. Living your best life walking down the street with your best-friend. 

     You’re walking and feelin that summer heat burning your skin, you don’t mind though. Skin cancer or not you want to be tan enough that people mistake you for that beef jerky they sell down at the piggly-wiggly. You hear this truck driving down the road. Oh it’s your besties guy friend, and someone else with him. They pull up beside you and there he is, in all his glory. Long brownish-blondish hair, teeth that would give George Washington a run for his money, a silk shirt with rocket ships on it, and a navy blue paisley bandana tied around his forehead sweatband style. 

     There he sits with his dorky smile and squinty red eyes. You could probably smell the weed from a mile away upwind. You all chat for a minute and they ride away into the sunset, like the Cheech and Chong wannabes they are. Your friend looks at you and proceeds to beg you to get with the bandana wearing, Willy Nelson looking guy. She begs you to because, in her words, “if you don’t I will.” And like the Atlantis Morrissette loving bad bitch you are you say “fine.” You then continue walking and working on being the darkest skin in town. Other than that one black family that lives on the outskirts of town. Guess they had to let ‘‘em in town at some point.

      You start dating this man we’ll call, Willy, as in Willy Nelson. But he’s a jr, so we’ll call him Willy Jr for a minute. He seems nice enough, your parents hate him but who are they to judge? Your mom is actually Satan, your step dad is an abusive alcoholic with war PTSD. As for your real dad, well you don’t know much of him other than the fact that your mom tells you he tried to kidnap you. According to your mom she had somehow contacted the famous biker gang “hells angels” and had them go kindly retrieve you and bring you back into the safety of her leathery arms. You don’t know if you believe this. But it’s a fun story so you tell it anyways. Willy Jr is different to you. He smokes weed with you and doesn’t even charge you, apparently he’s 19, but it’s fine in 1980-something for a 19 year old and 15 year old to be gettin jiggy with it. He has some anger issues but you think to yourself “It’s fine, he’s had a hard life. I can change him.” 

     The holes in the walls seem to think different along with broken windows and broken dishes. He gets mad sometimes and just can’t seem to control himself. It’s fine though. He basically saved you from your parents so you owe him the rest of your life. You will owe him everything you are. You will no longer be just you. You will be his extension of himself, his rock, his cane, his foot stool, his punching bag, his target for practicing his aim with dishes and random objects. It’s fine though. You owe him. The free weed speaks for itself. Nobody is just giving that shit out nowadays. It’s fucking 1980-something and you just know that there’s no way this will last forever. You’ll get out someday. As soon as you no longer owe him. 

     1986, a trailer house, and a baby boy. Willy Jr seems to not totally enjoy being a father, despite you naming the baby after him, but it’s ok. You’ll love this baby enough for the both of you. You won’t end up making this baby feel the way your parents made you feel. So you will gladly sit in the house rocking your sweet Willy III to sleep. Petting your hand through his little mullet, “I’m never going to regret this decision of putting a mullet on my baby” you think to yourself. Things will get better someday. You’ll get out of this damn trailer park and buy some fucking shoes. Being barefoot and pregnant is a lot harder than it sounds. Thank God for boxed wine though. 

     Three years later, 1989, everyone has pressured you into getting pregnant again. Because apparently ever child needs a sibling. You lay in bed one night with Willy Jr and say “wanna get married? I’m not having two kids and not getting married. I ain’t a whore.” So willy says “Sure” and ties a bread tie around your finger. You go down to the courthouse and pay the man marrying you with a pack of beer because he says “no money needed, save it for the baby.” Thank the Lord Almighty it’s a boy. Sticking to the “W” theme you name this one Walter. At this point you had hoped to never bring a girl into this world. You would have no idea how to bring up a LADY, hell you’re the one thats gonna have to teach your boys how to burp, because lord knows Willy Jr couldn’t burp if he drank three cans of Cola on a bumpy road. You think to yourself “I’m definitely giving this one a mullet too.” You assure yourself that those will never go out of style of make for ridiculous family photos down the line.

     Willy Jr still has quite the temper on him. He’s started using your sons as his personal verbal punching bags along with his famous target practice. It’ll get better though. If you could just get out of this damn trailer park and find your damn shoes you lost. It’s ok though, you mostly bring it on yourself at this point. You know exactly how to push his buttons and what to say to piss him off. You know those buttons don’t have to be pushed hard either, like they just got some WD-40 last week. So when he does things like hit on your friends, get you high while your sleeping by blowing smoke in your face, beat the kids or dogs, or simply being a shit father by staying out in the garage all damn day smoking weed, you know all you have to do is say a few words and for a minute it’ll feel like you won. That is of course, until you’re cleaning up broken glass and patching holes in the walls. Making sure to never let your boys see you cry. It’ll get better, just gotta let these boys grow up some, then I can get out. 

     Many fights, drugs, bruises, heartaches, family vacations, and boxes of wine later, the year is 1999. You are almost to the point of your boys being old enough that it’d be alright if you and Willy Jr split ways. You can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Your youngest is getting ready to turn 10. They’ll understand why itd be best for them if their dad wasn’t around anymore. Until one day, you see a small plus sign on that damn pregnancy test. You think to yourself “I’m 34. I’m so tired. My debt was almost paid to Willy Jr. I almost didn’t owe him anymore.” You sob violently for hours before you pull yourself together and decide that life goes on. Besides you’ve done this twice, what’s one more boy? 

     You go on being pregnant and working at an airplane parts building place. One of your coworkers claims to have been stuck by lighting once and says he can tell you what your baby is. You think he’s crazy. He lays his hands on your stomach and says “A little girl. With blonde bouncy curls and a bright smile.” There’s no way. You couldn’t possibly be having a girl. Later you go to the doctor and to your horror, he was right. It’s a girl. Lord have mercy on her soul. You realize the pain she will endure as a woman and as the daughter of her father. “Maybe this one doesn’t need a mullet.” 

Another A/N: Well reader the fun thing about this is that I can do whatever my ass wants to do with this story. Because this story isn’t about you at all. So far up until now, it’s been about my mother. I am the last and only daughter and I plan on sharing all my white trash demons with you. From here on out it will no longer be me trying to engage you, by telling you it’s your story. Because it’s not. I’ve earned all my stories one by one since 1999. All my white trash demons haunt me with every bottle of wine and every old country song. I guess you could call me selfish for turning this whole thing around to be about me. But the funny thing is that even though I am my mothers daughter, I refuse to owe anyone anything. So if you do stick around to read whatever I post, I appreciate you. And if you leave because you’re bored with it, well that’s ok, your mom seemed to love my stories last night. 

[lvlyynim]

15:12

“Your boyfriend is in Oasis Hotel.”

Your phone lit up with a notification that made every hair stood on ends. Who is it from? None of that matters now, so you were right all this time.

You doubted yourself but it all make sense now. the late replies, late hours he spent in “work”and the sudden change of attitude. your suspicion grew when you found a chipped nail in his back seat, you were sure it wasn't yours but kept quiet.

You reached for your phone and calling the only person you could trust, Yangyang “Hey wanna go drinking?”

Yangyang just stared at you once you finished telling him everything. It took every bone in your body to not breakdown in front of him but he knows you better than anyone else and your eyes gave it all away.

He saw the way the tears were pooling around the corners, threatening to fall any moment, you wiped them before they even got a chance and shot you a smile.

“How-how can you still smile after everything he has done?” the question caught you off guard, he sounded angry well who could blame him.

“Crying won't help anyways so whats the point?” you trailed off. “Well at least give him a taste of his own medicine” he protested, taking a shot of the soju.

Your eyes burned as the tears started to form again, you sniffled once again wiping them away. “Hey it's okay to cry you know” Yangyang cooed, placing his hand on top of yours, you smiled at him letting him know you appreciate the kind act.

“If he can sleep with other girls, I can too right?” Yangyang nearly choked on his own saliva, shocked written all over his face. “I mean i can find someone to hookup so that we're even.” It's concerning how carefree those words left your mouth and with a straight face.

“Well do you have anyone in mind?”

“You.”

The statement had Yangyang snapping his neck from his glass to you. The playful grin on your face made him question if you were serious or just pulling his leg. He tried to read your face for anything that suggested you were messing around but it was clear that you were dead serious.

You moaned feeling his mouth latched onto your neck, sucking it ever so sweetly, decorating the skin with purple markings.

Your sweet moans only encouraged him even further, dragging his tongue down to your collarbone, leaving no skin unmarked.

“Mine.” he growled.

The room filled with airy moans and article of clothing being thrown across the living room. Your thoughts only focused on how good Yangyang's mouth made you feel, littering kiss marks on your skin.

You pushed him down the couch cushion, immediately connecting your lips. He chuckled in between, “He hasn't been touching you right?”

You stopped kissing him and he took it to his advantage, flipping you around before placing you on his lap.

Burying his face into your neck, instinctively your hands brushed through his pink strands. He placed small kisses, whispering “It's okay baby, you can use me.”

Nothing but tenderness in his voice. “Use me all you want, I'm all yours.”

[obsidiancreates]

Would a Body Swap Rise/2012 crossover be better with only The Boys being body swapped across dimensions, or would it be better if all characters were? Or just The Boys and Splinters?

Because on one hand, if it's just The Boys then I think 2012 Splinter would notice These Aren't My Sons' Souls right away and get things jumpstarted

On the other hand... it'd be really funny for 2012 Splinter to wake up short and round and Danny Devito Shaped while Rise Splints wakes up tall as shit

"HA-HA! I AM FINALLY TALLER THAN MY SONS AGAIN! LOOK AT ME, WOW RED YOU EXPERIENCE THIS ALWAYS?! HA-HA, YOU ARE SO TINY NOW!"

"My sons... please help me to reach the countertop. I have tried climbing onto a chair, yes. I could not make it up."

Anyway, 2012 Raph suddenly being the tallest would make him insufferable, and when he discovers this body has Mystic Powers to become even BIGGER he's just a menace. He does however keep hitting his head on everything and knocking stuff over because he's not used to such Width. Muscle memory shocks him when the body instinctually reacts with Hugs to his brothers having a bad time, and how it's clearly common because the body holds at just the right angle to none of the spikes or sharp edges of his shell jab his brother. It's kinda nice.

Meanwhile Rise Raph is trying to adjust to being a whole foot shorter and way less wide. He keeps reaching for things he should be able to grab easily and realizing he needs to lean way over to grab it. Leo keeps patting him on the head like he's a dog. he doesn't dislike it except for the smugness Leo does it with. Muscle Memory keeps affecting all of them and they first learn this when Raph by The Body's Instinct slaps one of them on the back of the head. He promptly bursts into tears about it.

Rise Donnie revels in being the tallest now and Is A Problem about it, but the tooth gap irritates him to no end, he can't stop running his tongue over it. He discovers tech is WAY harder to get in this universe as well and is horrified by how he must work with things like Manhole Covers and scraps, and even more horrified to find out how much Muscle Memory this body has in regards to navigating the military junkyard (not because he fees bad for 2012 but because this scrapyard isn't even that good but the muscle memory implies this is the best place to get tech here and it's all he has to work with and he hates it).

2012 Donnie is in candyland and fucking loves this giant lab with tech that The Kraang could only wish they had a d when he discovers the mystic tech powers? He passes out. He's probably having the best time of everyone (when they're not pressuring him to work faster on getting them back to their own bodies). He knows that since Memories have a physical makeup in brains they should technically be able to remember things these bodies have done and thought, but there's a spiritual block so they can't access any actual memories. He finds he stims a lot more in this body and actually rather enjoys it.

Rise Mikey is delighted by the muscle memory breakdancing he can get up to in the 2012 universe, yet horrified by the things this body seems to be used to eating. He almost eats a Trash Pizza Slice with ants on it, pauses, realizes, and throws up. He decides the best thing he can do for this Other Mikey is train the body how to cook well. Ice Cream Kitty knows it's not her Mikey so she's sad but she doesn't dislike Rise, she just misses her bestie. Rise is so relieved by the never-ending chains on the nunchucks, though definitely confused how they never end since this universe doesn't seem to have Mystic Powers.

2012 Mikey thinks the art on his shell is awesome and loves that he finds a closet with turtlenecks and art stuff. He steps into the kitchen one day and by sheer muscle memory cooks an artisanal meal and everyone is blown away. He thinks he got the best body out of everyone and he has fire powers now! Which is concerning to everyone and he does set things on fire regularly. Good thing the Donnie Body here seems to be prepped for that because the first time it happens The Battle Shell opens up and puts out the fire, which causes a new panic because DONNIE YOUR SHELL WHAT HAPPENED WHY IS IT METAL- oh good it's a covering AHHHHHHHHHHHHH WHY'S YOUR SHELL SOFT AHHHHHHHHHHH

Rise Leo doesn't like 2012's body one bit, especially the larger feet. He also hates not being able to teleport. And his muscle memory has him Naruto Running across buildings. He's having a bad time, he hates this. Space Heroes is cool though he likes Space Heroes. He's trying to get Donnie to figure out how to bring the show back to their dimension. He's also so surprised by how Meditation is one of the body's first instincts when in the dojo, and by how many super formal moves it knows. He does enjoy getting to brag about it and pretending to be Old and Wise to his brothers while running through the motions of these katas he doesn't even know the names of.

2012 Leo is just. So confused. He keeps posing. He keeps lounging. He sleeps in way more. This body walks with a more casual gait. Fascinating. And a little weird and uncomfortable and scary. He's trying to enjoy it but he's not sure how he feel about it. He loves the portals/teleportation, though when he discovers one of the main ways this body uses them is throwing one katana to teleport to it he knows he must keep this fact from Raph as long as possible because Raph has never let him live down the "A ninja never throws their weapon!" thing.

Anyway I don't think I'd swap April, Casey (who'd be swapped with Cassandra and not Casey Jr), or the villains because someone needs to notice The Boys are acting unlike themselves, and if The Splinters are swapped too that doesn't leave a ton of options. If I did, though, we all know 2012 Casey said he kinda enjoyed being a girl, so he'd be pretty happy with his situation, especially since with the muscle memory he's also a ninja now.

[im-in-vin-ci-ble]

Bestieee~ This is long but can I request a Mark x fem reader where he’s dating eve and readers a strong solo hero who happens to catch his eye after finding out she works with cecil and they officially meet when Cecil sends her out to help Atom eve and Mark with a villain and after instead of helping his gf he introduces himself to reader and gets all nervous and she finds and calls him really cute so she asks if he’s taken and he says no and she tells him to give her a call if they ever wanna go out together, eve asks what was that about (she didn’t hear the convo) he says nothing and they go home and sooner or later reader and mark hook up leading to them falling for each and catching feelings and one day they took it to the next level and it’s was very heated and they end up confessing and having another heated make out session only for eve to come and find them in the act and she’s heartbroken and argues with Mark infront of reader, eventually eve storms out but mark doesn’t go after her he apologizes to reader that he lied and she’s okay with it and they stay together

(It can be as explicit as you want and can Marks parents really adore reader and they also go to the same school, I’m sorry this is so long 🥲)

A/N: omg hey bestie so sorry this took a while! this was loooooong and is the last request in my inbox before Love They Neighbour 2!

Pairing: Mark Grayson x Fem!Reader

Rating: Explicit AF

Warnings: smut!! on!! smut!! cheating, swearing, angst, etc

Summary: You captivated Mark the moment you swooped in to help, but he should have been more honest with you before things got intense.

As you landed the final hit on the last Mauler twin standing, you watched as he fell on the pavement and created a crater around his gigantic blue being. You let out a sigh of exhaustion when your feet touched back on the ground, relieved that it was done and over with.

"Excuse me?"

You turned around and saw Invincible hovering towards you, his blue and yellow suit tarnished from the action.

"Hi, sorry, I should have introduced myself before I jumped in," you said, walking to where he landed. "Cecil sent me here."

"Oh... so you, uh, work for the GDA," he replied feebly.

"I do, just started actually," you informed him.

"That was..." he pointed at the knocked out Mauler twin, "that was a nice blow."

You crossed your brows, "I'm sorry?"

"Sorry! No! I meant... I meant..." he stuttered. "Like that was... t-that was a good... hit! A good hit!" Mortified, he placed his hand on his forehead and shook his head, and you could swear there was a tinge of pink creeping up on his cheeks.

You laughed at the boy, who is one of the strongest people on this planet, as he fell apart in front of you. "Thank you," you simply replied, keeping it short to keep him from feeling more embarrassed. "Anyway, I should report back—"

"I'm Invincible," he cut you off, reaching his hand out.

You looked down at his hand that was trembling, then back up to his face that still had that smile on. "I'm Y/N," you replied with your superhero name, shaking his hand slowly.

"Shit, I just realized I cut you off," he suddenly said, placing his hand on his forehead again. "I was gonna say thank you for helping Atom Eve and I out with the twins but I just got so caught up in my own thoughts that I..." he trailed off, "that I started rambling. Shit, sorry."

"Don't worry about it," you responded with an audible giggle, "I'll let it pass because you're cute."

His lips formed into a wide smile, "You... You think I'm cute?"

"I do," you nodded, biting your lower lip. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"No!" he exclaimed almost immediately. "No, no, I... I'm not."

"Well do you maybe wanna go out some time?" you asked. "Our dating pool is quite limited and I think you're probably the best catch out there right now."

"I-I would love to," he stammered as he fumbled to get his phone, which is miraculously still in tact, out of his pocket. "Give me your number, I'll text you!"

As you typed your phone number on the screen, you looked up at his face that was beaming with so much excitement, his mask could have melted off. You swiftly returned his phone and winked, "Call me," and you flew off — that was a good exit.

His eyes followed you as you zoomed away, and his head began thinking of all the things he can/should say in his first text to you.

"Mark," a female voice broke his daydream, "what was that all about?"

He turned around and saw Eve, his girlfriend, standing there with an unsuspicious look on her face. "Nothing," he lied, clearing his throat. "Let's go home, I'm ready to just lay on my bed."

— — —

After going out on two (secret) study dates together, Mark finally accepted that he was in deep shit. He paced around his bedroom as he waited for you to come in through the window, internally panicking at two things: one, that he's catching real feelings for you and two, that Eve will find out.

"I can't lie to Eve forever, she'll know something's up," he mumbled to himself as he walked back and forth.

A soft gust of wind caught his attention and he looked up to see you gently closing his bedroom window. You cheerfully greeted him but the smile on your face quickly disappeared upon seeing the worried look on his.

"Is everything okay?" you asked.

"Yeah, I'm just, um..." he trailed off, looking up at the ceiling, "stressed about art class."

"Well I don't know how your class does it but it sounds like they're really giving you guys a tough time out there," you replied, moving close enough to him to wrap your arms around his neck.

He responded by placing his arms around your waist and pulling you closer. "It's a killer," he lied.

"Well you look like you need a stress reliever," you said in a low voice, leaning in to give him gentle kisses on the neck. "And I think I know just the thing," you added in a whisper.

Your lips on his neck sent shots of electricity up Mark's spine and his grip around your waist tightened. He used one hand to move your face back up across his and he immediately began kissing you, each one more deeper and more passionate than the last. He guided the both of you to his bed where you landed in synchronicity, and his hands were quick to pull up your shirt and unbutton your shorts.

"Mark, hey," you pulled away. "Are you okay?"

He took a deep breath, "Mmhm, I just need you right now."

The redness and look of restraint in his face was, admittedly, driving you crazy too; you resumed kissing him and proceeded to take off his clothes — which were luckily just a T-shirt and shorts — and his hand moved up and down your back until he decided to unhook your bra. He pulled away from your lips and dived down to your chest, sucking on your perky nipples as his one hand rubbed circles over your damp center. He was sending you into a frenzy and when you finally found the strength to speak, it was just his name.

"I need you right now," he repeated as he placed himself on top of you and stripped you of your last article of clothing.

Mark reached over to his bedside table and rolled down a condom in what seemed like mere seconds. Lining himself up to your entrance, you caught a glimpse of his throbbing cock as he fully slid himself inside you. A low moan escaped from both your lips while you adjusted to his length, and he slowly began picking up a rhythm and a steady pace. He leaned down and gave you a sloppy kiss as he moved with more force and speed, his fingers tangling with yours while you both lost yourself to each other.

"I need you," he moaned, "I need you right now."

You kissed him once more and replied breathily, "I'm right here. Fuck, Mark, I'm right here."

Keeping his forehead against yours and his speed and strength building up, he said the two words that brought you crumbling:

"Cum. Now."

The force, the rhythm, and the authority in his voice pushed you over edge. Your thighs tensed then weakened as you entered a whole new state of euphoria, and your soft moans together in the air sounded like a warm, harmonic song. Mark felt himself let go inside you and his pace slowed down to sporadic thrusts until he rolled over next to you, the both of you panting from all the emotions.

"Holy fuck," you said shakily. "That was..."

"Insane," he finished for you as he pulled the condom away and threw it to what he hoped was his trash bin.

"Mmhm," you whispered before turning your head to look at him.

You watched as Mark caught his breath, his sweaty and toned chest moving up and down. He extended his arm above you and you scooted closer, resting your head on his shoulder and placing your hand on his heaving his chest. You laid there in silence, the only audible noise being the humming of the air-conditioner.

"Y/N, I need to tell you something," Mark finally said.

"Yes?" you asked, tracing circles on his chest with your fingertip.

"I don't know how to say it," he started. "So I'm just going to. Don't freak out, please. And if you do, will you let me know so I can—"

"Mark," you cut him off, "just tell me."

He took a deep breath, "I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Really?" you giggled.

"Yeah, really," he replied. "It's cool if you don't... you know, feel the same way or whatever."

You chuckled and planted a tender kiss on his lips. "I feel too, you know," you said. "But I'm glad you said it first."

"Why?" he asked with a smile.

"Because," you shrugged. "If somebody asks, I can tell them you were the first one to break."

Mark laughed and began attacking you with kisses — on your neck, your cheeks, you forehead, your ears, your nose, anywhere he could plant one. You giggled as you tried to get away, feigning weakness while you enjoyed the moment. He finally managed to land a long one your lips, and that one kiss re-energized the heat you were just feeling earlier. His one hand gently cusped your breasts in turns, and you retaliated by rolling on top of him and moving his hands down to your ass. You moaned as Mark gave you a gentle squeeze, and he guided your hips to slowly move against him.

"God, I need you so bad," he said in between kisses.

"I'm all yours, baby," you responded quietly. "All yours, alw—"

"Mark?"

His focus shattered as that familiar voice rang in his ear. You quickly rolled off him, covering yourself with the blanket and looking up at a hovering Eve. Mark grabbed his shorts and quickly put them back on before walking towards Eve, extending his arms out in an attempt to keep her calm.

"Eve, before you say anything—"

"I can't believe you!" she yelled, the tears starting to roll down her cheeks. "I can't believe you would do this to me! I trusted you! I trusted her!" she added, pointing at you.

"Eve, she didn't know. Leave her out of this," Mark replied sternly, lowering his arms. "This is between you and me."

She slowly landed back down on the floor but didn't move a step; Eve was paralyzed with anger and sadness, bu mostly the former. "Why?"

"Look, Eve," he turned to look at you and returned his attention to his sobbing girlfriend. "I'm sorry I lied to you. But the truth is I just... I just stopped loving you. I haven't... loved you for a while now."

"And you couldn't be honest with me?" she asked.

"No, I couldn't," Mark answered, "and I'm sorry you had to find out this way. This is on me, okay?"

Eve sniffled, "Why did you stop loving me?"

"All we did was fight, Eve," he sighed, "all we did was fight and yell at each other until we got so tired of yelling, we'd just fall asleep. Then the next morning it's like nothing happened."

She sniffled and shook her head, still refusing to believe this was happening.

"We never solved anything. We never apologized to each other. It's like we were just staying together for the sake of it, or so that no one in the team could shit on us if we broke up," Mark added. "I'm sorry, Eve. I never meant for it to play out like this."

Eve looked up at him with a stone face, her eyes red and puffy. "I'm gonna fly out of that window, And if you don't follow, it means that you don't wanna solve this," she said, sniffling and pointing at his open bedroom window. "Make your choice, Mark."

He watched as he left her bedroom, the soft gust of wind flipping some of his comic books open. Mark walked towards the window and stared at Eve, who was now flying further and further away. When he could no longer see her silhouette in the sky, he shut his window.

"Mark, aren't you...?"

"No," he shook his head, "I didn't mean for this but I meant what I said to Eve."

He turned around and sat on the edge of the bed, keeping his eyes glued to the floor. "Y/N, I owe you an apology too," he sighed. "I should have told you about Eve. I should have broken it off with her before I started anything with you."

"Mark..."

He finally looked up at you, "I'm sorry, Y/N. I didn't want you to get caught in the middle of this." He sighed again, "I understand if you want to go and never talk to me again because I'm a total piece of shit. But please know I didn't want this to happen."

You sat there and stared at him — Invincible didn't look so invincible right now; he was ashamed and angry at himself. The teenage boy arrogantly flying through the skies like it was no big deal was sitting across you, defeated from the stupid decisions he admittedly made. There was a mixture of fear and embarrassment and sadness and guilt in his eyes, and he was ready for you to just get dressed and leave.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"W... What?"

You shook your head and moved next to him, keeping the blanket over your chest. "I forgive you," you explained to him. "What you did was shitty, yeah, but we all make mistakes. I know I've made my fair share."

"But this was a really big mistake," he said.

"I know," you replied, "but at least you can admit to it and learn from it."

He sighed, "You know, I meant what I said to you earlier... about me... you know, falling in love with you."

"I believe you, and I meant it too.”

You lied back down on the bed and patted the empty space next to you. Mark took up your offer and wrapped you in his arms, his nose buried in your hair as he kept you close to him.

“I promise I will never hurt you like this,” he whispered.

“I know.”

[renaerys]

PPG One-Shot: Mall Santa (Boomer/Mike and Brick/Blossom)

Summary: To earn a little extra cash over the holidays, Brick, Mike, and Boomer agree to help out their buddy Todd at a Mall Santa gig. Shenanigans ensue.

This one is for @snailbutters, @genovah, and @hanaokm. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Enjoy some Boomike, Blossick, and Capri Sus on me. 

[Cross-posted to AO3]

xxx

There were a lot of things Todd needed: a haircut, for one. His black hair was getting too long for gel and it was really pushing the boundary between greaser sexy and sad trash hobo. Money, for another. But like any other 21-year-old townie with a high school education and two restaurant jobs, he always needed money.

A new best friend, for yet another.

“I’m not your best friend,” Brick snapped as he tied a black tie around his neck. He needed to leave in ten minutes if he was going to be early for his dinner meeting with Oliver Morbucks.

Todd put a hand over his heart like it might fall out of the wound Brick’s words had stabbed there. “Dude, of course you are. I’m totally sorry if I ever gave you the wrong idea.”

Brick grimaced so hard he was sure he’d end up constipated. “No, you idiot. I know you think I’m your best friend. You’ve never shut up about it, even after we graduated high school. I’m pretty sure the whole fucking Peninsula knows it the way you go around shouting it when you’re blasted.”

Todd looked like he’d just received news that his favorite nana wasn’t dying of cancer after all. “Oh, cool. For a second there I thought I really hurt your feelings. You know you’re kinda sensitive, right?”

Oh god.

“What do you want, Todd? I have a really important meeting and I’m not missing it for your bullshit.”

Brick checked his reflection in the bathroom mirror in his one-bedroom apartment in downtown Townsville. It was a shitty hole-in-the-wall kind of place, but Brick was used to squalor. His break was coming, he could feel it. If tonight’s meeting went over well, he’d have a more steady revenue stream and, more importantly, the connections and clout the Morbucks name brought to open doors. All the long days at Red’s Auto Shop saving and scraping by would finally pay off, and just in time for Blossom to graduate from college. It was perfectly planned, meticulously manipulated, all down to this last pivotal dinner.

“Cool, no big deal! I just need to know if you’re free this weekend.”

“Free to do what?” Brick indulged him, because Todd was one of the few people on this planet who wasn’t 100% intimidated by his very presence.

“To help me with this Mall Santa gig I got. Harry Pitt was supposed to be my number two elf, but he ate some bad prawns and they had to, like, airlift him to Citiesville General.”

Brick stopped everything he was doing and glared at his second-to-best friend, which was a key fact because second was not the same as first. “What the fuck did you just say to me?”

“I know, right?” Todd knew his way around Brick’s embarrassingly small bathroom, opened up the hair wax, and fixed Brick’s styling job. “Dude always had a weak stomach, you remember. But you don’t fuck with bad prawns. I mean, obviously.”

Brick swatted Todd’s hands away and checked his reflection. It was definitely an improvement. “Not that; the Mall Santa thing, obviously!”

“Oh, yeah. So you’ll help me out?”

“Fuck no.”

“Aw, Briiiiiiick,” Todd whined.

Brick grabbed his dinner jacket from the closet barely big enough to fit a small, starving child. Todd, who had latched onto Brick in the seventh grade like a goddamned barnacle and never let go no matter how hard Brick tried to push him away, followed. “Not if you paid me.”

“You’ll get paid! It’s $20 an hour!”

Brick hesitated over the threshold. “That’s higher than minimum wage.” It was higher than his hourly rate at the garage too.

“Seasonal gigs, man. That’s how you win.”

“It’s seriously fucking not.”

Todd, one of three people in the universe who actually cared about Brick on a personal level even though he wasn’t obligated by blood, made his blue eyes big and wide in a way that reminded Brick of Puss-n-Boots from Shrek, Todd’s favorite movie. “C’mon, bruh. Do your bestie a solid? Just this once? I really need the money and they won’t let me keep the gig without two elves to fill in. So please? Pleeeeeeease?”

And Brick, former scourge of Townsville, a Super with the power to literally raze the planet if it so much as tickled his fancy, and the dictionary definition of the boy every father dreads his perfect, pretty little girl falling for against her better judgment, cracked like an egg.

“For fuck’s sake,” he groused. “Just text me the time and place and get out of my face already.”

Todd punched the air with both fists. “Yes!! Oh, hell yes! I love you so much, dude.”

“Blow me.” Brick checked his watch. Shit, now he was merely on time.

“I’d consider it an honor,” Todd said, probably literally serious.

xxx

Boomer rolled glitter on his cheeks and around the edges of his dark blue eyes with the help of a compact as he huddled behind the North Pole set on the first floor of the Townsville Mall. When he was satisfied that he sparkled like the tinsel-festooned Christmas trees in Santa’s twelve-by-fifteen-foot “forest” themselves, he discreetly re-emerged just as the latest child slid off Santa’s lap.

“Merry Christmas, Dan!” bellowed a red and white-clad Todd behind an enormous, curly beard. “Remember to brush your teeth!”

The little boy ran back to his parents, who were having a word with the photographer about purchasing a picture of their son on Santa’s lap. Before Boomer could follow them, Brick was quick to cut him off.

“Where the hell were you?” he demanded. Sour as an un-sugared plum in his festive, candy-striped elf costume, Brick may have absolutely intimidated the seven-year-olds waiting in line with their parents for a turn on Santa’s lap, but Boomer only allowed him a bemused smile.

“Why, I was making toys for the good little boys and girls who came to visit us here at the North Pole,” Boomer said in a raised voice. He looped his arm through his brother’s and let his power surge with enough force to turn Brick around and face the crowd that was definitely within hearing range. “Isn’t that right, Elf Mursten?”

Brick pushed back with inhuman force, but Boomer held his ground with a smile as bright as the glitter on his cheeks as a little girl in overalls trotted forward.

She giggled. “I like your hat.”

“Thank you!” Boomer gushed, and he tipped his pom-pom-topped cap. “And what’s your name?”

The little girl giggled again. “My name’s Alynn.”

“Well, Alynn, why don’t you step right up and take a seat on Santa’s lap? I’m sure he has a great present for a cool girl like you. Right, Elf Mursten?”

Brick glared medieval torture at him, and he managed a smile that showed too many teeth to be anything other than life-threatening. “Of course, Elf Buller.”

Boomer’s smile tightened.

“Ho ho ho! Come on over, Santa doesn’t bite,” Todd said.

“What a psychotic reassurance,” Brick said soft enough for only the Super brothers to hear.

“Hey, Brick?” Boomer said, just as softly. “Cheer the fuck up.” He gave his brother a bone-crushing squeeze around the arm and broke from him. Brick could be a sourpuss when he wanted to be (all the time), but he wouldn’t mess up Todd’s Mall Santa gig when he’d bothered to show up and actually put in the effort at all. Complain as he might about Todd’s exuberance, Brick had always come through for his best friend since the seventh grade.

Boomer, on the other hand, had been very happy to accept Todd’s offer to work the two weeks leading up to Christmas. The hours were reasonable, the pay was good, and Boomer loved children. It was easy money in between local shows he and his garage band had booked over the holidays.

Plus, the photographer had a nice rack.

“Okay, Santa, Alynn. Look over here and say ‘jingle bells’!” A flash went off, and Mike Believe stood to his full height behind the tripod he’d set up for the day’s pictures. Even in reindeer antlers and a bright, red-painted nose, Mike filled out every fold of his brown Rudolph outfit almost to the point of popping a button. His broad chest puffed out when he put his strong hands on his hips and grinned brightly like he wouldn’t pick anywhere else to be right now.

Their eyes met, and Boomer flushed and smiled like a fool.

When Mike winked back at him coyly, his heart leaped into his throat. Mike had gotten home from college just two days ago, but the three weeks he had off for Winter Break would surely fly by like they did every year, and Boomer was determined to spend every moment together.

A tug on Boomer’s green tunic drew his attention. “Can I take a picture with you? Please?” the little girl asked.

Boomer beamed and scooped her up onto his hip. “Of course you can. Hey, Mike? Can you take one of us, please?”

“You bet! Get in close, now.” Mike readied his camera.

“Oh, wait a sec. Why don’t you take this too?” Boomer removed his festive hat and put it on Alynn’s head. It was big on her, but she laughed happily.

They posed for the picture, and Boomer hugged her cheek to cheek.

“Thanks!” The little girl tried to give him his hat back, but he pressed it to her chest.

“You keep it. Merry Christmas. Remember to be good, okay?”

Alynn’s father was waiting with a hand for her to take when she ran back to him, yammering about how she’d met Santa and his super cool elf friend, and Boomer watched them go.

“You know you’ll have to pay for that hat,” Brick said.

Boomer sighed and ran a hand through his cornflower hair. “You know I look better without it.”

Brick frowned deeply. “Uh-huh.”

“If you keep frowning, your face will stick like that.”

“Moron.”

He always had to have the last word. Brick went to stack the empty boxes wrapped in bright, shiny paper, which was probably more productive than blowing up the entire display. Boomer left him to it. It was time for their mid-morning break, anyway.

Todd got up to stretch. “Man, who knew sitting could be so tiring, huh? Whack.” His phone buzzed, and he grinned when he saw the caller ID.

Boomer, however, had eyes only for Mike as the latter turned off his camera and put a sheet over the tripod to protect it. “Working hard, I see.”

When Mike smiled, his dark eyes crinkled in the corners. He had a face made for smiling. “Oh, you know. Just helping out some friends.”

Like Brick, Todd had asked Mike to help out behind the camera for this gig. Mike didn’t exactly need the extra cash given his lacrosse scholarship that covered his college expenses, but the three of them had been as thick as thieves all through high school no matter what Brick said when he was annoyed. No way was Mike going to bail on the chance to help out a bro.

“This is cute,” Mike said, running a thumb over Boomer’s sparkly cheek.

“If only I could convince Brick to wear some,” Boomer said, lacing his fingers in Mike’s as they shuffled to the side of the exhibit behind a blinking Christmas tree for a bit of privacy.

Mike chuckled. “That’ll take a Christmas miracle. But anyway, I don’t want to talk about Brick right now.”

Their kiss was soft and mostly chaste, considering the venue, but Boomer didn’t mind at all. He rose up on his toes to lean into his boyfriend’s superior height and smiled into their kiss. Even in the middle of the Townsville Mall with shoppers mere yards away, for a few seconds Boomer got lost in the fantasy of the forest and the snow drifts, bright lights and magic that came around only once a year and had always touched his heart in a way nothing else quite could.

“Babe! You got here quick!” Todd’s excitement and a small commotion around Santa’s throne drew the lovers’ attention, and Boomer reluctantly broke the kiss. His Super hearing quickly picked up on what was going on.

“What is it?” Mike asked.

Boomer smiled wryly. “That Christmas miracle you wished for. Come on.” He took Mike’s larger hand in his and pulled him back toward the front of the display, where Todd had scooped up a very small, very fashionable Asian woman in his arms.

“Oh my god, don’t do shits in front of the innocent children, Toddy.” Hana patted her high bun and smoothed out her oversized black jacket once Todd released her.

“Hey, I just missed you is all,” Todd said with a genuine smile like he had really, truly missed his girlfriend since this morning when they had last seen each other.

“You guys are too cute,” said Bubbles with a giggle. As usual, she was adorable in blonde twin tails and a holiday-appropriate sweater dress. Shopping bags hung from both her arms, also as usual.

“Right?” Hana said, her deadpan façade melting completely as she beamed at her closest friend.

“No contest.” Bubbles set down her small nation of shopping bags. “Oh! Hi, Boomer!” She dashed to hug him in a flash of blue, and he caught her easily. “Oh my gosh, I love your glitter. You look like a supermodel!”

Boomer laughed and hugged her back. “Thanks for letting me borrow it. I really owe you.”

“Don’t worry about it. Oh, but you definitely need some touching up. Here, let me just…”

Mike had wandered over to Todd and Hana. “Hey, Hana. Are you staying for the holiday?”

Hana shrugged. “Yeah, my art show isn’t until after New Year’s. You know, I’m always looking for more models.” She raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Mike laughed. “I’m honored, but I’m really nothing special, honestly. You might try Butch.”

Todd guffawed. “Oh man, Butch is, like, one of her top models! She painted him for what, six weeks last summer, babe?”

“Seven,” Hana said, dead serious.

Mike smiled nervously. “That’s a lot of inspiration.”

“He is very inspiring,” Hana said, deader and more serious.

“That dude is goals,” Todd said, totally unironically.

“I guess I can’t argue with that,” Mike said.

“Aaaaand done.” Bubbles stepped back to admire her handiwork. “Honestly? You’re the most beautiful elf the North Pole ever employed.”

Boomer snickered. “Don’t tell Brick that.”

“Don’t tell me what, now?” Brick emerged from his useless empty box stacking task, glitter-less and severely lacking in Christmas cheer.

Bubbles gasped, right on cue. “Brick! Where is your glitter? Get over here.”

Brick made a weird face. “What are you talk—hey!”

Bubbles all but accosted him with the glitter pen. Hana cheered and applauded, and Todd joined in because he liked to cheer and applaud in general.

“What are you—get off!” Brick shoved Bubbles hard, but a flash of pink caught her before she could crash into anything.

Blossom peered around her totally unfazed sister, a tray of lattes in one hand and her perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised. “Brick,” she said.

Brick swallowed. “Blossom.”

She looked nice in leggings and a sweater dress that matched Bubbles’ style, except where Bubbles’ was white, Blossom’s was a scarlet that rivaled the shade of Brick’s eyes.

“I brought you guys coffee,” Blossom said, her eyes trained on Brick even as she held out the tray.

Mike took the tray before it could become collateral damage in whatever was going on between the two of them.

“Here you go.” Mike offered one to Boomer, who gratefully accepted it.

“Thanks!”

“I thought you weren’t getting home until tomorrow,” Brick said, as if he and Blossom were the only two people there.

“Change of plans,” Blossom said. “Problem?”

Brick seemed to remember what he was wearing and snatched his elf hat from his head. He bunched it up between his hands like that would hide his imagined shame. “It’s fine.”

It wasn’t fine, clearly. But it wasn’t Boomer’s place to intrude. He would have been extremely happy for it to end there, but sadly Blossom, like his brother, had a flair for the dramatic and an affinity for the center of attention.

She sauntered up to him and smeared the bit of glitter Bubbles had managed to draw on his cheek before he’d shoved her off. “Good,” she said, half an invitation and half a challenge.

Brick didn’t bend easily. Boomer knew his brother as well as he knew himself, and he knew Brick didn’t relent, never gave in unless he was well and truly beaten, which was rare. But he slackened now, lips parting and eyes falling. Even though his arms stayed stubbornly at his sides and he didn’t do something as scandalous as hold his girlfriend’s hand in public, he melted under her touch and attention.

“All right! Bloss, you’re back early! This is massive, like, supernova massive,” Todd said. “Hey, I know! Let’s throw a party at mine tonight! Brick said you weren’t coming back for another couple of days, so this is like a cool early Christmas present to all of us.”

Bubbles gasped. “Oh my gosh, yes! Let’s all go to Todd’s tonight, just like we used to. I’m calling Robin right now.”

“We can make it a real Christmas party,” Blossom said. Somehow, she’d gotten ahold of Bubbles’ glitter pen and now smeared a generous amount on Brick’s cheeks until he gleamed without suffering a nuclear meltdown. A Christmas miracle, indeed.

“You’ll wear the Santa suit,” Hana said. Demanded.

“Ho ho ho! You got it, babe.”

“That thing’s a rental,” Brick said. “And it’s, like, 75 degrees outside.”

“If he gets too hot, I’ll hose him down,” Hana said.

Brick smartly decided not to press her on that one.

“I like your elf costume, Brick,” Blossom teased. Maybe.

“I’m burning it as soon as I get paid,” Brick said.

“I thought it was a rental like Todd’s?”

He hesitated, trapped by his own logic, and she laughed softly and kissed the side of his mouth. Brick froze and played it off like it didn’t affect him, but his eyes were drawn to Blossom’s lips for the next six whole minutes. Boomer really didn’t get why he had to make everything so damn complicated.

“Hey, hombres, our break is up and I see a super cute kid waiting to sit on the softest lap in Townsville,” Todd said, sinking back onto his candy cane throne and patting his lap.

Brick visibly cringed.

“It could be worse,” Mike whispered to Brick. “At least this time we get to keep our shirts on.”

Boomer smiled at the memory of Todd’s last seasonal gig he’d roped Brick and Mike into over the summer. The shirtless carwash had admittedly been one of his more rewarding part-time jobs, and Boomer had the photo evidence to cherish the memory extremely fondly.

Blossom and Hana retreated behind Mike while Bubbles finished up her phone call with Robin and Brick admitted the next child on set.

“Welcome to the North Pole,” he said with all the cheer of an old tire. Nonetheless, his cheeks dazzled. “What’s your name, kid?”

She looked up at him but didn’t say anything. Boomer noticed her shyness and decided he better intervene.

“Hey there,” he said, taking a knee so he could be on her eye-level. “Merry Christmas.”

That alarmed her even more, and she hugged Brick’s leg.

“What the—” Brick put his hands up like he didn’t know what to do with them. “Great.”

The girl’s parents were busy talking to Mike about the picture packages and didn’t seem to notice what was going on.

“Uh,” Boomer said, ready to flag them down before the little girl got scared or started to cry. They’d been lucky this morning with only one child throwing a temper tantrum out of the tens they’d seen.

“All right, kid. I hope you have a good grip.” Brick floated off the ground with the little girl clinging to his leg and flew over to Todd’s throne.

Boomer was so flabbergasted by his brother’s gross disregard for this child’s safety in front of her parents that he was momentarily stunned where he kneeled. It was over in about two and a half seconds, with her parents none the wiser and the little girl still in one piece, miraculously. Brick peeled her off him and dropped her on Todd’s lap.

“Name,” Brick demanded. And then, reluctantly: “…To check you off the Nice List.”

The little girl looked up at him with wide-eyed wonderment, or maybe fear. “Morana.”

“Morana. Super. Tell Todd—I mean, Santa—what you want. And smile for the camera.”

Todd didn’t miss a beat and wrapped his arms loosely around her to hold her safely in place. “Morana, that’s a pretty name. Wanna tell me what you want for Christmas?”

Morana pointed at Brick. “That one.”

Brick turned as red as his messy man bun. Todd wheezed.

“Oh, yeah? Well, that one’s taken, but I bet I can get you a picture together. How ‘bout it?” Todd asked.

Boomer was up and moving in a blue flash. “That can be arranged.” He shoved his brother with a healthy burst of Super strength, and Brick all but fell on his knee next to Todd’s throne. Boomer waved back at Mike for the picture.

“Big smile now!” Mike said cheerfully, and snapped the picture.

“What the hell is up with these kids?” Brick asked when Morana skipped back to her parents and started chattering at them in a language Boomer didn’t recognize but assumed must be all good things from the way she grinned from ear to ear. “They get bolder every year.”

“Or you’re just getting softer,” Boomer teased.

“Yeah, right.”

Blossom laughed at something Hana said on a nearby bench, drawing both their eyes.

“Whatever you say, man,” Boomer said.

xxx

Todd’s party was a nostalgic and long-overdue affair later that evening. Unlike Boomer, who had to make do in a small studio apartment on the outskirts of Citiesville where the rent was more manageable and his commute didn’t matter when flying anywhere took only minutes, Todd lived in a big house he took care of for his often absent, globe-trotting parents. Blossom, Bubbles, and Robin had taken the initiative and strung up Christmas lights, while Boomer created and managed the playlist for the night. They had a good crowd with old friends from high school and new ones from work and college gathered for no excuse other than to have a good time.

Butch, Buttercup, Mike, and Todd had set up beer pong in the basement, where most of the festivities were taking place. As usual, the shit talking and macho bravado had soared to ludicrous heights.

“Come on, BC,” Todd goaded. “Money shot, right here.” He fluffed his Santa beard, the ends of which were damp with beer. Buttercup had one cup left to hit.

“I’m about to straight-up tea bag you with this ping pong ball, Todd, I swear to god.” Buttercup tried to focus on her aim after too many beers and the distraction of Todd’s stupid Santa beard.

“Do it, fucking do it,” Butch said, bobbing on the balls of his feet and slightly manic with the competition and holiday cheer, probably.

“I’m gonna fucking do it!”

“I don’t think you can fucking do it,” Mike said.

“Ohhhhh!” Butch hollered when Buttercup lost her temper and threw the ball too hard. It bounced off Todd’s beard and fell on the floor, leaving the last cup untouched.

“Mike, you cheater!” Buttercup shouted.

Mike burst out laughing.

“All riiiiight, the Toddster’s final shot. You filming, babe?” Todd asked.

Hana, across the table from Boomer, had her phone out and poised. “Kick their asses, Toddy.”

“Yeah, bring it on, Toddy,” Butch jeered.

“Oh, it’s about to be brought.”

“Oh god, please, you peaked in high school,” Buttercup said.

“Hey, he plateaued,” Mike said. “There’s a difference.”

“Just take the damn shot!”

Todd shot, hit the rim of the solo cup, and missed. Buttercup and Butch threw up their hands and whooped. They were still in the game, and the stakes were even higher now.

Boomer squeezed Mike’s arm in a silent excuse and went to change the music…only to find Brick and Blossom making out in the hallway like it was their last night on Earth.

The music was fine, he decided. No need to interrupt Brick and Blossom trying to fuse with the wall and face his brother’s cock blocked wrath. Discreetly, Boomer snapped a picture on his phone and texted it to Bubbles.

[Boomer: Shooketh]

Bubbles’ reply was lightning fast.

[Bubbles: More like shattered!!]

[Bubbles: Better get out of there before they catch you lol 💀]

After another hour (and Brick and Blossom’s reemergence from the wall in one piece with not a hair out of place because god forbid), Boomer and Mike decided to head out early. They went back to Boomer’s apartment, where a very excited Pomeranian welcomed them home.

“Hi, Pumpkin!” Mike brightened like the sun and scooped up his favorite girl, left in Boomer’s care while he was away at college. “Who’s ready for a walk?”

They walked Pumpkin and let her tire herself out running around the suburban neighborhood where it was too late at night for any cars to be out. A half hour later, they were curled up on the loveseat with Pumpkin snoozing in her fuzzy bed at their feet and an old black-and-white Christmas movie playing on low volume on the television.

“Hey,” Boomer said, lifting his head from Mike’s chest to look at him properly.

Mike set aside the hot chocolate he’d been drinking and pulled Boomer up by his waist. “Hey, you. What is it?”

Boomer smiled. It was silly, really. “It’s nothing.”

“Oh?” Mike returned his smile and leaned closer. He smelled like soap, a hint of chocolate, and something else that made Boomer want to bury his face in his neck.

“Just happy,” Boomer said.

“Really? I can’t tell.”

Boomer sat up a little higher. The neck of Mike’s old lacrosse jersey he wore dipped down his shoulder, too big on him and softer than a cloud. He pressed a chaste kiss to the underside of Mike’s jaw. “How about now?”

“Hm, nope, I don’t think I quite got that.”

Boomer threaded his fingers though Mike’s short, dark hair at the nape of his neck. Feeling coquettish, he gave his ear a nip. “How about now?”

Mike shifted on the couch and pulled Boomer’s bent legs onto his lap. His voice was as warm as the hot chocolate he’d been drinking. “I think I’m starting to get a vague understanding.”

Boomer laughed and painted a trail of kisses along Mike’s jaw, up his chin. He pressed a strong hand to his chest and put a little power behind it. Centimeters apart, he could taste the lingering heat of the hot chocolate on Mike’s breath. “And now?”

Mike’s eyes drooped and darkened. His hands slipped around Boomer’s waist, under the jersey, a silent entreaty. “I think you can do a little better than that, Angel.”

The secret nickname broke Boomer’s resolve, and he kissed his boyfriend full on the mouth with all the confidence and shamelessness he couldn’t give him that morning at the mall surrounded by children and their parents. Mike’s shirt soon found its way to the floor along with Boomer’s borrowed jersey. The loveseat was too short to accommodate Mike’s height comfortably, and after a few moments Boomer held him close and flew them to the bed in a flash.

“I’ll never get over how hot that is,” Mike said, breathless.

Boomer blushed, unable to help it. He was careful with his strength around Mike, but sometimes the X bonded to his bones pushed him to the raw, carnal boundaries of humanity. Mike’s hand on his cheek drew him out of those spiraling thoughts.

“I mean it,” Mike said. “I love that part of you. And I trust you completely.”

Words did not come easily, nor did they seem appropriate in that moment. Boomer bent to kiss Mike again and pull him as close as he could get. Wrapped up in the warm sheets and each other, Boomer’s silly little thought that he had never been happier grew and swelled to heights he never could have imagined before Mike. They lay there together, lazy and sleepy, as the credits of their forgotten holiday movie played on the television.

“One more semester,” Mike said, “and then I graduate.”

“I can’t believe you’re almost a college graduate,” Boomer said. “It feels like you left ages ago.”

“Four years is a long time, but it’s not forever. And you should get ready.”

Boomer looked up at him. “Ready for what?”

“To move, of course.”

“Move?”

“Hey, I love how cozy your apartment is, but I’m pretty sure Pumpkin would appreciate her own room once we’re living together full time.”

Boomer sat up properly. “You… You want to move in together? With me?”

“Of course! The only question is, where do you want to go?”

Boomer covered his mouth. Of course he had thought about getting a place with Mike, but that always seemed like the distant future. What if they didn’t stay together? What if the long distance was too hard? What if Mike met someone else at college? Brick didn’t talk about it much, but after a few too many drinks one night the year Blossom and Mike both left for college, he’d confessed how afraid he was that he would lose her forever. How can the old be exciting and fun compared to the amazing, new adventures she would be having?

But from the way Boomer had caught them all but absorbing each other at Todd’s tonight, Blossom seemed perfectly happy to keep him. And Mike…

“You’re serious,” Boomer said.

“I’ve never been more serious.” Mike took his hand and kissed his knuckles carefully. “I can’t wait to start our lives together.”

Boomer could have cried. He almost did. Life was hard, even for a Super like him. With endless bills to pay and the occasional monster to dispose of, sometimes he felt like he was being pulled in too many directions without anyone there to help pick up the slack. But this… This was his.

“Me too,” Boomer said. “And I don’t care where we go, as long as it’s together.”

“Well, cool. In that case, if you’re not opposed to it, was thinking farther north, like Metroville. There are some great photography jobs there that I want to apply for, and the music scene is bigger than it is here—”

“Yes! A hundred percent yes, let’s do it. When do we leave?”

Mike laughed. “June 1st, as soon as they hand me my diploma.”

Six months. It had a date now. Unthinking, Boomer threw his arms around Mike’s broad shoulders and hugged him tight. “I’ll mark my calendar.”

“It’s a date.”

Incidentally, they did not get much sleep the rest of that night.

xxx

I told myself I wasn’t going to do a ton of fluff, but damnit all, Boomike is SUPER CUTE and I couldn’t help myself. Let them have the happy ending they deserve. Thanks for reading!

[chatonne-rousse]

Through a Different Lens

This incredible work of art by @lilianmorganart crossed my dash last week and has lived rent-free in my head since then. I made it my phone's wallpaper and found myself getting emotional every time I picked up the phone to use it (If that doesn't confirm my stratospheric level of unrepentant Adrienette trash, I don't know what does).

I told @tsuki-chibi about it and we discussed how Adrien would totally swoon over it, too, if it was the lock screen on his phone. And that's how this fic was born.

I hope you enjoy this little relationship study through Alya's eyes as she and Nino share life and love alongside their best friends.

Read it on Ao3 here.

*****

"Last set of the night, dudes and dudettes. We're about to be upstaged big time." Nino points out the bank of windows toward the already-glittering Eiffel Tower before needle meets vinyl and the music starts, soft and undeniably romantic. "Let's wind it down by slowing it down."

A blue balloon flutters to the floor beside Nino's feet as he hops from the DJ platform and winds through a sea of his classmates to his waiting girlfriend. Alya wastes no time wrapping him in her arms and pressing a kiss to his lips, turning the greeting into dancing with the sway of her hips that he matches after a few beats.

"How many songs did you line up?" she murmurs when they finally part.

He smiles and winks at her. "Four. It's about fifteen minutes till fireworks."

"Mmm. Nice."

The back of his shirt is sweaty under Alya's hands, but she doesn't care. The lovely chignon Marinette had pulled her hair into before the party has come a bit undone and she can feel the damp curls at the back of her neck. That's July in Paris for you; even the air conditioning in Le Grand Paris doesn't make much of a difference. Thank goodness for the ceiling fans that make the white and blue and red streamers rustle above their heads.

She hears Nino snort softly near her ear. "Are they magical or something? How do they still look perfect?"

Alya doesn't need to turn to know he's talking about their best friends, but she twists anyway, pressing the opposite cheek to Nino's shoulder instead.

And of course he's right.

She's spent the evening drinking punch and giggling with Marinette, shimmying and whooping with her in a happy little clump with Nino and Adrien, making the rounds of friends and food and fun over the past few hours. Marinette and Adrien have, too, but somehow the only sign that it's the end of the evening is that Adrien has loosened his tie.

Marinette's hair falls across her shoulders in the same soft cascade Alya styled it into hours ago. Her gauzy white dress drapes better on her figure than it did on the mannequin in her bedroom. Even the corsage Adrien had presented to her when the girls descended the stairs into Marinette's living room, a stunning red rose in full bloom, sits perfectly on her slim wrist, not a petal out of place. Her best friend really does look like she's limned in magic.

But perhaps that's because of the strong hand splayed at Marinette's waist, pressing her ever closer to her dance partner, or Adrien's cheek at her temple, his blond halo a perfect contrast to her deep raven hair. Maybe it's whatever he's just whispered in her ear that makes her smile up at him, a wide grin of exasperated fondness lighting her face before gentling after a moment into an expression of softest serenity.

Alya's first thought is that it's like the bright and beautiful partnership of the full moon reflecting the sun. But that isn't quite right, because her best friend glows from within, providing her own light to meet Adrien's, radiant and returned in equal measure.

Just how they got to this point remains as baffling to Alya now as it was a year ago when her friends finally put themselves and everyone around them out of their misery and started dating. The blushes continued and the occasional shy stammers never quite disappeared, but she'd watched them blossom together like a spring garden before her eyes, though what she'd been sure would be daffodils had bloomed into beautiful irises instead.

Suddenly Mr. Sunshine had gleamed brighter than ever, his giddy joy nearly uncontainable. So many puns. So much laughter. The former would be unbearable were it not for the latter, which always seemed to brighten Nino's eyes as well, a welcome side effect.

And oh, her best friend had come alive. It was more than having someone to love and love her in return. Alya knew from the day they met that love was second nature to Marinette. It practically shone from her pores.

But this was different - a touch more boldness, a blaze of fierce protectiveness in her eyes, an ability to read and respond to Adrien's emotions in just the way he needed, just when he needed it. How did she know to do that? How had this easy familiarity grown between them so quickly, not a tender new sapling but already an unshakeable oak?

She knows the truth is deeper than what she's been able to wrangle from Marinette, but Alya learned long ago that her best friend held those cards too close to ever let her get a peek. But she sure had tried at the beginning.

"You can tell me, girl! I'm so happy for you, but I don't get it! What happened?"

Alya wheedled, needled, begged.

Marinette just smiled and finished watering her roses before leaning against the railing of her terrace.

"I did tell you! Adrien and I talked. We were honest with each other. That's it." She shrugged one shoulder before her smile turned sly and she bumped her hip into her best friend's. "You know, we can't all find love by getting trapped in a panther cage by a superhero. Not every relationship has an epic origin story."

"Damn right! Seriously, though, I can tell there's more to this. There are deets you're not sharing, and your bestie needs those deets!"

"I don't know what to tell you, Als. I just...saw him. All of him."

Alya just barely resisted the urge to make the obvious joke.

"Mari. My love. My best friend in the world. What could you possibly see now that you haven't seen in the past two years of crushing, staring, memorizing, obsessing, and finally just getting over your fears and becoming real, actual friends with him?" She ticked off each point on her fingers, ending with a grip on her pinky and an imploring look she hoped would coax a detail or two from her all-too-cagey best friend. "If you can't throw a bone to your BFF, think of me as the coordinator of Operation Secret Garden and its many, many, many side missions. At least tell me one thing about Sunshine that I don't know, something you didn't know before, either."

Silence fell over them like a blanket. Just when it started to feel stifling and itchy, Marinette spoke.

"He's the bravest person I know," she said quietly, gaze straying across the rooftop horizon.

Alya thought of the myriad times she'd watched Adrien run away in the direction of his house as she herself had run toward danger in the name of journalism and morbid curiosity. He was sweet and exceedingly kind, but she'd never considered him a bastion of courage. Though of course there had to be lots of things she didn't know, details of life at home beyond the isolated loneliness they were all aware of, things that hadn't occurred to her that her best friend now saw through a lens of love and not just friendly compassion. If the reason they were already so close was because Adrien was able to share the difficult parts of his life that he didn't even share with Nino? Well, Alya could understand and respect that.

She reached out and covered Marinette's hand in hers. "His dad is kind of the worst, isn't he?"

"Oh my gosh, you have no idea. The absolute worst. The other day..."

Listening to Marinette that day, Alya had decided that if her friends were happy, she'd be happy right along with them. The details would come in time.

They'd taken silly selfies in Marinette's mirror as they got ready earlier this evening. They'd posed for portraits in the Dupain-Chengs' doorway as though this was a gala event and not a Quatorze Juillet party that Chloé insisted was fancy dress, and snapped shots of their BFF squad together all evening. So without thinking, Alya reaches for her phone - her dress is a Marinette original, of course it has pockets - to document exactly how besotted their preternaturally beautiful best friends are. She grabs three photos in quick succession, thankful for her state-of-the-art camera as she smiles at how it captures the play of light and shadow across their matching white.

"Paparazzi," Nino fake coughs in her hair.

Alya grabs his butt with her free hand in retaliation, and they both laugh.

Marinette and Adrien sway together in a loose approximation of a dance, eyes closed, just barely turning in place, lost in each other. When Adrien reaches for Marinette's hand on his shoulder, Alya has to let go of her boyfriend completely to set her camera to burst mode, but laid-back, ever-patient Nino just huffs a laugh and holds her waist tighter. It's all worth it when she's able to capture the moment Adrien brings Marinette's hand to his lips and presses a series of slow, reverent kisses to her knuckles. She snaps one more photo after he's tucked their clasped hands beneath his chin and settled her against his shoulder.

Alya turns in the circle of Nino's arms and gleefully scrolls through the vast number of pictures she's just taken, pausing near the center of the burst shots and cooing with delight at the treasure she finds. "Oh my god, Nino, look." She shoves the phone under his nose and his eyes cross trying to focus on it.

"Damn. They're too pretty to be real."

She snorts. "Truth. Seriously, though. Have you ever seen two people more in love? I'd say it's gross, but I could also cry just looking at them."

Still smiling, Nino pulls their hips together again and sets them in a slow spin, punctuating the beat with his fingers at the small of her back. Alya pockets her phone and cuddles up to him, grinning into his chest when he speaks quietly for her ears only.

"You know I love you just as much, right? I'm not a model, and um, I'm not as...gooey. But—"

He's cut off when Alya presses her lips to his to stop him.

"You're just the right amount of gooey, mister, and I don't need a model when I've already snagged the hottest guy I've ever met." She delights in his blushing cheeks as she kisses him again. "And yes, I know you do...I love you, too. Thank god it's not a competition, or we'd be losing."

"Naaah," Nino drawls softly, hugging her close. "I've already won."

Alya just closes her eyes and hides her grin in his shoulder, letting him spin them again as the music swells.

*****

Packed on the balcony and ready for the fireworks to start, she and Marinette are giggling over the photos on her camera roll from the course of the evening.

"I don't want to think about how much you pay for cloud storage, Als. You know you have a problem, right?"

Nino can't help his surprised laugh, but has the good sense to bite his lip and look away. Alya nudges him in the side and rolls her eyes good-naturedly. Scrolling through toward the latest photos, she stops on one in particular and flips the screen toward her best friend.

"Bet you're glad I got this one, eh, Mademoiselle Judgy Pants?"

Alya knows she's scored a direct hit when Marinette's eyes widen and her cheeks pinken visibly even in the ambient light of the city. In the same moment, Adrien breathes an "ooooh" in reverent awe from over her shoulder as he stares at the glowing phone screen. Impossibly, the look on his face as he takes in the image is even more tender than it is in the photo itself.

Marinette turns to press her burning cheeks to his chest and he wraps her in his arms, props his chin on her head and mouths, "Send me that, please," to Alya, gesturing vaguely from her phone to his pocket.

Request received loud and clear, she grins and gives him a quick salute.

When fireworks finally fill the Parisian sky, Alya attempts a few action shots, though she's well aware that fireworks photos rarely turn out. Next, she grabs a great picture of Nino with the lights reflected in his glasses that immediately gets posted on Instagram.

And when Marinette stands on her tiptoes, wraps her arms around Adrien's shoulders, and kisses him breathless, well, Alya can't resist snapping one last photo of her friends. Adrien's hair positively gleams in the ephemeral glow of the bright red firework that bathes flushed cheeks and white fabric in a dreamy, perfect pink. This one is sent straight to her best friend; she looks forward to the keysmash text of embarrassed delight she'll receive from Marinette later.

Nino's hand slides around her waist to pull her close and she snuggles into his side, stowing her phone in her pocket and simply enjoying the moment.

*****

"Babe," Nino whispers under his breath, accompanied by a nudge of his knee against Alya's under the cafe table, "he's doing it again."

Sure enough, Adrien is gazing down at his phone. It's not even unlocked yet - he's just looking at his lock screen, waking it up each time it fades back to sleep.

"I know. That's why I'm looking up the movie time. We'd miss it completely if we left it to Sunshine."

"This is technically your fault. You do know that, right?"

Alya shrugs. "No regrets."

Marinette returns to the table, picking her purse off the back of her chair and lifting the strap over her head to settle in its perennial position across her torso. Instead of sitting down, she wraps her arms around Adrien's chest from behind and leans down to kiss his cheek. "Did you figure out if we can make it to the movie?"

The question is clearly directed at Adrien, who was supposed to be looking up the cinema schedule, but he's already pocketed his phone and turned his head to nuzzle into her hair.

Okay, Alya may have some regrets.

It's been months since she took the now-famous photo and sent it to him. To no one's surprise, it became his lock screen wallpaper immediately. It also became a distraction.

Because Adrien melts every time he looks at his phone.

No one can truly decide if it's exasperating or endearing, but there are classmates and friends in both camps.

Nino begged him to change it back to the picture of the two of them together, if only to shorten the time between sending his best friend a text and receiving one in return. Alya is nearly at her limit for heart eyes, but she's still the captain of Team Endearing. She did take the picture, after all.

Max programmed Markov to recognize each time Adrien reached for his phone and the time it took for him to unlock it and use it. Markov has perfected the algorithm over time and now has a saved log of each occurrence down to the millisecond. There's no real reason to track this data besides curiosity, but it does help Markov refine his processes, so Max has kept it up. It is vaguely fascinating, though he does feel that it's a terrible use of Adrien's limited free time.

Nathaniel illustrated a cartoon rendition of Adrien, phone in his hand and literal hearts in his eyes. Alya offered him €10 for it, but Adrien himself came in at €20 and now it sits on his desk at home.

Once, Adrien spent so much time gazing at the lock screen that he never did answer his ringing phone. Of course it was Nathalie calling, and of course his father grounded him when he got home.

(Neither Marinette nor Adrien seemed as bothered by those two weeks as everyone had anticipated. That mystery remains unsolved.)

When she thinks about it, Alya decides there are worse things than Adrien loving Marinette so much that he has an emotional reaction to seeing the evidence through a different lens.

Alya just slips her phone in her purse and corrals her boyfriend and their best friends. They have a movie to get to and they only have twenty-five minutes.

*****

In time, the picture has found a place on the wall in Marinette and Adrien's apartment - printed on premium photo paper, lovingly matted and framed. No one would have expected any less.

And it has always made Adrien smile, sometimes when nearly nothing else could.

*****

Several years, several revelations, and enough trauma to last a lifetime have led them all to this moment, on this day that shines with as much joy and light and love as they can muster. It's what a day like this deserves, after all.

With too much behind them to call it a beginning and too much hope for the future ahead to call it an ending, Alya decides she's just watched her best friends walk through a door they'd unlocked years ago and finally found the right time to step through together. The path hasn't changed, paved in hurt and heartache and the kind of helpless hope a person chooses when an abyss yawns below and there are no other ropes to grab. But it has always been lit by the glow of an almost unfathomable love, and that's where healing begins, grows, and flourishes.

So here they sit, surrounded by friends and family, in the same room where the four of them had danced all those years ago on a hot July evening. A towering croquembouche waits in the corner and a table full of photos and memories is on display along one wall; that heart-melting photo of the happy couple as lovestruck teenagers has pride of place in the center.

Clad again in radiant white, Marinette is the perfect picture of a blushing bride, and her groom has been unsurprisingly entranced all day. Alya isn't sure Adrien has stopped smiling since they first saw him this morning, and she and Nino are enjoying every moment of it.

Part of the brilliance shining in his grin is natural, springing from a heart so innately kind that it has countered evil and wielded destruction, yet still beats with compassion. But she and Nino know, better than anyone else, that the Adrien in front of them is a previously-shattered vase mended in gold, stronger and more beautiful in the broken places, and some of his gleam is reflected from those gilded seams.

When it's Alya's turn to toast, Nino helps her to her feet with a smile and hands her the mic before sitting back down beside her. She starts with a story only a best friend could get away with telling, bolstered by the laughter of the guests around her and the grins of the bride and groom. She has a toast carefully planned and memorized, but for all her preparedness, Alya also knows how to improvise. When her gaze sweeps across the picture gallery on the table and the faces of two of the people she loves most, she veers off course but finds her words with confidence.

"I've taken a lot of photos in my life - silly, scary, funny, serious, everything in between. Many of those photos have featured many of you here today. I know I caused my saint of a best friend here a lot of undeserved stress by taking a vast majority of my life's photos in places where I shouldn't have been."

She pauses when a laugh ripples through the room and Marinette shakes her head even as her watery eyes beam back at her. "But I was in just the right place when I took that one." She gestures toward the framed picture on the table, sparkling cider sloshing gently in her champagne flute. "Because the right place for both of us—" she reaches a hand back toward Nino blindly, finding and squeezing his shoulder, "has always been next to you, the most ludicrously attractive, kindest, bravest, best people we know."

Alya takes a deep breath that only shakes a little bit on the exhale. "I'm so—" she blinks and swallows around the lump in her throat. Damn hormones! "I'm so lucky to know you, to love you, and to have been part of your lives and your love story all these years. That's why I wish you nothing less than a lifetime of that kind of love," she inclines her head toward the photo on the table again, "that kind of tenderness and devotion. No one deserves it more than you two, and no one will be happier than Nino and I will to be right there beside you on the journey. So...cheers to the prettiest lovebirds I know, Marinette and Adrien!"

Champagne flutes clink amidst applause and hugs and sniffles.

Her best friends grin at her before turning the same soft gaze toward each other again, just like the picture she took all those years ago that turned Adrien to goo each time he looked at it.

Alya knows now, of course, what she didn't understand back then - that in the same way their wedding today was more than just a beginning, so were those early days of soft looks and fierce devotion that seemed to transcend the blush of new romance. Unbeknownst to their friends, they'd had an ironclad partnership and years of trust in place already. Open eyes and honesty allowed the confluence of several different kinds of love, and it only made sense that the resulting alloy stood stalwart and shone dazzling-bright.

Well, it didn't make sense then, but it certainly does now, even if the luster sparkles through a patina of nicks and dents. After all, even the strongest steel and the brightest gold are refined by fire.

Nino hands her a tissue and presses his palm to her back as she settles in her seat again.

When ever-romantic Adrien reaches for his bride's hand to press gentle kisses across the back of her fingers, Alya can't resist grabbing her phone from the table beside her bread plate. They're a little older but just as beautiful and even more in love, and the photo she snaps captures that perfectly. She smiles down at her phone, pleased, before locking the screen and twisting a little in her seat to place it back on the table, face down.

Alya gets comfortable, rests her head on her husband's shoulder, and simply enjoys the moment.

[creativeskullcreations]

Buddy’s Problem part 2

Okay! Part two is done! Part three probably isn't gonna be until after the New Year, though, but it should be the final part.

Enjoy the story, and have a Merry Christmas! :D

As it turned out, being a campaign manager was pretty difficult, especially when Buddy had to travel to a whole different town for it. Filbo lived in a small farming town called Kinsing. Several other members of the expedition lived there too, though Wiggle, Gramble, and Cromdo lived in Gippsenburg. Either way, apparently Filbo wasn't very well known, having moved to Kinsing recently.

That was useful, and Buddy could totally work with that.

First was getting him nominated, which was easy as anyone could throw their name in. Filbo actually did that himself, though he needed some coaxing from Buddy to actually put it into the box. They then went out for burgers(not Bungers, thankfully) afterwards. They were joined by Beffica, who was shocked that Filbo was running for a real political position.

"Like, seriously? That's awesome you squeeb!" She gave him a soft punch to the arm, which he winced at. She didn't notice, or maybe just ignored it. "I didn't think you had it in you."

"Well, I mean, I ended up doing pretty good back at Snax- on Snaktooth, so I figured I might as well try for the real thing." He told her, rubbing the soon-to-be-bruise. "Worst thing that could happen is I'll lose to Robbzoni."

"Ugh, Robbzoni. He's the worst." She helped herself to Buddy's fries, even as he tried to yank the plate away from her. "He's the real reason we don't have anymore flowers by the roads. He kept stealing them, so eventually the town stopped replacing them."

"How the grump did you find that out, Beff?" Buddy asked before shoving the whole handful of remaining fries into his mouth. She just shrugged and went for Filbo's plate instead.

"I snooped, Bestie. Just like I always do. Did." She corrected herself quickly, looking away. "I, uh, used to do that."

"So..." Buddy searched for a new topic. "What do you do now, anyways?"

"Oh, I got hired as a reporter at CGN. It's a bit of a commute, but not so bad." She shrugged. "And my coworkers aren't so bad, either."

Ah, the rival for GNN. Buddy remembered all the fights that had broken out between reporters at events. He also remembered the time he raided their office with some of his coworkers and stole all of their paperclips. It was in retaliation for them stealing all the rubber-bands at GNN. Which was to get back at them for stealing all of CGN's staples.

Good times.

"Here." He dug out a bottle of pepper-spray and handed it to the shorter Grumpus. "You'll need this."

"Uh." She looked between him and the large canister. "... Thanks. I think."

"No problem." He took a long drag on his soda as the conversation drifted away from him. Which was just fine, as he was busy brainstorming anyways, writing down plans and ideas into his journal. So far he didn't have a lot, but he'd talk to Filbo about it later and see what they could do.

Maybe a party? Filbo always seemed to like them, back on Snaktooth, so maybe that would be a good way to win him some votes.

The rest of the time passed by in a blur. Events were held, debates, parties, even a couple of bake sales that reminded Buddy of his school days. Speeches were made, each carefully crafted to have the best effect on the small populace of the town.

Wambus was actually a big help with that. As a farmer himself, he knew what to say to get and keep the farmers on Filbo's side. So they ended up conferring with him a lot, which meant going to his and Triffany's house a lot.

He was a surprisingly good cook, honestly. The meals they shared there were some of the best Buddy ever ate. He really would miss those nights when everything was done here, but that was no reason not to continue the "quest" for Filbo.

It was one such night, where Wambus had grilled some delicious steaks and corn on the cobs. He also had some homegrown sauces that he'd brought from Snaktooth, which made Buddy a little uneasy. But, the older farmer seemed to know what he was doing with that so he let it go for now.

"You seem to be getting pretty popular, dear." Triffany was saying to Filbo as Buddy doodled in his journal. He flipped it around to show Wambus his idea of a steak-based Bugsnax, only for the farmer to just grunt in acknowledgement. That was good enough for him though and he put the book aside to eat some more.

"Heh, yeah." Filbo rolled his corn on the cob in some butter. "It's all thanks to Buddy, though. He's doing great on the whole 'campaign manager' thing."

"It's not that hard." Buddy shrugged. "Not like you're running for Minister of the Public or something. It's just a few events to plan, and, like, two debates."

"True, but it still seems like a lot of work." Filbo actually looked kind of concerned, but Buddy waved it off.

"It's... it's really not." He told them, even though it kind of was. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had a full night's sleep, but it was definitely before Snaktooth.

"It would be tiring to be around all those people all the time." Wambus agreed. "I could never do that."

"Of course not, dear." Triffany agreed. "That's why you're a farmer."

"Yep."

Buddy watched the exchange with a small smile as Filbo took over the conversation, asking after the sauce crops. Whatever problems the couple had, he was glad they were working them out. He didn't want to even think about what would've happened if their marriage had broken up like...

Well, it wasn't good to dwell on it.

Wambus was right though; it was tiring being a campaign manager. He was almost glad the elections were ending soon, if only so he could get some more sleep. And then focus on finding a real job, as his savings were starting to run a little dry.

Still, as he watched his three companions, he felt content with how it was shaping up. Filbo was excitedly explaining all his plans for being Mayor, from replanting the flowers around the walking paths to finally getting the pot holes fixed. He even started explaining his plans to renovate the park in detail before Wambus finally reminded him to actually eat his steak.

"Oh, heh. Right." He cut a piece off, then opened his mouth to keep talking. Buddy took the opportunity to grab his wrist and shove the fork into his mouth.

"Eat it." He told him firmly, to quiet giggling from Triffany. Filbo shot him a glare, but obeyed, chewing quietly. Buddy then grabbed a forkful of his own steak to chew on, ignoring Triffany's pointed look.

The rest of the night passed without incident. In Buddy's opinion, it ended too soon. But then, it always did. And soon enough Buddy was back at his table in his apartment, drawing up more plans for the campaign. Luckily, the people seemed to really like Filbo. Or maybe they just hated Robbzoni that much more. Either way, according to the mid election survey Filbo was looking to be the popular candidate.

Still, he couldn't relax yet, there was still too much to do. The election itself was tomorrow. People would vote in the morning and the results would be announced both that afternoon, and in the next morning's paper. There would be one last speech before the vote though, and Buddy wanted to make sure it was perfect.

However as the time got later, and he had started the speech pretty later anyways, he found himself unwillingly drawn into sleep. Even as he tried to fight it off with copious amounts of caffeine, he inevitably passed out.

When he woke up, it was to Filbo calling him. In a panic, he grabbed his papers and raced out the door, practically flying down the stairs and into his car. He broke several traffic laws, but he managed to get to Kinsing Town Hall just barely on time. As he ran inside, he tried desperately to sort through the garbled mess of a speech he'd written.

He made his way to the backstage area, where Filbo was talking to... someone. Buddy felt like he should know the other Grumpus, but his exhausted mind just refused to make the connection. In any case, as soon as the Grumpus had left he was rushing up to Filbo, rapidly spewing apologies all the way.

"Sorry, sorry! I think I still have some time to, uh, to-to fix this? Maybe?!" His voice rose an octave and he quickly cleared his throat and tried to laugh off the rising panic. "I was up too late I think. Working. On this." He gave another short laugh, internally wincing at how off it sounded.

"Hey hey, it's okay." Filbo had to grab his shoulders, forcing them down from where Buddy had unconsciously hunched into himself. "I've got this one." He told him. Buddy blinked in surprise, hands lowering and almost dropping his papers.

"... You... you 'got' this?" Just what did he mean by that? Was Buddy unneeded? Had he been unneeded this whole time?

"Yeah. Since you've been working so hard lately, I figured I'd just, y'know, handle my own speech for today. " He gave a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, I probably should've told you sooner-Oh!" He jumped at something the Grumpus on stage was saying. "There's my cue! See ya later!" He gave a quick wave before rushing off to get on stage, oblivious to Buddy's aborted attempt to reach for him.

'He didn't need me...' Quietly, Buddy dropped his speech into the trash. He then went for the snack table they had set up to get some coffee. 'I don't know why I even tried.'

The speeches were said, and then the voting happened. The surprising part, at least to Buddy, was that as they each voted the other members of the expedition would come up to them. A couple offered a "Good luck" or two, but none of them really left afterwards. They all hung around, and talked.

It made Buddy feel even more like he shouldn't have come. Filbo had plenty of people to keep him company for this, he didn't need Buddy Nobody did anymore.

So he sat just a little bit outside of the group, speaking only when someone talked to him directly. Other than that, he just drank his coffee quietly and wondered when would be a good time for him to leave.

It turned out never. The others never forgot about him for long enough for him to be able to slip away. Floofty in particular seemed intent on watching him, and they weren't blinking. He knew this because he straight up had a staring contest with the mad scientist, and they didn't blink once.

Soon enough, voting had closed and the votes were being counted. Poor Filbo was anxious through the whole thing, but never said anything about regretting running for mayor. Buddy was actually kind of proud of him for that, if he was being honest. He knew how hard the light blue Grumpus could be on himself, and he was glad he had gained some confidence at least.

Even if it was just another sign that he wasn't a help to him anymore. That he wasn't a help to anyone here anymore.

But, when they announced that Filbo had won, that he'd done it and beat out longtime Mayor Robbzoni, everyone present cheered. And not just the ones from Snaxburg, either, but everyone else who was hanging around. As everyone congratulated the new Mayor, and the MC announced when the official swearing in ceremony would take place, Buddy gave a quiet sigh into his coffee. Mentally, he ticked this quest as complete, but no new objectives came to mind.

"Hey, Buddy!" He looked up to see Filbo waving at him, and gave a small wave back. "We'll all going to Gramble's place to celebrate. You coming?"

Would he go? No. There wasn't anything for him to do there and besides, he had to get started on job hunting.

"... You guys go on ahead. I'll... I'll catch up with you later." There. Now he could go home and the others could get started on whatever came next for them.

Filbo hesitated a moment, searching Buddy's face intently. Then he shrugged and turned to follow the others. "Well, okay. If you're sure."

And then he was gone, along with the rest. Buddy put down his still full cup and stood up, dusting his fur off. He went to his car, a tiny little red thing that really needed to be traded in, and drove down the road back to Gippsenburg. He had a stop to make before he went home to his apartment, and then maybe he could finally work on forgetting everything.

[thewritingstar]

Happy Birthday!!

HOLD THE PHONE. TODAY IS @icyhotheartwritings BIRTHDAY AND I CAN NOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVE HER!!!!!!! WE ARE BESTIES AND THIS IS FOR YOU SO I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY LOVE BECAUSE YOU DESERVE THE WORLD. 

No joke but you’re one of my fav people that I talk to every day and im so happy that i got the chance to be your friend!!

Pairing: Kiribaku (because duh) 

---

Bakugou could count the amount of people he has ever had a crush on with one hand. And well one finger. At first he found it annoying. How was he suppose to get anything done when the image of a certain someone kept appearing? Maybe it was just that he was constantly around him? That was it. It had to be. 

But slowly he found his mind going back to him over and over. Any time he heard a joke or saw the smallest bit of red, even if it was just a flower or spilt pasta sauce by his mother, he appeared. Focusing was hard because how could you when you wanted to know how those teeth felt against your lips after a hardcore workout and he was so close you could just reach out-

Nope. He couldn’t. 

Being the number one hero was the only goal he had. That was all he saw in his future. The medal of honor around his chest, adoring fans and Deku crying, either from joy or tears of rivalry, which ever came first. But not love. Not a family or a person to come home to after a long mission that wreaked his soul. 

Number one was just that. One and done. Alone. And he was okay with that. 

--

“When did you know mom was the one?” Bakugou said out of the blue during lunch with his father. 

His dad stopped the food before it reached his lips and his eyes widened as his son opened up. It wasn’t rare since they had that bond but a smile popped onto his face as he realized that his explosive son probably had a crush. 

“Well to be honest, it took awhile.” He stated. “It wasn’t until the fifth time she asked me out that I realized that she was the one.” 

“Wait. Mom asked you out?” 

“Yeah. I was focused on my career during college and didn’t really date but I loved being around her. We were great friends and then slowly I realized that I had mistaken our friendship for love.” 

His son fell silent before returning to his food. “So you’re saying that you were best friends then decided to date? What if it ruined what you had?” 

Masaru thought back to all the friends his son had. He never brought up the topic of dating or crushes and this seemed very out of the ordinary for him. The only person he could think of was Kirishima. He was the only person who had visited their house on multiple occasions without the others following behind. Bakugou had even referred to him as his best friend. 

He hid his smile as he thought of the times when his wife and him first started dating. 

“Well that the thing. I was scared to dip my toes in the water. I was scared that I would lose my best friend and that no matter how hard we tried, we could never turn back.” he took a bite. “however the thought of not discovering what it could be was worse. And I’m glad I did because now i have my best friend and a bratty son.” He smirked.

Bakugou smiled too before getting up. “Thanks dad.” 

“Any time.” 

Bakugou walked to his room contemplating what his dad had said. 

Down in the kitchen his dad picked up the phone. “Honey you are not going to believe this.” 

---

Summer was almost over. Class 2A or well now 3A was about to start their new school year in less than a week. It had been crazy as everyone was traveling and hanging out with their friends and of course Kirishima made sure that him and his best bro spent time together. 

They were currently hiking on a trail that Bakugou loved to go to. The other times the whole squad joined but after the chat with his dad, the blond needed to get something off his chest. But as they kept walking further out leaving the world behind, he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to take it. 

“And then Denki chased a rat into a trash can.” Kiri laughed as they paused at the edge of a cliff. He turned and noticed that Bakugou had been quiet the entire story, not even a sly remark or calling someone dumb was said and he noticed that he had spaced out. “Hey bro, you okay?” 

Bakugou was lost in his mind again. “Yeah.” 

But he knew his friend better than that. Kirishima shrugged and sat down, letting his feet dangle over the edge. The sun was almost ready to set and he felt his palms get weird and clammy but he ignored it. Thats what he had been doing for two years. 

Bakugou followed in suit and their shoulders were slightly touching, which made his heart beat faster and it was almost painful. 

“Cant believe we are gonna graduate this year.” Kirishima said in disbelief. “Its crazy how in less than a year, we will be moving on and becoming heroes in no time.” 

“Yeah.”

Kiri barked out a laugh as he tapped his shoulder against his. “You’ll be number one in no time, im sure of it.” 

“And what about you?” Bakugou asked without facing him. “Where will you be?”

“Hopefully fighting alongside with you.”

And that’s all it took. Bakugou sighed before taking a deep breath. 

“Have you ever considered life along side hero work?”

The red head furrowed his eyebrows. “Like dating?”

“Like dating” He repeated. 

“Didn’t know the great Katsuki Bakugou had any thoughts about that stuff.” He faced him and although his tone was playful, Bakugou didn’t miss the sadness that followed. “I’ve always wondered.” Kirishima said honestly. 

I was scared that I would lose my best friend and that no matter how hard we tried, we could never turn back.

Their eyes met and they were only inches apart. If one of them leaned their noses would brush together. 

“Have you?” He asked as he leaned slightly. “I thought being a hero was all you wanted.”

the thought of not discovering what it could be was worse

Their noses touched. He could practically feel the others breathing pause and when he thought about being a hero again, all he could see was the two of them together. 

“I thought so too.” and he closed the gap as he kissed his best friend slowly. 

The tension that had been building up for two years had dissipated. Every unanswered question that was running through their heads had been answered through that kiss. It was slow and hesitant and Bakugou was scared to know if they he had just dug his grave. 

“Wow.” Kirishima breathed as they pulled away. 

Their foreheads rested together as Kirishima intertwined their fingers and Bakugou let him. 

You would think that all the sass and arrogance that followed the blond would be right here in this moment. That he would be on cloud nine because he had the balls to do something so terrifying but rewarding at the same time. 

But he was breathless and calm. It was an ocean of uncertainty and everything he had every thought about had flown out the window. He was a nervous wreak and Kirishima could see that. 

“Hey.” Kiri whispered. “Its okay to be shy and take it slow. im just happy that we finally got our shit together.” 

A small smile lifted his spirits as the red head kissed his cheek. 

“Im happy too.” 

“Then thats all that matters.” 

They sat and watched the sunset before setting up their tent. Bakugou felt like he could breath and his focus became better as he knew that he was meant to always have his best friend, now boyfriend on his mind.

They laid their sleeping bags right next to each other and Kirishima locked their fingers together before kissing his knuckles. “So when do i get to tell people that I’m dating the future number one hero.” He winked and he smiled as the blush crept on the blonds face. 

Bakugou rolled his eyes before leaning over and kissing him softly. Something that he found out he really liked to do. “Fuck it you can tell them that I’m dating the manliest hero anyone has ever seen.” 

“And here I thought you forgot the cussing and turned soft.” 

“Me soft? Never.” 

“Not even for me?” Kiri jokingly batted his eyelashes. 

“Maybe.” 

They spent the rest of the night chatting like usual, the only difference was their hands were clutched together, promising to never let go. 

---

Bakugou could count the amount of people he ever fell in love with on one hand, with one finger. And as the years would pass by and their hero ranks would climb. the golden band sitting on his ring finger would state the truth. 

----

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ICY!!! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR BIRTHDAY FIC (THAT YOU TOLD ME YOU DIDN’T NEED BUT GOT ANYWAYS!!!!

[thewritewolf]

In Due Time Chapter 1: Witch AU

Hello and welcome to my entry for Marichat May 2020 - In Due Time! Figuring out an idea for this fic was an exhausting journey and I must've gone through nine or ten different ideas before inspiration struck and I ended up with this one. I've very excited to tell this story, and I hope you will like reading it just as much as I did writing it.

@marichatmay

Enjoy!

Summary: For eight years, Chat Noir and Red Beetle have been fighting to bring Hawkmoth to justice. But after so many years with no progress to show for their efforts, there are rumors that the Red Beetle has given up crime fighting.

Alone and without even a partner to rely on and all the while facing increasingly more dangerous akumas, Chat Noir has to find someone worthy of taking up the ladybug miraculous.

First Chapter | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter 

Read on Ao3

Marinette stood in the bus with a handful of strangers, most of whom were sending her curious glances. That didn’t surprise her too much and she couldn’t blame them, even if it was making her a little self conscious. Paris might be a large, cosmopolitan city, but even so, someone dressed like a witch at sundown was sure to attract attention.

As she clenched her hands against her heavy skirt, Marinette was glad she’d at least designed her outfit to be practical. Having to endure all this scrutiny while freezing in the late October weather might have caused her to just head right back home before even reaching the party. And having to keep track of a purse while holding onto her prop broomstick would’ve been just awful. Another benefit to being a designer - she could add pockets to whatever she wanted.

It came as a huge relief when she got off the bus and started seeing more people in costume. At least she wasn’t sticking out in the crowd any more. Although now she was wondering just how many people were going to be showing up to Alya’s party. For all that talk about how Marinette went overboard with things, Alya could certainly keep up with the craziest that Marinete could pull and then some.

Maybe it was because of all the traffic the Cat Chat had been seeing. It had never really died down since those early years in lycee - the opposite, actually. The longer Hawkmoth’s war on Paris dragged on, the more that Chat Noir and Red Beetle were put into the spotlight and lauded. Or critiqued, Marinette admitted with a frown. That last article she had read had been scathing, but Alya had been quick to rip it to shreds on the Cat Chat.

As she stepped into the building after flashing her VIP ticket to the doorman, there was no doubt in her mind that the now infamous article was why there were so many people wearing costumes of Paris’s heroes today. Well - wearing costumes of Chat Noir, that is.

“Girl!”

Marinette looked around, clutching her broomstick tightly. She smiled when she saw Alya, wearing a female version of the Chat Noir costume, bulldoze her way through the crowded floor.

“Alya!” The two women kissed cheeks and hugged. “It’s been a few days, how have you been?”

“Crazy and frantic,” Alya said with a laugh. “But you know I wouldn’t have it any other way, girl.” She took a step back and walked around Marinette. “And look at you! You really went all out with this costume, huh?”

“What was I gonna do?” Marinette said with a smirk. “Not splurge for my bestie’s Halloween party?”

“I appreciate it, M. It helps the atmosphere.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “Especially with how tacky some of these costumes are. But hey!” Her voice returned to her usual volume again. “I can’t expect everyone to have a snazzy outfit for the first annual Cat Chat Halloween party.”

“You’re obsessed.” Marinette giggled.

“Why shouldn’t we get to have some Halloween fun too? Trust me, this is the start of something great.” Alya glanced behind her and cursed. “Or at least it would if people would stop trashing things. Sorry for bailing, but foods over there,” she jerked a thumb over her shoulder as she started edging away from Marinette. “Have fun! Socialize!”

And just like that Marinette was alone again.

Now, Marinette wasn’t a shy wallflower by any stretch of the imagination. But this was a perfect storm of eroded confidence that she had emerged into. The lingering stares on the bus. The press of people all around her. The fact that she knew literally no one here except for Alya. Which was surprising, at least until she remembered that Nino was busy today with a gig on the other side of town. He may not understand his girlfriend’s obsession, but at least he was supportive.

Regardless, it all piled up on her until she found herself floating at the edges of the party, using the big buffet table and the wall at her back as a buffer against the giant throng of people.

“Pretty big turn out, isn’t it?”

Marinette just about jumped out of her skin when she heard a voice just behind her, causing her pointy black hat to fall over her eyes. As she fumbled her broomstick and drink to try and fix it, she felt it be lifted and placed carefully back on top of her head.

“Sorry about that, little witch,” came the voice again and now she could see vibrant green eyes like shining emeralds looking down at her. Down because the person they belonged to was so tall, even lounging against the wall like he was. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No sweat,” she replied mechanically, her designer eyes already at work sweeping over his outfit. It turned out to be the sixth Chat Noir costume of the night, but she could hardly complain. It was leaps and bounds better than the usual cheap stuff that she’d been seeing all night.

“See something you like?” There was a teasing lilt in his voice. Her eyes rose back to his and she saw the flirty smirk he was wearing.

“Sorry, I was just admiring your costume. It is definitely the most accurate one I’ve seen all night.”

“Are you something of a Chat Noir expert?” He asked, an amused glint in his eyes.

“Well, I’m a designer so I have an eye for those sorts of things. Everyone remembers the ears and tail, and most people remember the bell,” she flicked his, delighted that it had a pleasant metallic ring. “Getting the size of the bell, the leather-like quality of the ears and tail - those are common mistakes.”

“Well, if I’m going to be Chat Noir, I may as well go the full distance, right?” Again there was a playful look in his expression, like there was a joke he wasn’t sharing.

“Yeah, but most people don’t even realize that the super suits are made up of tiny hexagons,” she said, pointing at the miniscule figures making up his costume. “How do they even do that? Heck, how did you?”

Chuckling, he shook his head. “You must be a really big fan then, huh? Like you said, most people don’t know that trivia.”

“It helps that my best friend runs the Cat Chat,” she said with a smirk, expecting him to be impressed. Instead, he snorted.

“Yeah that makes sense. If you’re Alya’s closest friend, you probably get sent all the articles before they’re published.” He patted her shoulder. “My condolences. Even I can’t keep up with everything she puts out.”

“Which reminds me-”

“Witch reminds you?” He said, looking very pleased with his pun.

Marinette chuckled, shaking her head. “Sure. Anyway, you haven’t given me your name?”

His smile widened. “You can just call me Chat Noir.”

“You might have to be more specific there,” she said with a glance to a couple of Chat Noirs nearby.

“Ah, trying to rely on my good manners to figure out my true identity. Very clever, but no, you’ll have to make due with just Chat Noir.”

“You really are playing the part, aren’t you?” Marinette rolled her eyes. “That’s fine, I suppose. But seriously, what’s your costume made out of?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Well, I’ve always been curious about the real deal since I’m an up and coming designer-”

“In my experience,” Chat Noir interrupted with a grin. “‘Up and coming’ usually means ‘down and out at the moment.’”

She glares at him for a moment before turning away. Intending to get a refill of punch and some distance away from ‘Chat Noir’, she started walking away. He snagged her elbow - not tightly, but just enough to make her pause.

“Wait! Sorry, that was rude of me. This is the longest I’ve gone talking to a pretty lady for a while, please excuse me.” When she turned back around, he breathed a sigh of relief. “So, you’re a designer?”

“Yes,” she said, still feeling a little miffed but also feeling a boost to her ego from the pretty lady comment. “I actually made my costume for this party.”

“Really?” Chat said, surprised. “I thought it looked a cut above what everyone else was wearing. Do you mind if I take a look?” He smirked, but it lacked some of the cockiness from before. There was a slight shyness that was endearing. “I don’t want to just… oogle you without permission.”

She giggled. “Sure! I’d love for someone to actually appreciate the work that went into this.”

Setting down her drink, she held her broom and spun around slow enough that he could get a good look. When she was facing him again, he was wearing an impressed look.

“Its even better than I thought it was. Naturally, I realized it was excellent quality, but not many designers today would remember to balance comfort and practicality in addition to appearance. Plus,” he added as he ran a claw along a seam, “these stitches are expertly done. I bet you’ve been practicing sewing for a long time.”

“Since before lycee! I was making clothes and accessories even back then. In fact…”

Their conversation wore on for the next couple hours and it turned out ‘Chat Noir’ had more than just a cute face and a flirty tongue. He had a surprisingly good knowledge of fashion and the industry, even gave her a few tips for how to break into it.

As much as she tried to steer the conversation toward him and what he did, he always managed to expertly get her back into talking about her. It was almost as if he had plenty of practice doing it, but she was just glad to have someone new to talk to. All her work recently had left her without many friends to casually talk to. Which was no doubt another reason Alya had gone out of her way to give her a VIP invite.

Eventually, though, ‘Chat Noir’ left. It was only a few moments later that she realized she had forgotten to ask his name again, or at least ask for his number (he was a cutie after all). But by the time she turned around to look for him, he’d vanished without a trace.

Not that she had long to dwell on it. Just as she was frowning and searching the crowd, Alya stormed over to her. Her eyes were wide and she had that manic energy around her that Marinette had rightly learned to dread over the years.

“Girl! Do you know who you were just talking to?!”

“Some guy that wouldn’t give me his name and insisted I called him Chat Noir,” she said with a sigh. “Which sucks, but-”

“That’s because that was Chat Noir!”

“I get why you think that - it was a super impressive costume - but-”

“No, girl. Listen to me.” She put her hands on Marinette’s shoulders and stared her in the eye. “I’ve spent eight years running a blog with a cat pun in the name because of that furry. Eight years of studying Chat Noir and Red Beetle. I’ve interviewed him! If anyone can point out the real Chat Noir out of a bunch of lookalikes, its me.”

Alya shook Marinette in her excitement. “You just spent the evening flirting with Chat Noir, you amazing minx!”

Marinette smiled as Alya babbled excitedly, but in the comfort of her own mind she frowned. That wasn’t at all what she expected the bombastic, energetic hero she always saw on television to be like. With the party dying down, she headed back to Alya’s place to spend the night, still trying to merge the image of the larger-than-life hero of Paris and the shy boy asking her if she’d let him look at her costume.

There seemed to be more to Chat Noir than she had ever given him credit for.

[sweetlysilent]

Hi, I love you!!!!! Your writing is fab, so I’d like to request a Peter x reader where the reader and Peter are besties but she doesn’t know he’s Spider-Man until he shows up at her window one night badly injured, and she realizes that she’s in love with him. Also that his abs are fire because hot damn.

i love you more bb!!! :))) thank you

Your clock read eleven fifteen p.m., your hair was up in a messy bun as your pencil continued to glide across your paper, your tongue sticking out of your mouth a bit as you tried to come up with your next sentence.

You had procrastinated till the very last minute to write your English paper, you knew you should have just written it at the beginning of the week when you had some free time, but you decided to spend that free time with Peter instead.

He was your best friend, you’d drop everything you were doing to hang out with him, even if that meant going to the store with him to buy some groceries that May needed for dinner that night. That’s how close your friendship was with him.

Zoning off for what felt like the thousandth time that night, you snapped yourself back into focus, needing to finish your English paper since it was now due in less than twenty-four hours and you couldn’t afford to fail. 

“God why do I have to get writers block when I need to write, but when I don’t need to I can write a fricken’ novel about the dumbest shit..” You muttered to yourself, falling backwards onto your bed, your pencil in your mouth as you shut your eyes in frustration.

The universe was getting back at you, your karma was coming back to haunt you for not using your time wisely. That had to be it.

Letting out an annoyed groan you pulled yourself back up, staring at the paper blankly, wishing you could be doing something else, anything else at this moment.

A noise hitting your window startled you from your jumbled thoughts, causing your eyebrows to furrow, your head snapping over to look in the direction of the sound. You slowly rose off your bed, going to investigate what the cause of it was, only to be shocked seeing a red and blue uniform sitting on your fire escape.

“Holy shit.” You whisper shouted, Spider-man was currently sitting at your window, your words echoing throughout his ears as his head turned to face yours.

“Hi, uhm, I know this is sudden and super out of the ordinary, but..” He began, only to hunch over in pain, his hand clutching his left side in agony, causing your eyes to widen.

“Oh my god! Oh- Please come in! Let me help you.” You ushered him into your room, helping him through your window as you lead him over to your bed.

“I’m going to go get my first aid kit, stay here, don’t move.” You pointed a finger at him as he nodded, his eyes on his mask scrunching up in pain as you ran off to get the kit.

You returned a few seconds later, a breath of relief escaping your lips when you saw he was still there, his body relaxing when he saw you.

“This is going to sound super awkward, but I need you to take your suit off..” You stated bluntly, a small smile appearing on your lips as his eyes widened on his mask.

“O-Oh, okay, y-yeah sure..” He muttered, undoing the suit from his body, his mask continuing to stay on his face. You watched the suit fall from his body, his toned chest coming into view, along with the nasty cut on his left side.

“Damn, what happened to you?” You muttered, observing the wound as he hissed out in pain.

“I was fighting against three guys, one of them had a knife, he got me before I got him.” He stated simply, wincing when you started to clean the wound, muttering out ‘sorry’s’ as you continued to clean it up.

“I hope you got a few hits in, because this looks terrible.” You glanced up at him, your face flushing when you saw he was already looking at you.

“Pshh, I totally got them, I mean look at me!” He bragged, making you snort in response, he had the same attitude as Peter.

And the more you thought about it, the more he did act like Peter, which only made you question, who was really behind the mask? Could it be Peter?

“So what are you doing up so late anyways?” Spider-man questioned, wincing again when you placed the bandage over the cut.

“I procrastinated until the very last minute to write my English paper.” You confessed, throwing the bloodied cloths away into the trash, before facing him once more.

Your suspicion growing more as Spider-man spoke, but it wasn’t until he said one thing that made you certain that it was Peter underneath the mask.

“Well even if it’s last minute, I bet you’ll do great, you seem like a smart cookie.” He teased, causing a smirk to appear on your face.

You faintly nodded, biting your lip slightly as you looked him over once more, your heart beginning to beat rapidly. You knew you always loved Peter as a friend, but in this moment, something within you snapped, like a switch flipped and it was like you could finally see all along what was right in front of you.

You loved Peter.

“You know, I have a friend who says that exact same thing.” You smiled, walking over to him as he visibly stiffened, his eyes on his mask widening.

“Oh?” He questioned, his heart racing as you stepped closer to him.

“Yeah. In fact, his name is Peter.” You mentioned, smiling as you now stood in front of him.

“He must be a pretty cool dude to hang out with you.” Spider-man choked out, his palms sweaty as you let out a small chuckle.

“You’re such a dork Peter, I know it’s you.” You laughed, sitting beside him on the bed as he let out a sigh in defeat, pulling his mask off, his curls falling in his face.

“I thought I was doing well at hiding it.” He pouted, turning to look at you, his breath getting caught in his throat when he saw you were already looking at him.

“I know my best friend well enough I guess..” You hummed, your eyes flickering down to his lips for a brief second before returning to his eyes.

Peter however caught that in an instant, his heart racing, did you really want to kiss him? 

He couldn’t help but do the same thing, his eyes flickering to your lips before going back to your eyes, as if encouraging you to do what you both so desperately wanted.

Without any hesitation you leaned in, pressing your lips to his, the kiss soft and sweet, both of you melting into one another.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do that.” Peter admitted once you both pulled apart, his cheeks flushed.

“I don’t know, I might.” You shrugged, winking at him causing him to chuckle.

You never could of imagined being in love with your best friend was even possible, yet here you were, sitting next to him on your bed, your heart racing as you just shared a kiss with the boy.

Turning to face him once again, your eyes trailed down to his toned chest once more, causing him to smirk at your reaction.

“Enjoying what you see?” He teased, causing you to blush and roll your eyes playfully.

“Shut up Parker.” You huffed, a smile on your face as he grinned, pulling you into his chest, his warmth radiating into your body.

You really did love this boy, even if he was a complete dork.

[sophlcs]

          hel lloo o babes, i’m sailor mars (◠‿◠✿) 19, she/her, pst. i love kpop, milk tea, and mac and cheese. (not together. but... i’m not opposed to the idea.) also, i live v close to sf ! so this is kinda funny. lol. sooo sorry you're all trapped in this rp w/ me. but wtver~ you guys will learn to adore my 3am messages and casual spam on the dash. also meet sophia bae, the queen of trash, and she’ll own up to that. anyways --- i’ll try to keep this as short as possible. since i always get wayyyy too invested into writin’ my intros. :~)) )) ) &&. *so like… ov cors this got really long. my apologies, again. so, just scroll to the point with the ☆ for the overall summary. | discord: harleyquinn#3162

****psa: you clicked on this so you’re obligated to plot with me srry but i don’t make the rules.

JENNIE KIM— looks like SOPHIA BAE is ready to settle by the bay ! i’m happy that they’re A MAKEUP ARTIST & BLOGGER, even if rent’s the least of my worries. i bet you five bucks they’ll have their FENTY HIGHLIGHTER & CAMERA with them on our way there though. and sure, they’ll be a little CYNICAL, but they’re WITTY too. look on the bright side; you’ll be hearing a lot of SPICE GIRL BY ANIMÈ when this GAL’s around.

BACKGROUND      + TRIGGER WARNINGS: cheating, daddy issues

alrigthhhhy, so this is sophia ! but everyone can call her soph or bae (unless... of course... she has beef with you. then it’s new phone who dis.) she was born and raised in stonington, connecticut and also known as the vixen of town. in a nutshell, she’s an angel with a halo unbalanced with horns, not a devil but not a saint either ?? kind yet has a backbone. softer than what she seems like. humorous and witty though understanding. mistrusting but willing to let loyalty speak. wealthy but tries not to depend on her family. stays away from the king glitterati lifestyle and fronts as if she’s just a normal gal livin’ in san fran with her bestest pals !

the bae family history is truly a mess. her childhood wasn’t exactly peaches and cream. her mother, krystal bae, was a hardworking single mother. her father, bae jinyoung, left the family when soph was just a baby. why ? because krystal kicked him out. he was the definition of a scrub. going out every night with little to no money. constantly cheating with no regrets. a major disappointment to all. etc etc. when krystal met jinyoung she was a player. no one could tie her down. but, jinyoung made it his mission to do just that. once she became a mother, the roles changed. what makes it even darker is that jinyoung became his worst nightmare: his father. (a long history of cheating men. ya yikes.)

growing up, she never understood the tension between her parents. she felt like a basketball being thrown back and forth between the two. one weekend at her mom’s, the other spent at her dad’s. and playing messenger between the two didn’t help either. she was completely oblivious to her family problems. but one day after school, soph watched how the other kids were being picked up by both parents. something completely revolutionary in her eyes. and that night, little eight year old soph had asked her mom, “why aren’t you and daddy together ?”

which lead to a very lengthy and detailed answer. the conversation started at midnight and lasted until three in the morning. although her mom kept trying to cut the story short, soph whined and demanded the full story. and that night --- everything clicked. suddenly she realized fairytales were just that: tall tales. that reality sucked and love was just an illusion to fill the void of loneliness in life. she understood why her mother prayed every morning that sophia would grow up to be a strong, beautiful, independent woman. everything made sense.

sophia didn’t start developing crushes until seventh grade. times were confusing (especially fucking pubery. yeet.) and a couple of girls had just asked, “sophia, who do you like ?” a question that had her pondering why she didn’t like anyone. but it was simple: she didn’t care enough for anyone. so she gave a bullshit answer, naming the most popular guy in their grade. eventually, word got out and --- what ? the feelings were the same ?! something she really didn’t expect. that guy eventually turned out to be her first boyfriend. (wanted connection™ down below) one awkward month of hand holding and uncomfortably later... these two talk it out and decide it’s better to just be friends ! and that had to be one of the best decisions she’s made because she met her best friend.

in eighth grade, sophia met her best friend. (wanted connection™ numero dos. also located down below) in eighth grade, sophia began to develop real feelings. something extraordinary. unexplained. sophia had a real crush... on her best friend. she contemplated whether or not she should confess. this person was her best friend after all ? but, soph wasn’t a bitch made the decision to do it. “just rip it off like a bandaid,” she repeated to herself. everyone thought they made a cute couple after all. so, it shouldn’t be a problem... right ? wrong. sophia told him and he held onto her hands gently and said, “i can’t.” he world came tumbling down. he explained how he couldn’t ruin their friendship. she wanted to break down in tears. but of course, she held it back. nodding in agreement. they didn’t make it awkward and remained friends. however, she still has lingering feelings for them until this day.

freshman year came along and soph was going through a it’s not a phase. she wore baggy clothes. she pushed away a lot of her old friends. and became a total outcast. she began to eat lunch in her english teacher’s classroom. her only friend being her bestie. but, every day she went home begging her mom to let her do online school or independent study instead. she didn’t feel comfortable in school let alone her own skin. luckily, her mother pushed her hard enough to stay in school. “you don’t want to end up like your father.” those words hit her head. so, she stayed. which is how she met the gang.

sophomore year sophia changed her act completely. her best friend introduced her to a group of people she actually clicked with. people who actually excepted her for who she was. she swapped her baggy sweatpants for short skirts. even got a boyfriend ! (wanted connection™) but most importantly, developed a strong love for a makeup. she learned a lot off of youtube videos and got better in due time. she became a freelance makeup artist for awhile. practicing on her friends any chance she got. she was infatuated with anything that made her beautiful. (also, this is around the time she began to question her sexuality. bi ? pan ? who knows.)

junior year, the group convinced her to start a channel of her own ! at first, she was hesitant. being a total perfectionist she wanted to start off her channel right. no low budget videos. she begged her mom to buy her a dslr. which she ended up getting around christmas time along with a macbook pro ! she immediately began to produce content. she fell even more in love with makeup, video editing, just the whole package. her world felt right. everything was perfect... but of course her boyfriend of a year had to have a wandering eye. she felt beautiful, but not around him. she noticed how he talked to other girls. how he treated them better. thus, triggering old memories. ultimately leading to the messiest break up of her life and another person on her ‘must kill’ list.

the break up fucked her up. she went from yay to nay in a matter of seconds. she had given him a year of her life and it went all down the drain. she slowly felt herself becoming an outcast again. but it wasn’t going to happen. not this time around. she had friends to help her bounce back. people who truly cared about her. viewers who cheered her on. she wasn’t going to fall back into the dark. because what didn’t kill her only made her stronger.

senior year was her favorite of them all. her mother’s prayers had been answered. sophia was morphing into a strong, beautiful, independent young woman. she made amends with practically everyone. thus, getting a lot off her chest. she got into san francisco state university. and her following on the internet was only getting bigger by the minute. although, she was still battling internal struggles... (her sexuality, relationship statuses, etc etc) she was finally becoming content with herself.

“let’s all move to san francisco.” at first, she was opposed to the idea. california was the state with the highest living cost in america. but then, she thought of the opportunities ahead. a lot of beauty conventions come to sf. and this could be a clean slate. a fresh start for all of them. eventually the pros and cons list was made. then finally, the decision was made. the group would be moving to sf . she is settling in slowly, landed a job as a makeup artist at sephora. lowkey misses home. but she couldn’t be happier in the city.

PERSONALITY + RANDOM FACTS

PERSONALITY

sophia’s personalty is quite something. she has that tell it like it is personality. she just calls it likes she sees it. even if she’s not exactly right. she’s witty and intelligent. she’s very particular when it comes to most things. she wants things done correctly. so she often runs by the quote, “if you want things right you gotta do it yourself.” she doesn’t like relying on others to get things done when she knows she could do it faster and better. a little bit of a ocd queen. she’s very dedicated to her work, thus making her very goal oriented. she’s very creative when it comes to her makeup/video ideas. and she really enjoys any and all kind of art. i’m sure she picked up doodling and bullet journaling in high school. but overall, she’s slowly growing out of her tough head of hair and morphing into a young woman so beautiful over the years, but also at times, terrifying ?? self destructive ?? even if she’ll never let anyone see her deteriorate her insides sigh. basically she’s a hot mess. but she tries her best to hide that shit. yeye sweg. *plays boss ass bitch vine.*

RANDOM FACTS

her favorite makeup brand is morphe and too faced. she basically has all the morphe palettes and is in love with too faced because of the coconut primers. but, she’s always carrying around fenty highlighter in the shade trophy wife.

she has one dog back home. a black pug named boba. that’s her best friend and baby. she’s still convincing her mom to let her bring him to san fran. highly considering registering him as an emotional service animal.

her mom is currently dating. in a serious relationship and swears they’re going to get married one day. soph is genuinely happy for her. but shook that love exists. 

she isn’t in contact with her dad. actually, hasn’t talked to him in years. swears that she’s going to force feed him onions when he’s on his death bed.

she has two camera. a canon eos 80d she keeps at home. then a canon powershot g7 she always carrying around for vlogging.

her instagram is aesthetically pleasing af. something she truly takes pride in. will delete a picture if it doesn’t get 1K likes within an hour.

her favorite colors are black, white, and gold. “black is a shade.” “stfu nancy.” but her all time fave is tiffany blue.

she has a strong fear of hobos. one time on a family vacation to seoul a hobo yelled at her and she’s been scarred ever since.

RELATIONSHIPS

FRIENDS

ride or die(s) — bestest best friend ! one pal whom soph can trust with her life. her closest confidant. they can talk about anything and everything. she’d never let go of this person. they’re her ride or die ! | m, f, or nb

bad influence — self explanatory. this is someone she can corrupt. be prepared to get drinks shoved down your throat and weird pranks on her vlogs. she really thinks, “there’s no way in hell someone can be that pure ??” | TAKEN BY: RALEIGH ANDERSON

winghoe — someone who’s constantly trying to hook sophia up with people. always prying in her love life. probably made her a tinder. they just want this chick to find love dammit. | m, f, or nb

brotherly figure — completely platonic relationship. just someone who will consult and take care of this chick. sees her as a lil smol bean. even though she’s a viscous chihuahua. but lbr she’s a mess. take care of her. | TAKEN BY: PHOENYX YANG

motherly figure — someone who she looks up to. probably aspires to be like them. someone who she sees a role model. even if they aren’t the greatest influence... or maybe they are ! | TAKEN BY: TESSA MCNALLY

partner in crime — they may not be the most reliable person like her best friend(s). but definitely someone she can get turnt tf up with. to make a long story short: this is her party buddy !! | TAKEN BY: NOAH MAAKA

first boyfriend — the first person she’s ever dated ! the popular kid in seventh grade (as mentioned in her background info.) at this point they’ve both agreed to forget about that awkward month in their lives and just remained friends | TAKEN BY: BOYEON “BO” KENDRICK

FOES      + NOTE: i honestly can’t think of a lot for this because..... they’re all friends ?

frienemies — these two are just always trying to one up each other. whether it be with friends, family, or just life in general. they’re always in a (not so) secret competition. | TAKEN BY: LEO SIMMONS

LOVERS

ex boyfriend — hate/love plot coming your way. these two are constantly arguing. hella drama all. the. time. maybe they’re too much alike or just not a like at all. or.... maybe..... still in love ?? | m or nb

friends with benefits — a no strings attached sorta thing. always hooking up. that late night booty call. and of course, they’re keeping it away from the group because... imagine that fucking mess. | m or nb

bi-curious crush — sophia is a confused fucking mess 21 year old. so, she may have developed feelings for them... and is so confused. but doesn’t even try to suppress them. bonus points: if they’re as straight as ruler. double bonus: if they like her back. omg. | TAKEN BY: PENELOPE “PENNY” MONTERROS

one sided crush — someone soph openly admits to having a crush on. she’s probably always saying, “so, ___ when are you going to finally admit you like me back ?” cue huge eye roll from everyone in the room. anyone who touchs them dies. | TAKEN BY: CASPER GRAVES

“best friend” — honestly, soph’s first love. (although, she’d never admit to that.) she honestly thinks they’re the one. these two are just way too close. everyone’s wondering when they’ll date. but nah nah. they’re best friends. it can never be... right ? | TAKEN BY: ARDEN SEONG

MISCELLANEOUS 

☆ in a nutshell, sophia is a hot mess dealing with personal issues by lashing out on those around her. she’s loyal, but manipulative. opinionated, but easily offended. intelligent, but sometimes argumentative. she’s a bit of a feminist. trusts no bitch. but if you’re her friend, she’s chill as fuck. she means well, she just doesn’t know how to process her good thoughts into words. she’s a makeup artist/blogger (youtuber) and very obsessed with what she does. she’s witty, independent, and determined. but also, cynical, stubborn, and argumentative. muse inspo for her: harley quinn (suicide squad), samantha borgens (stuck in love), daisy marquez (youtuber), and blair waldorf (gossip girl). anyways, give her girl scout cookies and she’ll love you til the end of time.

CONGRATULATIONS ! you made it to end ! if you read all of this... i love you. i only ever write so much bc... it gets me in character lmao. also, i wrote all of this from 1am-5am. HENNYWAYS... i would really love to plot with everyone. so just slide into my dms and we can get things started!! luv u *blows a kiss*

[sovtwords]

i just read you found me and bestie 😳 i sat here for a good three and a half hours and read the whole thing in one go AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT AND I LOVE YOU FOR IT !! kind of a rant ahead so i’m sorry in advance hehe

the whole story was so beautifully thought out and i absolutely fell in love w each person’s characterization. the time atsumu frowned when he saw lilies on mcs desk flew over my head but i later on noticed and gasped so loud my dog woke up LOL i just realized you never used y/n (right or did i just never notice) and i think you are powerful for that. it just gives the mc more freedom and room to be interpreted in whatever way while still maintaining a personality that fits the story. also himari’s my absolute fave and she’s best girl sorry i dont make the rules

in you should have found me my heart absolutely broke for osamu because it’s so clear how different the twins reaction would be depending on who got the girl. osamu was always a bit more selfless in general but in that fic the way it was established that even years later atsumu would still be affected by it just screams ab how different they really are. i hope osamu got a happy ending w someone he loves and loves him back, he deserves it

the whole thing was a ride, the way that there was so much push and pull and frustration made me scream omg. the situation with tomi was so stressful and nobody should have to go with that kind of abuse (bc it is abuse no matter how anyone looks at it! and i love that you recognized it as so) and blackmail. the fact that mc didnt blame atsumu for getting with tomi because she too was with someone else (fuck daishou and mika too lw i thought she was cooler than that 😡) so its nice that she didnt outright blame him, bc i sure as hell would LOL but anyway. the way that these two felt so strongly ab each other and were so patient and still loved each other thru all the shit theyve gone thru makes me so happy bc a love like that is so pure

high school tsumu was a little shit and he (respectfully) needed to get decked but the way that he learned and did better and even tried to make tomi realize that too was much needed and appreciated. the thing with this fic tho is that no one can really blame anyone for how they acted (except tomi and daishou like cmon man do better) bc its so raw and human of them. atsumu was young and in love but didnt know it and was terrified of what everyone would think of him, which is valid esp bc his whole life, people have been telling him that osamu is the better twin with a better personality and whatnot. and you cant blame mc for leaving bc getting bullied like that and having the one person you trust turn their back on you hurts

still my heart absolutely goes out to osamu. i saw somewhere that atsumu is the one who gets seen and osamu is the one who is liked, so they both have this underlying resentment (i dont think thats the right word. jealousy?) to each other. bc when you heard miya youd think of atsumu but once they got to know both twins, it’s osamu they like. i feel like osamu is more known as atsumu’s twin sometimes bc he’s just the one thats more out there, yk? but atsumu just being grateful for osamu made me so happy and osamu being happy for his twin and mc made me even happier even tho he was hurting inside. give him a happy ending im begging you my tiny heart hurts after you should have found me pls tell me he’s happy and moved on

also let’s all thank yuta for getting along w mc to begin w LOL he’s second best after himari 😌 bokuroo dynamic was a much needed addition and i love them more than anything, same vibes as hanamattsun like chaotic gay bros who’d tear down the earth for the ones they love 😪

i feel like i still have so much left to say but this is already super long and im sorry for that. you found me is now one of my fave fics (probs my fave atsumu fic i loved it that much) ever and im so grateful you took the time to write it. thanks for the journey and im looking forward to your fics (im gonna binge rn 😈) and future works! stay hydrated <3

BESTIE EYE- KASJAASUDFHYAS I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START BECAUSE I'M CRYING

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a long and detailed message with such kind words, i literally did not stop smiling the entire time I was reading it oml i was so giddy reading it

I'm so glad you caught onto those little tidbits i left in the story, i tried to have meaning in every tiny details so it makes me happy that you caught onto them! And you're right! I didn't use Y/N in the story at all, or any of my stories! I kinda feel at times using anything like Y/N or (name) feels a bit clunky? It kinda takes me out of the story, so I try not to include it in my stories at all, and either use a nickname or nothing! ALSO I'M SO HAPPY YOU LOVED HIMARI AND YUTA!!

Your analysis of how different the twins are and their dynamic with each other in not only HQ but my fic is just CHEFS KISS MWAH it's so good and you really hit the nail on the head. Like you said they're both winners in different ways; Atsumu is the star boy who gets noticed for his talent and charisma but Osamu is the better liked twin in the end because of his personality and calm nature. I think the twins are just so interesting to write about that way, how they love differently and approach life dasjfhasd will definitely write more with the two of them in the future

I really screwed over Osamu in 'I should have found you', didn't I? LOL I need to do my boy some justice in future stories i write, whether they're related to You Found Me or not. But rest assured he had a happy ending regardless of whether he's in a relationship or not! He's taking life step by step and finding success in his job and with his friends! <3

I guess the thing I wanted to focus on in this fic is that everyone goes through some sort of struggle in some way. Even someone like cocky, hotheaded atsumu feels the weight of pressure and to act a certain way because its expected of him. He may not have dealth with it well at first (he was a kid tbf!) but what matters is how he grows from the hurt and learns how to do right the second time. I am a sucker for 'right people, wrong time' tropes after all hahaha everybody deals with shit, so it's important that they all found someone to lean on

I don't ship much but Bokuroo is my SHIT i just love really stupid bros that are in love and every day is a wild ride, like matsuhana too ajhsdfhsd

Seriously, thank you so much for even reading my fic, let alone sending such a sweet message. I'm beyond happy that you loved it, and to call it one of your fave fics just makes my head explode LMAO

I do hope you enjoy the other fics (trash) I write, my mind goes in a million directions and I can only hope ppl understand what i write HAHAHA

THANK YOU SO MUCH MY LOVE, I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY <33333

[gamzee-the-capricious]

Gonna go on a little tangent

so, I don’t know, I feel like I want to say all this but I don’t have anyone to say it to, like I have a friend I mentioned it to but it is not the same I guess. I just need to get this out and yeah. So, I am a bad friend. I have struggled with friendship for a long time. I moved a lot as a kid so, having steady friendships was hard. I was lucky anyone really befriended me as I am such an introvert really. Finally when we settled down on a place I made a group of friends for my first year of middle school. Then, we moved one more time, same town though. But there were two middle schools and so now I was in the district for the other middle school and so thrown back into nothing. I made another group of friends, some, were not good friends. I was close with three people, one of which I considered my best friend but, unfortunately she was not.. a great person. The other two were fine, one was a nice normal girl who is really cool but I am not really close with her anymore. The other was a guy named Matthew. My best friend was named Beck. So me, Beck, and Matthew had this joke relationship, so I was the dad, beck the mom, and matthew was our son. It was pretty funny, Matthew would literally just call me Daddy instead of my actual name. So it came to a point where, I developed feelings for Beck. I told her and It seemed mutual, except when she came over that weekend. The first day she stayed over she was more interested in hanging out with my brothers saying that I was being to boring. My older made jokes about me and her relationship implying some things. Like, It was my first ever relationship I wasn’t ready to be all touchy with her ya know? But yea,, I felt.. terrible so I left them alone and hoped she would come upstairs to hang out with me even though I was more boring. Except instead she had sex with both of my brothers that night. I walked downstairs the next morning and Beck and my oldest brother were together in his bed. Beck from then on insisted that we never were a thing, that I had made assumptions. I couldn’t talk to her, I didn’t want to see her ever again. I tried just once to go back to being friends with her again after that but I just couldn’t. I vowed to never have a best friend again. Dramatic, I know. But after the split instead of her being punished for betraying me I felt punished. Most of our mutual friends chose her over me, all of them really, except Matthew. Matthew became like, an intermediate, he was friends with both of us still. I would sometimes use him to spy or figure out what Beck was doing or if she missed me. She didn’t. I felt like trash just thrown away. Eventually Matthew ended up moving away and I found another person to hang out with. Her name was Tennessee. We were pretty close for a bit but I was a year ahead of her so I graduated on to high school before she did. But her older sister was part of a group I would join in high school. I had idolized this group while friends with Tenn, I wanted to be their friend so when my first year of high school came around I did. My first day I wore a Homestuck T-shirt and befriended a girl named Katherine, we called her Kat though. Through her I ended up into this group I had wanted to be in so long. Everything was great! I ended up closer to Kat and her best friend Sydney and then Sydney’s older sister Caroline. I was closest to Sydney though, she loved nintendo and was really good at some of their games. She was cool and I really really looked up to her and enjoyed her company. I was second closest with Kat, she was sweet and cute and loved bunnies. Caroline was an awesome artist, I wanted/want to draw like her. Of course all of my friends part of this group were upperclassmen so they all graduated before me. We didn’t hang out as much after they didn’t attend school, Still I hung out with Sydney and Kat though. In school though my friend Cheyenne was who I talked to day in and out. She is a wonderful person who deals with my bs to this day. Anyway so one day Kat got into a horrible wreck and got her leg messed up really bad. Me and Sydney visited her at first but... we didn’t visit enough. It was difficult though, she was feeling sad and we didn’t know what to say so we just sat there in silence. So we stopped at some point I guess. Kat was upset and she stopped talking to me and Sydney. I apologized so much but she never talked to me again. Sydney was hit hardest since they were besties. So then I just had Sydney and Cheyenne. But then I went off to college 5 hours away from home. I stopped texting them, I have this problem really of not sending people messages because I don’t like starting conversations, stupid I know. So, there would be silence until I came back for breaks. some gaps were months long. I thought everything was still fine, I would hang out with both of them when I was back on campus. But then I moved to be near campus and now it’s been a year since I have seen Sydney and quite a few months for Cheyenne. I want to reconnect with Sydney and all the others but, I am the one who did this. Not contacting people doesn’t keep friends. Sydney probably doesn’t consider me a friend anymore and it makes me sad. And then now, I have one best friend, pretty much my only friend beyond Cheyenne. I had 2 groups in college too but I just got forgotten in both. It feels like no one wants me and idk, it’s pretty sad. I just want to be someone’s first choice, like I want some other people to be friends with me.