#They wanted both Felix and Mari to have their moment and ended up messing up their own storyline

[spectral-kitkat]

Miraculous Rant.

Where the hell do I begin…

Season 1:

The show was decent in season 1. Some episodes were just mindless filler and probably weren’t needed in the grand scheme of things but they helped us get introduced to the characters, we got to know the plot and the world our characters inhabit. It was good. The love story between Adrien and Marinette was cute and off to a touching and fluffy start.

Season 2:

This season was immediately better than season 1. It had character development, it went more into detail about the lore surrounding the Miraculous and we got to learn more about our characters and their families and the villian’s motives. (HM really went from “I wanna destroy the world” to “I wanna wake my wife from the coma she’s in”).

We got to see new heroes which was fun! We got new characters like Luka and Kagami.

The season finale was epic! The Miraculous team all taking down all the previous villains in the show was awesome. At the end we even got Mari kissing Adrien on the cheek. It was great! (Even though it clearly reset itself in season 3 cause it’s never mentioned again)

I really enjoyed season 2 and it’s probably my favourite out of the 4.

Season 3:

Season 3 was kinda good and kinda bad. We had some great episodes but this is where the show took the wrong turn.

Marinette lost some of her character in season 3. This was the start of her descent into being the Queen of Mary Sues. It’s also where she was crowned the Queen of Stalkers! Her character took a fucking nose dive in this season. We had so many moments that just creeped me the fuck out.

1. The ENTIRETY of Puppeteer 2 🤢🤢🤢 I could not stand that episode. When we reached the dreaded statue scene I physically had to pause it like 10 times. That scene takes about 3 minutes to watch… it took me about 20. I cringed so fucking hard because of the secondhand embarrassment I was feeling. That was not sweet, it wasn’t romantic, it wasn’t the least bit cute… it was a train wreck! It was creepy and stalkerish and it’s a wonder Adrien even spoke to her again after that atrocity!

2. LB delivering the present in Chat Blanc. Two words: STALKER BEHAVIOUR!!! I genuinely could not believe my eyes when I saw LB run her hand across everything in his room and then actually SNIFF Adrien’s pillow. Like WTF!!! 🤮 I’m pretty sure whoever was responsible for that scene clearly thought it was the equivalent of when someone gets their S/O’s jumper or something and it still smells like them. But this turned it up to the nth degree and way passed the line of sanity.

Adrien was extremely under-utilised in this season. He didn’t really do anything. The only episodes we got about him didn’t really focus on him. ‘Felix’ whilst focusing on Adrien’s family didn’t really feature him. ‘Party Crasher’ while a beautiful mess was more about Mari trying to get into the party than the party itself. ‘Chat Blanc’ again focused more on Mari trying to fix her mistake.

We got even more heroes in season 3, not in the right order but they were there. It was fun seeing everyone’s transformations.

Season 3 was also the season of destroying redemptions. The big one obviously being Chloe. Season 2 was setting up this amazing redemption for her and before it could go anywhere it was wiped off the face of the earth during the finale (and don’t worry we’ll get to that dumpster fire later). Gabriel also had any remaining sympathy ripped away from him. How did the guy who stopped Gorizilla from letting Adrien die when he only thought he was CN go from that to using his son like fucking baseball in Chat Blanc when he knew his son was CN. Like I knew you were a shit father but you still cared about Adrien in some way shape or form but after that episode I can see I was clearly mistaken!

Before we get to the finale I want to talk about probably my 2 least favourite episodes from this season: Desperada and Reflekdoll

Desperada:

I fucking hated this episode! The only good thing was Luka getting to be Viperion, other than that this episode was awful!

Marinette was a selfish cringey bitch. Completely ignoring Luka to gush about Adrien to Jagged. Brushing Luka off as soon as Adrien turns up. Immediately cuddling up to Aspik and flirting with him when she needed to focus on the akuma (something which she has told CN not to do many times before)

Adrien, I love you kid but Jesus Christ you were a dumbass in this episode! Aspik’s design was terrible! Aspik himself was awful. I know Adrien tried his best but dude you were given the Black Cat miraculous for a reason! He shouldn’t have tried to be Aspik but even when he did he should’ve called it quits after like 5 resets not 25,913 times.

The only person with a brain this episode was Luka. So well done guitar boy, gold star!

Reflekdoll:

This episode was annoying! It was basically the start of the Marinette can do no wrong streak! When they have to swap miraculous I was happy cause it meant we got to see new outfits and see how they each handle the different powers. It would also serve as a way to get LB and CN to see what their partners role is first hand. Until we actually get to it…

LadyNoire is of course amazing and needs no introduction to using this new miraculous that she’s never used before. She’s cocky and confident and basically just LB in Chat’s costume with his powers.

Mister Bug on the other hand is just useless. He struggles with this new miraculous (like anyone would!) and is stupid and goofy. He has to rely on LadyNoire to solve the lucky charm. They swapped miraculous so shouldn’t that mean that Mister Bug should get the lucky vision and the creative powers that the earrings give him.

Overall Reflekdoll is awful. It was shitty writing and the start of Adrien getting the short end of the stick.

And now the season 3 finale… Just what the fuck. That is my only reaction: what the fuck!

Chloe you poor fucking child! What did they do to you!!! So much potential SQUANDERED!!!!

What was the point in bringing in all these different superheros with unique skill sets, costumes and transformations if you were just going to immediately reveal them to the main villian so they can’t be used again. That’s stupid! If you wanted the shock value that is “Oh no HM knows some of the heroes identities!” Then keep it as only some. Have like Max, Kim and Kagami outside trying to find somewhere to hide but unfortunately they get hit. Or Nino and Alya are hiding but the windows open and they get hit. Have some of the heroes hide so they’re fine! Taking away every ally of LB and CN’s was a stupid move! (Even if they wanted Alya to become a spy have her as part of the like 4 that get revealed or something, it’s not that difficult)

Season 3 was 50/50 for me

Season 4:

So I know season 4 isn’t even halfway through yet but so much is wrong with this season already that I need to vent!

So my biggest problem with this season of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybitch and Rena Rouge, I mean Rena Furtive… shit, Chat Noir! Is that CN is basically pointless! Adrien has been flung over a rainbow and is only remembered when he’s needed as

1. Marinette’s love interest

2. Someone for LB to shout at

3. A plot device

He has basically been sidelined. Partners my ASS!!!

Adrien is being blown off by pretty much EVERYONE! It’s coming to a point where this poor sweet summer child is going to crack! And it is not gonna be pretty… I definitely feel like the writers are leading up to a big fight between CN and LB which will probably end with Chat Blanc 2.0.

I REALLY HATE MARINETTE/LADYBUG!!!! In Season 3 I said it was the beginning of her descent, well in season 4 she’s done it. She’s descended, she has hit rock fucking bottom. She is so unlikable I don’t actually care about her as a person. She has entered full blown stalker territory it’s only a matter of time before she starts killing people for even looking at Adrien! Not to mention that Miss Mary Sue here can’t do anything wrong! She never has to suffer the consequences of her actions, she is always perfect no matter what she does… it pisses me off!)

She’s the Guardian now big whoop. I know what it feels like to be stressed and under pressure so I do understand why she needed to tell someone about it all. I just don’t see why that person had to Alya! Especially considering she has someone by her side every akuma attack going through pretty much the exact same thing. I know she’s worried about CB happening again but as I said before the more she leaves him out the more she is actually pushing that to become a possibility! Plus it makes sense for them to reveal their identities now since LB is now the guardian it’s probably a good idea to know who holds the cat miraculous, she knows everyone else’s identities!

Even if she didn’t want to tell CN her identity she could still explain the situation to him. If she didn’t want to tell him anything (which she doesn’t anyway) then instead of Alya she should’ve talked to Luka! Her boyfriend for all of half an episode (thanks writers…). He’s so sweet and caring and clearly loves her so much! If she wanted someone to confide in then why not choose the person you clearly wanted to date but couldn’t because of that very reason! (Yeah I know it’s kinda a moot point now since Luka knows both identities but still). He wanted to try and comfort her so it would’ve been the perfect moment for it. That way you could still date him and he’d know why you had to suddenly leave dates halfway through! But no break the boys heart instead!

Adrien and Marinette were both such fucking idiots in the first 2 episodes. Like why would you start a relationship with someone when you know your heart isn’t in it! That’s called leading someone on and is a really shitty thing to do to someone! No wonder Kagami and Luka ended up akumatized!

Another aspect of season 4 I don’t like is Rena Furtive. Yes ok having a spy for your side is a good strategy but when said spy basically tells an important member of a duo that the 2 person job doesn’t involve them… it just really ticks me off! Alya you are the sidekick to LB and CN! Chat isn’t!

Miraculous specials:

The Miraculous World specials suck! Shanghai is better than NY but still has its problems. Both specials add nothing to the overall plot/lore of the show apart from trying to set up some weird cinematic universe…

NY special:

One of the worst things I’ve ever had to sit through! The plane scene alone I paused a few times. I want to say well done to Mari for trying to move on from Adrien (especially considering I’m pretty sure she’s dating Luka at this point) but I can’t help but think it’s just to give her character some pointless development that goes nowhere and doesn’t actually develop anything!

LB can pretty much fuck off at this point! I hate her! She put all this shit on CN (like she doesn’t know exactly how that feels). It’s like why does she get to go off on holiday but CN can’t. LB should’ve stayed in Paris for 3 reasons:

1. She’s recently become the guardian meaning it would probably be best that she stayed with the Mircle Box

2. She’s the only one who can purity the akumas

3. If she’s so sure about being the boss then she should take responsibility of Paris and the citizens.

What really pisses me off about her is what she says to CN during the big fight. “I can’t trust you”… surely you could have this conversation afterwards since you’re supposed to be focusing on taking down the villian! Plus everyone bashes Adrien for giving his miraculous up in this episode but look at it from his point of view: His partner and best friend just said she couldn’t trust him which in turn caused him to cataclysm someone and essentially kill them. That’s gonna take a toll on anyone, especially a 14 year old! He probably thought in that moment. “Ladybug needs a partner she can trust and someone who won’t mess up and kill someone. She needs a better partner.” It makes sense he renounces his miraculous! I’m just upset that in doing so he loses Plagg who is pretty much his only friend who actually understands what Adrien goes through at home.

When Uncanny gets CN to come back, LB acts like it’s not her fault in the first place that he feels inadequate! She didn’t even apologise for saying what she did! He apologised for lying about not being in Paris but nope LB wasn’t in the wrong at all and didn’t have anything to apologise for 🙄… (yes the LadyNoir hug was amazing but I just wish it was under different circumstances!)

Also are we not gonna mention Gabriel Agreste almost starting WW3??? He wanted to launch a fucking missile!!!

Shanghai:

As I said before, this special is way better for several reasons.

We got MariChat! (Best side to the love square imo). This special actually had some semblance on a plot. Fei, whilst a bit op, was a cool character. It was nice to see Wang Cheng again.

However once again there were many problems.

A big one being Marinette yet again! (What a shock! 😒 I’ll come back to this). Another was that once again HM’s motivation has changed. How is getting the Prodigious gonna help bring back Emilie??

Back to Marinette… The fact that the words “Huh?! There must be some kind of mistake! I always know what's up with Adrien! … His 5 first names and every corresponding name date, his yearly schedule, even his shoe size! If there were anything to know about him, I would know it!” come out of her mouth whilst she is flipping through his schedule that she keeps in her pocketbook is a hugh red flag!!! That is not cute or adorable! That’s messed up and Adrien needs to fucking run and maybe possibly go into witness protection… Marinette is a full blown stalker! Not to mention the GPS she has (that could just be the find my friends app on iphone but still).

It also is extremely rude of her to use not only her great uncle’s birthday but also a lie about wanting to know her Chinese heritage in order to go to Shanghai to stalk her obsession, I mean crush. This could’ve been avoided if the Dupain-Chengs were going to Shanghai for the purpose of celebrating Wang Cheng’s bday and then Adrien just so happened to be in Shanghai.

Also this means LB left Paris without telling CN! I know CN did the same but again he can’t purify the akumas. Plus he has a reason he couldn’t stay in Paris, Mari just went cause her crush did. Great guardianship there Marinette.

This was also the last time CN actually did something. Even if it was for a short while before LB and her female partner took over (the beginning of a theme…)

Other things:

There are 2 other things that I wanna say but felt they needed a separate bit.

In Furious Fu, Su-Han has a rule book that he uses to tell Marinette which rules she has broken. At the end of the episode he tells her that is she breaks 1 more rule that he will take the Miraculous and the Miracle Box off her, which fair enough but wouldn’t it be helpful to leave the rule book with her?! How can she be wary of not breaking anymore rules when she doesn’t even know what the rules are??

Now the big one: Master Fu…

Where do I even start with him. He is so fucking manipulative!! He is Asian Dumbledore!

He decides to leave these extremely powerful jewels in the hands of 13 year olds! Surely leaving the miraculous to someone in their 20s would’ve been better!

He clearly favours LB over CN even though the Ladybug and Black Cat are supposed to be partners! Wouldn’t it make sense for them both to be in contact with the guardian from the start?? He randomly started introducing rules such as if LB and CN find out each other’s identities they would lose their miraculous… what kind of bullshit rule is that? It also came out of fucking nowhere!

Final Thoughts:

But to summarise all of that: Miraculous is on quite a steep decline but I’m invested at this point and I am genuinely curious as to where the fuck this will go.

Marinette needs professional fucking help before the writers even consider canonising Adrienette cause at the moment she is not what Adrien needs!

Adrien needs to stand up for himself! He needs to pull LB to the side and tell her what he feels and what he’s going through cause he is on the precipice of a breakdown!

(Small point that’s more to do with the fandom: when searching for fanfics it’s really annoying that Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir Bashing is a tag but Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug Bashing isn’t. Why does everyone think Marinette can do no wrong???)

[aliensunflower-fics]

Marinette The Perfect Daughter In Law: A Prompt

[ I've seen a few ‘everyone loves Marinette AU’s’ and a couple Marvel DC ‘all the mentors want THEIR kid to end up with Marinette AU’s’ and well frankly! I felt inspired! So I present to you my new prompt / AU thing! In which all the most powerful / rich / popular people in Paris decide to play matchmaker… ]

It starts when Adrien and Kagami have a less than AMICABLE break up according to their parents and the media anyway in reality it was a really REALLY dull break up. The pair have been ‘dating’ (using each other as an excuse to go out and experience normal teenage stuff) since they were 15. Now at 17 soon to be 18 the pair decided to publicly break up in order to pursue other people and interests. The problem is they never told their parents the truth so both Gabriel and Kagami’s mother Tomeo feel protective and concerned about what must surely be an upsetting first heartbreak for their child. And okay maybe both parents take that out on each other and both get a bit defensive and protective. And MAYBE it ends with Tomeo vowing to get revenge for her daughter. Enter, Marinette. Up and coming fashion designer for the rich and famous! She’s single, talented, and as far as Tomeo knows Gabriel is interested in the girl for her talent. So what better revenge could exist but having Marinette take an interest in Kagami!

Kagami has no idea why her mother suddenly has an interest in Marinette but she wont complain about having more time with her very cute designer friend. And all the outfits Tomeo is paying Marinette to make for Kagami is giving the young fencer plenty of up-close and personal moments with Marinette. And okay Marinette is VERY cute and Kagami wont question why she suddenly has all this tine with Marinette, eating ice cream with the girl and having brunch. But she knows shes absolutely head over heels when Marinette shows up at her fencing tournament gives her a luck charm and cheers her on wearing HER colors. Obviously Kagami wiped the floor with all the competition she cant be seen hesitating in front of Marinette!

On Tomeo’s side of things she makes sure that the paparazzi still lurking around after Kagami and Adrien’s breakup catch photos of what could easily be interpreted as dates between the girls. After all this is a revenge ploy but also Marinette is fantastic so Tomeo is 300% down with Kagami ‘bringing her into the family’ something she tells Kagami after the first paparazzi ‘date photos’ leak into the news. Kagami still has no idea this was an orchestrated affair and just thinks her mothers caught on to her feelings and is overjoyed that Marinette is approved of because after the cheek kiss Marinette gave her for winning the fencing tournament Kagami was preparing to fight her mother for the right to pursue the young designer seriously. After all she never hesitates! 

But Tomeo never realized Gabriel isnt the only one interested in Marinette. Audrey Bourgeouis has been keeping an eye on Marinette trying to find a way to get Marinette on to her side and away from Gabriel. So when she sees the photos of Kagami and Marinette she sees an opportunity. After all if Marinette isnt exclusively into men (and those photos of her flushed cheeks as Kagami cleans ice cream off her bottom lip are a clear indication shes not) then Audrey smells opportunity. After all Marinette was Chloe’s first crush! How cute would that be! The next day Marinette is being offered yet another opportunity to intern under Audrey this time with much looser restrictions. When Marinette accepts she suddenly finds herself working with Chloe… A LOT. The pair are modeling together, often paired together for shoots in perfect complementary clothes that screams ‘opposites attract’. Chloe is also helping manage Marinette’s brand and the two start to get along very well. The model photos and their business lunches are soon plastered alongside the Kagami and Marinette outings with parisian gossip blogs finding their interest picked by this potential love triangle.

Chloe for one, was confused at first. Sure she knew her mom was interested in Marinette but she never thought SHE would be working so closely with her first crush. And Chloe tries to ignore it, after all those are dead feelings! And Marinette woud never forgive her anyway so why even- Wait. Is that Marinette in a downright gorgeous golden dress? A-and she will be posing right next to Chloe for their shared shoot? Well… Chloe always thought herself deserving of royalty and damn if Marinette aint the princess of her dreams. Sorry Adriken’s you had your chance to get the girl, but now its winner keeps all and Marinette is the only prize shes interested in. For the record Alya is freaked out by Chloe being nice, but shes more weirded out by Chloe being protective and handsy and downright shamelessly flirty with Marinette. Audrey is pleased when she hears the news and is quick to give her daughter encouragement acting as if none of this was premeditated at ALL.

Oh but they have no idea that this is just the beginning. Because guess who's moved back into town. Adrien’s favorite cousin and aunty. And Felix’s mom is quite the busybody and dammit Felix needs friends! And maybe a cute girlfriend! And oh whos that pretty girl on the magazine cover? Marinette? The one her celebrity connections have nothing but praise for? Perfect! Shes invited to lunch with Felix and herself on friday to discuss movie costumes! And oh Audrey dear dont you think Marinette would look fabulous sandwiched between TWO blondes! Felix hasnt modeled in a while but come now. So suddenly Marinette is being spotted with Felix guiding him about paris and modeling with him AND Chloe under AUDREY’s brand NOT Gabriels.

Felix thought hed really hate Marinette; he tried to ignore her he really did. But shes funny, witty and sweet. Not to mention trustworthy, so a good candidate for a business partner. And thats it, but then he has to admit hes impressed when he rolls up to a photoshoot and Chloe! The definition of brat personified is acting… Bearable. Yes, somehow Marinette has done the impossible! She has tamed the beast known as Chloe. And yes fine he will admit shes drop dead gorgeous and how intelligent of her to learn all sides of the fashion industry and boost her rep with modelling! Soon hes spending more time with her, he tries to argue he needs a guide, that shes the most bearable person to be with! That she is just a friend- Oh god. No it cant be! He sounds like-! Like ADRIEN! And Chloe already told him about THAT mess! No! Absolutely not! He will not lead on Marinette like his idiot cousin! Marinette is a rare and beautiful woman! She could be his queen! And god he has to admit it much as he loathes too Marinette’s smile is enough to make him thank every non-existent god. He will win her heart, show her that she deserves better than his brain dead cousin! Felix is sure mother will approve of his decision to pursue the girl, now he just needs to do more shoots with Marinette...

And that's what finally gets Gabriel to snap. Because REALLY Felix!? Is there no loyalty to FAMILY. Not to mention he was totally drafting a potential contract for Marinette when Audrey snapped her up the witch! But its fine! Marinette has always been interested in Adrien! Surely she still is? Surely she's not been swayed by any of her new suitors! Right? Gabriel knows he can't mess with Audrey’s contract so he goes through Adrien, freeing up his sons schedule and telling him to spend time with Marinette to help her ‘adapt’ to the harsh world of fashion and modeling. He uses Adrien’s heroic nature to make it sound like hed be saving her from Chloe and Felix. And sure enough Adrien bites, using his friendship with Chloe to worm into fittings, meetings, and photo shoots. At first hes just there to make sure Chloe and Felix arent hurting sweet Marinette. But when he sees the blondes fighting for her attention, flirting with her, posing with her in some rather romantic settings. Suddenly hes less worried and more… Jealous? No! Not him! Hes concerned, confused, suspicious! Obviously he needs to spend more time with Mari- Wait! When did Kagami get here to take Marinette to lunch! And why are they all ignoring him!!!

Now Marinette is fully in the public's eye. Gossip blogs are being fed bits of info writing up each ‘candidates’ appeal as THE romantic partner to the Marinette Dupain-Cheng paris new darling, the girl with a heart of gold too oblivious to see the trail of hearts following her around! But there is still another contender yet to enter the game! Jaggeds been away on tour teaching Luka his up and coming protege all the tricks. And lets not lie Luka has his own fans now, enough to rival all the others. Jagged sees Luka as his own son, even calling him as much! Hell hes even adopted Luka and Juleka and when I say adopted I mean Jagged literally got shared custody of the kids when their real dad tried to start trouble once Luka started gaining fame. Luka and Juleka for one love their adopted father and his wonderful fiance Penny. But back to Jagged, being Jagged. 

The moment Jagged is back in Paris he's checking up on his favorite designer and hopefully future daughter in law! When… WHAT'S THIS?! All the other ritchies in Paris are playing his game! Trying to get Marinette married into THEIR families! Not rock and roll at all! He was here first! And so being Jagged he decides to make Luka’s stake in the race for Marinette’s heart clear! By spamming social media with photos of Marinette being cute with Luka, taking his measurements, going out with him, the pair babying Fang, the two passed out against each other after a long concert. And he has photos going back at least a year or two! Soon Luka’s fans pick up the hype starting a trending hashtag finding the pair cute! Jagged feels confident that hes won! When Audrey retaliates, and from there its a complete train wreck. Before long each pair has a hashtag filled with cute moments and arguing over whos dating the model / fashion designer! 

Meanwhile Adrien is drowning in denial as he goes through each hashtag seething about how many MORE photos everyone else has with Marinette, when HE is her very good friend and was here first! Felix, Chloe and Kagami on the other hand have declared open war after they tried to talk to each other about the hashtags reasonably only for it to devolve into “so you agree Marinette is best with me!” - “WHAT! No! Thats not what I said! Besides she clearly is best with me!” - “Ridiculous!” And so on. Poor Luka is having an entirely different reaction hiding in shame unsure how to face Marinette because he WAS going to ask her on a proper date now that she seems over Adrien, because even with everything she's the melody playing in his heart and he had a plan! But now his mom and sister are texting him and teasing him and apparently he has MORE competition! Who do these people think they are to deserve Marinette! No! Luka won't lose Jagged has been teaching him to be bold and confident! And Marinette is worth all of his efforts! Jagged REGRETS NOTHING even if Penny confiscated the tv remote!

Marinette meanwhile has no idea what's going on because the whole class made a dumb bet on when the designer would notice with one of the bet conditions being that no one could tip Marinette off and that they have to keep her away from Paparazzi so they dont spoil it either. And sense Alya is helping manage Marinette’s social media Marinette hasn't looked at it yet so she has NO idea what's happening. But her birthday is coming up next week and Chloe definitely didn't get dibs on planning a surprise party for her all so she could spoil the girl and RUB her GREAT relationship with Marinette into her competitions FACES! The competition however (and Adrien JustAfriend Agreste) have decided that they really aren't going down without a fight!

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[pawsitivelymiraculous]

Le parfum de l'amour

This is the @maribat-secret-santa-2020 piece for @saltandfluff I am so sorry for being late!

Anyway, I will be using the quantic kids, but you don't necessary have to know them to understand this fic.

The only have to know that "Melodie" is Allegra's nickname.

Ao3

It was always a bad idea to try to mess with fate. Everyone knew this. Allegra knew this, but she didn't care. Not when it was taking a toll on her sanity.

There were only so many times a person could see two literal soulmates walk past each other before they decided to take matters into their own hands.

So that's what she did.

Or well, was going to do once she could convince her friends to help her out.

"I don't know, Mel." Allan rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "These things take time you know? You cannot rush it." He glanced at the corkboard that was behind Allegra and winced, it was going to be impossible to talk her out of the crazy plan.

On the corkboard, there were two pictures. One was a selfie of Marinette Dupain-cheng. A twenty-year-old who was a regular at the café where Allegra and Claude worked at. After chatting with her in the mornings, Allegra decided to adopt the girl, and she introduced her to the rest of the group. She quickly became friends with Allan and surprisingly enough, with Felix as well.

The second picture was a rather blurry photo that was clearly taken from afar. You could sort of make out the image of Timothy Drake. The sleep-deprived twenty-one-year-old who had started going to the café for about a month. All the employees loved him because he never failed to amuse everyone with his half-asleep antics.

The one thing that both pictures had in common was a coffee cup.

On Marinette's collarbone, there was a small tattoo-like mark that looked like a coffee cup. The same one that was on Tim's wrist. Soul marks . Granted, they looked a bit plain compared to most people's soul marks, but in Allegra's eyes, they were the excuse she needed to get them together.

Allegra had shipped her two favorite customers long before she noticed their soul marks. But now that she knew they were soulmates . Well, she was not going to rest until they finally met.

"I'm not trying to rush things!" Allegra insisted. "I just want to push them in the right direction."

Allan looked at her, doubtful. "That's basically the same thing. Plus do actually think that," he squinted to read the list of plans that was tacked on the corkboard. "'Locking them inside a room with no escape' is merely pushing them in the right direction? 'Cause I think that sounds more like a hostage situation."

Allegra glared at him. "You know what? I don't need your help. Claude will help me. Right, Claude?"

Claude looked at her with wide eyes. "Oh no no no. Sorry Melodie but I can't."

"Uh, I'm sorry what?" Allegra blinked. It was very out of character for Claude to turn down the opportunity to help her with one of her elaborate plans. Not to mention that in this case, they were doing it to help Marinette.

"Allegra," he said solemnly, "this is a destiny thing. We just can't interfere."

Allegra facepalmed. "You can't be serious."

Claude looked at her dead in the eye. "If we interfere we might end up," he leaned towards  her and whispered " cursed"

"Oh give me a break." Allegra pushed Claude away. "Are you guys kidding me? This is Marinette we're talking about. You all can't possibly think that Marinette wouldn't want to meet her soulmate, and as her friends, we have to help her."

"I agree with Allegra."

Everyone spun around in surprise.

Felix rolled his eyes at his friends' incredulous expressions. "What? Marinette is my friend as well. Is it really that shocking that I want to see her happy?" The three of them nodded. He ignored them. "Besides, I've heard Marinette ramble about soulmates nonstop, so it's clear that meeting hers is what she would want."

Allegra was the first to react "See guys? Even Felix agrees with me!"

Felix huffed. "Yes, but I also think that your plans are ridiculous and ineffective."

"Ouch"

"I think the best thing we can do to help is to get them to interact and we-"

"That's literally what my plans are for!" Allegra interrupted.

Claude crossed his arms. "And what do you mean by 'we'? I haven't agreed to do anything."

Shooting both of them a glare, Felix continued. "- can do that without needing to kidnap them. We simply have to make it so that they have no other choice but to sit at the same table at the café. You all know how friendly Marinette is, it will only be a matter of time before they start talking."

There was a beat of silence.

"That… that might actually work," Allan admitted. "Soulmates are naturally drawn to each other so once they actually have a conversation we won't have to do anything else. They can figure out that they're soulmates by themselves." He paused and then chuckled. "We'll just have to push them in the right direction."

"But how are we going to get them in the café at the same time?" Allegra asked. "Tim always comes in right after Mari has left."

"Pft that's easy!" Claude exclaimed. "Just tell her that you need help with something and that you'll need for her to stay a while longer at the café. Since Mari doesn't have early classes on Wednesday she'll agree and- oh!" Claude suddenly slapped his hand over his mouth as his eyes widened with horror. "This does not mean that I'm helping." He mumbled from underneath his hand.

Allan laughed. "I think you just did."

"Looks like someone's going to end up cursed." Allegra singed songed. "Not even ladybug is going to be able to help you with that bad luck that's to come." She teased.

Claude pouted. "Haha, laugh all you want." He then looked up at the corkboard and grimaced. "But you're right, there's no turning back now. What do you need me to do?"

Allegra clapped her hands in glee.

"Okay so here's the plan."

~♡~♡~♡~

Just like Claude had predicted, it was incredibly easy to convince Marinette to stay at the café. All that was left to do was orchestrate everything just so that the two soulmates had to sit at the same table.

It was easier said than done but after enlisting more people to help out, they were able to make sure that the café was full for that morning.

Everything was going according to plan…

Until…

"WHERE. IS. TIM?"

Claude looked around. "He hasn't arrived yet?"

"No!" Allegra cried. She glanced down at her watch and winced. They were running out of time.

Claude frowned. "And you know, it would have been nice if Marinette hadn't chosen today to wear a turtleneck."

Allegra couldn't help but agree. Sure, Marinette looked amazing with the turtleneck and skirt outfit but did she really have to wear it today? When they needed for her to show off her soul mark?

It was like the universe was against them.

But finally, Allegra heard a tinkling sound at the door. She spun around praying that it was Tim.

And it was!

He looked more tired than usual as he stumbled around trying to find a seat.

Allegra watched as Tim danced around the tables that were being occupied just as he was about to take a seat.

One after the other until finally, a good push later, he ended up at Marinette's table.

~♡~♡~♡~

Tim was too tired to deal with this.

All he wanted was to sit down, have a couple of cups of coffee at his favorite coffee shop and finally be awake enough to continue investigating the moth guy.

But apparently, that was too much to ask because almost all the tables were full.

"Sorry man," Claude whispered as he guided a couple and motioned them to sit at the table that Tim had beelined for.

"Oh, actually I'm waiting for Adam." Felix had said when Tim asked if he could sit with him. Which was strange since Adam had said that he was waiting for Felix when he asked him.

But he could barely comprehend what they were saying, so he was not conscious enough to complain.

Tim continued on his journey when he felt someone push him from behind. In his half-asleep haze, Tim lunged at the chair that was in front of him hoping that it would break his fall.

It took him a few seconds to recover. He wanted nothing more than to pass out right then and there, splayed out on a coffee shop chair as everyone stared at him wondering if he was drunk.

He too wondered if he was drunk, but he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept so if he was drunk, he was not going to figure it out on his own.

When he finally looked up, his eyes met with a pair of beautiful bluebell eyes.

~♡~♡~♡~

Marinette watched as a guy stumbled around the café until finally flopping onto the other chair at her table.

It was clear that he was sleep-deprived. She had seen enough videos that her evil friends had taken when she was in a similar state to know the poor guy probably hadn't slept at all for the last week or so.

Marinette wanted nothing more than to drag the guy to the nearest bed or couch and wrap him up in a bunch of blankets. Just because she didn't comprehend the term "self-care" for herself  didn't make Marinette any less of a "mom friend"

But she had to remind herself that she didn't know the guy, so it might be considered kidnapping to drag someone somewhere against their will.

Too bad.

The best she could do was offer him her own coffee.

"Hey, I think you need this more than I do at the moment." She said, pushing the drink his way as he stood up.

He mumbled something that could be interpreted as a "thank you" and eagerly took the drink. His eyes lit up when the heavenly liquid touched his tongue.

It was almost miraculous how quickly the caffeine took effect.

Actually, it was Marinette may or may not have mixed a little concoction she made with Tikki that helped her when she stayed up late with her regular coffee.

The guy blinked. "This. Is. Incredible."

Marinette laughed "Yeah, it's what I always get. Though you still look like you need to sleep."

"Yeah, yeah whatever." He waved her off. "But seriously, what is this called? I need a gallon of this."

"Sorry," Marinette said sheepishly "but I'm afraid that's a secret, you know, I'm kind of everyone's favorite, so I get the miracle coffee." Okay so that was a lie but what else could she say?

The guy pouted. Marinette had to admit that he looked adorable.

"Well, then I'm sure you can get me some then... um"

"Marinette."

"Ah, nice to meet you, coffee goddess, I'm Tim."

Marinette's cheeks heated up. "Uh, coffee goddess? Shouldn't they be the coffee gods and goddesses?" She pointed at Allegra, Claude, and the others.

"Nah, you have blessed me with this amazing coffee. Claude didn't even help me in my time of need."

"You know Claude?" Marinette asked, surprised.

"Yep, I've been coming here since I arrived in Paris, so I've gotten to know Allegra and Claude a bit."

"That's funny, I've never seen you. And I come here every day." Marinette said.

"Huh, that's weird. I've never seen you either. "

And from there they kept talking. Like they were old friends and not just acquaintances. Marinette found out that Tim had come from Gotham city. That he was in Paris because of business. Meanwhile, Tim learned that Marinette was an aspiring fashion designer and a college student who was close friends with almost everyone from the café.

Hours passed and the two were still deep in conversation completely oblivious to the crowd that had gathered behind the cafe's counter to watch the soulmates.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me about this before." Adrien, who had arrived after Tim, whispered to his cousin.

"I was under the impression that your father needed your assistance for the upcoming fashion show. I was not about to ask my dear uncle Gabe if I could steal you so that we could set up our friend and his future competitor, Marinette Dupain-cheng, with her soulmate."

Adrien hated to admit that he had a point. "Fine, but can you at least catch me up to date? Who is he?"

"He's a rich guy from Gotham city. He's pretty cool though he's basically Marinette when it comes to coffee which is honestly kinda scary now that I'm seeing them interact." Allegra whispered.

Adrien looked down to look at her. "Alright, I guess I'm going to have to do my own research since you guys are useless. What's his job? Why is he rich? If his from Gotham then who knows, maybe this guy is actually dangerous and wants to take Marinette as ransom for-"

"Oh please Adrien, stop with your theatrics. Do you honestly think that I would allow this if he was dangerous?" Felix interrupted.

"I mean-"

Felix glared at him.

"No?"

Felix sighed. "Timothy Drake is Marinette's soulmate, and I can assure you that he's clean. So don't worry about Marinette."

Allegra shushed the cousins. "Guys, I'm trying to listen here you know?"

"Um, you could probably hear better from up here" Felix nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, Adrien, but I don't want to risk Marinette seeing me and then remembering about time and stuff."

"Ah"

"Speaking of time, it's been years since I last ate, I'm hungry." Claude cut in.

"Claude! You're supposed to be with the customers!" Allegra whisper-shouted.

"Whoops."

~♡~♡~♡~

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Marinette eventually remembered the reason she had stayed in the cafe. Not only that but when she looked at her watch she realized that she was running late for class.

After Marinette's rushed exit, Tim went back to investigating Hawkmoth. But while they were trying to concentrate on their own thing. Marinette with her class and Tim with his research they found themselves zoning out and thinking about each other.

It was strange, they had quite literally just met.

Why had they made such an impact on each other?

~♡~♡~♡~

It wasn't until Marinette was getting ready to go to bed that she found the answer.

"Tikki is… is that what I think it is." Marinette's voice trembled as she stared at her reflection on the mirror.

Tikki gasped. "Oh Marinette, I think it is!"

Staring back at her was her soul mark, which no longer was a regular coffee cup but rather a gorgeous cup with beautiful red flowers that surrounded a somewhat familiar symbol.

"But, how? I mean they're not supposed to change… right? And why?" Marinette's eyes widened. "Does this mean that I met my soulmate? Who is it?"

Tikki giggled, "You seriously don't know?"

"Umm no? Should I?" Tikki continued to giggle as her holder looked at her confused. "Who is it Tikki?"

"Oh Marinette, how many new people did you meet today?"

"Uh, I don't know? I mean surely I must've passed by lots of strangers in the street." Marinette panicked. "Oh no Tikki! What if one of them is my soulmate? I'll never find out who they are!"

"So you don't remember meeting anyone else?"

"I don't think so, well other than ohhh- "

"Exactly"

~♡~♡~♡~

Tim could not believe what he was seeing. Gone was the plain coffee cup he was used to seeing, the daily reminder of the fact that he was still painfully single, it now had an intricate flower pattern that surrounded a symbol.

He recognized that symbol.

After weeks of researching and tailing the red Parisian heroine, he knew that it was the Ladybug symbol.

But why was it on his soul mark?

Unless…

No, the heroine couldn't be his soulmate, Tim hasn't even officially met her. Nor had he even seen her today.

The only blue-eyed girl he had met was Marinette.

Marinette  

No, it was impossible. Except it wasn't. Tim had only known the girl for a couple of hours, but he knew that  Marinette would make a great heroine or vigilante.

But, he… he was probably hallucinating, right? Tim hadn't slept for weeks, so surely he was just seeing things and his soul mark was still a plain coffee cup and the Marinette conclusion was just wishful thinking.

Right?

Because otherwise, his first meeting with his soulmate was him acting like a sleep-deprived zombie and Tim could not allow that.

Well, one thing was for sure, he really needed to get some sleep.

~♡~♡~♡~

Three days.

It took three days for Marinette to find Tim.

She looked everywhere. The coffee shop, Le Grand Paris Hotel, the tourist areas, and when she was ladybug she looked down from all the rooftops trying to find him.

But he had vanished, leaving Marinette worried sick that he had either A. Gone back to Gotham  B. Died or C. Been so horrified that she was his soulmate that he decided to move to a remote island and changed his name in hopes of never seeing her again.

Gosh, she was starting to sound like her fourteen-year-old self.

But finally, she saw him, sitting on a bench, not far from her own home, looking down at his wrist.

He looked at his wrist like it was some puzzle he needed to solve. Marinette also noticed that he looked a lot more refreshed, so he must've finally gotten some sleep.

Marinette cleared her throat. "Well, you've been a very hard person to find Mr. Drake."

Tim looked up. "Ma- Marinette!"

"We need to talk."

Tim nodded his mouth hanging wide open as he stared at her soul mark.  

"How do you feel about coffee? There's a coffee shop that's not very far from here, I hear their coffee is divine.

~♡~♡~♡~

Bonus:

(this was going to be a scene on the fic but I didn't know how to add it but it has important info sooo)

*They are at the coffee shop*

Marinette: So you're red robin.

Tim: And you're Ladybug

Marinette: Should I be worried? Like doesn't this compromise our secret identities?

*Claude and Allegra appear with some pastries*

Claude: Yooo Marinette! So you found your soulmate! Crazy right? We totally didn't have anything to do with it!

*Allegra elbows him*

Claude: So uh, congratulations! I um feel happy for you.

*looks nervously at Allegra who is glaring at him*

Claude: Bummer about the soul mark though…

*Allegra keeps glaring*

~♡~♡~♡~ Permanent tag list  ~♡~♡~♡~

Claude: What? It's just a plain white cup!

Bonus bonus:

(here's a bad doodle and my crappy handwriting)

(If you want to be added or removed please let me know!)

@charme-de-malchan, @theatreandcomicfreak, @m3owww, @elliebelliegirl, @genevieve-the-demonologist, @vixen-uchiha, @t1dwarrior-of-earth, @waffleyunsure, @technicallyburninggarden, @azuremayscarlet, @vroomtaka, @emimar7, @ichigorose, @maskedpainter, @art-is-hard-to-do-sorry

[spooky-z]

College Françoise Dupont’s talent show [5/5]

• 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 4.1 • 5 • 5.1 •

Warning: suicide mention at the final

@ozmav @maribat-archive

Damian was not one bit happy with the wistful eyes of Adrien for Marinette.

Since the confrontation with the class, Wayne noticed that the blonde did not take the eyes of his bride. Perhaps he was not even blinking. He could barely see the boy breathing!

“Damian, control your temper.” Tim nudged him. “Looks like you’re going to jump the golden boy’s neck anytime.”

They were sitting in the auditorium, lights on, people searching their seats. The whole family sitting in the third row of the main set of chairs, occupying the entire row.

The order being from the far left starting with Alfred, Bruce, Dick, Kori, Jason, Tim, Damian, Sabine, Tom, Chloe, Kagami, Allan, Allegra and Claude.

Jagged and Penny had been taken into the cabin, accompanied by Chloe’s parents and Kagami’s mother.

Adrien and the rest of the class, sitting in the second row. The blonde standing right in front of him, not disguising the fact that he was facing Marinette, who was on stage talking quietly with Felix and the director.

“If he doesn’t stop eating her with his eyes, I’ll…” and clenched his fist, imagining Agreste’s head in the middle of it.

Sabine, who had heard the exchange, laughed softly. Her son-in-law was so cute.

“Honey, it’s like we say: they may look, but they can’t have it,” she says, her hand on Damian’s fist. “My daughter looks beautiful. If no one looked at her twice, I would have been offended on her behalf.”

He bites his lip in conflict, but seems to decide that his mother-in-law was right and looked away from the blonde, preferring the sight of his angel.

“Good evening everyone.” The director says in the microphone, Marinette and Felix at his right side, microphones in their hands. “Today we mark the end of the talent week and also the end of the semester.” He pauses with the sound of the applause “this week was indeed amazing. Many talents discovered; many laughs obtained. It was wonderful.“

The audience shouts in agreement. Damian frowns with the particularly high-pitched scream in his ear and glances quickly at Tim.

“Today, as you can see, I have two guests with me” the director says again “Marinette Dupain-Cheng-”

“Hello!” Marinette sings into the microphone, a sweet smile on her face.

“-And Felix Aguillard.” Felix bows to the audience “Our first graders of the year.” More applause.

At the sound of the applause, Damian was able to hear a loud "What ?!” coming from the row in front of him, but could not recognize the voice because of the noise.

“It’s been a year since they’ve been studying at both Dupont and a prestigious university.” General choke “Marinette at ESMOD and Felix at INSEAD-”

“WHAT?!” Lila shouts in surprise, cutting off the director. She sits up quickly when she realizes that she has lost control in front of everyone. “Sorry, I was just surprised.”

Chloe scoffs before shouting to the stage “THAT’S MY GIRL!”

Marinette laughs “And Fe? He’s your boy too, isn’t he?” Teases into the microphone.

Felix looks at her, the pained expression on his face.

Chloe scowls at them and screams once again, “I’m sorry, but I’m SUPER GAY.” And the audience laughs out loud at the antics. The director looks unsure of what to do.

“Ahem,” he catches everyone’s attention, the laughter calming down. “Continuing what I was saying- Today marks their last high school day, so nothing fairer than them being our special guests of the night. The two will open for today’s participants, but they will not be part of the competition.” And ends, waving to the two talk something before they begin.

Felix shakes his head, saying he doesn’t want to say anything and follows him off the stage, but Marinette takes the lead, microphone tight in her hands.

“Good evening everyone.” She says, “Like Principal Damocles said, my name is Marinette. Marinette Dupain-Cheng and I want a little of your time.” Her eyes gauge each of the audience, not stopping at anyone for long.

“Today has been a particularly special day for me.” It starts “But I’ll start with last month. Last month I was able to go a step further in my career. I received an undeniable proposal and now my things must be arriving at Gotham, my old and new residence.” She notices some violent reactions in the ranks of her former class. Alya. “Today… today I was proposed by the man I love. Today I have friends supporting me, I have my family by my side, I’m having you all now.” Her slightly wet eyes, Damian notes, wanting more than anything to be by her side right now.

“But it wasn’t always like that.” His tone a little bitter. “There was a time, like, about three years ago, that I had people in my life that I thought were there to support me. To be my friends. To support me when I’m not well…” she sighs “But I was wrong. So wrong.”

“I came to such a low point, so dark, that time has stopped. Like this. I had lost my will, my motivation. I was alive but not living.” Sabine, who had been holding back tears, could no longer and cried silently “But hey! This is not a sad story. It’s not because I found good people. Great friends. A great boyfriend. It was not easy at first. There have been relapses. Days I wanted to do nothing more than sleep and sleep. But I did it.” She winked at Lila, who seemed to have eaten something bad.

“I’m reaching my goals. Saying goodbye to most of you, see you soon to others and a ‘I hope I never have to see you again’ for the ones left.” She says sweet, so sweet that her teeth hurt.

“It was thinking about this past, this dark spot of my life, that I wrote a song … Yeah! I know! You were expecting a fashion show, but here I am, ready to sing.” Jokes with the general surprise.

She looks at the side edge of the stage. Luka was waiting for the signal to be able to enter. She blinks at him and he smiles, the guitar positioned in his hands.

“To sing this song I would need support, so a friend volunteered for this role.” She turns to the audience. “Please, a round of applause for Luka Couffaine, my best friend.”

///

Alya was… She didn’t know how she was feeling at that moment.

She had stopped trying to understand what had been going on since Chloe had appeared with Kagami two nights ago to pick up Marinette at the theater.

That was so frustrating! How, when … The three had become friends. How Marintte could forgive Chloe. When Marinette had overcome her rivalries with Kagami.

Alya didn’t understand. Alya didn’t know.

Alya didn’t remember when it was the last time she’d talked to Marinette. Her best friend.

But she remembered the last time she’d screamed at the brunette about being mean. About how after so many years, she still hasn’t gotten over her jealousy of Lila. How Adrien would never love her if she continued this behavior.

She remembered the teary blueberries, the flushed cheeks (of shame or anger she didn’t know) and the weak voice asking to leave her alone.

But it wasn’t her fault! She just wanted the brunette to grow up, take her head off the Adrien world, and live. Give Lila a chance.

What did not happen. Marinette just walked away.

She would come to school, attend classes, and then disappear. No one knew where she was going at breaks. During classes, she hardly interacted with others.

Just Chloe.

And Alya still couldn’t understand. Didn’t understand what Marinette was saying on that stage. Didn’t know what she was talking about. She was trying. Really. But it was all in vain to see Luka Couffaine come on stage.

His slightly longer, unruly hair combed anyway, torn black jeans, shiny boots, and a black T-shirt under a mossy green leather jacket. A guitar in his arms.

His eyes wrapped in a thick layer of khol.

He bent slightly toward Marinette’s microphone, a polite smile on his lips.

“Good night, Dupont. I’m Luka and I’m here today to help Minette in one or two songs.” He says “God knows how bad she is with the guitar.” He laughs when Marinette jokes him playfully.

She takes his microphone and says again "I think we should start, what do you think ?!”

A projector screen descends behind them and they begin.

No, I think I’ll stay in tonight

Skip the conversations and the “Oh, I’m fines”

No, I’m no stranger to surprise

This paper town has let me down too many times

And, man. She was good.

Alya was surprised, scared even.

Why do I even try? Give me a reason why

I thought that I could trust you, never mind

Why all the switching sides? Where do I draw the line?

I guess I’m too naive to read the signs

Adrien shifted uncomfortably beside Nino. His gravelly face.

He was sure the music was for them, the class.

For him.

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

The screen behind them began to pass photos.

Photos of Marinette that no one in the class had ever seen before.

All they ever do is let me down

Every time I let somebody in

The first photo to appear contained Luka and Marinette hugging each other. Her arms around his neck, their cheeks glued together and his arms around her waist.

The unknown background landscapes. The sun shining bright.

Luka was wearing only a black T-shirt, his hair a mess and the tongue sticking out. Marinette in a black cropped with blue accents, her hair in a bun, eyes closed and a huge smile.

She looked so happy.

Adrien cringed.

Then I find out what they’re all about

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

In the next picture, Chloe and the brunette were sleeping together on a futon, probably in Mari’s room.

Chloe wearing Ladybug pajamas being the small spoon and Marinette Abeille being the big spoon.

Alya tasted the blood.

Wonder where they’re all hidin’ out

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

Gotta get up out of this town

In the third photo, Marinette was sitting on Kagami’s lap while they were taking selfies. The two making funny faces.

Kagami’s hands steady around Marinette.

And that was a shock to Nino.

The ice queen being funny and protective of someone.

Oh, oh

Oh, ah

A picture of the four of them together at a sleepover in what looked like Chloe’s room. Luka had a face mask, Chloe’s hair stuck in bobs, Kagami painting her nails, and Marinette reading a fashion magazine.

All of them on the bedroom floor, sweets and snacks spread and a television on in a black and white film.

The photo was taken by a fifth unknown person.

I stay up, talkin’ to the moon

Been feelin’ so alone in every crowded room

Can’t help but feel like something’s wrong, yeah

'Cause the place I’m livin’ in just doesn’t feel like home

This time it was a video of Marinette in what looked like a kitchen. A huge kitchen. Wearing a black shirt too big to be hers, probably making breakfast.

She had a spatula in her hand, distracted, using it as a microphone while singing something.

The man who had arrived with Bruce Wayne, the one with the black and white hair, joins her singing. They start dancing like crazy around the kitchen.

The video ends with him slipping and falling, Marinette laughing out loud before falling too.

It didn’t even last 20 seconds.

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

All they ever do is let me down

Every time I let somebody in

Then I find out what they’re all about

Another video came, this time Marinette is sitting on the grass, surrounded by puppies. Two Great Dane resting their heads on her lap while she pats them.

Damian Wayne joins her and she rests against him.

He looks at the person filming and the filming quickly ends.

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

Wonder where they’re all hidin’ out

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

Gotta get up out of this town

The next picture had Marinette in a gym, leggings, black top, hair in a ponytail.

Another of the men who came in with Bruce Wayne, on her shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

She was all skinny muscle.

Nino heard Adrien choke and cough.

I just wanna talk about nothin’

With somebody that means somethin’

Spell the names of all our dreams and demons

For the times that I don’t understand

Marinette this time was in the same kitchen (video), an old man beside her watching her beat the dough in the bowl.

The crowded bench with Damian, Bruce and the other three men, Chloe, Kagami, Luka and… Félix?!

Tell me what’s the point of a moon like this

When I’m alone again

Can I run away to somewhere beautiful

Where nobody knows my name?

There was a joint gagging of class with the pool photo.

Damian felt jealous boil again.

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

All they ever do is let me down

I let somebody in

But I find out what they’re all about

The next photo had Jagged Stone, Penny Rolling, Clara Nightingale, Prince Ali, and XY at a picnic. All dressed informally, looking comfortable, smiling at Marinette who was playing with Fang in the background.

And that’s how Ms. Bustier’s class seemed to remember that Jagged didn’t have a cat but a crocodile.

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

All they ever do is let me down

I’m just lookin’ for some real friends

Gotta get up out of this town, yeah

The last picture was of everyone together.

Dupain-Cheng, Waynes, Chloe, Kagami, Luka, Felix, Claude, Allegra, Allan, Jagged, Penny, Clara, Ali, XY. Even Fang and the Great Danes.

Everyone was looking at the camera, smiling excitedly. Marinette in Damian’s arms and a banner with “Joyeux anniversaire, Marinette” in the background.

Oh, oh

Oh, ah

Marinette and Luka ended the song’s last chord when a video, this time with sound, played on the big screen.

“… Let me hear you say, this shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!”

Marinette turns horrified to the big screen.

“This shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!” Marinette on the big screen screams along with the music.

The girl throws her arms up, jumping on the bed. The Batman themed pajamas.

“Oh my god, Minette…” the recording person laughs softly so the girl doesn’t hear.

Marinette continues to scream the lyrics, unaware that she is being recorded, until the recording person starts laughing out loud and she gets scared.

“… Jason?” She has a confused expression on her face until she notices the camera and her face becomes homicidal. “Were you recording…?”

The man seems to be scared because the laughter soon dies.

“… No?” he tries.

“Really? So, you don’t mind me taking a look at your phone, do you?” She gets off the bed and goes toward him.

“… Listen, I think Alfred is calling me. Bye!” He runs from her, but doesn’t finish recording.

With him running, the phone only films the confused shapes of the house, but everyone is still able to hear Marinette running after him.

“BACK HERE TODD!”

"NOT! I DON’T WANT TO DIE AGAIN!”

Shooting continues for another two seconds and then ends abruptly.

Luka was laughing openly on stage, Marinette still with her back to the audience, blushing embarrassed and the audience laughing.

And that was how the last night of the Talent Show began.

///

Lila was waiting for her at the backstage.

Marinette knew that an hour would have to face the girl, but did not think she would attack in such an open and public place.

But objectively, this was the only chance she had, since Marinette was leaving Paris that night.

“Should I congratulate you on the engagement, Dupain-Cheng? Or should we talk about your poor attempt to come out on top?” Lila scoffs, the smugness on her face. “Because it didn’t work. They are still eating in the palm of my hand.”

Marinette sighs already tired.

"What do you want, Lila?”

“I just came to brag. I like to throw salt on the wound.”

“That’s good! Because I like it too.” Marinette says, her tone becoming sharp. “Do you really think I would go away and do nothing to unmask you, Lila Rossi?” Lila stiffens the smile. “Or rather, Volpina, the accomplice of Hawkmoth.”

The girl steps back as Marinette approaches.

"What are you talking about?” She countered. “Are you going crazy?”

“Crazy? I? No.” Marinette laughs “I just think it’s funny that you think there would be no consequences helping a terrorist. And no use denying, I know you have been helping Hawkmoth and Mayura all these years. Your best friend, Ladybug, told me.”

The two do not notice Adrien, Nino and Alya coming. Adrien, noticing the situation, prevents Alya from trying to help Lila and forces them both to hear the conversation hidden behind some wood panels.

“… So, what if I helped Hawkmoth?” They hear Lila say. Adrien feels his blood run cold. “I was a minor. A child. You have nothing against me.”

There is a break and Marinette respond.

“That’s where you’re wrong Lila. Gabriel Agreste may have been arrested and refused to speak, but the evidence, Lila, speaks for itself.” Her firm voice “One year, Lila. A year gathering evidence against you and look, I was surprised to learn that I wasn’t the only person you emotionally abused.”

“… What?” Lila whispers looking scared.

“Emilia Shawn’s suicide.” Marinette’s voice comes out like lightning. “Don’t you remember her, Lila? The girl you bullied so much she couldn’t stand and threw herself off the roof of your school in Italy?” Alya was crying on Nino’s shoulder.

“No problem you don’t remember Emilia!” Marinette says very cheerfully “As long as you remember Cassandra. Or Phillip. Marie… Rico.”

“How do you… how do you know those names?” Lila shouts.

“Because unlike you and our lovely classmates, Lila, families didn’t believe their children were abusive monsters and committed suicide because they were sorry.”

There are footsteps, Adrien gets up enough to see what was going on and recognizes Agent Raincomprix with the National Police, surrounding Marinette and Lila.

Damian Wayne appears along with Bruce Wayne alongside Marinette.

“You cannot do that! I was just a child! Children make mistakes!” Lila begins to freak out when she realizes the situation.

“No, Lila. This is murder and terrorism. And you will pay for what you did.” Marinette says.

Damian hugs the brunette in support and she squeezes his arms in thanks.

"Lila Aloisi Rossi, you are arrested for accomplice of murder and terrorism.” The Raincomprix agent says as he holds Lila in handcuffs “You have the right to remain silent. Whatever you say can and will be used against you.”

"What? NO! LET ME GO!” Lila shouts, going crazy as she struggles.

The police soon have to help the agent contain her and before they leave, he turns to Marinette and the Waynes.

“Bruce Wayne, Marinette. Thanks for your help.” He nods. “It’s up to us now.” And leaves.

“Thank you mr. Raincomprix.” Marinette says.

"I’ll go with you guys,” Bruce says and joins the agents.

Meanwhile, Lila was still screaming and kicking through the theater corridors, people leaving to find out what was going on.

Ms. Bustier’s whole class watching.

“YOU HAVE TO UNLEASH ME! I HAVE DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!” She shouted.

Bruce Wayne, who was right behind the National Police surrounding Lila, looked smug when he spoke.

“Your country has withdrawn your immunity after we have presented the evidence of your crimes, Lila Rossi.” Lila widened her eyes, the panic evident. “You will face justice in full rights.”

Damian believes that all of Paris was able to hear the scream that the Italian gave.

He turned the woman in his arms, needing to look her in the eye.

“It’s over, angel.” He whispers to her, noticing the tear in her eyes.

Marinette sighs, relaxing against him.

“It’s over, Dami. Ended.“

[tag list]

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[scribbleseas]

The Indignant Pawn, Chapter II: The Woman In Beige

Description: You are Y/n Y/l/n- formerly known as Princess Helena, the runaway princess.

You're an assassin for hire who only agrees to find the worst of London's criminals at the business end of your knife; until a mysterious woman hires you to end the likes of Ciel Phantomhive, the King of the Underworld. You find yourself trading your weapons for your abandoned family crest in order to infiltrate his home as none other than Princess Marie-Louise, your twin sister. What's to happen when you find that the young Earl is more than a callous businessman?

OVERALL STORY WARNINGS: sexual assault, objectification, death, detailed description of blood/gore, detailed description of murder, lying, impersonation, theft, weapons, detailed panic attacks, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Author’s Note: If you have any questions or concerns about these warnings, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Otherwise, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

-Dan

⇠ PREVIOUS CHAPTER  | NEXT CHAPTER ⇢

. . .

DECEMBER 17TH, 1891

LONDON, ENGLAND

The outside of the Globe theater was alight with bustling crowds as Oscar Wilde's London premiere of Salome had just concluded for the evening.

You were never partial towards theater. In fact, it made you wonder how a show could captivate such a diverse audience, as you watched formally clothed aristocrats and their servants cringed amongst the middle-class plebeians as they exited the theater through the matching front doors. Little did they know, the real show would take place inside of the closed carriage you waited in, peering through the red blind that covered it. Your thumb ran over the smooth pommel of your dagger. You focused on its smooth entirety as you sat back in the carriage to wait, distracting yourself from the consuming darkness.

Thankfully, Felix Keating, the wealthiest factory owner from Birmingham, valued his privacy. He opted for a carriage that had a single window on the door. This made his carriage an ideal place for you to intervene and elude any potential witnesses, considering the man had little to no time alone. In your case, it was less than optimal, but strategically, it was going to do the trick.

You stared at the wall of the carriage across from you before squeezing your eyes shut. You tried to focus on something concrete- perhaps the weight of your weapon, the tickle that your wool scarf gave your lip as it concealed the bottom half of your face. You inhaled deeply, reaching out for the drape of the window to let a fraction of light, but you froze and for a moment, you were...gone. When you opened your eyes again, you found yourself in the hallway of your home, a lantern burning dimly in your hand as you heard two men talking- one voice familiar, the other strange.

'Lass? I haven't the slightest-'

'Just hand over the money and we won't have to blow no one's brains outta their skulls.'

Gunshots. Blood.

'Has she already been broken in? Lord knows what she was doing here with that old bum.'

'Doesn't matter, she's ours now, isn't that right?'

'Whore?'

Cold.

Piercing pain in your neck reminded you that you were in a carriage with years of difference from that morning. You had a job to do as you heard approaching steps and the posh voice of the factory owner himself. Before sinking to the corner furthest from the door, you took a generous inhale of the drafty air and focused on how it filled your lungs, rather than the poorly timed panic that the darkness insisted on showing you towards. You wiggled your toes in your black boots and wrinkled your nose, which served as tics that you had cautiously picked out years ago to help ground yourself when necessary. You held the dagger in your hand, the blade ready to pierce a sinner's flesh.

"That playwright will bring tears to the steeliest of lads. Quite brilliant. I must write to Wilde," Felix Keating's dulcet voice sounded as his coachman greeted him. "Reckon I could stick my nose into the theater enterprise, Her Majesty is quite interested in renovating these rubbish theaters," Keating mused, his muffled voice growing closer by the step.

"A clever investment, Mr. Keating," the coachman validated as you hugged your legs, making yourself smaller in the corner of the carriage, your head down and hood up. The door opened and you held your breath, as your heart pounded against your ribcage in protest. "May I offer you extra linens for warmth? The wind's just startin' up."

This wasn't the first time you've had to hide in order to carry out an assignment, yet the adrenaline between waiting and pouncing was always riveting.

"Ah, no Horace, I'll be 'right," Keating took his seat, more focusing on lighting his cigar. The scent caused you to tense, reminding you of the conman, someone smoked as if his life depended on it. He was a smart man that would scold you for the way you grew past his death. He'd be disappointed in you, a relentless advocate for diplomacy. Ask questions, shoot later.

"Right. If you change your mind, you gimme a holler," Horace, the coachman, shut the door as Keating settled himself with an exasperated sigh. He pushed the short drapes that were concealing the window, allowing the city lights to illuminate the small quarters and simply watched the street go by as Horace told the horse to "get walkin".

Without wasting another moment, you got to your feet, your dagger precariously reflecting light that shone through the window.

"Who is it? Who's there-" Keating started to shout, immediately sitting to attention as you used the whole of your arm's strength to shove him back against the wall that he was previously reclining against. Your nondominant hand barely fit around the circumference of his clammy neck, but nevertheless you were able to force his head back completely, his torso following in suit. You squeezed firmly, your fingers digging into the warm flesh and you could feel his hurried pulse with ease as you kept your back straight and legs strong. The angle was awkward, seeing as you were bent over in a moving carriage, but your balance was more than you gave it credit for. "Why- please!" he gasped for air, his glasses low on his nose, threatening to fall to the floor. "Stop! I have...money! Take anything you want. H-Horace!"

"Shut up!" Unintentionally, your grip tightened as you shoved his head back into the wall again, causing Keating's extinguished cigar to fall on the cushioned seat next to him. His hands flailed in panic as his chest tensed with effort as he tried to yell out to Horace again. "Maggie Calvert," you snarled as your petticoats moved with your short steps closer. Your nose could have touched his while you held his sightline. You adjusted your hold on the wooden handle of your dagger in your dominant hand before impelling the blade between his fourth and fifth ribs and close to his midline. "This is for her."

His body froze, his mouth agape. You couldn't tell if he recognized the name, but you wanted him to. A greedy businessman of his caliber deserved to think about someone other than himself during his last few moments alive. You pushed your dagger until both quillions were making contact with his white shirt. You have the dagger a small jerk for maximum damage before pulling it out, allowing blood to immediately gush out of his wound. Finally, your heart rate was beginning to slow with the rush of merely completing the task and you let go of his neck, your fingers aching from being tense. Keating was choking as he tried to yell or scream, or perhaps curse you, but the blood that was rushing into his collapsing lung was going to keep him from doing so.

"Maggie Calvert," you repeated solemnly, using Keating's long coat to clean off your dagger and tuck it into your pocket bag, one of the two large pouches that were nestled between your skirts. The body was limp and the strangled hacking had finally come to a stop. After all, the blood had stained your stomacher as it had come up through his mouth during his final moments of struggle. However, the compensation you were about to receive for this task would more than cover it. Unfortunately, it left Horace with more than a mess to clean up. Blood was a stubborn substance.

. . .

DECEMBER 20TH 1891

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

Before you could knock, the door of the brick building flew open, causing you to jump in surprise.

"Miss Y/l/n," Eric Calvert's muddy green eyes were glassy with unshed tears as you pushed the hood of your cloak off of your neck out of respect for the modest home. The housing in Birmingham, an industrial town, was much different than London's. It was more compact, the air was more polluted with factory smoke. The Calverts seemed to be better off than most common families, but that meant nothing in this case. Factory conditions were poor, even after the reform laws from the 1830s. You were blessed to be introduced to more lucrative work upon your arrival- drawing money straight out of pockets with the most genuine man to have strolled down the cemented walkways of the city. "Please, come right in," he gestured with his gloved hand, moving out of your way as he removed his hat and bowed.

"Mr. Calvert," you offered a tight-lipped smile at the bowing man. In the hand that pressed against his chest, Eric pressed his grey hat into it, like a proper gentleman. The gesture had only fed into your discontentment, while Eric seemed no better off. You weren't blind to the pallid shade of his face, the withheld energy in his stance. "You mustn't bow to me," you assert, waiting for the man to right himself as he frowned.

"Oh, please... Mr. Calvert's my father." Eric said with a miffed shake of his head, raking his fingers through his sloppy waves of hair. The two of you walked down the short hall that led into a big foyer. A fireplace was on the far side with several articles of outerwear hanging on the mantle to help warm them from snow, you presume. The scent of the burning wood brings you a foreign nostalgia that ideally, you would've failed to notice. The past deserved to stay where it belonged- in the past. The only hearth you were to be a part of was your own.

"Evelyn, dear! Draw some tea, she's come back!" Eric called his wife, who seemed busy in the kitchen that was located in an attached room. "Hurry!" You presumed that he felt apprehensive about being left alone with you, which was fair.

"Just a minute!" Evelyn called from the attaching room, the door left ajar. You were right to assume that it was a kitchen of some form, seeing as the general layout of this building resembled that of your own home, the fuss of her brown petticoats catching your eye. You wished she'd move with more urgency. You had yet to eat properly, seeing as you were more occupied with moving efficiently over the past day or two. At least the vicinity was warm, allowing you to pull off your thick gloves and tuck them into either pocket bag as Eric led you to a small area near the fireplace. There were two big loveseats across from each other and with a rug in between. The cushions were patched together with random sheets of fabric.

There was a single photograph in a hanging frame over the fireplace's mantle, the glass dirty. It was Eric and Evelyn, jubilant in light, fancy clothing as they cradled their baby girl between them. You understood how the couple found themselves in such desperation to acquaint themselves with someone like you when they had once smiled without any semblance of malignity. She was stolen from them, and it had seemed that the world was prepared to let the men at fault see their own children grow up. You were the one to right that wrong- by driving your knife between the ribs of Felix Keating and watching him choke as blood filled his lungs. His eyes tearing as he begged for mercy when Maggie Calvert, who was no more than nine, died in his workhouse because of his cheaply built machinery. She wasn't given a chance, so who was Keating to think he deserved one?

"She'll be uh...right out," Eric smiled at you again, repeating the words of his wife, those of which you had no problem hearing. You could see the tension in his shoulders, the uncomfortable way he held himself, as opposed to the haughty attitude he sported during your first meeting. He was dubious that a mere lady like yourself (months shy of twenty) could hurt a fly, much less hold a body count to her name. Yet the morning prior, the bustling headlines of The Daily Telegraph reached Birmingham, selling quickly as they covered the murder of Felix Keating, owner of many iron manufacturing factories who narrowly escaped an immense prison sentence for a major accident in his Birmingham factory a week before.

"Oh my, Eric," Evelyn entered the main room, precariously balancing a steaming teapot and a modest spread of small bites on a tarnished, silver tray. "Where have your manners gone?" she tutted, setting it down on the oakwood table before turning her attention to you. Her blonde hair was tied in a disheveled bun, droopy and with tendrils falling out of it like spider legs that swayed as she moved.

"My manners?" Eric began to protest, only to be interrupted by his wife again. You found their dynamic as a couple quite refreshing. After all, you would not have been there, had Evelyn worked to contact you without her husband's knowledge.

"Miss Y/l/n, allow me to take your cloak," Evelyn gestured to the many hooks that were nailed into the fireplace mantle where there were drying articles of clothing hanging, narrowly dodging the short flames.

It was difficult to compel yourself to smile, but the corners of your lips turned upwards anyhow. There was a line where social niceties ended and another where gullible kindness started. This was the latter as they knowingly welcomed you, a murderer into their home because you made an ally out of yourself. "Don't trouble yourself any more than you have, Mrs. Calvert. My time here is brief," you found satisfaction when she shook her head and began to pour you a cup of the steaming tea, despite your words. Thankfully, she made no attempt to sit with you.

"Brief?" Evelyn repeated, gently passing the delicate teacup to you. The warmth spread over your palms on contact as you brought the rim to your lips. Your hold was improper, though necessary, seeing as the finest details are what make the best disguises. Only the wealthy held their teacups with so much consideration. Besides, the warmth was much more satisfying when it went beyond the tips of your fingers. "I reckon a woman such as yourself is a tad busy," she concurred, causing you to tense in surprise. You were rarely referred to as a woman.

"Quite," you mused after her, taking a contemplative sip of your tea. "I ought to be at the station in less than an hour," you lied, gently tapping the tips of your short nails on the warm cup. All that was necessary was payment and crucial parting words. The assorted bites on the tray were beginning to seem unappealing, the longer you stood there. "But we must discuss a few things-" you start, only to be interrupted by Evelyn, which was common.

"Your fee. We have the first installment," she gestured to Eric with her chin, her smile long gone as he offered a small pouch made of different, threadbare, fabrics. While you had already discounted your normal charge for the couple's situation, they could hardly afford a fraction of the sum.

"We've tried to save as much as possible. Take it. It's the least we can do at the time," Eric spoke, linking his arm with his wife's. Reluctantly, you hold your cup in one hand and deftly slide the pouch into the pocket bag between your petticoats. They would have felt worse if you refused to take their money. After all, you avenged the silenced death of their girl.

"It's plenty, thank you," after finishing the rest of your tea, you proceed with your original thought before they could try to pass their relief for protest. You had to recite the practiced discourse that you gave to every one of your patrons before making your leave. "Now, the two of you will be suspects to the Yard, be cautious," you put emphasis on your words by meeting each of their gazes. "You must avoid London and keep your heads down. Do you understand?"

"And... what happens to you?" Eric asked, sipping out of his own teacup. His shoulders were still unnaturally squared and attentive as he actively avoided your sightline. "Where are you off to?" his focus quickly turned to Evelyn, who was untangling her arm from his and bringing the tray back into the kitchen.

"The distance from Birmingham to London is great, she'll starve before she returns!" Evelyn stopped to yell from over her shoulder before leaving the door open behind her. In the kitchen, she promptly began to wrap the biscuits in napkins.

"Nevermind me," you coaxed Eric back to the conversation by answering his question. You smiled once again as you put your cup on the table and begin to put your gloves back on their respective hands. "You need to make certain that you both have an alibi for the night of December 17th, I cannot stress this enough, Mr. Calvert," you looked up from your gloves, pulling them so they covered your forearms again.

"I assure you, Miss Y/l/n. We were both working in that refinery- until dawn," you had no doubt about the truth to that statement, though any Peeler would press further. That part was to the Calverts to handle, seeing as you had played out your role. Pursing your lips, you took a generous inhale to soothe the ominous pit of anxiety that had settled in your stomach.

"Sure," you pulled your hood back over your head as Evelyn returned with a minute basket. It was covered and you wished you still had your appetite from when you had entered their home.

"Here you are," Evelyn allowed you to take the handle in your non-dominant hand. In a city, it was always smartest to have your dominant hand free, which was yet another insignificant habit that you had inherited from the old conman. What was the date? December 20th, which meant there were still a few weeks before it was the anniversary of his death. Otherwise, the most difficult twenty-four hours to bear out of a calendar year.

Evelyn was smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes. After all, for most women, motherhood was a privilege and it had been torn away from her. She was attempting to care for you as she would have for Maggie...had she lived to nineteen. Tears were welling in her eyes as she watched your hand extend to briefly touch her shoulder. "Take care," you said, finally meeting Eric's green hues that were tearing up as well. "I can show myself out," you shook your head dismissively when he moved to go to the front door with you. Evelyn needed to be coddled more than you did.

. . .

JANUARY 5TH, 1892

LONDON, ENGLAND

Evenings at home always unsettled you, being the start of an all-too boring night, which made you feel restless- itchy for action. Rather, your quiet home always put you on the height of your guard, even as you were sitting behind the short shed, submerging your assorted gowns and petticoats into the warm, soapy water that bubbled in your wooden tub. It was a tedious, once a week process that perhaps irked you more than cooking. With a huff, you directed your stress into the iron grip that you kept your washboard upright with, rubbing fabric over its ridges.

The water made your fingers prune and the stool under you caused your bottom to grow sore, the longer you had to sit there, toiling away until each article was hanging on your makeshift clothesline- fastened with pins. When you were a girl, you had about twice the amount to wash and yet, you enjoyed the task because there were two more hands to make light, fun work of it. The conman liked to sing to pass the time- the lyrics had taken you ages to comprehend, seeing as your English had challenged for years. He was anything but a schoolteacher.

You cringed as your hand slid down the washboard too quickly, causing the hot water to splash back up at your face. The weather was foul, the winter in London was always tempestuous and the warm water on your face had only reminded you of how little warmth your wool scarf provided. It was wrought with holes by now, but you couldn't bring yourself to give it away, you've had it from the day you arrived...nine years ago. Dismissing the thought, you allowed the cooling water to run down your forehead, passing the slope of your nose, until it finally fell and assimilated with the top of your stomacher.

You squeezed the wet petticoat, turning it in order to ring the water out. Although you could have been more thorough, the boredom that came with domestic chores was causing you to rush and find something more occupying to start. The tranquility of the night was eerie, an uneasy contrast to the violent life you led.

The sound of approaching voices caused you to pause, your hands pulling the washboard out of the water to hold, ready to swing. The petticoat that you had been wringing out fell back into the wooden tub with a quiet splash. The soap suds ran down your forearms, dampening the brown sleeves of your gown.

"No entiendo por qué la señora quiere una chica. Podríamos bombardear el sitio de Phantomhive más rápido que esta pérdida de tiempo," the voice of a woman spoke quickly, in a language that you couldn't identify. A denomination of Latin? Knitting your eyebrows, you conceded, deciding to focus on what you could understand. Bombard, Phantomhive. Bomb?

Vaguely, you recognized the name 'Phantomhive' from the newspaper. The Earl Phantomhive ran the Funtom Company, children's' toys and confectionery.

"Quiere su nombre lo más lejos posible de esto. La chica es una asesina exitosa, así que sería más discreta que los explosivos," a masculine voice responded, a stiff twig cracking beneath one of their shoes. You scowled as you shifted your weight from your left side to your right. The washboard was a viable weapon, but it was simply a matter of timing. Their silhouettes were getting closer, each short and clad in neutral earth tones.

"A menos que te interese en enredarte con ese mocoso," the man chuckled. He wasn't secretive or trying to be discreet. By the way he trudged, he was probably leaving deep tracks in the slushy excuse for snow.

"No tengo un deseo de muerte, a diferencia de ti. Callado!!" The woman said, her voice suddenly at a harsh whisper.

"Ah. There," the man spoke in English, finally a language that you could comprehend. "Y/n Y/l/n?" He asked, pulling down his scarf to expose the rest of his face. In comparison to yours, his accent was much thicker. Your grip on the washboard didn't waver.

"Who are you?" You demanded, stepping forward to stand your ground as they approached you. The pair wasn't visibly armed, their figures weren't particularly threatening to you. The man merely smiled at you while the woman to his side scowled.

"Diego- and uh, Carmen. Peace! We come in...uh, peace," Diego stammered, stopping at a respectful distance from you while showing you his empty hands as they beckoned with his rapid words. He seemed amused with your choice in weapon and assertive stance. "Carmen," he elbowed the sour-faced woman, causing her to grunt and hold her gloved hands up as he was.

"What brings you here?" They must have knocked at your door and came around when there was no response and a dim light behind the shack. Their winter gear suggested that they had some tier of wealth or deft hands in thievery. If it was business, this wouldn't be the first time you were asked to aid in stealing. However, as tempting as the offers were, you turned each one down. 

"Business." Carmen answered this time, her hand slowly reaching into her jacket pocket. "No fret. Is just a letter," her English was just as mediocre as yours had been, years ago. Your eyes followed her hand as she pulled out an envelope with a dark red seal. "Business for our...líder?" She explained and looked at the man, leaving a long pause before her last word. It was essentially 'leader', but the stress was on an 'i' sound instead.

"Yes. Leader," Diego cleared his throat in a weak attempt to mask a laugh as you dropped your washboard back into the washbasin with a short splash. You ignored him as you took the letter from the woman, your wet hand causing the ink on the front to smear. It read your name, Y/n Y/l/n, in a pompous script, the illegible type that royalty and aristocrats penned. "All you needa know is there."

The Undertaker was supposed to be the partition between yourself and clients. Who did he think he was to give these servants your address? You'd have to give him a stern reminder for the next time you cross paths. With a frown, you pushed the envelope into your pocket bag, allowing it to jut out due to its dimensions.

"Is this all?" You asked as you waited for them to either leave or proceed with more broken commentary. Your lips were pressed together in a tight purse, a fresh lump of apprehension growing in your stomach. However, you couldn't let it show as the man sheepishly removed his hat with a shallow bow. It was more unctuous than anything as it only caused your scowl to deepen.

"Yes, Miss. We can... be going now," Diego righted himself and put his hat back over his dark curly hair. You didn't offer either of than a proper dismissal for the favor of going back to your washing and ruminating over the letter. It merely had a location, date, and time with no further information. No explanation of identification. You could appreciate the impudent nature of it, as this 'leader' assumed you had no plans for January 10th or presumed that you would handle any conflicts yourself when they were approaching you for your services. It was crude of them to assume that you still took orders.

. . .

JANUARY 10TH, 1892

READING, ENGLAND

Perhaps it was curiosity or a lapse of judgment that led you to board a train and throw caution to the wind. Whatever it was, your default prudence seemed to abandon you at each instance you dared open the letter that you were given- if you could call it that. The paper inside merely had your name, a distinct address, time, and date all in a presumptuous formality that made you want to tear it to shreds. But you refrained and instead, rolled your shoulders back and down as you knocked on the painted door of the lofty residential home that coincided with the address in the letter. The walls were constructed with sturdy brick and there was smoke wafting out of the chimney. As you predicted, the entirety of the property before you suggested wealth, just as the note and the delivery had.

You knocked on the door, the letter in your hand as you waited several long, cold moments before a woman greeted you. Most of her features matched Carmen's, deep olive skin and brown hair that was tied back. "You are late," she spoke, disdain clear in her voice as she ushered you through the open door and into a foyer. You were only late by a few minutes, according to the clock on a passing wall. "My mistress is impatient," the woman added as an afterthought as if that fact was supposed to faze you into an apology. Her accent was quite notable, pronounced, and sharp like the other servants.

As she led you to a winding staircase as your gaze trained on each room that you passed. They were each decorated in a modest fashion and the colors were left to a simple tan palette. It was more simple than you would have expected from the manor's proud exterior. The woman cleared her throat, "Doña, she has arrived," she knocked twice on the closed door before opening it, revealing another woman. She stood behind a mahogany desk, watching you with relaxed shoulders. The bay window behind her illuminated the silk of her beige dress, contrasting her tan skin as it hugged her slender figure. Beige was uncommon at the time, given the dullness of it, although this woman wore it like a badge, using the simple color to allow other parts of her appearance to stand out.

"Leave us, Andrea," the woman's gaze had yet to leave yours, causing you to look away in mild discomfort. Once the door was closed again, she extended her hand to you, speaking again as you cautiously shook it. Her grip was confident and warm against your bare palm. "It is my pleasure, Princess Helena. I feared you would disregard dear Carmen and Diego." You retracted your hand, the name causing you to meet her eyes again.

"Y/n," You corrected, your mouth running dry as you calculated each of your words, down to the syllable. This foreign woman was able to unravel each of your lies within the latest nine years and frankly, it took every bit of your skill to remain composed. The conman would assess the person standing in front of him and decide if they were entitled to the truth that they were trying to extract. He would run through each advantage and disadvantage and return to the same conclusion- murder was always an option. After all, it was the only sure way of containing sensitive information. "Y/n Y/l/n," you repeated, causing the woman to laugh, her rounded cheeks eclipsing her eyes.

"We may both employ our pseudonyms, then. Address me as Doña," she sat in the red, cushioned chair behind her. Doña raised her eyebrows at you expectantly as she motioned towards the decidedly less opulent wooden chair across from her. You complied, frowning at her as she leaned towards you. Her smile only seemed to expand. "I have a task for you, Y/n. Only you can complete it for me."

"I know there are other services in London you might have requested," you contradicted, sitting back in the uncomfortable chair as you showed no qualms in testing her.

"No," Doña said with a simple shrug of her slender shoulders, "I need you to eliminate the Earl Phantomhive- the Queen's Guard Dog who puts an end to anyone she names. The graveyard to his name exceeds even yours. Although... it seems to be watered with the blood of the innocent, instead," her smile finally melted, causing her red lips to lay in a natural frown. In the streets of London, her lip color was enough to impose any of the filthiest assumptions about her.

"How does this concern me, specifically?" You asked. As your interest piqued, your eyebrows furrowed and you found yourself leaning towards the edge of the desk, rather than sitting slack against the wooden chair. The notion of the proprietor of a children's company having blood on his noble hands was more endearing than anything, especially to someone such as yourself, living substantial evidence that no one was who they appeared to be.

Your eyes followed Doña's hand as she opened a drawer in the desk, pulling out a pristine, folded newspaper. The masthead read 'DIE SUEDLlCHE POST' (THE SOUTHERN POST), a German newspaper with the headline of 'PRINZESSIN MARIE-LOUISE GIBT IHRE VERLOBUNG MIT PRINZ ARIBERT VON ANHALT BEKANNT' (PRINCESS MARIE-LOUISE ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT TO PRINCE ARIBERT OF ANHALT). There was a picture within the columns of words of your twin sister as she sported a gaudy dress and faux-smile as she beckoned the public into her personal life. Seeing Marie's matured face resemble yours so flawlessly was disarming and you only remembered to release a breath you had been holding when Doña spoke again. "The Queen trusts the Earl implicitly- enough to put the safety of her granddaughter in his...capable hands. At any mere threat, the Princess will come overseas to stay under his protection," she paused, smiling again as she unfurled the groundwork of a meticulous plan. "The monarchy is quite predictable, no?"

You had to give her credit for her unwavering confidence. The idea that she implied was beyond mad and yet, she sold it well. "We intercept her transportation before she reaches the port," Doña raised her chin as she explained, her expression smug to challenge you. Someone had trained her to manipulate others, just as the conman had done for you. She was reflecting your body language, while keeping her own polished mannerisms as a subtle attempt to establish trust, but express her own certitude.

"And you intend for me to take her place," you finished mapping out her plan for her, almost speaking in disbelief. Reclaiming your past? Your sister represented the whole of what you had resented in Germany; the wealth, the social faux pas, down to each ruffle of every gown. "Kill the Earl within his own estate," you bit the inside of your bottom lip, keeping yourself in the present.

The door opened behind you, the startling sound of a crying baby caused you to jump and turn your head to the source. A frazzled Andrea, the servant who greeted you, held a crying infant in her arms as it squirmed. "Doña, su hija te necesita ahora," she said, offending you as again as the two individuals conversed in a foreign tongue, ignoring your confusion.

At the sight of the distressed child, Doña's expression curled such as milk did. Her nose wrinkled, her eyes staring at it in disdain. Her glowered response came quickly as she gestured with her hands, "debes llevártela. Andrea, deberías saber mejor que interponerme cuando estoy ocupado con los negocios."

Immediately, and to your relief, Andrea left the office with a mumbled curse that you couldn't decipher. The baby was still crying. "You never learned Spanish?" Doña mused, her hands slowly returning to the wooden surface that separated herself and you. At least you had been correct in assuming it was from a Latin dialect. "That was my daughter," she explained with a careless shrug, causing you to frown. Your mother always spoke of you with the same amount of indifference, if not more than what this woman expressed, calling her daughter a 'that'. Bearing witness to that treatment left you vulnerable to frustration, an emotion that distracted you from the clear thinking you were trained to maintain.

"Earl Phantomhive," you said, bringing her back on topic before she could fiddle with your strained heartstrings any more. "It's a personal vendetta, is it not?"

"Ah. Correct," her face grew serious again as she brought her heavy stare back to yours. For a moment, you looked down at the newspaper- at your beaming sister and her Prince. "The Earl killed my husband after my whole family," Doña said as she shifted in her seat. Her eyes pried into your soul as if she was weighing each of your sins and virtue against each other in that moment. "I cannot rest until he feels the same anguish. What do you say?" She asked, raising her thin eyebrows, leaning forward in her seat.

For the first time that afternoon, you understood the woman sitting before you. You understood the lingering pain behind every smile, the loneliness behind her confident handshake. For that, you didn't need her to prove that the Earl was deserving of just intervention when normally, you required a means that ensured you that you weren't being sent to murder an innocent. The Calverts allowed you to read the court records of Keating's failed prosecution. But in this case, you recognized the raw emotion in her face. You saw it weekly in your employers and it used to stare back at you in the mirror...before you grew.

"Fine," your shoulders relaxed as you shifted in on the wooden chair, tempted to retreat, the more she invaded your space.

"We will begin our preparations immediately, then. We may discuss the finer details over tea."

. . .

JANUARY 17TH, 1892

READING, ENGLAND

"Diego and Carmen have returned," Doña entered your room without the formality of knocking, even though Andrea was in the middle of preparing you for your arrival to the Phantomhive Manor while you were attempting to keep yourself present. You gave your toes a discrete wiggle while they were crushed in tall heels. At least the slight pain was grounding. "Your personal effects will be included with ours," she added as a suggestion for you to respond. Over the week you had spent in her presence, you learned that talking to her was an exhaustive endeavor when most of the time, all you needed to do was listen. Meanwhile, Andrea was finishing your complicated hairstyle behind you. She tied strands of your hair into braids that led into a single low ponytail behind your head. Frankly, the steps she took had you standing there for ages, but you didn't protest, as opposed to the riot you always threw in Germany.

"At last," you stared at your reflection in the mirror before you, willfully ignoring the addition of her behind you. It was almost difficult to recognize yourself, considering you were staring at the visage of your sister, Marie as you dawned a sky blue gown that was embroidered with white designs around the bodice and top petticoat. The neckline had simple ruffles that covered the top of your stomacher, alternating with lace. Your skin was smooth to touch, almost delicate with the amount of cold cream that Andrea had insisted on smothering over every inch of you each morning and night. Even the apples of your cheeks were lightened with a gentle hand of pink rouge. "Putting that off to the last day was careless."

"At least our princess needs not to remember her privilege," Doña smarted, her red lips pursing in a sardonic grin. "Only her grace."

"And what of the princess?" You asked, turning away from yourself to give the packed trunks in your room a quick once over. They were each packed with fine clothing and luxury products that Doña had procured over the week, whilst important belongings of your own had just arrived, according to the woman herself. The conman's watch stayed with you for each task, whether you wore it, forced it into your pocket bag, or wrapped around a garter.

"Her steamship was supposed to dock about an hour ago. It should be in the process of sinking in the North Sea." The words had no effect on you, other than perhaps, relief. While Marie was your sister, you grew up in her looming shadow, her constant jibes, and haughty smiles. Her death secured your role in perhaps, one of the most complicated schemes you have ever dared take part in and did well to rid the world of another self-absorbed leech. Doña's hand gave your shoulder a patronizing pat as she smiled, "peace, Y/n. Your face is too young for frown lines. Remember, princesses haven't a care."

"You would know?" you asked, pressing your lips together and gathering your breath in a shallow inhale. The statement affected you more than it should have, but you blamed the superior tone that Doña attempted to pull over you. Although there were many years separating the two of you, it gave her no right to treat you as a child. You believed that Evelyn Calvert said it best- you were a woman, a lady that deserved every brutal sentiment that the world had to offer. "I believe the monarchy in Spain ended years ago."

"Someone did their reading."

"Enough," you glared, "I believe it would be best to allow Andrea to finish here. Before I stain this gown with your-" Andrea gave your hair a slight tug to tighten the hold before she gave you a quick once over. She seemed proud of her work- turning a runaway back into a princess. Quickly she patted a bit of power over the exposed junction between your neck and shoulders, adding some to your throat. Rather than making you appear paler, it was mostly translucent and served as a more natural aromatic while hiding blemishes. Andrea then left and quickly returned with a white coat that ran down to your mid-thigh. Deftly, she buttoned down the middle of it, closing both sides with little effort, seeing as it was made to be snug over all of your tight layers.

"-No, I believe that is quite enough, Y/n. Don't forget- we are allies, love." Doña reminded you with a smile. "In fact, I retrieved something else of yours to prove it," her hand disappeared into the deliberate fold of her pocket bag, revealing a small box. It was a black velvet that was soft in your hand. "Go on, she prompted, nodding at the box with her chin, "open." Slowly, you opened the box as it revealed a breathtaking emerald ring. The band's soft rose gold shone in the sunlight that came through the windows as small diamonds lined its circumference and outlined the expensive gem itself.

It couldn't be-

Your breath hitched as you took the ring out, putting the box on the vanity to your side as you looked at the interior of the band, your eyes wide as the engraving read 'Prinzessin Helena Victoria, 5/3' (Princess). It was your family ring, the exact one that you had given to a young boy because he was too poor to buy himself a proper jacket. All he wanted were a few coins for you to buy his newspaper, but you had no currency at the time. Instead, you gave him the ring and changed his life, rather than allowing the damned thing to burden you any more than it already had.

"That ring has seen...nearly all of Europe before returning to you," Doña said as she watched you slide the ring back over your satin glove. It fit your ring finger perfectly. Marie was made a completely identical ring, emerald, rose gold, and diamonds. You shared the same birthdate with her, being twins. "It would have been wiser to procure hers, but we must make do. You may never take it off." She was right. Though the ring was in fact, a smart decision to make your appearance more legitimate, the engraving could just as easily be the end of you.

"I understand." You confirmed, with a generous inhale. You felt your chest expand against the confining corset you wore.

"Andrea, ¿está lista ahora?" (Andrea, is she ready now?) Doña asked the servant, who was cradling her daughter, a chubby infant in her skinny arms, seeing as she finished tending to you. Andrea was not given enough credit, seeing as she took care of you, the baby, and everyone else within the household. She seemed to be around the age of Doña herself, perhaps younger, though missing a ring on her own finger. You owed her more respect than Doña, seeing as she took the time to teach you bits of conversational Spanish. Sitting in that house for a week while most individuals spoke in their native tongue was frustrating to you, and she cared enough to alleviate some of that pressure.

"Yes. You all should be going. Marie would have been near to our destination." Andrea said, before leaving your room to presumably, get Diego and Carmen to load the carriage with the aforementioned trunks. She left you and Doña alone, in temporary silence.

"Diego and Carmen are escorting you," she spoke, ushering you to leave the room behind her and start to the carriage that waited in front of the brick manor. "They are dock workers to you since the Queen called for finesse; minimum security." Marie's steamship was private- it made sense that she'd only have a few individuals as personnel. Although, they were likely dead at the bottom of the sea with the intended princess. "I will be in contact," her eyes, once again, stared into you, but you refused to falter. At a time like this, it was important to appear confident, even when there was residual panic racing through you.

"I won't be long," you replied, quite sardonically. The Earl Phantomhive was just a boy, about two years younger than you. He had a butler and four servants and an opulent estate that gave you plenty of opportunities, space, and minimal witnesses. You have surmised much harder conditions in the past, considering you've posed as a maid and drowned a woman in her own bathtub since she kidnapped and sold little girls to the highest bidder. That case had reached a particular soft spot within you, although it made you sensitive to the scent of rose water.

For a moment, you were back in that bathroom. The steam of the heated water hit your face in droplets as the curvaceous woman thrashed, her knees peeking out of the water, kicking. She was screaming, but it was garbled by the water as she choked on it. You had to use both of your soapy hands to press her forehead against the porcelain tub and apply moderate pressure around her trachea before she went limp...

"I'm sure," Doña rolled her eyes as she opened the carriage door for you. Diego and Carmen came out the front door with the small trunks in their arms. Carmen's tan features were still warped in her perpetual scowl, but Diego beamed at you, his eyelashes fluttering. You squeezed your eyes closed before opening them again, repeating the process multiple times while wrinkling your nose. It was, naturally, still cold and unlike the staff, you were only given a coat and gloves to stay warm. How Doña stood her ground without sleeves in this weather was lost to you.

"Andrea, fixed you up real good, Your Highness," Diego said, leaving Carmen to finish packing the carriage as he approached you. He bowed at his waist, over-exaggerating the movement. You had come to the conclusion that he was an excitable puppy dog, personified in a man. It was hard to imagine a man like that had the nerve to use the handgun in his holster. You frowned, the sight of firearms never failing to unsettle you, despite your line of work.

Trap the gun.

You urged yourself to focus on the people in front of you and the task that was rapidly coming into fruition. "You ought to ask her for a hand," you shrugged dismissively, the jab subtle as you shrugged and showed yourself through the carriage door. You sat down on the cushioned seat, closing the door and staring out the window of the carriage. Though you could have afforded a simple goodbye to the staff, your growing demand to be alone was overwhelming. Even the carriage, though it was white and an unassuming beige upholstery lined the seats, you had to force yourself to stay present.

Felix Keating.

"Y/n, we're pulling out now!" Carmen's grumpy voice announced as she knocked twice on the closed door to get your attention. She and Diego were to be driving the carriage- as Doña said, they were acting as port attendants to substitute Marie's dead servants. Your fingers wrapped around the pommel of your dagger, giving it a long squeeze.

"Fine!" You responded, watching the street from your window as it slowly passed by, paired with the trotting hooves of the horse that dragged you to your possible demise.

. . .

JANUARY 17TH, 1892

LONDON, ENGLAND

The Phantomhive manor was on the outskirts of London, shielded within the countryside by a thin forest line. As it rolled into your sightline through the small window of the carriage, you shamelessly allowed yourself to gape at the sheer size of it- the height of the walls, the militant stone masonry, and expansive stone garden that surrounded the cobblestone path. The cobblestone caused the carriage to bump clumsily and you could hear the sound of the packed trunks shifting around, even though they sat in the front with Carmen and Diego. To you, having so much space for one person was simply a waste- you made do in a shoebox that was going to be comparable to a linen closet on this property.

There was no describing the intimidating grace of the noble manor that stood proudly before you- although it was the furthest from your first complicated infiltration and as much as you tried to repress it, grew up in a castle. However, even Glücksburg was feeble in comparison to the fortress that your carriage slowed to a stop in front of. Diego wasted no time in opening the door, allowing more of the afternoon light in. You shuddered as the cold, once again, attacked your face and outer extremities, despite the petticoats that Andrea had precariously piled under your gown.

"We have made it, Your Highness," the joke was obvious in Diego's face, the apples of his cheeks too perky with his enthusiastic smile. He needed some of Carmen's restraint while the latter required at least a semblance of his warmth.

Your Highness. The form address was foreign to you. It was nothing but a burden that weighed just as much as the genuine metal around your ring finger and the tight corset that restricted your torso. But this was your role- at least for the next week or so. Your smile was small enough to not seem horribly forced, though anything but enthused. Restraint was something Governess Lydia always stressed, making it one of the single things she had in common with the conman, who never let you forget about the strength of words. This task required you to heed lessons from the both of them, which was unfortunate, considering the conman represented the best two years of your life, while Governess Lydia was the embodiment of your poisonous girlhood.

"Your prudence is more than appreciated," you accepted his hand as he helped you down the two, rather short stairs of the carriage. This was it- now you were Princess Marie of Schleswig-Holstein. Her identity belonged to you- rather than a withering corpse in the sea- however Doña had managed to get her there. For your own sake, you found it easier not to ask. You didn't need the blood of your sister on your conscience while you embodied her likeliness. Or at least...what you could recall from your spoiled bias and hourly etiquette classes in the castle. "Thank you, Diego," you let go of his hand once you stood on your own feet. You didn't need to look at him to know that he was shaking his head, discouraged that you were being kind to him simply because you had to. Prior to the carriage ride, you'd told him to see Andrea and give her a chance to improve his scraggly appearance.

"Of course," he responded with a hasty bow. Diego shut the door with a slam, clumsier than he needed to be. You pretended that all of your doubts were conveniently left sitting on a cushioned seat- as dispensable as a glove. Confidence in your own vast skill sets was going to get you through this and the blade of your dagger between the Earl's ribs. "To the door, Your Highness. You'll catch cold." Diego led you to the door, leaving Carmen to unload your baggage. The door opened immediately after he knocked, revealing a simpering man.

"Wir heißen sie herzlich willkommen, Eure Hoheit. Ich hoffe, dass Ihre reise bis zu diesem punkt angenehm war.," (Our deepest welcome, Your Highness. I do hope your journey was pleasant to this point,) he spoke, his German succinct as if he was a native speaker himself. Following his practiced welcome, he bowed, the silver accessory that was pinned on his lapel moved as he did. A gloved hand pressed politely over his heart as he righted himself at your nod. In this case, you would have preferred him to speak to you in English, seeing as the whole of the experience was already quite out of body for you. "Bitte, treten sie ein." (Please, come in).

You complied, reluctantly crossing the tall threshold. Diego was behind you and silent as you took a moment to look over the barren foyer around you. "Sie haben ein schönes anwesen. Danke, dass sie mein Refugium beherbergen - Ihre Majestät kann mehr als exzessiv sein," (You keep a lovely manor. Thank you for housing my retreat- Her Majesty can be more than excessive,) you replied, noting the butler's endearing features. His face was pale as if the moon decided to bless him with natural illumination and in contrast, his hair fell in black tresses that framed his face. His smile was too perky for his darker disposition.

"Es ist unser privileg, mit ihrer sicherheit betraut zu werden." (It is our privilege to be entrusted with your safety.) The unctuous pleasantries were in excess. A little went a long way, especially for you, who tended to be brief towards every accessory- every pawn. As a girl, that efficiency labeled you as ill-mannered, as Lydia, the uptight Governess, cautioned you.

"Gibt es einen namen für sie?" (Is there a name to call you by?) It was more appropriate for his master- the rudely absent Earl, to introduce him properly, but you were growing weary of having no name to associate with the man. You tilted your head, thinly smiling at the butler who immediately stood to attention to respond. He had more effortless poise than you did, but at its essence, it couldn't be hard. Between your intense life in the monarchy was nearly a decade of living amongst the middle class and working for anyone with the fortune to pay you.

He bowed again, the palm of his right hand returning to his heart. "Natürlich. Mein Name ist Sebastian, mein meister-" (Of course. My name is Sebastian, my master-) he was interrupted by the door opening again, proceeding with three individuals and Carmen entering the foyer, bringing the trunks that were in the carriage. There were only six boxes, but the shorter boy out of the group was holding three heavy boxes instead of one.

"Sebastian! Where should we be putting these?" A woman asked rather loudly, as opposed to the smooth dulcet of Sebastian's German. Her voice had a clear, animated quirk of an English accent and it took you a moment to return your brain to the language, seeing as focusing on one at a time rather than two at once was simpler. Then you entered her sightline, causing her to shriek in surprise as she gasped. "Princess Marie- Your Highness!" she dropped the box, sinking into a clumsy excuse for a curtsy. At your side, you could hear Diego attempting to stifle his laughter. As for yourself, you weren't one for sudden noises and had to feign understanding. By the end of the day, your cheeks were going to ache from constantly having to smile.

"Your Highness, these are the other servants of the house," Sebastian finally spoke in English as he gestured with an arm to the two men and the woman. As the three other servants put the trunks down. The woman's face was red under her disproportionate glasses as she looked from the older man to the younger one at her sides, searching for validation for her abrupt enthusiasm. "Our gardener, Finnian-"

"-Finny!" He interrupted with a bright smile, before meeting Sebastian's eyes and shrinking. Finny cleared his throat, his gloved hand rubbing under the hat that covered the nape of his neck. "Please, um...call me Finny, Your Highness." In front of him were the three trunks that he had been carrying- stacked vertically. One alone was heavy for even yourself, but he seemed unaffected.

"Right...Mey-Rin, the maid," Sebastian continued. Mey-Rin's face was still red as she looked at Sebastian and then you, uncomfortable with the attention of the room on her. "Our cook, Baldroy."

Baldory seemed to be the most composed of the three. Notably, there were strands of grey in his blond hair as he regarded you with an easy simper, his shoulders relaxed. "Good to meet ya," he said with a simple nod of his head. His voice reminded you of the conman's- perpetually at ease.

"And ...Tanaka- the executive director of the Funtom Company," Sebastian said, guiding your attention to a small man that watched you from behind Baldroy's legs. He wore a monocle and seemed to hold a cup of tea as he bowed. The executive director of the Funtom Company was a frail man?

"Oh but, that's how he is- he rarely goes into his full size," Finny chimed in, once again, cutting himself off at Sebastian's pointed gaze. He only gave you more questions than he had answered. How was such a large estate taken care of by such a small cast of individuals?

"Might I ask about the Earl himself?" You didn't feel the need to properly introduce Carmen and Diego, seeing as they were only supposed to be distant dockworkers to you. Marie wouldn't have thought twice about them, seeing as she was her own sun, moon, and savior. Instead, she would be miffed that a mere Earl had the self-importance to show tardiness in meeting her.

"Our master should be with us in a moment. Please allow me to show you to his study," Sebastian said, easily making a transition from the exhaustive introductions to sitting in. "In the meantime; you three, take Her Highness's belongings to her quarters." This time, Baldroy picked up Carmen's neglected box as she stood at Diego's side. The three of them responded enthusiastically as if they were excited to be given a laborious task from their superior.

"Sure," you agreed, more than aware that this was going to be a temporary goodbye to Diego and Carmen, the final allies you'd speak to before heading into a minefield of social complexity, corsets, and lies. You turned to Diego, almost unsure of how to let him depart. It was almost pathetic of you, growing tongue-tied from a simple goodbye. The duo had no semblance of sentimental value to you. All you had was yourself, a dagger, and a large sum of money waiting for you.

"We leave you in capable hands, Your Highness," Diego smiled as he bowed, before quickly winking at you.

"Farewell," Carmen added, her expression illegible as she too, bowed and left with her counterpart.

"Right then," Sebastian led you up the massive staircase. Each step was narrow and troublesome but you attempted to tread smoothly. "Would you care for tea? You toiled through quite a long trip..."

. . .

Tags:

[golchaworld]

Subtract from this Divide | B.C

➳ pairing: delinquent!reader x student council president!chan

➳ genre: high school!au, fluff, mild angst

➳ word count: ~4.8k

➳ warnings: language, making out, mentions of smoking/drug use, mentions of sex/virginity

➳ summary: Putting a divide between you and Chan was the best thing you could have done for your reputations. But when the past starts to clash with the present, and rumors matter more than reputation, you find yourself feeling increasingly distant. Is there any way to subtract from the divide that has been created between you two?

A/N: So I started this piece over a year ago, which is super wild to think about. I wanted to do a reversal of the normal bad boy narrative, and this is what I ended up with. Tbh the plot is pretty bad, but I think the character study aspect is pretty interesting. As always, feel free to share your thoughts!

Your image as the baddest rebel in school was completely secure.  After three years at your godforsaken high school, you were able to be top dog.  No one ever messed with you.  As you walked down the hallways, the crowd practically parted for you.  Very simply, everyone was scared; and that was just how you liked it.

It started after you were suspended freshman year for graffiti in the bathroom.  You had gotten caught with a can of blue spray paint right as you were walking out.  Your principal was so furious that he thought that suspension wouldn’t be enough, but after a quick talk with your parents, you knew that your punishment wouldn’t be any worse.  From that moment on, you knew you could practically get off scot free for any offense, so you let it go to your head just a little bit.  You started cutting class, skateboarding in the hallways, and cursing at teachers, simply because you could.  Your punishment was never more than a detention or a brief scolding from the principal you had gotten oh so acquainted with over the years.

The rumors about you were wild, to say the least.  Boys fawned over you, intimidated in a way that had their fantasies running wild.  There was always gossip about you fucking someone knew, but it was never true.  Sure, you weren’t the Virgin Mary, but boys in your school didn’t truly appeal to you.  The girls were even worse.  They were the ones who created rumors about your home life, your GPA, and everything in between.  Little did they know that everything was fine.  The rebel image you upheld only applied to your personality and disciplinary history, not your home life or academic intelligence.  

Although you were secure in your position and persona, you knew that one person could change that entire thing: your boyfriend.  You loved Chan.  He was the sweetest and dorkiest guy you had ever met, and that was just the problem.  He was student council president, leader of the school’s acapella group, and top of the honor roll.  You two were polar opposites, and you knew that if news of you two dating got out, it would taint both of your images.  Your bad girl image would vanish if you admitted you had a soft spot for such a good guy.  Chan could no longer be Mr. Perfect if his girlfriend were such a rebel.  So you two decided to keep your relationship a secret.

It was easy in the beginning.  You two would only hang out outside of school.  You would go out of your way to go to events two, three towns over just to minimize the chances of running into someone from your school.  The two of you often found yourself in an ice cream shop 45 minutes away for your dates, just happy to be in each others’ presence despite the long journey.  However, you found that the perfect medium was hanging out at each others’ houses.  It was the perfect combination of seclusion and intimacy, allowing you two to be both carefree and close.

But as your relationship developed, and the two of you fell in love, it became harder and harder to conceal your relationship.  You found yourself wanting to tell your best friends, Changbin, Hyunjin, and Minho, about your wonderful boyfriend more often than not.  Chan had the same sentiment, struggling to keep his best friends, Jisung and Felix, out of the loop.  But you two had talked about it and decided that it was too risky, even to just be limited to best friends.  

So the two of you came up with a pact, you wouldn’t even look at each other when in school.  Everytime you passed each other in the hallways, it would be nothing but blank stares as you walked away.  There were no smiles, giggles, or heavy eye contact when anyone else was around.  But on the rare occasion that you two found yourselves alone during the school day, the pact went out of the window.  Whether it was quick makeouts in between the bookshelves of the library, or a check-in in the janitor’s closet, you two found any excuse to see each other during the day.  And no matter how much it happened, your heart always broke a little when it was time to go your separate ways.

As you walked down the hallway in between first and second period on a Tuesday morning, Minho was talking your ear off.  He felt the need to explain to you the details of the “best head he’d ever received” this past weekend.  It took all you had not to roll your eyes.  You loved Minho, but you two were very different.  Unlike you, he used his bad boy, rebel image to get with practically everyone in the school.  Girls, guys, it didn’t matter to Minho.  He was just in it for the orgasm.  No matter how much his behavior bothered you, he was one of your best friends, and you loved him.  But that didn’t mean you wanted to hear the details of his every sexual encounter.

The two of you trekked further down the middle of the hallway, watching everyone’s faces twist in fear as they spotted you.  It gave you a weird satisfaction, knowing that everyone revered and feared you.  But when you came across one group that refused to move for you, your heart contracted.  There was Chan, along with Jisung and Felix, walking straight in your direction.  It was hard for you not to outwardly coo, let alone keep your face set in stone.  Your boyfriend’s hair was in its natural curly state, a dark brown halo above his head.  His blue polo shirt was buttoned almost all the way up, khaki pants freshly ironed.  You were internally dying at the sight.  But you did nothing, keeping your eyes set straight ahead of you as you passed your secret love.  When you were a safe distance away, you let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding.

“What do you think about Chan?”  Minho asked casually as you two turned into your shared second period class.

“What is there to think about him?”  Your heart was racing in panic.  “I forget he exists sometimes.”

Minho chuckled from his desk beside yours.  “I call bullshit on that one.  He’s everywhere!  Hell, he’s student council president.  There’s no way you can forget about him, especially when he looks like that.”

It wasn’t new to you that people found your boyfriend attractive.  Since freshman year, everyone in school has been ogling over him, wanting to ruin the perfect pretty boy.  He kept his record clean though, never giving anyone in school the time of day.  That didn’t stop people from trying, though, including Minho.  It always sucked to hear your best friend go on and on about how hot your boyfriend was, even if he didn’t know he was your boyfriend.

“Eh, he’s not all that,”  you answered back coolly.  “I think you’re much hotter, Minho.”

Your best friend rolled his eyes at you as you jokingly smirked and winked.  This was normal for you two, casual flirty banter that had everyone in school secretly wondering if you were together on the down low.  It was actually extremely common.  The entire school practically assumed you were with one of your three best friends.  The best theory you heard was junior year, when the captain of the cheerleading squad spread the rumor that the four of you were in a polyamorous relationship.  Sure, you knew all of your friends were hot, but the rumor still had you laughing to date.  There was nothing better than the gossip you heard about yourself and your friends, but there was nothing worse than hearing gossip about your boyfriend.  So when you heard two girls whispering Chan’s name from the seats behind you, you instantly tuned in.

“I heard Chan is going to ask out Naomi.  Jisung told me that he does nothing but check her out all day,”  one girl whispered.

The other girl sighed loudly.  “God, what I would give to be Naomi.  I wish Chan would check me out all day.”

You felt your hand subconsciously curl around the edge of your desk.  You told yourself to breathe deep, counting to ten in an attempt to keep your temper in check.  It was difficult, however, as the girls continued to blabber on about Chan’s perfection.  Their banter was ultimately silenced by the bell, and then the teacher as class began.  You just picked up your pencil and began writing, making a mental note to bring up the incident with your boyfriend later on.

.        .        .

You paced the last bookshelf in the corner of the library during lunchtime, waiting for your boyfriend to appear.  When you sent your text about needing to see him, you meant it, the gossip of second period still heavy in your mind.  As the boy appeared, he made sure to check behind him before walking closer to you.  He was quick to encase you in his arms, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips.

“Hey, baby girl.  Missed me too much?” He smirked as he spoke, hands still placed firmly on your waist.

“I just needed to see you.”

Chan ducked down, placing another kiss on your lips.  He attempted to take it further, biting down softly on your bottom lip.  It took all of your resolve to push him away, and he whined quietly as you did.

“That’s not why I asked you to come here.”

When Chan saw the distress in your eyes, he was instantly concerned.  You were a tough one, and it took a lot for things to bother you.  So if something was bothering you to the point where you were physically in strife, he knew it must be serious.

“What’s wrong?”  Chan ran a hand through your hair, letting his other one still rest softly on your waist.

“So I heard that you’re into Naomi Hendricks now,”  you chuckled bitterly.  “A girl in class was talking all about how she wished to be Naomi so you could check her out like you check Naomi out.  And the funny thing is that apparently Jisung is convinced that you’re going to ask her out.  Now why would he think that, Christopher?”

Chan knew you only used his real name when you were truly upset.  “Y/N, it’s not like that.”

“Then what’s it like, Chris?”

“Jisung and Felix think that I’m not getting any, so they’re just trying to set me up with people.  I told them I’m not interested, but they just won’t listen.  You know better than anyone that I don’t want anyone but you.  I just can’t tell them that, so they just run with it.  I’m sorry, baby girl, that you have to hear these rumors, but you have to know they’re not true.”

You looked Chan in the eyes, searching for any reason not to trust his answer.  But as you got lost in his normal, sincere gaze, you knew he was telling the truth.  You sighed audibly.

“Alright, I’m sorry.  It just sucks hearing all of these rumors about you.  I don’t want to think about my boyfriend being into anyone else.”

Chan smiled brightly, letting his prominent dimples show.  “Tell me about it.  If I hear another thing about you fucking Changbin, I think I’m going to lose it.”

You laughed in return, letting your nose crinkle at the thought.  “Trust me, you don’t have to worry about it.”

“Just like you don’t have to worry about me,”  Chan stated softly.  “I love you, and only you.”

You let yourself nod, looking up to meet your boyfriend’s eyes.  He smiled back at you, leaning down to place a sweet kiss on your lips.  Your arms slowly snuck their way around his neck, allowing you to tilt your head and deepen the kiss.  You felt Chan sigh as you nibbled on his bottom lip, curling your fingers into the short hairs at the nape of his neck.  The two of you continued to kiss passionately, letting yourselves get lost in each other.  But as Chan began to trail kisses down your jaw and neck, the bell rang out loudly, signalling the end of the period.

“What class do you have?”  Chan whispered in your ear, making no moves to stop what he was doing.

“Math,”  you gasped out lightly.  “What about you?”

You felt Chan smirk against your jaw.  “Free period.”

Chan trailed back up to reconnect his lips to yours.  “I can skip,”  you breathed out in between heated kisses.  “Class can wait.”

Chan just shook his head, fully disconnecting from you.  He chuckled softly as you attempted to follow his lips for a moment before realizing that he was letting you go.  Your eyes shot open at the same time a frown manifested itself on your face.

“I can’t let you skip, baby.”

You cursed your boyfriend’s goody two shoes nature.  Rolling your eyes, you muttered out a “fine” before grabbing the backpack you had discarded on the floor.  You turned to leave, only to be pulled back by a warm hand on your wrist.  You barely had time to register your boyfriend’s warm lips on yours before he was pulling away, sending you off with a small tap of your backside.

“Have fun in class,” he whispered.  “Love you!”

You turned around to send him a sarcastic smile.  “I won’t.  Love you, too.”

.        .        .

After school, you walked to your locker with both Hyunjin and Changbin at your sides.  For some reason, the three of you couldn’t find Minho anywhere, so you assumed that he either got caught up flirting or fucking.  Either way, the three of you didn’t mind, you just planned to walk home together without him.

As you opened your locker, you heard labored breathing and heavy footsteps behind you.  With the distinct sound of Hyunjin’s laughter, you knew Minho had showed up.  You looked behind you briefly, but it was long enough to register Minho’s disheveled hair and the blooming red bruises on his jaw and neck.

“What happened to you?”  Changbin sounded exasperated.

Hyunjin was still laughing.  “More like who happened to you?  It looks like you just got out of a gang fight where you could only punch each other in the neck.”

You just shook your head, trying to find the right books to bring home for that night’s homework.  Your friends continued to bicker behind you, only growing louder as Minho insisted that the identity of the person who he was with remained a secret until the walk home.  When you finally gathered all of your materials, you shut your locker, signalling to your group of friends that it was time to go.

The four of you were quick to head out of the main school doors and down the street, heading first to Changbin’s house a few blocks away.  Once Minho deemed that you were far enough away from the school, he began to tell the story behind his appearance.

“Okay, so I couldn’t say this information earlier because it’s top secret.  No one can know about this.”

You saw Hyunjin roll his eyes.  “There’s no such thing as secrets with you, Minho.”

“Well then let this be my first,”  Minho retorted.  “So I was smoking out by the football field, when Han Jisung approached me and just started going off on me about how bad smoking is for your lungs and cancer and gum disease and blah blah blah.  And then next thing I know, we’re making out, and then he’s sucking my dick.”

Changbin groaned loudly.  “You really didn’t need to say that last part.”

You, on the other hand, were extremely confused.  In all the years you’d known Chan, he never once mentioned Jisung being interested in guys.  “I’m calling bullshit.  I don’t even think Jisung plays for the other team.”

“He doesn’t.”  Minho sent a smirk in your direction, prompting you to fake-gag.  “Can I just say that ruining straight boys is the best.”

Hyunjin scoffed.  “If you’re ‘ruining’ them, they must not have been straight to begin with.”

“You want to test that theory?”  Minho wiggled his eyebrows at Hyunjin, only to get shoved off the sidewalk by the taller boy.  

Changbin chuckled from his position next to you at their antics.  Although you knew the rest of the school saw the four of you as big, scary, bad kids, you were really just all dorks on the inside.  You were dorks who just happened to like wearing all black and breaking the rules.

About five minutes later, you all arrived at Changbin’s front door, waving him off with a simple goodbye.  Next was Minho’s house down the street.  When you finally dropped the hickey-covered boy off, Hyunjin immediately burst into loud laughter.  You looked at the boy as if he were crazy, completely confused on what could be so funny.

“Minho and Jisung.  Our Minho and Han Jisung!  That’s fucking hilarious.”  He clapped his hands together comically.

You just shook your head.  “I think it’s cute.”

“Cute?”  Hyunjin turned to face you.  “Our bad boy, flunking Minho, with honor roll, president of the school’s medical society Jisung.  It’s ridiculous!  It’s like something out of a movie.  But in real life, people like us don’t fit with people like that.  So Minho’s up for a rude awakening.”

“Don’t say that, Jinnie.”

The tall boy just shrugged.  “It’s the truth.  I didn’t make the rules.”

As you two approached your house, Hyunjin began to blabber on about something you couldn’t focus on.  You were barely listening, though, his commentary about Minho and Jisung still sticking fresh in your mind.  

People like us don’t fit with people like them.  

Part of you wanted to revisit the topic, tell Hyunjin that he was wrong and that stereotype was nothing but that, a stereotype.  But you knew any comment you would make would just arouse suspicion, so you decided to keep your mouth shut.  When you finally arrived at your house, you noticed a familiar car parked out front, making you smile brightly.  You bid Hyunjin goodbye with a quick hug, rushing to get inside and be with your boyfriend.

As you walked in through the front door, you could hear your mother chatting with Chan in the kitchen.  One of the perks of having to hang out at one of your houses all the time was the fact that you both got close with each others’ parents extremely quickly.  You made your way further inside, smiling as you spotted Chan standing next to your mother as she cooked something on the stove.  She dipped a spoon into the silver pot, pulling out some liquid and giving it to Chan to taste.

“Wow, mom.  You’re replacing me as the taste tester already!” You exclaimed in mock-offense.

Both your mother and Chan turned at the sound of your voice.  “Well if it isn’t my little delinquent,”  your mother teased.  “What kind of trouble did you get in today?” You just rolled your eyes, stepping closer to the two by the stove.  “Nothing today.  But that just means I have to go rob a few banks tomorrow.”

Chan chuckled, walking over to pull you in a hug and placing a kiss on the top of your head.  You took a deep breath as you cuddled into his chest, Hyunjin’s words still resonating with you.

“Chan and I are going upstairs, mom,”  you announced, taking your boyfriend’s hand and leading him out of the kitchen.

“Be safe!”  Your mom called after the two of you, making you groan loudly.  Chan just laughed as the two of you climbed the stairs and made your way into your bedroom.

You placed your backpack down next to your barely-used desk.  Doing your homework was a rare occurrence, but you scored high enough on tests that it never completely ruined your GPA.  Chan had scolded you about it multiple times, but after a few weeks, he gave up completely.

Chan just took his normal position on your bed, never hesitating to make himself comfortable.  You just smiled, rolling your eyes at the way he began to cuddle your pillow.  With the way he was splayed out, there was barely any room for you on the small, twin-sized bed.  Chan didn’t seem to give it any thought though, seeming as though he was unwilling to move from his comfortable position.

“I’m glad to see you’re always making yourself comfortable.”

Chan just hummed, nuzzling further into your purple silk pillowcase.  His dark hair seemed to almost blend in with the dark blacks and purples adorning your room.  You couldn’t help the way your heart melted, taking in the way Chan looked so at home in your room.  No matter how much you tried to deny it, this boy was truly your soft spot.

“After you left today,”  Chan started softly.  “I was thinking a lot about the shit we hear about each other.”

You nodded before realizing he couldn’t really see you.  “Mhm,” you encouraged.

“I just think we should be really open with each other.”

“Are we not already super open?”  You quirked an eyebrow at his unmoving form.

“Of course we are,”  Chan finally moved his head from the pillow to look at you completely.  “But I just don’t think there’s any harm in really letting each other in.  Maybe then the rumors won’t bother us as much.”

You sighed, rubbing a hand over your face.  You decided to use the black hair tie on your wrist to tie your hair up, knowing this was going to be a long process.  “Is this why you came over?”

“Don’t sound so disappointed.  I just want to know everything about you, baby girl.”

Chan reached out for you, making an aborted noise into the pillow.  You indulged him, getting up from the desk chair and squeezing onto your bed.  Chan almost instinctively wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you close so you two were nose to nose.  He smiled softly, happy to finally have you carelessly in his arms.

“Hi there,”  he whispered.

“Hi,”  you responded softly.  “So what do you want to know?”

“Well, for one thing, you weren’t a virgin when we met.  You were my first time, but you never told me who yours was.”

You sighed as Chan’s hand began to rub slow circles into your waist.  It pained you to have to reveal this information to your boyfriend, and that’s why you tried so hard to keep it a secret all this time.  You knew that he would be beyond upset at the answer, but it was his fault for asking.

“Don’t be mad,”  you stated, looking into his eyes for any signs of distrust.

“What?  Why would I be mad?”

You let your eyes flicker downwards before coming back up to make eye contact.  “It was Hyunjin.”

Chan pulled away from you with so much force that you almost fell off of the side of the bed.  This was the reaction you dreaded.  The amount of gossip surrounding you and your friends was tumultuous, and you didn’t want to give validity to any of it.  But this, unfortunately, was very true.

“Hyunjin?”  Chan muttered.

“It was the end of sophomore year!  We were just young and fooling around as a ‘what if?’ and it escalated.  We were always just friends and super comfortable with each other so we decided that we’d be comfortable losing it to each other.  If I knew I was going to meet you and be with you three months later, I would have waited!”

Chan could sense the exasperation in your voice, but it wasn’t enough.  He was never mad about the fact that you weren’t a virgin.  He truly understood that different people tackle milestones at different paces.  But deep down, he was always suspicious of how close you were to your three male friends.  This just confirmed those suspicions.

“How many times?”  Chan asked bluntly, sitting up on the bed.  

You followed suit.  “How many times what?”

“How many times did you and Hyunjin have sex?”

You sat silently, unable to do more than just stare at your visibly irritated boyfriend.  Chan’s eyebrow raised at your ominous silence.  He couldn’t stop the bubble of anger that was rising in his chest.  If he had known this was going to be such a difficult conversation, he never would have initiated it.  Now, however, he didn’t know if he could stop prying.

“More than once?”

You nodded wordlessly, eyes trained down on your folded legs.

“More than--”

“It was four times,”  you cut your boyfriend off.  “Before I met you, I had sex with Hwang Hyunjin four whole times.  Is that what you were looking for?” 

Chan was quiet, looking at you in a way that had your toes curling in anxiety.  He didn’t have to know this, and you spent your entire relationship keeping it from him.  You guessed he was right about the two of you opening up, but you hated the inevitable rift it would cause between you.  Chan moved to stand, only to be stopped by your hand wrapping around his wrist, pulling him back.

“Don’t go, Chris.  Please.”  You pleaded with him softly.

Chan’s chest rose and fell once, twice, with each breath he took.  Eventually he sat back down on the bed, eyes slowly meeting yours.  You tried your best to smile, even though you could see the irritation in his eyes.

“Remember what you said to me earlier?  There’s nobody but you, Chan.”  You watched as your boyfriend’s eyes softened.  “I love you and only you.”

Chan couldn’t force his voice to go above a whisper.  “I love you, too.”

You smiled softly, removing your hand from his wrist only to lace his fingers with yours.  After a moment, Chan smiled, looking at you apologetically.  He couldn’t help the small flame of jealousy that ignited whenever there was mention of you with your three best friends.  He knew deep down that you all were nothing more than friends, but it was difficult to ignore this piece of your history.

“I’m sorry for bringing this up,”  he muttered.  “I didn’t know it would get so bad so fast.”

Your smile was warm.  “Don’t apologize.  I’m glad that you know a little bit more about me now.”

“Yeah, I guess this did serve its purpose.”

“Not completely,”  you teased.  “You still haven’t told me something secret.”

Chan just groaned, rubbing his free hand over his face and causing you to chuckle.  He knew exactly which story followed along the lines of the previous conversation, and he wondered if you could handle it.  But, after the information you just shared with him, he forced all of his doubts to the back of his mind.

“Okay, so this is super top secret.  You cannot tell anyone!  It doesn’t just involve me, which is what makes the secrecy extra super important.”

You nodded, lifting your free hand.  “I swear myself to secrecy.”

“So freshman year, Jisung was having a little sexuality crisis.  He was telling me and Felix about how he thought he was bisexual, but he was worried since he had never been with a boy.  So...we kissed.”

“Chan!”  Your eyes widened in shock.

“It was nothing!  I promise!  Jisung didn’t end up figuring out anything, though, because he said it was like kissing his brother.”

You couldn’t suppress the laughter that was bubbling up.  “You sound offended.”  You teased.

Chan instantly looked offended, placing a hand over his heart.  “I was offended!  Jisung had the luxury of kissing me, a hot, sexy guy, and ended up not even enjoying it.  It was some boy who he met last summer who made him fully realize that he was bi.  He took me for granted if you ask me.”

By the teasing smile taking hold on your boyfriend’s face, you knew he was joking.  His secret was still very real, but all of the outlandish reactions were just to make you smile.  If there was one thing you knew about your boyfriend at this point, it was that he would do anything to make you smile, even in the most serious moments.

“So then we both kissed our best friends?”  You raised an eyebrow.

Chan shrugged.  “I guess we did.”

“But now we’re only kissing each other, right?”

“Definitely,”  Chan chuckled slightly.  “Trust me, you’re the only one I want to kiss.”

You just smiled, leaning forward to connect your lips with your boyfriend’s.  It was difficult, though, seeing as you were both grinning too widely.  

[starshine583]

New Friends Ch. 16

Ch.1 / Ch.15 / Ch.17

(It’s a little choppy, but I hope you guys like reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!)

Marinette giddily jumped down the steps, into the kitchen. Felix was part of the team now! Well, Chat still seemed iffy, but he would get over it. Eventually. As for Felix himself, he couldn’t be more fit for the role! He was protective and smart and sweet and, well, everything!

“Someone’s in a hurry today.” Sabine teased, watching Marinette hurriedly stuff her books into her bag.

“What can I say? I wanna get an early start today.” She replied, barely finishing her sentence as she rushed out of the room and down to the bakery.

“Woah! Don’t forget your breakfast.” Tom called, dangling the paper bag in the air.

Marinette back-tracked to where her father stood, taking the bag in exchange for a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks Papa. See you after school!” 

“Bye sweetie, have a good day!” 

-

“How many things did you forget in an effort to come meet me outside on time?” Felix asked as they walked. Normally, Luka would walk her to school, but Marinette figured this would give them a chance to talk more about their new dynamic.

“None.” Marinette replied indignantly. 

“…at least none that I know of.” She then added, fishing through her backpack to double check.

Felix chuckled beside her. “Well, if you need anything, just ask.” 

A blush bloomed across her cheeks. The words were meant to be friendly, but ever since his akumatization she just couldn’t look at him the same way. Anything he said, anything he did for her made her think of his confession. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach anytime he glanced her way, let alone talked to her directly. Was this a good thing? Did she actually have feelings for him, or was it only because of what he said under someone else’s control? 

“R-right! Of course, I - yes, I’ll definitely do that.” She stammered, nervously fiddling with her jacket. Why can’t she just talk to him dang it!

“Anyway! How’s Wayzz doing?” She changed the subject, hoping to cover up her stutters.

“He’s doing good. He really likes the tea that old man gave me.” 

“Master Felix has even found a way to take it with us!” Wayzz spoke up, holding a small, metal capsule used to store medicine.

“Oh, that’s clever!” Marinette complimented. 

Felix shrugged. “It was the only thing I could come up with for now.”

Marinette smirked, shaking her head in her response. He doesn’t give himself enough credit. 

She forced her hands to her sides to avoid messing with her jacket. There was no reason to be anxious around Felix, anyway. 

Unfortunately for her, their hands bumped together when she did so, causing both of them to blush.

“S-sorry!”

“Don’t worry about it.” Felix mumbled, looking down at his shoes.

Marinette screamed internally, glancing at their hands. Her mind wandered to their talk on the balcony yesterday, how he put his hand on top of hers. It felt..nice, his touch. One might say, electrifying. She wondered what would happen if she held his hand now.

Despite herself, Marinette reached out to him. 

Closer. 

Closer.

Their fingers brushed together.

“Mari! Felix! Have you guys seen the news?” Aurore called out to them from the school steps. 

Marinette yanked her hand away.

“N-news?” She asked, attempting to hide how flustered she was.

Thankfully, Aurore was too excited to notice.

“Yeah! About the new hero! It was all over the internet last night!” She informed, showing her phone screen to the two.

Felix and Marinette’s eyes widened as they looked at the picture. Ladybug and Buclier were standing on a rooftop with Chat Noir. The picture was obviously taken at night, so whoever took it must have brightened the image.

“Where did you find this?” Marinette frowned. So much for keeping Buclier a secret.

“On the ladyblog.” Aurora said, her nose scrunching up in annoyance. None of them were fond of Alya anymore, but she was their only source of information for the heroes. 

“How do you know it’s not photoshopped?” Felix questioned as he walked passed the two. 

Aurora furrowed her eyebrows. “Would Alya do that though?”

“We all know she’s hungry for attention from how quickly she joined Rossi’s side. I wouldn’t put it beneath her. You don’t think the figures look a little stiff? Or off color?”

Marinette hid a smile. “Yeah, they do look a tad blurry. There wasn’t even an akuma last night. I thought the extra heroes only came out during fights." 

Aurora blinked, looking down at the image again. "I gotta go tell Wayhem." 

The blonde ran off, and Marinette fell back into step with Felix.

"I’m impressed. That was some quick thinking, but it won’t stop everyone else from looking at the picture.”

“Maybe, but once one person starts to doubt, others will as well.” Felix responded, smiling to himself.

Marinette nodded. “True, true- Oh! I almost forgot, are you free for lunch?”

Felix hesitated, but nodded. “I should be. What do you have in mind?" 

"I wanted to go on another run.”

“In the middle of the day?”

Marinette snorted. “Please. Aside from Alya, no one looks to the rooftops unless there’s an akuma.”

Felix considered her statement, and she ignored her racing heart when he smiled and said, “In that case, a run sounds nice.”

~~~~~~~~

Nino massaged his temples as he sat down for class. This whole Lila situation seemed to be getting out of control. She was pretty cool when she first got there, but now It was like she was turning everyone against each other. 

He wasn’t asking much! He just wanted to make sure they weren’t going through all of this conflict for nothing, but Alya acted like Nino committed some sort of murder anytime he suggested investigating. She was so convinced Lila was a perfect angel.

Thing is, chaos doesn’t usually follow a “perfect angel” wherever they go. 

“Wow, Alya, that’s such a good shot!” Lila praised behind him, inspecting his girlfriend’s phone. “Guess I don’t have to tell you about them now.” 

“Tell me about them?” Alya repeated, curiosity lacing her tone.

He didn’t see Lila’s smirk as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Of course! As Ladybug’s friend, it’s only natural that I’d know about new heroes. In fact, I’m the one that referred them to her.” 

Nino sighed, pulling his cap further onto his head. This is exactly what he was talking about! Picking out heroes, being Ladybug’s best friend, didn’t that all sound- I don’t know -too good to be true? He wasn’t even taking into account the fact that- should her stories be true -she helped Ladybug replace him. Granted, Nino didn’t own the miraculous, but he still would have liked a reason, or at least a warning, ya know?

“Nino?” Adrien lightly nudged him, eyebrows furrowed with concern.

Nino straightened. “Sorry, what’d ya say?”

“Nothing. You just looked upset. What’s up?”

He felt the tension melt off his shoulders and a smile spread across his lips. Lila might be stringing them along, but at least he knew Adrien had his back.

“Meh, I was just thinking about-” He paused, cautiously glancing back at the two girls before leaning forward and whispering, “Lila.”

“Lila?” Adrien blinked.

“Yes?” Lila perked up, causing Alya to look their way too.

Nino inwardly cringed. “Uh- nothing! We were just talking about how~ how crazy it was that you knew the new hero! Yeah..”

Alya gave him a look, but brushed it off, going back to her phone. Lila, however, just stared at him. If he didn’t know her to be so sweet, Nino might even think she was glaring at him.

He nervously chuckled, giving her a small wave and quickly facing the front. Why did he have the sudden feeling of being black-listed?

~~~~~~

“What do you mean you guys aren’t coming to lunch?” Aurore said with a pout. They always ate together! It was like.. Their thing now!

Marinette smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, Aurore. Papa wants me to try his new desert.”

“And Mother’s been throwing a fit over her wasted lunches.” Felix added behind her.

Aurore groaned, rubbing her hand over her face. That totally fails.

Wayhem, standing next to her, gave her a pat on the shoulder with a comforting smile. 

“Guess it’s just you and me today, Rory.” 

Marinette tilted her head to the side.“Just you two? What about Luka and Kagami?” 

“Kagami had to go eat with her mother too. Something about a business meeting with the Agreste’s?” Aurore answered, though she questioned herself at the end.  She briefly glanced towards Wayhem for confirmation. He winced, but nodded. Yeah, it didn’t sound enjoyable to her either. 

“And Luka promised to eat with Juleka today, since they haven’t hung out in a while.” Wayhem then explained. 

“Oh, gotcha.”

A small pause, mostly awkward. Aurore almost wanted to ask if she could go with Marinette to her house, but was that too much? She seemed like she wanted to be alone for some reason. 

“Well, I’d better get going. I told mother I’d walk home which takes a while” Felix spoke up, effectively shutting down any chance she had of asking.

“Yeah! I should be leaving too. See you guys later!” Marinette waved, her and Felix subtly starting down the stairs.

Aurore gave a dejected- and slightly dramatic -sigh. “Alright, see you later.”

“Have fun with your family!” Wayhem grinned. 

Marinette and Felix nodded, exchanging looks before going separate ways. 

“..were they a bit off to you?” She said after a moment.

Wayhem shrugged. “Yeah, but I wouldn’t worry about it. Anyway, I’m starving. Ready for food?” 

Aurore giggled. “When am I ever not ready for food.” 

The two laughed, not noticing the flash of green and red on the rooftops.

~~~~~~

Ladybug grinned from ear to ear as they ran across the rooftops, reveling in the way the wind tugged through her hair. Something about the suit’s super strength propelling you forward made you feel as light as air. Almost like you were flying. A euphoric sense of freedom.

Bouclier let out a shout of joy when he made a particularly large jump. 

Ladybug laughed. “Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself.”

“How can I not?” Bouclier yelled over the rush of the wind. “It’s exhilarating!” 

They continued running through Paris for another twenty minutes, challenging each other to do different types of tricks. Ladybug also gave Buclier a few pointers here and there. Eventually, the duo became tired and stopped on flat rooftop to eat lunch. 

“No wonder I see you around Paris so much.” Felix commented, smiling at the view their rooftop provided. “The view’s amazing from up here.” 

Ladybug chuckled, swinging her legs over the edge. “I know right? I wish I could see it more.” 

A comfortable silence fell between them. 

She savored these moments. Just her and Felix. It gave her a sense of peace she normally couldn’t find on her own. Maybe because she was always up in the air, and he was always down to earth. He grounded her. She lifted him up. 

“Felix..” She began softly, as if talking too loud might break their delicate balance. 

Bouclier hummed, his half-lidded eyes trailing to hers. 

“Do you.. Remember anything? From being akumatized, I mean.” 

A frown tugged at the corner of his lips. “No. nothing.” 

Ladybug dipped her chin slightly in a thoughtful nod. She figured he didn’t. No one ever remembers being akumatized, nor what they do during that time. 

Don’t get her wrong, she was glad he didn’t remember. That sort of thing can be traumatizing, but..

Bouclier knitted his eyebrows. “..Is there something you want me to remember?” 

And I love you for it.

A blush exploded on Ladbug’s face, almost as red as her suit.

“No! Nope, absolutely not- I mean-” She flailed her hands around, eventually coming down to cover her face. “No.” 

His lack of commentary afterward prompted her to peek through her fingers.

Confusion etched onto Bouclier’s features. He probably didn’t know how to respond. She wouldn’t either. 

Ugh! Why couldn’t she just curl into a ball and die? Death would be much less embarrassing.

“We should probably get back to school.” He finally said, glancing down at his wrist and scrunching up his nose when he remembered he didn’t have a watch while in costume. 

Ladybug snorted at the sight, though she didn’t have any room to talk. “Yeah. That’s a good idea.” 

~~~~~~

Adrien twisted his straw back and forth between his thumb and forefinger, desperately trying to ignore the hole Kagami was burning through his forehead. She hasn’t spoken a word to him since their conversation in the cafeteria over a month ago. Any attempt to speak to her resulted in a steely glare and cold shoulder. What did Marinette say to her for him to deserve such treatment? He only wanted to do what was right!

Speaking of Marinette, what was her deal yesterday anyway? Felix blinded Alya and made Nino deaf- albeit under akumatization, but still -and what did she do? Ran right over to Felix! She didn’t even check to see if they were okay! She seemed more concerned about him rather than them. Why? They’d been friends way longer!

He knew she was frustrated with Lila, and she had reason to be. The brunette was, admittedly, a bit over the top, but she wasn’t terrible like Marinette said. 

On top of that, Nino was coming around! Without them saying anything! Her lies were starting to fall through exactly as he predicted. His plan was the right course of action after all! And once he told Marinette about Nino, she’d apologize. Kagami would stop glaring at him, Lila would thank them for making her a better person, and Marinette would talk to them again. Everything would go back to normal!

Adrien smiled, mentally patting himself on the back as he looked out the window. He preferred the driving cars to Kagami’s scowling face. 

A sour expression morphed onto his features a few seconds later, however, when he spotted them. 

There, a few rooftops away, sat his Lady, laughing and talking with the new hero, whatever-his-name-was. Wasn’t she supposed to be training him? Why were they sitting and talking and laughing? He’d never seen her smile like that with him. And hanging out in pure daylight? What happened to “keeping things professional”?

“Adrien.” 

The blonde stiffened when his father called his name. “Y-yes?”

“Is there something wrong?” Gabriel asked with a raised eyebrow.

It was then he realized Kagami wasn’t the only one who’d been staring at him, though she was the only one that glared.

He straightened, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile. “Wrong? No, of course not. I’m just gonna..” His eyes grazed over the building where Ladybug was, and he saw her blush- it was evident from a mile away -and adorably flail her arms in the air. The same way she always does when she’s flustered. In different circumstances, he’d find it cute. 

“I’ll be right back. Bathroom.” He ground out, standing up and marching off to find a place to transform. No doubt his father would reprimand him for the tone later, but there were more important things right now.

He transformed in an alleyway near the restaurant, already laying out his points and arguments in his head. Oh, she was going to get a piece of his mind. 

“Alright, ‘bugaboo’, explain yourself.” He demanded, landing on their rooftop and throwing a harsh glare at..

Nothing.

What?

“Where did they go?” He thought aloud, turning this way and that to find them. No greens, no reds, no pigtails or shield shells, nothing. He’d seen them right? Did they just leave before he could get to them?

He huffed, extending his baton to go back to the restaurant. Father and Mrs. Tsurugi are still waiting for him. 

Guess he’ll just have to work on that confrontation until he sees her again. 

~~~~~~

Lila did her best to hide her frustrations during lunch with Alya. Nino’s doubts hadn’t faded, and she had a hunch that promising him more things wouldn’t be enough this time. So what did he want? Everybody wants something. 

“Ugh, this picture is so blurry.” Alya complained, zooming in on her photo of the new hero. “Do you think you could ask Ladybug to take a photo of him for me?” 

Lila forced a sweet smile. “You see, I would, but you know LB. She’s always busy and strictly professional. If I asked for special pictures, she might not let me hang with the heroes anymore.” 

Alya groaned. “I know. You’re so lucky. I wish I could be best friends with Ladybug.” 

Lila resisted the urge to roll her eyes. How could anyone want to be friends with that insect?

She glanced around the cafeteria, hoping to find something- anything -to take her mind off of that red spotted pest. 

Her eyes landed on Aurore and Wayhem, oddly sitting by themselves. 

“Al, I’ll see you in class.” Lila said, abruptly cutting off the reporter and standing up. Aurore and Wayhem together? With no Marinette to interfere? Well, she surely couldn’t waste such a unique opportunity. People were only starting to doubt her because of Marinette’s new squad. If she wanted Nino back, maybe stripping that pig-tailed headache of her new friends would squash any extra questions he had of her credibility.

“I’m sorry, but do you mind if I sit here?” She asked politely, holding up her tray for emphasis.

Wayhem and Aurore looked up in surprise, their expressions immediately darkening when they realized who interrupted them. She had to admit, it was.. Unsettling. The pair was usually the epitome of cheeriness.

Wayhem spoke first. “Lila, we’re not saying we don’t like you, but.. We don’t like you.” 

“Hate your guts, actually.” Aurore added impassively. 

Lila shoved down her rising anger towards the comments and gasped, subtly taking a seat with tear-brimmed eyes. “W-what? Why? What did I do?” 

Wayhem scoffed. “That’s not gonna work on us.” 

Lila sniffed, going so far as to pull out a handkerchief. “P-please, I just want to be friends. Is this about Marinette? Is she spreading rumors about me to you guys, too?” 

“Oh, it’s definitely about Marinette.” 

“But she isn’t the one spreading rumors.” Aurore crossed her arms.

“And you think I am? I just wanted to be friends with her and she tried to turn everyone against me for no reason!” 

“Right. Because Marinette’s so unreasonable.” 

Lila bit back a snarky response, opting instead for another approach. 

She sighed dejectedly, drying her fake tears and casting her gaze to the floor. “Okay.. You’re right.” 

She heard the two straighten, and hid a smirk behind her bangs.

“The truth- the real truth -is that I was jealous of Marinette. She was so smart and creative and had so many friends.. I just wanted to be like her, but I got carried away..” 

Their shoulders sagged slightly. They were losing their guard. Wonderful.

Lila lifted her head, making sure her lip quivered as she spoke. “I didn’t mean to make her miserable. I was embarrassed. And scared. Please, help me apologize. Help me show her that I’m a good person.” 

Aurore and Wayhem exchanged looks. Yes! They were getting roped in! Once she had Wayhem and Aurore, she’d get to Luka. Then Kagami. Then Felix! And then Marinette would be powerless again.

“Well.. as long as you’re serious about apologizing..” Wayhem frowned. 

Adrenaline rushed through her veins. Almost there! One more to go!

“Aurore?” She turned to the blonde, carefully hiding her excitement.

Aurore pursed her lips, looking down at her lap. “I.. guess we can help you.” 

Lila almost squealed. “Really?” 

“No.” The two dead-panned, abruptly standing up and taking their trays with them.

She blinked. 

..What..what just happened?

“Wait-” She tried to call out to them again, but Aurore sent her a glare.

“Hurts, doesn’t it? Being lied to, getting your hopes up for false promises?” She said haughtily.

Wayhem briefly turned back to Lila, a very clear warning in his tone as he said, “Leave our Mari alone.” 

The two walked away after that, leaving a confused and furious Lila behind.

~~~~~~

Felix settled in the seat next to Marinette. He pulled out his tablet to get ready for class, even though he wouldn’t be able to pay attention anyway. There were too many things clouding his mind. 

Thing number one, becoming Bouclier. He’d volunteered to help Marinette save Paris, but he had no idea that meant he would get a miraculous. Honestly, Felix couldn’t say he was complaining, though. Wayzz was a delightful companion, and the rush of adrenaline from practically flying over Paris was intoxicating. He couldn’t wait to go out again.

Thinking of his new alter ego brought him to thing number two, Marinette and her question. When she asked if he remembered anything during that time, she almost seemed.. Hopeful. He tried asking her about it, but she got all flustered and anxious. Why? Why did he have this feeling he missed something important that happened?

Felix nearly groaned from all the unanswered questions. At this point, he only hoped his akumatization wasn’t that much of a burden to her. Goodness knows she has enough burdens already. Rossi, Cessaire, Agreste..

He narrowed his eyes as the list grew in his mind. Marinette had burdens. Too many burdens. His golden angel was forced to deal with too many things that simply weren’t her problem. In fact, She shouldn’t have to deal with anything. Marinette was too sweet and too caring and too incredibly amazing and.. and..

Wait..

Wasn’t that going a bit far?

“Felix?” Marinette’s hand lightly touched his shoulder, sending him back to the night before. They’d practically held hands, hadn’t they? 

He looked down at her, noticing the slight concern reflecting in her bluer than blue eyes. Why was it so hard to breath all of a sudden?

“Are you okay? You looked pretty lost in thought.” 

Ah. Always so considerate, always able to read him so well. 

He blinked. 

Of course she could read him well. They were friends, after all. That’s why he decided to help her with her Ladybug responsibilities. Not because she was a sun shining through his raging storms. Not because she was also the sparkling moon in his darkest nights. And most certainly not because he’d grown closer to her than any other person he’d ever met. 

Felix shook his head. 

“I’m fine, thank you.” 

What was wrong with him? 

No. no, no, no, absolutely not. Marinette was amazing, and he cared for her deeply, which is exactly why he wasn’t going to ponder on those previous thoughts. They had a good friendship going, and he’d be darned if he let a few “flukes” get in the way of that. He would ignore these random thoughts and feelings, and they would leave as quickly as they came. End of story.

“Just checking.” Marinette smiled, her tone light and cheery and adorable as always.

..Okay, maybe this was going to be harder than he thought. 

Tag list: @unabashedbookworm @bluerosette23@minightrose@kuroko26@im-here-for-the-content @angstyrastuff@clumsy-owl-4178 @fanboy7794@choaticneturcl @bigcheeseyboi@burntnugget-tae @ayuchan07@honorisfortheweak @knightrose15@mjisntme@rhub4rb@simplythebestbug@wilhelmares@zebrabaker@dargeon-lissa @kristycocopop @alumneia @kaydenth3gayden @thornangelic727@flirtshobi @whatamessofwords @offically-over-it @flashflashitsash @thewingting @aegyobutpsycho2 @zoeytheweeb @zeyheartstaylor @friedchickening @roseinbloom02 @totalgaydrama @god-is-dead-and-so-am-i

[pandawritespoorly]

With Time: Chapter 38 - It’s Not Defamation If It’s True

Author’s Note: Who's ready for Gabriel getting his comeuppance?!?!?!

Settle down children, excitement and righteous fury is no excuse to forget your manners. Now get your snacks and get comfortable.

I hope you enjoy!

Chapter Summary: Gabriel underestimates the power of teenagers who care for their friend.

Edit: Whoops! I didn't check my comments in the doc! Strong language warning! "fucking"

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Marinette knows it’s spring because she wakes up easily. It’s always easier to wake up during spring, and, given her energy, it can be harder to rest.

She suspects Tikki is already up, enjoying the sun on the balcony. At the thought, the girl scrambles to get ready so she can enjoy the weather.

She’s done in record time, grabbing her phone as she joins Tikki.

 Kid Mime: good morning my faithful fair funny fast fancy festive fizzy funky friends

 Melodie: ‘Fizzy’?

 Kid Mime: i ran out of f adjectives

 Felix: You already had seven without that one.

 The Mom Friend: i think you did great

The Mom Friend 10/10 wood read again

 Kid Mime: yay!!

 Patisserie Princess: hiiiiii!!!!!!!

 Kid Mime: wats this????

Kid Mime: mari up??

 Melodie: With time to text too!

 Patisserie Princess: yep

Patisserie Princess: its spring!!!!!

 The Mom Friend: any of ur flowers blooming yet

 Patisserie Princess: not yet

Patisserie Princess: but soon. i can feel it

 Felix: That will certainly be exciting.

 Patisserie Princess: it will be!!!!!!!

Patisserie Princess: (◕ᴗ◕✿)

Patisserie Princess: k im heading out now!!!!!!!

 Kid Mime: byeeeeeeee!!!!!!

 Melodie: See you soon!

“Alright, let’s go, Tikki!” Marinette hops up from her chair, giving Tikki a moment to hide in her purse before hurrying downstairs. She shouts goodbye to her parents as she heads to school.

It’s so sunny, and she’s smiling wide. Today is a good day.

She arrives at school in what must be record time. She spots Allan and Claude walking into the building together and joins them.

“Hi!!!” Marinette chirps.

“Hey, ‘Nette. Good to see you so early,” Allan greets her.

Claude throws their arms in the air. “Marinette! Our sunshine has arrived!!”

“Adrien is our sunshine,” she corrects.

“Hmm.” Claude pretends to think this over. “This is a conundrum.”

“You’re a star,” Allan suggests.

“Yes!! Perfect!”

“You guys are stars too!!” Marinette smiles.

Claude strikes a DramaticPose™. “Well, of course I’m a star!”

Allan and Marinette clap appropriately. A few nearby students join in. Claude bows several times.

“Thank you, thank you!”

Marinette throws a flower at him. “Bravo!”

Claude gasps, clutching the flower to his chest. “The fair maiden has chosen me! I have been awarded a flower from our fair lady!”

Marinette curtsies. “‘Tis no trouble to me, my knight.”

“Shall I escort you and your companion to your court?”

“It would be very kind of you sir, I am expecting company from neighboring kingdoms.”

“Then we shall depart at once!”

With Allan and Marinette snickering, Claude leads the pair to the library where Felix and Allegra are calmly sitting at a table.

“Her royal highness, Our Star has arrived! Her meeting place is quieter than the courtyard, so we shall withhold the fanfare! Trumpets on standby!”

The librarian shoots him a grateful look, and Marinette can hear Allegra and Felix sigh in unison at Claude’s antics. Allegra shuts her book and turns. Allan and Marinette are both struggling to muffle their laughter. Claude has a flower behind his ear and leads the two to the table.

“Greetings fair lady Allegra and lord Felix of kingdoms Coudriet and Voclain! I am delighted to inform you that we have been blessed with the presence of Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng and Monsieur Poirot!”

Allegra and Felix clap quietly.

“So what brought this on?” Felix queries.

“Marinette gave me a flower!” Claude chirps.

“You look great, Claude. Very cute.” Allegra smiles.

“Thanks! I’m gorgeous!” Claude pretends to flip his hair.

“Oh for sure,” Allan agrees. “Model material over here.”

---

The group is on their way out of school when Marinette gets a call. They slow down so she can talk and walk easier.

“Hello?”

They hear shouting on the other end.

“Well, I’m not opposed, but weren’t we-”

The person on the other end interrupts her.

“He is? Well- What do you mean he’s at school?!”

She pauses.

“Since yesterday? Excuse me, but he wasn’t also working?! Ohhh, he’s a dead man,” she growls. “Does he think-?!”

A sharp retort from the other end.

“It was rhetorical, and you didn’t let me finish.” Marinette rolls her eyes.

More talking on the other end, then the call ends.

“‘Just get over here now’” Marinette mimics, then deadpans, “Thanks for the suggestion, I was planning on touring France first.”

“What’s going on?” Claude asks.

Marinette wrinkles her nose, frowning. “That was Chloe, she says we’re doing it now.”

“Like, now? Weren’t we going to like… finalize things?” Allan asks.

“Oh heck yeah! Finally! That man is going down!” Allegra cheers.

“What happened?” Felix frowns.

Claude looks concerned. “Is Adrien okay?”

“No. He’s been crazy sick since yesterday, and Gabriel is making him go about as usual because he’s trying to get as much stuff out as he can to recover from all the backlash recently. We’re stopping by Dupont to bring him to the bakery, then we’re going to call in some favors a little earlier than anticipated.”

“I wish I could punch him. I wish I could punch him multiple times,” Allegra mutters.

---

Marinette leads them up the stairs of Dupont, and though she’s been attending a different school for the majority of the year, everyone there knows to stay out of her way with that look in her eyes.

She’s on the warpath.

At the library, she finds Chloe and Sabrina, with a very tired Adrien who is sleeping on his textbook.

He’s pale, and his face is flushed. He looks shaky and weak, and Marinette’s heart sinks at her kitty in such a state. She goes up to him, crouching beside his chair and running her fingers through his hair.

His eyes open and he squints at her through his half-open lids, his eyes glazed over.

“Hi.”

“Hey,” she whispers. “Want to go home?”

He nods, barely with her, and she runs her fingers through his hair a little more. His eyes slip closed again. She can hear her friends talking behind her, but that doesn’t matter at the moment. He’s purring, but it’s very quiet, and if she didn’t know better, she’d pass it off as just weird breathing from being so sick.

Keeping one hand in his hair, she stands and turns to her friends. “We’re taking him home now, then we can start finishing this.”

They nod, and Allan speaks up, “Who can carry him?”

Marinette just picks him up, which they all accept as an answer. She frowns. “He shouldn’t be this light.”

“Fucking Gabriel,” Allegra and Chloe mutter.

As she carries him outside, she sees Nino give her a relieved smile. He and Adrien may not hang out much anymore, but he still cares about the model.

When they arrive in the designer’s room, Marinette places him gently on the chaise, settling a blanket over him and sitting in front of him.

Chloe pulls down the sheet from Marinette’s ceiling. It’s covered in various sticky notes and lists. There’s phone numbers scattered about, with lines connecting them to other places. A checklist occupies the corner, with various things marked off, all are connected to some other part of the organized mess.

It’s impressive it all fits.

“Felix, Chloe, if either of you need to step out to speak with the lawyers, then go ahead. Sabrina-”

The other girl smiles, waving her off. “I’m already looking it over.”

“Great, thank you,” Marinette nods.

“I can call about the apartment,” Allegra volunteers.

“Good idea. Then I guess-”

Claude puts a hand on her shoulder. “Mari, it’s okay. We know what to do, you can just take care of Adrien right now.”

She sighs, smiling gratefully, and nodding, turning to Adrien. She tunes out the rest of the room, eyes only for her partner. She sees worried green eyes peering out from his overshirt, and waves at the Kwami subtly. The God simply nods at her and burrows closer to his Chosen.

Putting a hand to his forehead, she confirms that he definitely has a fever. She heads to the kitchen, finding the thermometer, and grabbing a glass of water in case he wants it.

Her room is a busy center for the various plans going on, as everyone assigns themselves tasks to complete to get as much done as quickly as they can. The noise level still manages to remain low, as everyone is aware of the model resting.

“Hey,” Marinette whispers, brushing Adrien’s hair out of his face. “Can I get your temperature quick?”

He manages a nod.

She frowns at the number displayed. “Definitely a fever.”

Adrien hums.

“I’d offer you water, but you probably just want to go back to sleep, huh?”

He slow blinks at her, and she smiles softly, returning the look and squeezing his hand quickly while he continues to sleep. She turns around, sitting against the chaise again.

Marinette gets out a laptop, typing furiously as she gets to work as well, emailing the journalists that Nadja had mentioned to her.

 Hello! You seem as though you’re a reputable reporter who can help me out! I hate to see people getting away with terrible things, and given the current state of the Agreste brand, this seems like a good time to bring this to light. Attached to this email, you’ll find…

 Greetings! I trust you’ll respect my wish to remain anonymous. I understand you specialize in exposés…

 I have attached some stories to this email that did not receive the attention they should have. I believe that this could be a good time for a journalist such as yourself to bring them back to light, so that this may receive the attention it deserves…

 I’d like to remain anonymous, but I thought you’d be interested…

 The Gabriel brand has a history of covering up less than flattering stories, but…

 The designer emails tens of reporters, all about a variety of things that Gabriel’s lawyers had gone to great lengths to keep from reaching the mainstream media. The stories range from everything to the treatment of their workers to claims of art theft, to suspicious movement of money, and more. She contacted people from all over, bloggers, to journalists to news anchors, and more than a few people outside of Paris and even France.

She emailed people mentioned in articles, encouraging them to speak out again. She went to relevant online forums and anonymously mentioned that now would be a good time for the brand’s darker secrets to come to like, if anyone was so inclined, and linked to several other news outlets that would likely take the stories.

She sent a variety of emails to big names in the fashion world, feigning hesitance to purchase from them, given their closeness to someone like Gabriel, who is currently so negatively viewed.

The best part is that all the things she’d mentioned were already true. She and her friends had spent weeks looking for the stories and the interviews that had been ignored and conveniently ‘lost’.  They were going to find even more, but even if they’re doing this early, internet sleuths will be entirely capable of finding it themselves, which will only lead to further waves.

Marinette was sure to ask for anonymity, or even encourage them to not mention her at all. She used different emails and forms of contact, using different styles of writing and, when contacting someone in a different language, she used different levels of fluency in the language. The people she contacted had little to no connections to each other, and she sent a few emails out on various delays.

Even if people suspected one person had been behind all of these reports coming out at once, they wouldn’t be able to tie it back to her, if they even thought that a group of teenagers could be responsible in the first place. Not that this is defamation.

No, that would imply that all of this is made up - and it’s all very, very true.

Gabriel doesn’t stand a chance.

---

Eventually, the others go home. Marinette had made a call to Nathalie to convince (read: threaten) her into letting Adrien have a sleepover. The woman had the nerve to argue that Adrien ‘is sick and needs to be under proper care’.

As if.

His proper care is never in the hands of Nathalie and Gabriel, no, Marinette is more than willing to take care of him.

He’d slept for most of the day. Even with everyone using her room as a headquarters for both Operation Emancipate Adrien and Operation Gabriel Takedown (it’s just more fun to have names, and it makes it feel a little less sad), he’d been dead to the world. She’s eaten dinner, so now she doesn’t really have much else to do.

Why not email some more people?

She’s in the middle of tracking down an article that could be useful when a hand reaches past her and shuts her laptop.

“Mari. Take a break.”

She turns to see a very tired Adrien awake once more, who is attempting to look reprimanding.

“I don’t need a break! I’m just-”

“Shhhhh.” He puts a finger over her mouth. “Don’t give m’ dumb dad all y’ur energy. Do something fun.”

“I’m not giving him all my energy. I’m just making sure he won’t have anything left to stand on. He’s gotten away with how he’s treated you for too long!” She argues.

“By wasting all your en’rgy on him. You guys have done plenty, don’ worry. Jus’... tell me how your garden’s doin’.”

Her face lights up at the question, and she excitedly describes to him how she has not one, not two, but three new sprouts, and how this plant is already blooming, and how that plant is doing so much better since she figured out that it wasn’t getting as much sun as she thought.

She rambles on and on, and he sinks back against the lounge, watching her happily update him on the state of one of her hobbies.

He loves seeing her smile.

He doesn’t realize he’s purring until she gives him a soft smile, just for him, that warms his heart. She starts scratching his head and continues to inform him about how different bugs are actually beneficial to gardens and different natural ways to keep unwanted bugs off plants without harming the plant or the good bugs.

He just lets her talk. His head still hurts, and he’s most certainly still sick, but this? This is nice.

Marinette notices that Adrien’s kitty kisses are beginning to give way to him struggling to keep his eyes open.

“Sleepy, Kitty?”

He hums.

“I’ll let you sleep.”

He reaches out to her slightly.

“Oh, alright. I guess.”

Feigning annoyance, she moves to sit with him on the chaise, hugging him close as he gets comfortable with the new arrangement. With a giant kitten sleeping and purring next to (and partially on) her, it isn’t long before she drifts off to sleep herself.

---

Author’s Note: So how was that? We'll be seeing it finally come to a close in chapter 40 (It's literally titled emancipation), but that focuses more on Adrien settling in to his new life.

I finished writing the last chapters last night. I'm still in shock I think, just a bit. I'll probably write a goodbye to this fic (because I'm sappy like that), then I can get started on all the events that I didn't write that I've promised to write for you guys. I know I promised Tikki and Plagg's talk after the reveal, as well as at least two or three other things, and, of course, Alya's (and Nino's) apologies to Adrien. I can't remember which events I promised, so please do let me know. (I think I have a few comments of a me listing them, so I may stalk through the comment section).

I know you all want the results to the survey, so you can find those here! (Another reminder that if you're here early, the link won't be there yet and you'll need to refresh the page 💕). I have a survey question that I really like, so after all the chapters I'll give it a one-shot all its own and, yes, it will have a survey that you guys can answer too. The next Dumb Debate will be in chapter 41, in case you were wondering. It's a fun one too.

Another thing to mention now that the story is wrapping up, I've saved scenes that I had to scrap or that went under intense rewrites so for those interested in seeing some deleted scenes, I'll post those the same day as the last chapter (which is an epilogue, and therefore shorter) to give you some extra content then.

Wow, it's weird that we're so close to the end.

Thank you all so much for reading!! Comments and kudos are my lifeblood and I cannot find enough ways to say thank you! Or if you're reading on tumblr, likes and reblogs (or asks, I never really get any) also make my day! Lovely to 'see' you guys and I hope you all have a wonderful day!

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[animatical-fandoms]

Kwami Swap Week Masterpost

Long post ahead; buckle up!

TIKKI

Adrien/Catbug- Well, it’s going to be canon. He needs to call Mari “Kitty” and hearing him say “miraculous ladybug” will be amazing

Alya/Ladybird - My personal design for @lunian‘s Ladybird AU. It’s awesome, go read their work!

Nino/Ladybeetle - In this AU, Mari was too nervous, despite Chat’s belief, and gives Nino the ladybug miraculous. He and Chat!Adrien are the best of friends, and Adrien lowkey crushes on him almost as bad as Mari!Ladybug.

Chloe/Lady Scarlet - My interpretation of the wonderful @zoe-oneesama‘s Scarlet Lady AU. 

Luka/Redbug - Plain and simple, Master Fu showed up a few years earlier, and ran into this kindhearted musician before Mari. TBH Luka is one of my faves, so he’s going to show up for the majority of the week because I loved playing around with designs for him

Felix/Lord Coccinelle- He doesn’t get cursed with bad luck, but with a kwami that insists he be responsible and help poor Lady Noire (Bridgette) break her curse. He’s gentler, kinder as a bug than as Felix, always happy to help others and to calm akuma victims after a fight. He’s drawn to Lady Noire, ever melancholy and mysterious, and lets himself loose with an edge against Bridgette because that’s how he’s always been.

PLAGG

Marinette/Lady Noir - Again, based off of the leaked art. I just really, really hope she’ll call Adrien some version of My Lady, and make at least one cat pun.

Alya/Nina Noir - Instead of Master Fu picking Adrien, he asks New Ladybug who she would like by her side. Obviously Alya is the first choice, and she’s ecstatic to be a superhero, keeping the Ladyblog focused on Ladybug because, you know, she can’t record herself. Nino and Adrien crush HARD on the new superheroes, and while that frustrates Mari, Alya is absolutely delighted.

Nino/Felus - Adrien pulls a Marinette, afraid that he’ll get caught since he’s under so much scrutiny as a model with a ton of visibility, and though it physically pains him to not fulfill his magical girl dreams, he knows Nino would be an amazing hero. Nino takes it in stride, and he and Mari!Ladybug are the bros to end all bros. Alya, crushing on Chat!Nino, creates both the Ladyblog and another blog dedicated to Nino’s alter ego. His thought? Best girlfriend ever.

Chloe/Duchess Noir - Adrien did the above, but with Chloe, thinking her confidence would be an asset  Mari as Ladybug would be irritated by Duchess, but it becomes a series of growing moments for Chloe, because she gets to see what a force she really can be on people’s lives and gets better at the Friend Thing.

Luka/Pantheon - My boy omg this one was fun to draw. Kinda similar AU to him as Ladybug. 

Bridgette/Lady Noire - Reverse PV - Bridgette thought her luck was bad enough with her being unable to speak at a normal pace and pitch in front of her crush, not to mention her clumsiness makes her look like a fool during their dance classes. Now she’s cursed with a god of destruction and a Perfect Superhero Partner - well, at least her clumsiness disappears when she’s Lady Noire. A shadow to Lordbug’s light. She knows it’s as hopeless to try and break her curse with him as it is to get together with Felix, so she just stands aside as his protector.

TRIXX

Marinette/Fennette - See the Ladybird AU with Alya; I couldn’t help myself!

Adrien/Kitsune - In the world where Alya is Chat and Mari is Ladybug, the two need help against the multiplying twins, same as before. Except Mari goes to lonely Adrien who she knows would be amazing. And the nerd goes for an anime name immediately. 

Nino/Volpino - The above babysitting disaster happens to be Nino’s little cousin, Chris, rather than Alya’s sisters, so Mari offers the fox miraculous to him. He and Adrien get to be bros for all sides of the mask. Alya makes an entirely new blog dedicated to the new fox.

Chloe/Mistress Amber - She made like Queen Bee and stole it, thinking: I can do way better than Lila because I won’t be faking it.

Luka/Vulpes - He probably would get this if another akuma was the reason they needed the Fox - maybe if Fu gave it to Ladybug while his mom was akumatized and he was worried about everyone’s safety.

Felix/Reynard - He was free of the Black Cat’s curse, and the miraculous could no longer be his. It got passed to Adrien through Fu without him knowing, and as soon as he sees his little brother vaulting across the city in a catsuit (without stripper boots, what the hell Plagg why did you make me suffer this way) he storms up to Fu’s place and says give me the fox those are small children my god and becomes Mentor #1 to the new Chat and Ladybug. Naturally, no one catches on that he’s himself. He’s a professional at this secret identity thing.

WAYZZ

Marinette/Mlle. Bouclier - In the world where Nino and Adrien are Ladybug and Chat respectively, Alya has been chosen as the fox. During Anansi, though, she’s captured - so Nino’s like omg Marinette could be the turtle and Marinette, upon receiving it, is having major panic mode set in, but you know, she does her best. Adrien takes a look at her protecting them and is like omg my Lady, a la Alya knowing exactly who Carapace was, but he keeps it to himself, and becomes more comfortable and flirty with Mari.

Adrien/La Tortue - Don’t know if this fits in with any of the others … but probably Chat!Chloe verse, and Marinette is like please can you be my partner forever

Alya/Turtledove - Instead of her getting kidnapped during Anansi, it’s Nino, since Nora had a beef with him being too girly. She totally saves him and fangirls over being a superhero and he just knows.

Chloe - How did this happen? I’m not even sure.

Luka - Both Alya and Nino are unavailable during Anansi, so Marinette is like, Luka was super helpful on the boat and is super nice let’s do this.

Bridgette - Fox!Felix verse - she sees her boyfriend, who was once Chat, as a fox teaching the two bb heroes the ropes. She goes to Fu, stands in the door with her eyebrow raised.  Fu had meant for her to succeed him as guardian anyway, and she takes up a job at his place so he can still hang out with Wayzz. She becomes Mentor #2 and is basically Mulan in fighting style - totally unexpected strategies. (It’s her fault that identity reveals happen, idk how, but it is)

POLLEN

Marinette/Marigold - My version from the Lady Scarlet universe!

Adrien/Goldenbee - From the universe where Chloe ends up as Chat, Marinette is super protective of this sunshine bee boy

Alya/Honeybee - Marinette actually? Gets the Bee Miraculous to Alya instead of losing it to Chloe?

Nino/Bumble - Mari’s mind goes to Nino instead of Alya when the Bee is needed, and she makes it to him.

Alix/Piquer - After seeing her do so awesome with Reverser, Marinette turns to Alix for help as the Bee. 

Max - well, I don’t have too much of a headcanon for him, but @kwamiswaps did a fanfic, so that’’s what this design is for! (I did little suspender stripes without meaning to omg I really do like how it turned out)

DUSUU

Marinette/Bluebird - The Peacock wasn’t damaged, just disappeared - and, while visiting Adrien for a study session, she ends up with a new bird friend.

Adrien/La Paon - He inherits it from his mom okay??? Like, Fu has it and knows and is like your mother would have wanted you to have this. And this pisses off Hawkmoth to no end because he thinks whoever stole it is Definitely Not Adrien and is disgracing his wife’s name. Obviously a lot of drama. 

Alya/Ava Azure - Swap the Peacock for the Fox - let’s just say Hawkmoth had a direct source to mess with Lila. Instead of illusions on the night the twins start multiplying, she creates a summoned creature to lure them all together.

Nino/Plume - The Peacock was damaged still, but Nino was willing to risk that to save his girlfriend and the city after a really nasy attack

Chloe/Royal Blue - Somehow, since the Mayor was friends with Gabriel and his wife, he ended up in possession of the Peacock before Gabriel knew what it was. Chloe gets her hands on it relatively at the same time she would have gotten the Bee and is just as Extra(TM).

Jagged/Pavo - He deserves to be a flashy birb. His suit would have sequins if I’d had time. 

NOOROO

Marinette/Mariposa - Mayura is the main villain in this universe, and Emilie is comatose because of a damaged Ladybug Miraculous. Adrien is still Chat, but he makes “my wings” and “my little butterfly” comments rather than “My Lady”. Gabriel has Nathalie generally doing his dirty work, and he calls Emilie his lady. Mari uses her friends’ best qualities to fight against the beasts Mayura creates.

Adrien/Papillon - He’s been Chat for some time, but now Gabriel has been revealed to him and Mari, and he gets really, really angry, and steals the miraculous as Adrien. This is a Problem. Plagg is concerned Adrien is getting too angry to deal with powers of destruction full-time, so Adrien brings him to Fu and alternates between Plagg and Nooroo, and he confronts Gabriel a lot as the Butterfly because betrayal reasons. Ladybug is concerned, but she trusts him and that’s what gets him through.

Nino/Wingbeat - He is So Supportive of his friends, okay? He gets chosen as the Butterfly holder when, say, Bridgette has the Turtle and they manage to take it from Hawkmoth but still need help getting the Peacock or some other stolen one.

Chloe/Madame Monarch - Okay, this version of Chloe does not get a redemption arc, like, ever - she’s Hawkmoth. Straight up.  She starts every akuma purposefully, becomes a villain, etc.  Don’t ask why; I don’t know - attention? I prefer Redeemed!Chloe, but I feel like she’d totally be past saving as this particular supervillain.

Kagami/Painted Lady - Adrien gets to pick some new holders in my personal headcanon. Let’s say while the Mouse and Snake go to Mari and Luka, they get the Butterfly so Adrien chooses Kagami because she tried to help him and she wouldn’t let her emotions get in the way when she chooses people with her powers.

Felix/Hawkmoth - Brother!AU. He was Chat Noir when he was younger, has been abroad with Bridgette, and comes home to see the canon situation. He is Not Fooled by Adrien, Mari, anyone - he’s been there, and he has distance of not knowing most of the people involved, so he gets very, very, angry. He knows his father is Hawkmoth. So he steals the butterfly and sides with Ladybug and Chat Noir, who are both thankful but confused at this new Butterfly who’s So Angry - Adrien doesn’t figure it out, but he comforts Felix without meaning to and Felix is so touched. Felix eventually reveals that he knows who the previous Hawkmoth and the current (insert new villain identity) is - Gabriel Agreste. Obviously disbelief and angst, but he reveals himself and is like I am the last person to want Gabriel to actually be a supervillain  and Agreste brotherly bonding and HawkDad butt-kicking. 

Another universe idea I had was that Felix and Adrien share the cat and the butterfly, trading depending on what’s needed. 

That’s a wrap!

[professionaltsundere]

Theory time! So with the release of the Chat Blanc trailer and it being midnight, my brain has gone into theory mode and im gonna go mad if i dont post this.

Let’s just say the impossible theory straight out the gate:

Felix is Adrien.

Now why im saying that is (hopefully) below the cut. I dont know how to format tumblr posts.

From the trailer we see Bunnix and Ladybug and just a ruined city, totally flooded and stuff. So we all think Ladybug is gonna have to go back in time and prevent the akuma from getting to Chat Noir in the first place.

This theory suggests that Ladybug and Bunnix weren’t the only two to travel back in time. Chat Blanc did too.

So Ladybug manages to capture the akuma, save the day, launch the cure to reverse any damage that the corrupted butterfly did. Problem: it hasn’t done any damage to this timeline. You may see where I’m going with this.

How it ends is Chat Blanc (probably) being de-evilized (or just detransforming, who knows? we never got an answer for what happens when a copy of the miraculous uses the special move in CopyCat nor Anti-Bug) but something goes wrong. He still has the icy personality, he’s not back to ‘normal’.

He’s also her age, so I guess you don’t age under akumatization because Bunnix was clearly an adult  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I’m getting off topic, this is a mess. Now Ladybug, and later Marinette, is left with a frigid blonde with a distain for humanity sans her. Bunnix left so unless she gives Alix the miraculous he’s here to stay and even if she did it might not work.

“You need a name.” is the first thing Marinette says to him that isn’t in panic or confusion, because she doesn’t want to know Chat’s real identity or take advantage of this situation. They eventually settle on Felix Blanche, because we’re creative at 12:30am, and Master Fu allows the boy to stay with him as temporary lodgings.

The episode would transition to Felix now as opposed to Chat Blanc, if it didn’t already, and we start on a beautiful morning of Marinette waking up late and rushing to get ready. Sabine calls up to Marinette saying a classmate is here to walk her to school, a boy. Turns out Fu and the school have a hell of a fast turn around for paperwork processing because Felix is joining her class, or at least auditing it right now.

Mari now has a espresso cat body guard, sans the literal cat part, who only listens to her and gives death glares to every other member of the class (tho he does give the iciest to Lila and Adrien, for some reason) and wants to occupy all her time. This does make Marinette uncomfortable so we get a wonderful moment of girls supporting girls and getting her away from Felix.

There are two scenerios I imagine from here:

1) Eventually someone will posit the idea that Felix is a sentimonster, probably Alya, and the class tries to find Ladybug to save Mari.

2) (and this depends on him being able to transform into Chat Blanc) Ladybug meets up with Chat Noir and he notices her... ‘shadow’. She explains the situation in broad strokes and admits to not knowing what to do. Chat Blanc, meanwhile, stays at least a rooftop away from Chat Noir at all times, hissing if he gets to close and always keeping an eye on Ladybug. This version of the events leads to Chat realizing how he relentless pursueing of Ladybug is actually really creepy because he see this alternate version of himself literally stalking her and getting way to close and making him think ‘wait- is this how i make her feel?’ and stuff.

Both of these could probably occur on the same path but we’re talking about a 30~ minute childrens show, it won’t.

The end of the episode, and Felix’s departure, would occur as Felix fades away, his timeline completely ceasing to exist because Chat now knows the way he’s acting is totally wrong and won’t reach that obsession level. It’s a sad ending, but also happy because we’d get promises from either Chat Noir or the rest of the class (probably Chat Noir) to re-evaluate how they were treating Ladybug/Marinette and improve from now on.

Lesson (because childrens show): The future isn’t set in stone. You need to be aware of how you treat people and consider their feelings.

[iceartweek]

Day 3: Sick Date

It was Luka’s turn to host date night as punishment for accidentally spoiling the book Kagami and Felix were reading. Juleka was out for the night with Rose exploring a night market, Anarka was out....Luka was never sure exactly what she did all he knew was she had mentioned chaos. Provided she wasn’t arrested then it would probably be fine. He had managed to find a sail to drop down, and got a projector set up so they had their own outdoor cinema. Although he knew his mother would mess everything up later, he did a quick tidy knowing that Felix and Kagami both were more comfortable when things were clean. Part of him considered also putting candles around but with the trees breaking through the glass roof and the whole boat being wood he wasn’t sure if that was his smartest idea.

Everything was perfect. Movie ready to play, esky filled with ice-cream and cold drinks, blankets laid out, and couch also moved up onto the deck. It was perfect. It was one of his more romantic moments if he did say so himself

Delayed. Mari hot. Luka laughed at Kagami’s text. Even after months together Kagami still would randomly text the others talking about how much she loved them

She meant, Mari is running hot. Felix corrected. Luka’s heart dropped. If it was serious then they would be more frantic and worried, but if she was getting a cold he didn’t want her out at night. She already spent most of her time exhausted from Ladybug duties that if she also got a cold she’d be out for a week. Luka would be lying if he said he wasn’t upset his effort was for nothing.

They’re being dramatic. See you in five ❤ . 

Don’t listen to her. She just started coughing like a smoker. Felix corrected again.

😡 Lix stop being mean. Luka, see you soon. I have chocolate ❤ Luka could nearly imagine what was happening on the other end of the phone. Felix and Kagami assuring her he wouldn’t mind delaying things, her health was top priority. Marinette doing her best to act well, grabbing her jacket and giving her ribbons a final tug. Felix telling her no while Kagami tried to take the phone away

M you’re priority. Had nothing special. We’ll do it next week. Responded Luka as he flopped down on the couch looking at the moon. He would go over to Marinette’s in a short while because she needed a care squad and he couldn’t let everything go to waste. Bike would be fastest as could just follow the river. Chemist was also on the way

“Health is more important,” Sass commented as he flew to turn off the projector. “At least Felix or Kagami could have come though.”

“No, Marinette would drop everything to care for us. I can do this all again next week.” Replied Luka realising perhaps Viperion was actually quickest way to Marinette’s. Just land on the balcony and drop blankets on her through the hatch.

“How many times do I have to tell you! You’re a priority too!” Ladybug snapped landing directly on Luka nearly winding him. “I’m not that sick. Felix just never gets a cold so overreacts to anything more than mild. Kagami just treasures people so again overreacted. I’m fine. Promise.”

“Did you transform-”

“LADYBUG!” Yelled Empress landing just beside the couch and trying to pick up Ladybug. She hugged Luka so the only way she could be lifted was if Luka was lifted as well.

“We told you to rest. Luka okayed it,” Felix continued dropping onto the boat as well. It really was a miracle none of their identities had been outed.

“OK, but look around,” Ladybug replied still hugging Luka. The other two rolled their eyes before turning to see Luka’s hardwork. “I’m really not that sick and if I’m at home the only difference is I’m without you.”

“We would all stay with you,” Luka smiled, sitting up, forcing her to straighten up as well. He still hugged her though. She was small and warm. “I would do this for you every week if it meant you would look after yourself now.”

“Yeah, but I’m here already,” Marinette smiled back before she detransformed. “If we went home then that’s physical strain and really the fresh air is good for me.”

“She’s about to do the puppy eyes isn’t she?” Felix sighed looking away so he wouldn’t be swayed.

“Quick, Fel, do it back,” Kagami begged just as Marinette pouted her bottom lip just a little and looked up at Luka. “We’ve lost.”

“Fine, but only one movie,” Luka sighed accepting they were all defenceless to Marinette’s determination. “And you must just sit. No running around trying to help me set up or anything. You sit. Under a blanket. Warm.”

“And no ice-cream as it increases mucus production so you’ll get sicker,” Felix ordered throwing the nearest blanket over her. He had detransformed as well, despite the mouse outfit looking more comfortable. “Only water or tea.”

“And afterwards I call my driver to take you home. No late night swinging or moonlit walks,” Commanded Kagami as she also detransformed settling next to Luka. “Oh, and if you cough even once we’re allowed to send you home and order you to sleep.”

“Also, cold and flu tablets, have them.” Felix tossed Marinette two small pills before curling up next to her. “You have to promise you will take care of yourself.”

“I have miraculous ladybug. It’ll make me better,” Declared Marinette adjusting herself between her two boys so they were comfortable. 

“That’s not how Tikki works,” Luka sighed as he started casting.

“Damn! I was in such a hurry to essss-” Marinette drew out the syllable when she felt Kagami and Felix about to glare at her. “Meet you that I completely forgot the toffee popcorn and chocolate.”

“Here,” Kagami replied pulling a bag from somewhere. Benefits of miraculouses infinite storage, with stored items appearing at will when detransformed. “I figured we’d lose to you will so brought it along. Doesn’t mean I approve.”

“Love you,”

[sgtcalhouns]

College AU, Ch. 20

i’m not gonna lie, this update is not a good time for felix. there’s plenty of hurt feelings to go around here, but i promise things will start to look up for the poor guy soon. enjoy!

Felix stormed into the office of the school newspaper with several papers in hand. The moment he burst through the door, his eyes zeroed in on the person who was about to be on the receiving end of his wrath: Turner Thatcher. Turner sat behind a desk in a small office that was separated from the rest of the workspace, looking as though he had been awaiting Felix’s arrival. Felix stomped into the room, letting the door slam shut behind him. 

“Well, it took you long enough,” said Turner.

“What did you do?!” Felix demanded, ignoring Turner’s greeting.

“Why, what ever do you mean?” Turner asked with a cheeky smile.

Felix flung his papers down on the desk, where they landed with a loud “thump.” Looking at the items before him, Turner saw that he had brought the copy of the newspaper with the incriminating photo, his love letter to Tamora, and the note that had been slipped under his door. 

“I know you’re behind this somehow,” Felix said. “I don’t know how, but you got your hands on this note that I wrote for Tamora and gave it to Mary.”

“Those are some pretty heavy accusations,” Turner replied.

“Mary was really hurt by this, Turner,” Felix said. “She thought I wanted to get back together. And then Tamora, she saw Mary leaving my apartment and assumed the worst.”

“It’s pretty incredible how quickly you managed to upset both of them,” Turner chuckled. “You probably beat some sort of record.”

“Look, whatever grudge you’re holding, it’s between you and me, not them,” Felix said. “Leave them out of this.”

“Now, why would I do that when they make it so much easier to get you riled up like this?” Turner asked, looking entirely too satisfied with himself. “I’ve got to say, I like seeing you this way. The take-charge attitude is a good look for you.”

Felix took a deep breath in an attempt to tamp down some of his anger.

“Look, I didn’t come here to fight with you,” he said. “I just wanted to let you know that your attempt to blackmail me isn’t going to work. As soon as I leave here, I’m going to Dr. Persi to tell him everything about my relationship with Tamora.”

“If such a relationship even exists anymore,” Turner chimed in.

“Go ahead and publish that paper; I don’t care,” Felix continued. “You don’t have any power over me anymore.”

“Oh, you think this is still about the paper?” Turner said with a devilish grin. “It looks like you misinterpreted my note.”

He opened a drawer in the desk and pulled out a photograph. 

“I’ve got something much better than that blurry old picture,” Turner said, placing the photo on the desk so Felix could see it. He gasped in horror at the image: Turner had somehow captured a picture of the moment Mary had kissed him. 

“How... How did you—?” Felix swallowed hard. “Are you going to put that in the paper?”

“Oh, please, my publishers would never approve this,” Turner said. “Besides, printing a newspaper takes time and I’ve never been one for delayed gratification.”

“So, what are you going to do with that?” Felix asked, his anger returning in full force.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Turner said with a shrug. “It would be easy to email it to the inbox of every student on campus. It would be just as quick to post it on one of the social media accounts for the paper. Or all of them.”

“Why are you doing this?” Felix growled. He slammed his hands down onto the desk, standing with hunched shoulders over Turner. “Why can’t you just let it go and move on with your life?”

“I wanted you to know how it feels,” Turner responded. “Mary, too. Tamora was just a bonus.”

“How what feels?” Felix asked.

“To want someone you can’t have, someone you shouldn’t have,” Turner answered. 

“Is this really still about me and Mary? Turner, that was years ago,” Felix said.

“And you still care more about her feelings than you ever cared about mine,” Turner replied, his voice rising in volume.

“What are you talking about?”

“You never wanted to date her! You knew she liked you and you were so concerned about hurting her feelings that you went out with her anyway,” Turner said as though it should have been obvious. “You two dated for nearly a year even though you never felt a thing for her, and I knew you would have never done the same for me.”

“...What are you saying?” Felix asked hesitantly.

“Oh, don’t act oblivious,” Turner said, growing irritated with Felix’s supposed innocence. “I made it more than obvious how I felt about you.”

“Turner, I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Felix replied, his confusion evident on his face.

“I was in love with you, alright?” Turner shouted, standing from his seat with his face barely an inch from Felix’s.

“What?” Felix asked quietly, Turner’s confession knocking the breath out of him.

“I loved you, and I couldn’t stand to watch you with Mary knowing it was all an act,” Turner said, coming down from his anger, although he was still panting for breath. He took a step back. “You just seemed stuck in that relationship, not knowing how to end it. I know it was stupid, but I thought that maybe if I got you out of it, you would see...”

He trailed off, taking on an uncharacteristic expression of shame and embarrassment.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Felix asked. “I would have—”

“Would have what, Felix?” Turner snapped. “Turned gay for me? Pretended for my sake? It would have been exactly the same as it was with Mary, and I knew that, but there was this small, stupid part of my brain that couldn’t let go of the hope that maybe you could love me back.”

“Did you really expect that I would fall in love with you after finding out that you intentionally ruined my relationships so you could have your shot with me?” Felix asked in utter disbelief of the logic behind Turner’s plan. “I don’t know what kind of sick, twisted idea of love you have in your head, but that is not love.”

“I know it didn’t make any sense,” Turner tried to explain. “I was so blinded by my feelings for you, and so hurt from feeling rejected, that I couldn’t think straight.”

“Look, Turner, I’m really sorry that I hurt you,” Felix said. “But that is not an excuse to go around hurting others on purpose.”

“I’m sorry,” Turner said, his voice smaller than Felix had ever heard it. “Do you think there’s any chance that you could ever forgive me?”

“I... I don’t know, Turner,” Felix said, his bottom lip quivering and his eyes growing damp. “I’m having a hard time with the fact that you being in love with me caused you to do something so harmful and selfish. And the fact that you felt like you couldn’t talk to me about any of this, I just...”

“I tried, so many times,” Turner said, tears beginning to form in his own eyes. “I was scared of what would happen if I told you. I thought I might lose you as a friend. And then that happened anyway.”

“I can’t say for certain what I would have done if you had told me about your feelings back then,” Felix said, his voice thick. “But I can guarantee you that things between us would not be what they are right now.”

There was a brief moment of silence as the pair paused to gather their thoughts. Felix felt somewhat dizzy, his head reeling from this news, and he was finding it more and more difficult to look at Turner with each passing second. Suddenly, he felt a desperate need to leave, to go and find Tamora and fix the mess he had helped to create.

“...So, what do we do now?” Turner asked, timidly breaking the silence.

“Well, what I’m going to do is go explain all this to Tamora and hope she can forgive me,” Felix said. “Because I love her and I did something that hurt her and I can’t go another minute without telling her how I feel.”

“So that’s it, then,” Turner said. “After all that, you’re just going to leave?”

“I’m not sure what else I’m supposed to do, Turner,” Felix replied. “I... I think it’s best if we give each other some space for a while.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“And I understand if you’re upset by all this, but I’m going to ask that you don’t come near Mary or Tamora,” Felix said, his tone firm. “If you’re still angry, you can take it up with me. But I won’t let you hurt them again.”

“Felix, please—”

“Goodbye, Turner.”

At that, he grabbed the note he had written for Tamora and left, closing the door behind him. Turner finally gave in to the tears that he had been fighting to keep at bay, slumping back down in his chair. For a moment, he considered accepting this outcome and doing his best to move on from it; maybe he could finally find a healthier way to handle all these negative emotions. Yes, he almost took the high road.

Instead, he wiped his face on his sleeve and pulled out his cell phone, taking a picture of the photo of Felix and Mary that was still on his desk. It took only a few seconds for him to draft a message and hit “Send.” He finally began to feel like himself again as he received the confirmation that his message had been delivered—not to the whole school, but to the one person he knew would be the most deeply affected by receiving it. As he swept the papers that Felix had left behind into the trash, Turner chuckled to himself.

He had never been one for taking the high road.

[thenightling]

Faust in the Elvira comics (A brief analysis)

I am very pleased that the German gothic character of Faust appears in Elvira’s new comics books.  (Appearing Elvira: Mistress of the Dark and being name dropped in Elvira: The Shape of Elvira.)   I love Faust.  Faust is probably my favorite German folktale.  My favorite film adaptation is the 1926 silent film from F. W. Murnau (the man who gave us Nosferatu). 

Faust is the story of a doctor (and practicing sorcerer) who sells his soul to a demon and goes on many misadventures with his demon companion.

I’m a bit specific about which version of the Faust story I prefer. The two most famous versions are the plays by Marlowe and Goethe.   I like Goethe’s Faust a great deal more than Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus.  

(Note: I love this quote too.)

In Marlowe’s Faustus the bargain was for a demon servant for a certain term.  After that time Faust (Faustus) would belong to Mephisto. This premise was borrowed for the anime Black Butler.

(Nope.  There is NO version of Mephisto that is straight... Even when / especially when he’s renamed for manga and anime.)

  In Goethe’s version of Faust the bargain was actually for the ultimate life experience- the moment Faust would want to never end.  Faust believed that in that moment he would have the knowledge he always sought, the greatest knowledge anyone could attain.  In Goethe’s version of the story that moment came from caring about others and wanting to make life better for others and thus Faust’s soul was ultimately saved despite everything he had done with Mephisto. 

Both versions of Doktor (Doctor) Faust (Faustus) love knowledge.

Based on the final scene in the latest issue of Elvira: Mistress of The Dark (issue 4) I am inclined to think this version of Faust is more heavily based on Marlowe’s version.

Christopher Marlowe’s version of Faust has a miserable ending whereas Goethe’s version (if you read both parts 1 and 2) allows for Faust’s salvation.  Faust ascends to Heaven and he is reunited with Gretchen, his lover from part 1 of the story.   Despite dying it’s mostly a happy ending.  

Unfortunately I do not expect to see Faust’s salvation or anything to hint at it in Elvira: Mistress of The Dark...

Note: There is a slight continuity error in that in Elvira: The Shape of Elvira issue 1 Elvira starts to read Goethe’s Faust and says she wished she had read it before she met the guy.  Then how did she know when he was quoting from Goethe’s Faust?   She comments on the quoting in the most recent issue of Elvira: Mistress of The Dark.   

The reason I don’t think we’ll be seeing the salvation in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark are as follows:

1.  Based on Mephisto’s entrance it appears the bargain is more on part with the Christopher Marlowe version of the story.

2.  Though he quotes Goethe, the version of Faust that appears in the story is clearly modeled after the Richard Burton version.  Richard Burton starred in a film adaptation of Faust but the film was based on Christopher Marlowe’s version of the story, not the Goethe version and at the end he was dragged into Hell. (Note the amulet and haircut.)  

3.   In Goethe’s Faust, Mephisto becomes trapped thanks to a pentacle (five pointed star in a circle.  This happens in Part 1 of Goethe’s Faust.  Yet here in the comic Mephisto was actually drawn wearing a pentacle.   This makes it all the more likely David Avallone is not following Goethe’s version.

4.   In a “commentary” David Avallone did for issue 4 of Elvira he mentioned having read a few quote from Goethe’s Faust.  This indicated to me that he had not read all of Goethe’s Faust or perhaps if he had read it, he only read part 1.  Part 1 is often just sold as “Faust” and ends with Gretchen calling out for Heinrich and a voice stating she is saved.   Heinrich is Faust’s first name in Goethe’s version.  (The legend of Faust is loosely based on a real man.  And he was named Johann Georg Faust.)  

5.   Many people have read part 1 of Goethe’s Faust and because it’s often just sold as “Faust” they mistakenly think they read the whole thing.  The opera based on Goethe’s Faust and many film adaptations only tackle part 1.  One of the few adaptations that actually tells both parts 1 and 2 of Goethe’s Faust to any capacity (besides an episode of Wishbone called Flea-bitten Bargain) is the silent film from F. W. Murnau.

6. Part B.  Based on the artwork and the lack of referencing to the film (as I think he would have poked at it by now if he had seen it) I do not have reason to believe David Avallone watched the Murnau silent film of Faust or that he even realizes that this adaptation exists at all.  (Note for the curious: You can watch it with English language text for free on Youtube.)    

(He gets de-aged fairly early in the story.  Faust on the left, Mephisto on the right.)

I am not criticizing David Avallone.  So few people use Faust as a character that I was simply thrilled and surprised to see him used at all in Elvira.   And I am infinitely grateful for that.  I happen to like Faust more than Dorian Gray (though I do love Oscar Wilde).  The rarity of seeing the character used at all makes me willing to embrace a version that is only partly Goethe’s or a hodgepodge of many versions.   

I’m just putting out there that I have reason to believe David Avallone’s depiction of Faust will not gain the sympathetic slant that you see in Goethe’s play or the silent film, or the power metal band, Kamelot’s albums, Epica and The Black Halo (which retell Goethe’s Faust Parts 1 and 2 when played back to back but change Faust’s first name to Ariel and Gretchen’s name to Helena and mostly leaves out the Helen of Troy part of the story and the time travel for the most part.) ____________________________ 

  Further notes if David Avallone happens to read this:

(as someone enjoying the story this is my attempt to be helpful.)

1.  Something Elvira (the character) might know:  The first known horror film is a short silent French film called Le Château hanté (The Haunted castle).  The main villain of the story is Mephisto messing with people trying to enter or inhabit a particular castle.  Mephisto AKA Mephistopheles is the demon from the Faust legend.   You even get to see him transform into a bat before Dracula.   

2.  Despite pop culture often confusing the two, Mephisto AKA Mephistopheles is NOT Satan himself.   He’s a duke of Hell- a high ranking demon or “A” Devil as opposed to THE Devil.  In fact there’s a throwaway line in Goethe’s Faust where he says he does not like being mistaken as Satan.  And in the UrFaust (the long deleted part of Goethe’s version) there is a scene where Mephisto and Satan, himself, are present.   

3.  Mephistopheles does not exist in The Bible.  The first record of the name was in a grimoire by the actual Johann Georg Faust and that is why he is so tied to the Faust legend.  The Grimoire is called The Black Raven or The Trifold Coercion of Hell.  He seems to like the nickname of Mephisto in most versions of Faust.  

(Further note: There is a spell in that grimoire to make a cloak levitate like a flying carpet and with it is  a note from the author to always make sure the window is open first or there will be disaster.  I want to know what the Hell happened to make Faust have to add this note to open the window before flying on his cloak!  Did he slam into a wall?!)

4.  The version of Mephisto in Marvel comics is not even Marvel’s Satan (despite even comic book news sites making that mistake).   Satan is a separate character.  Marvel’s Mephisto is based on the one in the Faust legend.  In fact his usual M.O is to try to trick various Marvel heroes into signing one of his contracts in blood.  He was even used as the plot device to erase Spider-Man’s marriage to Mary Jane is what is now known as the worst storyline ever written in a Marvel comic (One More Day).

(Nope, still not straight. :-P)

  Ironically neither Marvel nor DC have used Faust as a character though DC has a character very similar to Faust and named for him (Felix Faust and his son Sebastian).  (About Felix Faust) “Sorcerer and Asshole Extraordinaire.” - quote from Constantine in Justice League Dark.  Yup, that fits most versions of the legendary Faust before his redemption.  

5. There are almost no good film adaptations that cover both parts of Goethe’s Faust so it’s very hard to cheat having read it or not.   The easiest work-around if you don’t want to read it is watch the 1922 silent film and listen to the Kamelot albums Epica and the Black halo and just know Ariel is the name they’re calling Faust instead of Heinrich or Johann, and Helena is Gretchen (while Helen of Troy is pretty much left out).

    Anyway, I’m tired and I babble when I’m tired. Thank you to anyone putting up with this.   I love the Elvira comics and Faust is an old favorite of mine so this became like peanut butter and chocolate for me.

I only over-analyze when I love.

[thearrangment-phff]

LXI.

May 2018

ARCHDUCHESS ISABELLA, THE DUCHESS OF SUSSEX HAS BEEN SAFELY DELIVERED OF TWO SONS

Her Imperial and Royal Highness Archduchess Isabella, The Duchess of Sussex was safely delivered of two sons at 5:15pm and 5:32pm.

The first baby weighs 10lbs 6 oz and the second baby weighs 11lbs 2 oz

The Duke of Sussex was present for the birth

The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cambridge, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news.

Her Imperial and Royal Highness and her children are both doing well and have been remaining in Belgium since the birth.

“How are you?”  

“Very tired and still in pain,” answered Isabella.

“I went to go see the young princes. They are all you Belle.”

“Thank you, Michel, but they are not princes. Harry’s grandmother did not give them titles,” replied Isabella.

“But they will be one day.”

“Yes, but-”

“Have you thought about godparents yet?” interrupted Michel.

“I have,” answered Isabella.

“Forgive me. Since Alix gave birth to Olympia last year, I have been in heaven.”

“I understand.”

“It reminds me of my childhood that’s all. The dozens of cousins running around, the marriages, and the children. My mother is ecstatic about your sons,” smiled Michel.

“I only have three godparents chosen so far. One is Harry’s longtime friend and mentor, the other is Harry’s private secretary. The third is King Philippe.”

“The King? A great choice. He would be honored to godfather to a British prince. Something like that probably has not happened since the days of Queen Victoria.”

“I was also thinking of Henri,” added Isabella.

“My Henri?” asked Michel.

“Yes. He’s always been there for me, and I’ve just given birth in the Château he will one day inherit... so it seems like the right thing to do.”

“Anyone else?”

“A couple of cousins from both Harry and I and maybe some of Harry’s friends but that’s all. I was thinking of Charlie and Bertie each having about five or six godparents each,” answered Isabella.

“How you heard anything about Marie Gabrielle?” asked Michel.

“She’s on bedrest last time I heard. She’s due the first week of June and Antonius has been over the moon about having his little boy in his arms.”

“I also know your sister-in-law Kathleen is pregnant again. How many great-grandchildren for uncle Jean?”

“By the end of this year, it will be seventeen great-grandchildren. Charlie and Bertie are numbers seven and eight for Her Majesty,” answered Isabella.

“I have no doubt there will be several announcements in January. By 2019 I presume uncle Jean will have 25 great-grandchildren.”

“Perhaps. Grandpapa does have 17 grandchildren. Her Majesty only has 8. There is much difference between the two.”

“Of course there is. In our family, you have as many children as you want. With the British they can’t do that, they have too many eyes on them.”

“Do you think it was wise to marry Harry?”

Michel gave Isabella a shocked look, “Do you really want my opinion?” asked Michel.

“Of course. You are my family after all,” answered Isabella.

“I think it would have been wiser to marry my son or Joachim.”

“Marry Henri? I never thought about that so much in all honesty,” replied Isabella.

“Well, you and he did have flirtation before you and Joachim ever were something.”

“Michel, Joachim and I were always something.”

“Well yes, but I always thought that you and Henri would have been perfect. I can only hope he will marry someone with a great bloodline like yours,” smiled Michel.

“You mean your family. We have the same family after all,” laughed Isabella.

“Yes, well, you do have dozens of cousins. Bourbons or Habsburgs will be okay with me,” laughed Michel.

“Forgive me, but I think it’s time for me to relax. If you find my mother, please send her up here,” asked Isabella.

“Darling what’s wrong?” asked Marie Astrid.

“I just have some questions,” answered Isabella.

“Oh of course. What are they?”  

“How long will I be bleeding for?” asked Isabella.

“Some women bleed a little as 2 weeks, but for the most part it will be a month,” answered Marie Astrid.

“I feel so disgusting now. Giving birth is nothing like I expected. Why didn’t anyone tell me anything?!”

“You just had a more difficult pregnancy. I can assure you that most women and maybe even you will never have to experience something like that,” replied Marie Astrid.

“How are they? Are they healthy? I worry about them.”

“Gabriella finished feeding them a while ago. Don’t forget to thank your sister for doing that for you while you recover. They are large babies Belle! Such handsome little boys, they remind me of you when you were such a tiny little thing,” beamed Marie Astrid.

“How is Harry? Was he okay during... everything?”

“Poor boy was a mess. He was so worried for you and the boys. He looked so happy holding the boys in his arms. Everyone is just over the moon!”

“What about my stomach? I still look so pregnant.”

“With most women, it takes about a month for the uterus to return to normal size. Although, since you had twins and huge twins might I add, I think it would be well over two months for you,” answered Marie Astrid.

“I tried walking today and I just couldn’t. I gave birth almost a week ago, and it feels like it’s only been a day!” said Isabella.

“You were very weak in the beginning, it was a difficult pregnancy, and your body just needs time to recover. You have no rush to leave this room any time soon. Besides by the time you’ve healed, you’ll just feel so tired with two babies.”

“Okay,” replied Isabella accepting defeat.

“The Duchess of Sussex has given birth to Charles Henry Ferdinand Baudoin Jean Philip and Albert Maximilian Christian Leopold Felix Ludwig. Both the children and the mother are doing fine. The Duchess of Sussex has been remaining in Belgium until it is safe for her to travel.”

June 2018

“Belle I am telling you he is the cutest thing in the world!” yelled Marie Gabrielle, Isabella’s cousin.

“I’m so happy for you Elle!”

“I think we’ve decided on a name too, Zeno. It’s a family name on Toni’s side, and we just fell in love with it.”

“Any middle names yet?” asked Isabella.

“Probably Philippe after the king. Maybe Jean for great-grandpapa or Thierry for Toni’s grandfather.”

“What about godparents?”

“Nothing. I haven’t even chosen names, let alone godparents Belle,” laughed Marie Gabrielle.

“I think Wenceslas or Johan would be perfect as a godfather,” suggested Isabella.

“Why not Constantin?”  

“Constantin had a baby last month, he’s had his fair share of attention for the year. Besides, you know Wenceslas is my favorite of all of you,” replied Isabella.

“Well I am hurt Belle,” joked Marie Gabrielle.

“You have to call me the moment you pick a date for Zeno’s christening! I cannot wait to be with the family again.”

“What about Charlie and Bertie’s christening? Surely that will come before Zeno’s.”

“I was planning for it in a couple of days but my body is still recovering, and I don’t feel like going out in public just yet,” answered Isabella.

“How much longer do you think you and the twins will stay in Belgium? Surely you are wanted in London.”

“Buckingham Palace is going to release a statement that I will need time to recover after the difficult birth but obviously be vaguer than that.”

“Belle, Ella said that you almost died giving birth to those boys. Surely they will give you all the time to recover.”

“I did not almost die! That is such an exaggeration. Her Majesty would give me all the time in the world to recover, but the press and the people would not like it. I am the Edelweiss, and she is the English Rose,” said Isabella.

“It amazes me how confident yet insecure about yourself,” laughed Marie Gabrielle.

“I think this conversation has run its course. Goodbye Elle.”

“Okay. Goodbye Belle. Don’t worry too much, you are much too pretty for that,” laughed Marie Gabrielle.

[sieben9]

“going home” impressions

Hello friends, acquaintances, friendly strangers, and people who accidentally stumbled on this post and have no idea what I'm on about: Everything Is Terrible!

No, I stand by that.

My favourite character?

Terrible.

My OTP?

Terrible.

My other favourite relationship on the show?

Also terrible.

And the worst thing is: this is such a good episode. I loved every second of it, even as it ripped my still-beating heart out of my chest and used it as some kind of stress-relief ball.

Read on under the cut, but I'm afraid it doesn't get much more coherent than this.

So, when I pinpointed the themes for the season, I did not expect them to come back this spectacularly.

It's nice to be surprised, sometimes. Other times it's heartbreaking. Still nice, though, so there's that. (And I was plain wrong when I thought Emma's "I can't be a mother" thing was resolved by setting out into Neverland. Good job, show. I fell for that one)

I'll admit, I barely remember the first half of the episode. There was a wand, I think? Pan definitely used poor Felix's heart to cast the curse. Rest in peace, Long Boy, you were a complete ass, but you still deserved better.

What I remember most is the Blue Fairy rising from the dead like the monster from some horror movie.

She definitely has the smile for it.

Also, if you think that this post will be 90% pictures... you may well be right. I don't know. I'm still writing it. Anyway. Wand. Black fairy. Swap Henry back into his own body. That happens at roughly the halfway point, which is when everything starts going to hell, of course. Please bear with me if I mix up the order of these.

First, the anti-magic cuff Rumple had put on Pan's body fails. And not only that, Pan gets it on Rumple, too.

I will say that I am very glad nobody lost any limbs, though. Guess he could have just reattached it Whale-style afterwards, but still. Happy. ::shudder:: The whole confrontation between Rumple and Pan (both in the shop and in the street) was a thing of beauty. Pan throwing all of Rumple's worst inner demons at him, and Rumple... well, he didn't really rise above it, did he? He just went "I may be going down but so help me, I am taking you along for the ride!"

I guess I should be grateful. Someone did stab the bastard, after all.

::distant sobbing::

I feel like Rumple took the "villains don't get happy endings" sentence, and used it as a weapon. Because he may be a villain, but so is Pan. Neither of them gets to live happily ever after. The difference between them is: Rumple has people he cares for more than he cares for his own life, now. He can die happy knowing that his death will give Belle and Neal a chance. He's made his peace with Neal. He's fulfilled the purpose that drove him for the last couple of centuries. And now he's ready to die to give his loved once a chance at that "Happy End" he can never have. Nobody touch me, please.

And his goodbye to Neal and Belle... guh. "You made me stronger", indeed. (Though did you think for even a second what the poor woman is supposed to do without you, now? No, you didn't, because you picked now of all times to be a goddamn hero, you wonderful idiot!) And the way he kissed Malcolm... god, he is so messed up. We know for a fact now that his father never loved him, but that doesn’t mean Rumple never loved his father. I don’t think he regrets what he did by killing them both, but I do think he regrets all the “might have been” between them. And in a strange way, I think that kiss was him forgiving Malcolm. (I find it telling, too, that Pan turned back into Malcolm for that bit; not sure what it’s telling me, but I did notice)

In related news: someone needs to smack the director of this episode with a rolled-up newspaper, because what the hell was this?

What the hell is wrong with you people?

I mean, yes, I know Belle isn't friends with most of them, but still -- nobody felt the need to comfort the woman brokenly sobbing on the ground? Noone? Not even Neal? Not even Granny? Hell, even the camera keeps going back to her like "uh, guys? guys? anyone? she's still going to pieces, how about you... no? nobody?" I mean... wow, that's cold.

And then, as I was already on the ground, broken and dying, the rest of the episode happened. Because killing me once wasn't enough, apparently.

Look, it's more of the goddamn themes coming back to laugh at me for being right!

So. We just saw Rumple break a lifelong habit of self-preservation, we now get to see Regina give up the one thing she wanted to hold on to more than anything: Henry. After everything that happened this season. After going to Neverland, after moving heaven and earth to keep him safe, after raising him for his entire life, she gives him up to the woman she once wanted to keep away from him so badly, because as long as he's with Emma, he won't be alone. This isn't jus ther putting Henry first. She could have let everybody die and left with him. He never would have remembered and they could have been happy. But that's not the person she wants to be. To me, this is very much in the vein of "let me die as Regina" of last season, and I think giving up her life was still easier for her than giving up her son.

This was also a wonderful "full circle" moment in the story of Emma and Regina. From "stay away from my son or I will destroy you" to "my gift to you is good memories", these two have certainly bonded, and it was 100% over this boy that brought love and direction into both their lives.

...yes, I absolutely am emotional, why do you ask?

So. Now Emma and Henry remember a life where she never gave him up, and they've always been together. Damn, Regina. Just... damn. (And I feel vindicated, because I said so! I said that if Emma had looked at her child, she would have loved him and she would never have been able to let him go. I was right, and that almost makes it worth the burrowing pain in my chest.)

And finally, the other statement of theme in episode 1. I thought it was the same as “villains don’t get a happy ending,” but you know, I think I was wrong. Specifically, I’m talking about Snow’s "The minute I stop believing that things can turn out alright is the minute I know they never will." This is basically the piece of driftwood the episode handed me to cling to. The flashback to Henry getting the book from Mary Margaret, as well as that scene in the Charming’s castle where David has to comfort his wife. That wasn’t a variant, that was a promise in itself. “As long as you believe things may get better, they still can.” Which is something I needed to hear in this episode, I think.

In related news, there was the epilogue. Really, even if I was on board with the whole Captain Swan thing (which, not so much, sorry, fans), I am going to bloody tattoo it on everyone's forehead that True Love's Kiss doesn't work if the other persone doesn't remember you! We've had this conversation at least three times, by now. Why does nobody get that?

Anyway. I'm looking forward to the next episode. Wednesday, though. I need time to recover from this... this.

[booksarelife-stuff]

i’m only seventeen, i don’t know anything- Chapter 3

James Potter/ Lily Evans (Jily), minor Remus Lupin/ Sirius Black (wolfstar)

Co-authored with the amazing @queen-isabelle-writes :)

It's seventh year for the Marauders and Lily Evans. Lily and James are dealing with their feelings for each other while the war with Voldemort brews in the wings.

Canon Divergence. Angst, fluff, falling in love.

Word Count:  2,913

Read on AO3   Next Chapter   Series Master List   Master list

Chapter 3

 and there’s a dazzling haze, a mysterious way about you, dear

  ~lover, taylor swift

Weeks passed without incident. Lily was pleasantly surprised to find that the Marauders hadn’t executed any pranks yet, but she wasn’t holding her breath. She was sure that one was coming—she just hoped that it wouldn’t be too bad.

Lily was also pleasantly surprised by James and the way that he fit into his role as Head Boy. He was stern but fair, and the prefects had all taken a shine to him, aside from the Slytherins, which was to be expected.

Seventh year was going surprisingly well for Lily—her friends were great as always, Snape hadn’t accosted her aside from the time at the prefect’s meeting, and so far, Gryffindor had sustained no major points loss, which was a huge step up from last year when the Marauders had managed to dye Flitwick’s beard purple and he’d taken away two hundred and fifty points each.

Yes, Lily felt like she was on top of the world, and that feeling continued as she walked into Potions with Slughorn that Thursday morning with her friends by her side.

“I’m just so nervous about brewing this potion,” Alice said.

Lily nudged her friend with her shoulder playfully. “Don’t worry, Alice. With me by your side, there’s no way that we’ll mess it up.” Lily’s prowess with potions was well known throughout the school and only rivaled by Snape’s, not that he was gossiped about as much as Lily. When they worked together, as they often used to do, they were unstoppable. For a moment, Lily felt a twinge of regret. She bet that Snape was looking forward to brewing this potion as much as she was—the Draught of Living Death. Even the name sent shivers down her spine.

“Aw, man,” Mary said. “Why does Alice get Lily?”

“You had me two weeks ago,” Lily reminded her as Doe shook her head, laughing.

“Am I that bad to be stuck with, Mary?” Doe asked. Mary made a face, causing Lily and Alice to burst into laughter while Doe looked offended. The girls sat down at two of the tables, one in front of the other. Lily and Alice turned around in their seats to talk with the other two girls as Slughorn busied about at the front of the classroom and other students filed into the room. Lily noticed that Remus and Peter were already settled at a table a few spots behind her own, but James and Sirius were nowhere to be found.

Slughorn cleared his throat, drawing Lily’s attention to the front of the room.

“Welcome, class,” he began. “Today—welcome, gentlemen. Glad you could join us.” As one, the class turned to see James and Sirius in the doorway, their robes hanging off of them. James’s hair looked windswept, as if he’d just gotten off of a broom.

“Sorry, Professor, Quidditch ran late,” James said, making his way to the table near Remus and Peter.

“And your excuse, Mr. Black?” Slughorn asked Sirius, who simply shrugged and followed James to the table. Slughorn sighed and turned his attention back to the class as a whole. “Today, we will be brewing the Draught of Living Death. And, as I’ve done in the past, the reward for brewing the best potion will be this.”

Lily perked up at the mention of a reward—perhaps it would be extra credit? Instead, she watched as Slughorn withdrew a small vial from his robes and held it high for the whole class to see. It was a strange color, looking as if it were liquid gold almost. Lily was fascinated by it.

“Felix Felicis,” Slughorn said, staring at it in admiration. “It’s also known as liquid luck. The drinker will have success in everything they attempt for a period of time, but beware—it’s important to take it sparingly, and not all at once, for the side effects can be deadly. It’s a highly advanced potion that I’ve spent the past six months brewing, just as I’ve done every year for quite some time.”

Slughorn continued: “Whichever pair brews the best Draught of the Living Death will receive this potion, and to make things interesting, I’ve decided to assign your partners.”

Groans sounded out across the room. Lily just hoped that she wasn’t paired up with Snape. She risked a glance at him over her shoulder to see him staring intensely at her. She fought a shudder. Wouldn’t that be the worst luck, to reminisce over their old friendship just to be plunged back into it for a stupid project?

Perhaps I could fake sick, Lily thought. She’d never done so before, so it would certainly make it believable. But would Slughorn let her go? That was the question.

Lily tuned back into Slughorn’s voice as he began to call out the pairings.

“Black and Mulciber. Lupin and MacDonald. Pettigrew and Avery. Evans and Potter.” Lily’s eyes bulged at the sound of her name, though Slughorn continued calling out names, oblivious to her near coronary. She whipped around to find James, who seemed as surprised as her. He offered her a sheepish grin and a slight wave. Lily turned back to Alice.

“This can’t be happening,” Lily muttered to her friend.

“At least it’s not Snape,” Alice said. “Or one of his Death Eater friends.” Lily nodded her agreement just as Slughorn called out Alice’s name, pairing her with Snape. Alice winced.

“Sorry,” Lily whispered. Slughorn called for everyone to get started, and Alice slunk out of her seat and over to Snape’s table. Lily fought the urge to look back at her best friend and her ex-best friend. Snape catching her staring at him again would not cause anything good.

James dropped his bag onto the table beside Lily, making her jump. He laughed.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” he told her. Lily tried to smile at him, but it came out as more of a grimace. She shook her head like an etch-a-sketch.

“Let’s just get started,” Lily said. Time passed. James got the ingredients they needed, chopped and sliced things when asked, and overall stayed out of her way, aside from looking over her shoulder as she stirred the potion.

Slughorn came up to them about halfway through the class and examined their progress. Lily prayed that the color of the potion was correct, even as she continued to boil it.

“Excellent work, Ms. Evans, Mr. Potter,” Slughorn said, nodding at them both. Lily swelled with pride. “I imagine that I’ll see you both tomorrow night, at our first Slug Club meeting?”

Lily nodded quickly. “Of course, Professor.”

“I’ll be there,” James said nonchalantly. Lily kicked him in the shin. Slughorn simply laughed before moving on to the next group. Lily fought a groan. How did James always manage to treat everything so coolly and flippantly and never get in trouble? Lily growled and stirred the potion with a little more force than necessary.

“What’s up, Evans?” James asked.

Lily shook her head. She didn’t want to talk about it, wasn’t sure that she could put into words what she was feeling without starting another argument. James was James, and he got away with stuff that Lily could never dream of getting away with—that’s just how it was. At least she was Slughorn’s favorite. Probably McGonagall’s, too.

“You’re going to Slug Club?” Lily asked instead.

“Of course,” James said. “If there’s a party, I’ll be there.”

Lily scoffed. “It’s not a party.”

“But there’s alcohol,” James pointed out. Lily remained silent. She hardly considered wine to be the type of alcohol that James was interested in.

Slughorn called for the end of class and declared Lily’s—and James’s, by default—potion to be the winner. Lily beamed as he walked over and handed her the Felix Felicis.

“Use it carefully,” he told her, a twinkle in his eye. It was almost as if he expected her to have some sort of secret plan, but that was ridiculous.

Lily turned to James after class was over and held the potion between them.

“I suppose we should figure out how to split it,” Lily said, eyeing the molten gold potion in her hand. James reached out and closed her fingers around it, his hand engulfing hers.

“No,” he said. “You keep it. You’re the one who earned it.”

Lily blinked in surprise. “You don’t want it? Surely you could pull off several good pranks with it.”

James shrugged. “I’m sure, but I’m also sure that I don’t need it to pull off pranks.”

Lily eyed him. “Don’t think I’ll go easy on you when the time comes.”

“I’m counting on it,” James said, smirking. Lily sighed and put the potion carefully in her bag.

“Lily! Come on! I’m starving!” Mary called. Lily looked up to see Mary, Alice, and Doe standing in the doorway. Lily glanced back at James and gave him a small wave before walking towards her friends.

Lily put on the nicest dress she had, smoothing the filmy material over her hips. From her bed, Mary sighed.

“You always look so good in everything,” she grumbled. Alice, who was lying beside Mary, laughed and nudged her friend. On the other side of Mary, Doe continued reading her book.

“What’s the Slug Club like, Lily?” Alice asked. The three girls weren’t a part of the club, which Lily found to be utterly disappointing. She had no one for company at these stupid parties, as they were mostly filled with Slytherins, including Snape.

“Boring,” Lily said. “It’s just a dinner party, and we all sit around the table and pretend like we don’t hate each other.”

“Maybe it won’t be so bad this year,” Doe said, not looking up from her book. “You said that he invited James this year. And there’s that Hufflepuff, right? Oh, what’s his name?”

“Frank Longbottom,” Alice said, with such certainty that Lily stopped fretting at herself in the mirror and turned to look at her friend. Alice blushed bright red at the attention. “What? He’s cute.”

“I’ll put in a good word,” she teased. Alice threw a pillow at the redhead and buried her face in the bed. Lily caught the pillow easily and laughed. She glanced down at her watch and sighed.

“I best be on my way, then,” Lily said. She grabbed a pair of heels and slipped them on before telling her friends goodbye and leaving their shared dormitory. She walked quickly down the stairs, through the Common Room, and stepped out from behind the Fat Lady. Lily started when she saw James standing just outside, in a button-up shirt and slacks, his glasses perched on his nose and a hand buried in his shaggy black hair. He looked up as the portrait opened and gave her a blinding smile.

“Hi, Evans,” James said, and Lily felt her heart skip. Since when had that happened?

“Hi,” Lily said.

“Care to accompany me?” James held out his arm. Lily fought a smile as she slipped her arm through his. He placed his hand atop hers, his palm warm against the back of her hand. They walked through Hogwarts silently, and a comfort slid over Lily. James was comforting, she realized. He had a calming presence on her usually racing mind. It was… nice.

Soon enough, they reached the room where the Slug Club was held. James reached out to the door, only to pause.

“I suppose that I should be honest,” he began, “I have no idea what I’m getting into.”

Lily let out a laugh. “It’s just a dinner, James. Don’t worry about it.”

James stared at her for a moment, long enough that Lily began to squirm underneath his gaze. He seemed to realize what he was doing as a faint blush colored his cheeks, and he gave an awkward cough.

“Shall we?” he said then and pulled the door open. Warm light flooded the hallway as Lily stepped inside, James following closely and closing the door behind them. Slughorn was in the middle of the room, holding court with several Slytherins, including Snape and Sirius’s little brother, Regulus. He turned to look at the newcomers and greeted them in a booming voice.

“Ms. Evans! Mr. Potter! So glad you could join us! Come, sit, sit.” Slughorn motioned at the seats surrounding him. James and Lily shared a glance before they headed for the table. James pulled out a chair for her, and Lily sat in it gratefully. He took the one next to her, leaving the seat on her right open. Lily noticed Snape eyeing it meaningfully, but she could also see the hesitation in his eyes. Whether that was because he didn’t want to push her or because James was sitting next to her, Lily wasn’t sure.

Lily didn’t have to worry about it much longer, for the seat was sliding back and soon the Hufflepuff boy was sitting next to her. Frank Longbottom. He was cute, Lily thought, she could certainly see why Alice liked him. He was a prefect as well, so Lily knew that he was responsible and smart. Perhaps she would do some meddling, see if she couldn’t set the two of them up.

Frank turned to her then, eyes alight. He struck up a conversation about the Slug Club, about how it was his first year. James overheard and was soon leaning over Lily, adding in his own thoughts about the Club. Lily hated to break it to the boys that the Club was dreadfully dull, so she simply let them talk and sat back in her seat.

Soon enough, Slughorn was tapping away at the glass in his hand, bringing the attention of all ten students back to him. “Welcome, everyone, to our first official meeting of the Slug Club. I would like to thank you all for coming, and I would like to say a few words. You were chosen because I see great promise in you. I choose only the best of the best, so be proud of that. I see something in you that you don’t yet see in yourselves, but that is okay because I am here to help guide you and become your best selves.”

Lily always thought that Slughorn’s speech was much more about himself than it was about the students. This was the third year that she’d heard it, and it was still the same—their accomplishments were somehow put on him, as if their success was purely because he made it so. Lily found Slughorn to be a silly, frivolous man, but he was harmless overall. She seriously doubted that he knew the majority of the older Slytherins were Death Eaters or planning to join Voldemort as soon as they graduated. He was oblivious like that.

Lily raised her glass as the other students did, and that was when she caught Snape’s eye from across the table. Apparently, instead of sitting next to her, he decided to sit directly across from her. Lily sighed and downed her drink in one go.

“Evans?” James asked from beside her. Lily shook her head. There was absolutely no need for a fight to break out, and Lily knew that James had a hero complex. Instead, Lily focused on the food in front of her and shoved some of it into her mouth.

The good thing about the Slug Club was that there was no actual meeting. All they did was sit and eat and talk. Lily hurriedly ate her food as it came along—appetizers, main course, dessert—and drank much more wine than she should have. By the time they were finished, Lily was firmly in the area of tipsy.

Slughorn bid them all farewell, and Lily quickly stood up from her seat, wobbling slightly. James reached out to grasp her waist and turned her to face him.

“Alright, Lil?” he asked. Lily wondered when she’d gotten a new nickname. Instead of asking, she hiccuped. “Are you drunk?”

“No,” she said, scandalized, before hiccuping again. James’s eyes were wide. He looked around at the rest of the students who were all also standing up and readying to leave.

“Nice to meet you both,” Frank said, appearing beside them.

“Likewise,” James said, ushering Lily towards the door. “We’ll have to chat more later, Frank. Lily isn’t feeling well.”

“I am so,” Lily said, fighting slightly against his hold on her.

“No, you aren’t,” James hissed in her ear. Lily huffed but allowed James to lead her out of the Slug Club and throughout Hogwarts, back to the Gryffindor Tower and the portrait of the Fat Lady. He practically dragged her inside and looked cagily around the Common Room. It was late at night and only Sirius remained in front of the fireplace, lounging about.

“Hey, Prongs, how was the Club?” Sirius said, lazily tilting his head back. He took note of Lily, and his eyes widened. “Oi, Evans, are you drunk?”

“No!” Lily hiccuped again. She growled under her breath and shook James’s hands off of her. “I am not! I’m going to bed!”

“Don’t fall down the stairs,” James said. He actually sounded concerned, as if he thought that were a real possibility. Lily growled again and flipped him off as she stomped towards the Girls’ Dormitory, though she didn’t turn to look around. Still, as she walked up the stairs to get her bed, Lily found herself carefully watching her feet, lest she fall.