#and while the new kitten is cute enough i guess. she is also annoying as hell

[tornadodyke]

i am entirely aware that my (older) kitten is being a total jackass to my mom's new (younger) kitten. however. that does not stop her from being my baby girl

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

Well, I’ve listened to it. Twice, because it’s one of those ones that requires an immediate repeat listening. Fucking hell. There was so much going on in that. God damn it. Do you ever listen to something so good it that it actually annoys you? It’s like that thing they described on QI, where when you see an overwhelmingly cute kitten you kind of want to punch it.

There’s just not much point in writing my thoughts about something that no one reading this will have heard or will have the option of hearing, which is annoying because I have a lot of thoughts. So many thoughts. Fucking confusing Eternal Sunshine unreliable narrator timeline jumping ambiguous ending shit. Fucking person in England writing some shit that leaves me with all these thoughts and then I’m not even allowed to ask other people what they think because no one’s allowed to listen to it.

Weirdly my most pressing question is who the hell was the other voice actor? I think it was Isy Suttie. It would make sense for it to be Isy Suttie, she’s played this type of role in his things before. And I think it was sort of her accent, but it was hard to tell. There were a few times when she’d say a few words and I’d think, “Oh, it’s silly that I was confused, that’s definitely her.” Then other times I thought, “It’s definitely not, I don’t know why I could have thought it was.”

Near the end, he tells us he’d adjusted the person’s voice via whatever audio editing skills he’d picked up while not leaving his house. So it’s probably just Isy Suttie and it sounds not quite like her because the voice is disguised. The voice definitely sounds female, and that New York Times article refers to her as a “female friend” (an article that I saw because don't think I didn't try to look up who she is, though of course now that I've posted this it'll turn out I've missed something obvious and it says right on his website that it's obviously Lorraine Kelly). But you can change anything with enough audio editing, right? There were about three different times when I could swear the person spoke with the exact cadence of Tim Key. Like I think this is how Tim Key would sound if you raised his pitch and had him do a bit of an accent.

I don’t actually think that, because taking Tim Key’s voice and editing it to sound like a female version of himself would be a ridiculous thing for Daniel Kitson to do. But also, I’ve listened to Trifle, so I believe Kitson is capable of just about any degree of fucking with us. Trifle had me demanding to know whether he’d invented Tim Key just for that radio show.

What I’d normally do is cut out a bit of that person talking, post it on here, and ask people who they think it is. But I can’t, because of the whole respect for artist’s wishes thing. He didn’t want it digitized, so I can’t do anything with it that requires a digital file. It briefly occurred to me that technically, it wouldn’t break that rule if I played the audio from the actual CD through speakers, but recorded the room while I did so, and then posted a few seconds of that voice on here to ask who people think it is. I’m not actually going to do that, I’m just saying I could. That would be a ludicrous level of pointless adherence to principle, but technically it would be within the bounds of fair play. I try to adhere to principle even when it’s ludicrous.

It's almost definitely Isy Suttie, with the voice a bit distorted. If I hadn’t listened to Trifle I’d just assume it was her. If I hadn’t listened to Trifle I’d assume he really was recording birds in the forest when he claimed he’d done so, instead of getting to that bit and immediately regarding it with suspicion. I won’t post any of it, but if anyone has happened to get their hands on a recording of this show, and has a guess as to who that other person is, please let me know. Given Kitson’s history, it could be fucking anyone. I’d believe it if someone told me it was, like, Eric Idle.

He did use one conversation with this mysterious person to explain his reasoning behind the physical media only thing, and that was pretty much what I’d imagined:

Someone who may or may not be Isy Suttie: Are you doing a download?

Daniel Kitson: Nope.

Someone who may or may not be Isy Suttie: Why not?

Daniel Kitson: Well, because it’s like putting a stairlift on a mountain.

Someone who may or may not be Isy Suttie: Is it?

Daniel Kitson: It is, yeah.

Someone who may or may not be Isy Suttie: Right, well that sounds quite helpful, to me. Really.

Explaining his unnecessarily complicated reasoning behind his decision through a interlude made of meta, and then having a mystery other person undercut his explanation by poking holes in it, but the undercutting is in itself undercut by the fact that they’re reading a script that he’d also written. It’s definitely a Daniel Ktison recording.

…I hope it doesn’t seem like I actually didn’t like it, because obviously I fucking loved it. You can’t be this annoyed about something without getting genuinely invested. I’m annoyed that he made me want to know answers to so many questions and then he didn’t tell me them. I have a lot of questions besides just: “Was that Isy Suttie’s voice?”, but they’re hard to explain without describing the story’s whole plot, so for the sake of this post, I’ve sublimated all my annoyance about all the unanswered questions into just that one. Obviously I’m the good kind of annoyed. I want to listen to it eighteen more times and punch it like a kitten.

It's certainly an interesting thing to listen to a month after going through a breakup. A breakup with a girlfriend with whom I had a really memorable and fanfiction-like “how we met” story, that starts with us being bitter high school rivals in our shared sport fifteen years ago, and… anyway no need to go into it all but I will say Daniel Kitson has a point about some things. He has a point about many things, but some seem specifically highlighted while I listen to this a month after that particular breakup.

And Daniel Kitson has clearly learned some new skills. It is genuinely impressive that he did all that himself, with the music and the sound effects and the editing it would have required. I guess it’s a case of not being able to tour or do anything else during COVID, and for him, that did not just meant when the government legally forced him to stay home; it meant any time during the pandemic when going out could pose a risk to himself and others. That’s what it meant for me too, and I hugely respect him/find comfort in his recent shows because of that. That sort of thing gives someone a lot of time to, I don’t know, do something like learn to mix audio so you can fuck with people on a radio show and physical media release, or watch/read/listen to all the comedy in Britain.

It was worth the wait, is what I’m saying. Okay, he was right, some things are worth the wait. And sometimes, they might be even better because you had to work for them a little, and that’s why we don’t make stairlifts to the moon, or whatever. I still like my extensive collection of media files that I’ve scrounged from the internet and carefully organized into neat folders on my hard drives, but I do see his point.

“Compromise only works when both parties know it’s a compromise, and most people don’t like it when you give them a list.” – Daniel Kitson (that last quote had nothing to do with the rest of this post, except that it was in that show and I liked it enough to immediately write it down)

It’s here! It’s arrived! I bought an external disc drive earlier this year, and so far I have used it twice: for John Oliver’s stand-up DVD Terrifying Times, and Daniel Kitson’s Shenanigan show on CD. Further goings on about that behind the “keep reading” link (partitioning it only because it might get a bit long and will have pictures that will take up too much space on the screens of people who don’t care).

Keep reading

[thoushallnotfall]

Prey - Part 4

Previous // Masterlist

Pairing: (poly) The Lost Boys x Reader

Word Count: 3k 

Notes: Look at me posting when I said I would. Aren’t y’all proud?

So is this a legit series now? With like, a plot and everything?

Yeah, I guess it is...sort of. (I mean ‘plot’ is a bit of a stretch...I literally have no idea what I’m doing I am flying by the seat of my pants here; but what’s new?)

I swear, I just really wanted to give you guys another part because you wanted it and then I really liked this reader (she’s super shy which makes her so fun to write with the boys, but even though she comes off timid at first--which she is--she’s also got this like, below-the-surface layer of feistiness and sometimes even a lil’ bit of sarcasm goin’ on. She’s just such a delight and I love her with my whole heart.) and I was wondering 'Hey, I wonder what it would be like when she found out they were vampires?' But I gotta like...get there first...yah know what I'm sayin?? So yeah...series...

You looked at yourself in the mirror, giving yourself another once-over. Everything seemed good--or, as good as it was going to get, anyway. You shook your head, trying to clear out all the negative thoughts.

No, you did look good! Tiffany was always telling you your biggest problem was just you lacked confidence--and when it came to confidence she was the queen--so you were trying to work on being more positive.

Still, it was hard to be confident when you were so nervous. You sighed, looking over at the clock. It was already nearly 9 O'clock; when were they planning on showing up? It's not like they had said any specific time--maybe they just didn't know where you lived? They dropped you off down the street last time; it could be they were waiting there for you? Or maybe they just changed their minds all together and they found something better to do...

With that thought you hear the unmistakable sound of engines and run to the window. Poking your head out, you see the lights of four familiar bikes pull up at the edge of your cul-de-sac, their riders looking up at your window as they waved for you to come down. You wave back, signaling for them to wait, moving silently out of your room and down the stairs. Thankfully, your mother was in the bath, and your father had fallen asleep in front of the TV; so as long as you were quiet you could sneak out undetected.

You had never snuck out before, truthfully you had never had reason to up until now. But you didn't want to lie and tell them you were going out with the girls, only to have that backfire if one of the girls called you--or worse, if you stayed out too late and your parents tried to call one of the girls' houses, only to find out you lied and snuck out to meet someone they didn't know. Better to only get in trouble for one thing rather than two...if you got caught, of course.

You gently closed the front door, locking it behind you before quickly turning and running down the driveway toward the boys. They smirk as you run up to them, a little out of breath after fleeing your house.

"Hey kitten, nice night for a run, huh?" David teased. You blush.

"S-shut up! It's not my fault you parked so far away!" You defended.

"Oh sorry, did you want your folks to see us picking you up?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. You pouted, looking away; you knew he was right, but you were still annoyed.

"Damn babe, you're looking good tonight." Paul says, completely ignoring your conversation as he leans over the handlebars of his bike to stare at you. You blush, holding up a hand to hide a shy, satisfied grin.

"Oh, um thank you Paul." You reply.

"Yeah y/n, you look super cute." Marko agrees, looking you up and down with a wide smirk spread across his face. "Almost good enough to eat." He and Paul laugh at what was apparently a very funny joke. While you watch them, confused about what was so funny, Dwayne gets off his bike and strolls over to them, giving each of them a firm smack to the back of the head.

"Hey!" Paul exclaims.

"Dwayne!" Marko yells. He looks at them for a few seconds as they both clutch the backs of their heads, before turning and making his way over to you.

"I'm sorry about them y/n; they mean well, they just can't help themselves sometimes." Dwayne says. You weren't really sure why he was apologizing, but you figured it was better just to let it go and move on rather than ask questions--the boys were just weird like that sometimes.

"Um, it's fine." You say, smiling up at him. He smiles back and you feel your heart flutter.

"Why don't you ride with me? I promise I'll get you there safely." He asks.

"Aw, no fair Dwayne; I wanted her to ride with me!" Paul says.

"Yeah, why do you get to have all the fun?" Marko grumbles.

"Oh, yeah sure." You reply, ignoring the two blondes whining. You hadn't really thought about the fact that'd you'd be riding on one of the bikes with them. That didn't seem safe at all; but then again, of the four Dwayne did seem like he'd probably be the safest driver. "But um, where's 'there?'"

"You'll see kitten--it's a surprise." David replies, his usual smirk plastered across his face. Great, that was comforting.

You follow Dwayne and sit on the seat behind him, trying not to think about how firm his back was or how much you were blushing as you tightly wrap your arms around his waist. You saw David speed off into the night, followed quickly by Paul and Marko; their taillights leaving red streaks in the night.

"Hang on tight." Dwayne said as the bike roared to life.

The next thing you know you feel the bike kick forward and you're gripping onto Dwayne for dear life. You feel the rush of wind running through your hair and hear the boys laughing, but your eyes are shut tight and you see nothing but black. Your heart is pounding so hard in your chest you know Dwayne must be able to feel it against his back as you hold onto him for dear life.

Out of the suburbs, the boys speed up; howling and laughing louder as they go. You didn't think it was possible, but you find yourself clinging to Dwayne tighter as you feel the bike go faster down into the sand. You hear the boys call your name, but you still refuse to open your eyes.

'Y/N you're safe, I promise. You can open your eyes, it's okay.' Dwayne said softly. You felt the fear begin to fade, and slowly began to open you eyes. You were on the beach now, the scenery flying by in a flash, and the boys were around you looking back at you with grins on their faces. Once they saw you open your eyes, they began to cheer and yell into the night, and you smile as you felt a small sense of pride well up inside you.

Eventually, they park in what looks like the middle of nowhere; Dwayne helps you off the bike as Paul and Marko playfully push and swat at each other, clearly riled up from the ride. David leads the group as the five of you make your way towards the sea and what looks like the mouth of a cave; with trash strewn all around and a large, foreboding sign signaling ‘Danger’ hanging overhead.

"Please tell me we're not going in there?" You plead as you eye the mouth of the cave warily, knowing full well that's exactly where you were heading.

"Aw, what’s wrong y/n? Yah scared?” Paul teases, coming up to walk beside you. “Don’t worry; I’ll protect you. Just stay nice and close.” He said, pulling you in tight. You blush and push against his side.

“Paul! Let go!��� You say, trying to wiggle free of his hold. “I’m not scared! I just, um, well, I-I just don’t see what’s so interesting about a waterlogged old cave--that’s all.” You lied. Of course you were scared; the cave was creepy, and all the reasons you could imagine for why they had brought you out there were anything but pleasant: Nothing good happened in caves.

“You’ll see.” Marko said, smirking as he came up on your other side. 

The boys lead you down into the cave, Paul and Marko each taking one of your hands so you don’t trip. Making it inside before you, Dwayne went around setting fire to the contents of a few metal drums that were dotted around the cave. They acted like crude braziers, lighting the large room and allowing you to get a better look at the place. 

It certainly wasn’t what you were expecting to find inside some random cave in the middle of nowhere. There was stuff everywhere: At first glance it all looked like junk, but the more you looked the more you thought everything in the cave had been meticulously collected--probably over several years given how much there was. There looked to be some sort of structure almost merged inside the cave’s walls, like the husk of a building that had long since died, and now only the bones remained.

“What is all this?” You ask, looking around in awe.

“You like it?” David stared down at you and smiled. “It’s our place.” You stopped gawking at the room and turned to face him.

“Your place?” You repeated. “So what, you guys, like, live here?”

“Damn right!” Marko said proudly as he fell back on the couch. “Pretty sweet, huh? No parents, no responsibilities: we do what we want, when we want.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” You reply half-heartedly. It sounded nice enough--though you weren’t sure about living in a cave, even if it was cooler than you were expecting--but how did they survive like that? How did they have money for food? Clothes? And everything else in here? It was all well and good to say you did what you wanted whenever, but how could they be sustaining that kind of a lifestyle?

“We’re not selling drugs or anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Dwayne clarified, smiling as he walked over to you. You shake your head.

“Oh no, I wasn’t thinking that!” You absolutely were thinking that.

“It’s alright, don’t worry.” Dwayne smiled down at you. “Anyway; it’s true we don’t have steady jobs, but we do alright.” He replies. He moved past you to sit in one of the chairs by the couch, where Paul had already taken a seat beside Marko and was now gesturing for you to come join them.

You hesitantly walk over, gingerly sitting at the edge of the couch by Paul. He immediately throws an arm around the back of the couch behind you, smiling from ear to ear, and you feel your face flush as you look away.

"So what do you think?" David asks, the last to take a seat as he slumps down in an old wheelchair facing you and the others.

"About what?" You ask.

"Now that you see how we live, do you think you could see yourself dating four degenerate punks living against the grain of society?" David asked, gesturing grandly out at the cave. He was clearly being sarcastic, but the question was real enough.

It's not like you hadn't been thinking about it. Finding out they all lived in some communal cave situation was strange, sure--but honestly not really that surprising given who you were dealing with. You had already begun to suspect they were runaways or something--Santa Carla was a popular stop for runaways, or so you’d heard--so finding out they didn't have homes wasn't all that shocking really. Still, it was just one more thing to add to your list entitled 'Is this really a good idea, y/n?'

"Well, I mean..." You hesitate, embarrassed. "You living in a cave isn't a deal breaker--if that's what you're asking."

"I wasn't." David replies flatly, then sighs. "But a guess it's a start."

"Come on babe--how long are you gonna keep us hanging?" Paul asks, looking over at you with big, blue, puppy-dog eyes. Why was he so pretty?

"Yeah y/n, I thought you liked us?" Marko chimed in. He rested his chin on Paul's shoulder so he was facing you, and there was a sad, over-exaggerated look on his angelic face. It should be criminal to be allowed to have a face like that when you knew he was anything but an angel.

"I told you two not to pressure her." Dwayne scolded the two boys as they continued to stare at you.

“It’s alright Dwayne; I know you guys have been pretty patient waiting for me to make up my mind about things.” You reply.

“Yeah we have! You know, normally we would’ve just gotten bored and moved on by now--that’s how much we’re into you!” Paul said, smiling proudly.

“Oh yeah, because that’s really going to help our case, Paul.” Marko rolled his eyes sarcastically at his friend as he leaned back on the couch.

“What? I’m just say’n we’re serious about her, that’s all!” Paul replied defensively.

“It’s okay Paul; I knew what you meant.” You told him with a small smile. If anyone else had said something like that of course you would be worried, but you were getting pretty used to the boys and their personalities by now, and you knew Paul had meant it as a compliment. 

“See? I knew you’d understand y/n!” Paul said, beaming over at you with a smile that made your heart melt. Of course, you knew the boys probably had a lot of experience with girls before you--that was hardly news. But they seemed serious enough about you now, and you could hardly think about starting a relationship with them if you weren’t willing to put your trust in them. “You’re the best babe!” 

Paul suddenly jumps forward and wraps his arms around your waist, engulfing you in a tight embrace.

“P-Paul?” You barely manage to squeak out his name as your face grew hot. You can hear Marko laughing as you begin to wiggle and push against Paul’s chest. “L-let go please!”

“Mm, I would babe--but you smell so good.” He replies, nuzzling into the curve of your neck. You have to hold in a scream of surprise at the sudden action, all while feeling you might melt into the couch you’re so embarrassed. Why was he suddenly, well, whatever--and right in front of the others! Did it really not bother him that they were there?

Was this what it was going to be like all the time with them?

“Paul, enough.” David called sternly. Paul lifted his head.

“Aw, come on--it’s not like I’m gonna-”

“Enough.” David repeated forcefully. Paul winced, and reluctantly let you go.

“Sorry babe--guess I got a little carried away.” Paul apologized, looking at you sheepishly.

“It’s fine Paul, just--just maybe try and control yourself a little next time, okay?” You reply, sighing as you feel your heart beating a mile a minute. 

These boys were going to be the death of you.

---

You spend most of the night hanging out in the cave with the boys with no more major incidences, and finally it was time for you to head home. David tells Dwayne to take you back alone while he had a ‘talk’ with the blondes. 

Oof, that didn’t sound good.

Dwayne takes you home, thankfully going slower than on your ride to the cave. He pulls up at the end of your cul-de-sac, killing the engine and turning the headlights off so you have a few minutes to talk.

“Thanks for the ride.” You say, looking over at him as he stays seated on his bike.

“No problem.” He replies, smiling softly at you. You smile back, blushing lightly as you look down at the ground. A comfortable silence spreads out between you as you enjoy the night air. It would be morning soon; when was the last time you stayed out this late?

“I know I gave those two a hard time for rushing you earlier,” Dwayne finally says, breaking the silence. “But if you did decide to give us a chance, I bet you’d be glad you did.” You looked over at him, his dark hair shining in the moonlight, and you felt your heart race. 

Something about Dwayne just made you want to trust him. Maybe it was just him, or maybe it was just that, in comparison to the other three, he was obviously just the most trustworthy of the bunch. Either way, when Dwayne said something, you found yourself naturally inclined to agree, regardless of what it was. You were grateful it was Dwayne that seemed to have this mysterious power and not one of the terror twin blondes--god knows what disasters that would cause. 

In this particular case however, while Dwayne’s influence certainly had it’s effect on you, you’d finally made up your mind about the whole thing earlier that night.

“Yeah, I think I will.” You reply, a shy smile on your face. “Give you a chance, I mean.” 

If Paul had been here he’d probably be jumping for joy. Marko would probably say something sarcastic that would double as an innuendo, and David would probably be trying to act all cool to hid the fact the he was actually happy. But Dwayne just looked at you with a warm, content smile. 

“I’m happy to hear that; I know the other guys will be too.” He replied, clearly pleased with your answer. He looked up at the sky. “It’ll be morning soon, I should go.” He looked back over at you. “Will we see you tomorrow?”

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, sure.” You reply. He nodded, starting the engine of his bike and turning the headlights back on. You stood by, watching him as he prepared to leave. You were a little sad to see him go, even though you obviously knew he had to leave. He looked back over at you, and you saw a look quickly pass across his face. 

Suddenly, he reaches out and pulls you in, and before you realize what’s happening his lips are pressed gently to yours. You gasp before you feel yourself stop breathing all together; your heart sprinting as your mind muddles along trying to figure out what in the world is going on. 

And, just as quickly as it started, it’s over; leaving you no time to process what had just happened before Dwayne pulls away smiling. 

“See you tomorrow.” He leans in close so you can hear him over the roar of the engine, his breath tickling your ear. Before you can answer he’s gone; his taillights disappear into the night. The echo of his engine slowly disappears until the only sound left on the quiet street is the pounding of your racing heart.

[darealsaltysam]

what your paladins main says about you

a comprehensive essay by a paladins player of right around 4 years

this is like really long so i’ll make it under the cut so my followers don’t have to scroll through this if they don’t wanna

(for context i’m a current maeve main, i used to main skye and sha lin and played tyra a long while ago)

.

Androxus

it’s not a phase, mum

“i don’t care we don’t have healer, i’m really good at him i swear”

you ult every time it loads in and you die before the final shot

your favorite mode is siege because you can fly up and shoot the whole point on ult

you’re usually really stand-offish and don’t communicate much and/or a 13 year old boy with anger issues

.

Ash

you are level-headed but in a scary way

you will hold the point solo even if it costs you your streak

“get on the point” “guys get on the point” “attack the objective”

you’ll ult to save yourself 99% of the time

good leader

.

Atlas

you probably used to main lex or androxus before he came out

“he’s like a flank, but a tank, he’s great!”

you chase after solo kills instead of sticking to the point

healers hate you, flanks and damages fear you

your favorite mode is death match

.

Barik

you’re a former/current tf2 player looking for something fresh

you don’t like working too hard so you spam turrets on the point and hope for the best

“healer stick to me i’m boutta ult”

actually really nice between rounds

but you don’t communicate much mid-game and kind of do your thing

.

Bomb King

you’re a really old player. you have the beta makoa skin and you were there when lex was first released. veteran’s discount.

your favorite maps are the old ones and they barely show up any more

the team always underestimates you

“who plays bomb king in 2021 lol?”

you need a hug

.

Buck

“wait, he’s a flank? i thought he was a tank??”

you’re also a veteran in the game

you’re a dying breed. i like never see you. do you even exist?

you’ve been here since like the first day of the game

buck gets so many skins and you want all of them but the best you have is a random recolor

.

Cassie

sweetest person alive

“we can do it guys! let’s try to all rush the point this time!”

you are the bane of every flank

the opposing team hates you, your own team kind of doesn’t notice you’re there

*casually gets a pentakill*

.

Corvus

you know those weirdly political kids who like ww2 and know the details of every tank to ever exist? yeah that’s you

but like that’s corvus. as a character.

but no one ever plays him.

like i never even see him do you exist???

you are a cryptid.

.

Dredge

yo ho you’re a hoe

no seriously the other team views you and they FEAR you

“yeah i just got a penta kill” “YOU WHAT?” “eyes on the point mate don’t get distracted”

hella good at the game and hella casual about it

you like onslaught on the one sea map the most

.

Drogoz

another veteran, are we?

you’re either useless or can wipe out a whole team in seconds. there is no in-between.

you always have a really cool skin.

dovahkiin, dovahkiin...

“i don’t care about the point i gotta get them trips”

.

Evie

you bought her because you thought she was cute, admit it

*turns into ice right before dying* *turns into ice right before dying* *turns into ice right be

your personality type is identical to her. no question about that.

always buys faster reload and better speed

strangely good communication with the team

.

Fernando

gay gay homosexual gay

“he’s kinda hot if you look at him the right way”

fernando is the tank for gay people

you are gay people

i don’t have much more to say

.

Furia

mum energy. not as much as inara mains, but still, mum energy.

will protect every member of the team with your life, even the flanks

you’ve been maining her since she was first added

i bet you didn’t even know she’s canonically seris’ sister

“we’ve literally failed to capture the point the last 3 times we might as well give up and go to another game”

.

Grohk

“yeah i have a gremlincore tumblr blog, how could you tell?”

i honestly have no words

you’re kind of like a catboy but a racoon

do you even heal the team or do you just pretend

you were there when lex got announced and thought he was cringe, now everyone finally agrees with you

.

Grover

he was your first purchased character and he’s stuck around ever since

he’s the only healer you can play well

“i am groot lmao”

you would never say a word to your team

would give your life for the tank but that’s about it

.

Imani

daenerys targaryen on drugs

your favorite anime is my hero academia

your husbando is todoroki

you see where i am going with this

“team protect me i’m gonna ult” *dies 5 seconds into ult*

.

Inara

BIG MUM ENERGY

your team is your family. you will protect them with your life.

can only hold your own with a good healer so you have good teamwork going for you

*cutely places wall in front of your ult*

useless in tdm so you stick to onslaught, siege and koth

.

Io

are you a furry, furry, or a furry?

“victow! dont ult on my tweam pwease! uwu!”

you 100% find her attractive in some way shape or form

you are either a 30 year old redditor who enjoys loli content or a 16 year old teen who is playing a shooter for the first time

she’s kind of cute, i guess

.

Jenos

i can never tell if i’m going to absolutely destroy you or if you’re gonna kick my ass

*cutely holds you up so the whole team can shoot you to death*

kamehameha

you’re a healer??? i guess???

your character has such deep lore and i bet you don’t even know half of it

.

Khan

one day you were playing and your team desperately needed a tank. you picked the first one you saw. suddenly, you’re lian’s foot stool

despite 2 layers of heavy armor, you’d still let this man walk all over you

“this skin is really cool, wish it wasn’t behind a pay wall...”

YEET

you actually know the game’s lore, for some reason

.

Kinessa

i never trust people who are good at a sniper. if you’re bad that’s natural and you’re 99% of the population. if you’re good you are definitely up to something

you’d sell your sister for 5 pennies if you could

you’re missing from the team all game and somehow have the most kills

“we have a kinessa???”

you are an urban legend to your team

.

Koga

someone’s been watching naruto

you are so shit at the game. like i’m sorry. no one’s good at koga i’m so sorry

how do you have so many skins for one character???

you’re always missing from the point

healers hate you. so does the enemy kinessa.

.

Lex

quit the game /nm

“who mains lex in 2021??? lmao???”

wall hacks, aimbot, and it’s all legal for you as an ability. you are a hacker in a world of puny vanillas. you like it easy so you go for the easy min max character. have fun getting hated

you think he’s hot and press on his loading abilities just so he can scold you and you can hear him being mad at you

*bonk* go to horny jail

.

Lian

"she could step on me”

you used to main some sort of healer but switched over when you got sick of everyone being needy

you can hold a point all on your own for a really really long time but the moment your team gets there you start flunking

you wish you had more skins for her

you don’t

.

Maeve

so imagine this. it was like 2018 and you were just chilling playing the game. you kept getting killed by maeve. in every game. she was in every game you went to and she kept killing you over and over and over again. you got frustrated, snapped, and bought her to see if you could do the same to others. you are now the maeve in every game. the cycle repeats.

your whole team doubts you but then you casually get a quad kill and they just sort of look away

you die a total of two times each round and 99% of the time it’s because you go too fast and fall off the map

you repeat everything she says in her accent because you think it’s cute

“welcome to ze meant streets, kitten!” “can you shut the fuck up” “i hate to cut and run, he-he!”

.

Makoa

you have the plushie skin or the beta skin, otherwise you don’t main and only play casually stop lying to yourself

“attack turtle go brrr”

you’re really good if you get paired with a good healer

otherwise you’re useless

you wish you could get better teammates because you could really thrive with an organized group. but on paladins you won’t get that, i’m sorry-

.

Mal’Damba

i always forget this guy is even in the game

you’re definitely under 6 foot IRL

you have an older sibling you always fight with

you’d love to have a snake irl

you’re really chill outside of the game, but when playing you hella rage

.

Moji

you are so precious

but also such a little shit

you annoy me but i also want to give you a hug

“let’s go guys!! to the point!! wheee!!”

please never change but also get out of my sight

.

Octavia

you always main the new character until the new person drops

somehow always have enough credits to buy the new champion whenever they come out

you don’t like having a stable main cuz you get bored

you like hanging out at the training rage

hate siege and love team death match, you like your games quick

.

Pip

you are the worst and best thing to ever happen to this game

you only pick him to heal yourself and hardly ever heal your team

no one notices you there until you ult

then you get focused

honestly you just seem like you wanna do your thing and i can respect that

.

Raum

you probably go to therapy or desperately need it

“BIG MAN BIG. HE IS BIG. BRRRR”

you always love the demons in media

you like being in charge of the team and wreck the point any time you are there, you like fighting on your own but having a healer nearby is nice too

you probably have daddy issues

.

Ruckus

you think ruckus’ and bolt’s dynamic is cool and that’s one of the main reasons you started playing him

he’s the only tank you can play

you used to main either inara or ying at some point but chose violence instead

really short irl. you physically relate to ruckus and spiritually to bolt.

“funny goblin man :)”

.

Seris

certified girlboss

you can hold an objective all on your own or heal your whole team no problem. either way you are SLAYING

“alright. who’s ass am i kicking today?”

mum energy is inferior to inara but still kind of there

i’m like 50% sure you have a foot fetish

.

Sha Lin

*pointing and chanting* incel, incel, ince-

whether that’s about you or the character you can decide

you like minecraft bedwars on the side

“if i don’t get this headshot i am literally going to spontaneously combust”

really useful when there’s no other long distance people - otherwise a nuisance

.

Skye

AWOOGA *jaw drops to ground, eyes roll out of head* BOOBA BOOBA BOOBA

you bought her for the tiddies, didn’t you?

she’s actually really satisfying to play once you get the hang of her, but can be real tough on rough days

you need a break i think - maybe play some other game for a bit?

*casually gets team kill with ult*

.

Strix

you own at least one pretty knife

you played him when he was unlocked on rotation, fell in love, and spent a whole evening collecting credits to buy him fully

“haha bird man”

i’ve said what i said about snipers. if you’re actually good at him you are hiding a body somewhere. i fear you.

why does everyone ship him with viktor????

.

Talus

little furry child

he reminds me of tommyinnit because he is small and annoying

if you play him you are tall and intimidating 

i’m friends with a tall scary talus main

i can’t say bad things please spare me

.

Terminus

you always ult at the worst time and just get killed again 5 seconds after

“hey losers watch this” *goes on the point, dies, revives, kills one person and dies again*

you’re only a good tank if you cooperate

you don’t

on your own you’re a pretty good player

.

Tiberius

*sigh*

you think the cat is hot, don’t you?

��his accent is kinda cute tho hehe”

you saw that one ending scene in zootopia with the dancing tigers and it CHANGED you

you are probably a furry. if not your awakening is coming. be ready.

.

Torvald

you’ve been playing this game for too long

you’ve seen skins rise and fall. you’ve seen nerfs and buffs. you’ve seen reworks and remakes. you are ancient. older than the dragons and wiser than makoa. respect.

people see you on the opposing team and get really annoyed

“the point is really crowded, we can’t move in” “don’t worry guys, my ult is charged up”

you’re really good at all the characters but you like this guy a lot because you think he’s funky fresh

.

Tyra

you’re either new to the game or have been playing for too long

either way you can KICK ASS but you need to keep behind your team to do the most damage

flanks are the bane of you, especially the fast jumpy ones

you really want one of the cooler skins but you can only ever get the basic ones. such is the curse of maining one of the OG characters.

“bite me”

.

Viktor

you are level 100+ guaranteed, and everyone fears you

“oh shit they got a victor. flank focus him”

you probably play COD and CS:GO normally and wanted to go with something familiar and easy. your skill from the other more advanced games DWARFS everyone else

but why are you playing “guy with gun 132″ in a game with magical elves and fairies. like come on bro.

you don’t have any in-game friends because paladins is your guilty pleasure game you would never admit to

.

Vivian

“step on me” syndrome cranked up to 100%

this woman could spit on you and you’d still respect her more than your own mother. good for you

“i’m not a simp. i’m just tier 3 subbed to pokimane ironically”

you sweat the game hardcore. former victor main or he’s your secondary.

you’ve got her on level 50+ at least

.

Vora

like the maeve mains but somehow worse

bought her out of spite or played her while she was on rotation, now here you are grinding credits for her a day after she became unavailable

honestly you’re really good at the game i have nothing else to say

you enjoy the newer characters more than the OGs - you’re either a former vivian or lian main

you miss the play of the game feature in the game because you’d get all of them with this girl

.

Willo

you seem like the moji mains at first but show your true colors soon after

“fuck you” x50

you are a trash talker on max overdrive. you need to sit down, do some breathing exercises and have a drink.

you hate your own team more than the opposing guys

when you see a willow on the opposing team you make it your sole goal to eliminate her as many times as humanely possible

.

Yagorath

i bet you didn’t know she was canonically female until you read this

you don’t like sweating too much so you pick the tank that leaves you heavily relying on your healers and damages

you can hold a point really well so you like siege and onslaught

“are vora and yagorath connected in the lore somehow and do i really care?”

you have a friend who you always party up with to be your healer, otherwise you might switch to another character

.

Ying

“tanks love me, flanks hate me”

you are too powerful. literally. how are you so strong

you’ve mastered the most difficult healer in the game. the others are really easy for you to play but you have trouble with seris

motivate your team a lot but start shading and trash talking if they don’t cooperate

you’ll gladly play someone else for a long while and like taking breaks from her

.

Zhin

this is your first main after switching over from overwatch. we can smell it on you.

you’re really annoyed with his personality and voice lines but the character is too good to play for you to pass him up for that. you respond to his voice lines aloud very aggressively to let him know he’s an ass

“YES ZHIN HEALERS AREN��T USELESS YOU SELFISH PRICK”

you try your best but you’re not a great team player

infinite trips on a good day, die repeatedly without kills on a bad one and you switch over to vora or skye for a bit.

.

this took me hours to write out pls leave reblog and note thanks uwu

[justgenshinstuf]

If requests are still open, Klee, Qiqi, Diona, and Tortelini?

Nanny Tartaglia, yay! Thank you for your request. I had some fun with it if you don’t mind, hehe :3

Team Headcanons: Tartaglia, Klee, Qiqi, Diona

You asked Tartaglia to help your friends out on a mission while you had to attend some business in Liyue for a few days. Helping city folk with their usual errands was pretty boring, so you wanted them to clear some dungeons, that were on your list for some time, instead.

Childe was eager to help you out. First of all, it was you who asked him. And second, he would never refuse an opportunity to do some extra fighting. It’s like working overtime, but actually satisfying.

He came into your room at the Inn to meet up with the rest of the team, but when he opened the door no one was seemingly there. Is this the right one? He looked around in confusion.

«Ahem!» He looked down, startled by the sudden annoyed cough. There was a girl.. a cat.. girl.. person.. staying right in front of him, her colourful tail swinging back and forth in irritation. «So you are that guide Traveler assigned to escort us? Pff.. I told them we can handle it ourselves».

Diona grabbed her bow and walked right past Tartaglia into the hallway, while he paused in utter confusion. A guide? Assigned to escort? What the…

«Hey, are you slow or something?» The cat-girl hailed him, visibly getting impatient, tapping her little foot. «The girls are waiting outside, hurry up».

Okay, so this was new. Childe could almost perfectly visualise your cunning little face. Was it to get back at him for that other time? Well, it didn’t matter, the job needed to get done. And now he was on his way ‘escorting’ Qiqi (okay, the purple one), Diona (the angry cat one) and what was it… Klee (the hyper one).

It wasn’t entirely a new experience. Tartaglia has exactly three younger siblings back at home, so he knows the gig. But caring for three kids at the same time wasn’t really the experience he would dream to go back to. Childe adored his brothers and sisters of course, but he also could remember quite well how hard it is to manage children. This is going to be a long trip…

K: Brother Tartilya, look what I have! T: It’s Tar-ta-glia. Wait, is that a bomb?!

T: Qiqi, please, I’ve told you not to put hands in your mouth. T: … T: Klee, why are you okay with her eating your hand?

D: You can’t even hold your bow right, what a loser! T: Yeah? Well, please, show me how it’s done, little lady, I’m VERY interested. D: *shoots a bird on the fly* T: …Okay, no snacks for you, kitten.

T: Qiqi, why are you laying on the ground face down? Q: I’m dead. T: Yeah, I know, that’s not what I asked.

T: If you can hear me, clap your hands! T: WAIT, KLEE, NOT YOU! *BOOM*

T: *draws a circle on the ground* T: This here is the TIME-OUT zone. If you misbehave you go in th… Qiqi, why are you in the time-out circle? Q: I’m tired. T: Well, okay. Klee? K: I put a bomb in your tent… T: You WHAT?! D: I’m not going in the circle, but I put a dead fish on it. K: Bomb-fish! Ha-ha~

T: Qiqi, for the last time, there is no Cocogoat. D: He is lying, I told you! T: Diona, stop encouraging her! Klee, sunshine, don’t be sad, what’s wrong? Okay, please don’t cry. Okay, okay, I’ll get you cocogoat-milk, but after we are finished here.

T: *pinching the bridge of his nose* T: Okay, one more time. What’s my name? K: Tartalini. T: Wrong. Next. Q: Tartaleto. T: No. D: Don’t even look at me, Tarta-i-don’t-care-glia. K: Tortillia. T: Nope. K and Q: Tortini. Tartata. Tartaloni. Tarantula. Tartoloni. Tartalinio. Tarlaya. T: *sigh* Okay, just call me Childe. D: HA! Child!

T: Klee, I can’t fix your ponytails if you won’t stay still! T: Diona, stop shooting pigeons! T: Qiqi… Wait, where is Qiqi?!

T: *coming back to the camp after clearing the area from hillichurls with Qiqi and Klee* T: Pour me one. D: 100 mora. T: 50 mora and make it on the rocks. They are the most destructive creatures I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen enough.

When they were finally done with all the missions, cleared all the dungeons and got the treasure, it was time to meet with you in the city.

Tartaglia looked a bit tired, but all the girls seemed more than happy and as energetic as ever. You all went out for a dinner in Wanmin Restaurant to celebrate.

«So, how did it go? Did you get along?» You asked with a genuine smile. You must admit, Tartaglia looked kind of cute with the kids. And they all seemed to love him, Qiqi sitting in his lap behind the table and Klee showing him something she found… Oh, it’s a lizzard… Well, anyway. Even Diona didn’t seem so glum, and that was quite unusual around strangers.

«Brother Child is cool! You should’ve seen how we fought the bad guys, it was like BOOM! SPLASH! BAM!» Klee explained excitedly, making some wild motions in the air with her hands.

«It was fun. Treasure hoarders freeze funny with Hydro» Qiqi added shyly, looking into her plate. «Brother Tartaglia found the cocogoat too».

«Yeah, I guess he’s alright. No complaints here». Diona added reluctantly. You could swear you’ve seen Childe pass her some mora under the table.

«And he promised to join us for the next mission too!» Klee said with the biggest smile, jumping up and down in excitement in her chair.

«Oh, really?» You laughed, taking a glance at the Grand Babysitter himself. He was sitting calmly with the kindest smile you’ve ever seen from him yet.

«Yeah, but you are coming too, my dear y/n!»

[sevenkittensinatrenchcoat]

1998 Film Tugger Rewatch Part 5

This part will run long entirely because of Misto’s number.

So, after Old Deuteronomy is kidnapped, Tugger disappears from his Perch only to return right after the Macavity fight. Where was he? Well, I have my theory:

When Macavity left with Old Deuteronomy, all the toms went after him, but he was nowhere in sight, so they divided the party to search in different directions. Tugger and Misto somehow ended up alone together and figured out that Old Deuteronomy was somewhere too well-guarded for them to just go there and get him back. Tugger suggested that Misto should just teleport him back, but Misto had never done that before and got nervous. He usually doesn’t lack confidence in his magical abilities, but he normally uses magic just to perform. There have never been actually stakes before. Tugger isn’t sure if Misto can do this either, but they’re desperate, so they have to try anything that could possibly work. Tugger decides to go back to the junkyard and hype Misto up a bit. Misto will be right behind him, waiting for the signal. Tugger had already planned to put on a show for Misto as a sort of Grand Romantic Gesture, but now it’s also a plan to get Old Deuteronomy back.

Before Tugger says “Please! Listen to me.” there’s this awkward cut and he’s speaking as if he’s trying to raise his voice over everyone talking. I think the rest of the tribe was supposed to have responded to his suggestion like, “Mistoffelees? The tuxedo kitten? You’re kidding! He’s a stage magician, at best!”. But, no one says anything, even though Tugger acts like they did.

This is also another bit where John Partridge and Tyler Hanes can be compared and contrasted. Hanes Tugger yells the entire “Listen to me and don’t scoff!” while Patridge only yells the initial “Please!” And speaks the rest softly. They also pace the line differently: 

Partridge: “Please! Listen to me. And don’t scoff.”

Hanes: “Please! Listen to me and don’t scoff!”

When Tugger starts singing and putting on a show, he comes down from his Perch and goes over to the kittens. It feels like he’s partially aiming the song at them. They’re all his fans, so they love seeing him perform, but the adults are the ones he needs to convince to give Mistoffelees a chance. Tugger found yet another purpose for the song here. I think he’s actually trying to use the number to distract the kittens from everything that’s happened.

Think about it. The kittens most likely hadn’t even heard of Macavity before tonight. Suddenly, this big, feral cat who looks like a monster comes in, scares even the adults, kidnaps the leader of their tribe, someone they’d probably see as invulnerable, and attacks and injures the adult most in charge of physically protecting them. Munkustrap is the one who’s supposed to keep them safe but Macavity is stronger than him. They’ve also seen Macavity attempt to kidnap one of the queens and even strike two of the kittens themselves. And Old Deuteronomy’s still missing. AND all the power’s out now. The dark makes everything scarier. This is a pretty traumatic thing for kittens to go through.

But, Tugger speaks up. He’s calm. He’s confident. He has a plan. And then he puts on a show for the kittens, so now it’s like they’re at a rock concert. Tugger basically shows up, and makes everything the kittens are afraid of look like no big deal.

And Presto! It looks like everything’s going to be okay.

So, a lot of what I have to say about this number I already said in the Mistoffelees rewatch, but there are a few more things.

Like this sparkly finger waggle. That’s a thing. Also, this is set-up for another lightning bolt. Misto’s gonna zap Tugger, apparently. Though, the special effects make the lightning bolts look pretty deadly, so maybe not. He was probably going to zap something right next to Tugger to make sure he still had his attention.

And then the zap doesn’t work. At least he still has Tugger’s attention despite his powers not working.

And then they start working a little too well. Tugger realizes that Old Deuteronomy’s life depends on a walking fire hazard. He didn’t come up with this plan ENTIRELY to get laid, but he’s still wondering if the plan is good for anything else. Actually, if it doesn’t work and they don’t get Old Deuteronomy back, then the “get laid” part of the plan probably won’t work either.

Well...I guess we’ll move on to the second verse then...Let’s just pretend that didn’t happen.

Tugger doesn’t know why Misto doesn’t want him to talk about the kittens. He thought that was awesome. He can CREATE LIFE whenever he feels like it! If either one of them wants kids someday, they can be summoned out of a hat.

Tugger hopes that Misto drawing a rainbow ring around him with magic is a good sign.

He’s got a kitten on each arm (Electra is hidden behind Misto) and they’re both watching Misto instead of obsessing over him! At this rare, Misto might have a fanclub of his own before the sun rises.

When it’s time to actually Do the Thing, Tugger runs around making sure that everything is perfect and nothing will go wrong. He makes the kittens stand back and tells the chaos twins that they’d better not try any bullshit. They weren’t going to, but he had to make sure.

And it actually works. Tugger wasn’t sure if it would, but he got his dad back. This is as close to a hug as Tugger is willing to go for.

“Hey dad, you know, Misto, right? He’s cute, he’s sparkly, he’s a great dancer, and also he saved your life with his magical miracle powers. Can I keep him?”

Okay, onward to Memory. But, there’s an interesting bit right before that:

Look at the right side of the picture. Tugger is there. On the ground. He’s not the center of attention, but he’s not on his Perch. You NEVER see him do anything like this at any other time.

Meanwhile, I think Alonzo might’ve been so impressed by Misto’s magic that he’s hitting on a tom for a change. Misto is ignoring him.

When they all gather around Old Deuteronomy, Misto sits down next to Tugger. Tugger normally doesn’t sit next to anybody, but I think he might’ve stayed on the ground just for that. Neither one really wants to make a scene but they’re both casually implying that they’re a Thing now.

When Grizabella shows up, Misto is the first to notice, which is nothing new. But, instead of the psychic twins being the next to immediately notice, at least with the camera close up on them, Tugger appears to be the second to notice, because Misto gets up and he has to know why.

Most of the cats make a big show of shunning Grizabella in this scene. A few of them hiss at her, Victoria tries to touch her again, Jellylorum yanks her away again, but that’s about it. Well, except for Tugger. The first time Grizabella showed up, Tugger stormed off. The second time, he basically did the feline equivalent of flipping her off and stormed off again. This time, he actually approaches her, and though still antagonistic, he basically tells her to go on ahead. If she has something to say, she should just say it already.

Tugger’s reactions to Grizabella are negative, but a bit different from the other cats and he’s basically giving her a chance here. I see Tugger as one of the younger adult cats, older than Misto, Jerrie, or Teazer, but younger than many of the other adults. I’ve got the timeline as Grizabella having left the tribe around two years prior to the events of the story. The seven kittens hadn’t been born yet. The youngest adults were alive, but too young to remember anything, so Grizabella recognizes Misto, but he doesn’t recognize her. Tugger was also a kitten when she left, but he was old enough to know who she was. He was most likely old enough to know that something bad happened, but too young to understand exactly what was happening and the adults never explained.

He doesn’t hate Grizabella because of The Incident. He hates that she keeps interrupting the ball, crashing the party, often stealing his spotlight. She keeps showing up and just hanging around without making much of a point and Tugger finds her annoying. That, combined with the fact that older cats don’t like her, is enough to get him to shun her.

But, Memory happens, Grizabella makes her point and she’s back in the tribe.

Tugger hangs back as various cats come up to welcome and apologize to Grizabella. Maybe he’s a bit too proud to apologize. I’m not sure. There probably just wasn’t enough time or space to show everyone interacting with Grizabella after Memory.

And when it’s Heaviside Layer Time, Tugger goes back to keeping his distance, though he doesn’t get all the way up onto his Perch. He just stands on the car. He participates in the song, so he clearly agrees with the Jellicle Choice, but it feels like something’s still bothering him. So, when the play ends, Tugger’s story isn’t quite finished yet. But, with so many stories to tell, they can’t all finish on time.

[ihaveafandom-problem554]

Hamiltots 2

"Honey! you've met Alexander, right?" Washington shouts from the reading center. "Yes, he's adorable.. and troublesome. He made a lot of friends on his first day.." Martha says while cleaning the tables over at the crafting table. "He helps Lafayette a lot- What!" George glared at his wife from across the room. "I said one thing about him."

"And that will be it."

"Oh please... Why'd you mention him?"

"He....He almost started a fight with Jefferson. He also called Lafayette 'Laffy' "

" Reason one, of why I called him troublesome... We really have to keep an eye on him. I don't want any fights between the thre- two" Martha says quickly trying to cover her mistake by coughing. "Three?"

"I said two George, did you sleep well?" Martha questions while walking over to her husband, placing a kiss on his forehead. "I should be asking you that question. But yes your right, I don't want him to get hurt.."

A couple hours later...

Hercules and Madison were the first to enter, greeting the two adults. Madison went over to his little spot in the reading center as Hercules goes over to the play center where all the toys were.

A couple minutes passed before Mrs. Martha heard a small knock on the door.

"Oh Alex!" Says the startled woman. "Where's Mom?.."

"Work." Alex blankly stares at Mrs. Martha. "Ok... Um come in.." Alex rushes in hoping to see Jefferson, but had a rush of disappointment when he only saw a book hiding someone's face. Another rush of disappointment when the hair wasn't large and poofy.

"ALEX!" Alexander turns his head around to see Hercules inviting him to the play with him.

JAMES MADISON'S POV yaay!!!

I slowly look up from my book to see the new kid run off to Mulligan. I sigh in relief, I don't want to meet anyone I don't recognize without Angelica first. She's better at meeting people than me.. I just get really shaky, and I forget how to speak.

"You ok honey?" I jump in fear. " Oh dear, sorry I didn't mean to startle you.." I look to see Mrs. Martha putting her hand on my head to calm me. "Yeah, I'm ok... Thank you for asking."

She smiles in awe. "Of course honey." She goes back to replace a some of the books.

I'm really surprised she doesn't have any kids... She's so nice and gentle. Always looking after  everyone, maybe that's why she owns the daycare.

I grabbed my blankie and put it over my head, letting the warmth hug around me. No matter how hot or cold it was, I will have my blankie with me. I don't know what I'll do without it.

40 minutes later

"Tu vas devoir lui dire les règles. S'il ne les suit pas, je le ferai-" I listen to the sound of a boy speaking french. "Ouais ouais peu importe. Je vais lui expliquer." Someone sassed back.

I'm taking the guess it was Lafayette, judging by Hercules and the new kid's reaction when he got closer to them.

Sugar.. If he's here, then...

I feel a shadow above me. I'm praying its Angelica, I'd do anything if it's her.

I take a peek. Poofy hair.. ok 50% chance..

It's not done.. 20% chance..

I look down.. It's not her favorite shoe's she said she'd wear today... -20% chance..

Fancy magenta shirt... -80%...

Hands are crossed and their foot is tapping... -99%- oh what's the point. Ladies and Gentleman, here we are, a pink loving, poofy hair southerner, troublemaker... please, you simply must meet Thomas, THOMAS-

He knocks on my book "Thomas Jefferson's home~ Now open up!" He takes the book out of my hands and places it on the floor, then looks back at me with a smug look, waiting for his 'good morning'.

"Good morning Jefferson...." I whisper, not wanting to be loud. "Louder" He demands. "Good morning Jefferson..." I say a little louder. " Come on louder than that.."

"Good morning Jefferson."

"If there was a scale on how loud people spoke, you would be at -10,000" he says removing my blankie out of my face as it falls. I look down, not knowing what to do, I smile.

"Why are you smiling?" He questions. "O-oh uhh, I-I... I don't know... I-I didn't know what to do.."

"Yeah, your pretty sad.." he says sitting next to me.

This is like a routine for us. If Angelica doesn't come first, I have to say Good morning to Jefferson, 'loudly' then read him a book 'loudly' until Angelica comes. When she does, we walk around the classroom and greet everyone, but if Angelica comes first, I have to recite the alphabet 2 times, loud enough for her to hear, then read on of the level two books out loud to her until Jefferson comes. When he comes we go around the classroom to help the adults, but I have to ask. Luckily he gets carried away and he does most of the talking.  

They claim it's to help me out of my shyness, I don't think I'm shy... I just... don't like to talk to people a lot..or be around people a lot... or look them in the eyes... sometimes they look really scary...Sometimes I feel like crying.... I just want to hide under a blanket and read with my blankie. I like that. Ooo! with Ice cream too! Sometimes with Apple pie with a bit of whip cream on it!-

"I don't know why your smiling, but I wanna know!" Jefferson jumps. "Oh I-I was just thinking about reading under a blanket- et w-w-ith Ic-Ice cream"

He looks at me, with this huge smile. His eyes are also lighting up. "Oh I love to do that with Laffy! When it's the summer we hide in under the loft bed I told you about, and-and we take all the ice cream or-or Macaroni and cheese Right? and-and we play all types of games in there. It's so fun" He says throwing his hands in the air then falling back in the bean bag giggling loudly. I giggle too. I love to see him in a giggly fit or excited for the littlest things, it's so cute.

"Ooo what do you do?" He says sitting himself up. "Oh! well um- I- When I'm alone I g-go to the Kitchen-en t-to find-" I try my best to look him in the eye, but when I do, he.. looks so interested... I never really looked him in the eyes while I'm talking to him. Has he always looked like that? "I try to f-find the best t-type of Ic-Ice cream, then I rush over to the bedroom and hide under my blanket and start reading the book I-I was reading for a while now..."

"The book where the girl saves the pig and the pig becomes really famous for some reason." He says cocking his head to the side. " Oh I also started reading it yesterday."

I don't know what I'm feeling but I think I'm doing the thing Hercules does when he's happy.. "Wait really!" I spoke a little louder than usual. "D-Do you like it!? Cause I do! I really hope you like it!-"

Third POV

Mrs. Martha is star struck at how "Loud" James was speaking, she didn't even notice Maria tugging on the ends of her dress. "Oh! Maria deary, what's- James apologize to her now!" Her voice switching quickly from a kitten to a lion in a split second scared both Maria and James.

"H-huh?"

"Not you Madison, I'm talking to Reynolds"

"O-oh ok" ending with a harsh cough, he turns back to Jefferson to who was bouncing in the bean bag for some reason.

"I didn't do anything to her. She's just a baby." he says playing with scissors. Mrs. Martha leans down to Maria. "What did he do now, sweetheart.."

Maria was on the verge of tears " Whe-When I was picking up m-my paper he dropped, I turned around and saw him go-going to cut my Hair!"

"No. I. Wasn't." He protested from across the room.

"Yes-Yes he did. Yesterday he-he said m-my h-air w-was t-too-"

"Calm down honey.." Mrs. Martha picks up Maria who was now crying out of fear. "Reynolds go over to the corner." He makes this inhumanly noise before getting up to the corner. " And put those scissors down now!"

Maria tugs on Mrs. Martha's necklace trying to grab her attention. "yes sweetheart?"

Maria leans in her and whispers.. " d-don't t-tell him I-I said t-th-this b-b-ut" Maria looks up to see if James was looking. "h-he sai-d h-he would cut m-y li-lips i-if I-I t-attled o-on him a-again" Maria trying her best not to cry out loud covers her mouth immediately.

Mrs. Martha almost freaked out but quickly gained posture to calm down Maria. She gave her husband the 'we need to talk' look. Washington noded strenly, then turned around sharply to rethink his actions this morning wondering if he did something wrong.

A little later more kids came in

" Mr. Washington... you need help with anything?" George looked down at his desk to see Jefferson trying to peek at his work. "You didn't need help yesterday, so what about today?" Washington smiles and pats Jefferson on the head. " We have new books, I think I might need help putting the 'Level 1' stickers on them."  

Jefferson immediately lights up. " Yeah! I can do that! Where are they?"

"The back room.." Jefferson ran over to the back room in insinat. "Don't start any fights!" he hears Washington shout at him. What does he mean by that?.. I mean if jammy is in there I won't start a fight with him... Or Laffy.. Angie.. she's a different story..

As opens the door slowly opens the door, thoughts still going to his head....That is... until he looks up.....

Alexander and Laurens stare at the poofy haired kid for a bit until Alex breaks the silence. "Ew, Get out."

"No! you get out! your not supposed to be here!!" Jefferson points at them, Laurens hides behind Alex as he does the talking. "Nuh-uh your not supposed to be here, annoying babies aren't allowed-"

"Alex! we don't say that to friends." Mr. Washington walked in with a large handful of books and labled stickers. How did he open the door- no idea.

"He's not my friend.."

"Alexander!" Jefferson goes up to hug Mr. Washington's leg. "He-He called me a stupid, poofy idiot."

"DID NOT-"

"YEAH HE DIDN'T SAY THAT-" Laurens finally pitches in. Jefferson glares at both of them. "Yes he did Mr. Washington-n-n...." He whines with a very dramatic pouty expression with large puppy eyes.  " I don't know if he actually said that, but you still need to apologize for calling him a-"

"But I don't want to..." Alex whines. "It not the matter if you want to or not, it's a must Alexander-"

"But why???" He complains once more.

"Alexander.." He says more sternly. Alex whimpers before turning Jefferson who had a fat smug smile on his face. "I'm sorry ...I guess"

"That's better, now I'm gonna leave you guys here for a bit, I will come back I just need to finish some paperwork." Washington says putting the books and stickers on the table. "All you have to do is to put the sticker on bottom right corner, right next to the opening." He shows them an example and tells them to do the same. "Good! Now Don't start any fights or you will stop helping me." He warns.

The three boys nod and smile until he leaves. "Why are you two here!" Jefferson spoke first. "I asked Mr. Washington if me, Laurens, Hercules, and Laffy can help him." ( A/N: I swear he's playing with fire...) "So Herc and-"

"Call him Laffy one more time, I will give you a paper cut" Jefferson threatens holding up a book.

Alexander mouth got closed by Laurens who shook his head and whispered. "He's done it before, it was big too. He once did it to Mr. Washington when he told him no." Alexander gave Laurens an annoyed look before staring back at Jefferson who sat down and grabbed a couple books and stickers.

...

"Where's Laffy?"

"What?" Laurens picks his head up from the book he was trying to read. "You said Laffy asked to help too, Where is he?" Jefferson says, sounding more like a demand than a question. Alexander rolls his eyes. " yeah he's with Herc and Mrs. Mar-"

"IT'S YOUR FAVORITE SCHUYLAR!-"

"Don't have one." Jefferson smirked. Angelica playfully tackled Jefferson on to the floor. " OW! GELICA!" Angelica flipped her puffy hair and looked down at Jefferson with sass. " First, You didn't greet me today. Now your helping without me!"

"I thought you were with Jemmy!"

"We finish greeting people in about two to three minutes and you know that Mr." Jefferson sticks his tongue out at Angelica before laughing it off.

"Oh that's Angelica, Peggy's older sister. We like to call her Angie but Jefferson's different so he calls her Gelica." Laurens whispers. Alex nods, he remembers her from the reading center incident. She's pretty... and scary

Angelica looks up. "Oh! I didn't know you two where here. You boys had a nice morning?" she smiles.

"Yep! Are you helping us?" Laurens jumps. "Yeah! I was trying to convince Jammy to come but he said he wanted to stay in the Reading center with his blankie..." Angelica sits down in between Alexander and Jefferson.

Alexander thought it would be nice to start a conversation with her but Laurens wanted to talk to him.

"Lexi, HamHam, Hammy, Ham, Alex, exy-"

"Laurens, what are you doing?" Laurens smiles when he finally got his attention. He also has one of the stickers on his forehead-

"I just wanted to name all the nicknames I have for you." Alex smiles wide. "You forgot dunce." Ok Alex's smiles fades into a scowl.

"Jeffy! That's mean!" Angelica protested. "That's the point.." He boops Angelica's nose, making it difficult to keep her scowl.

"Well I think, one of his nicknames should be cutie~" She says booping Alex's nose. Causing the short boy to have a small hint of blush creep across his face.

"Ew, Gelica I thought you had a good nickname for him. Not a lie."

"Jeffy, what is wrong with you." Angelica's hair whipped Alex's face as she scolds Jefferson who only smiled brightly.

"He did nothing wrong, you mother-" "Call that again you bit-" "Oh you wanna fuc-"

"Jefferson hunny! Come here now!" They hear Mrs. Martha call. Jefferson got out of his seat to see what was wrong. The other three got nosey and followed.

As they walked out of the back room Jefferson fell backward due to someone running into him. "OW WH- Oh Jam-"

When Jefferson picked up James' head, he saw tears coming down his cheeks. Jefferson starts to worry. "Hey Jemmy." Jefferson hugs him hoping it'll slow his hard crying. "He started crying when I came back inside. I tried asking him what happened but he just started to cry harder." Mrs. Martha kneels down trying to help both the boys up.

"Jemmy..." Jefferson cups Madison's face and squishes it a little as he does a pouty face. He does this with Lafayette when he's sad. A small smile appears on his face but it doesn't stop the tears from flowing.

"Wha happen?" He finally asks. Madison leans in for a hug as he cries harder.

"I-I can't find my Blankie!"

[overflowing-with-words]

Headcanon: Avengers Getting Pets. <3

Aight, this has been spinning around in my head for a long time, and I decided posting it all here would be a good idea. After posting this, I will find pictures of the pets and post also. <3 Steve: Gets a golden retriever. Names it Buddy, like the old-fashioned person he is. Bud for short. A few months old, but very playful. Bucky: Gets a Persian cat (those fluffy ones). Names it Annie. An for short. Tony: Gets some fish. Fish because he hates getting fur around the place and the other avengers have 'enough damn pets as it is'. He calls them fishy. Bruce: Has a stray cat for a pet. Calls it Bellus, latin for 'cute'. (Very Bruce.) Bell for short. Clint: Has a husky from the farm, pretty old dog. Calls it Amie , French for 'friend'. Ami for short. Natasha: Has a kitten called Akita. Black and white, one year old. Friends with Bell, always chases Buddy around. Loves teasing Boots and sleeping on him (literally). Thor: Has a turtle. Don't know why, but Thor likes turtles. Spider turtle, name is ..... Spider. A few months old. Peter: Convinced May to let him get a brown puppy. Very tiny dog, name is Boots. One year old. Loki: He has a pure black cat called Ares. Three years old, Al for short. Wanda: Has a pet parrot. It adores her, and will repeat Slovanian phrases if you try to talk to it. Called Birch. Two years old and still learning new phrases.

- Some avengers like Sam and Peter don't actually know Loki has a pet cat because Ares loves disappearing. Loki, Bucky, JARVIS, and Natasha are the only ones who can usually find him. - The reason Boots is called that is because the first time Peter got him, he went missing and ended up in the (extremely large) shoe cupboard and was chewing Natasha boots. She wasn't mad but did pick up Boots and bring him over to her room to let Akita play with him.

-Clint likes to pet Birch and call it a birb all the time. It has learned tp peck at him when he says that. - How Bruce got Bell: Fed her his leftover sandwich once and ended up bringing it to the vet to get shots before bringing it home and setting up a bed for it in his lab.

- The only reason Tony's fish is alive is because Peter built them a machine which automatically feeds them once a day. -Annie perches on Bucky's shoulder when he reads or does paperwork at his desk. If she sees Tony she will follow him around until he locks himself into his lab to 'get away from that pesky cat who won't stop following him around'. For reasons unknown yet, but Natasha suspects he dotes on her when no one's around. - Don't tell Thor, but Steve and Natasha plan to keep an eye on Spider when he's getting older and swap him with another turtle when he dies so Thor won't be sad. They don't think Thor will notice Spider getting a bit smaller. (He probably won't) - Buddy always gets into the Avengers laundry room and messes up Steve's clothes and he gets mad but always ends up laughing and shooing buddy out of the room before throwing the clothes into the washer again.

-Ami and Buddy have a rivalry. Buddy usually goes to annoy Ami while Ami just picks him up by the scruff of his neck (thats how big Ami is) and puts him wherever Steve is like : 'take ur damn dog pls' -Bell often smashes lab equipment to stop his work after Bruce has been working for more than 15 hours straight. He still hasn't figured out how she knows to do that, but he usually just goes to bed after she does because he knows she'll just keep breaking stuff and doesn't have the heart to lock her in his room or somewhere. - Ares once disappeared for a week straight. No one could find him until one day he stalked out of a cupboard in Tony's lab and as you could guess, Tony almost died of shock. Loki pampered him more after because he heard the screams from 6 levels above the lab. - Spider has been replaced 2 times by now. Thor still hasn't noticed. -Buddy once got into Natasha's clothes and Steve had to rescue him from her. -When Peter goes over to the tower, he will drop home first and put Boots into his backpack before swinging over. He does secure her with some webbing before swinging over though.

Aight, thats all for today! Pictures in a second post! <3

[gb-fics]

Dressed in Confidence

Fanfiction:

Kiryuuin Shou x Kyan Yutaka (Golden Bomber)

Note: So, you might have seen the self-cover Shou shared yesterday and it inspired me to write a fic right away. For the context: The character originally performing the song has a magic suit that makes him confident and popular with women. Please, don’t question how it works, we’ll just pretend a suit can magically change Shou’s appearance and personality in this fic ^-^ Also, if you haven’t seen the video, please check it out, because he is gorgeous in it and maybe it will make the story seem a little less random ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgzL_Ccmr1Y

„Just go over and talk to her already”, Yutaka urged quietly.

He didn’t know whom of the girls Shou had set his eyes on, but the glances he kept sneaking at the group of women opposite to their booth at the bar were more than obvious. Yutaka had waited to speak up until Jun and Kenji had went over to the counter to secure new drinks for themselves though. Shou was naturally self-conscious and Yutaka hadn’t meant to make him uncomfortable in front of the others. But his silent longing was becoming hard to bear.

“I can’t just do that”, Shou protested. Obviously, he knew what Yutaka was talking about immediately. He didn’t even seem surprised that Yutaka had noticed. “I’m not some kind of gigolo.”

Yutaka frowned. Although he was pretty good at seeing Shou through, he sometimes didn’t understand his reasoning anyway.

“Chatting up girls in bars and being a gigolo are two totally different things.”

Next to him Shou squirmed on the bench seat.

“I just don’t have that kind of confidence”, he whined.

“You are handsome, famous and you have money. Women have every reason to be interested in you. So, pull yourself together.”

Yutaka had lost count of how often he had given Shou similar pep talks already.

“I’m not”, Shou said right away. He cleared his throat. “I mean, I’m famous. And I do have money. But I’m not handsome.”

It was difficult to come up with the right reply to that. Yutaka never found the right words to talk about Shou’s looks.

“You should let them decide for themselves”, he pointed out.

Shou shifted his weight again. He reached down to check for the bag he kept on the floor between his legs. He had kept checking for it all evening, as if he was scared it might suddenly disappear.

“Please, if I go over there, I won’t even be able to look them in the eyes.” Shou winced.

Yutaka hoped that Jun and Kenji would hurry. The conversation was starting to make him uneasy. He didn’t know how to cheer Shou up without praising him, and he didn’t know how to praise him without making him uncomfortable. Being Shou’s friend could be difficult.

“What’s in the bag anyway?”, he changed the topic. Not the best solution, but at least a way to distract Shou from his self-pity.

“Ah, I wrote Party wo Tomenaide for that franchise, remember? They’re currently working on this magic suit and they gave me a prototype when I recorded the video for the self-cover. It’s supposed to make you cool and confident and popular with women.”

“And you brought it to the bar?” Yutaka hadn’t meant to let disdain sneak into his voice, but Shou pulled up his shoulders instinctively as if he wanted to shield himself from potential judgement.

“Just in case”, he said defensively. “We sometimes end up talking to women, when we’re in a group and I thought it might be a good chance to try it out. See if it even works. In case there is ever something I’ll need a lot of confidence for.”

Yutaka felt soothed to think Shou had only eyed the women as test objects to sate his curiosity about the suit and that he had not fallen in love from across the room. His tendencies in that regard were sometimes worrisome.

“Well then, give it a try”, he suggested. He had heard about the suit but hadn’t known Shou actually owned a prototype. He was curious, if it would work. Shou’s confidence could surely use an occasional boost and it would be great to no longer be the one responsible for it.

“If you insist”, Shou mumbled, but he was already fumbling with his bag. It was obvious he had only waited for some sort of permission.

He pulled out a suit coat and inhaled soundly before he got up. For a moment, he just stood there with the piece of clothing in his hands indecisively. Then he slipped it on in a surprisingly smooth motion.

All Yutaka did was blink and the next second, a completely changed person stood in front of him. Shou’s traditional Tamiya shirt had miraculously transformed into a silky, black suit. It even came with matching dress shoes. But it wasn’t just that. His hair had changed, too. It was styled in perfect shape and showed green streaks that made his look seem edgy and interesting. He was even wearing makeup that differed his usual style. A bright yellow flower stuck in his buttonhole.

Shou had transformed into someone so conventionally attractive, he might indeed start working at a host club.

Absent-mindedly he straightened his suit coat and turned towards the group of women.

He looked dazzling, but almost like a stranger.

Yutaka was surprised that he hesitated for so long before approaching the women anyway. He followed him with his eyes, curious how this would turn out.

Shou’s posture seemed straighter than usually as he walked through the room, yet he still managed to look awkward. He looked like a person who was arguing with himself about every step.

Finally, he stopped right behind a cute girl with bangs. Yutaka should have been able to guess it was her whom Shou had been watching. He would have chatted up her more light-haired friend, but when it came to Shou, she was just his type.

The girl didn’t notice him, though.

Shou just stood for a moment, although her friends had already noticed him. Seemingly, Shou had no idea how to draw attention to himself. He hesitated for far too long, before he reached out and tapped the girl on the shoulder. She flinched, which caused Shou to jolt in return and the whole situation was so awkward to watch, that Yutaka winced under his breath. The good looks and the confidence to approach women had done nothing for Shou’s coolness.

The girl turned around and even from across the room, Yutaka could tell that she seemed startled at Shou’s appearance. Her expression wasn’t annoyed but spoke of pleasant surprise. If a girl looked at you like that at first sight, it was very difficult to blow it.

Even from across the room Yutaka could tell that Shou would blow it.

Instead of looking at the girl while talking, he kept his eyes on the ground and his posture shifted, making it seem as if he wanted to curl back up into himself. He looked exactly as miserable and self-conscious talking to women as he had as a teenager. Everything about his body language radiated insecurity.

Yutaka sighed.

The woman shook her head. Instead of taking it with dignity, Shou managed to look even more miserable. Knowing him, Yutaka assumed he was probably blushing. He still didn’t make eye-contact.

After a very painful minute, Shou turned around and shuffled back to their table. He no longer seemed confident at all. His outward handsomeness remained, but it didn’t match with the way he carried himself at all.

“Sorry”, Yutaka said. “At least now you know.”

Shou sat down on the bench next to him again. Yutaka noticed that he wasn’t slumping down as usual, though, but sat surprisingly straight. It made him look taller and more self-assured.

“Too bad the suit is not working.”

“Oh, I don’t mind”, Shou said and turned towards him. His voice wasn’t as quiet and gloomy as Yutaka had expected. He spoke smugly. “I’d rather spend my time with you anyway.”

Yutaka eyed him suspiciously. The makeup suited him; his features looked more contoured and his skin smooth. His lips were always wide, but tonight they glistened invitingly. It was still Shou’s face, but the makeup brought out all its good qualities more strongly.

“What?”, he asked.

“Why would I waste my time with these women, when I can spend the night with a pretty guy like you?”, Shou asked. He was meeting Yutaka’s eyes head on. That was rare for him already, but tonight his gaze was challenging rather than stubborn.

Yutaka was so irritated by his unnaturally confident tone, that it took him a moment to realize what was going on.

“Oh, ha ha, very funny”, he said dryly.

“I mean it”, Shou insisted and placed his hand on Yutaka’s shoulder. He often did that, especially when he got tipsy and he had already had a couple of beers tonight, though by no means enough to justify him acting so out of character. His touch right now felt different, however. He wasn’t just seeking out body contact, he was using the gesture as an excuse to lean in, bringing them closer together. Suddenly, Yutaka was very aware of how close Shou was sitting.

“Let me buy you a drink”, he said, before turning around. Shou usually hated calling over the waiter and when they went to a restaurant together, he normally left it to the others. He was too shy and polite to raise his voice at strangers.

Now, he raised his arm and called out loudly: “Excuse me?” to make the young waitress turn around. “A bottle of champagne, please. Your most expensive one.”

The waitress nodded and headed off.

Shou turned back to Yutaka.

“Champagne? The expensive one? What’s gotten into you?”, Yutaka asked, still irritated. Before this, he could have written it off as a joke, but Shou would never waste money just to prank him. “You never order anything high-end.”

He still felt like he was talking to a stranger.

“Nothing but the best for my kitten”, Shou said.

Yutaka chocked.

“What?! What did you just call me?”

“Kitten”, Shou repeated. He sounded hoarse. His eyes trailed down Yutaka’s body and he didn’t try to hide the fact that he was shamelessly checking him out. It made Yutaka feel unexpectedly hot.

“Unless you prefer another pet name?”

And then Shou smiled.

It wasn’t a smug, cocky smile. His smile was warm and genuine and it looked just a little bit insecure as if he worried that he had crossed a line. It made Shou look shy and kind and charming. His teeth weren’t showing, but his lips seemed even wider and absolutely gorgeous and the small dimple on his left cheek didn’t seem as misplaced as usual, but it fit in perfectly with his handsome face. The smile turned him from a stranger into nothing but Shou, but the best version of Shou that he could possibly be. It was Shou the way he would look if he were no longer worried and self-deprecating; still shy but no longer scared.

Yutaka’s knees grew weak. But it wasn’t just his knees. It was his shoulders that suddenly held no tension anymore and his arms, that turned into butter and his whole body felt like it might just melt away when Shou smiled at him like this and called him cute names.

“Uhm”, he said.

“Your champagne”, the waitress interrupted them and Yutaka turned hastily, glad for the interruption that allowed him to clear his head. Something about this suit seemed to be working at least.

The waitress placed a bucket filled with ice on the table, that held a bottle of champagne. Steam was rising from the bottleneck, indicating that it had just been opened. Yutaka hadn’t expected it to be done for them already, but it was probably better that way. They would surely have created a mess otherwise.

The bottle came with four glasses and only their sight made Yutaka realize he had completely forgotten about Jun and Kenji. He wondered what was taking them so long.

“Let me get that for you”, Shou offered, although Yutaka hadn’t moved to fix himself a glass at all.

Shou placed his fingers on Yutaka’s wrist as if he wanted to physically stop him from helping himself. Once again, the gesture wasn’t untypical for Shou. He often touched people while talking to them, but this time, it had a different quality. Usually, his touches were distracted as if he didn’t really notice what his body was doing at all. But right now, he looked down on his hand resting on Yutaka’s bare wrist, and then he looked up, meeting his eyes, as if he wanted to make absolutely sure, that Yutaka became aware of the contact. His touch was fully intentional this time and Yutaka sensed heat creeping up his neck.

The touch lasted just long enough to not feel accidental, then Shou pulled back and reached for the bottle of champagne instead. He closed his long, slender fingers around the bottleneck firmly and took up a glass. His movements were secure and controlled. Yutaka had always admired Shou’s hands, that seemed too elegant and coordinated for someone who moved the way he did. But when it came to his hands, Shou always seemed to know what he was doing.

He poured a glass of champagne without spilling a drop and held it out to Yutaka.

Yutaka thought that with all the things that had changed, Shou’s hands had stayed exactly the same.

He took the glass and Shou held his gaze for a moment. It was Yutaka, who looked away first. Shou was wearing coloured lenses and his eyes were bright and intriguing. He didn’t seem in a hurry as he poured himself a glass as well.

Yutaka watched his movements closely. He could still recognize Shou’s way of moving, but he seemed less stressed and therefore less awkward. The only real difference seemed to be, that he was relaxed for a change and Yutaka wondered, if Shou would always look this sexy, if only he managed to put him at ease more.

Shou placed the bottle back into the bucket and held up his glass to Yutaka while meeting his eyes again.

“To a night full of fun”, he said. He said it like he was thinking of something dirty.

“To a fun night”, Yutaka agreed and clinked his glass to Shou’s. He did his best to make it sound less suggestive.

He emptied half of the glass in large gulps. The champagne made him feel bubbly inside, but he doubted it was because of the alcohol. This version of Shou made him nervous.

“Tastes expensive”, he observed lamely, although he couldn’t tell one champagne from the other.

Shou smiled again and once more, Yutaka thought that his lips looked stunning tonight.

“Oh, you guys ordered champagne!”, Kenji’s voice chimed in unexpectedly.

“When did you change, Shou? Is that the magic suit?”, Jun asked and pulled up his chair to sit down opposite to them.

Although Yutaka had hoped to be rescued from this weird tension, he still felt mad at them for interrupting.

Kenji placed himself on the bench next to Shou.

“He brought the suit to the bar to pick up girls, but it doesn’t work”, Yutaka declared maliciously. He was no longer sure if he was annoyed with Jun and Kenji for showing up, or for staying away for so long, or with Shou for acting so weird in the first place.

Shou patted the bench next to himself.

“Here, Kenji, come closer”, he said.

Kenji shuffled closer.

“Why?”, he asked. It was very much like Kenji to comply first and ask questions later.

Shou raised his hand and ran his forefinger across Kenji’s sharp jawline.

“So I can get a better look at your handsome face.”

Something inside of Yutaka constricted uncomfortably. He didn’t know why he felt so upset, but he couldn’t deny that he felt jealous of Kenji. Since the suit hadn’t worked on the girls, he had assumed it was only him having this effect on Shou.

“Oh god, what’s up with you?”, Jun asked, sounding seriously worried.

Kenji gave an embarrassed sound, but started pouring champagne for him and Jun as well without waiting for an invitation.

“The suit is turning him gay”, Yutaka explained nonchalantly and emptied his own glass.

“What’s turning me gay is sitting here with such cute guys”, Shou said lightly. He didn’t sound embarrassed at all. Rather than joking, he seemed flirting.

“That’s disturbing”, Jun said somewhat too loudly. “Someone get him out of this suit!”

Shou batted his eyelashes before looking right at Jun at the other side of the table.

“Please, Jun”, he said. “If you want to undress me, all you have to do is ask.”

Jun made a startled noise that turned into a mixture between a nervous laugh and a cough.

Yutaka placed his glass on the table too soundly.

Shou turned towards him. He leaned in closely.

“Don’t be jealous, kitten”, he said lowly. “I haven’t forgotten about you.”

Yutaka wondered how Shou had noticed his feelings without even looking at him, when Yutaka had troubles naming them himself. He felt oddly happy when he heard the pet name again. Shou hadn’t used it for Jun and Kenji. Maybe that meant something.

“I’m not jealous”, he lied and reached for the bottle of champagne. “I just need more alcohol, if you’re going to stay like this.”

He poured himself the rest of the champagne until his glass was so full, it nearly overflowed, before he put the empty bottle back onto the table.

Shou pulled the flower from his buttonhole. Up close, Yutaka could tell that it was a yellow rose.

“Here”, Shou said. When his voice was so low and deep, Yutaka’s body turned into butter again. He wondered, if Shou had the same effect on Jun and Kenji while wearing the suit.

“What are you doing? Get that thing out of my face!”

“Take it”, Shou insisted. “This one is only for you. To remind you, that you’re special to me.”

Yutaka hesitated. He wished Shou would sound joking, because a joking Shou was something he knew how to deal with. He still had the feeling that he was getting pranked, but he didn’t know how to avoid it.

He took the rose gingerly and placed it on the table plate demonstratively instead of keeping it in his hands. Shou’s facial expression was impossible to read. Yutaka could not tell, if he had offended him.

“It’s empty already?!”, Kenji complained. He had taken up the champagne bottle and studied it in disbelief.

“I can order another round!”, Shou offered right away and already raised his hand, but luckily, Kenji stopped him.

“It’s fine”, he said quickly. He seemed to be a little uncomfortable around this new version of Shou as well.

“Yes, I think it’s time we all go home”, Jun confirmed.

“No!”, Shou protested. “No, no! This party can’t stop! We have to keep drinking! Let’s celebrate all night.”

“It’s late”, Kenji pointed out.

“And you seem to need rest the most”, Jun agreed.

“You should take off this suit”, Kenji added. He spoke very gently, not like he was soothing Shou, but as if he was seriously worried about him.

“They’re right”, Yutaka said softly. He realized that he was worried about Shou, too. Tonight, he seemed unpredictable and possibly reckless. “Let’s pay the bill and then I’ll take you home.”

Shou turned and looked at him cheekily.

“I see, so you want to continue the party elsewhere.” His tone left no room for wondering what kind of party he had in mind.

“What? No!”

“I’ll take you to a fancy hotel”, Shou suggested and this time, he leaned in so far that Yutaka involuntarily pulled back. “Just give me a chance. If you let me, I’ll make you feel things that no woman has ever made you feel before.”

Yutaka’s neck felt hot again and now his face started to heat as well. He thought of everything that entailed. He thought of feeling Shou inside of him.

“Just let me try”, Shou coaxed, but he no longer sounded flirtatious. He sounded like he was begging. The despair in Shou’s voice scared him. He didn’t know what to do with it.

“Shou”, he said as sternly as possible and grabbed him by the shoulder to push him back. It felt like dealing with someone, who was very, very drunk. “It’s really time you take off that suit and get some sleep.”

Shou pulled back from his touch and wrinkles were showing around the root of his nose. The lines made his face look so characteristically himself, that Yutaka felt almost relieved.

“I don’t want to”, Shou said and finally, he sounded like his stubborn self again. “I don’t want this party to end.” He seemed to be repeating the words like a spell now and gestured towards the table as if he wanted to include everything. “I don’t want this night to end. I want to stay with you all night.” He gestured towards himself. “Like this.”

Yutaka didn’t fully understand what Shou meant, but his emotions seemed so raw and honest, it pained him anyway.

“You can’t, Shou. You are not yourself.”

Shou hung his head.

“I am”, he said. “I am.”

“Hey”, Yutaka said gently and touched his arm. Jun and Kenji stayed out of the conversation like they always did, when Shou turned difficult. It was only ever Yutaka, who managed to soothe him. “You need some rest.”

“Fine”, Shou agreed reluctantly. “But you have to take me. And I’m keeping on the suit.”

“Okay.” Yutaka sighed. He figured they could argue over the details later. He looked up at their bandmates. “Why don’t you guys go pay? We’ll pay you back later. I’ll make sure Shou gets home safely. Maybe the fresh air will help.”

“Alright”, Jun agreed. The fact, that neither of them argued about splitting the bill immediately although it contained the expensive bottle of champagne proved they were all irritated by Shou.

“Come here”, Yutaka said as gently as possible and took Shou’s arm to pull him up from the bench. “Let’s get you home.”

Shou followed without resistance. He picked up his bag, that was now empty and allowed Yutaka to guide him over to the front door of the bar.

It was colder outside, although the temperatures were warm enough that they didn’t need a jacket. The cold air cleared Yutaka’s mind a little, but finally getting some distance to Shou certainly helped as well. Inside the bar, he had started to feel dizzy.

Yutaka pulled out his phone and opened an app.

“I think I’m going to call us a cab, alright? We can’t take the train with you looking like this. Also, you might try to pick up random guys, if we don’t get you home straight away.”

“You’re jealous again”, Shou observed and this time, he sounded gleeful.

“I’m not”, Yutaka muttered and requested a ride before putting the phone back into his pocket.

When he looked up, he realized Shou was standing awfully close again. The suit seemed to be making him taller as well, because Yutaka had to look up to him slightly. Maybe it was just his straight posture in combination with the heel of the dress shoes though.

“Have you heard of personal space before?”, he complained and took a step backwards.

Shou took a step forward immediately. If anything, he was standing even closer than before.

“Sorry, that my handsomeness is making you nervous”, he said with a sleek grin. Yutaka had not thought that to be sentence he would ever hear from Shou unironically.

“Uh”, Yutaka said. He had been meaning to deny it, but Shou’s face was so close now, that he forgot how to say words.

“Shh, kitten”, Shou said quietly. He reached up and cupped Yutaka’s face with both hands. His touch was gentle but very secure. Yutaka could sense how bony and strong his fingers felt. They were surprisingly cool.

He knew that he was supposed to pull back, but he stood frozen, and he felt guilty for that. He knew that Shou was not himself and it was up to him to keep the situation from getting weird. But truth was, that he liked the way Shou touched him and he liked it when he held his gaze for so long and he liked it, when he called him kitten.

“Don’t”, he forced out softly anyway. “You can’t just do something like that in public.”

They were the only ones out on the street, but someone might walk out of the bar any moment. Anyone could see them.

“I don’t care”, Shou said. “I don’t want to worry about who could possibly see us. I’m tired of always worrying. I just want to kiss you.” He paused. “May I?”

Yutaka knew exactly what the answer was supposed to be. Under no circumstances could he allow this to happen, because it was reckless and dumb and moreover immoral.

“Yes”, he whispered.

Shou leaned in and kissed him with astonishing force. His kiss wasn’t hesitant at all. He kissed like he knew what he wanted. His lips were soft and his hold on Yutaka was firm. It made him feel very safe and oddly frail. He parted his lips and allowed Shou to kiss him like no one had ever kissed him in a public space before. Their teeth clicked together and Shou’s nose brushed his cheek and when he pulled back eventually, Yutaka was out of breath.

Shou looked at him and he broke into that sweet, bashful smile again, that looked so much like him, except lighter and happier than Yutaka had ever seen him before.

For a moment, he thought that he might just give in. He considered going back to a hotel with this new version of Shou, who would hold him in his strong arms and whisper sweet nothings into his ear and kiss him full of confidence. Yutaka would grow weak in his arms, because he was handsome and cool and self-assured.

But it wasn’t real.

“Stop it”, he said as gently as possible as Shou moved to lean in once again. “This is no good.”

“We can go somewhere more private”, Shou offered immediately.

Yutaka shook his head.

“It’s this suit. There is something wrong with it. It obviously works on men instead of women. It’s making you weird. You need to take it off.”

“No, no, please”, Shou said and he reached up instinctively, clawing his hand into the lapel of the suit coat as if he was scared Yutaka might try to tear it off. “This suit is not changing me. It’s just making me more confident. It’s … This is me. This is the version of me that’s in my head. It’s who I want to be. All the time. I don’t want to … I can’t let this end. I want to stay this version. I don’t want this party to end.” Vaguely he gestured back to the bar.

“So, you want to be someone, who promiscuously hits on all of his bandmates?” It had been meant as a joke, but it came out bitter. The way Shou had touched Kenji’s face made their kiss just now meaningless – regardless of whenever it was the suit or something Shou repressed violently.

“I want to be someone who is at terms with and open about his sexuality”, Shou blurted out.

Yutaka was pretty sure that the surprised was written all over his face. Before tonight, Shou had never indicated liking men at all.

“I want to be able to joke about it”, Shou said. “I don’t want to hide from the people closest to me. But most importantly, I want to show you how I feel. You’re the person I …”

He finally let go of his suit coat and his arm dropped down by his side as if he no longer had the energy to gesture at all.

“I wanted to try if the suit worked. I thought, if it does, I’d one day wear it to tell you. I wasn’t meaning to do it right away. Things got out of hand. I was scared of this night ending, because … I don’t know what will come afterwards.”

Yutaka licked his lips.

“So, you …?”, he started, but didn’t know how to finish the question.

“Yeah”, Shou confirmed. “I love you. And when I’m wearing this suit … when I’m wearing it, I’m cool and handsome. I’ll keep wearing it. And if you give me a chance, I think I can make you like me a little too. You allowed me to kiss you like this. You are at least somewhat attracted to me in this suit. I can be this version of myself for you. I’ll keep being it.”

Yutaka shook his head slightly.

“What are you going to do?” He wasn’t mocking Shou. He was sad, because Shou sounded so desperate. “Keep wearing the suit in your sleep?”

Shou shrugged and smiled helplessly.

“I hope they’ll design magic pyjamas soon”, he said.

Yutaka looked at Shou and all he saw was a handsome host. He had no idea where the despair in his voice was coming from. It was as if he couldn’t see below the pretty surface at all.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”, Shou plead. “I confessed to you. Don’t I deserve an answer?”

“Please, take off the suit”, Yutaka said. He suddenly felt exhausted. He was tired of dealing with this person in front of him. He just wanted to talk to his friend. “I want to give you a proper reply, but I can’t when you are wearing this suit.”

“It makes me better”, Shou insisted.

“This …” Yutaka gestured towards Shou and the green streaks in his hair. “I feel like I’m talking to a stranger. I need to make sure it’s really you.”

Shou looked at him for a long time and Yutaka was convinced he would decline. But then he nodded and slowly took off the suit coat.

He blinked and then Shou was already different.

He was back in his Tamiya shirt, his arms bare and pale and awkwardly holding on to the suit coat. His hair was blonde again and looked uncombed because he had run his hands through it early this evening. His face was flushed and bare and his eyes were tiny, but dark and so much warmer than when he was wearing coloured lenses. He kept his eyes cast down and yet Yutaka had the feeling he was seeing them for the first time tonight. He seemed small, hunched over once again and his head too large for his shoulders, making him look frail and in need of protection.

Yutaka felt a giant wave of affection rushing through him and he had to stop himself from wrapping his arms around Shou.

He had missed him. He had missed him so much more than he had ever expected. And he thought that this awkward little guy with the small eyes and the messy hair was the most beautiful version of a human being possible.

“Hey”, he said quietly.

Shou looked up briefly, but he didn’t manage to hold his gaze for too long, just as it had always been.

“Hey”, he replied.

“Do you …?” Yutaka broke off. For a moment, he considered that Shou might have forgotten about everything that had happened tonight. “Do you still feel the same? Without the suit?”

“Yeah”, Shou confirmed. “The same. Plus, an awful lot of regret for saying it out loud.”

Yutaka chuckled.

“I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.” Shou looked down onto the suit coat in his hands. His hands still looked the same. “I behaved awful tonight. Sorry for putting you into a position like this. Let’s just forget I ever said anything. In fact, let’s just forget about this entire night.”

Worried lines were showing everywhere on Shou’s face. His face looked all weird and wrinkly. He looked like his old gloomy, over-thinking self again.

“I should probably burn this thing to make sure I never do anything this stupid again.”

“You probably should”, Yutaka agreed.

Shou had looked happier when wearing the suit, more relaxed. Yutaka wanted him to look this happy always, but he knew they’d have to find a different way for that.

“Sorry”, Shou mumbled again.

Yutaka paused for a moment.

“Though, if I’m honest, I’m going to miss you calling me your kitten”, he confessed jokingly.

Shou looked irritated. Yutaka let him suffer for just a few seconds more.

“I’m also going to miss you kissing me”, he added.

Shou looked up and sucked in his lower lip. His teeth were showing visibly. He looked by no means conventionally attractive and Yutaka loved him for that.

“Really?”, Shou asked insecurely.

“Really”, Yutaka assured him without hesitation.

Shou started smiling and it was the same smile as before. The warm one with the cute dimple, that made his lips look gorgeous and that was shy and hesitant, but finally happy without a trace of worry. And Yutaka thought, that they were going to get there and that they wouldn’t need a magic suit for it at all.

“We can always work on that”, Shou said. “Right, kitten?”

[stimmypaw]

Stimmypaw reads Darkest Night! The fourth text post!

Back with these uh live reading comments! Remember those? yeah! I'm on the fourth book of Warrior Cats: A Vision of Shadows :D I read The Apprentice's Quest and Thunder and Shadow and Shattered Sky and now!! I'm here :D and boy did I have a time. Click read more to see it!

NEEDLETAIL?????????

Needletail???????????

What?????

OH???????

Wh THIS GUY IS TALKIN 2 DEAD PEOPLE????

HOW WHO IS THAT

OH MY GOD

These guys are weak and dumb skyclan is epic and sharing the territory with them is good, but of course sparkpelt isn't dealing well with change wink wink nudge wink nudge nudge huh???? (this is a nod to how I project into her and say shes autistic)

I am getting anxious for tinycloud SERIOUSLY how much longer until those kits??? Everyday you show up and its WOW my tummy ssure is HUGE AND BULGING I just Wonder Oh When They'll Be Born, probably pretty soon!!! :) and then they arent!!!! Birth dammit!!!

Cherryfall cut the sick and hurt cats some slack jeez youre Fine, youre not feeding half the forest and you have THREE medicine cats ready to help you if youre not feeling well

Bastard Cherryfall I hate you /lh

Dovewing and Tigerheart have relationship drama again. What is UP with those two I simply do not understand them

Watching Bramblestar trying to control this bizarre situation is actually funny he is so close to screaming "PLEASE dont be mad :c"

SOON WHEN???? JUST KIT THOSE KITTENS DAMMIT

Get her, Alderheart

They LITERALLY said something about sharing the territory, they were like "Stars have five points baby and we need those 5 clans togetherrrr" what else do these cats want??? I know its a big change but its necessary

Wait everyone shut up that cat is named Podlight this is so important to me

Dang these cats are really still struggling :c I wish they didnt blame each other

Harestar is so cool

What the FUCK mistystar????

God what a disaster of a gathering Starclan is gonna be so pissed everyone is doing the opposite of what they should

I was holding my breath oof

I hope thunderclan gives some territory too thats too small a space for Skyclan

Oh boy oh boy oh boy i am Anxious for these Kitties

Violetpaw is me having nightmares every night

Macgyver is a heavily gringue name and I have No Clue how to say it how the hell do you say it

Update its either Mick Guyver or Mac Guyver apparently

Its fun to see how different the sisters are from one another, I love them both

I also love their mom with the name identical to puddleshine wish I got to meet her

IM CRYING BRO........M...MDB.....NFBANN.....VIOLETPAW BELONGS MY DARLING MY DAUGHTER

Sadly Twigpaw is for gender binarism 😔 /j

Twigpaw is often in her thoughts and doesn't pay attention to anything around her and I love her for that

Bad news Finpaw is gonna lose his tail, good news I can draw his tail fin-shaped

Puddleshine surgeon moment!!!

I love Graystripe and Millie

And I love that being flirty is a part of Sparkpelt's personality, I don't know what Alderheart is talking about she's always been dandelion-headed

Ok this is epic, I’m glad we’re breaking gender roles in Warrior Cats my heart dropped when the books called Briarlight cr*ppled, that’s the thing they promised not to do anymore recently right? I’m not sure but, I could use some uh less ableism on my Warrior Cats, the series is old but the newer books should be better, so yeah, good modernize these cats babyyy

OH COOL Skyclan journey!!! Fun I hope they find someone :] also fuck Molewhisker and Cherryfall bastards.

Jayfeather is gonna miss Alderheart too much for him to leave hehehe

ALL of Starclan showed up just to call out Riverclan pahahah

oooo is shadowclan haunted?????

FINALLY TINYCLOUD IS KITTING YES GOD YES GO QUEEN GOOOO!!!!

I wonder why Twigpaw wants to stay behind, there has to be more than just the camp stuff

"I wish I were more positive like Twigpaw, but at least I'm just as scarred by the death of my loved ones as my dad :] I like being like him"

Violetpaw witnesses a car crash 😔 that was a bit messy what happened to those cars also why the hell was one of them smaller was it a bike??? Or ???? Idk what's up with it!!!

Needletail just happens to have slow-down turned on for her on the discord chat so she can only say like a few words each hour :/ why the hell is she here tho Violetpaw needs to get OVER your death!!!!

This short exchange has made me love Dewpaw

Also, I love Twigpaw, I still wonder why she stayed behind tho

Ahh, is it cus she feels too estranged from her family :c ? I wish her mom was around maybe that would help

Jee Twigpaw be a tad more empathic, I can see Twigpaw struggles with that sometimes

You can't cheer him up right now he's grieving, just find him on common ground, talk to him, don't try to make him happy just try to keep him company

Oh wow finpaw that's a dangerous thing to say I hope Twigpaw doesn't crumble under the pressure to never be sad because people like her because she's happy and her being sad would be bad

ALSO I JUST REMMEMBRERD UH TWIGPAW MENTIONED BRIARLIGHT BUT BERRYNOSE IS RIGHT THERE???? HE IS RIGHT HE DIDNT DIE OFF SCREEN IM SURE OF IT WAIY

BERRYNOSS IS RIGHT THERE I CHDCKED!!!! HE LOST HIS TAIL TOO AND HES A GREAT WARRIOR, TWIGPAW!!!! YOU SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED IT ITS MORE RELATABLE

Okay I'm glad they're getting along this is nice

Oh look twigpaw you Are like your father :] this is cute

Skyclan begins to fish competitively I'm glad

I like it when medicine cats bicker about their leader's behaviors ehheheh, Jayfeather talking about how weak Shadowclan is, Alderheart being annoyed at his father for wanting to stay silent, the others worried about the tensions this is all cheff the kisser

Jayfeather spitting the truths about how Starclan doesn't know shit, and he is very much one to speak

Puddleshine: Rowanstar stepped up the patrols :c

Leadstar: He has warriors enough for that?? Damn good for him

Dang poor Skyclan I hope they manage stuff better soon

Oooo the girls are fighting!!!

Alderheart starclan anxiety time dang

Sheep :]

Needletail :[

I'm sad Ravenpaw isn't here, this is a lovely reunion scene but knowing Barley will be alone when they all leave breaks my heart

Oh, maybe not, but if they stay I'll be sad also cus Skyclan needs its warriors

Aw man, Twigpaw is struggling :c

OUCH

I WANT SKYCLAN 2 SWIM THO......

Omg crimes

That sounds kinda possessive twigpaw!

DOVEWING?????

T

WhHAHAGAHAHA WHERE DID THAT COME FROM

omg tigerstar 2 real

Whats he gonna do to rowanstar???

ALRIGHT THATA OVER THEN PAHAHA

Aw, I'm glad they're having fun tho, and that twigpaw sees herself as skyclan

Alderheart, as he meets someone for the first time in a while: ARE YOU OKAY???

Blackstar protagonist moment

The medicine cats: our gods are toying with us again and destiny is uncertain

Leaders: I cannot DO this right now PLEASE leave and let me care for The Real Issues

Alderheart: YOU WILL hang out at my house Willowshine this isn't up for debate

Riverclan suffered enough and it's their turn to throw a tantrum about it, honestly good for them hsghahah

Alderheart asks his father to go on a quest to check people's feet

WHAT THR HELL IS A CANTANKEROUS

Alderheart and Willowpelt sitting there watching Shadowclan fight

This is really funny

HEWWO????

Puddleshine, in his eyes: help help

I love Skyclan

Ok this sounds like it's gonna be very very fun

Mission impossible: Escape From São Paulo

Oh, is Fallowfern deaf? That's so poggers omg I wanna see more of her

Edit: fallowfern is an elder that lost her hearing with age and retired after that happened :/ boring

I love leafstar so much

Juniperclaw: aren't you gonna punish her????

Leafstar: why

Juniperclaw: when I tell rowanstar he's gonna be pissed

Leafstar: don't tell him

Juniperclaw: the fuck is wrong with you and your clan??? Where is everyone???????

Leafstar: busy

Icon

I don't trust abled people specially able-bodied people telling disabled people they just have to train harder and feeling sorry for yourself won't help.

But this is the closest to a positive message to disabled people we have ever had in warriors so I guess I'll take it but I want better

IVYPOOL!!!💖💖💖💖💕

Dang ivypool what a way to show someone you miss them hahaha

Twigpaw: uhhhh how's dovewing?

Ivypool: what do you mean did she do something illegal I'm sure she did

Ivypool is a seriously funny character WHY are you yelling at the young adult about your sisters illegal activities she doesn't know anything about it!!!!

Alderheart goes on an adventure

Feet inspector on the road!!!!

Jasper is so funny I love him

Omg what's he got against clan cats??? What's his sad backstory????

YEESSSS SPARKPELT MY LOVE 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💕💕💕

Sparkpelt your opinion sucks but I love you

I'm really really glad they had this moment this is really sweet, they hadn't talked for a while but this is genuine like, we hadn't had this sort of relationship in so long in the books with just, dialogue yknow??? THEYRE TALKING ABOUT THINGS

And the pause Sparkpelt takes between her speaking to fix what she's saying "I'm sorry for saving you :c no wait uhh not exactly but like" this is so good so natural so fun I love you sparkpelt

I get why she has a diferent opinion on Skyclan it's good for someone close to Alderheart to have a different mindset from him and for him to have someone like uh be opposites from him a lil yknow contrats his characteristics makes both siblings fun round and full of kitty do you get what I'm saying???

I love this

I love Sparkpelt, love her lil anxious moments, love her, love that she just wants to fool around with toms and enjoys Larksong but doesn't want to get serious you go girl

They wanted to write smart-ass they wanted to write smart-ass so bad

They're doing this in the rain?????

I'm quite certain Violetpaw is a young adult by this point its valid for her to go

Wh why did you let your cat out in the rain dude!!! When it comes back it's gonna dirty up the whole place it's wet out there!!!! And the cold is gonna get in the house!!!!!!!

I WAS HOLDING MY BREATH OH LORD

That was SO INTENSE AND SO FUNNY AND SO MUCH, IM SO GLAD SHE MADE IT I GOT SCARED

Oh this is so epic

That moment when your cat nearly dies and then it runs off and you go after it and then a bunch of other cats show up and start running with it

I hope Twigpaw can see the others soon

Glad to see her keeping her medicine cat knowledge ehehehe

???????

Sandynose I hate you you are so abled

Sandynose: I don't want my son to feel distanced from his peers so I'm distancing him from his peers

DOVEWING???

SANDYNOSE SHUT UP IM GOING TO KILL YOU ANS MURDER YOU

I'm so upset with Sandynose WHY isn't leafstar seeing this WHY DOESNG ANYONE SEE THIS SOMSONE PLEASE CONFORT AND LOVE MY CHILD TWIGPAW DOESNT DESERVE THIS

Angry sad upset why

Piscina

Thanks graystripe

Ok who's dying this time

Ok no one just a background cat got hurt he will survive otherwise it would be relevant

This was intense though what will happen now???

YES FINALLY

Oh this is lovely so good they're here!!! The rest of skyclan has arrived and we are all happy together

That dream felt good

NEEDLETAIL??? AGAIN

Where were you at!!!!

What!!!

Check this man's feet how many toes are there this could be good

What

Hegshahwha what the fuck is up with this guy

Okay I like him

Ohhh THATS tree

Change your name if you don't like it you sound trans already

Yeah nothing makes one smarter like dying

This is very fun I'm excited for more of whatever happening

Twigpaw :c

HIS SNIFFLES

Oh no

Hhhhnn I want Twigpaw to be happy so bad, I hate seeing her struggles

Sandynose you are so evil and very detested by me

You can and you SHOULD feel angry at Sandynose he SUCKS and he is being needlessly mean at you!!!!! There are much better ways to bring up the possibility that maybe you'd be happier with thunderclan!!! Fuck off Sandynose

Oh so Snowbush hasn't improved, maybe he will die?

Poor Alderheart

Oh fuck there he goes

Yeah

Aw man, rip to the background cat

That was a heavy death too

Aw, I was hoping the rest of Skyclan would show up before the gathering, maybe just after it???

I wonder what's going on in Shadowclan

TIGERHEARTS MISSING HUH???

The couple was kidnapped

HUH????

Oh my lord oh fuck

Can't anyone step up to lead why do they depend on Tigerheart so much???

Jesus christ

Alderheart kills his gods

This is so chaotic and funny I'm worried as hell for shadowclan but excited a lot is happening

HI TREE AGSGAHAH

Tawnypelt >:(

Puddleshine: WAIT DONT KICK HIM OUT, CHECK OUT HIS FREAKY FEET INSTEAD

Oh dear

Twigpaw :c

TWIGPAW :CCCC Man rememebr when I said I hope Twigpaw doesn't crumble under the pressure of being happy for others? yeah

GET OUT SANDYNOSE I DONT CARE YOURE BEING REASOMABLE FOR ONCE YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN LATER

:C

I'm so heartbroken for them

Uh pdhsgahab okay then

Bye finpaw

Wow that was easy for him

This is fun

I'm still sad as hell

Okay there's a lot going on right now wow

The owl scene was funny as hell to picture, this dramatic prophetic moment and the cats just "uuggh is that a prophecy??? Nooo"

Okay so

There's some shadowclan cats missing, considering the many sleekwhisker maps I'm sure she's up to no good but I have no clue what happened to the others and I hope they're okay

Wow! That was really something

Fantastic ending to a very good book its, definitely a different energy from the third but I'm really enjoying this I'm still excited as hell!!! I got worried things would get kinda bad from here but nope!!!! Very fun stuff for now this is very very good and I am enjoying it

This is definitely one of the most fun arcs I've read so far!!! The drama the stakes the little moments everything is tying together really well into a very fun story I'm enjoying a lot!

I worry for Twigpaw and hope for her happiness, and Violetshine too, hope her and Hawkwing deal well with missing her. Tree is being interesting. Alderheart wasn't much of a focus here but always fun to see him trying to solve the damn prophecy no leaders seem to care about. Mousewhisker was okay??? Lots of very fantastic turns for all events and uh let's see where this all goes next!!!

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes pt17: Alone time

Eliza:I can’t believe your recklessness sometimes.

Valerie:I wasn’t going to actually fight her.

Eliza:You were seconds away from performing a suplex.

Valerie:Pfft, not like it would’ve worked.

Eliza:Not even disputing it huh? Need I remind you of your position in this school? Many students see you as a positive role model; especially the sports team. The upperclassmen included. You set an example for others so lead them well.

Valerie:I’m not as good or enjoy rubbing elbows with people as you. Semblance or not, it’s not like I’m the kind of person who starts a conversation.

Eliza:(Shooting your mouth off at someone is starting a conversation. Team speeches are-) Ugh, be that as it may, looking good by doing good is all I ask of you. It increases morale

Valerie:Oh yeah? Then why record the match yesterday?

Eliza turned her head and looked at Val. The athlete’s .eyes held a glimmer of agitation and anxiousness.

Eliza:Oh I see now, so that’s why you’re more aggressive than usual. Getting caught by Nicholas must be so irritating for the girl who’s supposed to be better than him; another check box on the list of ways he makes your life easier.

Valerie:Don’t talk like you know me.

Eliza:I know pride and jealousy when I see it. Or maybe, it’s something else entirely? If you’re letting my little comment from the other day bother you then I suggest you dismiss it. As for the video, originally I was going to use it to study the three of you for the tournament.

Valerie:WHAT!?

Eliza:It’s no different than a sports team watching the other team’s previous games. Then another thought occurred, this school would get a lot of traction if three sophomores took down such a complex piece of tech. It’s bound to spook some people who also plan on joining the tournament.

Valerie:You used us as a scare tactic? That’s...underhanded and yet, completely fair?

Eliza:Anything to ensure I remain in the top three. I will not spend time dealing with riff raff when my two biggest threats share the same bus as me. Consider that video an appreciation of all your skills, and a reminder of the eyes on you. Don’t slip up.

Valerie:I never do. It would be pretty interesting to see you beat Nick. I look forward to your challenge.

Eliza:You sound like Nick isn’t a threat.

Valerie:He isn’t. Granted his swordplay has gotten better and he has that new trick, but I haven’t been slacking off either. I’ve kicked his butt all my life and I’m sure I can do it again.

Her eyes told a different story. Eliza could tell that through all that confidence, the smallest glimmer of doubt had shown itself. She made sure to take note of it.

Eliza:Famous last words. The idea of Nick winning is a world that could exist; experience in loss is vaster than in victory.

Valerie:*grits teeth* Can we stop talking about Nick for onc-

“Val?” Called out the boy in question. The two girls turned around to see the boy walking over in their school’s simple white and gray P.E. uniform. He wasn’t sweaty like Valerie, but something seemed a little...off.

Eliza:Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Nick:Says the girl in pigtails. Might as well call them horns. Anyways hey Val, didn’t know you were at school today. Had me a little worried this morning.

Valerie:Yeah well...I slept a little late.

Nick:But...you’re in your P.E. clothes. Summer has the class as you so-

Valerie:I wasn’t terribly late. Just enough to miss homeroom.

Nick:Ah. Getting up was pretty rough for me this morning too. That Paladin took everything out of me! My body felt like lead. How are you holding up?

Valerie:I’m fine…

Nick:Really? That hit looked really-

Valerie:I said I’m fine, Nick! Stop worrying about me!

If the halls were crowded then that would’ve drawn a crowd. Instead her brash words echoed, making its own form of weird tension. Eliza took that as her queue to leave, while Nick stood there a bit spooked. Even Valerie was shocked at her tone.

Valerie:Sorry, I uh, yelling was an accident.

Nick:It’s, it’s okay. Hey you umm, are you mad at me by any chance? I only ask since Summer sorta did what you...just did; if I did something wrong-

Valerie:You didn’t. (Like usual) Can you give me a bit of space though? I’d like to have a bit more time to myself.

She hadn’t realized it, but Valerie just snitched on herself. Nick kept a neutral face, ‘overslept huh?’ The thought lingering a bit before giving a small smile. Suddenly he felt a little awkward, randomly swaying and folding his arms as if to shake off the feeling.

Nick:Alright, if that’s what you need. Still on to study tomorrow or…?

Valerie:I think I got it covered.

Nick:Cool, cool...see you around then I guess? Or not, I don’t know. I should head back now. Harriet must notice how long I’ve been taking by now, so, yeah… *stepping away*

Valerie:...Nick?

Nick:What’s up?

Valerie:Your face, it’s a bit pale. Get some rest okay? Seriously.

At least he knew she still cared. He gave her a thumbs up and started walking away again, but then whipped back around before she was out of sight.

Nick:Hey one more thing! I thought you should know Veronica is here so please, don’t beat each other up in the halls, rooms, or anywhere really. No touching at all would be nice.

Valerie:I already bumped into her.

Nick:Really? I don’t see bruises.

Valerie:Shut up, we didn’t fight. I could tell she was looking for one, or an excuse to let off steam.

Nick:What does that mean?

Valerie:She was looking much like herself. That annoyingly cocky attitude was a bit more...catty, for a lack of a better word. Atlas air must be disagreeing with her or something.

Nick:Yeah….or something…

xxxx

Veronica hadn’t moved. The young designer found herself still leaning up against the lockers, concentrating immensely. Her skull felt like it was under a jackhammer while her heartbeat sped up like a hummingbird. God she was so hungry, and the cafeteria scent…

‘In and out Veronica. Just keep your breathing in and out’ she told herself constantly. ‘You’re halfway through the day. You can do this…’

Bright side about this predicament was it seemed no one wanted to test her. She imagined that her entire attitude must seem pretty scary right about now. Good.

Her attempt to stay out of further trouble was unfortunately short lived when the scent of fresh sweat and body spray invaded her nostrils. That was a smell in any school, one that always ment the arrival of her least favorite kind of person.

Two sets of footsteps steadily got closer until they stopped right in front of her. Veronica looked up to see two boys in blue letterman jackets stand before her. One boy was tannish and had a well kept brown crew cut, his height towering over her but his build seemed similar to Nick. His eyes a shade of hazel that made the cocky grin on his face that was more punchable.

The other boy was taller, at least 6’3 and built like a wall. Veronica couldn’t fathom the amount of protein shrinks he might drink. He was pale compared to the first one and had orangey brown hair that was a crew cut that had less taken off on the sides and more grown out. His eyes were a dark green and though he didn’t look as cocky, his presence was enough for Veronica to know he thought that he was the big man on campus.

The first jacket said ‘Diabhalta’ while the second read.‘Winchester.’ That name was familiar from earlier. Nick had mentioned it when speaking to Eliza.

Whoever they were, Veronica wasn’t in the mood for this shit. It’s like she was a beacon for annoying jocks.

Veronica:May I help you, or are you just going to keep staring like a dead fish?

Diabhalta: Hey hey, take it easier there mittens. Just doing a little thinking, wondering if it would be a cat call if you gave me your number. That sort of thing.

Winchester:Laying it on a little thick there, Darren.

Darren:Oh I’m just trying to break the ice Maxie. A little humor to make that pretty face smile.

Veronica:If this is you breaking the ice then no wonder Atlas is so cold. Not interested, now scram.

Max:Sweetheart, curve the attitude. Obviously you’re new here but FYI, underclassmen show more respect.

Veronica:You’re not respecting my space.

Max:You’re not respecting our locker space.

Okay, this time she was in the jocks territory and not purposely seeked out. Maybe her luck was just bad? Veronica sidestepped out of the way and decided to leave. While Max opened his locker.

Veronica:My bad…

Max:Yeah it is.

Darren:Hey hey hey, hold on second here. “My bad” is a pretty half assed apology. Don’t you wanna try something a little more...hospitable? Maybe a cute little curtsy or something? No, well the view of you leaving is pretty nice so I shouldn’t complain.

Veronica: Fuck. Off.

Darren:Ooo kitten has claws.

He starts to follow behind her.

Max: ‘I swear he’s going to end up in prison’ Stop skirt chasing the literal puss and get your shit man.

Darren:I’m just trying to get to know the lady a little. Is that so bad?

Veronica:Darren was it? Listen to your friend and buzz off before you get actual claws, got it?

Darren:Ooo how scrappy. I don’t mind a little pain. That’s why I win medals for this place. Isn’t that right Maxie?

Max:If you need my help to get her attention then it’s probably a sign you’re trying too hard.

Veronica: ‘At least that one has a few brain cells”

Max:Besides, shouldn’t you aim for a girl that’s more… appealing?

That caught her attention. Turning around would’ve been reckless. There was no need to entertain these two, yet she couldn’t help herself.

Veronica: ‘Fuck this guy’ Was that a comment on my looks, or my features?

Max:Can’t say, all I know is what I see, and what I see is oh so not worth any time or effort. Why Darren is giving you the time of day,I’ll never understand.

Darren:Dude!

Veronica:Hmph, whatever. I should expect as much from you. At least you’re more charming than your father.

Max:Tsk, What did you-

Veronica:Goodbye. *walks away*

Darren:Hey! You can’t just disrespect him like that! Are you even listen- hey!

Veronica:Maybe if you learned to leave a girl alone then-

Her words got caught in her throat. Veronica thought they had gotten the message. That they wouldn’t bother her anymore and silently curse her names like others; the pain that ran through her tail said otherwise.

Veronica could start to feel her blood start to boil as she turned back around to see, to feel Darren gripping her tail with his disgusting hands. Max had closed his locker but didn’t look confrontational. No, he looked alarmed.

“Darren I think you overstepped.” He put his things down.

“I overstepped!? She’s the one running her mouth and mentioning your family like she knows anything.”

Veronica’s eyes matched that of a feline and her barely came out above a whisper. “You have three seconds to let go…”

Unfazed, he tightened his grip. “Or wha-”

Time was up. Darren couldn’t even finish the word before he felt the back of Veronica’s fist make a clean contact with the right side of his face, knocking spit and his body into the lockers.

“Darren!”

The boy was too dazed to respond or react to the feeling of the smaller girl tackling him to the ground as Veronica began to wail on him. Repeatedly throwing punch after punch in a fit of anger. Until Darren headbutted her off.

Now he was pissed. He got up and threw a punch that was quickly stopped by Max. “What the hell man!”

“That doesn’t end well for you!”

“It won’t for her either!”

Veronica ran back at him without thinking and was kicked right in the stomach, falling backwards for only a second before charging again.

Max tugged Darren behind him to act as a buffer and stiff armed Veronica. The guy really was a wall, but that meant nothing to Veronica. Her body slipped right through him and came out the other side to tackle the idiot who grabbed her tail.

This time they both hit the ground and started to exchange blows.

She was practically seeing red, blacking out from rage, adrenaline, pain, hunger; somewhere along the line she could taste a little iron in her mouth and pain across her face. Must’ve gotten hit, not like she cared, sound seemed distorted but she could still feel everything. Especially her knuckles that were getting tender, and the constant hands of Max trying to pull her off most likely.

She had tried to be patient. Tried to stay calm, tried to walk away, but she simply couldn’t. All she could do was keep swinging and kicking. Until….

“Get a grip Vee!”

The red stopped, her mind clearing enough to focus on control. Eventually coming to and seeing what had happened. Her arms had been secured in a tight bear hug. Darren was still in front of her with bruises that were already healing and a scowl on his that screamed “I’ll end you.”

To his right was Max who was also a bit hyped on adrenaline, his hair messed up and also thoroughly pissed. But something was off. Who was restraining-

A pit formed in Veronica's stomach as she looked to the ground to see gravity glyphs holding them all in place. She turned around to see messy familiar hair slicked back and shocked eyes. Nick had showed up, as well as a few other faculty from the sound of it.

The boy was out of breath and had a dark bruise around the bridge of his nose as he continued holding her.

“N...Nick?” Her voice trembled. “When did you-”

“We gotta move.” He said anxiously as he took her by the wrist and ran out towards the exit.

Darren wasn’t amused. “That son of-Nicholas! You think we’re done here!”

“Shut up man! We don’t need this kinda shit right now.” Max growled with an intense amount of bass. The glyphs vanished and he grabbed Darren as he ran off as well. Quickly pushing his friend out the door. “Go cool off and then come back. I’ll handle the adults”

“You can’t be seri-”

“Do you want to get beat up by three different people today!? Take a fucking walk”

Darren grit his teeth before spitting a mixture of spit and blood on the ground before listening to his friends instructions. Max let out an annoyed sigh before regaining his stoic expression and stood by the door as faculty and students started gathering.

xxxx

Veronica messes up, she messed up big time. It was one thing to make trouble for herself but it creating it for others wasn’t a thing she enjoyed. All she had to do was keep calm, walk away, and survive a day at school. Not be led through the back streets of Atlas by Nicholas of all people.

He hadn’t said a word to her but she hadn’t spoken either. The feeling of her blood rushing and the whirlpool of her instincts still washed over her like a sea of flames that did its best to simmer down. Nick must’ve been furious, he had a right to be. Veronica said she was fine when she wasn’t. Now this has happened. Veronica wanted nothing more than to scream at herself right now. How could she let this happen?

She continued to stare at the hand that held her wrist through an alley where Nick finally stopped and let go. Veronica wanted to say something but didn’t get the chance before Nick tossed a bag over his shoulder at her.

Veronica reacted just fast enough to catch it and was taken back by it. It was….jerky? Beef jerky at that. She looked to see him staring at her with concern. Veronica tried looking away but Nick tilted her back to stare into her animal like eyes. With her luck, he probably saw her fangs when she was screaming her head off earlier.

Nick: ‘So this is what I was supposed to look out for?’ You with me Vee?

Veronica:....

Nick:They sell those packs in the vending machines near the sports room. Taste isn’t that spectacular but I’m sure it’ll serve you better than me right now.

Veronica:....

Nick:Vee…?

Veronica:...Can you...turn around? I don’t want you to see me eat. Cover your ears too.

Nick:Uh, okay? *turns around* tap my shoulder when you're done I guess.

Veronica:Thanks…

Nick covered his ears and Veronica finally opened the extremely full bag. The aroma hit her like a truck and Veronica couldn’t help but let out a gulp the moment it did.

Nick clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, already feeling a little awkward after fifteen seconds. ‘Is she gonna eat all of that? The bag is a large size, people twice my size take a while to eat it.’ He was starting to regret making today's arm day in gym class. ‘Hopefully she just needs a few pieces of-’

The wind blew and the bag flew right by his head, completely empty and teared apart. The tap on his shoulder can immediately after. That...couldn’t have been the bag, no way. He turned around and couldn’t believe it, Veronica stood in front of him a little bit more composed than before. Her eyes were less intense, as well as her hair. Even Vee’s breathing was less erratic but she still wasn’t exactly calm either. The crumbs on her face didn’t help.

Nick caught himself staring a little too hard and tried to have a very even expression. Veronica was starting to look at him the way Summer looks at her scars. This was clearly a big deal to her. After all, this was all news to him.

Nick:Are you okay? Or you know...slightly better?

Veronica:Slightly better is a decent way of putting it, barely. My body hurts.

Nick:Well you probably have a few bruises, your lip and right hand is bleeding, and I might’ve tackled you a little hard once or twice whenever I arrived. I’ve seen explosive tempers but man.

Veronica:Did I...give you that bruise?

Nick:Consider it a team effort between the three of you. Serves me right for rushing in without thinking. Nothing a little aura can’t fix. Same goes for you I hope.

Veronica:I’ll be fine…

She walked towards him slowly and gently touched his nose. She did this to him. He might put blame on everybody but it was no doubt to spare her feelings. Veronica’s ears drooped down and she held back her tears. It was bad enough Nick saw her lose her cool, she wasn’t gonna let him see her tears.

Veronica:I’m sorry...really sorry. I’ve done nothing but lie, break promises, and caused you trouble. All on my first day too. Talk about pathetic. Now you’re hurt and going to be in trouble because of me.Frankly I...I don’t know why you aren’t yelling at right now. How can you tolerate me so much all the time? I wouldn’t be able to.

Nick:Well that’s easy, it’s not tolerating when you want to be around the person.

And just like that, Veronica was speechless.

Nick:Don’t get me wrong. Can’t say I’m okay with how today went or that I’m not disappointed that you couldn’t last the day; But you’ve always been a hothead. Today just explains why. Yang might’ve told me to keep an eye on you, out of love of course. So don’t be too upset with her okay? I wish I knew about this sooner. Pardon if I’m overstepping, but does this have anything to do with why you’re so reluctant to talk about Menagerie? Anytime I talk about visiting it’s always a no.

Veronica:It’s one of many reasons. Reasons I rather not get into, sorry.

Nick:That’s fair. It’s funny, we always talk about how we talk about everything but I guess something we can’t help but keep to ourselves. Did you think I’d hate you, or wouldn’t understand? Granted I’m definitely hazy on the specifics but I definitely don’t think any less of you. V-

Veronica:I like you…as in like, like you.

Blood rushed to both of their faces. Veronica didn’t make eye contact but she did take his hand and held it tight; it trembled ever so slightly.

Nick couldn’t tell if he was slightly under the weather like Valerie said or hearing the words aloud. Nick wasn’t dense like his father, but hearing a confession was still a crazy moment. Especially right now. A boy in his gym clothes and a roughed up school girl, standing in a snowy alleyway after running out of school. Maybe he should’ve slept in today.

Veronica:It’s not like it’s been some kind of secret. I was never good at subtlety. When you're around me...I try so hard for you to only see the best of me, though it rarely happens. So I kept quiet, from plenty of people. Unless you really know about faunus then how could you know what goes on under the surface? You’re the last person I wanted to tell. I thought you’d look at me differently.

Nick:Do I look that shallow?.

Veronica:I couldn’t take the chance. Not when you’re the one, the only who really sees me outside of my parents.

He wasn’t entirely sure Veronica meant by that. See her how? In what way was he different from someone like his sister or Valerie? Was it okay to ask that right now? He decided against it. Being pushed away earlier made him worried about it happening again.

So instead he told her a simple truth.

Nick:It’s not like you’re Shiva. I’ve stared in the eyes as she threatened my life and I still hug Summer without a care in the world. On a scale from one to ten, what happened at school was a two. If you ever need something then I’m here Vee. I care about you, a lot. Be who you are around me.

Veronica:....Anything Huh?

She leans forward slowly, her face crimson. Nick’s brain goes crazy. ‘Is she…!? Wait, no! I’ve never-’ Veronica’s head lands in the crook of his neck and her hands wrap around him weakly.

“Food…” she said half consciously. “Fattening food, meat. Please tell me Atlas has that?”

Nick:Okay! I know a spot that’s out of the way and serves anyone. So-

She shut her eyes and dozed off. Nick heard quiet purring from Vee and saw her injuries finally start to heal. A good sign, but Nick couldn’t travel like this! He’d have trouble even if he wasn’t sick; not to mention he totally forgot that he wasn’t in his regular clothes!

Nick:I did not think this through. No wallet or phone, a passed out girl, and parents that will murder us. Think Nick, who could I call right now that wouldn’t chew me out and still help? Oh! Duh…

xxxx

Penny:I called your parents.

Nick:Why!?

Penny:You’re minors...

Nick:At least they have time to calm down.

Penny:They’re sending Winter.

The boy nearly choked on his thermometer before Penny took it out. He currently sat on one of her medical beds while Veronica was sleeping in one next to him. A stack of meat lovers pizza by the bed was ready for her whenever she woke up.

Penny:Due to physical exhaustion from yesterday, insufficient rest, and slight dehydration, you’re running a slight fever Nicholas Schnee. Maybe even a cold if it gets worse. I’m ordering you to do nothing but rest and go to school. No training, or unneeded stress from extracurricular activities for two days.

Nick:But I have tournament-

Penny:Home and school! A council is not one person, they can get by without you. It would be a tragedy if you couldn’t even compete, then Summer would be disqualified from duos.

Nick:Sigh….yes ma’am. Sleep does sound nice.

Penny:48 hours will be up before you know it!

Nick:Maybe Val and Summer should’ve played hooky today too? Thanks for all this. I know you’re specifically in the medical field but…

Penny:I consider myself a jack of all PHDs.

Nick:How about an expert in faunus biology? Is Veronica-

Penny:She’s fine, but that’s all I can disclose without permission. I’m sure she’ll tell you more of her own free will when I leave the room. She is pretending to be asleep right now to avoid talking to me.

Nick:....WHAT!? *looks at her*

Veronica:.....

Penny:Oscar has tried convincing her to have at least one session with her as a request from her parents for some time now for reasons I’m not sure of. I doubt she wants to speak in my presence out of fear that I might tell Oscar something that he could use to understand her better. Question is, how long will she fake being unconscious until the smell of pizza is too much?

Veronica:*opens eyes* I’m begging you to leave.

Penny:Okay! I have work to complete anyways. Hopefully nothing burst into flames again. Don’t worry about your school belongings. Summer was told to get them.

Penny rubs Nick’s head and goes into a separate lab room. Veronica rises from the bed like a zombie and grabs a pizza box. Drool starts to form as she opens the box and grabs a slice. Meat lovers, it was beautiful. She almost inhaled the slice before looking up and turning red. Nick was staring at her calmly.

Veronica:Ummm….

Nick:Huh? Oh! *turns around* Sorry…

Veronica:It’s just really...I hate being seen when I eat like this. We can still talk though.

Nick:Hmm where to start?

Veronica:Those boys, how much trouble are they going to be for you?

Nick:Oh those knuckleheads won’t be a problem. I’m fortunate that you fought two people who. already hate me and plan on beating me senseless anyways.

Veronica:How is that a good thing exactly?

Nick:Because messing with you gives me an excuse to actively be cruel to them! The school will probably give all of us a slap on the wrist considering we’re in the tournament, duos in fact. They’re the runners up from last year. Both of them were pretty upset underclassmen took their gold.

Veronica:The big one, Max. He looks disturbingly a lot like his pops. Didn’t even know they lived here. Makes sense with the lack of equality around here still.

Nick:Don’t be too quick to judge. Max doesn’t hate faunus and my dad says Cardin is a pretty alright guy these days.

Veronica:Yet his son appears to be falling in similar pitfalls. Bastard said I wasn’t his type and gave me the strangest look.

Nick:Maybe he’s just not into blondes or something, I don’t know. As far as apples falling from trees go, my dad is pretty respectful and turns the other cheek quite a bit; that didn’t carry over haha.

Veronica:Yeah you’re petty and smug, like a gremlin or something. A cute one. You’re also very cheerful in a sarcastically optimistic way. Weird, you’re weird Nick.

Nick:It’s called charisma. Can I get a slice? This is a lot of pizza.

Veronica:Knock yourself out. You went a little overboard with ten boxes.

Nick:I don’t know how any of this works. Is there a certain ratio of meat or…

Veronica:Think of it as a kind of mental/physical diet. Meat sets of the animal instinct and keeps everything working okay. Too much and the instincts stay on. The eyes, hair, claws, teeth, and other more psychological things stick around. No meat eventually draws it out in a more aggressive nature and my body can’t operate well because of the messing the nutrients. Everything hurts.

Nick:So on one end you’re a peak apex predator, then the other is what, starved wildcat?

Veronica:I call it going feral but yeah that works. I don’t like either position. One is physically painful while the other….I just don’t like the “apex” me. It’s a lot to handle.

Nick:For you or other people?

Veronica:I’d like if we changed the subject please?

Nick:Sorry. Anything on your mind.

Veronica:...Your feelings for me.

He choked on a pepperoni, coughing and hacking it back up to catch his breath. Of course that’s on her mind! Nick had to keep his cool, this was important. He had answers but had no clue if they were good answers.

He turned around despite her earlier request. This had to be done face to face. Veronica must’ve known that because she wasn't eating anymore. Her hands rested on the box that most likely was empty by now and eyes focused on her normal looking nails.

Bright blush ran across her face again with her ears down. Her tail curled around her left arm. In a weird way he wished the world could see her right now. It was for this exact reason he always vouched for Vee. The overwhelmingly confident and rowdy island girl wasn’t all she was. Veronica could feel insecure or be meek.She never dismissed her faults but also had no shame pointing out others. Veronica saw everything she could in something and was honest about her feelings with it to the point all she ever did to avoid discussion was say she didn’t want to talk about it or be vague.

Nick:Uhh, what about the subject exactly?

Veronica:Can you get a little closer?

Nick stood up and sat on the edge of her bed. Veronica patted her hand and me closer. Then another pat made him get closer, then another, and another; until he was beside her. Vee’s hand grabbed his and she leaned, dangerously close. Nick started to feel his heart race again.

Veronica:Have you kissed a girl?

Nick:K..Kiss?! As in...no. H-Have you?

Veronica:Once, well a couple times by one person. It was pretty crappy honestly, for many reasons.

Nick:I’m sorry…

Veronica:It’s alright. I’m sure I’ll have better ones.

She could feel him shake a little. His heart sounded like firecrackers going off with how fast it was. Veronica leaned just a little closer and the boy shut his eyes. He made no advances, no tilt, or lean. Nick would’ve just let it happen. Veronica smiles before flicking his forehead to make him jump. She laughed and leaned back, but kept holding his hand.

Veronica:As much as I like you I won’t take anything you don’t want to give me. Your first kiss happens once. Do it on your terms. I hope Valerie accepts it.

Nick:I’m sorry.

Veronica:Don’t be. You’ve always looked her way. I can see why. I wish you thought I was as pretty and wonderful just like her. Maybe if I cracked more jokes or a bit nicer, then you would fall for-

Nick:You are so gorgeous Veronica Belladonna.

His words derailed her own. Nick smiled at the girl curiously with his blushing face that made her heart melt. This was unexpected. This face, those words, it was so...sincere.

Nick:You tell plenty of jokes, sure you need work on your attitude but Val is rowdier than you on occasion. There isn’t a thing about you that doesn’t make me…

Veronica:Nicholas…? Do you...feel something for me?

Nick:Of course I do you dunce.

Veronica:Then why-

Nick:Because Val has my heart. How could I date you knowing that? I’d feel really shitty being with someone that loves me so much and my heart is set on another girl. That’s not very chivalrous of someone who loves the idea of being a knight.

Veronica:So...I guess she really is the princess in your story?

Nick:Wrong. I’ve never thought of Val like that. She’s...my longest friend and companion. We’ve done so much together just to see if we could. Val to me is like another knight. Rival, friend, crush...she’s a lot. A princess isn’t one of them. If I’m being honest with myself, you’d be my princess.

Life was so unfair, he was unfair. Veronica’s mind was everywhere just like her blush. Was Nick letting her down easy or flirting!? How could he do both!? Veronica let go of his hand and put the covers over her head. Looking at his dumb face wasn’t helping the situation. She really was in love with this clown.

Veronica:You really are such a gremlin you know!? Now I like you more!

Nick:Oh...well..I don’t know what I was trying to do just now. I was explaining myself and sorta… I’m so fucking stupid. I’m gonna go wash up and give you some space now.

She gave him a thumbs up and heard his footsteps slowly grow distant until they stopped. Was he...looking back at her!? Was it with embarrassment or longingly!? It would be weird to peek out now! This cover was a bad idea. His footsteps started again and Veronica heard the doorknob open. Not yet, he couldn’t leave yet without her proper response.

Veronica:Nicholas?

Nick:Yeah?

Veronica:I hope, I hope things work out for you and Val. Regardless of my feelings I want you to be happy. That being said, don’t think I’m going to stop trying, because you...have my heart. And I need you to know that if for some reason Val doesn’t accept yours, or you get it back, I’ll accept it with open arms.

Nick:....

Veronica:....Too much?

Nick:No, it was just right. Thanks, Vee.

The door slowly creaked closed as he left. Just before it did however, the tiniest whisper slipped through. Was it on purpose, or did her hearing escape his thoughts. Either way Veronica pressed her pillow against her chest flustered.

“My princess” Damn those Schnees. They always know just what to say.

Part 16

[kemonododo]

Decided to rewatch the whole series after seeing the finale, here's my thoughts as they come along part 1

Razz tells Adora not to look for others to tell her what to do and asks her what she thinks. Adora decides she must fight the Horde. It's poetic that Adora gets so hung up on destiny and fulfilling her goal, when the final message she needed to learn was said in the third episode. Razz is the wisest of us all.

Angella repeats what she heard in the legends of She-Ra, notably that she is meant to "bring balance to Etheria". From Angella's perspective this seems like a good thing, but it's so much more sinister knowing that basically means "to turn the death star on".

Catra was pissed at Adora, but seemed willing to leave the Horde until Hordak elects her as Force Captain. This is the start of her conclusion that Adora was only holding her back, and so the decent of her madness. That little smirk kills me, because that face will shed a lot of tears from this point on.

Season 5 showed us what Adora's She-Ra looks like, without the First One's influence. It might be a bit blasphemous, but I think that reveal would have worked better if this early season She-Ra was the mini-skirt, cleavage design of the 80s. Have a bit of symbolism about societal beauty standards. Love the muscles though that part is perfect.

The first time Catra and Adora meet back up after their falling out is a little unremarkable, the wounds are still fresh and they're still angry at each other but I think both still don't understand how big this schism between them will be.

I just realized Entrapta's castle has a picture of a Tyrannosaurus rex with a unicorn horn and Pegasus wings. Is that what Mara's dragon was!? 😂

God I love Entrapta, even when I first watched this I was excited to see the purple Hatsune Miku in the intro. She always cared about people since the beginning, she just doesn't understand politics.

Castaspella and Angella were shipping Glimbow from the start lol.

The show gives us a full view of how Shadow Weaver's abuse affected Adora. Being constantly pressured to be the best and strongest at the threat of Catra's health has left Adora a jittering wreck. Call me sadistic, but I love that it wasn't resolved in this episode. Adora wins the battle against SW today, but all the way up to the series finale we see SW's dirty fingers clawing away at her conscious. It takes more than 20 minutes to escape a life of manipulation.

Princess Prom! This is when the show goes from a 7 to a 10. Not only the prom being a fun venue, but this is where Catra begins to get some agency. This is the first time she really feels like a main character, which is great because I love her more than anything. Also the first time we see Double Trouble and the Star sisters, which I guess are different from the Star Siblings in season 5? A bit of a continuity error.

Aww, Glimmer is jealous. I can relate to her fears of being pushed out, but the fact that she's pretty madly in love with him adds a whole new layer. Bow is right but he's being a bit insensitive here.

Let's just take a moment to appreciate how far we've come. Remember when this was the gayest thing in the show?

It's fun watching the princess alliance so early in their friendships, they obviously care enough to go with Adora on this mission to save Glimmer, but I love how annoyed and distracted they get with each other.

This episode is also really big for Catra, realizing she will never get Shadow Weaver's approval, that longing look at Adora, "this is not because I like you".

The Beacon is sandwiched between two great episodes that make it feel like filler, but a lot actually happens. We see more of Adora's insecurities, especially how she starts to take it out on herself when she runs into a problem out of her control. We got the formation of the super pal trio, a short lived group with an amazing dynamic. And we also have a huge moment with Angella that basically defines her entire character.

Entrapta's insecurities are revealed. She wants friends, she loves people, but they're complicated and hard and always seem to leave her. It's heartbreaking and something that comes to a head on Beast Island.

I love this scene with Catra and Shadow Weaver. It's clear she still loves her evil mom, and we see how SW has abandoned the idea of Adora for now and is now beginning to manipulate Catra. We also see another Catradora parallel, both of them tell straight to SW face that she has no power over them anymore, something we continue to see is not true.

Promise! 18 months later and it's still my favorite episode of the show. I like how it starts off with the anger they've been feeling up until now, but through the mind melting manipulation by skynet Light Hope, it's multiplied a thousand fold. Before this Catra was pissed at her friend, now Catra wants to murder the person she thinks destroyed her life. After this Catra isn't a cute tsundere, she's completely homicidal. She still loves Adora obviously, but Light Hope has corrupted that love into the most vitriol hate on the planet. It's wild to think they both love each other so much, and yet the abuse that have scarred them prevents that love from breaking free. This is the true moment where the show starts, this is where it became the best cartoon I have ever seen.

Also this is the only time since the first episode and Catra's redemption in season 5 where their chemistry is in full play. They just love each other so much, god I'm fucking tearing up again.

An important thing people forget about the Catradora dynamic is Catra's inferiority complex. She has been told since the day she was born that she is worthless, below Adora in every way. She loves and looks up to Adora, but her existing in Adora's shadow blackens that love. Which is why her joining the rebellion isn't a good ending for her. She needed time on her own, away from Adora, to carve out her own identity. It was her struggles as Force Captain that finally pushed her to start doing good, that realization that she is unhappy in that role. If she had left with Adora in episode 1, she would still be bitter and cruel and toxic, because she'd still be standing behind Adora.

Shadow Weaver's abuse goes both ways, as now Adora feels like she needs to protect Catra like a helpless kitten. That dynamic was not healthy, and it would not have lasted. Catradora can only exist now because they both accept each other as equals.

That final "you promise?", probably the most important words in the show. I've seen this episode a dozen times, but after seeing the finale the tears are running down my face again. Adora was the light of Catra's light, nothing mattered as long as Adora was there with her. She loved her so much. The Fright Zone, Shadow Weaver, her own insecurities, they all impacted Catra. But in that moment, them cuddling on their bunk, it didn't matter. Little did she know Adora loved her back just as much. Fuck I'm crying again.

Catra took that memory, tainted by Light Hope, and saw Adora as a monster. Someone who manipulated her like everyone else and abandoned her at the first opportunity. Someone who broke her most important promise, someone who broke her heart. Catra is probably the best written character in fiction, no I am not exaggerating.

It's a hard follow up after that episode, but the amazing juxtaposition of Entrapta and Light Hope telling the same story with different information is bone chilling and goosebumps giving.

Knowing the whole story of Mara, Light Hope's speeches are terrifying. Her manipulation makes Shadow Weaver look soft. Luckily we have an Alicorn to help, like all other abuse in the show it isn't over in a single dialog exchange, but Swift Wind is speaking the truths Adora needs to hear. The thing about Adora though is one of her main character flaws, she gives in to the doubt her abusers seed her. Her friends constantly tell her she has worth and deserves love, but she has it in her head that she must sacrifice herself for the greater good. That's another reason why Catradora works in the end, Catra helps bring out the selfishness she needs.

Battle of Brightmoon isn't a great finale, my time in the MLP fandom has soured me on "then all the friends came together and shot the villain with a rainbow" conclusion. Luckily, the show would knock the next three out of the park.

Catra starting the new season strong, I love the juxtaposition of the horde soldiers fearing her while the super pal trio doesn't. I love that little smirk, she thinks it's the first she wants yet we all know it's the later.

Frosta got a character change, I understand what they're doing where the other princesses are bringing her out of her shell, but it all happened off-screen so she just seems out of character. The little moment with her and Glimmer is great, and a little bit of forshadowing for Glimmer's queenly role.

Every Shadow Weaver and Catra interaction is fantastic, I love how SW gets so easily under her skin and how Catra pretends to brush it off. Those black tenticles still have a hold on the Kitty's heart.

Ties that Bind is a fantastic episode, especially seeing Catra's interactions with Bow and Glimmer. I love how this contrasts with the season 5 episode A shot in the Dark, here Catra is bullying the best friend squad with malice while the later has Glimmer and Bow playfully making fun of her with love.

Glimmer's actions here are also great forshadowing for her role as queen, especially how desperate she is to destroy the horde and how it affects her morals. Makes her decision to use the heart in season 4 very believable.

I love how Adora keeps referencing ghost stories she heard as a kid. I love the idea of her and Catra under the covers telling scary stories to each other until they'd both end up cuddling while insisting they aren't scared.

Entrapdak! Entrapta's love of science, complete lack of fear, and unending kindness can turn even a dictator cute. They have fantastic chemistry.

I love this little moment with Catra, Shadow Weaver correctly assumes that she's being pushed out and left behind by Hordak, and sure enough she finds Entrapta standing next to him in the lab she was almost killed just for stepping in. Her fears are repeating.

Ah! Goosebumps! The show is slowly moving to be more and more Sci-Fi, and that little shot of Mara's crashed ship with the fantastic music is just a hint to what's to come.

Roll With It is an absolutely adorable low stakes slice of life episode that shows how fun these characters are even when they aren't fighting a war. It's probably the funniest episode in the series, the 80s She-Ra segment is my favorite. There's also the wonderful moment of Adora's breakdown, the pressures of being the world's savior takes a toll on her.

White Out! One of my favorite episodes. The mostly self contained story, the new setting and outfits, great Super Pal Trio bonding, Scorpia being a lesbian, Sea Hawk, and the only time we see the corrupted She-Ra. It's a fantastic microcosm of the show itself, and it's really funny. The Scorpatra stuff is a bit sad knowing how it ends, but it is nice seeing how Scorpia can have a crush while still realizing the toxicity of her relationship later on.

Shadow Weaver's backstory and the biggest window into her head. She believes what she is doing is right, but her methods are full on psychotic, and she was power hungry from the start. I love her so much, she's so deliciously evil. The Eldritch horror that is the spell of obtainment is a treat, and SW's arrival at the Fright Zone is beautifully terrifying. This episode also has the best scenes with her and Catra, it's devastating to watch Catra continue to pine for SW's approval and how, after all this time, SW still only sees her as a tool.

Shadow Weaver is one of my favorite characters, literally every scene with her a amazing. "I can tell by how your voice turns shrill when you scream" what a bitch I love her. I also really like how you can tell Catra and Adora still love her, even after all this abuse. She's a monster, but she's also a mom, and both of those identities conflict in their heads.

Shadow Weaver's and Light Hope's reveal of Adora's origin is goosebumps giving. The revelation that there is a universe beyond Despondos is amazing, but I especially love Light Hope continuing to withhold information and effectively lie to Adora. Razz, Swift Wind, Angella, Catra, they all tell her to make her own decisions but this moment with Light Hope where she is told she doesn't have a choice is what Adora latches on to.

There's also the deal with Hordak, when Light Hope tells the story, she paints it as Hordak ripping the poor baby away from her family. We later learn that's wrong, Hordak saves Adora, he finds a tiny baby and even as a heartless destroyer he knows he can't leave her out there to die. He steals her away, but he does so from Light Hope, the original kidnapper. If Adora was raised by Light Hope, she probably would have fired the heart without question. The Horde was not a good environment to grow up in, but it was an important part in making her the hero the universe needed.

I love Hordak's monologue, the art style and music are fantastic and the whole thing is terrifying. To imagine the big bad horde of the show is just a tiny sliver of what is out there. It also shows Hordak's motivations, which don't excuse his actions but do explain them. This show does a fantastic job at letting us sympathize with the evil-doers, and that has only grown now that Wrong Hordak has shown what it's like to be disconnected from the hive-mind. Bonus points for explaining Imp's origin and showing how Entrapta is exactly the person that he needs right now.

Catra is being embarrassingly edgy here, but it is funny that she's talking about "lost it all" and she seems to think this is rock bottom, oh girl you are in for a ride awakening with how much farther you can fall.

Promise plays again as Adora has another break down. We finally see Mara, and as with everything to do with the First Ones it is chilling. I love this slowly unraveling storyline of Light Hope's true intentions. At this point it is clear she is not to be fully trusted, but we have yet to see how truly sinister her intentions are.

Catra, again, being one of the best characters ever written. She finds a minimum amount of happiness in the wastes, and immediately it all comes crashing down when her trauma resurfaces. That scene of the anger taking over is a masterpiece. I have said a million times that she'd never be truly happy in the wastes, and the later seasons confirm it, but it is heartbreaking to see how even the slightest hint of a smile is ripped off her face.

The Glimmer Angella arguments hurt, they're both right but it's sad to see them fight and how Angella takes Glimmer's advice while Glimmer doubles down on her faults.

Shadow Weaver back on her bullshit, manipulating teenagers to give her power. Noelle mentioned how she truly believes she's on the good side, and obviously she doesn't want the Horde to win, but you can't deny she has some selfish motivations behind recruiting Glimmer. That lust for power remains with her until the very end.

We see Adora getting to Entrapta here, people I think really didn't get their impressions of her right. Entrapta loves tech and science, and sometimes it blinds her, but she isn't immoral, she does care about the safety of her friends.

"You made me this way, and you get to be the good guy" "you couldn't wait to get away from here, from me. But you came back for Adora". You can see how SW's betrayal not only reaffirmed Catra's fears, but was probably just as much a force behind her decent into madness as Adora was.

There's also something beautiful about the symbolism of Shadow Weaver using her new victim like a battery to crush her old.

And Catra betrays Entrapta and Scorpia, this is officially the worst she gets, at this point her hatred of Adora is taking over her. We see more of it in season 4, but her desire to hurt Adora as much as Adora has hurt her causes her to crack like an egg. Scorpia's face says it all.

I love getting to see Catra and Adora in their element, completely in love with each other. None of the complexity of the world at large, just them two together. Even Shadow Weaver's approval of Catra, this is her dream world.

It's funny how Scorpia's first instinct upon seeing Catra is to hug her while her first reaction to Adora is to insult her. She has terrible judgement of character lol

Everyone's insistence that it's "perfect", watching the world shift and fall apart, the confusion, the panic, the show masterfully shows Adora's emotions in this mind-melding episode.

"Soon the two of us will be ruling Etheria together just like we always planned" "Is that what you really want, to rule the world?" "I mean, yeah, obviously. Isn't that what you want too?" God this little moment is perfect, it shows how much they're wavelengths differ. Catra focuses on the "together" while Adora focuses on the "rule the world". Like DT says later, Catra's heart was never truly in it. This thirst for power is just the world's most destructive coping mechanism.

[secret-engima]

You've got so much sad stuff for the Stand Strong AU, do you have any positive headcannons for it?

YES OF COURSE. Just- angst comes easily to me.

-Prompto has the entirety of the Kingsglaive as his doting older siblings. They love him. Would happily murder for him. They take great pleasure spending their days off playing with him and teaching him Cool Things (Luche made the mistake of teaching Prompto the art of Paintball Wars, now the teams fight over who gets the Prodigy Bby Sniper on their team because he’s basically a guaranteed win).

-Prompto also has a posse of little Galahdian kiddos in Little Galahd that he plays with, they are more than happy to include Noctis in their Pack and games after Prompto befriends the prince and drags him down there to play.

-Amissa adopts Prompto. Straight up adopts him. With Cor’s help because nobody is going to sneer at the Marshal’s new choice of parent for this poor bby.

-Everybody picture one of Noctis’s first Heats after he Matures. He is tired, and achy, and still not used this Heat thing, and MISERABLE, and for whatever reason he’s not in his quarters huddled up with Ignis. Gladiolus also isn’t there for whatever reason. Titus finds him. Titus’s brain instantly kicks into “bby. Distressed Bby. MY DISTRESSED BBY NOW HUSH BBY I WILL PROTECC YOU” and he scoops up the princeling and carries him around looking for Regis (because what is he doing his kingly duties can wait the PUP IS DISTRESSED HERE). Titus purrs gently and lets his scent out JUST A TEENY BIT, just so Noctis can relax at having a big, gentle alpha to cuddle with.

-Everybody picture the looks on the Citadel people’s faces when they spot Titus  piggybacking Noctis around, the little Omega purring up a storm and nuzzling a stoic-faced Titus every few seconds, then hissing in that way kittens do when they’re trying to be fierce but are actually tooth-rottingly adorable whenever someone other than his dad tries to take him away from Titus (Titus’s bass growl is considerably less cute and far more effective).

-Titus interrupts a council meeting to stride in with Noctis and gently plop the pup on his father’s lap, turns to leave and visibly FREEZES when Noctis whimpers for him and grabs his sleeve.

-Spends the rest of the very awkward meeting standing RIGHT by Regis’s chair, staring at the wall with a blank expression as if that will hide the fact that Noctis is happily sleeping in his dad’s lap and using Titus’s hand as a cuddle toy. Or that the deep, bass purr filling the room is NOT coming from any of the non-Galahdians in the room.

-All hail Amissa’s Momming habits. She uses her job as janitor to smuggle Proper Galahdian Food to the glaives. She also takes to leaving Cor snacks on his desk. Cor would appreciate the gesture more if she didn't somehow keep doing it while he’s there and yet completely escape his notice until he looks up and there’s the snack/sandwich/whatever.

-Everybody picture Noctis learning traditional Galahdian songs from the glaives after he gets the chance to know them. Everybody picture an off-duty lounge room filled with hardened, scentless soldiers all plopped down on the floor happily teaching a little Pup how to Properly Sing and getting into play fights over who gets to teach him the next one.

-Ignis learning to cook Proper Galahdian Food everybody. He has way too much fun with the spices, and the Galahdians only encourage him (RIP the tongues of anyone not of Galahdian blood, Cor Leonis crazy, or Galahdian-adopted).

-Gladiolus and Tredd have a hugely competitive Big Bro-Little Bro relationship. Gladiolus will constantly come looking for a spar, Tredd will happily indulge him and then mock him for “losing to an omega” every time Tredd flips Gladio on his back.

-Axis Arra is the Well Meaning Ghost of the glaives. Scary stealthy 80% unintentionally, he’s just that quiet and took to Amissa’s stealth lessons a little too well. Once the glaives and Regis come to a Proper Understanding, Regis likes to have Axis as his second guard during official functions because the man can alternate between Complete Invisibility and Scaring The Pants off annoying nobles by “appearing” at random.

-Galahdians will sing at the drop of any hat. It’s like a freaking musical down in Little Galahd, all you have to do is start singing something louder than a whisper and soon you have like twenty people joining in and kids dancing on beat.

-After Amissa and Cor FINALLY get into an official relationship, Amissa is required to attend some official function. Juno, Clarus’s wife, helps her get dressed in something fancy. Amissa finds it insta-worth it when she sees Cor waiting at the bottom of the steps and gets to see him visibly double-take and then lose all his words at the sight of her.

-Cor and Amissa are casual cuddlers. They don’t do it in public and don't make a big deal of it but these two are absolutely two giant cats and will flop on each other, lean on each other, nuzzle each other for literally no reason other than they love each other. It’s not like they intend to be a cuddly couple or are overly sappy, they just- like being near each other, feeling each other’s presence and knowing the other is okay. Thus, casual cuddles.

-Titus has two kids. He adopted them after their mother was killed even though the age gap between them isn’t all that large. He loves them dearly but doesn’t see them often as they currently roam Lucis with HIS adopted dad. This is both for safety reasons and because the daughter of the two has Wanderlust issues and her older brother is Overprotective. Their names are Stella and Virgil. He adores them even though he doesn’t see them for months at a time (don’t worry they’re teenagers, not kiddos, and are old enough to enjoy travel with their adopted grandad).

-Speaking of grandad- Titus and Amissa are adopted! They got adopted when they were teenagers and so were already feral jungle children but that’s okay because their adoptive dad is Just As Bad At Biology as they are. If not more so. He was something of a hermit/wanderer before he met them but stuff happened and he eventually decided that Someone Needed To Dad these two and the only person who was available was him and so even if he’s bad at this he guesses he has two teenagers now.

-What does he do with them how does he Dad. What do you mean you know nothing about Secondary Genders? Oh. Well. He doesn’t know anything either his father never bothered to explain it as a kid and his mother was dead so....

-Oh well it probably doesn’t matter that much who wants to know some tips for killing things with a pointy stick for food and how to make potions from natural ingredients?

-Not gonna say much more on Amissa’s adoptive dad other than that he Travels A Lot and he loves his two adopted kiddos and all the Glaives (who call him either grandad or gruncle) and has probably way too much fun enabling Stella’s Wanderlust. Also the first meeting between him and Cor is gonna be ... interesting. XP

[saedii-gilwraeth-simp]

Operation Arsinoe and Billy - one-shot

Hell yeah new fic time. This is just a quick one shot to act as a seperator from my previous fic to my next one but I love it nonetheless

Operation Arsilly Bilsinoe Arsinoe x Billy (Junoe)

Objective: Get our dumb chaotic bisexual professor friends together because their pining is fucking Jules you can’t write that fucking annoying.

January 17 - Jules

For someone currently getting a needle through her ear, Arsinoe is smiling. She had decided that despite being a professor of political science, a new set of earrings (her eighth) would be a good look to come back to the school year with. Jules just thought she was trying to impress someone.

Probably the “cute” law professor down the hall. Arsinoe and Billy were friends but it was Jules’ job as Arsinoe’s best friend to set them up, since they so obviously wouldn’t do it themselves.

But she couldn’t do it herself. She needed help. And what better help than someone who was close with both her subjects?

January 30 - Mirabella

When Jules Milone had told Mirabella Queen that they had to work together to get her sister and friend together, Mirabella had sighed. She knew that meddling with Arsinoe’s love life was never, ever a good idea and that Mirabella should respect her privacy. Alas, Jules did not seem to understand this concept.

So, Mirabella agreed to help, if only to keep Jules from completely enraging her sister with her lack of subtlety or tact.

February 2 - Jules

Arsinoe was up early the first day of the new university term, waking Jules with the sound of their dog returning with Arsinoe from her run. Jules’ kitten, Camden, climbed on her chest and pawed at Jules’ face until she opened her eyes.

Day one of the plan initiate.

Jules threw herself out of bed and super casually entered the kitchen where Arsinoe was sitting on the bench eating toast while scrolling through her phone. Arsinoe acknowledged her with a smile and went back to scrolling.

“So, back at school today? You happy to see your students?” Arsinoe shrugged and nodded, her face still stuffed with Vegemite toast. Jules turns away and feigns picking her nails. “Are you excited to see some members of staff, such as, oh I don’t know, Billy Chatworth,” Jules smiles at the slight choking sound Arsinoe makes behind her. Jules schools her face into concern and turns to face Arsinoe. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m good. And I guess it’ll be good to see some of my work friends.”

February 6 - Mirabella

She was spying on her sister. She probably shouldn’t have been but when she sets things up, like a coffee date between two unknowing participants, she wants to see the results.

She had texted Billy and Arsinoe separately to see if they wanted coffee and luckily, both professors had free time that Tuesday morning. So it was a little devious but if it meant she would beat Jules into getting them together faster, it would be worth it.

The two met in the cafe, as though they were surprised to see each other and sat for nearly an hour before they went their seperate ways. Mirabella smiled and went to drive away when a knock came from the passenger side. Mira jumped and turned her head to meet her sisters irritated eyes. Arsinoe didn’t do anything other than glare at her and then walked away. Message sent.

February 11 - Jules

She was lurking near Arsinoe’s classroom, texting Mirabella to tell her that her most recent attempt was underway. The bell went and bored university first years poured out of Arsinoe’s classroom. Jules watched down the hall as Billy left his classroom, coming straight down the hall. Blending into the freshman, Jules stuck her prosthetic leg out, effectively tripping Chatworth into Arsinoe’s doorframe. Jules quickly walked through the crowd but she didn’t miss Billy smile slightly and walk into Arsinoe’s classroom.

Jules watched and waited and Billy didn’t leave for another half hour. When the two exited the classroom, It was together, both chatting amiably, but Jules didn’t miss the way Billy’s usually flat hair was pushed back or that Arsinoe’s hair, which had been in a ponytail when she left the house that morning, now was down on her shoulders.

They walked away and Jules listened until their footsteps retreated. She left the alcove she was hiding in, only to be met with her best friend’s annoyed posture and face.

“First Mirabella and now you. Explain. Now,” Arsinoe doesn’t seem angry but she also didn’t seem happy. Jules showed no sign of faltering before she responded.

“I was just here looking at classes. Thought I might take a Poli-sci class. Recreationally, y’know,” she says casually. Arsinoe’s eyebrows pinch together before her face goes calm.

“You can sit in on my fourth year class if you want. And don’t think I don’t know that you’re lying to me. I’m going to figure it out,” Arsinoe says and then turns on her stilettos and stalks away.

February 14 - Mirabella

She gives Arsinoe chocolate. It was a talent she picked up in high school to forge handwriting (not that anyone needs to know why) and it was paying off because Arsinoe was receiving chocolate from Billy, or so she thought.

Jules and her were crouching behind a wall where the teacher’s pigeonholes were, watching Arsinoe approach her own to get her daily letters. Arsinoe smiles and pick up the box of chocolates. Jules and Mirabella smiled at each other.

“What are you two doing?” Mirabella and Jules jumped and stood, turning nervously to be met with none other than Billy Chatworth. He glances around them to see Arsinoe and frowns. “Why are you spying on Arsinoe? Are you struggling to speak with her?” He asks. Mirabella sighs internally. Why must Billy be so intuitive? Of course if he wasn’t, Arsinoe probably would even notice him, let alone be attracted to him.

“We were just…” She struggles to form an excuse.

“Mira, Jules, what are you two doing here?” Arsinoe’s voice joins the conversation. Mirabella and Jules wince and turn.

“Hey, Arsinoe,” Mirabella says, trying to come up with an excuse. She was good at forgery but a terrible lier. Arsinoe raises an eyebrow. She transfers her gaze to the man standing behind them.

“It seems the entire education faculty has left you gifts, Chatworth. You might want to get onto that before Pietyr notices,” Billy nods and rounds the three, entering the office. Arsinoe turns back to them.

“If your going to spy on me and forge a love letter, do it with more subtlety. Have a good day both of you. I’m sure you can find the exit of campus relatively easy. Goodbye,” she pushes between the two of them, walking off in the direction of her classroom.

June 19 - Jules

“We need to plan this better. Arsinoe’s figured us out every time and you could probably assume she knows what we’re up to,” Mirabella says. They sit at Mirabella’s kitchen counter, a notebook full of crossed out plans and ideas in front of them. Mirabella’s head leans on Jules’ shoulder in slight defeat.

“Maybe we just need to lock them in a room together,” Jules said. Mirabella pointed at the notebook. Oh right, they had tried that. They probably should have considered the fact that Arsinoe could pick locks at the time. “Maybe we should just give up. They don’t seem to be taking the bait. I mean, Arsinoe kicked me out this morning just so she could have a guy over without me having to share a wall with her. She seemed serious about him and I think I would have noticed if it had been Billy.”

“We can’t give up. Billy and Arsinoe are destined to be together,” Mirabella asserts.

“How do we know?”

“Can’t you tell just by looking at them,” Mirabella finds a photo of the two she had taken during a ‘recon mission’. They were an extremely cute pair, smiling at each other like they had just pulled off the worlds greatest prank.

“Ugh, fine. I say we try locking them in a room together again, but this time an electronic one, like the uni has,” Jules says, drawing the lock on the page, circling the places where pickable locks weren’t there.

“Let’s do it,” they locked eyes and Jules ignored the butterflies at seeing Mirabella’s smile. Now was not the time.

June 25 - Mirabella

They were sitting outside the door of the room she has shoved Arsinoe and Billy in, waiting. Jules was listening with her ear pressed against the door for signs of something. Mirabella was watching Jules’ mouth. She was thrown by her recent crush on her sister’s best friend, it had been a long time since she had liked anyone like that, not since she broke up with Bree last year. It was proving troublesome for their mission. She was trying to get two people to fall in love, not fall in love herself.

“Jules, what if they got out somehow?”

“They haven’t. They’re talking. I just can’t tell what they’re saying,” Jules leans against the door further.

“Jules,” Mirabella starts, making the brunette turn her head. “Did you maybe want to go for coffee after this?” Jules turned to her, watching her closely with her mismatched eyes as if trying to figure her out.

“To plan another move?” She asks, making Mirabella shake her head.

“No, just to talk. Kinda like… like a date,” Jules goes completely still and then her cheeks go bright red.

“I would like that, immensely- oof!” Jules grunted as her and Mirabella fell backward into the room. Billy and Arsinoe stood above them, smiling like a couple of little shits.

“I take offence that you thought I couldn’t hack this lock. But hey, success anyway,” Mirabella’s eyebrows furrowed.

“What are you talking about?”

“You and Jules obviously. All we had to do was string you along for a time long enough for you to have crushes on each other and then even longer for you to ask each on a date. You really tested our patience,” Arsinoe steps over them and they sit up.

“What are you talking about?” Jules asks. Arsinoe sends her a sharp smile.

“You think I didn’t know what you two were up to months ago? Please. So Billy and I hatched a plan to get you two together and we succeeded,” Mirabella frowned, looking at Billy, who shrugged.

“But… we were trying to get you two together,” Mirabella says, still evidently confused. Arsinoe smiles wider.

“Billy and I have been together since last December. We just didn’t get to talk much over the holidays because he was away. You two just assumed we weren’t, which is on you. Have a good coffee date,” she takes Billy’s hand and they walk down the hall together.

Mirabella look at Jules. Jules looks back at Mirabella. Sure, they got played, but all’s well that ends well.

[angelofthequeers]

Hold Me By Both Hands: Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I don’t own ML.

Chapter 10 | Chapter 12 | AO3 link

“Excuse me, best friend.”

Oops. Well, one can only escape from Alya Césaire’s determination for so long.

“Hi, Alya!” Marinette pastes a wide smile on her face. But she’s not fooling either of them.

“So.” Alya loops her arm through Marinette’s, locking Marinette in place as they head into the school courtyard. Guess there’s no escape from this interrogation. “You’ll talk to Chat Noir but not to your best friend?”

“Huh? How did you –”

“Adrien called me last night. He ran into Chat Noir and asked him to check on you,” Alya says. Marinette bites back a growl. Adrien, that snitch. “But, you know, when your bestie gets there, you’re just too distraught to talk to her.”

“I…don’t know. I guess because you were there, but Chat wasn’t, so it was easier to talk to him about it. And after all the times he’s visited –”

“Wait. Hold the fuck up. Excuse me?” Alya skids to a halt. Marinette just grins sheepishly. Oops. “Since when has one of Paris’ superheroes been visiting you? Multiple times? And you didn’t even tell me, the Ladyblogger?”

“Because it would’ve ended up all across Paris, Miss Ladyblogger,” Marinette says dryly.

“Excuse me! As if!” Alya says. But she deflates when Marinette raises an eyebrow. “…Okay, yeah. I’ll give you that one. Anyway, Marinette, details. Now.”

Marinette sighs, but there’s no wriggling out of an interrogation with Alya the journalist unless either a) there’s an akuma attack, or b) she’s literally dying on the spot. So, she resigns herself to telling Alya all about her realisation after the group work with Adrien and Lila, her attempts to navigate being Adrien’s friend while dealing with her crush on him, Chat Noir’s occasional visits, and then what had happened last night. By the end of her tale, Alya’s eyes are as wide as golf balls.

“This is major!” she says. “Why didn’t you call me for all this Adrien stuff? I mean, sure, I love that you got to use a superhero as a diary, but I’m your best friend!”

“I’m sorry,” Marinette says. “I guess…well, after all the effort you put into getting me and Adrien together, I didn’t want to…let you down.”

“Excuse me?” Alya huffs. “Let me down? I was putting all that effort in to make you happy, girl, not because I got off on it or anything. You think I’d have been upset if you’d said you didn’t want to chase after him anymore? I’m with you no matter what, Marinette.”

Marinette smiles down at the ground before directing that smile at Alya. “Thanks, Al. I just…my head’s been a bit of a mess and I wanted to sort it out first, so I knew what I was exploding about.”

“That, I can accept,” Alya says. “But “not wanting to let me down”. Honestly, Mari, if I’ve sat through every single attempt to ask Adrien out and they didn’t let me down, I’m not sure what you think letting me down would involve.”

“True,” Marinette says just as they draw level with Adrien and Nino, who are sitting cross-legged on the ground next to one of the courtyard walls. She and Alya flop down next to them, and while Alya immediately snuggles into Nino’s side, Adrien waits until Marinette nods before he rests his head in her lap. Her stomach does a flip-flop, but she’s not in danger of melting into a puddle, and if Adrien’s choosing to act like everything’s normal between them and he hadn’t learned of her massive crush last night, well, Marinette’s not going to complain one bit.

“I can’t decide whether that’s the cutest or most sickening thing I’ve ever seen,” Alya says, then leans up to kiss Nino. Marinette raises an eyebrow.

“You were saying?” she drawls as she starts to rake her fingers through Adrien’s hair. Adrien makes an odd laugh-cough sound that has Alya narrowing her eyes at him, but that sound quickly morphs into a long purr when Marinette scratches a certain spot behind his ear.

“Did you just purr, dude?” Nino says.

“No!” Adrien bolts upright with pink cheeks. “Nope!”

“Uh huh,” Alya smirks. “Sure you didn’t. Speaking of purring –”

“I’m not sure I like where this is going,” Adrien says.

“– Mari, since you’ve got a new pet superhero,” Alya continues as though Adrien hadn’t spoken, “will we be expecting kittens anytime soon?”

“W-What?” Marinette splutters. For some reason, Adrien also reacts to Alya’s question by flushing a deep red and gaping like a fish. “Alya!”

“What?” Alya grins rather devilishly. “I mean, since you’re not going after Adrien anymore –uh, I mean –”

“It’s okay, I know,” Adrien says. Marinette makes an odd squeaking sound because how does he know that? “Uh – Chat Noir told me that she just wants to be friends. Because I asked if Marinette was okay last night after Glaciator attacked or if she was upset with me. I just wanted to be sure? Sorry if I overstepped…”

“I hate each and every single one of you,” Marinette says, wondering if it’s possible to boil her brain in her skull. “Except Nino. I’m adopting him.”

“If it means I get to live in the bakery, I got no problems with that, dude,” Nino says dreamily.

“I didn’t cross a line, did I?” Alya says, the teasing smile vanishing like smoke. “If I went too far –”

“No. No. It’s fine. I’m fine,” Marinette says. “If Adrien knows and he doesn’t care, tease away. But I’m still adopting Nino.”

“Like hell,” Alya says. “I got him first.”

“You can adopt me if you give me more head scratches?” Adrien says with a pout that might have made Marinette spontaneously combust before today, but now only fills her with pleasant warmth. He knows. He knows about her crush. And he doesn’t hate her! He still wants to be her friend! He’s even lying back down in her lap!

“So long as she gets to put a collar on you,” Alya says with her evil grin back in place. “Maybe she can even custom-make it Chat Noir style.”

“Alya!” Marinette whines, once again carding Adrien’s hair through her fingers as she leans against the cool brick wall behind her.

“What?” Alya says as she pulls out her phone and flicks through her notifications. She grimaces. “Ugh. That annoying Alternative News blogger’s trying to smear me again just because I’m willing to go out and get the footage. You know, instead of pinching off other sites and then whining that the quality’s always shit.”

“Hi, guys!” A beaming Lila bounds over to them. “Mind if I join you?”

Marinette, Adrien, and Nino exchange looks, while Alya’s so invested in her drama that she doesn’t even seem to have noticed Lila’s presence. Lila’s smile fades.

“I’m so, so sorry, Marinette,” she says. “I never meant to hurt you! I’ve never had many friends and I just wanted to tease you like friends do and, well, I guess I forgot that Adrien was right there. Do say you’ll forgive me!”

Marinette wants to say no. She really does. But that’ll only make her look like the bad guy at this point, so she just shrugs. Lila beams and throws herself down next to Marinette and pulls Adrien’s legs into her lap while he closes his eyes. Marinette wonders if she’s imagining the slight stiffness to Adrien when Lila’s got hold of his legs.

“That’s so cute!” Lila says when she realises what Marinette’s doing. She nudges Marinette and sidles even closer so that their arms are touching. Marinette’s about to slide away and cite personal space, but Adrien beats her to it when Lila leans over to try and stroke his hair too.

“No!” He hisses like a cat and curls himself around Marinette, cracking one green eye open to look at Lila. “Only Marinette.”

“Oh gosh, I’m sorry!” Lila says. “I shouldn’t have assumed! I just saw how happy you looked, and like I said, we’re very touchy in Italy –” Before she can finish her self-deprecating apology, she jumps up. “Never mind! See you in class, guys!”

“Is it just me, or does she make it all about her when she’s apologising?” Alya’s finally detached herself from her phone, just in time to catch the tail end of the drama.

“You noticed it too, babe?” Nino says. “Felt like she was trying to make Marinette feel bad.”

“I just don’t get her,” Marinette says. “She’s nice enough but…am I the only one feeling like there’s more to her than she lets on?”

“Definitely not.” Adrien pushes himself up and stretches with a groan. His shirt rides up and exposes a sliver of belly and even though Marinette’s trying to focus on being his friend rather than eating his face, she can’t help but look away with flaming cheeks. “She could just be scared of opening up. Or there could be more, because I don’t think last night was an accident. But I don’t think we can judge her until we know more about her.”

The four of them sit in silence for another minute or so, until Alya and Nino start to once again lean in closer.

“Okay, that’s our cue,” Adrien says. He jumps to his feet and offers Marinette his hand to help her up. “Wanna go for a walk and give them some alone time?”

“Yeah, go with him, Mari,” Alya says. “Both of you can go far away and get bent.”

Marinette sticks her tongue out at Alya, then follows Adrien just in time to avoid seeing the kiss that she knows is happening. The two of them escape to the courtyard’s staircase and huddle together on one of the steps, leaving enough room for people to get around them when heading up or down, and the feeling of Adrien’s arm pressed against her is probably going to make her spontaneously combust on the spot. But at the same time, why is there this tiny, nagging feeling that she’s somehow betraying Chat Noir by drinking in the physical contact with Adrien?

“Hey…sorry about yesterday.” Adrien finally shatters the silence that’s surrounding them like a bubble to keep out the chatter of the other students.

“Why are you sorry?” Marinette says. “Lila’s the one who ruined it, not you. I’m just glad to know you don’t hate me for my c-crush.” She gulps around the lump in her throat because there, she’s finally dropped the c-word to his face, and she ends up wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans.

“Wait, what?” Adrien says. “No way I’d hate you for the way you feel! I’m just glad to know why you were always so weird around me. Look…do you want to hang out this weekend? For real, since last night got interrupted? I’ve got a photoshoot on Saturday but I’m free on Sunday.”

“What if your father doesn’t let you?” Marinette says. “It must’ve been a pain to get out last night.”

“I’ll sneak out if I have to,” Adrien says immediately. “A certain friend told me that I need to stop walking on eggshells just to avoid upsetting my father because I’ve been worried about him since he became the Collector. My friend made me see that my freedom is worth more than letting my father dictate everything just because I’m worried that I’ll upset him. Part of it is keeping my head down so things don’t get worse but…that’s a reason and not an excuse, and just because I ignore what’s there won’t make it go away.”

“Your friend sounds wise,” Marinette says.

“He can be,” Adrien says with another little smirk that leaves Marinette feeling as though there’s an inside joke she’s missing. “When he’s not being a brat about everything.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you were still talking about Chat Noir,” Marinette teases, giggling when Adrien rolls his eyes at her and crosses his arms.

“He can be mature and wise,” Adrien says with an honest to god pout. “But the way he gets to be so free when he’s jumping through Paris is…inspiring. He helped me see that Father’s always going to control my life no matter what I do and that I’ve got good friends who are worth sneaking out for. I guess he helped me realise what I do have rather than what I don’t have.”

“Wow,” Marinette says, at a loss for words. There’s still so much she doesn’t know about her partner and while it’s partly her fault for insisting they not talk to each other about their private lives, she’s also certain that this is the best option for now. She already cares so much about him, so if his civilian identity was someone like, say, Nino or Adrien, she’d probably spend all battle worried sick about him and maybe even slip up in the heat of the moment. “I never knew Chat Noir had that side to him.”

“Not too many people do,” Adrien says. “So…do you want to hang out on Sunday? We don’t even have to go out anywhere if you don’t want to. I…really like your house. It was so cosy and warm when we trained for that gaming tournament.”

Marinette’s cheeks heat up at the fact that Adrien had literally just said to her face that her home is awesome. “I – sure! I’d show you fashion design but of course you know all about that, since you’re a model and all.”

“We’ll think of something. I’m just super happy that you actually like me and want to hang out with me.” Adrien looks like he’s made of pure sunshine, so brilliantly bright that he melts Marinette into goo on the spot. “Hold on…you could come to the photoshoot on Saturday! It’s really boring, so only if you want, but you did design that hat that Father liked and you did just say that you’re into fashion design, so it might be something that interests you.”

“Really?” Marinette tries to process the fact that she’s got an actual invitation to be there with his knowledge instead of awkwardly skulking around to look like she’s not watching. She tries not to wince at how…cringey she was. Tikki would totally scold her for thinking that and say that she’s just a teenage girl making mistakes and figuring things out but…still. “You’d actually want me there?”

“Of course,” Adrien says. “It might be nice to have a friend along. I can text you the details. So long as it doesn’t cause schedule conflict, Nathalie won’t care. I can –”

“Ugh, move!” Chloé shoves past Marinette, despite having plenty of room to climb the stairs, even with Sabrina right behind her. Marinette yelps and would’ve plummeted face-first if not for Adrien rushing to grab her and pull her back.

“Thanks,” Marinette says breathlessly.

“No pawblem,” Adrien grins, and she groans. “I guess I just have cat-like reflexes.”

“Well, at least you know your place, Dupain-Cheng. Beneath me.” Chloé scoffs. Her whole face changes when she turns to Adrien, and she bats her eyelashes and coos, “Hi, Adrikins! When you get tired of hanging out with this baker’s daughter, come and find me, okay?”

“God, she makes me so mad,” Marinette growls once Chloé and Sabrina are gone. “I don’t even know why she still gets to me! It’s so – so old!”

“I’m sorry,” Adrien says. “I should’ve said something. I know I said I’d try and stand up to people but…the thought of telling Chloé off scares me.”

“You’ve done it before,” Marinette says. “Remember when my uncle was akumatised?”

“Yeah. I know. But that’s…different.” Adrien sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “If I push her too hard, she could decide I’m more trouble than I’m worth. And I know I’ve got you and Nino and Alya but…I just…”

“The thought of anyone leaving you is terrifying because it feels like you weren’t good enough?” Marinette says softly. Adrien just grimaces and shrugs, so she holds her hand out and lets him make the move to take it and lace their fingers together. “I get it. I don’t like it, but I do get where you’re coming from. Um…how did you and Chloé even end up friends? And how are you both so different? You’re both rich and…well, you know, you both live with your dads, but you’re so nice and she’s so…”

“It’s…not really my place to say.” Adrien scratches the back of his neck.

“Oh! Then you don’t have to tell me!” Marinette babbles. “Really, I’m just poking my nose in –”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Adrien says with a small laugh. “I can tell you how we ended up friends. I just can’t tell you anything about Chloé’s mother unless she says I can. It’s not for me to say. All I can say is…I only lost my mother recently, so she was around for most of my life.”

“I get that,” Marinette says. All anyone knows is that Chloé’s mother is world-famous fashion critic Audrey Bourgeois – a fact that Chloé loves to parade around when she feels that being the mayor’s daughter isn’t enough of an advantage – but no one knows why Audrey doesn’t live in Paris with her husband and daughter.

“Father was actually found by Audrey Bourgeois when he first started designing. She helped him make a name for himself. And…she was my mother’s friend. That’s why Chloé’s my childhood friend: our parents knew each other since before we were born. And I know she’s not the nicest person but…she was all I had for so long. I don’t want to lose all those years where she was the only friend I was allowed to have because my parents didn’t want me out in the real world.”

“True friends call each other out when they’re wrong,” Marinette says. “Alya always tells me if I mess up. If Chloé hates you because you make her take responsibility for her actions, then she’s not really your friend. Sometimes…the right thing is the hard thing, and you just have to do it, even if that means losing those years of friendship. And I’m not saying that because I don’t like Chloé,” she hastens to add. “Part of why I love Alya so much is because she doesn’t sugar-coat things, so I know I can trust her to help me be a better person.”

“Yeah…” Adrien says.

“It’s not just that Chloé’s not a nice person. I’ve met a few people who weren’t nice but were also good people. She’s a bully, Adrien. She made my life so miserable for four years before now. I didn’t have any friends before Alya because Chloé made sure of that. I’m not telling you this because I want you to stop being her friend. I’m telling you this because you’re the only person she’ll listen to.”

“Well…I’ll try. I just haven’t stood up to anyone since my father was akumatised. I don’t want to make him more upset than usual. I’m still not sure he’s forgiven me for borrowing his book and brooch.”

“Feels like you can’t ever make him happy,” Marinette mutters, then she gasps. “Did I say that out loud? Crap, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to badmouth your dad in front of you –”

“Hey, no, don’t apologise!” Adrien squeezes her hand. “I appreciate knowing that you care. Just don’t say it in front of him, okay?”

“I make no promises,” Marinette says, trying to calm down her racing heart because holy shit, she’d just badmouthed her fashion idol in front of his son! “There’s a quote by Majestia that Alya told me on our first day of school that’s stuck with me: “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing”. What it actually means is that I can’t seem to keep my big mouth shut when I need to.”

“Well, Ladybug can’t either, but everyone loves her for it,” Adrien says. “Although probably only Ladybug could get away with saying that to Father’s face, so I’d probably not do that unless you were secretly her or something.”

Marinette swallows. Oh, if only Adrien knew.

“Which is partly why I was in love with her, you know?” Adrien says, and that makes Marinette’s breath freeze in her lungs. “She’s just so…strong and independent but she’s also kind and gentle. You can tell she loves Paris and her job and she’s not just doing it because she has to or for the attention. I just love how she cares.”

“O-Oh,” Marinette forces out. “You were in love with her?”

“I still love her,” Adrien says. “I don’t think those feelings will ever fully go away. But I’m trying not to be in love with her anymore, so I can be a good friend without focusing on trying to make out with her – uh, if she ever wants that…you know, if that makes sense?”

“Yeah. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. That, um…pretty much sums up how I feel about you.”

Adrien smiles and nudges her. “I’m flattered. You’re a great girl, Marinette. Whoever you end up with is gonna be so lucky to have you. So long as they can get through me first.”

“Oh, ha, ha.” Marinette rolls her eyes. “I don’t need you to defend my honour. Chat Noir would probably get in first.”

“He would, wouldn’t he?” Adrien says thoughtfully. Before Marinette can reply to that, the school bell rings, and both she and Adrien reflexively jump to their feet and laugh at the same time.

“Oh – right – we should get to class,” Adrien says.

“Yeah!” Marinette says. “For once, I’m not late!” She falls in step with Adrien and they dash down the stairs to their classroom’s corridor, laughing and weaving around the gaggle of students also swarming inside.

[dancinginthecenteroftheworld]

Nov 5: Cats (Jaime/Brienne pre-relationship)

Jaime checks the address of the animal shelter three times when he pulls up. It looks like an abandoned warehouse on the outside, the kind of place he expects to find someone making illicit drug deals in the back corner, nothing at all like the cheerful images of animals finding forever homes posted on the website.

The inside, at least, is more promising. The walls are painted bright colors (he recognizes one from the photos) even if he's hit with the smell of cat litter and wet dog as soon as he opens the door. There's a chorus of barking echoing from behind one of the sets of doors and the counter is empty. Jaime rings the bell and overs awkwardly in front of it, not entirely trusting the dingy, threadbare chairs.

A slight redhead comes out, barely older than his niece, and greets him with a smile.

"I'm looking for a cat," Jaime says. "It's a Christmas gift for my nephew and –"

"BRIE," the redhead hollers, her pleasant smile dropping from her face. "We have another one."

Another one of what, Jaime isn't sure, but he's distracted from wondering about it when the absolute tallest, blondest woman he's ever seen emerges and joins the redhead at the desk.

She's even taller than Jaime is, and he isn't exactly short. The woman also has the most stunning blue eyes and more freckles than Jaime thinks should be possible. Ugly, is his first thought, followed immediately by fascination at the way she strides to the counter and squares her shoulders like she's ready to fight.

"Animals aren't gifts," the woman says shortly, scowling at him. "We're here to find homes for these animals, not send them off to be abandoned again by someone they loved."

"It will have a home," Jaime starts, but she cuts him off again.

"For how long? Until your nephew stops taking care of it? And then his parents get annoyed and then what?"

Jaime opens his mouth, but the woman just keeps going.

"They don't want to take care of it, they don't want pets or they'd have already adopted a cat, and you just shove one at them. Then they're right back here, dumping the cats on us again, taking up cages and reducing the number of animals we can save. And on top of that, the cats have gotten attached, so now they don't understand where the human they've come to love is and why they aren't good enough anymore."

The woman is shouting but her eyes are glistening in a way that suggests she's about to cry. Jaime thinks she's taking it all too personally, but he also doesn't think arguing will help his case.

"It will have a home," he says again, and barrels on when the woman opens her mouth. He can play that game, too. "With me. I'm Tommen's legal guardian, so I'll be the one taking care of the cat."

The redhead breaks into a smile again at those words, though the tall blonde keeps glaring at him. 

"Cats are a lot of work," she says. "Have you ever even owned a pet?"

"No," Jaime says. "But I don't mind a bit of work."

"Brie," the redhead says softly, looking between them.

Brie snorts.

"They'll claw your sofa," she warns. "And throw up on your fancy rugs and shed all over your expensive clothes."

Jaime isn't even wearing expensive clothes, not really, just jeans and a cashmere sweater, this is just getting ridiculous.

"I'm sorry, do you not want to find these cats a home?" he snaps. "Or are you just sad nobody wants to take you back to their house?"

Brie takes a deep breath and looks like she's about to say something, but the redhead sets a hand on her arm, and the taller woman deflates.

"You'll need to sign," she says, from between gritted teeth. "Saying you'll bring them back to us if you don't want them, not just dump them on the street, and if you return them you won't be allowed to adopt again."

"Fine," Jaime says. He expects her to go back to whatever she was doing before, but she stomps out from behind the counter and leads him through a set of doors.

There are, frankly, a lot more cats than Jaime expected. Racks of metal cages line the walls, three in a column, with at least one cat in each. Some of them have more than one, and the scent of litter is even stronger here. The cage floors are covered in newspaper, though some also have blankets.

Some of the cats are loud, meowing frantically as soon as the door opens, and others cower in the corner of their cages. One particularly energetic animal is climbing the wire door of his, flipping around, and coming back down again, wailing dramatically all the while. Another hisses as they walk by.

It's frankly overwhelming. 

Brie leans against the wall, arms crossed, glaring at him. 

Jaime strolls along the line of cages, watching as cats run and hide or stretch paws out to bat at him as he passes.

"Look, Brie," he says, after his third or fourth circuit. 

"Brienne," she interrupts.

"Brienne," he emphasizes, rolling his eyes. "A little help would be nice."

"It's going to be your cat."

"Seriously, why do you even work here if you don't want to adopt these animals?"

"I want to adopt them. Just not to you."

"You don't even know me!" Jaime is almost shouting now. He runs his hands through his hair.

"I know enough," Brienne says mulishly. She jabs her finger at one of the cages. "This cat? Sweet, loving, and she's been brought back here twice. First was because her owner's daughter stopped cleaning the litterbox and that was the punishment. Second time, the owner redecorated and the fur didn't match and was easier to see on the new sofa, so back she comes. Just because money buys you whatever you like doesn't mean you get to treat living creatures like that."

"I'm not planning to!"

"Yeah, but have you thought this through? You clearly don't know anything about cats."

"Well, we can't all live in our apartments with seven of them and become spinsters," Jaime says, and is pleased when Brienne flushes a deeper shade of red. She barrels on anyway.

"What are you going to do when it gets sick? Or claws your favorite shirt? Let me guess – you don't know. You just thought about how cute it will be to see your nephew's face on Christmas morning, and everything else will sort itself out."

"What I thought," Jaime says, stalking closer. He can't loom over Brienne, not when she's taller than he is, but his anger is still a powerful force. "Is that my nephew is dealing with the death of his father, his mother being thrown into a mental institution and he's lonely and the only things he's spoken to since I took custody are stray cats on the street."

Brienne has the grace to look embarrassed, but she doesn't back down from where she's toe to toe with him. 

"What I thought," Jaime continues. "Is that he loves cats more than pretty much anything, and the only time he had one, it disappeared and I'm pretty sure his brother was responsible. But since that brother is now in jail, maybe Tommen can finally get something he wants, for once in his goddamn life."

When Brienne finally speaks again, her voice is more subdued.

"I'm sorry to hear that," she says. It sounds stiff, but sincere, and Jaime inclines his head in acknowledgement. "I just want you to understand how much goes into owning a pet."

"Well, as you pointed out, I'm rich. If the cat claws my shirt or my sofa or whatever, I'll buy a new one. If I get tired of cleaning the litter box, I'll hire a maid. I'm not going to bring the cat back. I could never do something like that to Tommen, after everything he's been through."

That seems to do convince Brienne, at least enough for her to ask some questions about Tommen and what he likes. Then she shows him a number of cats and kittens, insisting on bringing them out of their cages for Jaime to hold, although he really can't tell much difference between them other than furry or more furry, squirmy or less squirmy.  

In the end, he settles on two kittens, because Brienne is of the opinion that an older cat with an established personality would be better, but Jaime has thought about Tommen's face on Christmas morning and he loves kittens so much that Jaime will take the risk, because apparently kittens are better behaved in pairs. 

They're almost to the door when Jaime's attention is caught by a yellow card on the front of one cage, the number 2 scrawled on it in sharpie. 

"Is that how long she's been here? Two days?" he asks.

"No," Brienne sighs heavily. "She's been here over a year. That's how long she has left until we have to put her to sleep."

Jaime peers into the cage. All he can really see is a pile of black fluff in one corner – he almost misses it at first. 

"Is she sick?"

Brienne stares at him like he's being exceptionally dumb.

"No, but we can't keep animals here forever." She makes a clicking noise, and the cat's head perks up, amber eyes flicking over them both. "She's a sweet girl, but she's lazy and she's already 9 years old. She could have plenty of years left – my oldest cat is 17 and going strong – but most people are more excited about kittens."

Jaime feels guilty, suddenly, about the two playful kittens he's picked out. Tommen will love them, of course, probably more than a lazy cat, but he didn't know they killed animals if they weren't adopted.

"I'll take her too," he says impulsively.

Brienne gapes at him.

Jaime grins.

It looks like he's going to have three cats.