#and you happily chatting to your bestie for five minutes

[stormxpadme]

Mute your fucking phone in public challenge 2023

[duckymcdoorknob]

Perfectly Imperfect Night

Ships: Asahi Azumane x Gn!Reader

Prompt: They swore it was a “rite of passage” and “the best night of your life��. They clearly never experienced being abandoned by your date. Prom sucked until your bestie came to the rescue.

Warnings: Sadge reader

Tags: General Taglist ! @lisiwalker, @rebloging-everything, @sweetenertea, @quoikuu, @tetsunova, @evielt13 @keyz-writes, @littlebbyleesfw, @0s0me0n30, @justanunknown

Also @tohrusoftie my wifey. I hope you’re feeling okay, this one’s for you💓💓. & @asahisimpnation and @screamin-abt-haikyuu because h e ❤️

You should’ve known that something was up earlier that evening. You should’ve recognized your date’s displeasure when they excused themself to the restroom for ten minutes, blaming it on the “heavy bowl of soup” they had eaten.

You should’ve known.

But you didn’t want to.

—

The night of your senior prom was always called “the night to remember”. All of the adults sang of its praises, reminiscing their ridiculous hairdos and outfits that they sported at the time. They swore it was a “rite of passage” and “the best night of your life”, but were they telling the truth?

You shook the nasty thoughts away as you slid on your next outfit contender. Feeling rather confident, you snapped a photo and sent it to your friend group’s group chat.

“Thoughtsssss?”

“OMGGGGG IF YOU DON’T BUY IT I WILL 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨“

“Suga, take a chill pill. Anyways, you def should get that one.”

“I agree with Daichi, (Y/N)!!! You look abs. gorgeous!”

Your heart fluttered at the comment from Asahi. Okay maybe you had the tiniest crush on him, but you were going to prom with the date he personally helped you secure, so you were kinda stuck.

“This one it is then! See you hotties 2-nite 😎😎”

Swiftly changing into your street clothes, you then purchase the outfit and rush home. As soon as you step into your bedroom, you shut the door and open your blinds. Turning on some music, you sit down and prepare to get ready for the upcoming night.

After about ten minutes, your phone begins to ring.

“Hey, (Digital Assistant Name), answer call.”

“Answering call from Mufasahi.”

“Hiya!” You chirped, styling your hair with ultimate focus.

“Hey, (Y/N)!! Me and the guys figured we should call to remind you about-“ the long haired male’s voice was cut off as he took notice of how incredible you looked in such a short time. “Uh… about d-din-dinner.”

“Yep! Me and (Date’s Name) will be there exactly at five.” You replied happily, turning your attention to the screen.

“R-Right.“ You couldn’t exactly make out the gibberish, but you couldn’t miss the teasing tone that was laced on Sugawara’s tongue. “Uh… we’ll see you in a few hours!”

“See ya!” With a happy hum of contentment, you ordered your phone to continue playing your music, and returned to your duties.

After hours, your look was complete. You looked absolutely stunning, and couldn’t wait to show your date and your friends your look. You arrived at the agreed upon restaurant first, waiting patiently for your friends.

Little kids and older people eyeballed you in amazement, complimenting your look with huge smiles. You couldn’t help but feel beautiful…

Your date arrived first. They grinned weakly at you and took a seat across from you in the booth.

“You look nice.” They said quietly.

“Thank you. I think you look great too.” You replied with a warm smile.

There was an uncomfortable silence between the two of you. Your date had opted to aimlessly scroll through their phone, leaving you practically alone.

A sudden, over-exaggerated gasp caused the two of you to snap your heads up.

You couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips, and the roll of your eyes, when you caught a glimpse of Sugawara fanning himself dramatically.

“Daichi, catch me! I’m going to pass out! Aphrodite herself is jealous of this deity right here.”

You chuckled, “You’re not so bad yourself, Suga.”

Your date stepped out, allowing themself to sit on the end, as all of your friends piled into the booth. This did not go unnoticed by Asahi, who instantly shot a look at Daichi.

The two ignored it, choosing to go on with ordering their dinners.

Halfway through the meal, your date excused themself to the bathroom, muttering something about their soup.

“You don’t like them very much, do you?” Asahi whispered in your ear, gently touching your shoulder

You sighed, “And here I was thinking that I was being subtle.”

Your date returned just in time to pay, in which they payed only for themself and not you. Regardless, you all piled into Sugawara’s mom’s minivan and rode together to the prom.

The scene was bustling and noisy. Music loud, lights bright, and colors vivid. Your date set the pace of the group, walking quickly ahead of the rest of you. Asahi merely sighed, placing a warm, protective hand on the small of your back. “That’s not how you’re supposed to treat your date.” he grumbled.

You all caught up with each other inside and made your way to the dance floor. Your friends instantly dragged you and your date by the hands to a little part of the floor separate from the crowd.

To your shock, and everyone else’s, your date seemingly enjoyed being goofy with you. They happily danced with you, a huge smile on their face. You reciprocated the smile, giggling a bit.

The night had been going perfectly, until your date had to genuinely use the restroom, and Suga gave you a “great” idea…

“C’monnnn, if you don’t do it, I will!” The silver-haired male whined, grabbing your hand with both of his. “This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!”

You furrowed your brows as you whined softly. “I know but-“

“No buts! Go request that song!”

You groaned and carefully sauntered over to the DJ booth. You then requested your date’s favorite slow song, hoping to continue the tiny spark between you and them.

You and your friends decided it was a good time for a break. Four, very overheated third years carefully trudged to the cheap, hard, metal chairs. The four of you sat down, instantly feeling the relief on your aching feet.

“Anyone else thirsty? I’m going on a drink run.” Asahi chimed as he suddenly stood up.

After the group murmured their drink orders to him, he smiled then turned on his heel to retrieve them.

The lights suddenly changed from overwhelming shades of warm colors, to a dim white, and the music slowed. Asahi chuckled, instantly recognizing the familiar melody.

His chuckle faded, however, when he returned to see you sitting with your chin resting on your palm, looking utterly defeated. “(Y/N)?”

He handed the drinks out quickly and knelt down. “What’s the matter?”

You didn’t reply, instead opting to weakly point at the crowd. Asahi’s eyes fell upon (Date Name) leading someone else through the slow dance, their connection seemingly at 100%.

“I see.” He murmured.

Tears gently pricked the corners of your eyes as you tried to hastily focus on something else.

Instead, you were interrupted by a gentle tapping on your shoulder.

“Hey.” Asahi was standing before you, smiling.

“Hey.” You sniffled.

“May I…” this was it. The big moment. He could do it. “May I h-have this dance?” He slowly held out his hand.

You took it, rising carefully to your feet. “You May.”

Asahi led you wordlessly to the dance floor, right next to your date and their new dance partner. He wrapped his arm around your waist, holding you at a comfortable distance. “Is this okay?”

“It is… thank you.” You whispered, grinning up at him with teary eyes.

The ace removed one of his hands from your hip, carefully brushing the underside of your eye with his thumb. “Don’t let them make you cry. I hate that they made you think that you aren’t good enough…”

“It’s alright, Asahi.” You murmured softly.

“(Y/N)…” Asahi carefully pulled you close into his chest, still swaying side to side, “You’re worth more to me than all of the stars in the sky.”

The whispered message allowed all of your held-back lamentations to come flowing out. The long-haired male simply held you tightly. “There there… I’ve got you now.”

Gently tilting your chin upward to allow you to look at him, Asahi sighed in contentment before carefully connecting his lips to your forehead.

“I’m never letting you go.”

—————♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎—————

[lonesilverw0lf]

I humbly hope everyone enjoys my modest addition to this post!

Ruby, still trying to push the other Rubies off Jaune: I said back off you hussies! You all have your own Jaunes! This one’s mine!

Weiss, trying to pull away her Ruby: Ruby! This is not the time! We have to go save the world!

Blake: We can have the others send these Rubies back to where they came from and you can have this Jaune all to yourself after we’re done. Now let’s go!

Jaune, trying to not hurt anybody and trying to back away yet failing: Man oh man what did I miss this time? Hey Team RWBY, you guys go on ahead and do your thing! I’ll handle things here!

Yang, carrying Ruby over her shoulder: Thanks VB! Love ya! Owe ya big! You’re the best! Gotta go!

Original Ruby: Noooooo!!!!! 😭😭😭😭

Jaune: Eh, heh heh heh. Ok so, good luck then! Oh man, you’re in it again Jaune.😅

Chibi Ruby, hugging Jaune’s head: You ok Jaune?

Jaune: Ah yeah! Just a little little out of the loop here. Um, who are you all and why do you all have my friends face? Hieee! That was my tush!

An older Ruby, in a plain dress shirt and deep red skirt with ripped stockings, moves her way forward: I believe I’m the most suited to explain this one. No offense sister Rubies.

Another Ruby: None taken Professor Ruby.

Professor Ruby: So Jaune, I can tell this is very confusing so I’ll help to clear things up. But first, what do you know about the Multiverse?

Jaune: The what?

Professor Ruby: The Multiverse.

Jaune: Gesundheit.

~

One epic battle and kick ass musical score later, Team RWBY, is rushing back to ‘help Jaune fend off that army of hussies trying to steal my bestie’ in Ruby’s words.

Blake, bruised and panting: Ruby, can we take five minutes? We just got done with a major fight back there! My cat ears are still ringing.

Ruby: We can’t! We left Jaune back there with all those other Rubies! Who knows what they’ll do to him?!

Weiss: Given how… infatuated they were with him, I doubt they’ll do anything untoward the dunce.

Yang: Rubes, what will your other yous do in your position? Eat cookies with him?

Ruby: Maybe?! Or something even worse! Like holding his hand!

Weiss: Once again I am befuddled as to why Ozpin made you leader.

Blake: Now that I think of it, one of them had an eerie resemblance to Lady DelMor.

Weiss: Is that a character from one of your smut books?

Blake: Erotic Literature!

Weiss: Did you just compare our leader to that filth?!

Blake: It’s art! And not the looks of course! Lady DelMor has a much larger chest due to her nature! But there was something about one of the Rubies that gave me an uncanny feeling. We know how massive the multiverse is, who’s to say I’m wrong?

Yang, nervously laughing with a forced smile: Ha! Yeah right. If anything those Rubies will- what the?!

Ruby rushes forward in a blur of petals, intent on saving her friend from the clutches of herself.

Weiss: Oh that dolt!

The trio took off after their friend, although slower than usual. They eventually stopped in front the same crowd they left earlier, only this time none of them seemed to have any interest in them. A Ruby in a frilly maid outfit makes her way out of the crowd and approaches them. WBY ready themselves, but the maid merely gives them a happy smile and a small bow.

Maid Ruby: I was wondering if I would find you all so soon! Master told me to bring you three forwards. Your Ruby is with him.

The Maid turned around, began walking towards the mob of Rubies, tripped over air, landed on her face, picked herself back up and pretended nothing happened as she led the Prime trio through the familiar faces.

Blake: It seems some things don’t change in the multiverse.

Eventually they were led unharmed to the center, where Jaune was seated on a chair with a Ruby on his lap. This one was suited in a futuristic plug suit and chatting happily with Jaune. Yet there was no sign of the promised team leader in sight.

Yang: Where is MY Ruby?

????: Down here.

The team followed the voice to their feet. There they found their leader wrapped up in a chain with another two Ruby seated on top of her. One was dressed very similar to a ninja and the other had a punk biker look to her.

Ninja Ruby: This Ruby was trying to take Jaune-dono away. So this one captured her to stop that from happening. Then Jaune-dono requested that you three to come here.

Punk Ruby, with a dead look in her eyes: She was being rude too. Trying to butt in line like she did. Called us mean things too. Like ‘naughty Jaune snatchers’. That wasn’t very nice.

Yang, watching Punk Ruby take a deep drink from a dark colored bottle very akin to how Qrow does: Is that booze?

A random Ruby to the side: It’s strawberry soda. She drinks it like a boozer though.

The tied up Ruby could only trash about under the unbothered Rubies and shout into her gag made of cookies. The free members of RWBY could only blink owlishly at the scene before their attention returned to the Knight.

Mech Pilot Ruby: And so using the kick butt power of Drift Compatibility and our Jaegers, we totally knock Kaiju teeth in and save the city!

Jaune: That’s so cool! *mumbles* So much cooler than I am.

Pilot Ruby: Oh no you don’t! You are-

Chibi Ruby, popping up behind Jaune: And times up! Ruby, please move aside so the next Ruby can have her time!

Pilot Ruby: Agh! What?! But I need to tell this dummy-

Chibi Ruby: No excuses! The Council of Ruby agreed to this system! Under heading Blonde Chocolate Chip subsection First Sunshine: In the event of multiple Rubies meeting with the beloved, legendary, and best friended entity known as Jaune, each Ruby is allowed five minutes for the first time introducing each Ruby-self to Jaune!

Weiss: What did she just say?

Pilot Ruby: Gah! Alright. But I will be back to tell you otherwise buddy!

Jaune, gulps: Duly noted.

Chibi Ruby: And now that Ruby is out of the way, the next Ruby may take her seat!

The current Ruby reluctantly gets up and is quickly replaced by yet another Ruby who immediately gave Jaune a hug.

???? Ruby, with deep red eyes in a Victorian styled dress with a hood, pulled away to speak: Hello Jaune, I’m Ruby! A vampire in my world! Call me Vampire Ruby!

Jaune: A vampire? Do you do all the usual vampire stuff? And isn’t sunlight bad for you?

Vampire Ruby: If you mean if I can change into a buncha bats, sleep in a coffin, mesmerize people, and stuff, it depends. The Sun is annoying and hurts, but it’s not an immediate ‘light me on fire’ thing. I do drink blood though! And I have to say, your blood is the tastiest! I wouldn’t mind a taste right now~!🤤

Chibi Ruby, slaps Vampire Ruby over the head: No bad Ruby! Down! The Council of Ruby hasn’t determined how we will proceed with Fun Times yet! The Heading Golden Chocolate Chip subsection Ooey Gooey Goodness hasn’t been finalized!

Vampire Ruby, rubbing the lump and pouting: Mmmmphh! Ok fine. But I am a little thirsty. And I don’t like feeding from someone who isn’t Jaune. It’s just not the same.

Jaune: it has been a little bit, so most of us are probably getting a little hungry. But with all of you I’m not sure how we’re going to do this. Is there a blood bank around here? I wonder if Professor Goodwitch-

Hahahahahahahaha! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Jaune, looks to the laughing Ruby: Professor Ruby right? What’d I say?

Vampire Ruby: It’s not your turn yet! Pipe down!

Professor Ruby: I’m sorry! I just can’t, I hehehe. Let me explain. In my world, Glynda isn’t a professor. She is the biggest pain in my derrière I have ever had to teach. She read the rule book, just so she can make a point to break every rule. Or follow the rules to the letter yet break the spirit of them, depending on her mood. So hearing that she’s a Professor in your world is just a huge twist for me. I’m not denying you Jaune, I just can’t help but laugh at the image of my Glynda becoming anything close to a Professor. Has a hella crush on you though.

Jaune: Ok… That’s an image. But wait wasn’t she a Professor with you?

Vampire Ruby: Different professor, different reality, different Glynda. Now butt out of my time!

Professor Ruby: Ah, of course. I’m sorry.

Blake: What am I seeing?

Jaune: So back to you, what do I do in your world?

Vampire Ruby: Oh, you’re a normal human who’s very important to the Underworld back home. Thank goodness that you’re not a Vampire Hunter! One of the other Vampire Rubies has you as a Hunter but claims you’re a good one. I shudder at the idea of you hunting me down like that.

Jaune: Other vampires? How many other Vampire Rubies are there? Are they here? Am I going to get drunk by them too?

Vampire Ruby: Eh, a few. Most of them aren’t here though. The others are in different Ruby Groups. This is just Group A. And don’t worry about the drinking thing. We’ll make sure you’re nice and healthy before we begin any of that.

Weiss: Is any of this real?

A loud bang and cloud is smoke filled the area!

????: Wowie! Holy bonkers!

Jaune: Who’s that?

Chibi Ruby: Heya Inventor Ruby! Long time no see! Love to chat more but we’re in the middle of something.

Inventor Ruby, in a cross between a mad scientist getup and an artificer, pulls off her goggles to see: Really with what? Wait is that Jaune?

Chibi Ruby: Ayep! But you’re going to have to wait your turn. Everyone else here was before you.

Inventor Ruby, with a manic look in her eyes: Oh this is amazing! Such a wonderful specimen! Oh all the gear I have in mind for you! All the studies and experiments I can run! I can’t wait to-

Jaune: Ruby! Ah, you might wanna look around?

Inventor Ruby, finally seeing the glares of all the other Rubies waiting their turn: 😅Ah, yes! Of course! I will gladly wait my turn! I’ll just put a beacon here so I can more easily return! In the meantime I’ll head back to Ruby Base and let the other Rubies know. They’ll be thrilled!

Jaune: How many other Rubies are there?

Chibi Ruby: We said this is only part of Group A.

Weiss: Despite seeing this, and knowing this is all real, I still have trouble believing this.

Blake: Yang are you ok?

Yang couldn’t answer because she has blue screened for a while now.

Inventor Ruby: Oh! This world’s Weiss, Blake, and Yang are here too? Nice! I suppose I should go to the Weiss Tower, the Blake Forest, and Yang Town to let them in on the news. I’m sure they’ll want in on this. Especially him.~

Professor Ruby: Oh? So you managed to get a lock on their locations?

Inventor Ruby: Yep! Me and the other Inventor Rubies just finally figured out the easiest and safest solution. Now we can cross the bridges at will! I’ll bring a few over so you guys can meet your other selves too! Well, ta-ta now!

Jaune, locking eyes with Team RWBY: Well, what now?

team RWBY surrounded by an army of Ruby Rose from alternate universes

Weiss: I always knew you would be the death of me.

Ruby: hey!

Yang: I can't fight my sister.

Blake: they're not really your sister.

Jaune:(showing up) team RWBY I came to help

Just then all the rubies lower their weapons and staring at him

Chibi Ruby: oh my gods it Jaune.

All the Rubies started cheering in excitement.

Ruby:(confused) wait you all know Jaune.

Grimm Ruby: are you kidding me ever Ruby Rose has a Jaune Arc.

Cowgirl Ruby: shoot Jaune is god dang legend in every RWBY universe.

Samurai Ruby:(bowing) Jaune-san oi

All the Rubies run up to Jaune hugging him as Yang, Blake and Weiss watch in confusion but Ruby is pushing all the Rubies off of Jaune.

Ruby: get off of him, he's mine Jaune get your own.

[kyoongboxi]

Delight —

[Baekhyun AU]

— Summertime with Baekhyun —

Summary; You were going to a waterpark to spend your summer with your highschool friends but who would have thought it would be your first meeting after a long time with your all-time highschool crush, Baekhyun.

Pairing; Baekhyun x Reader

Genre; fluff, cute, romance.

——

You've already passed almost three years of college. You feel like you've been through everything started from missing the class especially the one which started in the morning, missing assignments, lack of sleep, skipping the class because of certain things, and others. You also rarely going out in season break because you feel like you didn't really need that. And now summer break is here again.

You were planning to go back to your parents house and spending time probably at the beach just like every summer with your little sister. But the last few days, your high school chat group is always ringing non-stop. Actually you don't care at all but your name keeps being mentioned in the group chat. It said you have to come because everyone misses you. You frowned as you scroll up the group chat and it turned out they're planning to go into a reunion in a local waterpark.

You were about to type something but your phone screen suddenly changed. Showing your high school's bestfriend name on it. Kayla. She was begging you to come because she also hasn't seen you in a long time. At first you were firm in your choice that you wouldn't come but Kayla who kept on sulking managed to melt your heart. You agreed.

And now here you are. Dressing in a simple black swimsuit, watching Kayla and your other friends splashing water into each other. You bend your knees a little so the water reached below your chest. There was a few people including your bestfriend below the big bucket waiting for it to be filled with water and creating a big splash of water when it spilled. Kayla noticed you were watching and she's gesturing you to come.

A laugh escaped your lips as you keep shaking your head telling that you didn't want to come. You don't really like playing in the waterpark because you almost seeing death when you were playing on a waterslide with your friends in high school. You disobeyed the playing procedure. At that time you were sitting on the front, followed by three of your friends in the back. The height of the swimming pool was more than 1,6 meters. You thought it wasn't a problem at all because you can swim. But then you were drowned for about three minutes because your friends keep pushing you down accidentally.

You pushed away your thoughts as the bucket spilled causing a big splash of water and people screaming happily. A smile automatically drew against your lips as you saw Kayla laughing with her friends. Not long after, she was approaching you and splashing you with water.

"Let's go to the waterslide. Wanna come? C'mon bestie just this time?" Kayla asked you suddenly. She knows everything about what happened to you back then so there was a little hesitation slipped between her tone.

"I don't—"

"Aaahh.. Please? You're gonna be fine. I promise. Yeah?" Then she did that again. Showing her puppy eyes and grasping your hands with her.

You rolled your eyes at her before getting up from the water and agreeing. Kayla jumped and pulled you into a tight hug. You both were giggling until your friends approaching you and heading into the waterslide together. There was around nine people including you who wants to play the waterslide.

You climb the stairs carefully with your heart starting to race inside your chest. It was your first time trying this again since that accident. Kayla noticed your stiff movement and she throws her arm around your shoulder and telling you you're going to be just fine.

"Loosen up a bit.. You're fine. Okay? All your friends in here we wouldn't let you drown" Hearing the last sentence, your hands automatically flew to her chest. Hitting her lightly caused your friend to laugh.

After a few minute climbing up the stairs, you and your friends finally reached the top. You peeking out how far the waterslide is and it was kinda long. Maybe it took around one minute or more for reaching the ground. You shivered but your thoughts being pushed away when four of your friends already sliding down through it using the yellow swimming tire made for four people.

You immediately glancing around because now only five people are left and four of them including Kayla was getting ready to start their adventure. Your friends only brought a two swimming tire and basically it only fits for eight people.

"Gu—guys.." You called out and four of them glancing against your direction.

"The tire was made for four people and— we were five. I— I don't want go alone.. I'll just going down using the stairs—"

"Right— I'm sorry I didn't realize that. That's fine I'll come down using the stairs with you—" Kayla spoke and getting up from the tire, walking towards where you stand at the corner but you stopped her by saying its fine.

"No no.. Kayla you can join them. Its fine actually— I'm having a doubt for sliding this down" You gestured. "I'm going to use the stairs. Its fine— guys" You let out an awkward laugh and Kayla sent you an apologetic look meanwhile the other three was calling her to come with them.

"Its fine, Kay. Just wait for me" You spoke softly.

"Okay then—" She nodded and turned her back to you. "I'll wait on the pool. Join us asap, yeah?" Kayla turned her head around once again and you nodded.

They disappeared against the waterslide tunnel not long after and you could hear their muffled laughter echoing through it. You sighed and wraps your arms around your torso. You shouldn't have agreeing to come because now you feel bad for ruining your friends summer time.

You turned around walking towards the stairs. You keep your head down and you saw a man feet walking in the same direction. Without thinking twice you move aside, letting him to walk first but a familiar voice calling your name caused you to looked up.

You feel like someone is pulling you harshly into the same hole that leading into your past when your eyes met those warm yet captivating brown eyes you wished you will never see again. Baekhyun, Byun Baekhyun. Your biggest crush ever when you were in the high school.

He was there. Looking at you with one arm holding the yellow swimming tire behind his back. The last time you saw him on his Instastory, his hair was white. But now he dyed his hair into a darker color. Slightly wet and half parted. It was like he's been running his fingers through his hair because it was a little bit messy. And you noticed that he was wearing a black shirt that clutching into his skin perfectly paired with red shorts. All wet.

Oh you just want to disappear and curse at Kayla for not telling you he was also coming. You feel shy under his gaze because you noticed he was looking at your exposed skin before going back into your eyes. You hugged your exposed torso a little bit tighter and shoot him a smile. A forced one because it was too obvious and Baekhyun noticed your awkwardness.

"I thought you went down already with Kayla and the others?" Baekhyun finally spoke. "I just talked to someone a few minutes ago and I told Lucas to going first with the others. Did he join you?" And now you realized you missed him that much. Even his voice sounds like a great lullaby when it reached your ears.

You could only nodded because you feel like your tongue are tied and its very hard to speak. Your heart keep thumping loudly meanwhile your brain keep telling you to leave him. Right now.

"Ah I see.. And— what happened to you why didn't you joining?"

And you finally open your mouth. "They only brought two tire— only fits for four people— all of us were nine so I didn't get the space" You answered with a soft laugh.

"And now you wanna go down using the stairs?" He asked again as he put the yellow tire on the slide.

You nodded.

Baekhyun glanced at you. A smile drew against his lips showing his teeth and those cute cheeks. "Wanna slide together?" He offered.

Your eyes widened immediately as you heard those words rolling out his tongue. Slide together? Hell nah. "But— you only brought the tire designed for one people—"

He chuckled. "Not a big problem. You can sit on my lap" He answered easily. "C'mon"

You close your eyes for a sec and trying to control your breathing because God this man is crazy and your heart is also beating crazily. "I'm sorry Baekhyun, but I got a trauma—"

"I know, I know. I would never forget that" He shook his head and threw his gaze into another direction before coming back to you. "I'll hold you tight. You're gonna be fine. C'mon" He then offered his hand to you.

Both your heart and mind is racing. You really didn't know what to do and what to choose. "C'mon.. You should live a little we both still young. I know you since long ago. You trusted me, right?"

Did you trust him? "Is that okay with you if I sit on your— la— lap?"

"More than okay. Let's go"

Baekhyun climbed against the tire. Trying to find the right position with his legs spread open. Once he was done, he gestured for you to sit on top of him. To sit on his lap.

You walked up slowly towards him with a shaky legs and you just hope he didn't noticed. Take a deep breath, you crouched down to sit against his lap carefully. You could feel the wet material of his shorts rubbing against your inner thighs as you sit down. His right arm immediately snakes around your naked torso and you shivered because his skin feels cold against your warm one meanwhile his other hand clutching into the side of the tire for safety. Your both hands also joining him clutching the side of it.

"Ready?" He spoke softly against your ear. His breath caressed your skin.

You nodded softly before you closed your eyes. You don't want to see everything. You were scared of being drowned. "Relax.." Baekhyun tightened his grip around your body. "We'll go in one.. Two.."

"Three!"

With that, you could feel the tire sliding down in a fast motion. Moving deeper inside the tunnel of the waterslide. You could hear the man behind you screaming and laughing happily when you wouldn't dare to open your eyes. It took around one minute or more for reaching the pool and the next thing you realized was your body being slammed hard into the water as your breath hitched in your throat. A lot of water filling up your nose and you panicked. But you were pulled to the surface just in time as a pair of arms wrapped around your body.

You couldn't help but clutching into his arms as you coughed. Your breathing was fast and you probably looks like a dying fish in the hand of the fisherman. "Easy— easy... Let it out" You heard Baekhyun talk as he patted your back soothingly.

A minute passed and you were greeted by his warm gaze. You could tell he was worried about you from the way he looks at you in your eyes. "Are you okay?"

You nodded and let out a laugh as you throw your arms around his neck. Pulling him into your embrace. "I'm alright. I'm— I'm so sorry Baekhyun"

He gladly returned your embrace and running his fingers against your tangled locks. "That's fine. You're okay. We both fine. You trusted me, didn't you?"

You nodded and close your eyes again. You could feel Baekhyun chuckled because your chest was pressed against him. "Let's go for another ride then?" He asked you.

And not far from where you were at, stood Kayla smiling and winked against the man. Baekhyun nodded and raised his thumb towards her. Mission success.

——

Hello! I'm back again hehe thankyou so much for your feedback on my first entry! I love you ❤❤ more are definitely coming please wait for me ehehe ‘ㅅ’!

And oh I can't replying to comments I'm kinda new on this app could someone please tell me how to? Thankyou 😂😭😭

[cubexr]

My first ever newsies fic :D I got this idea ages ago. It was actually going to be a longer fic that I never ended up writing, but I loved this scene so much that I just had to write it, and maybe in the future if people like it, I might continue, who knows... enjoy <3

LOOKING FOR FINCH

Kind of modern era redfinch but more like Race and Albert being chaotic besties, Race trying to play the match maker and fangirling over birds and Albert acting like he doesn't believe in love at first sight

(word count 1196)

“Did you get his phone number?” Race asked Albert, who had just made his way back to their table.

“No”, Albert answered shortly. He would never admit it to Race, but he felt disappointed. It had taken him a while to even build up the courage to talk with that cute boy, but now it all felt like it was worth nothing. He hadn’t asked his phone number or his social media, so they would probably never meet again. Great.

“But you liked him, right?” Race asked.

“Yeah, I guess”, Albert said. Yes, he had liked him. They had hit it off right away until the guy had noticed the time, said ‘it was nice to meet you’, and left very quickly. Why, that he didn't tell.

“Then why don't you have his number?” Race asked, interrupting Albert's thoughts.

“Oh, because I found out that he is a time traveler from the 1800s and doesn’t have a phone,” Albert deadpanned. “You idiot, because I didn’t ask for his number of course.

Race raised his eyebrows.

“Okay Einstein, what are you going to do now?”

“What do you mean what I am going to do now? Finish this cupcake and leave is my best guess.”

“About the guy! What are you going to do with him? Are you just going to forget that this dreamy boy ever crossed paths with you and move on? Just like that?”

“Well,” Albert said and took a bite of his cupcake. “That is pretty much the plan, yeah.”

“You know that I am not going to let you do that,” Race said and grinned. “We will find him or we will die trying.”

Albert rolled his eyes. He knew there was nothing that could stop his best friend now.

“So,” Race started. “Did you get any information out of him?”

“He thinks that chocolate cake here is absolutely delicious but coffee could be better. He also told me that he doesn’t come here often so no, before you even suggest that I spend all my free time here hoping that he would come back, not going to happen. This isn’t some cheesy romcom and we should just let it go,” Albert noticed that Race was going to interrupt so he continued before the other one could say anything. “It is not worth it. Seriously. It was just some guy. Yeah, we had a fun chat but it lasted like five minutes. Could we just drop it?”

They stared at each other for a few seconds, and for a moment there Albert actually thought that Race was considering his words.

“Sorry to break it to you but the information you just gave me was absolutely useless,” Race said, ignoring completely everything else Albert had tried to say. “Give me something I can use. I got to agree tho, chocolate cake is heavenly”

“Race…”

Race sighed, and looked at Albert. There was something almost sad in his eyes, and this sudden change of emotion made Albert forget what he was even going to say.

“Hey, Albert, listen to me for a moment here,” Albert was so caught off guard by the sudden seriousness of Race’s voice, that he didn’t even try to stop him. “I know you liked him. Sorry buddy, but you are not that hard to read. And it was more like 20 minutes you two were talking, not five. See, you didn’t even notice how fast time went by. And I saw your face when he left and I think the last time you looked that disappointed was the time I couldn’t fit three tennis balls into my mouth. I am aware that this might be totally useless but can’t we even try? So what we never find him, at least you didn’t just give up like that.”

Albert stared at Race, not quite knowing how to respond to that. Race was hardly ever this serious and reasonable. Had it really been 20 minutes? Could Race actually be right for the first time in his life?

“Okay.”

“What? Are you for real?” Boom, happy Race was back. Albert rolled his eyes again.

“Yes yes don’t make a big deal out of it. What do you want to know?”

“His name.”

“His name?”

“You heard me.”

Albert sighed. “Finch.”

Moment of silence.

“Finch?” Race said, amused.

“You heard me.”

“Yes I did but did you hear him? Finch? Isn’t that like a bird?” Race said, sounding now way too amused to Albert’s liking. Albert nodded.

“There is no way his name is actually Finch.”

“Says who, Race? Like that is a normal name.”

“Sweetheart, that is not my real name.” Race said.

“Yeah Sherlock, maybe Finch isn’t his real name either. People go by nicknames all the time. Like Buttons for example. Or Specs.”

“Yeah but they are our friends. That’s why we call them that.”

“Oh yeah? Tell me Specs’ real name then.”

“What?”

“Our friend Specs. I am pretty sure that is not his actual name. Can you tell me what it is?” Albert asked, and now it was his turn to be amused.

Race went quiet, clearly trying to think for an answer to the question. After a moment, he let out a frustrated sound.

“No, that is not the point. The point is, that ‘Finch’ will get us nowhere,” Race said.

“But that is all that I got, so,” Albert smirked. “So, maybe we should just give up.”

“No!” Race almost shouted. He was not going to let Albert win. “Yes, Finch is good we will work with that.”

Race pulled his phone from his pocket and started searching.

Albert was almost sure there was nothing to be found. It was ridiculous, there was no way Finch was the guy’s actual name. Maybe surname? No, that seemed unlikely too. Maybe he had just lied to-

“Look, Al! Look what I found” Race screamed suddenly.

Small hope woke up in Albert.

“What? What did you find?”

“There is a literal finch fan page, look! I mean for the birds, actual finches. It has like 400 hundred pics of different kinds of finches, this is wild! Do you think same person took all of the pictures or-”

“Oh my god Race, I actually thought you found something.” Albert could barely hide his growing frustration. The hope that had just been there was gone. “Come on, try to concentrate, this was your idea not mine- Oh my god did you just follow the god damn finch fan page?”

“Maybe I did,” Race said happily. “These pictures are actually super cool, I never knew there were so many different kinds of finches, I thought it was just one bird”

“Race please, this is getting us nowhere.”

“Oh my god, maybe it’s him! Maybe he is a big finch nerd and that is how he got his nickname!”

Albert laughed. “If it’s his page then I don’t think our interests match enough for me to reach out. And he didn’t exactly seem like a guy who’d be that into some birds.”

“What do you know, you talked for like five minutes.”

“Hey, you said it was twenty!” Albert said and kicked Race under the table.

“Ouch! Okay, okay, it’s probably not him. We should keep looking,” Race said.

“You still think we will find him?” Albert asked. After all, there still was a small amount of hope left in him. Just a little bit.

“Of course!” Race said cheerfully. “We will find him. And in your wedding this will be an excellent story in my best man speech.”

thank u so much for reading <3333

[dcbutinamrev]

please. i. i need some halemadge. i am shaking. pl. please. anything literally anything i just need some halemadge.

I'll do my best bestie!

I did just finish a hamdre ficlet for @skyetheesorceress that took me all day to do, but if this ficlet is super short or crappy, it is because I am exhausted as I have been staring at this computer screen for...since...like...nine in the morning. I'll rewrite it or add more to it tomorrow. But I hope this will fill all your Halemadge needs for the night!

Modern au for this one.

~~

Young Benjamin Tallmadge has always kept his eyes fixed on the bright and intelligent, kind and yet handsome also beautiful Nathan Hale in his class each day at Yale University. He sits currently with Hale beside him, a boy who has his similar looks--blonde hair; though his blonde is more white--his eyes bright blue and smile wide and bright as the sun.

Tallmadge sighs, his chin resting in his palm as he sees Hale chatting lively to one of his friends, Anna, he believes her name was. Anna Strong. Tallmadge doesn't know how long it's been since he's began "stalking" Hale, as his best friend since his childhood years, Caleb Brewster, would put it, him. Tallmadge grunts when he feels an elbow being jabbed into his ribcage.

"Ow! Dude, what the hell?" Tallmadge hisses, whipping his head sharply over his shoulder at Brewster. Brewster raises his eyebrow as he sips on his water.

"You were doing it again, Tallboy," Brewster says, flipping a page in his textbook.

"Doing what?" Tallmadge scoffs.

"That," Brewster says, emphasizes on That. "You got that look on your face again."

"What look?" Tallmadge says stupidly.

Brewster rolls his eyes. "That look. The look you always give him."

A pause.

Tallmadge shakes his head, clearly denying it.

"You're in ~love~ Tallboy," Brewster says in a teasing tone. "It's pretty obvious."

Tallmadge just simply gives him a look.

"I'm just saying," Brewster says.

"I'm not in love with him, Caleb. I won't say I am."

"Are you seriously quoting Hercules?" Brewster asks with a smirk on his face.

"Which one? Mulligan? Or Disney?"

Brewster chuckles, causing Tallmadge to do so as well. They both end it with a sigh.

"Look, Homecoming is around the corner. And as to my knowledge you don't have a date yet," Brewster says.

"What are you saying?" Tallmadge asks, furrowing his brows together.

"I'm saying, Ben, now's your chance!" Brewster says, patting his shoulder as Tallmadge turns back to face Hale, who laughs at something Woodhull have said, Robert Townsend looking ready to wipe Woodhull's face clean with his fist. Tallmadge presses his lips together firmly as Brewster continues. "If you love him, go get him! What are waiting for?"

Tallmadge stares at Brewster for a moment or two, blinking once and twice, before clearing his throat and pushing himself up from his chair. Brewster's eyes widen with slight surprise and he grins as he watches Tallmadge marching up towards Hale.

Brewster rests his chin in his palm, waiting with that same teasing smirk just as before.

Once Tallmadge approaches Hale's group, he breathes in sharply. He glances over at Brewster over his shoulder who flashes him a wide smile, a curt nod and a thumbs up, before turning back to Hale. When he steps close to Hale's desk, Tallmadge clears his throat.

Silence falls among the group, followed by soft murmurs. Tallmadge shifts on his feet and bites the inside of his cheek, unclenching and clenching his fists. Hale cranes his neck slightly upward, raising an eyebrow suggestively.

"Hey um...do you mind if I talk to you? Nate?" Tallmadge tries. "Privately..."

Hale narrows his eyes and presses his lips together. He sits up straighter in his chair, both eyebrows high. "If you have something to say to me, you can also say it to my friends."

Tallmadge glances up to find the others gawking at him. He knows how loyal Hale is towards his friends and those he love. Tallmadge swears to himself he has never seen anyone trusting nor as kind as he.

Tallmadge clears his throat again and shifts awkwardly on his feet, his hands stuffed into his jean pockets. "It'll uh...it'll be five minutes at the latest. I promise."

"Why can't you tell me here?" Hale challenges, crossing both arms over his chest.

"Because I don't want to look like a fool," Tallmadge snaps, causing Hale to sit up straighter even more, clicking his mouth shut.

He glances at the other, who nod once, before Hale turns back to Tallmadge, nodding his permission.

Tallmadge extends his hand out towards Hale, who takes it gently as he assists Hale helping up to his feet. In the corner of his eye, Tallmadge could see Woodhull scowl slightly, furrowing his brows slightly as he watches the two disappear out of the room.

"Now," Hale says once the room's door clicks shut. "What is it you wished to tell me, Ben?"

Tallmadge swallows, staring deep into Hale's bright blue eyes as he grasps both of his hands suddenly. Hale becomes stiff, raising an eyebrow as he inclines his head upward to meet Tallmadge's eyes.

"Nathan...Nate..." he breathes in sharply. It's just three words, Tallmadge, he thinks to himself. Just three words. "Nate...you know how...you and I have been best friends, right?"

Hale nods, a kind and warm smile on his face, squeezing Tallmadge's hands in his. "Of course...we've been friends since...we were...kids really."

Tallmadge nods. "That's the point. Well, my point is...my uh...my question is...Homecoming is around the corner...and I was wondering...I-I was wondering if um...if uh...if you'd..."

"If I'd...If I'd like to go with you?" Hale finishes, catching Tallmadge by surprise.

Tallmadge nods, letting a breathy sigh as he braces himself.

Hale smiles wide with a soft chuckle, leaning up on his toes to press a soft, quick kiss to Tallmadge's cheek.

Tallmadge stares at the hallway before him with a blank look.

"Of course, I'd go, Ben," Hale chuckles as he lowers himself back down.

"Really?" Tallmadge says with slight disbelief in his voice.

Hale nods. "With you of all people, Ben."

Tallmadge scoffs out a laugh, his eyes wide and blinking. Hale nods with confirmation, giggling adorably, making Tallmadge's heart flutter before dropping their hands and bursting into the classroom once more with his arms open wide, a triumphant laugh escaping him.

Brewster stands up immediately.

"HE SAID YES!" Tallmadge gasps. "HA HA! HA HA! YES! HE SAID YES! LOOK WHO'S GOTTA DATE!"

"That's my Tallboy!" Brewster shouts, embracing Tallmadge tightly before patting his friends shoulder before releasing him.

Tallmadge wraps his arms around Hale's shoulder, pulling him closer. He whips his head towards his lookalike John Laurens and his boyfriend, Alexander Hamilton in the middle of the classroom.

"Beat that, Laurens!" Tallmadge says.

"Uh...I still win, Benny-Boy," Laurens says without taking his eyes off of of Hamilton's. "I've been dating Alexander for a year now and you? A day."

"Oh, whatever!" Tallmadge groans, waving a hand at him.

Tallmadge turns back to stare at Hale's eyes, bright blue--blue as the sky on a summer's day. He leans down to steal a quick kiss, which Hale happily returns.

Tallmadge vows to himself to protect and to love and to cherish his dear Nate at all costs.

Until death do they part.

[sorenskyhigh]

I don't know if you saw the post I sent out... I forgot to add a couple of things but my birthday is tomorrow 🎉🎉😂... Yay, and I wanted to see how the Haikyuu boys celebrate their spouses birthday 🎂🎉💕... Thanks Love. AYEEEE BESTIE ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

AWESOME HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! 🎉

Honestly Idk what's going on but only, even tho I'm supposed to get notifs for a good couple blogs but I've only been getting them for two, I'm so sorry I missed the post!!!!!!!!!!! >.<

Ya boi Satori is gonna give you an awesome birthday!!!!!

Birthday Party!

Satori Tendou

"Ah! Wakatoshi-kun, could you help me hang this banner up here?" Satori asked as he held up one end to the left side of the doorway. Ushijima nodded before striding over.

"She's going to be so happy when she sees this!" Goshiki said as he helped Yamagata set up the table for dinner. Yamagata nodded with a kind smile.

They were all outside and had planned out a BBQ birthday party for you. The doorway to your backyard was decorated heavily. Tables were slowly filling up with food that were spread across the yard. Shiny decorations sprouted from the middle of the tables.

"How's the food coming along Soekawa-kun, Yunohama-kun?" Satori looked behind himself as he helped Semisemi set up the speakers, mic, and drums.

"Great! We'll have enough to feed a village at this rate," Soekawa answered as Yunohama nodded once, solemnly.

"We're back with your big ass cake!" Shirabu said through struggled breath.

The cake was rather big and only him and Ohira were holding it. The two struggled to set it on the middle most table.

Kawanishi was over testing out the drums while Akakura tightened the strings on his guitar.

Satori was really glad when he found out Kawanishi knew how to play the drums and Akakura could play base and Semisemi was good singer. That way they wouldn't have to struggle to find a good enough band for his precious little Paradise.

All of their families as well as your own were going to be there soon.

Satori had planned it with you to pick you up from your after school/weekend job and escort you to a "date".

He did it all the time anyway so there’s no way you'd find it suspicious. It didn't matter whether he had practice or anything, he would make sure to escort you home after work everyday.

"Hey!" Two young female voices sounded from the front of the house. It was Yamagata's two little sisters and his dad. His mom couldn't make it, a couple parents couldn't because of work.

Not but a second later Ohira's older sister and younger brother appeared with your family. Soon the backyard was full of people and everybody was socializing.

"Alrighty everybody! I'm gonna go get her and bring her here! Get ready, it'll only be about five-eight minutes time!" Satori announced, and with that he swiftly trotted out your front door to the train station.

He got to your job just as you were walking out. Satori told you to dress cute for the "date".

"Well hello my lovely Paradise," Satori said before wrapping his arms around you and giving you multiple kisses all over your face. He pressed a long and soft one to your lips. Positively taking your breath away.

"Hi baby," you said, giving him an extra squeeze.

"C'mon my lovely. We wouldn't want to be late." And with that he held out his elbow for you to take.

A small giggle from you and you both were off to the trains station and hopped on.

"How much to you trust me my beautiful paradise?" Satori asked oh-so-suspiciously as he leaned into you.

"Completely and entirely." You responded which caused him to split into a wide grin before he tapped a finger lightly at the end of you nose.

"Would you trust me to guide you if I told you to close your eyes?" He asked as he conspiratorially looked away.

"Oh, and why would I need to close my eyes?"

"Ooooooooooh, well, no reason you need to concern yourself with right now."

"Alright, I trust you, baby."

He seemed to swell happily at that and took one hand in his as the other wrapped around your waist to securely get you home.

He walked you down the street, up the walk path and just picked you up so you could avoid the steps.

He opened a door. A door?

"Are we at my house?" You asked before you heard a light switch click to your right. Satori placed his hands on your shoulders as he hunkered behind you, lowering his mouth to you ear and whispered to you, "Open your eyes my sweet Paradise."

You opened them to a whole house full of people yelling Happy Birthday.

Satori escorted you to the backyard after many hugs and well wishes were exchanged.

Time passed by quickly, with Semisemi, Akakura, and Kawanishi playing good music in the background and people chatting. Food was being eaten.

People were being intimidated by Ushijima and Ohira, Shirabu acting like he wasn't enjoying himself (he was he was just being a little shit per usual), Goshiki being an absolute puppy with Yamagata in tow trying to calm him down as well as look after the younger kids, Sagae and Yunohama grilling up all the food and of course Satori being right by your side the whole time. Satori never let go of your hand unless someone hugged you.

Soon came time to cut into he cake and pass around pieces. The first piece would go to you, obviously, however, Satori had another idea.

Satori was had cut your piece of the cake and hurriedly took the plate and planted it in your face. You laughed, barely able to clean your face off. Satori came in to help, obviously. He may like to joke but you're his precious paradise, and you mean more than the world to him.

He helped fix your hair and apologized when you had to change your clothes. Many kisses were given to you're hands and cheeks as compensation.

Present had been opened, thanks given. Satori had gotten you a very expensive and beautiful ring. It had his name engraved into it and he had one with your name engraved into it.

Satori kept kissing the finger you had your ring on, and kept both hands with the rings on them intertwined, unable to barely look away unless he was looking into your eyes.

Soon night fell and and the lights they had set up were turned on, all of the little kids were taken home, Yamagata and Ohira went home with their younger siblings. The rest of them team and their families slowly leaving and going home.

Ushijima, Semisemi, and Goshiki, along with Satori, you and your family had helped clean up and put the food away.

Goshiki, Ushijima, and Semisemi were the last three to leave. Goshiki of course had given you a very enthusiast huge and last Happy Birthday, Semisemi gave a light hug and a pat on the before leaving, Ushijima gave a hug and simple nod.

Satori stayed the night and cuddled with you as you both binged your favorite movies before passing out on the couch. Your family was in bed and the house was silent aside from the quiet humm of commotion from the TV.

After you had fallen asleep against his shoulder, Satori picked you up with ease and layed you down into your bed before going to sleep on your couch's pull out futon.

I hope you like it! Again Happy Birthday, I hope you're having fun!

[nc-ten-scenarios]

Hook, Line, and Sinker//1

I don’t know how I got persuaded to come, but this party was a drag. Sure they had some good music and by some I mean maybe a solid four percent of it was good. The other ninety-six percent was a clash of bdm and wannabe soundcloud rappers. I had hidden myself in the kitchen for the past twenty minutes when I decided it was time to go back out into the war zone.

Now I’m not judging, but this living room was not meant for this many teenagers doing stupid things. Your typical high school party everyone. I maneuvered around the maze of people and just about sighed in relief as I had made it across the living room unscathed. That is until I felt a force from my left and suddenly I was stumbling into what felt like a wall.

Everything happened so quickly so imagine my shock when I had not only stumbled into somebody, but had also landed so strategically that I was unintentionally giving away my first kiss. My eyes were wide as saucers with shock and the boy I had just kissed mirrored my expression. My hand covered my mouth in disbelief before my senses caught up with me and I hightailed it out of there.

Na Jaemin. I just accidentally gave my first kiss away to Na Jaemin. Oh god what have I done? This is so not how I expected tonight to go.

You see Na Jaemin is arguably one of the most popular boys in school. Not just for his good looks. This boy was literally an angel I swear it. He would stroll into school, a coffee in hand, a dazzling smile, and six other boys who were just as good looking. I’m not a psychic by any means, but when I say Na Jaemin was crafted to perfection I ain’t lying.

Anyways after the initial shock and embarrassment had died down I decided it was time to make my way to the cozy kitchen. Mistake number two of my evening. Two boys stood by the counter chatting, well until I made my way inside. They glanced at me, whispered to one another, and then I was left with the one and only Derek. Now don’t get me wrong Derek was nice and all, but he was probably the creepiest person I had the displeasure of knowing.

The sad part was that he thought every girl was absolutely head over heels for him. Poor guy doesn’t know what disgust or rejection is even when it hits him in the face.

“Well hello darling.”

Oh gag me.

“How are you tonight pretty lady?”

Maybe if I ignore him he will go away? Please for the love of god leave.

“Oh come on baby girl talk to me. We both know you want to.”

Lord what have I done to deserve this? I’ve been good.

“Have I perhaps made you speechless with my charm?”

Oh. My. God. Please. Make. It. End.

“Why don’t we get outta here baby girl?”

Okay send somebody. Anybody to help me out.

Within the next moment I heard the kitchen door swing open. Two strong and warm arms slid around my waist. Before I could cuss them out for touching me, my eyes met none other than Na Jaemin’s.

“Everything okay baby?” Jaemin asked warm eyes burning into mine. I was speechless.

Out of everybody Na Jaemin coming to my rescue? Really universe? You just      l o v e  to screw with me don’t ya?

I stared at Jaemin before the realization that he called me baby had kicked in along with the question of course. But could my stupid self form words? You already know the answer.

I nodded dumbly at Jaemin’s question. He then flashed a  b e a u t i f u l  smile at me.

Is this what greets you at the gates of heaven? Did Na Jaemin just smile at me? I must be dreaming.

Jaemin then took ‘notice’ of Derek. More like he chose this moment to display his sarcastic shock of Derek even being in the same room. Jaemin eyed Derek up and down before he tugged my body back against his rock hard chest. I think I about stopped breathing when he kissed my head immediately after.

“Who’s this baby?” Jaemin’s deep voice acted surprised.

Before I could even open my mouth Derek had to find an opportunity to boost his ego. Typical.

“I’m Derek her future boyfriend. I was just about to take her back to my place. She was practically begging with her eyes.”

I felt my irritation level rise five entire notches. I rolled my eyes ready to slam my head against the wall to end this conversation. Jaemin had other ideas.

He leaned down so his lips brushed the tip of my ear. “Is he bothering you?” I could only nod as I pushed myself further into Jaemin’s arms. For some odd reason he made me feel safe and his arms were comforting, especially with the way Derek had been eyeing me.

Jaemin happily tightened his grip on my body as he held me firmly to his chest. I felt his chin rest on the crown of my head. What I didn’t see what the way his gaze darkened significantly and his eyes flashing a threatening gold making Derek pale rapidly before he took off.

Once Derek was gone I visibly relaxed before remembering I practically melted in the arms of Na Jaemin who held me to his chest almost in a protective manner.

I tapped his arm. “Uh Jaemin? You can let me go now.”

I expected the boy to immediately loosen his grip and allow me to step out of his warm embrace. Instead his grip only tightened as he nuzzled into my neck.

I felt my cheeks flush with red and I could only assume I looked like a tomato at this point. I felt my heartbeat speed up and with some adrenaline I found myself pushing out of his embrace and booking it to find Jacelyn.

I spotted my best friend with her boyfriend. Remember the six boys I mentioned earlier? Yeah one of them happened to be Lee Donghyuck or Haechan as his friends called him. He had been dating Jacelyn, my best friend, for awhile now and I had to admit they were literally the cutest couple. Too bad I had to ruin the moment for an emergency bestie meeting.

Without much warning I had marched up to the couple, grabbed her wrist, and proceeded to drag her away with a “Sorry I need to borrow her” tossed over my shoulder to a confused Haechan.

As I dragged her to an empty room Jacelyn expressed her confusion with a “What’s up with you?”

“GIRL I have some TEA.” That shut her up. So I spilled the tea of the kiss to the kitchen fiasco and ending it with my feelings. “And I just don’t know Jacelyn he makes me feel things and he’s been making a move on me since that accidental kiss and I’m not mad at it??? Like I think I’m losing my mind Jacelyn!”

Jacelyn sat amused on the little bench the room provided. She smiled standing up and placing her hands on my shoulders. “Just give him a chance, trust me. I think you should go for it.”

I was still unsure. “You think I should?”

Jacelyn rolled her eyes and dragged me back to the party. “Yes now go get your man. You’ll be fine now go.”

I watched as Jacelyn skipped over to an unsuspecting Haechan and back hugged him. I saw him smile as he sweetly kissed her hands before he pulled her around to his chest and kissed her forehead.

Watching them made me realize that I wanted something like that too. So I made up my mind. Na Jaemin extended his hand out to me and I shyly placed my small hand into his warm palm and allowing him to tug me to his side.

I was so caught up with the way he has fit into mine that I almost missed Jacelyn wanting to ditch this party and grab milkshakes instead. Let’s just say I was quick to agree. The four of us wandered outside and we split off as Haechan helped Jacelyn into his Range Rover before jogging around to the drivers side and climbing in.

Jaemin tugged me over to his Jeep before he opened my door and helped me into the vehicle. No I totally didn’t get butterflies and get overwhelmed with love by the gesture. Or maybe I did. Jaemin and I made small talk and before I knew it we had pulled up to this cute little diner.

The four of us settled into what the waitress called “Jacelyn and Haechan’s booth” and we were scanning the menus.

We ordered simple milkshakes and two side orders of fries. When my shake arrived I didn’t expect Jaemin to steal it and take a long sip. I gawked at him ready to throw hands.

“Excuse you?!” I snatched my milkshake back and sipped aggresively making him snicker. I huffed rolling my eyes.

“Isn’t that technically an indirect kiss?” Haechan teased munching on a fry.

I flushed a deep red covering my face. When I felt my cheeks cool down I looked up only to find my milkshake gone.

“Yah! You owe me a milkshake!” I hissed at Jaemin who slowly began to smirk. I was about to ask what he was planning when he swooped down and kissed the corner of my lip shocking me.

I opened and closed my mouth multiple times before I managed to get a sentence out. “Did you just try to kiss me to get out of making me a milkshake?”

Jaemin grinned before he swooped down and kissed both my cheeks.

“Jaemin!” I covered my red cheeks. “I don’t kiss on the first date.”

That only widened his grin. “So this is considered  a date? And technically it’s after the first date though.”

I stared at him for a moment. “I’m breaking up with you.” Me being dramatic I went to stand and over dramatically storm out of the restaurant, but Jaemin began clinging to my body whining out a ‘noooooooooo.’

I managed to wiggle free and booked it out of the restaurant laughing. I leaned against his jeep catching my breath. When I turned to see if he had followed me I found his face inches away from mine. I jumped not expecting him to be that close when he backed me against his jeep.

He pouted at me as he caged me against the door. For some reason his pout made me feel upset and I instantly wanted to make it disappear.

With some random new found confidence I quickly pecked his lips and watched as the pout transformed into a grin. I stared at him and he at me. “Did you just-?” He had a shit-eating grin playing on his lips.

“NO!” I whined cheeks flushing red.

“You just kissed me.” Jaemin smiled dreamily.

I bit my lip before confessing. “I don’t like seeing you sad or upset. It...bothers me.”

It was silent between us as Jaemin stared at me in awe. It was almost peaceful, until be shattered that.

“Since you stole a kiss I think I should be able to as well.”

I think my eyes became saucers in that moment. “B-but-” I cut myself off as he quickly pecked my nose before nuzzling into my neck sweetly.

I guess I’ll have to get used to the skin ship and affection that is Na Jaemin. We are dating now, by some silent agreement of course, but still dating.

[palmettofoxden]

Do you think you could write some Kevin/Jeremy? Because that would be awesome

I absolutely love Kevin/Jeremy, so you have come to the right place. I’ve been rambling about them again and I don’t know if there’ll still be more of this afterwards or not but this is what I’ve got so far:

So they’re at a banquet and Kevin is already pre-tipsy and upset because it’s the first banquet without Riko around and the Foxes are kinda salty because Kevin should be glad he’s free, not drinking to get through it.

Kevin is pretty much done with the Foxes and his judgy judge besties Neil and Andrew so he’s like fuck this I miss Jean and Jeremy is so much nicer than these assholes.

Kevin is not supposed to be sitting at the Trojan table, but no one stops him when he does. He’s so famous and pretty and charming that it’s just allowed.

Jean’s kind of eying Renee across several tables because why is this happening, but Jeremy is just chatting Kevin up like there is nothing out of the ordinary and he’s always excited to get a chance to catch up with Kevin.

Kevin’s only a little tipsy at this point. But he wants to stop thinking about missing Riko, so instead he focuses on what he can to try to get through the banquet. Which is what he can do now because Riko isn’t here. Like sit and socialize with the Trojans and like flirting with someone publicly without having to worry about them paying for it and his publicity took enough major hits that he recovered from and he’s playing with his left hand again and a champion and he’s feeling a little invincible and mostly hella infatuated with Jeremy as usual. And Jeremy’s been flirting with Kevin for years but they’ve never gotten past mildly flirty friendship because Kevin couldn’t. But tipsy Kevin wants to flirt with Jeremy more and wants to spend time with the Trojans and wants to ignore his team.

Andrew and Neil are keeping an eye on Kevin from a distance, but Kevin’s safer here than he has been in a long time so they’re not too worried. Even when the music starts and people are dancing and Kevin and Jeremy start dancing, they know he’s not in danger from it so they leave it alone. Jeremy half joke offers to dance with Kevin, expecting Kevin to take the out and laugh it off like he always does but he has to ask, especially when Kevin’s spending so much time with him tonight. This time Kevin doesn’t laugh.

Kevin’s not even drunk yet, but he’s dancing with Jeremy because he wants to and no one’s gonna stop him or attack Jeremy for it. And the Foxes are kind of surprised, but like also there was definitely a bet on whether Kevin was really as straight as he claims to be with how he acts around Jeremy and the whole wouldn’t go more than a Minyard away from Andrew at any given time for like a year thing.

For now Kevin ‘hasn’t danced since before Neil joined the team’ Day is fast dancing with Jeremy. Slow dancing comes later. He’s less sober for it.

Kevin has at least one flask on his person and every time he thinks too much about Riko he either escalates things with Jeremy to distract himself or drinks. Jeremy kind of helps with the not letting Kevin drink too much because goody two shoes Jeremy drinks from Kevin’s flask whenever Kevin offers. Which is every time he takes a swig. Kevin takes bigger swings though and he was tipsy to start so at any given point he’s more drunk than Jeremy.

Jeremy happily listens to Kevin talk about exy. Jeremy has things to add. Jeremy is so much more pleasant to be around than the guilt tripping Foxes that Kevin’s still annoyed with.

And the weird thing is Kevin is starting to get drunk and in a bad place, but he’s still happier than usual around Jeremy. He’s not putting on the there are cameras here face. He’s laughing too hard at something Jeremy said and it’s not because he’s fake laughing. It kind of weirds the Foxes out.

It’s weirding Jean out too.

Jeremy somehow gets even happier and more excited when he’s drunk (or maybe that’s just the more time he spends around Kevin) and Kevin is feeding off of his energy.

Kevin’s not so sober, but in a good mood still when a slow song comes on and they slow dance and Jeremy’s so strong and warm and Kevin doesn’t even care about other people anymore. He likes it here with his head on Jeremy’s shoulder. He’s a little disappointed when the slow song ends and they stop dancing like that, but he still feels warm all over from the alcohol and from Jeremy.

Kevin’s night is really looking up. And then comes the Riko tribute part.

Kevin’s not drunk enough for this part. No one warned him about this. Now that he thinks about it, it shouldn’t be a surprise. It was meant as a surprise for him and the Ravens though. Kevin tries not to visibly panic and focuses all of his energy on breathing normally as someone starts talking about what a great player he was and how missed he is and son of exy and Kevin can’t totally hear all of it. It’s just coming in clipped bits while he stares at the slideshow of Riko pictures. He’s in every one. Kids or not, they have those numbers on their faces. He feels sick and he can’t look away. He wonders where Andrew is, but this isn’t something Andrew can protect him from anyways.

He manages to tear his eyes away from it to look for Jean. He can’t see him past the other people. Too many people are looking at him, watching for his reaction. He doesn’t want to look back at the pictures, but his eyes have a mind of their own. They’re still talking about Riko. Kevin hears his own name interspersed in there but he doesn’t know why. For a while they’re just talking about him and Riko. He hopes that if it is visible that there is something wrong with him people assume that it is just grief and not something more complicated. And then they point out Kevin and Jean. Riko’s brother/best friend/right hand man and their old friend handpicked to be on Riko’s elite court. Kevin locks eyes with Jean for a second and almost regrets it. Jean looks as sick as he feels. Kevin can’t do this. He can’t be here anymore. Except then they call on him as the person who knew Riko best and was closest to him in the world to come up and say a few words about him. Jean leaves. Kevin uses it as an excuse to bolt too. The general consensus is Jean was overwhelmed with grief and had to leave and Kevin was too and went to go check on him/they went to lean on each other. Jean had already disappeared by the time Kevin made it out of there to try to get away from the banquet and to try to check on Jean. He saw Renee go after Jean though. She’s better with him anyways. Kevin doesn’t know what he’d say and he’s a little busy having a panic attack of his own. Jeremy was right next to him, so he shows up first where Kevin has collapsed outside the banquet. Andrew and Neil make it there a minute later.

Jeremy crouches down next to him and asks “Are you okay?” Kevin’s not, so he doesn’t say anything. Neil is kind of the worst of the why are you upset about Riko being dead people and Andrew isn’t much better. Neil would be better off around Jean with his opening line of “You won. He’s dead and you’re still here. He can’t do anything to you.” At least he says it in French so Jeremy doesn’t understand it. Kevin doesn’t want them there. He tells Andrew and Neil to leave him alone and when they don’t, he tells Jeremy he’s ready to go back inside. Jeremy isn’t totally sure of what’s going on, but Kevin reaches his hand up and moves to get up, so Jeremy grabs his hand and helps him while eying Andrew and Neil half apologetically, half suspiciously. Andrew and Neil let Kevin drag Jeremy back toward the banquet. Wymack meets them halfway back and tells Kevin “I didn’t know. I would have warned you.” Kevin says “I know.” Wymack kind of glances down at the intertwined hands and Jeremy as if he is noticing Jeremy’s presence at all and the hand holding for the first time, but then his focus is all on Kevin again as he pulls out a flask and asks “Are you okay? Do you need this?” Kevin already had his share of alcohol, especially for a supposed to be dry event, but he takes the flask anyways with a slight nod that was maybe supposed to be a thanks or maybe an answer to the question about whether he’s okay or not. Kevin isn’t particularly sure either. He just knows he’s gonna be a lot more okay with more alcohol in his system and with Jeremy, away from Andrew and Neil.

So Kevin goes from kind of drunk and having fun to really drunk and not having fun and this is the point when flirty fun with drinking turns to Jeremy looking after Kevin and not taking things any further. Jean and Renee resurface a little later and Jean looks a lot calmer with Renee’s elbow hooked in his. He’s still a little shaky and drained of colour though. Kevin isn’t dancing anymore. He’s sitting there drunk and Jeremy keeps a hand on him to hopefully keep him steady. His hand is on Kevin’s knee, but he figures it’s okay because Kevin doesn’t seem to mind and Jeremy had his hand on Kevin’s knee like this earlier in the night when Kevin was at the Trojan table. Kevin knows he could leave. Wymack would get all the Foxes on the bus and they would be out of there in under five minutes. But then he’d be around his team again, stuck in a bus with them judging him for being upset. And he’d have to leave Jean here without him and Renee. And he’d have to leave Jeremy and he feels a little better here with Jeremy and he doesn’t want to leave USC, where this banquet is being hosted this year, yet. He wants to stay with Jeremy. He wants to go back to happy party drunk, not sad drunk breaking down in the back of a bus. So he sticks around and when the banquet ends, he knows it is time to go back to the Foxes and instead he turns and asks Jeremy “Can I stay at your place tonight?” Jeremy looks concerned and torn as he says “I really like you, Kevin, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re drunk and upset and you’re-“ But Kevin cuts him off and says “I know. I don’t mean like that. I mean just stay there so I don’t have to face my team. I want to avoid it.” Jeremy mulls it over very briefly before he says “Okay, you can stay with me. Just let your team know so they don’t worry about you. Or do you want me to do it?” Kevin shakes his head and says “No. I’ll tell Coach.”

Kevin is such a mess and Jeremy is worried about him. Wymack is okay with it because Jeremy is nice and because Kevin just wants to crash on his couch and get a break from the team and Wymack knows tensions have been running high and figures that isn’t the worst thing for Kevin right now. So Kevin tells Jeremy he knows and the Foxes leave together and Kevin leaves with Jeremy.

Back at Jeremy’s dorm, Kevin is drunk and a little confessional. Jeremy wants to make sure he’s okay, so he asks about how Kevin is doing after the Riko thing and Kevin starts talking about how he knows what Riko was like and he knows he was a good player but wasn’t a good person and what was he supposed to say about him? They already talked about him as a player and they expected him to say something more personal about what he was like and Kevin couldn’t lie, but he couldn’t just go up there and tell the truth about the things Riko did to him and Neil and Jean and other Ravens. And Riko’s supposed to be a tragic saint in public and the devil in private and Kevin is supposed to be the mourning brother who thinks Riko has never done any wrong in public and in private he’s supposed to hate him and he can’t do either. The Riko thing is too complicated and he ends up guilty about every way he feels about things involving Riko whether it’s caring too much or not enough.

Jeremy actually listens and doesn’t judge Kevin for being conflicted and confused and Kevin may or may not drunk cry on Jeremy’s chest while Jeremy strokes his hair and reassures him that he’s allowed to feel conflicted about it. Kevin doesn’t sleep on the couch like he told Wymack. Jeremy is a fucking sweetheart and loans Kevin pajama pants and even a t shirt and makes Kevin take some advil so his hangover won’t be so bad in the morning and makes sure Kevin is all comfy and settled in his bed before he gets in on the other side and they just sleep.

Kevin wakes up in the morning with a headache and then opens his eyes and sees Jeremy there and lowkey panics because oh fuck did he have sex with Jeremy? What happened at the banquet? He looks down and pulls the blanket up to check if they’re clothed and yup, they’re fully clothed in Jeremy’s pajamas. And then it all starts coming back to him and he’s embarrassed and still annoyed with the Foxes (especially Neil) and he is even more into Jeremy because wtf Jeremy is so sweet and looked after him so well and put up with his shit and let him stay there. Jeremy woke up when Kevin panic rolled and lifted the blankets and he’s watching Kevin now and Kevin is embarrassed and doesn’t want Jeremy to see him blushing, so he pushes his face down into the pillow and lifts the edge of it up to try to hide his face from Jeremy. Jeremy laughs and Kevin blushes into the pillow more. He can’t see it, but Jeremy is smiling at him and looking at him so smitten.

Kevin still doesn’t want to go back to the Foxes because he wants to avoid them after the banquet and because he wants to stay around Jeremy for longer. Jeremy reaches over to try to pull the pillow back down, but Kevin pushes it up harder. Jeremy could probably push it down again if he really wanted to, but he gives up and runs his fingers through Kevin’s hair instead. Kevin slowly leans into the touch and stops hiding his face so he can eye Jeremy curiously. Jeremy smiles at him so soft and sweet and asks “How do you feel?” Kevin’s pretty sure he’s asking how he’s feeling about the whole Riko thing, but instead of giving a real answer about that, he just says “My head hurts.”

Jeremy unceremoniously shifts closer and kisses the side of Kevin’s head because Kevin’s head hurts and Kevin just fucking freezes enough that Jeremy falters and loses his confidence and starts to wonder if Kevin flirting back and acting actually interested and not just casually flirty like he usually would was a combination of drinks and being upset that he regrets this morning. So Jeremy asks “Was that okay?” And Kevin murmurs “Do it again.”

Jeremy’s lips twitch up and he kisses Kevin again, but on the cheek this time and asks “Like this?” Kevin’s cheeks are getting warm again, but he is already in deep enough that it’s obvious his thing for Jeremy isn’t a one-sided thing, so he grabs Jeremy’s cheek before he can roll away and stray too far again and says “Like this” and stretches up to kiss Jeremy on the lips.

[elizabethsharmon]

Disclaimer: there are a lot of references that only Polish people will understand so basically you have to just trust us that this is really hilarious and we have a great sense of humour and if you’re Polish then you’d better read this version because (a) it’s much funnier and (b) why would you want to read it in English (unless you want to Polish your English).

@vildeliens and @yossiacar are honoured to present the Polish version of SKAM – SKAZA (pol. scar, imperfection). SKAZA – produced by the same studio as the hit remake shows such as Szczepan, Niemożebne and Ksiądz Kto – is a one-of-a-kind show made with extraordinary precision, telling the story of five friends from one of high schools in Warsaw.

From the first day of school Ewa Gotuje, Róża Brzęczyszczykiewicz, Zosia Mostowiak, Emilka Nowak and Michalina “Misiek” Krawczyk can see that they have something in common – they are all despised by their classmates Andżelika Kowalewska, Dżesika Kossakowska and Agnieszka Zduńska. They hate Ewa because she stole Andżelika’s boyfriend, Jurek Lubicz, and because she comes from Kraków. Róża for that every boy and girl in the school checks her out and for that she didn’t want to join their squad but instead chose to stick to Ewa. They dislike Zosia for her godliness, Emilka for her childlishness, ignorance and poor financial situation, and Misiek – just because she is too kind.

The other characters are girls’ classmates Jurek, Igor Bielik, Mariusz Lewandowski, Czesław “Miłosz” Miłoszewski and famous two years older chavs, regulars at Żyleta – Penetrator Misiek Wiśniewski and Julian “Julek” Dahl. In the second year of high school we meet another classmate, Erwin Tomaszewski, and Zosia’s brother Emil and his friends from the electronic technical high school – Józef Cieplak, Adam Turek, Maciej Kowalewski and Marcel Latawiec, who was the founder of their pilgrimage group “Kites Squad”. And keeping an eye on everything is Mr Jacek Kisiel – history teacher and class tutor (guest starring Krzysztof Ibisz and his new white teeth).

Season 1 tells the story of Ewa. Born in Kraków, she moved a year ago to Warsaw to live with her father and his new family, while her mother went away to London in search of work and better life. At the end of middle school she fell in love with her best friend’s boyfriend and after the disastrous repercussions, Ewa finally hopes her life will get easier and she and Jurek will live happily ever after. However, soon she finds out that Andżelika and her besties, Dżesika and Agnieszka, also signed up to the same high school as Ewa and what’s even worse – they’re all in the same class. From the very first day of school they talk about Ewa behind her back and try set all the girls from their class against her – fortunately they do not succeed as Róża stands up for her. Soon Zosia, Emilka and Misiek, also dislaked by others because of their unique nature, join the two girls. Together they try to implement Emilka’s plan to climb up the school’s social ladder and they often crash parties organized by third-graders – prticularly those hosted by chavs Julek, Penetrator Misiek and Karol, who repeats a year at school second time in a row. Season 1 is a universal story about friendship, trust and honesty, which precisely describes the situations which teenagers have to face these days.

The main protagonist of season 2 is Róża – abandoned by her biological parents at the age of 5, she was adopted by Mr and Mrs Szczebrzeszyńscy when she was 10 years old. When her foster parents died in a car accident, Róża was taken into custody of her older adoptive siblings – twins Janusz and Grażyna. Besides finding out dark secrets about Róża’s past, season 2 also focuses on her love life. Blackmailed by the chav Julian (whom Róża always calls Juliusz), eventually she agrees to be his prom date, under the condition that his friends will invite her friends as their dates – this way Emilka’s biggest dream is fulfilled as the girls from 1B become the most popular girls in their high school. In the second part of the season, Róża makes an online acquaintance and feels that she’s falling in love with that person – but will they meet in real life? While all of her friends try to persuade her to give it a go and meet with that person face to face, Emilka reminds her: “And what if it’s another case of ‘Hey Ania, I’m Wojtek and I’m also 12 years old?”*. Season 2 deals with topics of first love, difficult childhood in orphanage and the dangers of the online friendships.

In season 3, SKAZA makes a U-turn when Igor becomes the main protagonist. Convinced by Zosia to join the coffee shop organized by Emilka for school’s festival, he gets to know new student from his class – Erwin. Although Igor is initially suspicious about his new colleague who seems to be a little bit too straightforward, he is asked by class’ tutor, Mr Kisiel, to show him around the school and take him under his wing. Soon Emilka makes the boys take the shift at the coffee shop together and then, surrounded by apple pies and cookies, they find common ground. When Igor realizes that he is in love with Erwin and finds out that the feeling is mutual, he is seen with his new boyfriend by his conservative parents, who in a fit of rage kick him out of the house. Will they accept Igor as who he is? Will his relationship with Erwin survive? You will find answers to these questions in season 3.

Season 4 tells the story of Zosia. Born and raised in a pious family, she struggles everyday with being harassed by her peers who do not understand her relationship to her faith. The only person with whom she can really talk is the best friend of her brother, fourth-grader of electronic technical high school and altar boy, Józef. However, one Sunday, Józef doesn’t participate in the mass. When Zosia asks him about it, he tells her his doubts about his faith and to her surprise, he says that he wonders whether he should submit an act of apostasy and depart from the Christian faith. Only then Zosia realizes how much she loves Józef, but she knows he should do what he believes is best for him. Meanwhile she throws herself into work and studies 24/7. Avoiding him for a few weeks, she undergoes a complete makeover and changes her too large glasses for contact lenses and cuts her hair and she bumps into him on orlik field where they used to play football when they were kids. She finally finds strength to talk with him heart-to-heart and they confess their love to each other. However, they will not spend this summer together because Józef goes on a Caritas’ mission to Sudan to help those in need.

Season 5 focuses on Emilka and the preparations for the upcoming biggest social event of their lives – the prom. Viewers also find out about Emilka’s tough family situation and that she practically raises her younger brother on her own, while their mother spends all money earned by Emilka on buying tiny liquor bottles in the local store. Since the beginning of the show, Emilka came a long way to find out in season 5 that the most important thing in the world that no one will take away from her and which will give her strength to never give up is friendship. Eventually, she goes to prom alone and even though her artistic performance doesn’t win the main prize and she doesn’t dance polonaise, she has a time of her life dancing to hit songs by ABBA.

The protagonist of the 6th and final season is Misiek. Although she seems to be just a nice, modest, organized girl next door, she hides her insecurities and problems from everyone. After all those years of studying and being a top student, Misiek starts to feel burned out and tired of the constant rat race, she gets depressed. To meet the expectations of her parents and forget about everything that makes her unhappy even just for a minute, she begins to buy performance-enhancing drugs from Karol (who is still in high school). When the time of matura comes, Misiek disappears and doesn’t show up on the exams. Will her friends find her and help her before it’s too late? What will happen to the heroes of the series? You will find out everything in season 6 of SKAZA.

LIST OF CHARACTERS: Ewa Gotuje = Eva Róża Brzęczyszczykiewicz = Noora Zosia Mostowiak = Sana Emilka Nowak = Vilde Michalina “Misiek” Krawczyk = Chris Andżelika Kowalewska = Ingrid Dżesika Kossakowska = Sara Agnieszka Zduńska = Emma Jurek Lubicz = Jonas Igor Bielik = Isak Mariusz Lewandowski = Magnus Czesław “Miłosz” Miłoszewski = Mahdi Erwin Tomaszewski = Even Penetrator Misiek Wiśniewski = P-Chris Julian “Julek” Dahl = Willhell Karol = K*rl Emil Mostowiak = Elias Józef Cieplak = Yousef Adam Turek = Adam Maciej Kowalewski = Mutta Marcel Latawiec = Mikael Grażyna Szczebrzeszyńska = Linn Janusz Szczebrzeszyński = Eskild Mr Jacek Kisiel = Dr Skrulle

*terrifying Polish campaign that tried to scare the shit out of warn kids that 99,9% of people chatting with them online are actually grown ass pedophiles and they shouldn’t talk with strangers on the internet. As you can see, we are the perfect example that this campaign did not work.

[freedom-shamrock]

A Come-to-Alya Moment

Also on AO3. This is the @miraculousfluffmonth  Aug 9 prompt, it’s you. 

"Marinette," Alya's voice was firm, but tense as she approached her best friend at her locker.  "We need to talk."

"Oh…"  Marinette felt her stomach drop, and a chill washed down her arms.  "Okay," she agreed meekly.  "Is this because I didn't make it to our study session?"  

Alya wouldn't quite meet her eyes as she shrugged.  "You could say that."

Marinette winced, trying not to notice how many people were pausing to watch the drama.  "I'm really, really sorry.  I didn't mean to miss it, but…"  She gulped.  She was so tired of lying to Alya.  "I just… couldn't make it work," she finished lamely.  She'd missed so many of Alya's planned and scheduled events.  She was certain she looked like a space cadet at best.

Alya shook her head, meeting the eyes of those who were staring.  "We're not doing this here.  Let's go to your place."

Marinette nodded and silently led the way.  Was this the end of their friendship?  Would this be the last time Alya ever came over?  She rubbed impatiently at her eyes, determined not to cry, not yet.  It was the most painful and awkward five minute walk home she'd ever had, and that included all the times Chloe dumped something nasty on her in science or art, or knocked her into a mud puddle.

As they entered through the bakery, her parents greeted them warmly.  "Be sure to grab a snack, girls," her Baba called.  "Growing brains need some carbs."

"Thanks Tom," Alya said, smiling as if she wasn't about to dump Marinette as her best friend.  She pointed out what she wanted and Mama put them on a piece of wax wrap.

"And what do you want today, sweetheart?" Mama asked, looking at Marinette.  She frowned a little.  "Are you okay?"

Marinette nodded and pointed to the cookies, not sure she could talk right now.

Once they got to her room, Marinette settled nervously on the edge of her desk chair, her cookies forgotten beside her computer.  Her eyes stared down at Alya's toes.

"Why do you look like you're going to cry?" Alya asked, her voice horrified.

"You…" Marinette coughed to clear her throat.  "You hate me.  I've been a terrible friend.  And, and I can't promise to do better, because it would be a lie."  She bit her lip, stopping the babbling before she could start bawling.

"I don't hate you," Alya insisted.  "I couldn't hate you."  She sighed, offering up a sad half-smile.  "You're my bestie and my hero."

Marinette gasped, her hand covering her mouth to hold back a scream that wanted out.

Alya shrugged, her smile expanding.  "Can't deny it, can you."

Marinette's eyes darted around and she looked into her little pink purse.  Staring up at her, Tikki shrugged.  Taking a deep breath, Marinette shook her head.  "H-how did you figure it out?"

"Honestly, I've suspected for a while," Alya admitted.  "I know you, Mari, and you don't flake half as much as you seem to.  Ladybug always knows the kids from our class when she shows up at school for an akuma, but she doesn't know the other kids from the school nearly as well."  She pulled out her phone and unlocked it.  "And… you look just like her."  She turned the phone sideways and displayed side-by-side photos of Ladybug and Marinette making the same giddy proud smile.

How many other people had figured it out?  She looked back at Tikki, suddenly terrified.  The kwami chose that moment to drift out of the purse.  "It's okay, Marinette.  There's a glamour protecting your identity.  Most people wouldn't notice."  She floated over to Alya.  "Hello Alya.  My name is Tikki, and I grant Marinette the powers of Ladybug."

Alya's face brightened in joy.  "You are so adorable!"

Tikki smiled happily.  "Thank you.  You are, too.  I've seen you do such amazing things, and you're a great friend to Marienette."  

Alya let out a slow breath.  "Did you really think I was going to stop being friends with you?"  She shook her head before Marinette could answer.  "Of course I wouldn't, girl."

"You seemed so angry," Marinette said quietly.

"I was worried about having this talk with you."  Alya let out a huff.  "I was fine with my best friend being quirky and a bit strange.  But now that I know the reason for all that, I can help you."

"You won't put my identity on the Ladyblog?" Marinette asked.

"Of course not!"  She snorted.  "While I've been curious about your identity, I understand the reason for the secrets there.  It was more a puzzle or a game that I wanted to win.  I wouldn't have published it, even if you weren't Ladybug."

"Thank you."  Marinette felt a couple of hot tears drip down her face as relief washed over her.

"I'm sorry I've been such an awful friend."

"Pffft."  Alya snorted.  "It's hard to be at the top of your friend game when you have to save Paris every fifteen minutes.  And that's where I come in."

Marinette sniffled, her lips twitching into a tentative smile.  "Oh yeah?  How?"

"You're a terrible liar, so I'm going to help you come up with some boilerplate excuses, and I'll cover for you whenever I can.  I'm keeping a first aid kit in my bag.  It's got everything from ice packs to butterfly closures."  Alya ticked her plan points off on her fingers.  "I know you and Chat sometimes have to recharge.  What do I need to keep on hand?"

"Cookies!" Tikki said, swooping in to snuggle Alya's cheek.

Next in series >  Requesting Permission to be Support.

30 minute speed write.

[spaceorphan18]

Chris’s Tour - Naperville, IL 7-18-17

(Otherwise known as my birthday present :)) 

I see @wowbright - is posting her photos today (yay)! I didn’t have photos, sorry guys.  But hopefully I’ll have a decent account.  

So @multsicorn came to visit me for a few days, which was absolutely delightful.  We had a nice drive to Chicago listening to Glee music, because of course.  (We also had a splendid chat on the way home).  We met up with the lovely @notthatbea (at a Barnes and Noble where my old store manager works now apparently - small world).  And delivered in a lovely box was one of @snarkyhag‘s many gifts - a bingo card for the tour.  It’s funny - except for a few spaces - there were all pretty much filled during the event. 

So - we went out to this lunch where we had bison burgers and they gave us these pickled cucumbers -- they were too vinegar-y to be cucumbers but not pickled enough to be pickles.  It was interesting.  And then we went to an icecream place that sold raw cookie dough and it was amazing.  Afterwards we met up with @leydhawk and @wowbright, who are both amazing and kind, and we had a nice chat while we stood in line for two hours. 

The event - Chris came out, all relaxed and happy (and looking good - he looks better every year I see him - and Snarky untucked I mean c’mon).  His opening speech was a little more scripted than it was the previous year (or practiced as I’m sure he says the same lines at ever event) but he was still funny and charming, and of course it’s all new to the majority of the audience.  He then read a part of his book - and was more animated, getting into the voices more, than when he read last year.  He was have a great time acting out all the parts of his story.  

Oh also! He takes a selfie as he always did.  But first, he took a photo of the crowd.  He held his camera up - and bam - Notthatbea and I are probably, like, upfront and close in that photo.  Cause we were sitting four rows back, but he held it up a little (so not to get the first row in the shot) and we’re pretty sure our faces are front and center.  Also - in Alla’s shot of the crowd, you can totally make out the five of us who were there! 

I believe the trivia stuff was next.   The one thing about this that I remember is that there’s a portion where the kids could try to stump Chris.  There was one little boy who pointed out a continuity error (The Pied Piper is named one thing in book 2 (?) and something else in book 6 - and the kid asked why that was.)  Chris just stood there hilariously dumbfounded and speechless (in a good way), and claimed that he needed to reread his books more.  It was a fun little moment. Also - as notthatbea reported - during this section we learned that the original title for book 6 was Happily Forever After.  

The costume contest was next.  A sweet girl in a Cinderella costume won.  There was also an amazing Cyborg Queen costume (that came in second imo) and Morina - who’s horns kept falling off (poor girl - she had a great costume though. Chris, as usual, delighted at everyone, as I’m sure this is one of his favorite portions.  We had two rows of kids go up there - and most of them were really awesome costumes.  

Now - okay - there was one really awkward moment, though, during this.  The people from the news site that shall not be named were there and in the front row (I know it was them because they took video over everything, claimed it was their own stuff, and posted it on their site - even though Chris’s people explicitly told us not to take video).  Two of the posse got up for the costume contest.  One of them was wearing a ‘likes boys’ tshirt, and was obviously supposed to be Kurt.  The other one was dressed as kind of a hipster - I have no idea what they were going for - I don’t think it was anyone in TLoS.   Anyway - omg - second hand embarrassment.  Chris - amazing that he is - ignored them completely.  (This is also why he pretty much ignored the entire front row the entire night despite them throwing comments out to him throughout the night.)  I don’t know what they were trying to do pulling that - but c’mon.  But what can I expect from people deliberately ignoring his wishes. 

Anyway -- then we got the Q and A session, which was much, much longer than last year - it was nearly twenty minutes long.  And, cause my memory is perfect,  here’s what came up: 

A girl asked that if he wasn’t doing a movie, would he consider doing a musical.  He deadpanned a no, but then said it would have been a possibility.  He also mentioned that he was ‘in talks about something but then they stopped talking’.  I don’t know if this was TLoS related or not though.  

He was asked if he would appear in the movies (like Stan Lee!) and he said maybe as a troll or something, but he doesn’t want to play a major role. 

Someone asked how many publisher rejections he got for Wishing Spell.  (And his face was like, dayum, okay...) But he mentioned that being on TV helped with that, so he got zero.  But he did have to convince the publisher that he could write. 

His movie is going to be live action with real people (though he joked that ‘real people’ is a matter of opinion as well)

The acting v writing question again - and he said his standard I love them both answer, though he did remark that people keep wanting him to choose one but he really can’t. 

A 12yo girl asked what his favorite Glee performance was.  This time he answered Lucky Star cause he got to fly around.  Also - he and June Squibb are still besties. :) 

A unique question - someone asked if he knew anything about the TLoS characters that weren’t in the book.  It stumped him for a little bit, then said he had ideas for a prequel series, so he didn’t want to give much away.  But apparently there was a lot of drama with the fairy council.  Also - Mother Goose’s magic is not what it seems - and he hopes he lives long enough to eventually tell that story, lol. 

Someone asked about casting - and Chris said they haven’t found anyone yet - but then he goes on to say that it’s strange when his job is looking at pictures of 10yos all day.  (Out of context, the way he said it sounded really creepy, and made me laugh)

A little 9yo asked what inspired him to start writing TLoS - and mostly the standard answer about his mom reading fairy tales to him, and her getting fed up with all the questions so she told him to write them himself - but he directed the answer right to her, and spoke in a way relating to her, so it was sweet.  

A girl asked about when he wrote while on Glee - and he gave his usual story about being on tour and writing a page and then running up to sing - though he made the story a little longer this time, and mentioned DSB, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and then Single Ladies.  (Usually he just mentions Single Ladies).  (as an aside - he mentions that everyone else was just kind of going out and doing things as he stayed in and wrote - so huh) 

Will there be multiple movies - he hopes so, but they’re going to focus on one at a time. He joked with the little girl asking, though, that it was her responsibility now to make sure the first movie does well so she needs to go out and spread the word - and if it fails, totally her fault, lol 

Which book was his favorite to write - Stranger Than Fanfiction has been his absolute favorite (this surprised me), but then book 5 was his favorite in TLoS series because he got to use his own original stories he made up as a kid.  The next question was kind of a follow up - where he was asked, which of those was his favorite.  And he can’t really choose (3 way tie between the three he made up as a kid).  Galaxy Queen is the one he created recently for book 5, but the rest were stories he made up when he was a kid. 

How’d he get the names Alex and Conner - same kind of answer as usual, Alex was originally Amy after a cousin, but then there was a new cousin named Alex.  Conner was from a character he played in community theater. 

Will he write more books like Starbordia? - Maybe? It’s a possible spin off idea.  (Side note - he didn’t sound that interested in the idea though) 

Favorite books growing up - Harry Potter, of course, but Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan - and he mentions Eva Ibbotson, who I’m not familiar with - but who is a British author who writes a lot of young, young children books (I’d say stuff for 6-9yos) 

Conner and Alex are both him, and the arguments they have are like arguments he has in his head. 

Someone asked him to sing - of course he said no, and that if he did it for one, he’d have to do it for all of them, and that’s just too much pressure.  Then, the front row yelled that he had a voice like an angel - to which he replied that his dog and cat don’t feel the same way cause they run out of the room when he starts singing.  He did say, to the original person asking, and the audience in general, that he was happy that people enjoyed his voice.  

Alright - so then this delightful 13yo girl, who was a bit Red-like, came up and basically pitched herself as an actress who’d be happy to be in his movie.  It was hilarious.  He asked if she’d be happy being a tree - and she said yes, and that her people will contact him.  Her question, though, was about how Glee impacted his writing.  And he joked that Glee made him so famous, that he couldn’t leave his house, so he had nothing better to do than write.  But more so, he talked about how acting helped him hear the voices of his characters better.  But also that writing helped with acting, so you can create backstory for your characters. 

What is he most excited to do, regarding the movies? He’s super excited about walking out on sets and seeing these places he only imagined become real. 

What songs does he listen to while writing? Film scores!! Including Danny Elfman and, my personal favorite which I totally listen to all the time to write, y’all know this, Hans Zimmer.  

So yeah - that’s the Q and A.  He was very sweet and engaged during the entire thing, which was awesome to see. 

He wrapped up by doing another reading, this time from the Mother Goose diaries.  The thing that stuck out to me about this was that he was reading an entry about Amelia Earheart - where she said she faked her own death and went away to an island because fame got too much for her, and she wanted to live peacefully away from everything for the rest of her days.  (hmm - Chris....) 

So that’s the event! It’s always a delight to see him - and I know he loves these events more than the signings - he’s just so thrilled to be there, and there’s a ton of excitement over the film.  

After that, we all headed back home.  Was a great time, and a great birthday. :) 

[breeeliss]

[Miraculous Ladybug]: Trying to Get Bi

this is a very silly one-shot for @ladyserendipitous ‘s birthday (belated only bc finals are a terror). she pitched this idea to me a while ago, so i finally got the chance to write something for it :P

oh, also shoutout to @mahaliciously ​ for the french celebrity suggestions! click on the celeb names for pics (praying the links work)

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Link to Archive of Our Own: [AO3]

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Title: Trying to Get Bi

Summary: “Alright. How about Adrien Agreste?” Chat Noir sat up abruptly and stared at Ladybug over his shoulder. “Say what now?” "Let's hear it," Ladybug encouraged. "Hot or Not? He totally seems your type.” Chat Noir opened his mouth, closed it, and winced. “Eeehhhh, I dunno. T-That’s kind of a….a hard question.”

Featuring: Bi!Ladybug and Bi!Chat Noir, a billboard of Adrien Agreste, a game of celebrity Hot or Not?, and a very awkward reveal.

Trying to Get Bi

“Okay, what about….ah, Vanessa Paradis.”

Ladybug took a bite of fudge. “Not,” she said with her mouthful. “Not that she’s not pretty, just not my type.”

Chat Noir hummed in agreement and plucked his own square of fudge from the Tom & Sabine’s box that was sitting in between them. “I might have to go Not too,” he decided. “Amazing model, probably go on a date with her, but that’s it.”

“Oh!” Ladybug perked up. “Marion Cotillard.”

Chat Noir snorted. “Um. Hot. Way hot. Not even a question. If she so much as even spoke to me, I’d probably self combust.”

“Same!” Ladybug laughed. “She has the most beautiful eyes, I just want her to stare at me from across a candlelit dinner before she takes me home.”

“Takes you home to do what? ” Chat Noir cackled.

Ladybug lifted her chin and shrugged. “If you’re suggesting that I’m thinking something improper, you’re completely wrong. I’m a gentlewoman.”

“Uh huh,” Chat Noir deadpanned. “The same gentlewoman that didn’t curse out a tourist for taking pictures of her chest the other day?”

“Shut up,” Ladybug snorted. “He deserved it.”

“Cheers to that.” They both held up their squares of fudge and tapped them in a toast before finishing them off in one bite. “Speaking of men,” Chat Noir continued, “Jean Dujardin.”

“Absolutely,” Ladybug nodded. “Hot. My best friend was telling me the other day that he was ‘too old’ and I looked at her like she was crazy.”

“Okay thank you because my best friend also said he’s not hot. Which. Have you seen him?”

“Ridiculously handsome.”

“ Supremely handsome! Bless my soul if I ever aged as gracefully as that.”

Ladybug reached up and stroked Chat’s bare chin. “You with scruff? That’d be hilarious.”

“Um. I could pull off scruff. I’m a very mature and upstanding cat.”

“Please, you’re totally baby faced, I’ll believe you can pull off facial hair when I see it.”

“Excuse me, but I’ll have you know I have exactly three hairs growing on my chin.” He moved in closer and tipped his head back so that she could see. “Look! Don’t they make me look manly and irresistible?”

Ladybug squinted. “I don’t see anything, so I guess that answers that question.”

Chat Noir gasped and pressed a scandalized hand to his chest. “ Rude! ”

Ladybug held the box of fudge away from him, stuck her tongue out, and squealed when Chat Nor got up and started chasing her across the roof that they were just laying out on. “It’s not my fault you can’t handle the truth, Chat!”

“The betrayal!” he shouted after her, laughing when they jumped across a narrow alleyway onto the next apartment building. “I thought we were Bi Besties!”

Ladybug rolled her eyes as she scaled the slanted roof and sat on top of a windowsill. “Stop trying to make Bi Besties happen. It’s super corny.”

Chat Noir laid out against the shingles of the roof right underneath where Ladybug was sitting, and stared up at her with a wicked grin. “Bi Besties is the perfect superhero name for us. It’s accurate, inclusive, and proclaims us as role models for the questioning youth. They look up to us, you know.”

“Look it’s fine as an inside joke, but how are adults supposed to take us seriously when you go on national television and present us as the Bi Besties?”

“You were so into it.”

“I mean, yeah,” Ladybug grumbled. “Right up until I had news reporters coming up to me the other day asking me about my sexuality.” She cleared her throat and deepened her voice until she was mimicking a snooty, television reporter. “Mmm, so Ladybug, would you say that your bisexuality affects your superhero work?”

Chat Noir rolled onto his back and laughed boisterously. “What did that even mean? I saw it on the news after the fight and it was the most cringeworthy thing I’ve seen in my life.”

Ladybug pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. “Oh heavens! An akuma! I sure hope my simultaneous appreciation for men and women won’t get in the way of taking it down!”

Chat Noir clasped his hands together under his chin. “It’s simply too much, Ladybug. My brain can’t possibly think of a way out of this sticky situation. There are too many thoughts of men and women swirling around in there, I can’t bring myself to concentrate!”

“Do you think straight people really think that?” Ladybug asked.

“I’d have to ask a straight person.” Chat Noir opened his mouth and leaned his head back. “Fudge me!”

Ladybug plucked off a piece of fudge, aimed, and managed to land the piece directly in Chat’s mouth. He lifted both of his fists in victory and cheered into the sky while Ladybug chuckled and opened up their second box of fudge. “Next time we decide to bum around on a Sunday, I’m bringing macarons. You’ve been having too much chocolate lately. How are you going to fit into that cat suit of yours?”

“Don’t body shame me, Ladybug, I’m a growing boy. I need sugar. By the way, it’s your turn.”

She searched the sky for another celebrity name. “Ah, Gaspard Ulliel.”

Chat Noir waited for her to pass him a full square of fudge before he answered. “Hot. He looks like he’d treat me right.”

Ladybug wrinkled her nose. “Not. Sorry.”

“What?”

“He has squinty eyes!”

“The squinty eyes of an angel!”

“Statement stands.”

“Whatever,” he grumbled. “What about Louane? The singer.”

“Hot,” Ladybug declared. “She’s such a cutie pie. Absolute sweetheart.”

“I’m gonna have to go with Not on this one. She’s cute, but it’s like she’s….too cute? Too nice?”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“I like woman who would be happy to step on my face or have the power to murder me.”

“Oh my God,” Ladybug snickered. “Is someone like Nolwenn Leroy up your alley?”

“A thousand times yes,” Chat Noir said enthusiastically. “I’d happily let her murder me.”

“Same,” Ladybug giggled. “You know, the more we play this, the more I’m getting a sense of your type. Omar Sy seems your type.”

“An impossibly attractive man with a beautiful smile? Hell yes. Dream husband, to be honest.”

Ladybug tapped a finger to her chin. “I’m gonna say….no on Baptiste Giabiconi.”

“Right again,” Chat Noir nodded. “I dunno, too intense for my tastes. I’d probably date him once just to say I did because, hello, amazing, rich, and popular model. But I need a man who’s gonna go the distance.”

“So a kindhearted but ridiculously attractive model that’s not too sweet but not too intense?” Ladybug asked.

“Oh for sure. Especially if they were around my age? That’d be great.”

Ladybug wracked her brain for another celebrity that would fit Chat Noir’s specifications, but in an almost uncanny twist of fate, her eyes happened to land on a huge billboard poster about five or so rooftops away featuring Adrien Agreste and Gabriel’s new Teen Fall Fashion line. As often as they played these celebrity Hot or Not games whenever they had downtime, Ladybug never bothered to bring up Adrien Agreste. It just seemed weird to bring someone into those kinds of games that she had such a huge crush on in real life and who also happened to be such a close friend of hers, so she never bothered.

But it was just a silly little game, and his billboard poster was right there being so completely obvious. Plus, if she had to be honest, Adrien Agreste seemed exactly like Chat Noir’s type. So she tapped Chat Noir on the shoulder with her foot and pointed at the billboard. “Alright. How about Adrien Agreste?”

Chat Noir sat up abruptly and stared at Ladybug over his shoulder. “Say what now?”

“Adrien Agreste,” Ladybug replied simply, turning his head toward the poster with her foot. “The Gabriel model. Gabriel Agreste’s son. He’s been on the cover of I don’t know how many teen magazines. Have you not heard of him?”

“N-No, I have!” Chat Noir stuttered. “Uh, yeah I uh….have a friend who knows a lot about him.”

“Alright, let’s hear it,” Ladybug encouraged. “Hot or Not? He totally seems your type.”

Chat Noir opened his mouth, closed it, and winced. “Eeehhhh, I dunno. T-That’s kind of a….a hard question.”

“Really?” she asked in confusion. “Why?”

He crossed his arms over his chest and shrugged. “I just, you know, it’s a little weird. Um, because you see my friend. See she talks about him a lot . So it’s just. I hear so much about him? And it’s kind of awkward. I guess. Sort of. Maybe.”

“Awkward….”

“Yeah. A little….i-inappropriate, if you will.”

Ladybug lifted a brow. “Chat, we literally had a twenty minute conversation yesterday about our dream weddings with Emmanuel Macron and he’s our new President. How is Adrien Agreste more awkward and inappropriate than that?”

“It just is!” Chat Noir defended lamely. “I-I dunno, sometimes you just, y-you just don’t have opinions on things.”

Ladybug crossed her leg and cradled her chin in her hand. “This is so bizarre,” she breathed out in awe. “I thought for sure we’d feel the same about him.”

Chat Noir turned his entire body around, his eyes looking a little desperate and frantic. “F-Feel the same?” He cleared his throat and fiddled with the part in his bangs. “How, uh, how do you feel about him?”

“Totally Hot,” Ladybug said decisively. “Plus, I heard he’s around our age, and he lives right here in Paris. So he’s totally within my league.”

Chat Noir inhaled sharply and started choking on his spit, banging on his chest to clear his lungs. “Wait,” he croaked out. “Y-Y-You think he’s hot!? Like hot hot?”

“Yeah?” Ladybug frowned. “What’s up with you? I’m surprised you don’t have an opinion of him.”

“I didn’t know you did!”

Ladybug shrugged. “Well, he never came up. But yeah he’s….absolutely charming. So handsome. A beautiful smile. Talented. And he seems like just the sweetest person in the whole world. Remember the akuma Jackady? When he was targeting Gabriel Agreste? I got to spend some time with Adrien amidst all the chaos and he was a complete delight. He seemed a little nervous to talk to me but I thought it was really adorable. I don’t mean to gush, but he just seems like a really special person. Really humble and down to earth for someone who’s so famous.”

She’d accidentally been staring at his billboard poster when she said all that, and she had to shake her head and sober herself up a little bit to not make her crush on him too obvious. But when she looked down at Chat, she found him staring up at her with a flabbergasted look on his face, a flush spreading all the way from his cheeks under his mask to the very tips of his ears. He bit down on his bottom lip and swallowed, tail swishing nervously behind him.

“Are you okay?” she asked him worriedly.

Chat Noir shook his head and covered his cheeks with one hand. “Yeah,” he spoke through his fingers. “I’m. No, I’m fine. Just, um. You must….really like him.”

Ladybug set aside the box of sweets and stepped down from her perch on the windowsill, settling down on the rooftop right in front of Chat. “You’re blushing.”

“A-Am I?” he said, his voice sounding oddly high-pitched. “I hadn’t noticed.”

Ladybug squinted her eyes suspiciously. “This is so weird, I’ve never seen you this flustered over another person before. Do you have a crush on him?”

“No, no way, definitely not!” Chat Noir quickly insisted. “I-It’s just, you know….kinda like….rating your best bud or something.”

“You’re best friends with him?”

“No!”

“So….you know him?”

“I mean…. know is such a strong word, don’t you think?”

Ladybug smirked. “I know you’re trying to divert attention away from this, but now I’m starting to think you’ve got some really juicy reason for not wanting to tell me whether you think he’s attractive.”

Chat Noir floundered around wordlessly for a moment before shutting his mouth, lifting both of his hands, and walking away from Ladybug towards the other end of the roof. “Nope. Not doing this. Nu uh.”

“Oh come on!” Ladybug giggled. “You can tell me! Do you know him from somewhere? Do you have this super big embarrassing crush on him and you don’t want me to know?”

“Why are you so fascinated by this?” Chat Noir asked. “It’s not that big a deal, is it?”

“Adrien Agreste is objectively gorgeous, and the fact that you’re reluctant to admit that is super fascinating.” She pouted her lips and bounced on her toes. “ Please? It’s Sunday and we have nothing to do, you’re telling me you can’t dish out some gossip? You love gossip!”

“I’ve got nothing gossip worthy on him, honest!” Chat Noir swore. “I just….feel like there’s a line when it comes to these sorts of games, you know?”

Ladybug snorted. “Oh, since when are you such a party pooper? The only lines in this game are family members and ourselves, and you don’t fall into any of those categories anyway — ”

“Hey! Look at that! It’s a full moon!” Chat Noir interrupted, pointing at the sky almost desperately. “Isn’t that amazing? A full moon! Hey, let’s talk about the moon for a bit, huh? Won’t that be fun, like. Just. Talking about the moon and it’s….fullness?”

She wanted to say that Chat Noir had almost as big a crush on Adrien as Ladybug did, but in all honesty, she had no idea why he was being so secretive and acting so awkward. That being said, it seemed like a delightfully rare occurrence and she was never one for missing out on an opportunity to tease her partner, especially when he was turning this red over it.

Ladybug clasped her hands behind her back. “Hey Chat?”

He flinched when he heard her voice and stopped his pacing. “Uh. Yes Ladybug?”

“If you were related to a successful, world-renowned fashion designer who lives right here in Paris, you’d tell me, right?”

Chat Noir covered his ears with his hands. “You know I can’t do that Ladybug, it’s against our code!”

“There’s probably a whole dynasty of Agrestes, I won’t be able to tell who you are if you just admit you’re a part of it,” Ladybug laughed. “It makes so much sense! You already have the blond hair and those high cheekbones. I bet you get invited to all the Fashion Week parties and you never even told me. The nerve.”

“Wait, cheekbones, you think I have their cheekbones?” Chat Noir asked. “Is it that obvious?”

“Oh totally ,” Ladybug joked. “If anything, you and Adrien Agreste have the most startling similarity out of that whole family. I bet that’s why you’re too embarrassed to admit he’s attractive. The family resemblance is just too huge.”

“ Really!? ” Chat Noir exclaimed worriedly. “I-I mean, we’re not that alike. Our….our hair is so different Ladybug, like, wow , totally out of this world different it’s crazy. I think you’re being a little overdramatic.”

Ladybug got closer to him so that she could grab his chin and turn his face left and right. “Nah, you two could be twins for sure. I mean we might as well plant your face on that billboard. It wouldn’t look any different.” She gave a dramatic gasp. “Oh my god, that’s it! You must be his twin.”

“Ladybug you’re being ridiculous that’s just. Crazy talk! You know that, right?”

She covered her mouth with one hand. “No! I’ve got it! It all makes sense! You must be Adrien Agreste!”

Chat Noir shook his head and stared at Ladybug in abject horror. “Wait, what!? ”

“It’s the only logical explanation, I mean why would anyone rate themselves, right?” Ladybug smirked. “To think that this entire time you’ve been this sweet, darling model by day and a sarcastic goofball by night. What a transformation. Really. Bravo.”

Chat Noir’s hands flew up to his hair and started yanking on it by the roots, and watching him get so flustered was probably the funniest thing Ladybug had seen all week. She chortled into her hand while she watched him stare back and forth between her and the billboard photo as if he were actually trying to convince himself that her ridiculous joke may actually be real. Such a drama queen. But then, Chat Noir completely surprised her when he dragged his hands down his cheeks and whined, “But how did you even figure it out?”

Ladybug sobered up and blinked. “Wait, what?”

Chat Noir’s jaw snapped shut and his eyes widened. “....nothing,” he squeaked.

“Wait a minute, figure what out?”

“Nothing! I said nothing!”

Ladybug felt her jaw dropping and couldn’t stop her brain from putting together the pieces. “Wait a minute. Wait, wait, wait, y-you’re not….are you actually….oh my God, no way!”

“You were the one making it sound like you knew!” he defended. “You just said it!”

“I was kidding!” Ladybug screamed. “I thought we were just messing around, I didn’t think you actually thought I was serious!”

“I thought you knew and you were just trying to tease the answer out of me!”

“I wouldn’t joke about something like this if I actually knew, obviously I was kidding around!”

“Well I guess I’m just bad at picking up signals then!”

Ladybug held up both of her hands. “Stop, stop,” she begged. “Hold on. Hooold on. You’re telling me….you’re telling me that you’re Adrien Agreste?”

Chat Noir shrugged helplessly, trying to come up with a decent response to the question, but he merely let his shoulders drop and sighed, accepting the inevitable. “I….well….y-yeah. Yeah. I’m. I’m Adrien Agreste. There. Secret’s out.”

Ladybug stayed stunned for a few seconds, promptly turned around, and pressed her fingers against her temples. “Holy crap,” she muttered. “Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap.”

Chat Noir winced. “Not that I ever anticipated this would ever happen, but as far as reactions go, you’re having a pretty bad one by the looks of it.”

Ladybug paused and bit her lip. He was right. For Marinette, this was positively mind blowing. Her crush and the boy she sat behind in class was actually Chat Noir and that by itself was making her brain do cartwheels trying to wrap her head around such a reality. But for Ladybug, it shouldn’t be any more shocking than realizing a model is actually her crime fighting partner. Being too dramatic about this ran the risk of revealing more about who her secret identity was and the fewer identity mishaps they could have tonight, the better. She was just going to….compartmentalize this and deal with it later. Much later. With her door locked. Screaming into her pillow. Tearing down all her Adrien posters.

“I-I guess, I’m just,” she hesitated, turning around and trying to force her brain to picture Chat Noir doing chemistry homework in study hall or Adrien telling puns while dangling precariously from the top of the Notre Dame. “A little embarrassed? I kinda gushed over you just now so it’s a little weird. It’s not because I’m disappointed or angry or anything. Surprised, for sure. But I guess mistakes happen. We were going to find out sooner or later. Occupational hazard.”

That seemed to placate his anxieties, and he blew out the anxious breath he was holding. “Well, that’s a relief. I’d prefer embarrassed over angry.”

“I’m not angry,” she assured him. “I probably shouldn’t have teased you so hard like that. That would’ve confused me too. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, I should’ve known better than to assume. It was mostly my fault.” He scratched the back of his head and smiled awkwardly. “Gosh, this is weird not having this secret hanging over my head anymore.”

“It is a little weird,” Ladybug agreed with a smile. “But, I think we should be okay. I’m the only one who knows. And as long as we’re careful and don’t let anyone else in on the secret, everything should be totally fine.”

“Good point,” Chat Noir agreed. “As long as this doesn’t change anything, we should be fine, right?”

Ladybug bit the inside of her cheek, trying to imagine how she was going to manage keeping her cool in front of Adrien on Monday now that she was hanging onto such a huge secret. “R-Right!” she replied quickly. “We’re totally fine.”

Chat Noir smiled in relief, but then suddenly widened his eyes in realization. “Wait a minute,” he smirked. “You’re so right….”

“Right about what?”

“You were totally gushing over me a minute ago.”

Ladybug scowled and held up a finger. “Chat….Adrien….or, both of you just…. don’t .”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Chat Noir laughed. “Is teasing only okay when you’re the one doing it? I’m suddenly feeling up to continuing our little game but, oh, could you remind me what your opinions of Adrien Agreste are?”

“Oh my God, shut up!”

Chat Noir started counting off his fingers. “Let’s see if I can remember them all. Gorgeous. Sweet. Delightful. Charming. Handsome. Did I forget any?”

Ladybug covered her face with her hands. “Stooooop.”

“To think!” Chat Noir snickered. “All this time you’ve been telling me how much I wasn’t your type, and I’ve been your exact type this entire time!”

“You’re so infuriating leave me alone!”

“We should go on a date!”

Ladybug frowned, walked back over to where she left their sweets, and stomped away from him. “I’m leaving!”

“Noooo, come on! It’ll be nice! Like a celebrity date! It’ll be a lot of fun. You know, because I’m an absolute delight.”

“You’re never going to let this go, are you?”

“This is the perfect way to lighten up the mood, my Lady,” Chat Noir snickered. “Of course I’m not letting this go.”

“Leaving!!!”

“You can’t leave. I thought we were Bi Besties!”

“That’s never catching on Chat. Don’t even try it right now.”

[myyearofgivingdaily]

Take me to Option B

Recently I traveled for work with a guy I’d never met. I’m a reporter at heart. I’m friendly for real. I can talk to just about anyone. But three days of forced small talk in planes, rental cars, and hotel bars will burn through even the hugest stockpile of anecdotes, bon mots, and stupid jokes you’ve been hoarding for just such an emergency.

These pleased-to-meet-me chats are predictably linear and focus more or less on career. I can blaze through my resume pretty quick. My past employers tend to have name and industry recognition so there’s a shorthand that helps expedite the tale.

I do tend to get tripped up, however, when I try to explain the interactive entertainment startup I joined at the height of the Internet boom in the mid-‘90s. It was like Rolling Stone, but on a CD-ROM. You’d get it in the mail each month, like a magazine. You’d place it in your computer and navigate around an animated, 3-D cityscape to access live performances, song samples, movie trailers, videogame demos, and more.

The whole thing sounds a bit jinky, right? But on this particular day in Iowa City, my new friend, Ed, sat straight up in his chair and said, “Wait. Are you talking about LAUNCH? Oh my God. I loved LAUNCH! I was even a subscriber!”

Suddenly, we were fast friends sharing a high-tech patch of common ground. I had never in all my years met an actual subscriber to LAUNCH. We jabbered about ‘90s music, using LAUNCH cover artists as our starting point: Alanis Morissette, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Ben Folds Five, and Blink 182.

Somewhere Dave Goldberg was smiling.

Dave founded LAUNCH with his childhood bestie Bob Roback. Dave was the visionary marketing wiz – the idea guy. Bob was the grounded lawyer who kept us in check. And though they were partners, Dave was more the face of the company, appearing on TV, leading meetings with the labels, and so on.

The growing pains at an online Internet startup were excruciating. I was rejected constantly by movie studio publicists who didn’t know me or my product. Half of them never even “surfed the web,” as we once called it. But Dave never wavered in his confidence that I’d pull through with something by deadline.

So in addition to the technical skills I acquired working in “multimedia,” what I really took away from LAUNCH was resilience. Amid the massive pile of faxed rejections, I scored a few hits. I interviewed Ben Affleck both before and after he got his teeth fixed, Mike Myers in character as Austin Powers, and Renee Zellweger when she looked like, well, Renee Zellweger.

Dave and Bob took LAUNCH through an IPO and a sale to YAHOO! before moving on to increasingly successful careers in entertainment. Today Bob is CEO at San Francisco-based INGrooves, yet another “digital music innovation.”

Dave had a run of entrepreneurial successes and by 2015 was CEO of SurveyMonkey in Silicon Valley, where he lived with his wife, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Clearly brilliant, Sandberg wrote the mega-bestseller Lean In to help us mere mortals believe we could conquer the modern-day workplace. As her media profile grew we’d see her on the cover of Time or in a feature on “60 Minutes.” Inevitably Dave would appear in a photograph or an interview segment.

“Oh my God! Dave Goldberg is on TV!” (Here he is in the New York Times.) It was an interesting exercise to view Dave as something other than my boss, other than Number One in the equation. Here he was in the role of supportive, loving husband -- second, to his uber-successful wife. It was a good look. He obviously admired and respected his life partner and was willing to cede the spotlight. It made me all warm and fuzzy inside. “Awww, Dave.”

On May 1, 2015, Dave died suddenly. He suffered a cardiac arrhythmia on a treadmill. It precipitated a fall and he died of a head injury and blood loss. He was only 47. His death left a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved and worked with him. His funeral was in an auditorium at Stanford, and President Obama even acknowledged his death.

Sandberg, by then a media darling, was forced to deal with the loss of her husband in public. She did it with tremendous grace and class. She also found a beautiful way to pay tribute to the way Dave lived his life. In 2017, she released Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy. Her co-author is psychologist Adam Grant.

Sandberg and Grant remind us that even after the most devastating events, it is possible to grow by finding deeper meaning and gaining greater appreciation in our lives. And they take it one step further by providing us with optionb.org, an international support group through which people can share stories, tap into resources, support others, and build resilience. Sandberg is donating all of her proceeds from the book back into the organization. So today, my-much-smaller-than-Sandberg contribution is going to optionb.org. Yay resilience. Yay Sheryl Sandberg.

Somewhere Dave Goldberg definitely is smiling.

About this blog: Causes and Effect: My Year of Giving Daily, was started in 2013 by entertainment and culture journalist Melinda Newman, who made daily donations to a wide variety of nonprofits and wrote about her experience. USA Today music writer, Brian Mansfield, took on this monumental task in 2014. This year, 12 individuals will contribute, each taking over the blog for one month.  

About Deborah Holdship: Deborah Holdship is the editor of Michigan Today, a digital alumni magazine distributed monthly to some 300,000 alumni of the University of Michigan. She also produces a podcast called “Listen in, Michigan” about U-M history and happenings. For many years, she worked as an entertainment journalist in Los Angeles (with the byline Deborah Russell) at Billboard, LAUNCH, and Yahoo. After 20 years in sunny So-Cal, Holdship returned “home” to Michigan, where she lives happily with her husband/musician, Barry; their dog, Charles; and a kooky cat named Brando.

[lliinnkk]

Love And Laughter - Dinner With A Skeleton

"Wow! Amazing! I-I wish I could d-draw like you!" Alphys exclaimed, staring in awe at the sight. "If you stick around long enough, you may even get to see the finished product as it's being made!" beamed Kirsty. "As much as I'd love Alphys to stay, she better not be too long; me and Kirsty are going-" Frisk said. Kirsty intervened at once, informing her that "it's not 'me and Kirsty'. It's Kirsty and I." "... Yeah. Right. Kirsty and I are going for dinner at the MTT Resort." "Yeah, I'm gettin' kinda bored, sitting around, watching Mettaton. Let's go home, Alphys. I'm gettin' hungry!" Undyne moaned, pulling her lizard lover out of the house. "Oh. I guess I don't really have a choice. B-bye, Kirsty! I hope I s-see you again soon!" Alphys yelled. "Bye, Alphys! Bye, Undyne!" shouted Kirsty, waving goodbye as the door closed with a bang.

"Alright, Ms Kirsty Poppy, we better get ready, 'cause we're not just going for dinner at the Mettaton Resort; we're going with Papyrus and Sans." said Frisk, pulling Kirsty onto her feet. "Oh, cool. I like Papyrus. He's really nice." smiled the girl, letting down her hair and brushing it thoroughly. "I'm glad you like him. You'll probably like Sans, too. He's real funny." the almost teen grinned. "Really? Cool! I like funny people." Kirsty commented. "Well, in that case, let's not waste time talking!"

Soon enough, the humans were in a more formal state, ready for dinner with skeletons. They smelled like lovely lavender, owned two sets each of pearly white gnashers and and had low, tied-back, brown hair.

Frisk took Kirsty through the snow, past several houses, to a nearby river. Hovering on the water was a small boat, just big enough for five people, and on it sat a hooded figure, who spoke, "Tralala. Where to today, humans?" "Hotlands, please." Frisk said, sitting on the boat with Kirsty. "Tralala. Hotlands it is then." the figure replied. The boat took off at a satisfactory speed, right away. "Hotlands?" asked Kirsty. "Yeah. There's the Ruins (where humans fall), Snowdin (where we live), Waterfall (where Undyne lives), Hotlands (where the MTT Resort is) and Tori's Castle (where the queen lives, of course). Hotlands is, obviously, very hot - so you might wanna take off that massive coat - and there lava - try not to fall in." Frisk explained, taking off Kirsty's winter coat. "Alright. Sounds fun."

Soft, tepid waves slowed to a stop as the boat ride shortly ended. Frisk and Kirsty climbed out and thanked the figure kindly. The abrupt change in atmosphere caught Kirsty off guard. She had gone from being so cold that her breath came out in great clouds of smoke like a dragon, shivering as she took each step and watching as she turned into Kirsty The Red-nosed Human to being so hot that she had the sudden urge to strip off completely - which she would have, had there not've been people strolling along the sweltering streets. Kirsty now started to sweat and she took off her GEEK jacket, tying it around her waist.

"Haha!" laughed Frisk. "I told you it was hot!" "I don't think I like this heat." the teen chuckled. "I hope it's not this hot in the resort." "Oh, nah. They're kind enough to have air conditioning." Frisk clarified, giggling happily as her friend breathed a sigh of relief.

The two of them walked along the rocky path, chatting about people and places, dodging the bursts and bubbles of lava that the pools shot at them, making their way towards the hotel - a large, blue building, which read 'MTT' above the glass door. Unprecedented changes in the air became frequent to Kirsty; she made a mental not to always expect the unexpected. The cool breeze from Snowdin had followed her to the resort like a dog to it's caring owner and this fact lifted their spirits (and their coats onto the trustworthy coat hanger near the entrance). Wet from the overflowing Mettaton fountain, the floor they danced over was a perfect, brilliant gold. The only thing terrible about the place was the staff; an orange cat cashier could be seen stealing money from the till, not even trying to be subtle or secretive about it.

Frisk took Kirsty to him, asking if he'd seen two skeletons pass through. He replied with, "Yeah. A tall one and a short one. You with them, little buddy?" "Yeah, we are. Thanks, BP." said Frisk, dragging Kirsty away. "Any time, little buddy." he nodded. "'BP'?" asked the teen. "It stands for Burger Pants. That's what everybody calls 'im. Don't ask why." Frisk chortled. "Well, what's his real name?" "Er... Dunno."

The restaurant had a stage at one wall and a multitude of round tables in a range of sizes. Neat tablecloths were thrown onto them, cutlery set out tidily, chairs tucked in, a single candle on every surface - 'This is certainly a place worth admiring.' thought Kirsty. "There they are!" Frisk pointed out. What with there being only a few people in the room and the monsters in question were having trouble with not standing out, there was really no need to point them out, 'but, whatever floats your boat, I guess.' shrugged Kirsty. "Hey, Papyrus! Hey, Sans!" There, right in front of the stage, sitting next to each other at a table for four, was Papyrus and his brother, Sans.

Papyrus was still in his 'battle body' - a red scarf, red gloves and red boots - a kind of formal outfit. His brother, on the other hand, was quite the opposite - everything-wise, apart from the fact that they're both skeletons, of course. Sans was short and wore a blue hoodie, a white sweater, a pair of black and white, striped shorts and sneakers. He leaned back in his chair, half-asleep, while Papyrus sat politely upright.

When they heard the humans coming, Papyrus waved excitedly. Sans lifted an eyelid, then the other. His eyes - if he had any - widened. "Papyrus," he whispered. "you said she was pretty, but I had no idea she was this...beautiful." "She is, isn't she? Quite a pretty picture." Papyrus nodded in agreement.

The humans took their seats at the table, Kirsty shuffling the cutlery about until she saw it fit her liking. She looked Sans up and down, deciding that he was just another person to add to the Crowd Of Gawping People. "Hello, humans!" grinned Papyrus. "I was wondering when you were going to come." "Sorry if we were late." Frisk apologised. "Actually, I think it was just that they were a bit early." explained Kirsty. "Ah." said Frisk. "Well, in that case, not sorry." "Oh... Um... I didn't... Okay." Kirsty stammered. "Hehe. It's okay. It was a joke, yeah?" said Frisk. "Uh... Yeah." replied Kirsty.

"So, anyway, Kirsty, this is Sans. Sans, this is Kirsty. She's the newest human, but you probably already knew that. Go ahead, Kirsty, shake his hand." urged Frisk, grinning at the skeleton. Sans offered the girl his hand, but she was quick enough to uncover the prank, pointing out a hidden whoopie cushion. "Heh. You're pretty observant, huh?" he laughed, stuffing the failed joke in his pocket and properly shaking her hand, forgetting to let go. "Thanks... Can I have my hand back now?" asked Kirsty, shyly. His grip was firm, yet kind. She almost enjoyed it. "What...? Er... Oh. Yeah, sure." Sans let go, faintly blushing. "Sans!" Papyrus hissed. "Don't embarrass yourself in front of the human! At least try to make a good first impression!" Sans shrugged, staring at his hand.

"Yeah, Sans is pretty good at the jokes. Do you know any good ones?" asked Frisk. "Um... Knock knock." said Kirsty. "Oh, God! Please, don't!" cried Papyrus. "Who's there?" Sans asked, ignoring Papyrus' begging. "To." Kirsty replied. "To who?" "No, it's 'to whom', actually." Frisk and Sans chuckled; Papyrus rolled his eyes, scowling. "That was a good one!" Frisk cheered. "I'm not as good at telling jokes as Sans is. Why don't you tell one?" "Uh... Erm... I..." stuttered Sans, at a loss for words.

However, before he could say anything, his younger brother called to a waiter and ordered the staff to surprise them. He said, crossing his arms, that he "just had to put an end to the disgusting topic", as it was making him more and more uncomfortable.

Papyrus and Frisk then began talking non-stop about food and the cooking lessons with Undyne. Apparently, Undyne and Frisk - but mostly Undyne - had set her whole house ablaze when they were cooking spaghetti together (turns out, the final product wasn't actually half bad). She then had to live with Papyrus and Sans until her house was put back together again. They had a lot of fun. At this point, Kirsty chose to switch off again. She allowed herself to daydream as she waited for an MTT Meal. The imaginative cogs in her brain whirred into motion, running as quick as a nice cube in Hell.

The images of future sleepovers with her future besties, Alphys and Frisk, roamed the vast complexity of her mind. They attacked each other with playful pillow fights, toyed with subjects not to be messed about with, roasted marshmallows over the fire in the lounge, played truth or dare, and talked about cute boys (or girls) they took an interest in, all whilst having a whale of a time - and whales do make some noise, so, of course, they did too. Bang! Slam! Boom! Clap! No one got rest on the nights they spent together (not even them). Was there any better way to have a sleepover with your possible BFFs? Ah, yes! Movies! Now this was a practically perfect party. And, if it wasn't, Kirsty was filled with perseverance to make sure it was.

As her mind wandered, so did her eyes - they, themselves, seemed to have a mind of their own. They drifted about the room, travelling from the ceiling to the floor, from the cutlery to the door, and from one person to the other. Soon, Kirsty found herself staring blankly at Sans, who sat opposite her, staring back. It felt as if they were having a staring contest, but neither really cared for winning. They stayed like this for almost a minute, before Kirsty managed to shake herself out of the magic spell, without stopping to wonder if their moment meant anything.

Frisk found Kirsty sitting on the cream sofa, looking into the fire in her pyjamas. The evening had gone smoothly. The food was delicious and she hadn't spoken much, but how could she when others kept babbling about somewhat unrelated subjects? Sans held her hand on the way to Snowdin, but she no one ever thought anything of it. Papyrus and Frisk held hands, so why couldn't they? Her hair was freely falling down her shoulders, her fringe persistent to veil her sleepy, emerald green eyes. She hugged her knees, mesmerised by the dancing flames, letting out a tired yawn as Frisk sat beside her.

"So, what do you think?" asked the twelve year old. "Of the Underground, I mean." "Good." Kirsty replied. "I'll explore it tomorrow. It seems interesting, all these different places. I bet there'll be different people there... They're all really different...really confident...not afraid to be who they are... That's my favourite part..."

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