#auyeahaugust2020

[apopcornkernel]

of bookstores and cute cashiers

this one's for @milkisande and @nerdypanda3126 !! they both requested adrienette + bookstore. thank you and i hope you guys enjoy this <3

@auyeahaugust day 18: bookstore

It was a bright, sunny day, and Adrien Agreste was out on an errand.

He smiled as he walked leisurely to the corner book shop, enjoying the coolness of spring. He was off to buy a book his father had been wanting to read, and he planned to buy a few books of his own, too.

If it had been another Gabriel employee who'd been tasked to do such a trivial thing, they certainly would've been quite resentful of stooping so low. At least, that was how other people would have probably viewed it.

But Adrien felt the exact opposite. Instead, he relished this brief, much welcomed respite from work and his father's steely-eyed stares.

Sometimes, he thought, being an errand boy felt better than being an Agreste.

Adrien shook those thoughts away as he neared the book store. Now was not the time.

He heard a little bell ring as he pushed the quaint little door open, and then the smell of ink, paper, and—was that coffee?—assaulted his senses. Adrien inhaled again, breathing in the scent of the book shop.

And then he looked upon the rows and rows of bookshelves, stuffed with a dizzying amount of books. Eyes wide, his starstruck gaze flitted from shelf to shelf, gleefully taking note of the sheer volume of literature. Fantasy! Physics! Mysteries! Astronomy!

The list of topics grew ever longer as he took in the entirety of the shop. Surely there were at least a hundred—no, a thousand!—books in this store!

Are we in heaven? his dazed, book-loving mind asked him.

"Hello, and welcome to the Book Nook!"

Adrien's head whipped to his right, and for a moment it seemed like the world had stopped turning. Because there, behind the counter, was the smiling, cheerful, beautiful Marinette.

"I don't believe it," he breathed.

Marinette's eyes widened—sparkling, surprised sapphires.

"Adrien?"

With what was left of his garbled senses, Adrien marveled at the sight before him. He'd been right earlier. He really was in heaven.

"Hey!" he said. Immediately he felt like slapping himself. That was so lame!

"Hey!" Marinette laughed, and Adrien thought that this must be what angels sounded like. "It's been so long since I last saw you. How've you been?"

Better now that I've seen you was what he wanted to say. He blushed. Instead, he settled for a simple "good," grinning like a maniac.

"That's great!" Marinette cheerily replied, her blue eyes sparkling so prettily as she spoke. "Moving on—how may I help you, Mr. Agreste?"

Adrien stifled a giggle. "Well, Ms. Dupain-Cheng, I need…"

He leaned forward, feeling giddily adventurous all of a sudden. Marinette's cheeks turned just a shade pinker.

You. I need you.

Adrien instantly straightened as he felt the tips of his ears turn red. Where did that come from?

"Sorry, I meant—" He coughed, hoping Marinette hadn't noticed the abrupt pause. In a more controlled voice, he said, "My father sent me to find a certain book. All the other bookstores don't have it in stock, but he sent me here saying that he was certain you would."

Marinette blinked, her cheeks still a delectable shade of pink. "Wh— what book is your father looking for?"

Adrien quickly rattled off the title and author.

Marinette started nodding even before he was halfway through. "Oh, yes. Follow me, I'll show you where it is."

She slipped around the counter, and for the first time since he set foot into the shop, Adrien noticed her uniform.

"Did you make that yourself?"

"Yep!" Marinette gave a little twirl. "You like it?"

"Of course," Adrien said, a smile on his lips. She blushed.

Her blouse was a riot of red and black, with swaths of cloth artfully arranged to give it a fashionable look. A black pair of pants paired the blouse, the look as a whole so chic and cute and so Marinette.

It seemed the bookstore owner was more liberal with their employees' choice of dress—because if that was what Marinette wore to work on the daily, his father would have fired her on the spot.

(Father would probably just rehire her as one of his designers, though. So in the end it probably didn't matter.)

As she strolled past him towards the endless rows of bookshelves, he found he couldn't look away from her. The way she moved, the way her short hair swished around her face—it mesmerized him. Time passed quickly, with Adrien lost in the moment, and all too soon Marinette stopped and turned to face him.

"Um. We're here. The thing is..." She bit her lip and flushed. "I can't exactly reach the shelf it's on."

Adrien couldn't help the small snort that escaped him. But when Marinette gave him a look, he quickly backtracked. "Sorry! Sorry, I just—"

A giggle cut his apology short. "No, no, it's okay, Adrien," Marinette said, another giggle punctuating her words. "You're too sweet, really."

Adrien went red.

"Th— thank you?" he said faintly.

Marinette's giggles increased in volume. "You're welcome. Now can you give me a lift? I don't think even you could reach the top of the shelf alone."

A… a lift?

Adrien swallowed. No. No, no, no. He was in trouble now. How was he supposed to be in such close proximity with her without melting?

And yet he found himself agreeing, just to please her. "Sure."

He suspected it was his being a hopeless romantic that had done that—and it didn't help that the sight of his old classmate had stirred up long-forgotten memories of teenage love and longing looks.

At least, if this giddy, fluttery feeling could be called love.

He crouched a little and interlaced his hands to form a foothold, all the while trying not to freak out. He watched as Marinette daintily slipped her stocking covered feet out of her shoes, and stepped over to him.

She laid a hand on his shoulder. "Ready?"

No.

"Yes," he said instead, biting his lip in an effort to keep calm.

She braced herself with the help of his shoulder and put a foot in his hands, the feel of the smooth cloth of her stockings against his skin sending a thrill through his veins. She wasn't even that heavy, Adrien thought.

Once Marinette had stabilized herself, Adrien gave her a boost, pushing her higher until she could finally reach the book that rested on the uppermost shelf.

"Got it!" she called out, waving the book in the air.

"Okay, ready?"

"Ye—" Marinette's head bumped into the overhead lamp, and she immediately recoiled. "Ow…"

Adrien's eyes widened as her body started teetering dangerously, unbalanced by her sudden movement.

"Marinette!"

When she noticed her precarious position, Marinette shrieked. "Ahh!"

Her arms flailed panickedly, and the book slipped from her fingers with a loud thud as she desperately tried to right herself.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" she cried, instinctively turning around to face Adrien. "I—"

That… was a mistake.

Time seemed to slow and Adrien watched in horror as Marinette fell. He instinctively abandoned his pose and tried to position himself underneath her, hoping to at least cushion her fall if he couldn't catch her.

Marinette crashed into his unsteady arms with a scream, almost causing him to drop her.

"I'm… I'm alive…" Marinette said faintly, dazed. She looked up at him, fear turning into gratitude. "Thanks, Adrien."

"Normally I'd say along the lines of 'you've fallen for me.'" There was a relieved smile on Adrien's lips as he set her down on her feet. "But I thought you probably wouldn't appreciate it after that nasty fall."

Marinette laughed, still breathless. "Are you sure?"

Adrien picked up her shoes and handed them to her, trying to ignore the blush blooming in his cheeks. "How about we get dinner together and find out?" he ventured.

She took the shoes and looked him in the eye, a grin breaking out on her face. "It's a date."

———

Adrien had come to the bookstore with money in his pocket and a book to buy. He left with a slightly damaged purchase and the promise of a date.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Twenty-Seven: Mythology

Who likes mythology? I like mythology! Have some more Hades and Persephone with Adrien and Marinette because duh!

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: Fluff, General Pairing(s): Adrinette Summary: The God of the Underworld sees the Goddess of Spring. The infatuation is immediate. Warning: No beta!

  Darkness, gloom, despair…

 Such was the Underworld – such was the fate of man in death – all to flow into his realm like the many rivers that flowed through as well. And yet, Adrien oversaw it all in his unending life, his green eyes dulled at the monotony of it all. As much as he might wish for change, he didn’t ask for anything. It was by his luck he ruled this dim place; what sort of ruler would he be if he complained?

Of course, he might not say anything about his own wishes, but misfortune didn’t tether him into remaining. A brief trip into the living realm would perk up his spirits however brief, and then he could wallow in silence for another century.

Stepping out of his realm, he inhaled, smiling at the bountiful bloom of a fresh Spring day. Impeccable timing since it appeared to be the first; even the powers that willed the plants to life still clung to the wild grass and flower petals now gazing skyward. But, his brows furrowed upon reflection and re-examining the powers that reached the border of his domain, he hadn’t felt it before.

 A new god? Or perhaps, one he’d never met before?

 Tilting his head, he decided to follow it back, towards the one who sourced Spring.

 … And he had to contain a gasp.

 Goddess of Love be beside herself with envy, who was this gorgeous being in the field on her lonesome? Such softly sun-touched skin and eyes as blue as the Sea God’s tides with flowing hair with the depth and shine of the raven’s wing, he’d never seen this Goddess before. He could make out her lightly speckled cheeks, and by the gods, the blinding smile she wore upon her pink petal lips as a ladybeetle touched upon her hand.

Adrien brought a hand to his chest, feeling his heart stir in ways it hadn’t for eons. He knew not who the Goddess might be, but by the sky itself did he want to know.

 And yet…

 Looking down at himself and his eyes glancing to whence he came, how could a Goddess like her – nay, why would a Goddess like her even allow him to approach? And as much as he might, he knew that he mustn’t. The divide between their worlds was far too great, and though immortal they may be, he would be a danger to her and the life she wove.

Wishing he could will his beating heart to cease, he bowed his head and turned away, knowing he should not linger any longer.

 However, unbeknownst to him, the ocean-eyed Goddess watched him as he left, curious about the God who withdrew from her presence.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Twenty-Two: Disney

SO, as promised, here’s the missing day for Disney feat. Cheesecake with Beauty and the Beast. Of course, Plagg as the Beast would be a very lazy catman who probably ended up cursed for already acting like a cat. Literally just reading a script to get things moving and Tikki just... shaking her head.

ONTO DAY TWENTY-FOUR wiiiith Cursed. Oh, this’ll be fun.

[apopcornkernel]

sleepless

@just-jv asked:

AU Yeah August Day 5: Bed Sharing Lukagami and/or Day 28: Road Trip Lukagami o__o)/

i know i said only lovesquare but,,, lukagami was too good to pass up thank you for enabling me hehe

@auyeahaugust​

“Are you still up?”

Kagami’s eyes flew open and met Luka’s.

They lay on their sides, facing each other in the still silence of night that was only occasionally broken by the soft rustling of water, or an errant thump that came from the houseboat bumping into the harbor. Moonlight glowed from a window.

Kagami hadn’t been sleeping, not really. Until now she still found it hard to completely fall asleep on the Couffaines’ boat. The constant, gentle rocking unnerved her. She liked steady. She liked solid. She liked certain.

And yet somehow she’d still ended up here. Ended up with him.

I have no regrets, she thought. Except, maybe, that I hadn’t done so earlier.

“Yes,” she answered softly, a small smile coming to her lips. Something about the night made her keep her voice hushed. “What are you doing awake?”

“I could ask you the same,” Luka said. He reached a hand out and brushed back a lock of hair that had fallen over her face. “You should sleep, love. You need it.”

Kagami couldn’t help the slight flush that came to her cheeks at the affectionate name--and Luka, ever observant, noticed. His smile widened, and he rested his hand on the side of her face.

“I love you,” she blurted out spontaneously.

Luka grabbed her hand, and brought it to his smiling lips.

“Love you too, love.”

She slept a little more soundly after that.

send me a lovesquare side + au august prompt!

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Thirteen: Flower Shop

AU where Juleka owns a Gothic Punk flower shop.

Not pictured: Her regular cotton candy sweet customer Rose. She came in one day, dressed in so much pink... but then Jagged Stone came on and she nailed those lyrics that Juleka got the dokis. Who is this girl and how do I marry her?

I wish I had colored, but for some reason, my hands and brain be like ‘no, no draw only write’ this month and it’s frustrating. BUT we’ll keep at it anyway lol.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Sixteen: Mythical Creatures

I wanted to draw a mermaid and it’ll tie into Pirates when that day comes up. I was drawing another mythical creature, but I think I could get away with it for ‘Magic’ as well. Should I? Haha, we’ll see and hope I don’t get caught in a blackout lol.

Y a y summer...

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day One: Café

WOOHOO AU TIME!

So since I’ll try to do other series besides Miraculous, pay attention to which series is stated in the beginning. Also, none of these will be complete, but if you wanna go ahead and write these out, feel free!

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: Fluff, Angst Pairing(s): Cheesecake, Adrinette Summary: Cat-spresso Yourself is an adorable little cat café that serves up cute food with cute cat companions. Two long staying cat inhabitants have taken it upon themselves to get the owner and a blonde regular together. Warning: No beta!

Cat-spresso Yourself was, by all accounts, Tikki and Plagg’s home. Both the calico and black cats had been present in the café for quite some time now – significantly longer than most others. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to be adopted, but more they’d already chosen their humans whether they noticed or not. Humans could be unaware like that, Tikki knew, watching the owner, Marinette, day after day busy at work, preparing and serving delicious treats for customers and cats alike. Tikki always followed around Marinette when she could with her bobbed tail high and ignored everyone else.

Plagg was the same although not. He ignored people sure, but his velvety black fur attracted unwanted attention his way. When humans tried to force his companionship, he often ruined their meals and scurried away elsewhere. Never did he bite or scratch a customer, but he would rumble his discontent in warning before striking tarts, cakes, or drinks. There were only two humans he didn’t do that to: Marinette, of course being one, but the other, a regular that had begun coming in months ago.

Tikki had seen the blonde before – on the cover of those flimsy books they called magazines. She didn’t really get it, but he modeled clothes? And that was fascinating to Marinette. At least, the clothes were; she didn’t even seem to notice the young man was famous when he came that first day.

No, what had caught her – and everyone else’s attention – was Plagg approaching this human willingly. Didn’t even bother letting the human choose his company, but he didn’t seem to mind. Talking about it later, his answer was something about misery loving company; and she supposed a look the young man’s way did show he seemed down. Perhaps this modeling stuff was more stressful than it appeared to her.

He perked up to Marinette when she spoke to him so casually, but humans didn’t have sensitive hearing nor were they attentive again. This had been going on for weeks, but it was amazing how they missed just how their voices changed around the other, how they eyes gleamed, and how their hearts beat once next to the other.

Tikki sighed, young kittens in love… and also so foolish.

How was it taking them so long? And Plagg and her had started doing their best to get them together somehow. Just like their obliviousness prevented the humans from realizing their feelings were mutual, it spoiled all their attempts thus far.

But she caught a glint in Plagg’s eye today.

Oh no, that tom cat better not…!

But his tail had already coiled around Marinette’s leg as she approached the man’s – Adrien’s – table with his pain au chocolat!

It was slow motion what followed. As Marinette tumbled, the dish in her hands flew up, and Adrien’s head shot up. And when it all began coming down, the model was up, one arm wrapping around her waist while the other hand managed to catch the falling plate. Both stared at the other intently, and only Tikki noticed Plagg darting away as he came to sit beside her. He grinned her way, but she rolled her eyes, refocusing her attention on the two unmoving humans.

“… Are you alright?”

Letting out a sigh, Tikki glanced Plagg’s way. Well, this was a start…

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Twenty-Eight: Road Trip

Sometimes, the road traveled is merely the one walked... also, have some more mythology!AU since people seemed to enjoy it!

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G+ Genre: Fluff, General Pairing(s): Adrinette Summary: Marinette shouldn’t leave her field, but the sight of that blonde-haired God in black lingers on her mind.

Warning: No beta!

Marinette didn’t see him again after the first day of Spring and all she could wonder was why. Obviously, they had been another God, and yet, they had stayed back beside the trees. It was so peculiar to her especially since her mother always warned against her being alone, saying things like the other Gods would immediately take her away the instant they saw her.

 But she was still here, in the field with her ladybugs, unapproached and untouched.

He had walked away and she recalled catching the briefest look at his face.

 Why had he seemed so sad?

 Looking down at her hand as the usual ladybug landed light upon her finger, she raised the precious insect close to whisper, “Tikki, please, show me where that dark God has gone.”

Little Tikki’s antennae twitched and she hesitated, standing still on her Goddess’s finger. Marinette pursed her lips a bit.

“Tikki, is he a vile God?”

The little bug’s antennae shook.

“Then why do you hesitate? Is it because of mother?”

The antennae moved up and down. The Spring Goddess sighed, shaking her head, “Don’t worry yourself over mother. Besides, other Goddesses have already met the other Gods yet I have not.”

 Tikki’s antennae fell and the tiny creature did seem to sympathize. They sat barely a few seconds in silence before the spotted shell upon the bug’s back opened, revealing her glossy wings. Taking off, she hovered in wait and Marinette rose to her feet, beaming. “Thank you, Tikki. Please, lead me on.”

 She knew the way in which the God had fled, but beyond the trees, Tikki had to guide her. It wasn’t far, but when they reached the ominous cavern, the Goddess felt something she rarely ever encountered: cold and decay. Raising a hand, she let the powers that clung to this area touch upon her, just to see what it truly was. Very little of her powers seemed capable of weaving through it before fading out.

This was no mere cavern – it was a barrier between the living realm and the afterlife. Still, this was where Tikki brought her.

 “… How strange. That sad God belongs to the Underworld?” she asked softly, her brows furrowing. Though she personally knew little of the realm itself, that God had appeared so… well, he wasn’t what she’d expect from the many stories her mother or father had told. Perhaps someone more frightening, with wicked eyes and a sinister grin, but the God had bore none of those features.

 Taking a step forward, she soon took another, placing herself before the barrier. Tikki flitted madly by her ear, trying to draw Marinette away, but the Goddess lingered by the entrance nonetheless.

 And with her hands clasped together, the Spring Goddess decided to step through.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Eight: Secret Dating

So this one is reaaaallly short, but enjoy. Also, a friend helped me out so big thanks to her lol.

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: General, Humor, Crack Pairing(s): Adrien and Marinette, background GabeNath Summary: In which Adrien’s a sweet summer child. Warning: No beta!

“Adrien?”

“Yes, Marinette?”

“Not that I mind being here, but… uh…”

Sweeping eyes noted candles, dim lighting, flowers, and how the table was set for two in the Agreste Dining Room. As well, the chef had served a first course fit for Michelin 3-star restaurant. Marinette was sweating bullets, wondering what this all meant.

“… I-Is this a date, or… a celebration for two people? Ehh?”

“This? Oh, well, father and Nathalie have dinners like this every Friday, and at first, I thought they were dating, but when I asked, they said that really good friends try to have regular dinners together. Just wait; when we get to dessert, our chef makes an excellent yogurt mousse with passionfruit ice cream. I can even serve you some on a spoon like father does for Nathalie!”

Marinette internally screamed.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Nineteen: Soulmate

Huh, I didn’t anticipate writing a sort of part two to Day Eleven, but things work out that way, don’t they?

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: Fluff, Angst Pairing(s): Ladrien Summary: Since he was young, Adrien’s always been pulled towards the ocean. Now, on the eve of his engagement party, he stands at the back of the yacht and waits. Warning: No beta! Connected to “Day Eleven: Star-Crossed Lovers”

Adrien wasn’t sure how old he was when he began to acknowledge the feeling, but he figured it was always there. From the very moment he was born, he needed to go to the ocean, but a baby didn’t have the capacity to cogitate why. As he grew older, the feeling became stronger, and the only time he vocalized this awareness, his father discouraged it. He didn’t ask why – his father was a businessman; feelings need not apply.

And his father did everything under the sun possible to make Adrien forget about the ocean, and about the woman covered in red that began to swim through his dreams. It was his father’s plan to have him take over the company and wed, but Adrien wasn’t going to let himself remain trapped to this life of expectations.

 Meeting his arranged fiancée was nothing to him – remembering her name was only out of kindness.

 His father easily bent to his desire for an engagement party at sea; all that remained was to wait and play along – like a good son.

 It was only during the planning stages of the party that doubt seemed to magically worm its way into his mind. He couldn’t trust that voice calling him to the sea; why did he care about that woman in his dreams. For all he knew (and he knew hardly anything), he should just accept the life given to him – he was being selfish pushing it away.

However loud the doubt, his mother’s words were louder.

 “It’s your soul yearning for the ocean, Adrien. Someone precious to you must be waiting there.”

 Someone precious, she said, and it must be – had to be. It felt like…

It felt like this person had been waiting for a long, long time…

 He stood at the stern of the yacht long after night fell, but the party continued on deck, his eyes fixed upon the black sea. And yet, as he started, it looked like the stars above – a vast, endless dream calling him in. Briefly, his gazing was interrupted by his ‘fiancée’, but after thwarting her attempts to kiss him, she let him in a huff. Something about telling his father, but he didn’t care at this point.

 His eyes had spotted red.

 A figure that had swam through his mind; he felt his eyes widen.

 “… Y-You’re…!”

 The smile the bloomed of her face reflected in her twinkling eyes. “… I’ve been waiting for you, Adrien.”

 Here… his soul called him here…

Hands gripping the railing, he climbed upon it. As he did so, the voice that told him to stay starting to grow louder, speaking with less doubt and instead, demanding that he remain on the yacht. How curious – before, he could’ve sworn that voice was his own, but it almost sounded like his fiancée’s. It almost made Adrien laugh – his father’s demand hadn’t held him back; why would that voice possibly now?

His feet kicked from the railing and he dove into the water, hands reaching for the woman with red scales to take his outstretched hands. Their fingers entwined, he was sinking deeper into the waters, but he felt no fear. Was this what it meant to resonate so closely with someone? He barely acknowledged the green and black scales that appeared along his arm or how his new fin flicked.

All he focused on was kissing her, and for once, feeling at home.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Ten: Reverse Crush

There’s something fun about writing people completely blind to another person’s crush on them.

Series: Persona 4 Rating: G Genre: Fluff, General Pairing(s): KanNao, Kanji and Rise Summary: Naoto likes Kanji. Kanji’s oblivious to this fact. Warning: No beta!

It was plainly and painfully obvious to everyone in the Investigation Team that had to bear witness to the socially awkward wreck before them.

Naoto liked Kanji.

Not only that, but Kanji seemed completely unaware.

They couldn’t wholly blame him for ignorance of course. Naoto wasn’t exactly the paragon of romance or any more adept when it came to being informally social outside of school and work. Woe was it to be both subtle, but respectful – sitting a little closer to him, expressing interests in his hobbies and skill, but one would think he might realize or remember Naoto sitting there while he crocheted for literal hours.

At least Naoto got to know Mrs. Tatsumi better? Always a positive to know the prospective in-laws, right?

Rise about reached her limit when the Yasogami Pageant came and Naoto asked Kanji directly his thoughts about participating. He encouraged it, but later admitted it was for Naoto’s benefit – that they remembered the incident in the TV world, right?

That broke the camel’s back for Rise.

“Moronji! Naoto-kun likes you!”

“Huh? I know; I like Naoto, too.”

Rise muffled her next scream, inhaled, and then exhaled, wide eyes focused on Kanji.

“Kanji, I’ve come to love you as one of my friends. Now, we both know Naoto-kun’s a little… bad with feelings and fails at expressing them clearly. However, it is… so clear that Naoto-kun likes you way more than a friend.”

His brow furrowed and he raised his head, thinking.

“… I dunno. I think if it’s as serious as liking someone like that, Naoto’d just say it.”

Kanji blinked and leaned back as Rise leaned over his desk, her face red and her cheeks puffed. He knew that look – when someone was seconds away from exploding – but he was saved by the classroom door sliding open. Both of them blinked as Naoto entered with the usual stiff cadence, striding over to Kanji’s desk although, one could note, there was a little more hat adjustment than usual. Shooting a look Rise’s way, Kanji was surprised to see she was similarly confused at Naoto’s appearance, but looked back when a soft clearing of a throat came from Naoto’s direction.

“… I have been informed my… actions may have been misinterpreted. So, I will attempt to be… direct.” As usual, big words from such small form, but Naoto was speaking so Kanji listened. However, he noted a redness – which he usually caught already present – now appearing in real-time. There was a slow inhale and steady exhale, and his heart jumped when Naoto gazed directly into his eyes.

“Kanji-kun, I have romantic feelings for you… Would you like to accompany me to Okina City after school to visit the craft store?”

Rise pulled a face, but said nothing. So many other ways Naoto could’ve said it, but now the truth was at least out there.

Meanwhile, Kanji did nothing but stare, shocked in place and dropping his pencil. Waiting a moment, Naoto and Rise exchanged looks before turning their eyes back to their motionless companion.

“… Kanji-kun?”

“Uh, Kanji…?”

Rise reached out and poked his shoulder a few times.

It was enough to cause one fainted Kanji Tatsumi to spill onto the floor.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Three: Time Travel

Time Travel really isn’t an AU that I like, BUT...! BUUUUT! I have written a Chat Blanc!AU on this before. It’s rated M over there so please, don’t read because there are some mature situations in it. Still, to summarize, Chat Blanc happens, Marinette taken by Bunnyx in another timeline, Chat Blanc gets the earrings but he doesn’t use them. Instead, Marinette learns what happens over time, they stay together for ten years, and come back... with Louis. Oh, and they took down Hawkmoth.

So this is part of the aftermath...

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: T Genre: Angst Pairing(s): Adrinette Summary: They had just wished their daughter a good day that morning. Time changes things so fast. Warning: No beta! Chat Blanc!AU related!

Tom and Sabine had been minding the bakery as usual. They did briefly recall a blinding light, but thought little of it until the phone call came.

Marinette had been admitted to the hospital.

In their panic, the how and why weren’t questions they immediately entertained asking – their daughter had been going to meet up with some friends at the Trocadéro so why had a doctor called? Unless, she never made it, but even then, she’d only left minutes ago and was running late. Asking how and why could wait until they arrived; they needed to lock up the bakery.

But maybe they should have asked if only to prepare themselves for what awaited.

In the lobby, there were several officers standing next to a man that looked almost like Adrien, but not. He was rather unkempt as though missing months (maybe years) of proper grooming and their vivid emerald eyes seemed dull, worn from time and distress. They were keeping their voices down, speaking quickly, the young blonde man’s body hinting his restlessness from holding still – or staying here, it could be other reasons, but Tom and Sabine made their way to the front desk.

“Name?” the receptionist asked, turning away from their computer.

“Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng. We were called and informed our daughter is here… Marinette Dupain-Cheng?” Tom answered albeit hesitant when the receptionist’s expression morphed. It was the briefest flicker of a grimace before it was masked again anyway.

“Yeees… I’ll inform the doctor you’re both here and then he’ll take all three of you up.”

“‘Three’?” Sabine raised an eyebrow and looked at Tom, but he could only shrug. Either way, the two turned away and seated themselves in the nearest two chairs. It didn’t seem like an emergency anymore, but the phone call still had them both concerned. Nearby, the conversation between the young man and the officers appeared to finish. They nodded their heads and walked towards the door, but the man remained and proceeded to pacing back and forth.

Though Tom and Sabine considered attempting to talk to him and possibly encourage him to sit down, they saw a doctor enter.

“M. Dupain, Mme. Cheng… M. Agreste…”

Neither knew what to think when the blonde man rushed the doctor, but he had said ‘M. Agreste’. Was it a relative? But if so, why were they here to see Marinette? Concerned (and wary), Tom and Sabine approached the doctor who nodded to them both. “If that’s everyone, please, follow me…”

The man with them said nothing as they walked. Tom watched him closely the entire way, but Sabine decided to now ask any questions.

“Doctor, what happened? Was there an accident? An akuma attack? She was healthy this morning when she left home…”

“Mme. Cheng, your daughter is… she’s come in physically well. Some slight malnourishment, but this situation is complex.”

“Complex?” Tom turned his head slightly. “We’ve been worried about a few things occurring at her school. Could it be stress?”

“Yes and no… this matter is unrelated to school. From what I understand, this does have something to do with an akuma, but not.”

That wasn’t a reassuring answer, but anything dealing with akuma could be complicated. The doctor stopped before a door to face them, but the blonde man didn’t wait – instead, he hurried inside. Tom wanted to follow, but the doctor shook his head.

“M. Dupain and Mme. Cheng, I need to warn you before you go in: the daughter you saw this morning is not the daughter you’re about to see.” The doctor rubbed their hands together, brows furrowed. “I wish I could explain, but I believe you need to hear the story from her and M. Agreste. Tell them I’ll be back in fifteen minutes. They should understand.”

Leaving them there, both parents didn’t know what to think nor did they know what to expect. Everyone was being cryptic, but it was related to an akuma attack. Sabine gasped, “Could that light have been…!?”

She exchanged looks with her husband and they both looked at the door. They hesitated… but Tom opened it after a few seconds.

Sabine entered first and Tom followed closely behind, closing the door.

The blonde man was seated by the patient’s bed in the single suite, his head resting on crossed arms and his eyes closed. They snapped opened as the older couple approached, but then slid shut again - as if he determined they weren’t strangers. As to who was in the bed, she was indeed similar, but different. Maybe a few centimeters different to her height and a thinner face from age, the raven black hair falling over her shoulder and bluebell eyes contrasting her pale skin were just the same if not a little dimmer. She rested a hand on the blonde man’s head and softly combed at his hair, almost aloof to her surroundings.

And yet, Marinette managed a small smile their way all the same.

“It’s been a long time…” she murmured. “Hi Papa… hi Maman…”

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Eleven: Star-Crossed Lovers

Hey hey, reminder to people who read these weird AUs I’m writing/drawing up: you’re free to use them. Just link me if you finish cuz I wanna see hehe!

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: Fluff, Angst Pairing(s): Ladrien Summary: “The Little Mermaid” is a beautiful but bittersweet tale about a mermaid wanting a soul from love. The truth is, mermaids have souls, but until the titular Little Mermaid finds her love again, she’s cursed to live forever. Warning: No beta! Mermaid!AU as well!

In all her years alive, she had heard the tale of “The Little Mermaid”. A young mermaid desired a soul, and for a soul, she needed a human to share theirs upon being wedded. Unfortunately, the human loved and wedded another before the mermaid, and the mermaid became sea foam as a price, cursed to years of performing good deeds to be granted her own eternal soul.

It was a flowery tale and blended well with human religion.

She could see why many humans understood it for only its bittersweet fantasy and not the actual tragedy it was – still is.

It seemed difficult for humans to comprehend everything had a soul including the ‘immortal’ mermaids. What the story told of the mermaid approaching a human for his soul was actually a mermaid seeking her soulmate, the only one who would give her life fulfillment until death. It didn’t matter whether they be together in the truest sense, it was just a matter of being near; however, the Little Mermaid knew this soulmate was to be the one they loved.

And yet, another loved the Mermaid’s soulmate – and they decided to curse the Mermaid and steal their soulmate away.

And they could continue to do so, born again and again except for the mermaid who had to feel her heart break each time.

Opening her bluebell eyes, she raised her head to see the moon shimmering through the water’s surface. Raven hair fanning around her, her red scales marked by black spots glimmered as she began to rise up, finally hearing her other half call to her again. One hundred more years waiting for that beautiful but sorrowful spirit to reach out to her, one hundred more years of being kept beyond her reach, but it was here, floating her way.

Perhaps the sorceress was finally losing her touch after so long being reincarnated.

Peering above the surface, the mermaid’s eyes caught a sleek boat gliding upon the sea, pushed forward by a motorized engine instead of wind. There were light, there was music, and there were people drinking, dancing, or talking on board. She assumed it to be a party, but she was less interested in what the humans were doing and focused instead on the lone man standing at the stern.

Her eyes grew and she swam closer.

She paused momentarily when a woman approached and grabbed the man’s arm. Were it not for her soul, the woman would be quite beautiful, but the mermaid could recognize the sorceress trying to insist on the man to leave yet he remained unmoved, leaning away from her as she tried to kiss him. The sorceress was not pleased and hissed something before storming off, leaving the man worse than before.

The mermaid took her chance.

His green eyes widened when he spotted her and he stared, “… Y-You’re…!”

“… I’ve been waiting for you, Adrien.”

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Two: Wings

So decided to do some Final Fantasy IX AU-ing, annnd in this case, Garnet with Wings and instead of her Summoner Horn completely removed, it’s smoothed down. One excuse is given to the citizenry, but the King and Queen Brahne realize there’s some significance to her having it.

It changes the story a little by having them learn early about Eidolons, but they don’t push Garnet into summoning them - just knowing she has them. And then when everything happens, the emotional manipulation that occurs to try having Garnet use the Eidolons herself rather than extracting them first happens and Garnet only really tries to leave in order to better summoning them for her mother’s sake. Of course, kidnapping plot still sort of happens, Cid tries to get Garnet to see reason to what her mother’s actually doing, but Garnet is in denial to what’s happening.

As for the wiiiings... I know in some Final Fantasys (this one included), wings can be a part of the Summoner attire much like the horn. In this divergent AU, Summoners can grow their own wings. They’re not really functional, but they’re a connection - each one is different, but it depends on the Legendary Eidolon they’re connected to. In Garnet’s (and Eiko’s) case, it’s Alexander, so yeah, tiny wings. For the longest time, Garnet doesn’t understand when they come in one day and her parents hide them (it was enough to try explaining why the Princess suddenly had a jewel on her forehead, forget about explaining sudden wings. Though, Zidane finds them very cute) and Eiko doesn’t have her own yet, so all the worry if/when people originally see them.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Seven: Royalty

Ahhh, I’m so late I’m sorry! I had another writing with royals in the works that I wanted to finish and did and here’s today’s post so I’m staying up-to-date!

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: Fluff Pairing(s): Adrinette Summary: Prince Adrien’s back in his castle, considering what to do next. Warning: No beta! Dragon’s Bride AU tie-in!

After over a year of being away from the kingdom, walking within the castle was strange to say the least. Last he was here, there had been a party. Now here after his father’s forced dethronement, it was quiet. How big it felt despite being no bigger than the caverns that’d become his home – their home.

Raising his head as he stepped out into the courtyard, she was still there contentedly sunning herself without a care in the world. In her words, the whole nonsense with human kingdoms still wasn’t her concern personally, but it mattered to him so she would come. He didn’t want her to stay if she were truly uncomfortable, but it seemed this was enough for her – and if she needed more, the forest was but a short flight away for her.

For most, it would be unwise to approach a slumbering dragon, but Adrien did so nonetheless. His eyes trailed over her doe-like face and spiral horns, and moved over her iridescent white scales that covered her wings and back. She really was so beautiful in this form and one advantage of having so much outdoor territory was seeing it better than in flickering firelight.

Stopping before her face, he placed a hand upon her nose and rubbed, smiling to himself. He could hear her shift slightly – stirred by his actions – but he didn’t look up. He figured she’d continue on slumbering after taking a brief whiff and finding out it was him.

That turned out not to be the case.

Instead, there was but the briefest sight of her fangs before her tongue pressed against his face, flicking up, and making him stumble backwards. Adrien raised his hands and wiped away some of the dragon’s saliva, catching her now opened blue eyes. Her whole body shook as she laughed.

“Got you, my love…”

She turned slightly before craning her long neck upwards to peer down at him. “You’re back sooner than expected. Is everything alright?”

“Yes… well, by standard affair anyway.”

Standing again, Adrien dusted himself off, but some still remained, clinging to the dregs lingering from her lick. With that done, he sighed, “Father didn’t really destroy the castle interior so everything’s the same. However, because it’s that way, I think I may want to change it.”

“Oh, so redecorate. It’s your domain now; I don’t see the harm.”

“It’s not a matter of harm, but…” he trailed, feeling his face burn. “… What say you to perhaps… using your treasure to decorate it together?”

“… My treasure?” She raised her head and cocked it so. “But Adrien, by using my treasure, that means claiming it as part of my own.”

“I know,” he said, nodding. “You’re my wife. And in accordance to human laws and by my status of soon-to-be King, you’ll be my Queen. This castle will be ours so… I want you to feel like it’s yours, too.”

“Adrien…”

“Marinette…”

Her whiskers snaked around him and drew him close, allowing her to nuzzle him. “I’m going to miss our den in the mountains, but… I think I can make this work. Also, I don’t think I’ll take my human form all too often.”

“Perish the thought of doing so,” Adrien replied, beaming. “You know I love you either way. Any on my council will just have to get used to you, and if they don’t, I should have others to replace them with.”

Her affectionate growl was all he needed to hear to know she was pleased. With that, he thought she might let go, but her whiskers kept him bound close. Blinking, he saw her hind legs shift and her body curl at her stomach with her tail coming to wrap around. Once she finished moving, he was encircled by her form. If he wanted to get out, he would have to climb over her, but he didn’t want to. Instead, he settled himself against her cheek and allowed himself to close his eyes.

A little rest with his dear Queen and mate, and then he would resume any human duties that needed his immediate attention.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Thirty: Roommates

In which I do a very short fill for today because I’m working on finishing a short chaptered story on AO3, but now I sit and contemplate what to do for Thirty-One. How unfortunate, but this means the end of AU Yeah August for now so let’s get some fun suggestions for the last, yes?

Series: Miraculous Ladybug Rating: G Genre: General Pairing(s): Slight Adrinette Summary: Marinette has a roommate. She’s never met them really because their schedules clash, but that changed tonight. Warning: No beta!

Marinette had a roommate… she thinks.

 Well, no, she does, but she’d never met them face-to-face.

 Their personal lives and schedules somehow kept them from encountering one another somehow – a feat she thought impossible, but they’re gone in the morning and already sequestered away in their room by the early evening. At the very least, she did know their name.

 Adrien Agreste – it was familiar, but she couldn’t honestly put her finger on it. Maybe she’d read it somewhere before or they’d met? But she couldn’t remember; her classes had her mind in a fog.

 It wasn’t like they (was it he? It would’ve been nice to establish pronouns) were a terrible roommate that she had to worry about so it was a thought she only lingered on sometimes like when she came across a stray blonde hair or questioned why there was a second tube of toothpaste in the bathroom.

 Things probably would’ve remained this way too if it wasn’t for her afternoon class being canceled one day by chance. Sitting in the living room, she focused on her laptop, deciding to get some class assignments done early and leave herself with ample time for studio finals when she heard the door open. Raising her head and an eyebrow, she froze upon seeing the blonde man enter with his eyes focused on his phone. Aside from looking slightly disheveled from the day, he was drop-dead gorgeous.

 He was a few steps passed her when he too seemed to realize another body was present in his current space, his green eyes widening as he froze.

 “Uh…” they both started at the same time only to immediately forget what words were.

 This might be a long evening.