#but I am still happy to win that 1 percent chance

[sunshine-and-her-ikevil-stuff]

Oh my god

OH MY GOD

OH MY GOD!

With the free ticket! I always dreamed this day would come!! And it’s the one I wanted!

[ilovejevsjeans]

Daniel Ricciardo on his passion for combat sports, a walkout song and the time he asked Lewis Hamilton to ‘fight’

McLaren Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, who currently sits seventh in the driver standings heading into this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, is among the world’s best behind a steering wheel. But how would he fare if he swapped his racing gloves for boxing or MMA gloves?

“I’d love to do a charity boxing match or something just to feel that adrenaline of walking to a ring,” Ricciardo said. “It’s on my to-do list for sure. At school I had a few little fights but nothing crazy. Nothing I’d brag about here.”

Ricciardo says he learned the sport of boxing from a friend who fought as an amateur growing up. However in recent years his love of combat shifted more toward mixed martial arts, a sport that is “quite beautiful. It’s an art form and I was just taken by it.”

The Australian — who boasts 4.6 million followers on Instagram — rarely misses a fight night, whether that’s a small card or pay-per-view. Every Monday he gears up for multiple MMA podcasts to hear analysis on what just took place in the cage.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Ricciardo opened up about his love for fighting, which driver would make the best opponent and why Lewis Hamilton turned down an opportunity to get in the ring against him.

You’re an avid fight fan. How did this passion for the sport start?

One of my best friends growing up, when he was growing up, he was doing amateur boxing and got very good at it. I was then doing my racing and he was doing his boxing. We were both on a bit of an unconventional path — both individual sports, not really the typical sports the kids at school were doing. We had that in common. Once I started taking my racing more seriously I began taking my fitness more seriously. So I started going to his gym to just train. I really enjoyed doing it. But the truth is — I don’t want to lie to anyone. I’m not a fighter. As much as I would picture beating the bully up at school, it’s not me. But I just fell in love with not only doing it but also watching it.

I enjoyed watching boxing but it was really when I got exposed to MMA … It just had me. It was back in 2011 when I started properly getting into it. It was the quickest sport I had ever been absorbed by. I was all in.

My whole YouTube feed is just all MMA shows, whether it’s press conferences, interviews, podcasts. It’s just full of MMA stuff. I’m a full nerd now.

Being in Australia and traveling a lot, are you forced to get up at weird times for fights?

The beauty was I was in LA when (Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 2) was on so it was prime time and I was happy. But normally in Europe, it’s 4 a.m. or 5 a.m., which isn’t as good. Any kind of sporting event that you look forward to, it’s always cool when it’s in the evening because you have all day to get ready and talk about it. If you wake up at 4 a.m. it’s like “ugh,” and then you’re straight into it so there’s not as much of a build-up. But it’s all good.

So do you still train at all?

No. To races, my trainer carries some pads and gloves just to stay a little sharp and change it up. If I’m getting my reflexes with some tennis balls, maybe I throw in a bit of a boxing combination or something. Again, I’m not saying I’m good or anything. But I just enjoy the whole movement part of it.

Boxing was cool and I enjoyed watching it growing up. But there was something with MMA where there’s just so many different disciplines and the matchups … as a contest it was so much more open and for that, exciting. I feel — I know it’s not always the case — you can kind of tell in boxing if someone is getting momentum, the advantage. It’s like “this guy is going to win the fight.” But in MMA, it’s like “this guy is winning standing but if this goes to the ground, it’s back to square one.” So I just loved it. I was really immersed by it all.

Did you have a particular fighter or fight that got you hooked early on?

One of the first events I watched was UFC 116. Chris Leben was on the card and I think he was losing the fight. And then he got a triangle with probably 20 seconds to go in the third round, so that was really exciting. Stephan Bonnar was also on that card and he got a really cool finish on “The Polish Experiment” Krzysztof Soszynski. That was a card for me where I was very taken from that. Then I discovered “The Ultimate Fighter.” I just binge-watched all of those (seasons).

In terms of fighters, Leben was a character, I liked him. Carlos Condit. I’d say Condit and Cub Swanson were two guys I got behind early on. Condit, I love his style and the way he carries himself.

Have you been to a lot of cards in person?

The very first one I did was the best for me personally. To this day, it’s my favorite sporting event I’ve ever been to: (Conor) McGregor-(Chad) Mendes. Vegas in July 2015. Obviously McGregor, but he wasn’t yet a champion and still kind of on the rise. It was the energy and atmosphere. It was just wild.

The whole event too. (Robbie) Lawler-(Rory) MacDonald, which had the fight of the year. Every fight on the main card I think was a finish, so I got very lucky at my first event.

I’ve done (Michael) Bisping-(Anderson) Silva in the UK. That was a great contest as well.

There are a lot of great fighters from Australia and New Zealand like Israel Adesanya, Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker. Have you had a chance to meet any of them?

I haven’t met them. A couple of them I’ve had interactions with on social media. But I love Whittaker, obviously Volkanovski is killing it. I’m fairly patriotic to the Aussie fighters. If they are fighting, 99 percent of the time I’ll be supporting them. But one of my good buddies is roommates with Luke Rockhold, so I got to know Luke the last couple of years. I was trying to do some training over Christmas with him but it didn’t end up working out.

I know you’re a big shoey guy. What do you think of Tai Tuivasa doing it after wins?

I’ve had a bit of contact with Tuivasa as well. It’s obviously great. But one thing I can’t get behind is spitting. That’s a little extra.

Plus he’ll grab some random fan’s shoe.

He definitely takes it to the next level. It’s cool that — as disgusting as it is — we have some traditions like this.

Shifting a bit to F1, have you ever gotten into any big fights on the track? What was the worst fight you’ve gotten in?

Earlier in go-karting there was a bit more. Unfortunately in F1, I guess because you’re on the world’s stage, even if you push someone you probably are going to get a fine or get penalized. At times it’s a little too clean. But I’m still waiting for the day that someone confronts me and I just lay them out (laughs).

You also just seem a lot more laid back than a lot of other drivers, so you’d probably not be my first choice of someone getting into a fight soon.

I’m all talk, it would be nice obviously to not have to fight anyone. But no one would expect it from me. Even when I tell people I’m a fight fan, people are like “oh really? You’re into that? You seem too nice to like that.”

But to get where I have in the sport, you need a bit of a killer streak in you. I do have it, but don’t always show it.

What other driver would make the best fighter?

I know some guys have done — for fitness — hit some pads. Randomly, he doesn’t have a seat this year, but Daniil Kvyat started doing quite a lot of boxing last year for his training. I saw a few clips and it started to look like he knew what he was doing. I would say he would be the guy who has the most idea. I’d put him and myself up there. The rest I don’t think stand a chance.

So if you had a charity event, you don’t have anyone in particular you’d want to go against?

To be honest, I actually asked Lewis Hamilton. At the beginning of 2016, he posted a video on his Instagram hitting pads. I was as well at the time, so I was like “hey, let’s do a charity fight.” I asked him in person. But he didn’t bite on that one so I was a little sad.

I might re-ask the question.

What about Max Verstappen? For people who watched the first season of the F1 show “Drive to Survive” on Netflix, I’m sure they would love to see you guys throw down at some point.

That would have been cool as well (laughs). Max would be a good competitor in the ring. The way he drives, he’s quite stubborn. He’d be a hard guy to put away. He’s probably the guy that you’d choke him and he’s going to sleep and not tapping. That would make an interesting one.

In contrast, is there an MMA fighter you’d like to race on the track?

An obvious one would be Conor McGregor. To hear in his Irish accent all kinds of things, that would make pretty good television. And he loves his cars. It’s obvious, but that would probably be the best.

How often would you say you watch fights now? Not just PPVs, right?

Unless I have something like work or another commitment, I’m watching it every week. Mondays I’m getting ready for every podcast. I sound like a real nerd but it’s just an addiction. I love it. Anyone doing that for Formula 1, I’d be like “you’re such a nerd,” but here I am doing it with MMA.

Is it hard to follow everything during the race season?

If I can’t see it live, then 100 percent I’m going to watch the replay or buy it later. But it’s also a good escape. If I’m traveling and I’m in between races, to get my mind away from my competition, I like to watch it. I also try to pick up things as well. Whether it’s from a mental point of view … I’ll look at the walkouts and how they are behaving. I try to figure out if they are really as calm and collected as they are portraying or if it’s a bit of a facade. I’m trying to work out what I can use in my events.

Do you have a walkout song prepared if you were to fight?

I’ve thought about it. The short answer is no. You typically have to have something heavy and fast, but I fell in love with Chris Weidman’s “Won’t Back Down.” It’s not typically a song that will pump you up but it’s so iconic and now it’s his, it’s very fitting.

I’d go for something more lyrically powerful as opposed to instrumental. I loved Max Holloway’s, I think it’s called Mount Everest (by Labrinth). (X)

[kumeko]

A/N: For the once in a lifetime zine! I just wanted to write all the siblings.

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1.      Past

 “Gure-san!” Ayame crooned into the phone, delight spreading to his toes at the sound of his friend’s voice. It had been ages since they’d last called, since they’d last played this game of lovers and midnight escapades. He pouted. “You took too long to call me.”

 “Aaya, you know I could never leave you for long,” Shigure breathed on the other end of the phone, his tone perfectly serious. It was the thing that freaked out their teachers’ the most: the absolute lack of a teasing lilt or mocking smirk. The inability to determine if he was serious or not. “There’s no one who could replace you.”

 Really, it had been too long. Ayame closed his eyes, his finger twirling on his antique phone’s cord. It was too bad there was no audience for this performance, no Hatori to give them a dry look, no Mayu tossing a table. He would have even taken his mother’s disgusted expression. Glancing around his empty shop, Ayame noted the light escaping under the sewing room’s door. Mine was still here then.

 Mine was here. His lips tugged up into an involuntary smile as he sat down on an empty couch. “So you weren’t cheating on me, Gure-san?”

 “Never.” Shigure chuckled. There was a short pause, the breath between actions, and while his tone was still light, Ayame could almost see his slow smirk. “Though that might change. Yuki’ll be staying with me.”

“Yuki?” Ayame blinked, confused. Yuki. Yuki. A familiar name. An old classmate? A younger cousin?

“You still don’t remember your brother’s name?” Shigure let out a short, bark-like laugh. After a long pause, he added incredulously, “Or did you forget that you have a brother entirely?”

 Both. Ayame didn’t respond, his grip tightening on the phone. Yuki. His brother. Faintly, just faintly, he remembered small fingers reaching for him, a tiny voice and teary eyes. A black room and Akito’s smirk. A hazy image with a hazy name. “He’s moving in with you?”

 Shigure didn’t press the matter, to Ayame’s relief. “Haru asked. Haru. Can you believe that? The cow helping the rat? I guess your brother actually has friends outside of Akito.”

 A cruel comment. Ayame couldn’t refute it; he had thought the same thing, on those rare instances he thought of his brother at all. “Akito let him leave?”

 “I know! Amazing. And he’s even going to our high school.” Nonchalantly, Shigure changed topics. “Well, they managed the three of us, I think they can handle one well-behaved kid. It’ll be like having a second Hatori. He’s a quiet kid.”

“He’s in our high school,” Ayame muttered, his brow furrowed. Yuki was in high school. His tiny fingers were bigger now, his voice deeper. There must have been a time—at the new year’s banquet, at any of the million times he’d visited the main house—that he’d seen this Yuki, an almost grown-up Yuki.

 But his memory was still that of a child and a heavy feeling settled in his belly.

 “Don’t tell me you forgot high school too!” Shigure teased playfully.

 “No…I just…” Ayame struggled to find the words to describe this feeling, this aching, gnawing feeling. “I didn’t know.” That his brother was in high school. That his brother was leaving the compound. That his brother had friends, had at least one friend. Even the facts he barely remembered, favourite foods and toys, were all circumspect. “Does he know that we went there?”

 “I don’t think so. He’s never brought it up.” Shigure paused and Ayame could tell before he even took a breath, before the first syllable was uttered, that this would hurt. “He hasn’t mentioned you either.”

 It was like the twist of a knife. A punch in the stomach. Ayame was left winded and he didn’t even know why.

 “It’s not like you two talk.” There was a pounding sound on the other side of the line and Shigure sighed. “Well, I suppose I have to let her in eventually. Or she might actually hang herself. See you in my dreams, Aaya.”

 “Not if I see you first,” he responded automatically. On the other end, the phone went dead, a dial tone echoing in his ears.

 “Ayame?” Mine poked her head out of the door. Spotting him, she cocked her head. “Is something wrong?”

 “Yes. No.” He stared down at his shirt, at the edges of his right sleeve. Tiny fingers had reached for it once, tiny fingers that he had never considered once. “I…I don’t know.”

2.      Present

 “Heya, squirt.” Arisa ruffled Megumi’s hair as she walked past him to the kitchen. Yanking open the fridge, she rifled through its contents for drinks. “Didn’t realize you were home.”

 “I just came back.” Calmly, he ran his fingers through his locks, brushing any stray hair back in place. There. Much better. While he liked the attention, there were times when Megumi wished Arisa would be less physical about it. Noting her cotton shorts and white tank top, he cocked his head. “A slumber party?”

 “Yep.” Grabbing four cans of pop, Arisa closed the fridge with her shoulder. She held out one can to him with a grin. “Come on, you can join us. We’re playing some card games and I’m tired of Saki winning all the time.”

 “She’ll beat me too,” he pointed out, still accepting the cold can.

 “Then at least we can change who’s losing.” Arisa shifted the cans from one hand to the other, rubbing the cold appendage against her leg to warm it up. “I feel like Tohru should be doing worse than she is, and Saki’s screwing me over.”

 The chances of that happening were almost a hundred percent. Megumi didn’t even need to ask his sister to know. Trailing after Arisa as they headed upstairs, he asked, “So all three of you today?”

 “Mmmm, yeah. It’s been so long since it’s been just the three of us.” Arisa practically bounced up the steps. Looking over her shoulder, she winked. “I kidnapped her from the prince and the pauper. Just because they live with her, the Sohmas think they can hog all of her attention.”

 “The prince and the pauper?” Megumi raised a brow. That was a new nickname. “I thought he was an orange-haired bastard?”

 “He can be both.” Arisa shrugged, reaching the top landing. She spun around, a mischievous smirk on her face. “He’s a pauper because he almost always loses at Rich Man, Poor Man.”

 “That would make you one too.” Saki suddenly appeared behind Arisa, grabbing a pop can. Ignoring Arisa’s surprised jump, she stared at the can. “It’s cold.”

 “Warn me a little, would ya?” Arisa leaned against the wall, calming down. She shot Saki a disgruntled glare. “At the very least, I beat Kyo. And sometimes Tohru.”

 “A grievance I shall never forgive,” Saki remarked, rolling the can in her hands. “This feels good.”

 “It is hot today.” Megumi pressed his can against his cheek. The cool aluminum sent a shiver down his spine. Ah, that was much better.

 “…I can never tell if either of you are serious or not.” Arisa rubbed her forehead, torn between exasperation and annoyance. She glanced at Megumi, and then at Saki. “At least you’re wearing short sleeves today.”

 “I am not completely immune to the heat,” Saki replied, fanning herself lightly. “Ah. It truly is hot.”

 “Now you’re making fun of me.” Straightening up, Arisa barged into Saki’s bedroom. “Alright, time to kick everyone’s asses.”

 “K-kick?” Out of sight, a surprised Tohru squeaked. “It’s a card game!”

 Still standing in the hallway, Saki leaned against a wall, closing her eyes with a pleased smile. Quietly, Megumi stood next to her, his shoulder bumping into her arm, listening as Arisa crowed excitedly, as Tohru stuttered and panicked. His sister chuckled softly and he could feel the vibrations through her skin.

 A laugh. A smile. Megumi watched her, transfixed.

 “Yes?” Saki cracked open an eye. Even the aura around her felt light and teasing.

 “You’re happy,” he said, more a statement than question.

 “Hmm.” Saki considered it before nodding. “I am.” She opened both her eyes and smiled fondly at him. “Your prayer came true.”

 3.      Future

 “She’s here!” Momo peeked out the living room curtain, into the main garden. She quickly let go of the cloth, letting it fall back into place as she stumbled back. “And so is everyone else.”

 “Ahhhh…” Momiji’s smile dropped a notch as he tried to figure out just how did his cousins know about this concert. There was Tohru, of course, but while she was a terrible liar, she wouldn’t actually tell anyone. Standing behind his sister, he drew back the window curtains just enough to get a glimpse of everyone. Haru. Yuki. Kyo. Shigure—

 Shigure. Momiji rubbed his forehead. Yep. That was the root cause. It would have been hard for Tohru to hide it from him, her face gave everything away. From there, it was a single call to invite all of the ex-zodiac members. Add in their friends and a performance for three became a performance for a crowd. Frowning, he shot a glare at his older cousin. “It’s always him.”

 “That’s a lot of people,” Momo muttered, clutching her violin tightly. She glanced at him in askance. “Are we really going to perform?”

 “Yep!” Smiling at her encouragingly, Momiji pointed at the few cousins that she’d met. “There’s Kisa and Haru and Hiro—actually, never mind Hiro.”

 Despite the things that had changed since the curse was broken, Hiro’s tongue was not one of them. Even Kisa couldn’t sweeten his barbed words by much. Still, he was at least moderately kinder to others and Momo hadn’t come back in tears whenever she played with the pair.

 “Kisa.” Momo brightened. “And…there’s Yuki. And Mine and…” She stumbled, trying to remember the names of all their friends. “And…and Uotani and Hanajima…”

 “Yep.” Momiji grinned, counting them off himself. There were far more outsiders in the Sohma compound these days, the doors open to all now. High school friends, coworkers, that guy from the bakery—wait. Momiji cocked his head. It was good and all that anyone could come and go, but why were all of these random strangers here for a single violin recital?

 Momiji’s eyes landed on silver hair. Of course. He should have known. Ayame. Who else could it have been? As though sensing his thoughts, Ayame spotted him and shot him a thumbs up. He winked, mouthing, Good luck.

 It was hard to decide between Shigure and Ayame which one deserved more punishment. Maybe he could sick Hatori on both of them later. Turning back to his sister, he wrapped an arm around her and hugged her to his side. “We have so many friends! I think they’ll be happy to hear us play.”

 “Right.” Momo swallowed, peeking back through the curtain once more. She took a deep breath, stood up straight, and then moved back into the center of the room. Staring at her violin for a long moment, she squared her shoulders and raised it. “We have to tune up.”

 Part of Momiji missed the baby chick, the little girl who was always peering around her mother’s skirts. As a teenager, the only part of that left was the tremble of her hands as she raised her violin, the slight shake of her bow as she tried to settle herself. Yet this girl was able to talk to him, was able to be with him, and he would take that over the baby chick any day. “Right.”

 Momiji raised his violin. Finally, after all those years, they were playing together. Like real siblings. Like a real family.

[quickspinner]

Killer Combo Ch 7 - The Final Showdown

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 Epilogue | Bonus Tidbits | ART inspired by this story! | AO3 | Fiction Master Post

I sincerely apologize to everyone who prefers short chapters, as this is another really long one. Pace yourselves as necessary, and thank you so much for persevering to the end with me. I'm so grateful for everyone who has read and liked or reblogged or replied, and I hope though the journey is uh, long, you will find it satisfying. You can search *** for the scene breaks if you need to stop and come back.

Kagami, predictably, was not happy when Marinette returned alone, but Juleka’s vindictive smirk when she heard what her brother was doing was enough to convince Kagami to delay any plans of vengeance she might have been making. “I hope he gives that bitch the earful she deserves,” Juleka muttered darkly, and then snorted. “But knowing Luka, he won’t. He’ll be all gentle and patient and she’ll keep arguing for way longer than he should let her before she realizes she might as well be talking to a brick wall.” 

“You don’t think,” Marinette began, and then stopped, reaching up to smooth her hair self-consciously, shifting her weight on her feet and feeling like a fool as several pairs of knowing eyes turned her way.

Juleka arched an eyebrow, but her smile was sympathetic. “I definitely don’t think,” she said warmly, reaching out to squeeze Marinette’s shoulder in a move that reminded her strongly of Luka. “Luka’s very perceptive and empathetic. It makes him too gentle sometimes, but he’s no pushover. She might think she has a chance, but he’s been over her for a long time. Even if he hadn’t... met anybody , she wouldn’t get anywhere with him.” She grabbed Marinette’s hand and pulled her towards the dance floor, reaching out her other hand to snag Rose on her way. “Now enough about my stupid brother, we only have like an hour of party left, let’s go have fun.” 

Marinette giggled, grabbing Kagami’s arm and pulling her along. 

Kagami had offered to let her stay overnight at the mansion, but Marinette had declined in favor of a ride home. She crept into her room as quietly as she could, sent her parents a text to let them know she was home just in case one of them woke up and worried, and went to wash her makeup off and get ready for bed. 

Her phone beeped just as she was drying off her face, and she picked it up to find a text from Luka. Just letting you know I made it home. Sorry for leaving so suddenly. 

Marinette sighed, and smiled slightly as she answered him. It’s okay, I understand. Did you get everything worked out in the end? She chewed her lip as she sent the message, but she needed to know, and there really wasn’t any good way to ask the question. She finished up with her moisturizer and climbed the stairs up to her bed, wincing at the ache in her feet.

She sat cross-legged on her bed to read his reply. As much as it can be. She’s not happy, but making her happy isn’t my job anymore. She got the message, finally, and that’s all that matters to me. 

Before she’d even finished reading that one, another message came in.

I know it’s really late and I’ll understand if you don’t want to, but I’d really like to hear your voice one more time. Is it okay if I call?

Marinette really wanted to hear his voice too. Before she could second-guess herself too much, she hit the call button.

He picked up immediately. “Hey,” he said softly, voice a little rough and tired-sounding but still enough to make her feel warm and remember the soft touch of his lips against hers. 

“Hi,” she said shyly, suddenly breathless.

“Marinette,” he sighed, and she had to smile at the way he said her name, like he was relieved and happy and exhausted all at once. “I just wanted to say I am so, so sorry about how everything went down tonight, and also...thank you. I think I got some closure tonight that I really needed, and it was really thanks to you and your friends, and...and I’m just incredibly grateful. And I totally owe you a rain check on the party date because I was having a great time until—” he sighed again. “All that other stuff. Your friends are pretty cool.”  

“Yeah,” Marinette smiled, picking at the hem of her pants. “They really are. We’ve had our ups and downs, but the ones that have stuck around, they’re really amazing.” She sighed slightly through her nose, brow furrowing in annoyance. “And I’m really sorry you haven’t had the same experience.”

“Well,” Luka said, and the smile in his voice made her smile too, “I got a taste of it tonight. It’s nice to know friendships like that really exist. I mean, I know they do, I’ve had some...still have some, even if they’re far away, but...okay, I’m rambling and I’m keeping you awake and you’re probably just as tired as I am, but I just, um...I wanted to…” He took a deep breath, and went on a little too quickly, “When I kissed you tonight, I wasn’t, I didn’t do anything right and I was kind of overwhelmed and not thinking clearly, but I want you to know I really—” 

“Wait,” Marinette said quickly, her heart suddenly pounding. “Wait. I think...Luka, if it’s okay with you, I think I’d rather talk about this in person. Maybe when we’re both a little clearer headed than we are right now?”

“Yeah,” Luka said slowly. “Yeah, okay, I guess that makes sense. So...when can I see you in person?” 

Marinette winced, turning and pulling down her schedule. “I have so much to do this week,” she nearly moaned, fisting a hand in her hair and tugging hard. 

“Hey,” he said, and something in his voice made Marinette cringe. “It’s okay.”

“No, I want to, I promise I’m not blowing you off, I really want to talk about this with you, it’s just—of course everything always has to happen at once and…ugh, timing. ” Marinette chewed her lip, scanning across the week, trying to find some time. Surely she could spare him ten minutes somewhere...but was the conversation they needed to have something that she really could rush? What was she even doing, why didn’t she just let him say what he wanted to say, why was she...she was…

Hesitating. Why was she hesitating? Marinette chewed her lip and blew out a frustrated breath, forgetting that Luka was still on the phone. She jumped when he spoke again.

“Marinette,” Luka said, his tone gentle, and she made a distracted noise of acknowledgement. “Listen. Don’t sweat it. I know you have your presentation this week and the tournament, right? If you’re busy and you need some space, that’s fine. Don’t worry about it. We can settle this afterwards. I’m not going anywhere. Well. Not until we talk, at least.” 

Marinette’s eyes landed on the weekend, colored in red and outlined in black. “The tournament,” she said softly. “The championship. We could...we could talk there? Maybe after?” 

Luka was silent for a moment, and Marinette heard him take a deep breath. “Is that the best time?” he said cautiously. “Do we really want to have that on our minds?” 

“You know what,” Marinette said, beginning to smile. “I think it’s the perfect time. It’s where we met, afterall.”

“Well,” Luka said, and she could tell he was smiling too. “There is a certain poetry to that.” 

“Okay,” Marinette said, her smile growing into a grin. “After I’m done kicking your ass in the finals, then.” 

“Oh, brave words from the lady with the forty percent win rate against me,” he laughed, and Marinette made a face.

“You’ve been spending too much time with Max,” she accused. 

“Max is a fun guy,” Luka chuckled. “Not as much fun as you, but you know, he has his moments.” 

Why was she so pleased at that, that he preferred her company over Max, ugh she was pathetic. She covered a giggle anyway, but it turned into a yawn.

“I’ll let you go to sleep,” Luka said, amusement clear in his voice. “Good luck this week, Marinette, and I’ll see you this weekend and...we’ll talk.” 

“Yes,” Marinette nodded decisively, though he couldn’t see her. “We will.” 

***

Two days later and elbow deep in unfinished clothes that were supposed to be runway ready in less than twenty-four hours, Marinette was actually feeling good about her decision to defer her talk with Luka.

Not everyone agreed, however.

“ Girl ,” Alya screeched from Marinette’s floor, where she was hammering rivets into a jacket. Max winced from where he was sitting at Marinette’s desk, pliers in his hand and a spool of jewelry wire next to him. “Why did you do that?” 

Marinette sighed, and bit her lip. “Because—” 

“Because what? ” Alya demanded.

“Because I need to be the one to say it,” Marinette sighed, as she rearranged the fabric on her sewing machine. “It’s just...it’s something I need to do, Alya. I don’t expect you to understand.” 

“Oh I understand,” Alya sighed. “I just think it’s silly. You could be making out right now if you’d just let him say his piece.” 

“First of all,” Marinette grumbled. “You don’t know that, you’re making assumptions. He could have been about to say he really values my friendship and he doesn’t want anything to change. Second, I have way too much to do this week. I wouldn’t have time for making out even if I did have a hot new boyfriend to do it with. Third, I just...I told you, I need to do it. I need to know that I can put myself out there and tell a boy I like him and not just...let it happen to me.”

“You must have done that lots of times, Marinette, what about all those guys you made out with that last year of high school?” 

Marinette rolled her eyes, glancing at Max with a blush, though he was studiously ignoring the conversation, focused on the task in front of him. “It’s not even close to being the same thing.” She felt a little ashamed, actually, of the way she’d used some of those guys, even though they were usually more than happy to be used and she’d never been dishonest with any of them. “This isn’t about just kissing and proving to myself that someone can like me and be attracted to me. It’s not just as simple as asking a cute guy to a party, I just…” She sighed. “It’s the first time I’ve really felt like this since then, with all the butterflies and the fear and the...the…” 

“Passion?” suggested Alya smugly, and Marinette rolled her eyes again.

“Whatever. The point is, I just need to be the one to say it, and I want to do it face to face.” 

“Well, maybe you’re right and I don’t really get it,” Alya sighed. “It sounds like he’s pretty into you, so it seems like you’re splitting unnecessary hairs. But I guess you do what you have to do, girl.”

“I will,” Marinette said firmly, “And what I need to do now is get these garments finished for my presentation so I can put that to bed and focus on beating my gorgeous potential boyfriend this weekend before I confess my—”

“Yeeees?” Alya teased.

“Feelings,” Marinette finished with a flush. “Look, can we be done talking about this now?” 

“Fine,” Alya rolled her eyes and put the hammer down, stretching her fingers. “I’m going to go grab some water, do you guys want some?”

“Yes, please,” Marinette and Max chorused together, and Alya stood up. Before heading to the trap door, she crossed the room to look over Max’s shoulder at the wire he was twisting to match the sketch Marinette had given him. 

“Wow, Max, you’re surprisingly good at that,” Alya commented, and Max gave her a look over his glasses.

“I know my way around wires and a pair of pliers, thank you very much,” Max sniffed. “It’s not that different from wiring a circuit board.” 

“Well, the next time you need help with something like that, count me in,” Marinette said, frowning as she tried to untangle the mess her bobbin had mysteriously become. “I owe you guys sooooo much for this.”

“I will give your offer due consideration when the time inevitably comes,” Max replied. “Incidentally, do you happen to have another ticket to the show? I seem to have misplaced mine.”

“Max, really?” Alya sighed, heading towards the trap door. “You’re going to ask her that now? Have you checked under your piles of nerd crap?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Marinette said, reaching over to grab a decorated box on her desk and rummage through it. “Here you go, Max. Kagami can’t make it so I had one more than I needed anyway.” 

“Thank you, Marinette,” Max said, with a grin that would have made her look twice if she hadn’t been so preoccupied. 

As it was she barely noticed it, and forgot it entirely until much later, when her presentation was over and the high of achievement and the exhilaration of her first really professional fashion show were finally wearing off and she was about to fall into bed for the night. As she fumbled to plug her phone into the charger, she noticed a text on the screen and paused. 

It was from Luka.

You were fantastic up there. Sorry I couldn’t stay long enough to see you after. Congratulations, all the hard work paid off. 

Marinette gaped at the phone for a moment. You were there? she texted back, and then berated herself for not checking the time first. He was probably asleep, he must have sent that text hours ago.

Even as she thought it, her phone pinged with a response.

Yeah, I hope that was okay. Tell Max thanks for the ticket. ;) 

Marinette gaped again, and then pouted for a moment before hitting the call button. 

Luka picked up right away. “Surprise,” he said, laughter in his warm voice.

“Max is a sneak,” Marinette pouted, though she was trying not to smile. “And I’m going to kill him.” 

“Max is a sneak,” Luka agreed. “But don’t be mad. I ran into him the other day and asked how you were, and we got to talking, and I let it slip that I really wished I could be there, and he gave me his ticket on the spot. Made me promise not to tell you until after, though. I would’ve stayed to say congrats but I had a gig I had to get to, and...well I didn’t want to make things weird.” 

“I’m glad you were there,” Marinette smiled, and then added shyly, “You really think I did well?” 

“You did amazing,” he said sincerely, and Marinette felt a thrill that made her wiggle a little in place. “I know a thing or two about stage presence, and you’ve definitely got it. I’m really glad I got to see you present. And...well I can’t claim to know much about fashion, but I really liked what you did.” 

A hot flush raced up her face and she slapped a hand over it even though he couldn’t see her. 

“Marinette? You okay?”

Marinette made an affirmative noise. “Sorry. I just...that makes me really happy. That you think so. That you liked it. I—” She made a high pitched whine. “I’m not making any sense.” 

“It’s late and you’re tired,” Luka chuckled. “It’s fine. I don’t want to keep you up any longer, I just wanted to let you know I was there. Juleka said it was creepy to show up without telling you.” 

Marinette giggled. “Well, she maybe has a point. I would have gotten tickets for you and Juleka both if you had asked.”

“Sorry,” Luka sighed, and she heard a thump that she thought might be his head hitting a table. “I promise, I didn’t mean anything by it, I just...I knew it was important to you and…I know you needed space and I didn’t want to confuse anything and—” He cut off with a strangled noise and sighed. “Okay, I’m going to tell you good night now and hang up before I dig myself any deeper.” 

Marinette had to bite her lip to stop her giggling, “You don’t have to be sorry. I’m really glad you were there, Luka. Really. That...it was important to me, and it’s an important part of me, and I didn’t think about it before but...I’m really glad I got to show you that. Seeing you play on stage, I felt like I really got to see an important side of you that I didn’t know anything about, so...I hope maybe tonight was like that for you.” She bit her tongue, feeling like she wasn’t explaining herself well. 

“It was,” Luka said, his voice softening a little in a way that made her shiver. “It really was, and…” He paused, and cleared his throat. “Well. I know you’ve been working hard and I don’t want to keep you up any later. I just wanted to tell you I thought you did great tonight and I’m super impressed, as always. Get some sleep, okay?” 

“Sleep,” Marinette repeated, hand still over her face. “Sleep would be good. Maybe for like a week.” 

“You’ve really been running hard, huh,” Luka said sympathetically. “Once all this is over, we’ll take some time and just hang out and relax. I’ll play for you.” 

“Really?” Marinette perked up.

“Yeah,” Luka chuckled. “Just like that day on the boat.”

“That was nice,” Marinette smiled, finally letting her hand slide down off her face. 

“Mm. It really was.”

There was a long pause. 

“I should—” she began, just as he said, “You should—” and they both laughed. 

“Good night, Marinette,” Luka said at last. “Rest well.” 

“Good night, Luka,” Marinette murmured. “See you soon.” 

“Soon,” he repeated, and hung up. 

A few minutes later her phone beeped with one final text.

Can’t wait to see you this weekend.

Marinette sent back a single pink heart and fell back giggling onto her bed, kicking her feet for a second in a brief burst of energy before she crawled under the covers and fell asleep with a grin on her face. 

When Max showed up for practice the next day, she punched him in the arm, and then threw her arms around his neck. “You’re a great friend,” she mumbled into his shoulder. “And I hate you.”

Max just chuckled and patted her back.

***

The morning of the UMSIII Master League Championship, Marinette was a fluttering, nervous wreck. That wasn’t totally unexpected, and her parents put up cheerfully with her clumsiness, absentmindedness, and confusion, giving her gentle encouragement and moving the breakables quietly out of her path. Finally they kissed her goodbye, handed her the bag she’d been about to forget, and promised that they would be in the stands with the rest of her friends. 

She leaned her head on the cool metal rail of the subway and tried to breathe. There was a lot on the line today. Marinette was fairly confident she could place, but...she wanted to win. There was a steep drop in the prize value between first and second place and an even sharper drop between second and third. She wanted to do well, yes, but really she wanted to win. 

Luka wanted to win too, and that made her stomach twist. She hadn’t seen him in person since the night of the party. Other than their brief conversations, Marinette had been trying not to think too hard about him, to focus on the competition in her practice sessions with Max, but she wasn’t entirely successful. A lot of things had fallen into place for her since she’d seen him on stage. Now she understood how he played to the crowd in his interviews, the way he could project his voice in a crowd, the calm, easy going demeanor he kept up even in the heat of competition. He was used to pressure, he was used to crowds, he was a trained vocalist, and he enjoyed having an audience. Marinette felt like she had a much better picture of him in her mind now, a better understanding of who he was, and everything she knew just made her want to know more. 

She was determined to tell him so. 

But first she had to get through the tournament. And some small, ugly little part of her was afraid. Would he still want to talk to her if she beat him? 

Of course he would. It was ridiculous to think otherwise. It was just a game, after all.

A game with both their dreams on the line.

She almost missed her metro stop. 

Marinette swallowed hard as she walked up to the huge stadium and showed her player pass to the guard. She was on her own for the moment; the individual finals would be held in the afternoon and the team competition in the evening, so Max couldn’t come with her. Marinette was the only player in the finals for both the individual and the team championship. Well, and Luka. Technically he was still part of the team, even if he wouldn’t play.

She was escorted to a small lounge area where other players had already begun to congregate. She scanned the room but didn’t see Luka. Marinette wandered back and forth aimlessly, growing more and more restless the longer they were stuck waiting, her thoughts growing scattered and fragmented and her hands starting to shake slightly. She wished she’d brought her sketchbook, or some knitting. Something, anything, to vent her energy on and focus her mind.

A touch on her shoulder made her jump and she whirled around to find Luka behind her, looking surprised and then apologetic, shoulders hunching slightly. “Sorry. I called your name, but…” He shrugged and held out a bottle of water, a slow smile spreading over his face. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Marinette smiled shyly back. “Sorry, I guess I was zoned out.” She took the bottle and twisted off the cap. “Too much energy and nowhere to spend it.” She took a sip, peeking at him around the bottle. He wasn’t wearing his Viperion hoodie, but his old one, with her red stitching at the seams. She focused on the logo on his chest as she lowered the bottle. “New shirt?”

“Yeah,” Luka rolled his eyes. “The league sent it to me. Apparently they don’t want their vintage branding on the livestream tonight, so they asked me to wear the new logo.” 

Marinette huffed a quiet laugh. “Naturally.” She wrinkled her nose slightly. “The old one was better.”

“Right?” Luka groaned. “I almost wore it anyway, but…” He shrugged. “Wasn’t worth the fight, to be honest.” 

Marinette started to ask why he hadn’t worn his Viperion hoodie, but changed her mind, not sure that she wanted to know the answer. Instead she blurted, “You look good,” and promptly wanted to kick herself. He did look good; the new shirt fit him better than the old one, his hair was styled more deliberately than usual and the color in it looked recently touched up, bright and vibrant. He was freshly shaved and, she was pretty sure, wearing a touch of makeup, probably to keep from looking washed out under the lights. Of course he would consider those things. Was that peach lipstick? It was a good color on him.

Oh God she was staring. 

“You do too,” Luka smiled, reaching up to brush her pigtail back behind her shoulder. suddenly he winced and jerked his hand back quickly. “Sorry, I shouldn’t—sorry if I’m—”

“It’s okay,” Marinette said, catching the hand he was pulling back. “Really, Luka, I don’t mind. I know it’s how you connect. I know you won’t do anything inappropriate, and I don’t mind the rest, so just don’t worry about it.” 

Luka relaxed, and she squeezed his hand before letting go of it. “Thanks,” he said, reaching up to run a hand through his hair and stopping just in time. He tilted his head slightly, looking at Marinette, who found herself beginning to fidget again. “Are you okay?”

Marinette smiled, but her face felt like wood. “I’m fine. It’s fine.”

Luka raised his eyebrows slightly, and Marinette noticed absently that he was wearing eyeliner. “You don’t look fine,” he observed, and nudged the hand holding the water bottle. “Drink. It’s going to be crazy once things get going. Better to start hydrating now.” 

Marinette drank, more because she didn’t feel like arguing than from actually believing she needed it. “How can you be so calm?” she asked with a gusty sigh after she lowered the bottle.

Luka shrugged and flashed a grin. “Don’t forget I’ve done this before. Helps that I was practically raised on stage, so the lights, the effects, none of that really bothers me.” He put a hand on her shoulder and massaged gently. “I’m honestly a little surprised to see you so tense. I didn’t think anything would rattle you after seeing you up on stage before. You owned it and you didn’t look nervous at all.” 

“That was fashion,” Marinette hissed, glancing at the other competitors. “And I was busy. I didn’t have time to freak out. Not like this, with all the...the waiting. ” She tugged at her pigtails and resisted the urge to whine. “I just want to get started already! Just—all this—” she flapped her hands, trying to indicate the pent-up energy inside her. “There’s nowhere for it to go.” 

“Ah.” Luka glanced away, and then looked at her again. “I don’t know if it would help, but...want to meditate with me? I always try to meditate for at least a few minutes before I have to go on stage. Or into a competition.” 

Marinette blinked at him, for a moment and he shrugged. “But if you don’t want to, it’s fine, I know it’s a little weird, to think about sitting still when you’re so worked up—” 

“No, I—that sounds good.” Marinette glanced around. “But where—”  

Luka tipped his head to indicate a direction and Marinette followed him to a corner of the lounge where there was an old, battered, but currently empty sofa. He sat down and Marinette sat next to him. She glanced around a little self-consciously but most of the competitors were focused on their own pre-game rituals. The nervous chatterers were congregated together, fidgeting back and forth as they all talked over each other. Several others had headphones and closed eyes, a couple were pacing, and the only other female competitor in the room was staring at the ground, mumbling with her eyes closed and her weight shifting from foot to foot. No one was paying the two of them any mind at all. 

“Everybody’s too worried about their own game to care what we do,” Luka murmured, slipping a guitar pick out of his pocket and rotating it in his fingers. “Don’t worry about them, just focus on you.” He held the pick between his thumb and forefinger and breathed in slowly, and then out, closing his eyes. 

Marinette watched him for a moment, then placed one hand over the other in her lap, palms up, and did the same. It took some effort to keep from fidgeting, to force the circumstances from her mind and bring her scattered focus to her breathing and the flow of her energy, but Luka’s calm presence and the slow, regular swell of his ribs moving his arm against hers, helped her settle her mind.

As she breathed, the nervous flutters ebbed. She felt more solidly in her skin than she had all day. The tension was still there, but it was more focused now, less chaotic. She felt worlds better...but a little guilty.

“You shouldn’t be helping me so much,” Marinette murmured, her eyes still closed.

Luka’s shoulder vibrated against hers as he chuckled. “Have you looked at the brackets? Clearly the marketing geniuses have been at work because we don’t face each other until the finals. I want you to be there, not flame out from nerves in your first matchup.” After a moment he added quietly, “And you’re my friend. I can’t see you unhappy and not help. You’ve done a lot for me too, you know.” 

Marinette unfolded her hands and fumbled blindly beside her. She found his forearm and slid her hand down to slip her fingers through his and squeezed. 

“I’m really glad I met you, Luka,” she whispered. “Whatever happens today, I hope we can...” She hesitated, not wanting to say stay friends, because that wasn’t what she wanted. She opened one eye and peeked at him, and saw his eyes open as well as he smiled at her. His thumb caressed the back of her hand lightly.

“I hear you,” he said softly, and the drop in his voice made her insides quiver pleasantly. She was suddenly extremely aware of the rough skin of his hand enveloping hers, the warmth of where their shoulders pressed together. “I’m glad we met too. I want you to be in my life, no matter what happens today.” 

Marinette had to press her lips together to contain her smile. “Yeah...me too.” 

Luka glanced at the other players and gently extracted his hand. He took Marinette’s wrist and put her hand back on her own knee before curling his fingers back together and closing his eyes. Marinette understood, folding her hands back together and deepening her breathing again. It wouldn’t do for them to be cuddling too obviously in front of everyone else. There would already be talk, she was sure, if Ladybug and Viperion began dating after the tournament was over, no matter who won. 

But before she could think of that, she had to win.

And before she could even think about beating Luka, she had other competitors to worry about. He was right. She needed to focus and not let the situation get the better of her.

She stayed there, meditating alongside Luka, until the handlers came to get the players and walk them through their entrances and the procedures between matches. The sight of the jumbotron overhead and the giant stadium full of currently empty but soon-to-be-packed seats made Marinette’s nerves flare up again. Luka’s hand squeezed her shoulder, bringing her focus back to the moment.

“Hey,” he murmured when she looked up at him. “It’s just another match. The livestream’s just a little more up close and personal than we’re used to.” He grinned at her. “They’re all coming to see Ladybug and Viperion face off.” 

Marinette grinned back, and then brought her attention back to the handler explaining the procedure and reiterating the rules.The quarter finals and semifinals would be best two out of three, and the finals best three out of five. Matches would be held simultaneously using the pyrapods set up at ground level, and at the back, an elevated stage contained two pyrapods that would be used for the finals. 

None of this was news and Marinette was back to shifting from foot-to-foot impatiently, checking the time. Luka seemed as calm and relaxed as ever, but she could see the tightness beginning around his eyes and knew he was ready to get started too. 

Finally they were dumped back in the lounge, and Marinette went to the restroom. She’d done the rest of her routine at home, but she wanted her makeup mask fresh and bright. The ritual of putting it on, dusting the red mask across her eyes and drawing in her spots, calmed some of her resurging nerves, and when she straightened up from the mirror, Ladybug looked back at her. 

Ladybug was not going to lose because of stage fright.

Marinette reached back into her makeup bag and hesitated as her hand found her tube of black lipstick. She bit her lip and looked at her reflection again. The championship seemed like a bad time to be making changes, but…

Marinette swapped the black lipstick for red and painted her lips with quick, decisive movements, and then snapped the cap back on with a quiet click. She made sure her pigtails were still tight and secure, tapped her lucky earrings three times, and then zipped up her bag and went back to the lounge, already feeling more confident and ready to compete.

Luka caught her eye immediately when she stepped back inside, and she saw him grin at the change, but then the competitors were being herded out of the lounge and into the tunnel they would take into the arena.

In the chaos, she felt Luka’s hand wrap around hers and squeeze, and quickly let go. The competitors milled around in the tunnel aimlessly, well back from the fog machine spewing smoke near the entrance, until two production assistants dressed in black brusquely took charge and lined them up in a supposedly randomly generated but very important order, warning them to not, under any circumstances, shuffle the order or cross the line before their names were called or move from their place in line. Marinette found herself in the middle of the line, with Luka right beside her. “Random, huh,” Luka chuckled. “Yeah, right.” 

“They’re really hyping us up,” Marinette agreed. 

“Guess we better not let them down.” Luka and Marinette exchanged a look, and then a fistbump. “See you in the finals, Ladybug,” he grinned. 

“I’ll be there,” she grinned back. “You better not stand me up, Viperion.”

“Never.” 

“Oh my God, get a room,” muttered the guy on Marinette’s other side. “You two are disgusting.” 

Marinette flushed, but Luka just chuckled again. “Aww, Pharaoh, you know I love beating you too, it’s just not in the cards today, man.”

Pharaoh scowled over Marinette’s head at him. “Kiss my ass, snake boy.” 

“Oh, when Ladybug here’s done kicking it you’re gonna need somebody to,” Luka said, winking at Marinette. “‘Fraid I’ll be busy, though. Tagger can do it for me, he’ll be free.”

“I hate you so much,” Tagger, Luka’s first round opponent, grumbled from down the line. “Fucking cocky bastard.” 

Marinette giggled, and Luka nudged her shoulder playfully with his. She looked up into his face and she could see the thrill of competition beginning to get to him, in his pirate grin and the sparkle in his eyes, and the challenge there sparked Marinette’s own competitive spirit.

“He’s not wrong,” she said, arching an eyebrow. “I thought the very same thing to myself during our first match.” Luka feigned being struck in the heart. 

“Betrayal!” he laughed. “I’m not cocky, I’m right. It’s not boasting if you can back it up.” 

“You can back it up all the way to second place.” Marinette poked him in the chest and he grabbed her hand, leaning down over her with a grin.

“Don’t make me break out Max’s win percentages again.” 

“The numbers can’t help you now,” Marinette shot back, pulling her hand free. She stepped up close to him and looked up into his face, shoulders back and hands on her hips. “We’re starting with a clean slate today and all that matters is here and now. I hope you enjoyed winning all those matches, Viperion, because it’s only going to make it sweeter when I finally take you down.” 

Luka bit his lip, and Marinette quirked her eyebrow a little higher, and then Pharaoh coughed, making them both jump. “We’re still here, you know,” he said sardonically as Marinette and Luka turned away from each other, Luka clearly fighting a grin, pink coloring the high points of his cheeks, and Marinette turning a brilliant red that she could only hope would fade before she was announced.

Mercifully the announcer began calling names, distracting everyone as a murmur of excitement went down the line.

Suddenly there was no one in front of Marinette and her heart began to pound.

“Ladybug!” the announcer roared, and the crowd erupted into a deafening roar that startled her. Marinette wasn’t given time to hesitate, though; the production assistant planted a hand in the middle of her back and shoved her forward into the fog. For a moment she was blind and confused, but then she stumbled out of the fog and into the bright lights of the stadium. Marinette quickly pasted on a wide smile and raised her arms to wave with both hands to the crowd, though her knees felt like jelly at the sight of so many people and her own promo picture on the jumbotron, smirking at the camera in full makeup and a challenging posture.

Somehow she made it across the field to her mark next to Pharaoh, and then the announcer was calling Viperion, and she turned her head, clapping automatically as Luka emerged from the fog and waved, looking completely at ease with his usual relaxed smile as he sauntered over to stand next to her. Part of the stadium started up a chant for him and he waved again, ducking his head slightly. Suddenly a competing chant of Ladybug! Ladybug! came up and Luka nudged her with a grin. She raised a slightly shaky hand to wave back, and then Luka made a settle down gesture with his hands. Marinette copied him and the chants died down so the announcer could call the next player. 

Marinette curled her fingers together, willing herself not to take Luka’s hand or grab onto his sleeve. Beside her, Luka folded his arms, and she wondered if he was fighting the same urge to touch her. He glanced at her and then quickly away, and her cheeks warmed, and she quickly aimed her suddenly much more sincere smile at the crowd, waving again. 

“You’ve got this, Ladybug,” Viperion leaned down to whisper when the announcer dismissed them to their pods. “I’ll be cheering for you.” 

“Worry about yourself,” Ladybug grinned and winked. “Like you said, I’ve got this.” 

Viperion grinned and shook his head as they separated.

Marinette was still nervous but smiling as she stepped into her pod and picked up her headset. “Viperion’s going to be so disappointed when I beat you,” Pharaoh said as soon as the channel was active. “Poor little Ladybug’s about to get squashed.” 

Marinette snorted. “I hope your game is more interesting than your trash talk,” she snickered. “If that’s as creative as you can get this is going to be really boring.” Pharaoh spluttered and Marinette grinned as the countdown began to blink. The controller in her hands felt like a part of her by now, and she bounced on her toes a little, eager for things to finally begin.

It wasn’t easy; crappy trash talk aside, Pharaoh was a highly ranked player and skilled enough to be a challenge. It was a perfect first match for her, actually, because she had to think to beat him and once her mind was focused and fully immersed in the game, she overcame the few mistakes she’d made early on. She was grinning broadly as she stepped out of the pod and raised her arms to acknowledge the cheers that followed when the announcer boomed out her name as the winner. Even as she did, though, she was looking for the leaderboard on the giant screen above them. At first she saw only her own flushed and happy face, but then the leaderboard reappeared, Viperion’s name blinking and then advancing to the next level. 

“Yes!” Marinette squealed, jumping up and down in place. She whipped her head towards Luka’s pod and watched him emerge. He looked up immediately just as she had, and punched the air and looked back at her with a broad grin. They both stood and watched as one by one the other players turned red or blinked green and advanced. 

Like Kagami’s party, like her presentation and fashion show, everything seemed to go by in a whirl and a blur. Months of preparation and planning and practice and the slow-motion waiting of the morning gave way to a heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping whirl as she faced down match after match, dominating some and barely squeaking by others. Before she knew it, she was staring up at the jumbotron while the crowd screamed and the announcer cried, “And this is what we’ve all been waiting for, this is what we all came here to see! The final matchup in the Master League Championship will be! Ladybug! Versus! Viperioooooooon!”

Marinette raised her arms and waved with both hands again as the crowd cheered then she was being ushered off the field, back into the tunnel and then to the backstage area to wait while the runners up duked it out for third and fourth place and the crew made sure everything was set up for the final.

Marinette stared up at the steps to the stage and felt herself start to shake. She didn’t even notice Luka speaking at her side until he took her arm and turned her to face him. 

“Marinette, are you okay?” he asked, the grin quickly dropping from his face as he looked at her.

“Yeah,” she said, trying to smile. “I’m f-fine.” 

“You’re pale as a ghost.” Luka’s expression was grave and worried and he pulled her over to a chair and pushed her into it. “Sit. Breathe, Marinette. Are you dizzy?” 

“I’m fine,” Marinette said, trying to take his advice and slow her breathing. “I’m okay. I just...I need a second.” 

She felt Luka move away, but he was back in moments, kneeling in front of her to press a bottle of water into her hand. “Drink,” he ordered, helping her sit up. “Look at me.” He put his fingers under her chin and gently tipped it up so he could look into her eyes. “You’re sure you’re okay? Do you need the medic?” 

“No,” Marinette said, taking a deep breath before lifting the water to her trembling lips. “I’m all right, Luka.” She drank and then sighed. “That was just really intense.” She shot a sardonic smile up at him. “It felt really good though.”

Luka grinned as he took her hand between both of his and rubbed it gently. “It’s a rush, no doubt.” 

Marinette took another drink and mumbled weakly, “Gonna be even better when I beat you.” 

Luka laughed softly and leaned forward, resting his forehead on hers. Something about that touch was very comforting and she leaned into it. “I’m gonna give you a fight, I hope you know that,” Luka told her. “I’m not going to just hand it to you because you’re—” He paused, and Marinette back to look at him. He brought a hand up to cup her cheek, and Marinette wasn’t sure what might have happened if the production assistants hadn’t come looking for them just then. Luka stood up quickly, turning away from her for a moment, and Marinette put a hand over her chest, feeling the frantic flutter of her heart against her palm. 

“Head in the game, Ladybug,” Marinette murmured to herself before she shoved up out of her chair, shaking out her limbs and noting that at least her hands weren’t trembling anymore. 

It was time. The handlers lined them up shoulder to shoulder, in front of a fog-covered arch similar to the one on the field. 

Luka caught her hand and Marinette let him lace their fingers together. His hold was tighter than she expected and she glanced up at him. That competition spark was in his eyes and she could see the tension across his shoulders. He really was pumped up for this. 

He let go of her hand before they walked out together through the fog, waving at the cheering. The lights were hotter and brighter on the stage and Marinette’s nerves increased. She turned to shake hands with Luka and met his eyes, feeling like she was standing outside of her body, but simultaneously hyper aware of his touch and the blue of his eyes and the quirk of his smile before his hand slid away and they each turned to get into their pyrapods. 

Marinette came back to herself a bit when the pod slid closed behind her, shutting out the lights and the noise. She became aware of how fast she was breathing and made an effort to slow it down before she picked up her headset and put it on. 

“Hanging in there, Bug?” Luka asked, and though his voice was teasing she knew he was checking on her.

“You wanted it,” she replied, “I’m gonna bring it.”

“Show me what you got, Ladybug,” he chuckled, and Marinette grinned, pleased that he remembered after all this time. “I can take it.”

The countdown flashed on the screen, and Marinette took one last deep breath. “It’s been a long time since that first match,” Marinette pointed out with a smile. “I’m not the same newbie you played back then.”

“I know,” he said, and she could see his pirate grin in her mind (and she was kind of glad she couldn’t see it projected on the big screen outside; at that magnitude it might actually kill her). “I can’t wait.”

Once they started playing, there was no time to think about anything but the game. 

Luka won the first match, and Marinette couldn’t help her sigh, annoyed with herself. She’d been nervous and jumpy in the beginning and it had cost her. She and Luka were so evenly matched at this point that both knew they couldn’t give an inch or make a single mistake. She was going to have to do better. 

“It’s just the first match,” she heard Luka say over her headset, and she wasn’t sure if it was meant to comfort her or steady him. 

“I never thought it would be easy,” Marinette replied, and then smiled. “So let’s give the people the show they came for.” 

“You know it,” he laughed.

The next match was closer but Luka won that one too, and Marinette bit her lip hard, fighting the churning feeling in her stomach. If she lost the next one, that was it; she couldn’t afford to lose any more. 

Luka groaned as the third match ended. “Man, how do you do that. I was sure I had you there.” 

“I’m full of surprises,” Marinette replied, putting down the controller and shaking out her hands. They trembled slightly from the close call; he really had almost had her, and that would have been the end.

“You really are,” Luka chuckled. “Playing you is never boring, that’s for sure. Okay, just one more match to go.” 

“Oh, don’t count your trophies before they’re in the case,” Marinette muttered, narrowing her eyes though a smile tugged at her mouth. “No way I’m letting you take it that easily.”

“We’ll see,” Luka said, and then the countdown started again. 

The fourth match turned out to be an easy win for Marinette; Luka misjudged his timing early on and Marinette gave him no time to recover.

Marinette had to take a few more deep breaths as they prepared for the fifth and final match. Her stomach felt like jelly but her hands were steady. One more. She just had to beat him one more time. Either way, all of this would be over soon. She wasn’t sure how to feel about that so she pushed it aside, needing all her focus for the game. 

It was close, it was so close. Both of them had just a sliver of health left and Marinette was starting to panic. She’d managed to deflect his first venom strike, but the fight had gone on long enough that the ability had recharged and she hadn’t been able to dodge a second time. He didn’t even have to land another attack; if he held her off long enough, he would win with the recurring damage from the venom strike. She needed to take him out, but he kept interrupting her attacks, taking low level damage from her defensive moves to prevent her from getting a combo attack together. He was gambling that he could hold out until the venom strike wiped out the last of her health bar, and it was a bet he was going to win if Marinette couldn’t get off a decent attack. 

She bit her lip and tried to think. His armor has always been his weak point; she just needed to get one killer combo off and he’d be finished. Luka knew it, too. If he failed to interrupt her even once she’d take him out. Every time he attacked her directly, though, he took damage from her shields and counterattack. He could keep gambling on his health to hold out until the venom strike, or if he timed it just right, he could get his stun attack off and freeze her. If he could get the move off, she’d be held just long enough for the venom strike to finish her. 

But he couldn’t interrupt her attacks while he was charging the ability. If he tried it, and she was fast enough...she’d have to be so fast. It would have to be bug bombs, they were the fastest, and they should be enough. She’d have to be ready and watching, and...

Will he still want to be with me if I beat him? Or will I just be another girl that ruined his dreams?

The thought was both terrifying and unwelcome but even as it hit her, she saw Viperion draw back and begin to charge a glowing ball between his hands. Marinette had no time to deliberate, no time for hesitation. Her fingers moved and her mech exploded into action. She executed the attack and dropped the controller, grabbing her hair with her hands as she watched.

The stun left Viperion’s hands—and her bug bombs landed. Even as her mech froze in place, Viperion went down in a series of dramatic explosions. 

The screen flashed GAME OVER. It flashed up a picture of her mech with the word WINNER over and over.

“Holy sh—,” she heard Luka whisper, but the channel cut off.

She won.

She won.

Numbly she reached up and took off her headset as the pod door slid open behind her. 

She stepped out shakily, looking up uncomprehendingly at the crowd.

Across from her, Luka’s pod door was sliding open. The second there was room, Luka exploded out, leaping out with one of his deafening whoops as he caught her up in a bearhug that nearly took the breath from her. He swung her around. 

“That was amazing,” he shouted, nearly in her ear to be heard over the crowd. “I thought there was no way you could get an attack off fast enough, but you knew—you knew I was going to do it, didn’t you, you were ready, you’re so incredible—” 

“Luka,” Marinette gasped, and laughing, Luka set her down on her feet.

Before Marinette could do more than gasp in a breath, he had ducked down and—well she wasn’t sure exactly what he did, but suddenly she shrieked as he ducked his head under her leg and somehow managed to lift her onto his shoulders despite her flailing. He caught her hands and steadied her, and then let go of one hand to pump his fist in the air and cheer for her. Marinette kept a death grip on his other hand but she managed to smile and reach up to wave at the crowd, letting out a breathless laugh once the shock wore off. The crowd was cheering and her face was on the jumbotron, smiling but still looking more stunned than victorious. Luka turned in a slow circle so she could wave at the whole crowd until her arm was sore. 

It took her a minute to realize the announcer was trying to get her attention. “Ladybug, you are the Ultimate Mecha Strike III regional champion! Congratulations! How do you feel right now?” A slightly hysterical giggle escaped her at the way he had to hold the microphone up above his head to catch her answer. 

“I feel amazing, but my day isn't over yet,” she laughed. 

“That’s right, we’ll see you as part of Team Lucky Charm in the team competition later tonight! We’ll be looking forward to that. Viperion, you and Ladybug have had quite the rivalry going on and you were heavily the favorite to win coming into this event. How do you feel about taking second place tonight?” 

“I can’t be sore about a loss like that,” Luka laughed. “Of course I wanted to win, but—” He shook her head. “You can’t deny that was brilliant.” He patted Marinette’s leg on his shoulder. “Congratulations, Ladybug. The best player definitely won today.” 

“All right, look for more exclusive interview content with Ladybug and Viperion on the blog later tonight,” the announcer said into the microphone, looking up into the crowd. “We’re going to take a short recess to get things ready here and then we’ll be back to bring you the Master League team championship. “Congratulations again, Ladybug and Viperion.”  

He gestured them back towards the arch, and Luka carried Marinette back through it, both of them waving at the crowd as they went.

Marinette’s legs felt like jelly as she scrambled down from Luka’s shoulders, and he held her elbows as she swayed slightly, and when she was steady he hugged her tight. “Congratulations.”

“You’re not mad?” she asked softly, looking up at him through her lashes.

Luka curled a finger under her chin and tipped her face up so that she was looking at him more directly. “I’m not mad,” he promised, and the soft smile he gave her and the gentle look in his eyes made her believe him. “I’ll be disappointed, probably, tomorrow. I’ll have to scale back my plans. But that’s okay. I took a chance and it didn’t work out in my favor. You played your best. No regrets here. I’m so happy for you, too, and impressed, and…” he paused, and took a deep breath. “I’m definitely not mad.” His hand moved up to cup her cheek, and his thumb brushed over her face for a moment. 

“Viperion, Ladybug! Press room, let’s go.” 

“Oh,” Marinette gasped, but Luka just chuckled and put a hand on her arm. She went with him a little numbly until they were separated for the post-game interviews. Marinette wasn’t sure anything she said was coherent, but she had enough presence of mind to work in a mention of the bakery and her fashion business, so hopefully it wasn’t a total loss. 

“I’m sure you did great,” Luka told her as they walked out. 

“I hope so,” Marinette sighed, putting a hand against her forehead and flapping her hoodie to get some air under it. “But it’s over now, so no point in worrying about it.” 

“Yeah,” Luka smiled, and then nudged her shoulder with his arm. “I guess you better go. You’re not done yet, remember?” 

“Yeah,” Marinette nodded, turning to face her. “But...you’re going to stay, right?” 

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Luka grinned. “I’ll be cheering you on, no fear. And...I’ll be here after. Assuming you still want to talk?” 

“I do,” Marinette said quickly, blushing. 

“Okay then. You go get ready and find Max, and I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Okay,” Marinette whispered, and rose on her toes to quickly kiss his cheek before following a production assistant with a clipboard back to the player lounge.

Max nearly knocked her over in his enthusiasm as soon as she walked in, and she clung to the back of his hoodie, laughing incredulously. “I still can’t believe it,” she whispered. 

“I believe the evidence is irrefutable,” Max pointed out, and Marinette rolled her eyes, pushing him away. 

“You changed your lipstick,” Max observed as she looked up at him, and Marinette’s fingers flew to her mouth. 

“Oh, I forgot. I can—I can go change it back, if you’re afraid it’ll jinx us—” She knew how Max would react as soon as she said the words and pouted while he snorted with laughter.

“I appreciate the thought, but I don’t think the color of your lipstick will be the deciding factor,” Max snickered, and Marinette shoved him, making him stagger.

“Jerk,” she muttered. 

“I bet Luka liked it,” Max observed smugly, and Marinette’s face flamed red. 

“We’re not going to win this tournament if I break your arm before it starts,” she threatened, punching Max (lightly, as she knew her skinny friend bruised easily) in the arm. 

“I’m sure Luka would comfort y—ow!”

The waiting dragged on again but at least this time she had Max to talk to and strategize with. Once they walked out of the stupid fog tunnel, the whirl began again. It wasn’t any easier, Marinette found, but this time it was Max, confident in his calculations and their abilities, who was her steadying influence. She had more leeway, too, with Max there, they could cover for each other's mistakes. It felt like only moments before they were ushered into the backstage area, waiting to face their final opponents. Marinette felt a bit shaky and weak in the knees again from the rush, but this time she sat herself down and breathed through it while Max paced, muttering strategy and calculations to himself.

Someone cleared their throat beside her and Marinette looked up to find Luka standing there. Now he was wearing his Viperion hoodie, his face made up in a very good approximation of the mask Marinette had put on him when they played together, and he grinned widely at Marinette’s staring eyes. “Surprise.” 

Marinette sputtered for a moment, leaping to her feet as Max reversed his pacing and came over. “What are you—how did you even get back here?”

Luka shrugged, still grinning. “I’m on the team roster so I’m cleared to be here. I just wanted to wish you good luck,” he said, addressing them both though his eyes kept coming back to Marinette. “Not that you need it. I um, I hope this is okay.” He gestured vaguely at himself, and Marinette shut her gaping mouth with a snap. “I didn’t feel right wearing it while we were going head to head, but I just...I wanted to be here and support you guys as much as I could.” He held out his hand to Max, though he sent a worried-looking glance at Marinette, who couldn’t seem to move. 

“Absolutely,” Max said, stepping forward to meet Luka’s fistbump as if he didn’t notice Marinette was suddenly paralyzed next to him. “You’re a part of this team, and it wouldn’t feel right doing this without you.” 

Luka shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t do that much.” 

Marinette’s mouth dropped open again, this time in outrage, but Max beat her to it. “Don’t conflate the magnitude of the effort with its importance,” he told Luka, reaching out to pat his arm awkwardly. Luka’s eyes flicked to Marinette for a moment and she could see his amusement, though he kept a straight face. “Without your assistance we would never have finished the tournament in such an advantageous position for the finals,” Max continued, drawing his hand back to adjust his dark glasses. “We are indeed grateful and your position as a teammate is by no means honorary. I hope when we emerge victorious, you will join us in the awards ceremony.” 

“Oh, I—” Luka looked thrown, but Marinette nodded enthusiastically, catching his arm and squeezing it.

“Max is right. You belong up there with us.” She aimed a reassuring smile at him. “I’m glad you’re here.” 

The tension left Luka’s shoulders and he started to say something, but he was cut off.

“Team Lucky Charm!” the man with the clipboard shouted without actually looking at them. “Prep for entry. Go up the stage steps but do not cross the yellow line until you’re announced.” 

Marinette’s eyes widened slightly, and her whole body tensed. Once again she put a hand over her wildly beating heart and tried to breathe. One more time. She just had to face the lights and the screaming one more time.

Luka’s hand covered hers on his arm and Marinette realized she was digging her fingers into his sleeve. “Hey,” he said, gently detaching her fingers from his sleeve. “You’ve got this. Just like before, right? Own it.” He drew her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips lightly. Warmth spread from her fingers down her arm and through her body, pooling in her face and stomach. “Come on, before Max leaves you behind,” Luka said, letting go of her hand and placing his on her lower back, pressing gently until she began to move. He walked with her to the bottom of the stage’s metal stairs behind Max, who was marching forward with determination, confident that the numbers were on their side and determined not to be swayed by something as illogical as stage fright.

Marinette paused at the bottom of the stairs, Luka’s hand still warm on her back, her heart beating wildly in her throat. 

“Remember,” Luka soothed from behind her. “All you have to do is get across the stage and it doesn’t matter how. Once you’re in the pod you’ll forget everything else, just like before. Besides,” he grinned. “They’re just people. You’re the champion.” 

Marinette turned impulsively and hugged him tight. “Thank you,” she muttered, not quite daring to press her face into his chest. Luka’s hands went to her shoulders and squeezed. “Thank you for everything today.

“You’ve got this,” he repeated, sliding his hands down to her arms and shifting her gently back until she stepped up onto the first step, and once her eyes were level with his it became a little easier to breathe in the face of his calm confidence. “Whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen, right? So just get out there and play.” He grinned. “Good luck, Ladybug.” 

Marinette felt an answering smile growing on her face.

“Marinette!” Max called from where he was waiting near the top of the stairs. “Hurry up!”

Marinette looked up at Max as Luka let go of her, but she turned back quickly, grabbed Luka’s face in her hands, and pressed her lips hard to his. He made a startled noise, and when she would have pulled back his hand came up to cradle the back of her head, prolonging the kiss as he swayed after her. Max hissed her name again from the top of the stairs and Luka let her go, breathing hard, something kindling in his blue eyes that made her flush and grin stupidly back at him. 

Then Max was grabbing her arm and hauling her, stumbling, back up the stairs with him. “The sooner you two have that talk, the better,” he muttered as they went up the last few steps together, Marinette trying to contain the stupid grin that kept wanting to break out on her face. "May I remind you we have a competition to win? The sooner it’s over, the sooner you two can go make out in a supply closet.”

“Max!” Marinette whisper-shouted in horror, and Max just grinned. 

“Win first,” he told her, adjusting his horseshoe pendant. “Kisses later.” 

Before she could retort, the announcer roared out, “Team Luckyyyyyy Chaaaarm!” and there was no more time to think about anything besides the bright lights and roaring crowd, and then the blink of the countdown and the hard plastic of the controller against her palms.

***

Luka was waiting when Marinette came flying down the stairs, a laughing Max following in her wake. 

This time she leapt into his arms, making him stagger, and her feet never touched the ground as he laughed and spun her around. He bounced her a couple of times before she let her feet drop to the floor and gave him enough room to share a fistbump and back-slapping hug with Max. 

Then everything was a whirl again, as all three of them were ushered to the press room for interviews and soundbites, and Marinette wasn’t sure whether she managed to get out anything coherent or not. She and Max both kept a hold on Luka, dragging him into the interviews with them, and they presented as a team. Luka’s experience bailed them out a couple of times when unexpected questions gave them pause, and his hand on her back was steadying when she started to stammer. Marinette paused and took a breath and steadied her voice before answering the next question. 

“You guys did great,” Luka murmured when they were finally released, and then there was another flood of bodies on them, and Alya was screaming in her ear and Max’s mother was screaming in his and then Kim wrapped his arms around both Max and Mrs. Kante just as Marinette’s dad did the same to her and Alya, and for a few moments it was a fight to breathe. Marinette saw a flash of Juleka’s purple hair and heard the Captain’s voice boom but everyone was talking at once and Marinette was too overwhelmed to focus on any of it.

Finally, the families were ushered back out to the stands with instructions to be back in their seats in forty-five minutes for the official awards ceremony. As the room began to clear out, leaving the top players milling around with varying expressions of elation and exhaustion. Marinette looked around and found Luka. He was looking right at her, and when their eyes met he tipped his head slightly and indicated the doors. Marinette nodded, heart suddenly in her throat, and Luka flashed her a quick grin before turning away. 

“Max,” Marinette whispered watching Luka slip out of the doors, “What are my odds?”

“The human heart is impossible to calculate, Marinette,” Max said, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Although that kiss would argue for a positive response.” He squeezed her shoulder lightly. “No matter what happens, I support you one hundred percent.”

Marinette’s brain was already humming, giving her a list of excuses and reasons why it would be better to put this off, starting with the looming awards ceremony and moving on from there, but Max’s hand on her shoulder and Kagami’s words in her mind got her moving forward. No more hesitation. 

Marinette wormed her way through the bodies between her and the door and slipped out. She nearly collided with Luka, who was clearly waiting for her. He flashed her a grin and caught her hand, tugging her down the hallway. 

“Luka, where are we going?” Marinette hissed as he walked quickly, pulling her along.

“Somewhere we can talk,” he told her, keeping his voice quiet. “Just don’t make too much noise, okay?” 

Marinette frowned. “We better not really end up in a supply closet.” 

“What?” Luka nearly choked trying to muffle his laughter. “No, I promise, I can do better than that. My mom’s played this arena a couple of times, I know my way around.”

“But—” Marinette began, but then closed her mouth as Luka opened the door to a stairwell and started up it. “I don’t think we’re supposed to be up here,” she whispered as Luka checked the floor number and peeked through the window of the door. 

“Nope,” he grinned, opening the door and motioning her through. “Do you trust me?”

She did, so she went through. “We’re not going to the roof this time, are we?” she asked skeptically, and Luka chuckled. 

“Not this time.” She followed him down a dimly lit hallway and did her best not to squeal in incredulous dismay as he jimmied a door lock with a credit card. 

“All the security on the entrances, and crap locks up here,” he said, swinging the door open. “Typical.” 

“I didn’t realize you were a cat burglar in your spare time,” Marinette muttered as he took her hand and drew her inside what turned out to be some kind of private viewing lounge. She could see through the big windows down into the stadium, and the room was scattered with couches and cocktail tables. 

“Nah,” Luka laughed quietly through his nose, slipping his wallet back into his pocket. “I’m a pirate.” 

Marinette looked at him, and he winked at her with that grin, and she couldn’t help breaking into giggles. “You are, aren’t you,” she laughed, covering her mouth. Luka snickered with her, and for a moment they could only stand there trying to stifle their laughter. Luka made no move to turn the lights on, probably to keep anyone from noticing that the room was occupied, but there was enough light from the windows that they didn’t need it, and eventually their laughter died down, and they were left just looking at each other. 

Luka cleared his throat, pulling two bottles of water from the pockets of his hoodie. He held one out to her and she took it gratefully, suddenly aware she was parched. 

“I feel like you’ve been taking care of me all day,” Marinette said, stifling more slightly hysterical giggles, and Luka grinned at her. 

“Sorry. Big brother thing I guess. Or...well, maybe not,” he blushed and looked away. “I just know you’ve been pushing yourself a lot lately, and today was…” He blew out a breath and shook his head with a grin. “A lot. It can really take it out of you if you’re not taking care of yourself, so...sorry if I’ve been pushy.” 

Marinette smiled at him over the rim of her water bottle as he reached to twist the cap off his own. “I didn’t mi—whoa, are you okay?” she reached out to steady him as he suddenly fumbled it, spilling water over his hands.  

“Fine,” he said, a little too quickly, shaking the water off his hand without looking at her. “I’m fine.” He took a drink and then coughed, and Marinette pounded his back, concerned. 

“Geeze, slow down,” she said, torn between amusement and exasperation. “Maybe somebody ought to be taking care of you.”

He coughed through an embarrassed laugh. “Sorry. God, you always catch me off guard.” 

Marinette blushed, though she didn’t understand exactly what he meant. Getting control of himself he added quickly, “Congratulations. You and Max both did amazing. I think I screamed myself hoarse cheering you on.” 

Marinette hunched her shoulders slightly with a pleased smile. “You did really great too. I can’t wait to watch the replays, I heard you destroyed Desperada in the second round.”

Luka winced. “Yeah, that was rough, our skills just…” He shook his head. “She’s an amazing player with what she’s got but she’s basically never beaten me because of the way our stats stack up. She’s done so well, I hated for her to go down like that, but…” He shrugged and grinned. “I did what I had to do. Wasn’t going to miss going up against you in the final.”

Marinette grinned back, and then dropped her gaze, a silence falling between them that threatened to become awkward if one of them didn’t find a way to start. Determined that it would be her, Marinette began in a rush. “Um. Well I wanted to—we haven’t really talked, a-about, and we said we would, and I know maybe it might seem like we don’t need to, and, well this might not actually be the best time but if we wait for the perfect moment it’ll never happen, and I know we, uh, before, and then tonight, and so maybe we don’t need to but I just, I hate it when there are all these misunderstandings because people don’t talk and we should talk and—stop laughing!”

“Sorry,” Luka said, bringing up a hand to cover his mouth as he continued to chuckle. “I can’t help it. I’m happy and you’re really cute.”   

“Damn it,” she hissed, reaching up with both hands to pull on her pigtails in frustration, “I’m so bad at this!”

“You’re doing fine,” Luka said, taking the bottle of water from her and setting both hers and his on one of the tables. He stepped closer and put both hands on her shoulders, and rubbed lightly. “I can go first if you’d rather.” 

Marinette groaned and buried her face in her hands, suddenly mortifyingly close to tears. She was being an idiot. He’d kissed her, and let her kiss him, and acted like he wanted to keep kissing her, and with the texts during the week, and the way he’d been smiling at her all night, and he came to her fashion show, and bringing her up here and the way he was acting now, he really couldn’t be more clear, so why was she still so terrified? 

“Marinette,” he said, his voice soft and affectionate, “Listen, I think you’re—”

“No!” she yelled, throwing out her hands and stepping back from him, breaking his hold on her shoulders. “No, I have to do this, please.” 

God, she was going to ruin everything, he must think she was insane. There was no way that she could explain to him the utter train wreck that had been her years-long crush-obsession with Adrien Agreste, all the things she’d said and completely failed to say, all the time she’d spent analyzing their least little interactions, all the times she’d practically stalked him only to lose her courage and lie at the last minute, until finally, finally, the words passed her lips in a jumbled wreck and were met with— 

She peeked one eye open and could see that Luka was looking at her with concern. His eyes were blue and not green, his hair dark and not blond, and the expression on his face was concern and empathy and not blank confusion.

It wasn’t the same. She could do this. It wouldn’t be the same. It wasn’t the same. She wasn’t the same.

“Are you sure?” Luka said hesitantly. “If it’s this hard for you, then—I mean I thought you’d know by now that I—but you don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for, you know that, right?” 

“No, it’s not that, and it’s not you, it’s me, and I need to deal with it. Please, Luka,” Marinette added desperately. She needed to put this ghost to rest and this was the only way she knew how.

“Okay. Okay, Marinette.” He reached up and took her hands, tugging them gently away from her face and then pulling her over to sit on one of the small couches. “I’m listening. Do what you need to do.”

“I’m sorry,” she sighed, slumping back for a minute. “It’s just, the last time I did something like this it...it didn’t go so well and I know this is different, I do, but it’s...it’s hard. But I want to. I want to do it. I...I kind of need this, Luka.”

“Okay.” Luka slid a little closer, his hands still wrapped around hers. “I hear you. Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.” 

“Right,” Marinette whispered, half to herself. “Okay.” Luka squeezed her hands and she realized they were shaking. She needed to get this over with before she went completely to pieces. Why did he always have that effect on her?

No.

Adrien had that effect on her. 

Luka—Marinette forced herself to raise her eyes to Luka’s, and saw only warmth and encouragement there. She straightened and put her shoulders back and took a breath to steady herself, though the shaking didn’t stop.

“I r-really like you, Luka,” she began, wincing slightly at the stutter and feeling her lips begin to tremble too. “You’ve been a wonderful teammate and a good f-friend, but you’re—” She swallowed hard; this was too close, too close to the words she’d used back then, but it was too late, she had to keep going. “You’re so much more than a friend to me,” she went on in a rush. “At least, I—I want you to be. S-so maybe, if you, um, if you want to, maybe we could go out. Sometime. On a date. A real date, not a just-friends date.” She squeezed her eyes shut and looked down quickly, face burning, suddenly feeling totally inept and like a complete fool and what had she been thinking—

“Yeah.”

Marinette looked up. “What?” Luka was grinning broadly, and he looked oddly...proud. Of her? 

Maybe he really was as perceptive as Juleka said.

Shit he was talking, she should listen. 

“I said yes. Yes, hell yeah, I’d love to go out with you.” 

Marinette blinked at him uncomprehendingly. Luka laughed at the look on her face. “You’re unbelievable,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “Smart, sassy, gorgeous, tough, incredibly brave, why wouldn’t I go out with you? Do you really think I’m that big an idiot?” 

She gaped at him like a fish.

“Can it be my turn now?” Luka asked, when she didn’t find anything to say, and she nodded dumbly, not entirely sure her soul was still inhabiting her body.

Luka leaned toward her and gently framed her face in his hands. “Marinette, these last few months have been the best I’ve had in a long time and you’ve been a huge part of that, as an opponent and a friend and...honestly the more time I spend with you the more amazing you are to me. I know there’s probably still a lot we don’t know about each other, but I want to. I want you to know me, and I want to know you. All of you. I want to be an expert in Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” 

Marinette had to giggle at that, slapping her hand over her mouth in horror at the high-pitched girly sound of it. Luka’s grin widened as he shook his head and pulled her hand away from her mouth, threading his fingers through hers and lowering their hands to his lap. “Don’t cover it up, it’s so pretty,” he told her, and his slow grin set off an entirely different panic as he tipped her chin up with his free hand, brushing his thumb lightly across her lips. “I was right about the red,” he said, and when did his face get so close, oh no, but also yes, but wait was this too soon or should she—but she wanted to and if he wanted to then that was good enough, right? ”Can I kiss you now?”

“Okay,” she said shakily, and he leaned in slowly, watching her face. 

“You sure?” he said, pausing and sitting back a bit. “You don’t look like you—”

As she stared at Luka frowning with concern because he thought she didn’t want to kiss him, there was almost an audible snap in her head as the past settled back where it belonged and the now became sharp and clear. What the hell was she doing?

Marinette grabbed the front of Luka’s hoodie and dragged him forward. “Get over here,” she ordered, though the breathiness in her voice took a lot of the force out of it. It was enough, though, Luka closed the distance with a desperate little noise and their lips met once, twice, three times in hard, passionate kisses, before finally settling together into something softer but no less heated. The hand under her chin slid up to flatten along the side of her throat, and then slid farther back to curl around the back of her neck, Luka’s thumb brushing her jaw as he tilted her back. He was kissing her like—like— 

Like he really did like her as much as she liked him, like he meant all those things he said to her, like he’d been thinking about it for a while now— 

And he was really good at it, she acknowledged dizzily as his lips began coaxing hers to open. 

But hell if she was going to let him run the show. She nipped his lower lip and he startled slightly. Grinning in the small space that granted her, Marinette wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled the other free from his hand to grab the back of the couch and pull, forcing him back as she straightened and rolled up to her knees so that he was the one with his head tilted back, and only then did she part her lips and slide her tongue into his mouth, hands moving to hold his face at just the right angle. The strangled noise he made and the way he grabbed at her hips was very satisfying. It felt so good to get some payback after all the time she’d spent agonizing over her crush on him. She wasn’t even sure he was aware of the way his hands were scrabbling against her, trying to pull her into his lap. 

She broke the kiss, laughing when he tried to follow her to prolong it. “Easy, we still have to go back in public after this,” she teased, and Luka groaned, letting his head fall back against the bench.

“Fuck me,” he muttered breathlessly, and Marinette snorted, leaning against him.

“What kind of girl do you think I am?” she scoffed, and Luka’s eyes flew open. 

“No, no, God, no, I didn’t mean, I wouldn’t—” 

Marinette let him stammer for another few moments out of pure revenge for all those times he had grinned at her while she tripped over her tongue, before she leaned in and kissed him, softly this time. “Shut up and put yourself back together, Viperion, we still have an awards ceremony to get through.”

“ Shit. ” Luka let go of her and covered his face with his hands. “I’m gonna need a minute.” 

Marinette put her hand over her mouth and tried not to laugh but she couldn’t help it. She was just so happy. Luka dropped his hands and grinned at her, reaching out to snag her around the waist and pull her close, kissing her even as she continued to laugh, pure joy singing from her soul as she pretended to dodge him. He planted kisses on her jaw and her neck as she squealed and tried half-heartedly to wriggle away before giving up and turning to kiss him again on the mouth, and then again, and then again, slow, deep kisses. 

“What?” she asked as Luka chuckled against her mouth. 

“Nothing,” he sighed, nudging his nose against hers. “Just feeling lucky I guess. I’m so happy, Marinette.” 

Marinette smiled, but they did need to be getting back, so she pushed his hands away for real and slid off the couch.

She bit her lip in amusement when Luka whined, leaning his elbows on the back of the couch and letting his head hang back. “Do we have to?” he groaned. “I really hate ceremonies.”

“Yes,” Marinette grinned, grabbing his hand and pulling him up off the couch. “I want to see you up there, right in the number two spot where you belong.” 

“Oh, low,” Luka laughed, dragging his feet as she tugged him towards the door. “Wait, wait.” He pulled his hand free and turned back to grab their water. “Never leave evidence behind,” he said, handing her one of the bottles with a wink. “Especially not evidence with lipstick stains.” 

Marinette giggled. “Wait, is that why you—” 

“No comment,” Luka said, cheeks reddening as he threw the incriminating evidence in the hallway’s recycling bin.

They weren’t very sneaky coming back down the stairs, giggling and snuggling and nearly tripping more than once because they were standing too close together. 

When they emerged into the full light of the hallway outside of the lounge, Luka looked at Marinette and smirked. “Hey Ladybug.” 

“Hmm?” Marinette raised her eyebrows.

Luka leaned in and kissed her until they were both breathless. “Fix your lipstick,” he whispered against her lips, and laughed as Marinette cursed and jerked back, slapping a hand over her mouth. Her red lipstick had held up to the relatively innocent kisses backstage, but now it was smeared all over his mouth, blended with the peach he’d been wearing, and her face couldn’t possibly look any better. Luka burst out laughing at her expression, and Marinette began to giggle again too. 

“Here, I have some wipes,” he managed to say at last, pulling a packet of makeup remover wipes from his back pocket. “Let me help.” 

“You should, since it was your fault,” Marinette shot back, taking the packet from him and pulling a wipe free. She pouted as Luka snatched it back from her fingers, but she didn’t really mean it, and she let him take her chin in his hand and tilt her face up.

“I’m not even sorry,” Luka chuckled, eyes on her lips as he gently wiped away the smears. “I’ll buy you a better brand.” He winked, and then his humor settled into a quiet contentment that shone in his face. “That was pretty amazing, Marinette. I hope we can do it again sometime soon. Maybe I could take you out to dinner and—”

“Marinette!” Max called, bursting out of the doors down the hall and looking around for a moment before spotting them. His shoulders slumped in relief. “There you are! You weren’t answering your phone, I was getting concerned. It’s almost time.”

Luka winced, going to work quickly on his own face. “Busted,” he murmured, and Marinette could hear the laughter in his voice.

Marinette snorted. “Like he didn’t already know. He’s been teasing me about you since we met.” She raised her voice and called, “We’re coming.” She took Luka’s hand and tugged him along with her back to the doors where Max was waiting. 

Max adjusted his glasses and looked at his phone. “We’re due for the ceremony in two minutes and forty-five seconds.” 

“Thanks for the heads up,” Marinette smiled. “I’m good to go, I just need to grab my makeup bag and fix my lipstick.”

Luka made a noise that sounded suspiciously like choked laughter, but Marinette didn’t look at him, squeezing his hand tight enough that he winced. 

“Oh, you left it on the drink table earlier, I picked it up for you,” Max said, pulling her lipstick tube out of his pocket and coming down the hallway to meet him. “It looks good to me, though, are you sure you want to take the time?”

Luka coughed into his hand, obviously trying not to laugh, but Max didn’t even glance at him.

“It’ll only be a second,” Marinette said, taking the tube from him. She opened it and paused as they reached the doors, using her reflection in the window to apply her lipstick over her naturally reddened lips. She could see Luka over her shoulder finger-combing his hair back into place. She capped the tube and handed it to Luka with a wink. “Hold onto it for me? I have a feeling I might need it again later.”

“Sure,” Luka grinned, and reached around her to pull the door open. “Just find me whenever you’re ready to need a touch up.” 

It was Marinette’s turn to choke on a laugh, while Max threw Luka a slightly puzzled glance, but clearly dismissed his odd phrasing in favor of ushering them all back into the ceremony. Marinette grinned. Max might think he’s all worldly, but when he’s focused on something he doesn’t notice anything.

***

They made it through the awards ceremony and almost an hour of the afterparty, accepting congratulations and fistbumps and handshakes and ribbing (mostly good-natured, some not so much, but Marinette had never cared less in her life than she did at that moment). Then someone on the game committee stood up to make a speech and Marinette saw her opportunity. She grabbed the lapel of Luka’s hoodie and tugged lightly. He met her gaze and grinned, following her pull willingly. 

She ducked into a shadowed hall, pulling him just beyond the light from the party, and as soon as she leaned back against the wall he was bending over her, though the kiss he laid on her lips was soft and gentle and over much too quickly. 

“Sorry,” he murmured, with a lopsided grin. “That was kind of presumptuous I guess.” 

Marinette grabbed the lapels of his hoodie and pulled him in for another soft kiss. “Maybe. I don’t mind though.”

“I really like you, Marinette,” Luka said, one hand finding her hip while the other leaned on the wall beside her. “In case I didn’t make that clear before. Not just kissing you, though, for the record, I really like that too, but. You. It’s you.” 

Marinette smiled, a happy flutter in her stomach making her wiggle a bit. “You should probably know I’ve had a massive crush on you for weeks,” she admitted shyly, still holding on to his hoodie. 

Luka’s grin got wider, his eyes lighting up. “Yeah? Weeks?”

Marinette pouted at him. “Don’t lie, you knew.” 

Luka chuckled and looked away. “Maybe. I just...I didn’t know what to do with it for a while. I didn’t want to lead you on if I wasn’t...but then I was, and...” He looked back at her and grinned slowly. “Just weeks, huh?” 

Marinette shrugged, looking somewhere over his left shoulder. “Weeks. Months. Something like that.” She twirled her finger in the string of his hoodie, still not quite looking at him. “So I’m maybe not at all opposed to—presumption.” 

“That’s, um…” He was clearly trying to keep his smile under control, but it wasn’t working. The grin on his face was rapidly crossing into idiotic. Marinette giggled. “That’s really good to hear,” he continued, “because I’ve been getting really stupid over you really fast since we started working together, so...I’m kinda glad you got a head start. It’s actually really flattering coming from a girl like you.”

Marinette frowned slightly. “A girl like me?

Luka gave her an amused look. “Maybe you haven’t noticed, Marinette, but you’re kind of a catch.” 

Marinette blinked at him, startled, and Luka buried his face in her shoulder to muffle his laughter. “Oh my God, you really hadn’t noticed. You’re so damn cute.” 

“Cute!” Marinette huffed indignantly, but Luka lifted his face from her shoulder and nudged his nose against hers with a low chuckle that made her shiver.

“Adorable,” he told her, with so much affection that she couldn’t be offended. “Also really, seriously hot, which, I don’t even know how you manage to do both of those at once, but—” He cleared his throat. “Can I—” 

“Yes,” Marinette giggled, tugging on his hoodie, and he bent, closing his eyes and kissing her with a slow heat that made her weak. She slid her hands up his firm chest and over his shoulders until they met behind his neck, savoring the pleased noise he made. Luka broke from her mouth and laid soft kisses along her jaw. 

“When can I see you again?” he asked, his voice so deep it was practically a growl, and Marinette shivered again. Luka cocked his head slightly. “You okay?” 

“I, um,” Marinette bit her lip. “I really like your voice,” she admitted in a rush. 

“Yeah?” That idiotic grin was growing on his face again and she was rapidly falling in love with it, with the way that he looked at her…

With him. She was falling pretty hard for him. And her only consolation was that he seemed to be tumbling head over heels along with her. The idea of loving someone who loved her back was...heady, to say the least. Not even the most euphoric moments of her ill-fated pining compared to this.

“Marinette?” he prompted, nudging his nose against hers. “I’m serious. I really want to see you again soon.” 

She kissed him again, just because he was so close. He chased her when she would have ended it, and she smiled against his lips before letting him coax her into a much longer, deeper kiss. 

“Wednesday?” she said, when he finally drew back. 

“Hm?” he blinked slightly glazed eyes and Marinette giggled. She straightened up off of the wall and leaned into him instead, fingers sliding up to play with the short hair at the nape of his neck. 

“Wednesday,” she repeated. “You can pick me up at seven. Bring your guitar, you promised to play for me again.” 

“I did,” he agreed, voice dipping low again as his hand slid around to the small of her back. “I can’t wait.” 

“Bring your A-game,” she told him. “I expect to be swept off my feet. But come hungry and plan somewhere light for dinner because my parents will freak when I tell them I have a boyfriend. There will definitely be appetizers. There might be cake. Maybe even a souffle. You tell Papa his rematch will have to wait though because I’m not sharing you this time.”  

The dopey grin returned. “I’m your boyfriend?” 

Marinette blinked, and then blushed hotly, which both made him grin wider and limited her ability to play it off, but she did her best. “You’re on trial. Think you can handle it?”

“Oh, definitely,” he chuckled, and that dopey grin turned into the pirate grin that always made her melt. “The question is, can you?” 

“Oh that’s how it is,” Marinette managed, raising her eyebrows. 

“Yeah,” he murmured, freeing one hand to slip it behind her neck and tilt her face up. “That's how it is. So you let me know when you’re convinced.” His lips descended on hers and his body pressed hers in the wall and by the time he was done kissing her Marinette was pretty thoroughly convinced.

Not that she planned to admit it anytime soon.

She was pretty sure she was going to like this game.

[snkpolls]

SnK Episode 61 Poll Results (for Manga Readers)

The poll closed with 359 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Please note that these are the results for the Manga Readers’ poll. If you wish to see the results for the Anime Only Watchers’ poll, click here. 

---

RATE THE EPISODE 347 Responses

While this episode wasn’t as big of a hit as episode 60, overall most viewers still enjoyed the content and are looking forward to more next week!

amazing amazing! I'm so delighted with this season so far!

Im so beyond pumped i love everything

Dissapointing but acceptable.

I’m like angry I loved it so much.

I just wish we didn't have to wait a week

It was amazing. We all gotta apologize to MAPPA for ever doubting them.

It's a huge stepdown from episode 1. At times the animation was straight up painful to watch. My expectations were low and yet I'm still disappointed :/

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING WAS YOUR FAVORITE SCENE/MOMENT? 349 Responses

Reiner-centric scenes were the highest on people’s radar, with 24.9% of respondents enjoying his reunion with the warrior cadets, and not far behind, 22.9% enjoyed Reiner bringing up the 104th at the dinner table. In third, with only 13.5%, was Pieck and Porco’s formal introduction to the audience. 

Hearing Zeke greet his grandparents with such happiness warmed my heart. I do believe that he loves them. 

They just had to add one last image of Ymir's broken face before she died, huh? :(

WE FORGOT TO ASK LAST WEEK D: WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SCENES/MOMENTS FROM EPISODE 60 WAS YOUR FAVORITE? 348 Responses

Last week we forgot to include what your favorite scenes were. The scene from episode 60 that got the most favor was Reiner’s, “I’m sick and tired… of walls” with 33.6% of the vote. 16.7% most enjoyed Zeke’s titan transforming scream. 14.9% were hyped about Reiner and Porco wrecking Fort Slava.

MAPPA WENT ALL OUT WITH THE CINEMATOGRAPHY IN THIS EPISODE. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE CINEMATIC PANS AND ROTOSCOPE ANIMATION? 349 Responses

Overall, a total of 74.5% respondents have positive feelings about MAPPA’s use of rotoscope animation and camera panning. Some felt like it was akin to watching a movie, while others are just happy to have the dynamic movement. A smaller amount of respondents didn’t have feelings one way or another, and a minority (about 10.3%) really are not a fan of this type of animation style for the series.

It felt odd sometimes as they used it for long scenes (like Udo talking or Gabi telling the story to her family) but overall it was pretty great and I prefer it to WIT's stale animation during season 3

I liked the more dynamic movement during dialogue, but my roommate found it super awkward and off-model. So a fifty-fifty split in a sample size of two lol

It could have been animated better, but I like the extra dimension it gives to scenes

Enjoyed it a lot! However, there were a few scenes that felt a bit off, like some frames were missing. Specifically, when Udo was doing all those gestures while talking with the rest of the Warrior Candidates.

It felt dynamic to the point of looking unnatural - some gestures and expressions just moved wrong

i'm split, in some scenes it was great (like reiner waking up), but in the dialogue scenes the constant movement seemed kinda unnatural and distracting

It was amazing but at the same time I'd didn't look fluid enough, especially at Udo's mouvements which made the character look kind of...video game-ish in constant moving. 

I thought it looked great the rotoscoping,the movements all looked amazing

The animation during Urdu’s scene is so cool!  I was caught of guard at first though lol. It’s so realistic!

NOW THAT WE’VE GOTTEN TO HEAR A LITTLE MORE OF THE NEW OST TRACKS, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK SO FAR THIS SEASON? 344 Responses

So far, reception to the newer music is overall positive. 31.1% are really enjoying the music and think the songs are being used immaculately, and 40.4% really feel that the song choice compliments the scenes they’ve been used in. 13.1% think the songs are good, but miss having that sole Sawano feel to them. 10.8% just feel the music is “ok” and 2.6% aren’t a fan of the new OST tracks so far. 

I mean it sounds good, but we haven't gotten to important moments that require a memorable track, so we'll see!

First episode slapped because it really complemented the scene but it's more... generic. I didn't like how it was used in this episode, there wasn't enough of it and again, generic. I miss Sawano's unreal scores.

the animation absolutely blew me away, and i love the intense music that played during Reiners monologue 

The music is fine.

I've heard both new and old songs from the previous seasons. Still too soon to make an opinion as we need to hear more.

I am deaf, I can't hear no damn soundtracks 

That music guys when they came back to Liberio and reuniting with they parents, made me tear up but also because the scouts never had the chance to go back home with victory in the arms of their family, I wish I could have seen EMA like this.. It kinda felt unfair X) but I was happy for them nevertheless.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CLOSEUP OF ZEKE’S MOUTH? 346 Responses

Our first of probably too many crack questions in this poll, 32.7% thought the closeup of Zeke lighting his cigarette was cool looking. 21.4% are concerned about Zeke’s lung health. 19.1% are probably annoyed with us and simply don’t care (lol). 13.3% wouldn’t mind smooching Zeke, and 11% were just plain grossed out.

Does smoke even affect a titan shifter? Surely his lungs just heal themselves

ASMR for the eyes, right there. Aww yiss

It was awesome! Zeke is shown as relaxed person with a big drop of mystery. 

Smoking Bad but he is gonna die in a year anyway

Suuuuuuucc

It might've just been an artistic choice to include it in there, but i gotta say I'm oddly fascinated and idk why

I don’t remember it lol

I didn't even notice.

Zeke looks hotter than he has ever looked

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ABOUT ELDIAN ASSES? 341 Responses

Most of the responses seemed to feel rather positively about Eldian asses, with almost 40% seeking out Zeke’s ass wiping technique. About 17% simply stated their appreciation for them, while almost 13% are just thirsty. In contrast, a little over 17% seemed confused to the question’s inclusion and about 10% were confused outright. 

MAPPA WHERE IS PIECK'S ASS

More into Eldian thighs, really

I bet Levi’s is nice

If only Eren had one

zeke has the energy of a straight man who doesn't wash his ass

Only Shadis' ass

GIVE IT TO ME 😏😏

They are like normal, human asses. Do not turn them into some magical, special snowflakes, just because they belong to Eldians. 

Seek help

Enough

DO YOU WANT REINER TO GIVE YOU A HEAD PAT? 343 Responses

A definitive majority, almost 59 percent, openly expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of a head pat from Reiner. However, a near 30% fraction of responders didn’t seem too happy about this recent chain of less than serious questions. We’re sorry about that. 😅. The rest either didn’t seem interested in said prospect or noted they wouldn’t care either way.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DECISION FROM MAPPA TO CONDENSE REINER’S FLASHBACK INTO (PRESUMABLY) A SINGLE EPISODE? 346 Responses

It would appear that the majority of those who took our poll express cautious optimism at the prospect of seeing all (or the vast majority) of Reiner’s backstory being adapted into a single episode, with a near 47% supporting the move, thinking it could make the narrative “more coherent”. Almost 20% argue it would work better pacing wise. On the flipside, just over 17% state that they would rather have a more accurate adaptation to the manga. 11.6% simply say they have no opinion. There were also more than a few write-ins.

I do wish everything could be animated to full detail, but pacing and structure will benefit here

They've done a good job so far, so I'll reserve judgement until I actually watch it.

It will be difficult as they're chapters with loads of dialogue, but they can pull it off if unnecessary stuff gets cut out or changed in some type of way (like watching Marcel's death for the sixth time, them breaking through the wall or even Jean and Eren fighting) 

If they get the pacing right, then the rearrangement will be for the better.

Reiner flashbacks + Reiner suicide attempt + Falco meeting "Kruger" (more than 2,5 chapters) in a single episode? HELL NO! WTF MAPPA!  

Worried and cautiously optimistic.

At least it looks like they're going to stick to just one episode for the RBA flashback. It was mostly just filler anyway, so there was never any need to stretch it out and waste precious time getting back to the Paradis side of the story

I doubt that that's exactly how it is, but if so, then I don't think that that's a wise idea

It’s gonna be rushed as hell

Reiner flashback is very long and there is tons of dialogue, so I dont know how its going fit in only one episode, but if they can make it work then its fine for me

WHICH CHARACTER DESIGN DID YOU LIKE BEST IN COMPARISON TO THE MANGA? 346 Responses

This question gave us a somewhat evenly split pie chart, but Porco nonetheless managed to gain the bigger piece with just over 55%. Surely due to that bomber jacket and haircut. Nearly 45% picked Pieck (gottem) instead. Must have been the somewhat inconsistent nose. 

WHO’S SEIYUU DID YOU LIKE BEST? 335 Responses

On the flip side, 68.4% seemed to prefer Pieck’s soft voice. Porco with his (how the hell does Porco sound like… how can you describe his voice) managed to win the hearts of 31.6% of responses.

Pieck voice wtf? I imagined Pieck with a more Hanji-ish voice, not this sweet and high pitched.

DID MAPPA DO PIECK’S NOSE JUSTICE? 345 Responses

The debacle over Pieck’s POWERFUL nose gave us quite a colorful pie chart. Almost 39% of responses noted that Mappa was on point with Pieck’s nose for most of the episode. Afterwards, 26.7% stated that they thought that Mappa got it right only in some points of the episode. On the flip side, another 26.7% thought that Mappa was generally quite on point throughout the entire episode. A small minority (7.8%) thought that Mappa simply did a poor job. 

The animation is good, and while I don't want to complain, I have a small problem with the drawings themselves. I feel like they lack precision (like Pieck's nose, idk if that's clear).

I'm grateful for Pieck's nose. I always respected Isayama for drawing imperfect characters, because this way he has made them to look more realistic. Even though Pieck has so-called imperfect nose, she is still absolutely gorgeous. Her imperfections are part of what makes her beautiful and unique.

PORCO’S HAIR - WERE YOU TEAM RED HAIR OR BLOND HAIR? AND ARE YOU HAPPY WITH HIS ANIME COLOR SCHEME? 345 Responses

A far less controversial debacle concerned Porco’s hair scheme. The folks supporting a Blond color scheme were universally content with his hair color (all 57.4% of team Blond). On the flip side, an almost universal approval was also present from team Redhead (13.6% of those supported his blond hair color). 27.5% of the responses seemed to care not about this issue at all, however.

NOW THAT WE KNOW PORCO BETTER IN THE MANGA, DO YOU THINK HE WOULD HAVE *ACTUALLY* DONE A BETTER JOB THAN REINER IF HE HAD INHERITED THE ARMOR AND WENT TO PARADIS? 348 Responses

Porco inheriting the Armored Titan is a rather interesting what-if scenario. Perhaps of the most interesting as a whole, so it’s no surprise to see a rather divided opinion of those who took our poll. A little over 36% believe that Porco doing a better job than Reiner on Paradis is a definite possibility. Just over 24% believe it’s not likely Porco would have done better than Reiner. On the flip side, 21.6% think that is is likely Porco *would* have a more successful conduct on the island. 9.2% believe that Porco’s success is a given and in opposition to that, 8.9% think that Porco’s success would have been basically impossible.

HOW ABOUT IF PIECK HAD GONE TO PARADIS WITH THE WARRIORS? 346 Responses

Much less division here, however. 70.5% of responders believe that Pieck’s possible trip to Paradis (in the initial attack) would have not have resulted in a given “mission success” for the Warriors, although she would have been a rather useful ally. Nearly a quarter, on the other hand, think that Pieck’s inclusion would have ended the story right then and there. The rather small minority of the other responders think that Pieck would not have been useful had she participated in the mission.

GABI HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CONTROVERSIAL CHARACTER. HAS MAPPA BRINGING HER TO LIFE CHANGED YOUR FEELINGS TOWARD HER? 342 Responses

64.6% of respondents overall have positive feelings toward Gabi as of right now, with 39.5% having already been enjoying her character throughout the manga. 25.1% now view her more positively with her being brought to life. 20.2% don’t really care about Gabi either way, and 11.7% feel very negatively toward Gabi, without the anime swaying their opinions. 

Gabi still sucks

Sakura ayane as gabi is probably the best thing to happen to me all year

WITH SUCH A DIALOGUE-HEAVY ARC, CUTS WERE INEVITABLE. WHICH CUTS WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED IN, AND WHICH CUTS CAN YOU LIVE WITH?

Overwhelmingly, the scenes that were most missed by manga readers were “Pieck walking on all fours/scaring Porco”, “Zeke mentioning the Ackerman Clan”, “Reiner’s smirk when his family talks about ‘Island Devils’”, and “The imagery of Eren and Armin wrecking ships”. Smaller character details, such as Reiner mentioning how he acted like Marcel on Paradis, Gabi wishing to understand Reiner’s feelings, Falco pointing out how Reiner almost had the Armor taken from him, were also very missed by manga readers, although just less so. 

General Calvi talking about Zeke’s loyalty, Gabi getting praise from her parents when they reunite, and Magath trashing the Marleyan navy, were moments that many respondents didn’t feel strongly about one way or another, or felt that these were details that weren’t really needed anyway. 

Cutting the scene where Falcon talks about why Reiner kept the AT was really bad.  Also the table scene could have been better. Some imagery when Reiner was describing the 104th and his smirk.

The cuts the anime has done made the spectators less informed about some story background stuff. This is in order to direct attention to the marley's eldians planning how to overcome the world's disparagement towards the power of the titans. 

I'm sad they cut the gate guards. They humanize the marleyans a bit. Hope they add their scenes next episode and do them justice.

I hope we will get the Gabi/Reiner talk about understanding each other through PATHS when she eats him next episode

Gimme crawling best giiiirl

MAPPA cut Pieck's ass so this episode wouldn't be so ass centered with Zeke's ass wiping technique. This is my theory lol

Great episode but U was so looking forward to the Reiner scene talking about Paradis “devils”. In the mange it was a powerful scene really adding to the duality of Reiner and the pain he has, and the animation did not do it justice. Plus some parts of his speech were probably hard to understand for a non mange reader without the flashback. (Like which one is referring to Jean for example).  I really wish it had been better delivered

IS THERE ANY CHANCE WE’LL SEE SOME OF THESE CUTS ANIMATED IN A LATER EPISODE? 342 Responses

them into different scenes. Overall, the majority answered a big, fat, “maybe.” 15.8% are confident that what’s done has been done, and 12.6% are more optimistic that MAPPA will find a way.

Overall I was a bit disappointed. I feel like the amount of material cut from every conversation included really added up overall and gave it a very rushed feel to me. I really hope they add it all in later.

ON THE FLIP-SIDE, WHICH ADDITIONS/CHANGES DID YOU LIKE/DISLIKE?

The changes and additions that MAPPA made were overall viewed very favorably, with the scene of Porco and Pieck interacting with the warrior cadets being the most liked addition. This is followed closely by the overall character movement during dialogue scenes, the small detail about Pieck’s father being unwell, and Gabi shouting “Watashi!” on the train.

I loved the additional details made it very emotional

IT WAS A GREAT TIME TO BE GALLIPIECK TRASH

Sneakier Eren's a nice addition too

Porco my boiii I'm so happy he's here 💖💖💖💖 if mappa is adding some extra scenes then gimme more of gallirei 👀

WHICH SCENE FROM THE PREVIEW ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? 338 Responses

Unsurprisingly, 42% of respondents are hyped about Kenny’s brief return and Annie’s unlikely encounter with him in the Underground. 22.2% are eager to get that sweet Reiner angst as he is rejected by his Marleyan father. 17.8% are looking forward to Reiner’s training days.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE?

great! it was inevitable they would cut stuff but it hasn't changed any major plot point or thing i would want to see desperately 

It was just really great to see the scenes animated, it adds another level of depth and understanding to the story I believe. 

Loved anime-onlies missing Eren completely. Some even thought it was him but then noticed the leg and thought against it

I think it was very well done. Just need a little getting used to with MAPPA on the reins now. I think MAPPA added some scenes to show how those Eldians over there are still just human after all and they have their own problems to deal with. 8/10 episode.

I feel like they took a lot of emotion way from reiner. made him seemed stoic and determined to go to the island even though in the make he looked scared about having to return. 

I thought the rotoscoping was really well done! I’m happy with the pacing, the fact that the episode felt like it went by fast is good considering it was dialogue based.

Incredible. The direction, the cinematic quality, we are feasting. MAPPA is elevating the story beyond anything I could have imagined! I'm beyond hyped for the rest!! But where is asshole Marley guards/Hobo!Eren's appearance as a favorite moment?!

Incredible, it adapts the source material very well while adding some touches that make it unique in it's own way. As a manga reader, I'm really glad that they're doing this because it feels like a completly different experience from reading it and makes me excited on what changes or directing choices they're going to make during the course of the season, great job so far MAPPA!

Such an amazing episode. Made 20mins feel like 5. MAPPA is doing fantastic. The characters have never felt more alive and the animation style is something I never knew I wanted until now. 

I can't believe they didn't cast Mads Mikkelsen to voice Mads Mikkelsen

The episode was good but the dinner scene didn't do justice to the manga. It didn't have the same feeling to it. I saw a lot of anime onlys thinking Reiner was just trying to talk shit about the 104th. I feel like the flashbacks during that part in the manga gave it a nostalgic feeling that helped convey what he truly felt about his time on the island. His facial expressions were not quite there either. Specially sad because it was the moment I was expecting the most this episode and because it's a big part of Reiner's character, maybe next episode can kind of fix this.

I haven't seen the anime only poll results, but given personal conversations with them I imagine quite a few could care less about the Warriors and are looking forward to the 104th showing up to stir shit up. Boy are those folks in for a treat :)

I knew I'd feel more attached to all of them once they got animated. I didn't expect getting real thirsty for Lainah.

I was so happy with how much detail MAPPA put into the background scenery. Also, I think that an underrated moment during this episode was the Marlian douchebag triggering the Eldian soldier’s PTSD. You could really feel their terror, and THEY KEPT THE HOBO EREN PART IM SO HAPPY!

Its consistently very pretty and well animated which is great of course, but I worry the team won’t be able to maintain this quality for some of the meatier scenes in the later episodes. The fast pace of the episode (compared to the manga) as well as the many cuts make it a bit harder for scenes to stick, I wish there was a bit more breathing room at times. This also makes the fancy animation and frequent rotoscoping cuts feel less impactful for me—with every scene being cut down to its core ingredients, and every scene having at least one cut with more motion and energy than we’re used to, I can’t help but feel it all kind of mashes together without sticking out as much, leaving less of an impact. (I feel really really weird actually complaining about good camerawork/animation, what the hell lol) Also hobo <3

Plenty of questions about ass but no questions about the full ED? Or how we thought the episode did at hiding Eren in plain sight?

rip Reiner's chocolate abs :'(

The episode wasn't as interesting as the first one. I was yawning from time to time. Yet, I think that Mappa did a great job, because it's hard to animate full of  dialogues chapters. I was disappointed of the fact that flashbacks from Paradis have been cut. I hoped to see Sasha, Connie, Ymir and Marco while Reiner was speaking about them. Without the flashbacks we just got the dry speech and this way hard to say what Reiner is really thinking about people he met on Paradis. We - as manga readers - already are aware of his feelings, but anime onlies may not know and see Reiner as cold hearted person. I'm not complaining over animations or the OST tracks because no studio is perfect and some small mistakes here and there won't destroy my fun. I just sit and enjoy the episode. 

Very good, with the exception of the dinner scene, in which the director missed the mark completely with the tone.

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 328 Responses

Thank you again for participating! We’ll see you again next week!

[brokutosan]

Title. It Made Me Feel Warm Yet Scared At The Same Time

Pairing. Ushijima Wakatoshi x Fem!Reader

Summary. In which she’s hurtling towards him, but she’s scared he might not catch her. (Spoiler: he does).

Warnings. This contains manga spoilers to up to the latest chapter!

Ushijima Wakatoshi doesn’t look like someone who’s interested in relationships. Or perhaps he truly isn’t. Day in and day out his thoughts are plagued with volleyball, and Y/N isn’t sure if she can find a place she could weasel her way into those said thoughts.

Tendou Satori, her coworker and friend who had introduced her to the man in question, had once said that, “Wakatoshi-kun’s brain is basically a hollowed out volleyball.” It makes sense, though. He’s a Division 1 player that’s made his way to the National Japanese team at the age of 19, so if he wasn’t as dedicated to the sport as he is then Y/N would think his whole career is a fluke.

“Say, Y/N-chan,” Tendou hums, catching the girl’s attention, “why do you like Wakatoshi-kun anyways?” Y/N stops to think about the question. It’s a good and valid question and the eccentric man in front of her had asked it a million times. And each time Y/N does not know how to answer the question.

“Why is the sky blue?” Y/N finds herself throwing the question at Tendou after much consideration.

“Hah?” He jumps up. His reaction is totally over the top, but it’s nothing Y/N isn’t already used to. “How am I supposed to answer that?” He questions back, brows furrowing into a frown.

“That’s exactly how I feel about your question.” Y/N calmly replies, taking a sip of her drink. Tendou’s face relaxes from its frown, and he jumps up exclaiming, “Oh! I see what you did there.”

“Wait. When did we jump from finishing this paperwork to talking about my love life?” Y/N perks up, straightening her back in order to avoid premature back problems. She focuses her attention back on their forgotten paperwork, rearranging them based on importance.

“I’m just a concerned friend trying to help solve your relationship problems. Specifically your lack of one.”

“Well, thanks but no thanks.” At that, Tendou gives it a rest. Or at least Y/N thought so, before he shoots up in his seat again, gaining strange looks from the people seated near the pair in the small café. “I got it! Is it because he’s attractive?”

Y/N throws him a pointed look, one that screamed out her disappointment, before she sighs out, “I like Ushijima-san because he’s Ushijima-san.” Tendou pauses and brings a hand up to his face, indicating some sort of thought process.

“Yes yes, I totally understand.”

“Kinda feels like you don’t.”

“I do.”

Y/N accepts defeat, choosing to just stay quiet just in case Tendou starts trying to dig deeper. A few minutes of silence engulfs the two as they focus on their on work, the topic of Y/N’s ‘tragic’ love life and Ushijima Wakatoshi being forgotten amidst paperwork and deadlines.

“Aki said yes when I proposed.”

“Satori! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” This time the strange looks are pointed at Y/N, who’s leaning in from across the table to an unamused red head. “I forgot about it ‘til now.”

“So...?” Y/N muses, still standing on the balls of her feet as she shoves her face as close as possible to her surprisingly nonchalant friend. “So what?”

“When did you propose? How did you propose? When’s the wedding?” Y/N gushes, forgetting to let her friend answer her never-ending questions. “Slow down there, Y/N-chan.” Tendou chuckles and waits for her to settle down in her seat before continuing,

“I proposed last weekend over dinner and the wedding’s in four months.”

“Four months? Is that enough time to prepare?”

“It’s a simple ceremony at a shrine back home. All we care about is actually getting married.” Tendou has a dreamy look on his face, one that made Y/N slightly jealous. She hopes that someday she’ll feel it too.

Taking in her friend’s expression that screamed out ‘I’m in love!’, Y/N smiles warmly and says, from the bottom of her heart, “I’m happy for you and Aki, Satori. I really am.”

“Yeah. And I wouldn’t have met her if it weren’t for you, Y/N. So...” Tendou hints, wiggling his eyebrows and craning his neck in a way that implied he’s up to something.

“Oh no no no. No, I get where this is going, but no.” Y/N shakes her head ‘no’ vigorously, and Tendou’s almost worried for her neck but argues,

“I didn’t even say anything yet!”

“You’re grateful that I set you and Aki-chan up so now you want to do the same thing for me and Ushijima-san.”

“Damn, you’re good.” Tendou mumbles as he slouches down in his chair. “I wouldn’t be this happy if it weren’t for your help, Y/N-chan. Let me return the favor.”

“It wouldn’t be a favor if I expected something in return. Trust me Satori, I’m fine.” Y/N is hesitant to say her next sentence, but she does so anyway. “Besides...I don’t think Ushijima-san likes me like that anyways.”

“Hah?! Are you blind?!” At this point the workers are giving them dirty looks and Y/N has to physically wrestle Tendou back down to his chair. “Scream one more time and I’m telling our boss you’re finishing all of my paperwork for me.” Tendou pouts but complies anyways.

“You’re crazy if you think he doesn’t like you!” Tendou whisper-yells while making obscene gestures with his hands. “What makes you say that?”

“Look, it might not be obvious to you, but I’ve known Wakatoshi-kun since highschool!” Tendou states the obvious. Y/N looks at him unamused, but lets him continue anyways. “When he likes or dislikes something, it shows on his face!”

“His facial expression has never changed when he’s talking to me though.”

“But it does when you’re not looking! He has that small, satisfying smile on his face like when he perfects a spike or wins a game.” Y/N is skeptical, though she always is when it comes to Tendou, but she gives him the benefit of the doubt. “Okay. Say he does miraculously like me too. Then why hasn’t he made a move?”

“Why haven’t you?”

“Touché.”

Tendou lets out a dramatic sigh and slams his head down on the table. “You’re both hopeless!”

“I’d like to think of myself more as a realist. And the reality is Ushijima-san probably sees me as your boring friend from work.” Tendou runs a hand through his face and lets out something that sounds like a mixture of a grunt and a groan. He’s overreacting, Y/N thinks to herself.

“He’s a VLeague player, Satori. Meanwhile I can barely make rent on time because my friend won’t let me get my work done.”

“You’re being unfair to yourself Y/N! Why not give it a chance?” Y/N ponders over it for a minute. She could. No, she wants to, wholeheartedly. But the thing is she’s scared of making a fool out of herself. While she’s not technically someone with an inferiority complex, it’s hard to get past the fact that the man is way out of her league.

Then again...how the hell would she know if she doesn’t even give it a shot?

“Damn.” Y/N huffs out in defeat, back slamming her chair as she dramatically drops her body on it. Tendou sees this as a sign of victory, and holds up two peace signs. “Operation Wakatoshi and Y/N is a go!”

-

“I hate you, Satori.”

“Oh c’mon! You love me!”

“Nope. I hate you to death.”

“You’ll thank me for this opportunity later.”

“Sure, if I don’t kill you beforehand.” Tendou lets out a laugh, or more like a cackle, and Y/N has to physically rip her phone away from her ears in order to avoid damage. She’s thankful she’s not in public, like a train or something, or else she would have died out of embarrassment.

“You can’t kill me ‘cus then no one would help you with Operation Wakatoshi and Y/N!” Tendou wheezes out as soon as he’s done with his laughing fit.

“I can help myself.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Have I said how much I hate you yet?”

“Y/N,” Tendou’s voice is clear with no more trace of laughter. If Y/N knew any better - the guy is being one hundred percent serious. “Just go to dinner with us, you won’t die from it. I’ll say Aki-chan had a free dinner for four and pay our meals in advance.”

“Isn’t that too obvious? Like why him and why me out of all of your friends?”

“Wakatoshi-kun won’t look into the finer details of these types of things. Trust me.”

“What if I freak him out? What if he thinks I’m insanely boring? What if -” Tendou cuts off her unnecessary rambling. From her end of the call, Y/N can just feel the major eyeroll Tendou was probably doing.

“Relax. All you need to do is be yourself, Y/N! Talk to him about your daily life and listen to him ramble about volleyball. If anything Aki-chan and I will be there as a buffer.”

“Thanks for the reassurance, but I’d rather die.”

“You’re so dramatic, Y/N chan.” And at that, she immediately shuts her mouth. If that phrase just came out of Tendou’s mouth of all people, then perhaps she was being just a smidge bit dramatic. Only because Tendou was set on hooking her up with his greek god of a friend.

The call ends after a bit more teasing from Tendou and some more death theats from Y/N that followed. Eventually they decide on a date after considering Ushijima’s training schedule, and it suddenly hits Y/N that it’s actually going to happen. She’s actually going to dinner with one of the finest man she’s ever seen walk the Earth.

-

“So...” Four pairs of eyes glance around at each other, each seemingly awkward and unfamiliar despite knowing each and everyone there on the table. It was Aki who had decided to take the liberty of breaking the silence, and Y/N silently thanks her friend who’s always been the more extroverted one among the two.

“Wakatoshi-kun, how’s volleyball training?” Aki darts her eyes at the said man, who was busy trying to ignore the awkward stares by stuffing his face with the pork curry in front of him. He coughs, obviously caught off guard, and Tendou is kind enough to pour him a glass of water (albeit he had a shit-eating grin on his face, but it’s the thought that counts).

“Ah, it’s doing well.” Ushijima replies after his mini choking scare. If he did end up choking on that piece of pork, Y/N is certified at performing the heimlich maneuver, but she’s not sure she could handle being that close to him without suddenly freaking out.

Y/N shakes her head in attempt of getting rid of the mental image of her arms wrapped around Ushijima’s torso. His very lean and toned torso. Her eyes wander a below his chest where she’s sure, hiding behind that thick sweater, is a body she’s only ever seen in movies. A testament to his strict training and diet.

“...Y/N? What do you think?” Tendou’s egging her on. She knows he saw her eyeing Ushijima like a piece of man-candy and now he’s making her pay for it. The red haired man is grinning at her, and it took everything in Y/N not to slap that grin off his face from across the table.

“Um...yes...?” It comes out a lot weaker than Y/N had intended it to, and now Tendou’s biting his cheeks to hold in his laughter. Y/N sees Aki elbow his ribs from under the table. Good. The bastard deserves it.

“Oh, so you do think that Wakatoshi-kun’s the most attractive player in the league?” Fuck. If she blurts out ‘no’ right now she’d be offending him. If she blurts out ‘yes’ she’ll be digging her own grave.

“Tendou. She doesn’t have to answer that.” Ushijima’s voice is stern yet indifferent, but good enough to shut Tendou up. Y/N weakly nods her head, a small apology for letting her thoughts wander and creating that awkward situation. He nods back in acknowledgment.

“Wakatoshi-kun, would ‘ya mind walking Y/N back to her apartment? Aki-chan and I here have a long way home and I’m worried about our friend Y/N here since it’s getting late.” There’s the catch. Y/N should have known he had a few tricks up his sleeve.

“No, it’s totally fine! My apartment is only a fifteen minute walk away, and there’s street lights everywhere! You don’t need to-”

“I was already planning on doing that.” Y/N finds herself getting more excited at those words than she should. He truly is a gentleman.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose! I know you’re probably busy with training and stuff.”

“Y/N-san. It’s only a fifteen minute walk away. I think I’ll be fine.” He says with a small smile. Ah. So he’s decided to throw her words right back at her. Clever.

The rest of their dinner goes by smoothly, with Y/N being careful Tendou doesn’t make an ass of her for the rest of the night. She learns more things about Ushijima than before, things like how his dad lives in California, and he tries to visit every once in a while. By the end of the night, Y/N feels herself getting closer to her crush. But then she remembers the dreaded 15 minute walk back to her house.

“Ushijima-san, are you sure about this? I really don’t want to be a bother.” She repeats for the nth time since walking out of the restaurant.

Ushijima offers her another smile and says, “It’s fine, L/N-san. I wouldn’t be comfortable knowing I let you walk home alone in the dark.” And at that Y/N gives it a rest, deciding to walk in silence. It lasts about three minutes, until Ushijima asks in a soft voice,

“Do you find being around me uncomfortable?” It comes out almost vulnerable, pretty ironic considering this tower of a man doesn’t look like the type who’d ask this question. Nontheless, Y/N quickly retorts,

“No! I mean...no, of course not! It’s quite the opposite, actually. I find your presence comforting, like...uh...like a giant teddy bear!” Oh god. She said that out loud. As in she said those words. As in she just called Ushijima Wakatoshi, Schweiden Adlers’ opposite hitter and the National team’s cannon, a giant teddy bear. I want to die. Y/N keeps walking ahead, not noticing that the stupidly handsome man beside her had stopped walking about five steps ago.

Y/N is so focused on mentally kicking herself in the ass that she doesn’t notice the feint small that makes its way to his face. And the laugh that follows takes her by surprise. It’s a nice sound. Y/N’s almost glad she made an ass out of herself in order to hear it.

“That’s...that’s a pretty interesting comparison.” He says once his laughter dies down. Looking back at him, Y/N finds it unfair how the moonlight is hitting his features just right, making him look almost ethereal. This man truly is out of her league. (And she just called him a giant teddy bear, Y/N’s never gonna forget that).

“Sorry, that totally came out wrong.” Y/N’s glad Tendou’s not around. The slimy bastard would never let her live it down. She could almost imagine having to go about her day with Tendou reminding her that this happened. She shudders at the thought. Ushijima notices this.

“Are you cold?” Y/N purses her lips and starts to say no, but is interrupted by him sliding off his jacket. “Here, take this.” He says warmly, closing the five-step gap between them with three long strides.

Y/N finds herself at lost for words as an oversized jacket pools her form, and Ushijima zips up the jacket with gentle hands. His face is even closer now, this much Y/N is hyperactively aware of. She feels a brush creeping up her face and curses herself for being so helpless in this situation. If only Tendou could see her now.

“Thank you, Ushijima-san. You didn’t have to.” He’s looking down at her with an unreadable expression, hands still fixed at her shoulders.

“Wakatoshi.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Just Wakatoshi is fine.” His face breakes into a smile as the sentence causes blood to shoot up Y/N’s face, her cheeks no doubt redder than a tomato. Cute, he thinks to himself.

“A-ah, then, thank you, Wakatoshi.” She manages to squeak out, though her voice is a bit muffled from her hands covering her face. She feels warm hands grip her wrist, gently pulling her hands away from her face. Y/N is once again made aware of the fact that his face alone could be used as a deadly weapon.

“You can just call me Y/N, too.” She finds herself blurting out. Ushijima, the deadly weapon, decides to go in for the kill. “Alright. So, Y/N, would you like to have dinner with me some other day? Just the two of us this time.”

Y/N pinches herself to make sure she isn’t dreaming, and replies with a hearty grin and a, “Yeah, I’d love that.”

A/N. Another reupload! There was a certain point in time when I was obsessed with Ushiwaka. This is me praying tribute to that. As always, thank you for reading! Please leave a like if you enjoyed it! - chuu

[oikawas-fav-alien]

Distance | Shirabu Kenjiro x Reader

✧ Summary: Having attended Shiratorizawa Academy from junior high, you were familiar with most of the students in your year. They were average, nothing special — until a certain vbc setter, from god knows whatever small town junior high he crawled out of, changed up your world.

-> warnings: none — maybe language cause it’s shirabu; fluff and slight angst :)

Shirabu Kenjirō was a living, breathing pillar of salt. And it was rightly so. He was the friend, the shoulder to cry on, and the person that everyone viewed as reliable. This was not entirely a bad thing, since he was viewed as much more dependable than others. And this idea was not limited to volleyball. But being placed in that category separated him from the very people who put him there. The girls viewed him as, at most, a friend. He was the king and leader of the friend zone.

It was the end of his second-year and he would soon be taking over as captain of the boys’ volleyball team. He justified lack of love life on the fact that he had bigger things to focus on. And after their crushing defeat, Shirabu reasoned that Shiratorizawa needed a focused captain to lead them to victory.

But the road to triumph was… rather lonely.

Shirabu had his team with him one-hundred percent and silently appreciated them for their confidence and own unfailing determination (he won't admit out loud!) But it seemed like he was surrounded by couples. His kouhai, Goshiki Tsutomu, found comfort in another first-year that was a regular on the women's volleyball team. And another female on the team seemed to be interested with the middle-blocker of Karasuno!1

Couples were disgusting.

Of course, majority of the members of the male volleyball were single. Ushijima was a super volleyball idiot and his focus seemed to never stray from the sport. But even with his cinnamon roll personality, the female base of Shiratorizawa seemed to flock to him. He was undoubtedly very handsome and tall. His grades were well above average and his fan club was incredibly prominent. Ushijima had all the makings of a great man and was noticed as such by a large pool of the student body. The difference was that Ushijima was willingly single.

Shirabu, deep in the non-explored depths of his heart, wanted to be noticed like his Senpai. When playing volleyball, Shirabu strived to be the type of setter that went by unnoticed and drew out the strength of his ace. And he knew the consequences of such. But still. He was the main setter on a highly prominent team and his skills are not hard to notice.

Maybe it was his rough personality? Pft. He would never change that for a person, no matter how special.

Shirabu was above average height and had amazing grades in a prestigious powerhouse. What wasn’t there to like? His sense of style was trendy and he was complimented on his clothes more than once. He as not too preppy like Goshiki and not too wild like Tendou. Was it his looks? His bangs were unusual, but they weren't as bad as coconut-head/bowl/Goshiki. Since entering adolescence, he failed to ever break-out and was blessed with marvelous clear skin. On more than one occasion, he would stare at the mirror and truly wonder just why.

Why was no one interested?

Enter you.

You attended Shiratorizawa in both middle and high school. Coming from a wealthy family, there was nothing standing in your way. You were fairly popular and had seen the multiple personalities flit through your advanced classes. And in your first-year came Shirabu, an outsider to Shiratorizawa from a lower-class middle school. After being in the system for three-years, you knew almost everyone and seeing a new face was refreshing.

From the very start, you wanted to bet to know him more. But he was incredibly reclusive and mysterious to the general student body. Nobody could answer your questions. Well. Nobody except a certain Salami and volleyball idiot. You shared an advanced statistics class with the two third-year volleyball players in your first year and from them you were able to peer more and more into the life of Shirabu Kenjirō.

“Why do you want to know, (F/N)-chan?” Tendou instigated, “You have a crush on him?”

“Please, Salami calm down.” He raised his hands and gasped, “Come on. There isn’t a single person in this school who I don’t know and suddenly nobody knows anything about him?”

“He is smart and adaptable.” Ushijima chimed in.

“And a little shit, that’s for sure.” Tendou stated. You rolled your eyes and returned your attention back to the statistics teacher. Sure, you wanted to learn more. But this class was hella hard and you still needed good grades. Eventually, you were able to gradually acquire more information and Kenjirō. You learned that he was the only player from the boys’ volleyball team to not get into Shiratorizawa with a sports scholarship. Instead, he got in on his own accord through the arduous exams and good grades.

The more you discovered, the more you liked him.

Shirabu had a work ethic that you hadn't seen in a while. Being in this particular school-system for so long ruined your perception of it. You perceived most of your classmates to have a truly pretentious or judgmental personality, but showing to be as sweet as honey to your face. Of course they wanted to be your friend, who wouldn't with your last name?

He hadn't.

Shirabu was straight-forward with a tongue laced with salt. Sign you the fuck up!

He had no qualms about talking back to you and you looked forward to your daily banter with an odd smile. It was strange. You could get any nice, sweet boy in the whole school. But what was the point if they didn't mean it? Shirabu was honest - a trait that should never be given up, even if it offended others. You would rather have someone give you genuine advice - even if it was mostly mean - rather than an empty friendship.

You had majority of the same classes together for the second year in a row. And you were the only person who would had the immediate desire to sit next to Shirabu as a partner. You silently viewed him as a friend, but there was always this barrier that you could never get over for your friendship to deepen. His time was always dedicated to volleyball. And you did not play any sports anymore.

You watched the volleyball team's crushing defeat to Karasuno and the heartbreak it caused to so many people, Shirabu included. The women's team was resorted to tears and you could not even look at the men for too long. Reon and Semi were so sweet and you wished you could protect them for all the bad in the world. You had never seen Shirabu cry before.

Shirabu... He seemed to only display emotion around his team. And this made sense since those were the people that he was closest too. The rare occasion you had seen his smile was when you had watched a game. They had an overwhelming victory against Johzenji High and you spotted the small grin on Shirabu after he scored the winning point. Your heart could barely take it. You only wished that he showed that side more to you...

He was friendly, but distant enough for you to want more. Shirabu was not cold to you and his harsh chitchat did not hold any true malice behind his words. But he never opened up to you. You wanted to learn more about him personally and if you wanted to, you would have to pry and almost force him to speak. He would give curt answers and then be done with the conversation. But, on more than one occasion, you would spot him typing away on his phone. It was no secret that the boys’ and girls’ volleyball team were fairly close and had a groupchat shared amongst them. You silently wondered if he was texting a girl from the team.

That thought had you instantly deflated and made you wondering if you ever had a chance with Shirabu. You were not one to be easily defeated, but with every brief conversation and blank expression he gave you, you considered giving up altogether. This happened around Valentine’s Day of your first-year. Shirabu was abnormally delighted and even smiled in the classroom at someone’s joke. You figured that sure, it was the day of love and he probably had something lined up for himself and his significant other – that was why he was so happy. And it hurt your heart. He smiled, but it was never because of you.

From there forward, you tended to avoid him to evade the imminent heartache every time you saw him. This was hard since you literally sat next to each other in most classes, but something entirely doable. You would leave the classroom immediately after class, show up right before it started, and not initiate conversation. It was always you that had previously opened up discussion, so when you had stopped there was little to none at all.

Shirabu caught up to your change and silently questioned it. On multiple occasions, you would catch him observing you from the corner of your eye and you silently hoped he would not question you outloud. Within a week, he was ready to corner you.

You were at your locker right after class, ready to pack-up and head over to photography club. He was silently bounding towards you and when you closed the locker he was standing right-there before your eyes.

“Did I do something to offend you?” He asked the moment your locker closed.

“No…” You stated haphazardly, clutching your backpack.

“You’re never his quiet or shy.” He noted, “Did something else happen?”

“I have to get to photography club…” Shirabu put his arm on the locker and blocked your exit. He was tall and there was no way you could out-run him, you were trapped.

“Don’t lie. We know it starts in twenty-minutes. You might be on the executive board, but you have a lot of time.” He sighed out, locking to the ceiling and then back to you. “Why are you ignoring me?”

“… Am I your friend, Shirabu?”

“Of course.” He did not hesitate to answer. “And it’s Kenjirō.”

“What?”

“Call me by my first name.”

“Oh.” You paused and let the name roll of your tongue, “Then you should call me by my first name too, Kenjirō-kun.” His eyes widened at the added suffix and a rosy dust covered his cheeks.

“Was that it?” He asked, “Come on, (F/N). That’s an immature reason to ignore me.”

“How was I supposed to know?” You questioned, “It never seems like you actually want to talk to me.”

“I’m talking to you now.”

“Outside of this!” You were beyond frustrated, “Ugh I’m fine now go away.” You lightly pushed his arm, but he did not budge.

“As if that would convince me.”

“You are so annoying.” You commented, “You never initiated conversation. I thought I was just bothering you.”

His gaze on you softened and you could not break the eye-contact, “You’re an idiot.” He teased and then ruffled your hair. That was the first time he had ever done physical-contact with you and you almost exploded then and there.

“I’m an idiot?” You repeated before walking away mid-sentence, “I’m hoping you treat your girlfriend better.”

He paused and let us hand drop down to grab your elbow before you go away. “Girlfriend? Where did this come up?”

“I thought…” Shit, you let that thought slip out-loud, “The men and women volleyball teams are close. And I’ve only ever seen you hang-out outside of class with them and those girls. I just assume...”

“You assumed wrong.” He quickly cut-off, “Ugh. What am I going to do with you?” He asked as he grabbed you into a hug. You returned the affection and you knew that a blush must have stained your face! And what was that question?

Shirabu continued, “So was that the real problem? You were jealous of my supposed ‘girlfriend?’” He laughed at his question and you were going to die from his smile. God it was so rare and you wished he graced you with it more!

“No! Don’t get too ahead of yourself!” You yelled back, but it was muffled against his chest. He leaned back to see your face and teased you for your embarrassed expression.

“You’re an idiot.” He laughed again.

Since then, your friendship with Kenjirō was gradually improving. But it seemed that there was this silent barrier that you could not overcome. You could talk about your problems, but not about his. And since then, he had not initiated any physical contact. If you ever brushed hands or simply leaned against him, he should shift away and pretend it never happened! Did you really make any progress?

Finals were coming up and that was giving you one last chance to spend time with Shirabu before the end of the schoolyear. Sure, you could always ask your father and he had the power to put you two in the same class again next year - But! Did you want to waste your last year together pinning after him?

Your study group was comprised of yourself, Shirabu, Kawanishi, and two people from his class. Kawanishi was in Class 5, which was also advanced, but he was so damn lazy! You saw his potential and only wished that he tried harder and quit fucking around.

The three other members of the group were missing that night and the two of you were left alone to grovel over English. Your English was better than Shirabu’s but the opposite could be said about history. You paired each other well and aided the other's faults.

You commented on this once jokingly, saying, "You complete me!" He simply rolled his eyes and brushed it off before continuing to study.

Damn. This boy cannot take a hint.

You attempted to show the boy your advances. But it seemed Shirabu would shut you down at every try, almost like he knew what you were doing and was firmly against it. A part of you considered backing down. He had made his intentions clear for two straight-years, maybe you should not waste another year on someone who obviously does not want your attention?

That thought last for a second before you waved it off. There was no one else you were even remotely interested in. If he said no, that’s fine. But you were probably not going to peruse anyone else.

Both you and Shirabu were spacing out from over-reading the textbook and happened to make eye contact. "What's on your mind?" You asked.

"Things you cannot understand."

"You really think that low of me?"

"No. I'm going to be the captain of the volleyball team in a few weeks."

"Wow."

"There's no way your pampered ass would get it."

"You think about my ass?" You teased, but he pretended to ignore the question. You spent enough time with him to notice the minute narrowing of his eyes and the slight curve in the corner of his left lip.

Damn, this boy had you bad.

"I'm sure you'll do fine, Kenjirō." You comforted, "You're very smart and reliable. I believe that your training won't betray you."

"Reliable..." He murmured. "That's exactly what I'm talking about."

"What do you mean?"

He scoffed at your question, "Exactly. You won't understand."

"Then explain it to me!" You exclaimed.

"Why should I?" He seemed just as inflamed.

"Because I care about you! You big, dumb, idiot!"

Shirabu paused before fully looking at you, surprise evident. "Well, everyone expects this idiot to be reliable and lead the team. But..."

"But...?"

"That's all that people expect from me. To be the smart one. To live to everyone's expectations and shoulder the border of living up to the name ''powerhouse.'" He was getting more agitated and louder with each word.

"Woah, calm down."

"I can't calm down! In a few weeks, I'll lose the ace that I've admired for years and majority of our regular team! How am I supposed to fill in their shoes when we're losing one of the top 3 spikers in the country?"

You had no shame in grabbing his chin and turning his full attention to you. "Listen here you idiot. Don't interrupt me! I said don't! I stopped sports, but I know this is something entirely inevitable. Your senpai's are moving onto the next phase of their lives, but it's not something you can stop or change. You have to accept the future and make the most out of it and I know you will. Shiratorizawa is not the only school with graduation. Your rivals and others will lose their precious third-years and its then will you be able to analyze them and attack. But you need to calm the fuck down."

Shirabu was hanging onto every word. Nodding at some parts and fully taking in what you were trying to convey. At the end of your speech, he pushed your hands away from his face with a slight rosy dust on his cheeks. No woman, outside of his mother, had ever done that to him before.

"You're a real pain, (F/N)." he started, "But thanks. I needed that."

"No problem, I just want you to know that I can be here for you." You extended your hand to cover his own on the desk.

His eyes latched onto your hand before he averted his gaze and attempted to pull his hand away. You kept a tight enough grip to keep it in place, but not enough to hurt. "Must you touch me so much?"

"You are such a tsundere, oh my god." You commented, "Of course, I had to like you."

He stilled and looked directly into your eyes, as if that would confirm your previous statement. "Are you really that surprised?" You asked. "You're really handsome and you have the type of personality that I find most attractive."

"Tsundere?" He joked.

"No. You're honest." You admitted, "You're not like the rest of them, who only see dollar signs when they see me. You've roasted my ass multiple times in class and I wouldn't have it any other way. You say the truth and don't sugar-coat your words for anyone."

"I like you." You simply stated. You watched the words seem to finally reach something in his mind and at this point he seemed to panic. He pulled his hand away and you did not hide your outward hurt. Shirabu made a lame excuse and quickly packed up his stuff to leave.

You never felt more sad and alone.

XXXXX

Shirabu was freaking the fuck out. He wanted someone to notice him and it had to be you??? You were beautiful and nearly perfect in every way. Your beauty went beyond the physical level and you were blessed with intelligence and an even greater family tree.

None of this mattered to him before. You were his friend and classmate and probably the one person in class who did not endlessly irritate him. How could you possibly have feelings for him? He didn't deserve you, not a bit. He had an endless list of faults, including his knowingly sarcastic personality, and you were the friendliest person in school! No way. You could be happier with literally anyone else.

He could not deny all your positive traits, even though he made an effort to ridicule you. You were an overall amazing person and he could not deny his latent crush on you. But he had squashed it since your friendship was mostly comprised of friendly banter. You could never have feelings for him, he previously thought. So he would rather treasure your friendship and watch you from the sideline.

However, Shirabu had to admit that it was a dick move of him just to leave you there after your confession. He was usually the type to speak his mind and your feelings must have blinded his brain. He set-out to clear the air and admit why.

In class the next day, you were nowhere to be found and refused to respond to calls and texts. Seeing you so affected, Shirabu could not help but feel like a huge ass. He owed you big-time, but he had to start somewhere: an apology. Shirabu had to clear the air and make it known that he appreciated your affections, even if he had to deny them. He was not above annoying you and did such continually.

Knocking on your dorm room, he showed up right at your front door.

Shirabu heard movement inside, but not closer to the door. He called your phone again and heard the ringtone go off from within, just for you to mute it. He knocked about eleven more times before you opened the door.

"What do you want?!" You asked as you swung the door open with full force.

"To clear the misunderstanding, (F/N)."

"God, you are so annoying. Did you know that?"

"You are too. Now hear me out, you crazy."

"Excuse me?!"

"Please." You sighed and moved aside for him to enter and he did such. He uncharacteristically took your hand and guided you to sit-down on your bed.

He paused, as if to fully think about his words, before sitting next to you. "You need someone who has time for you."

"What?"

"I'll be the captain soon and I do not want to disappoint anyone. I'll be busy and unable to be the proper boyfriend."

"Is that your only complaint to this relationship?"

"No."

"What else?"

"You deserve someone who can make you happy."

You gave a small laughed and asked, "Who says you don't already make me happy?"

He stared at your for a moment before asking, "What?"

"I don't want someone who you think will make me happier with kind words or bullshit. I want someone honest." You candidly admitted, "And we are friends already. I know you're dedicated to volleyball and I don't want that to change. I already know how you are and that’s why I like you more than anyone else. You alone can make me happy. For someone smart, why is this so hard for you to understand?"

He sputtered, unable to give a cohesive reply and for once you saw be great Shirabu struggle over his usually articulate words.

"Wait." You realized that he had multiple complaints about this relationship before you interrupted him. "Just be straight with me. Do you have feelings for me?"

It was at this moment that Shirabu had the clearest view of you. You were in the closest proximity than ever before, sharing a seat on your bed! He could gaze clearly into your eyes and sense the distress and vulnerability from your previous words. He stretched the silence and you took that as a rejection. He immediately rectified the situation by grabbing your hand and placing a light kiss at the top.

"I never thought you were interested in me." He admitted, "I thought I was deep in the friend zone. So I would have rather kept your friendship than risked ruining it."

"You're an idiot." You smiled grabbing his wrist to pull him closer. He obliged and allowed you to place a light kiss on his cheek.

"Now will you be my boyfriend or will I have to convince you?" You whispered in his ear to tease him and could literally see the shiver go down his back as he stiffened.

When you pulled away, his eyes were half-lidded and you silently wondered if his dominant attitude translated romantically.

You didn't have to wonder long since he returned the favor and went even further, nibbling your ear lightly before placing butterfly kisses around your neck. "Maybe you'll have to convince me."

You laughed before wrapping your arms around his neck, quickly taking command and enveloping his lips against your's. However, you did not have it for long and the setter was quick to flip the positions and hover over you. He gave one his rare smiles and you felt one breaking out across you'rs, stretching from ear to ear. Shirabu, who was in no rush, descended back down to your silky lips - noses bumping and hands fisting into each other's hair. His grip was firm, but not tight enough to hurt. You moaned, unintentionally, and he took that as an invitation to lick the entrance to your cavern. You parted your lips quickly, eager to feel his tongue against yours. The rest of the day went by ignored, the two of you enveloped in each other's affection with not a single care in the world.

[qqueenofhades]

so i’ve been following the presidential race closely, and i’ve been a fan of bernie since the start. however, my mom says that he wouldn’t make any big changes, as he’s hard to work with, can’t make the necessary compromises. the example she used was that throughout his senate term, he’s only passed 3 bills, 2 of which were insignificant. i didn’t think of this, as this is my first time closely following an election. what are your thoughts? would a sanders presidency make any real changes?

Oh dear. You really want to get me into trouble this morning, don’t you. Which is 100% not your fault, you are smart to be thinking about all this and asking questions, and by no means do I want you to stop doing that. So I’ll try to explain this as clearly and straightforwardly as I can, and if I get hate for it, alas.

The thing about Bernie is, which certain subsets of his supporters don’t seem to quite appreciate, is that he’s a great candidate, he’s been useful in pushing the public dialogue and political climate of the Democrats further to the left, he obviously inspires a devoted following, and I agree completely with all of his policies. But there’s still a gulf – a very wide gulf – between all that, and actually putting good ideas into political practice in the (very) flawed American system of government as it currently exists. Yes, the system sucks, we know that, and it can feel outrageously frustrating when moderate candidates are offering milquetoast proposals that don’t really get at the underlying structural causes of massive, entrenched inequality, oppression, racism, sexism, etc that these bright young people have rightly identified in the world. That’s why Bernie is appealing as a candidate, and while my primary already happened on Super Tuesday, I would vote for him over Biden if that was my choice right now. But the seeming expectation that we could pick Bernie, he’d win, he’d instantly remake the entire American political system and implement all his changes, and everything would be fine again – and that if we can’t have that option, just not voting is somehow better – is, to say the least, deeply problematic.

I supported Elizabeth Warren for a number of reasons, but one of them was that while she had many progressive policies similar to or almost identical to Bernie’s, she had tangible evidence of being able to get them done (see: the CFPB), to network and form functional relationships with the Democratic establishment, to work within the existing framework of party politics, and to actually do everything she had written her plans for. To certain Bernie supporters, this made her a corporate shill, a heartless witch who wanted to personally kill poor children, an establishment hack, so on and so forth. They attacked her for running in the first place, they attacked her for challenging Bernie in debates, they attacked her for not dropping out before Super Tuesday, they attacked her for dropping out and then not immediately endorsing Sanders, they attacked her supporters, so on and so forth. I’d still vote for Sanders in a heartbeat over Biden, and I will be happy to vote for him if he gets the nomination. But when you’re treating people that way who fundamentally agree with you on all your policies, there’s something wrong. 

And no, it’s not a touchy-feely “we need to hold hands and be nice and listen to each other!” respectabillity politics issue, which also gets used as a straw man. Warren was committed to Medicare for All, but she also recognized there needed to be a transition period and that a public option was a good first step (something which Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the other progressive superstar, has also said). Because she accepted any limitations, because she wanted to work in the system, because she didn’t say she’d burn down global capitalism on day 1, this made her a Very Bad Candidate, and people who otherwise agreed with her didn’t think she’d win, so they didn’t vote for her and turned it into a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’m not saying Warren didn’t have flaws. She did. She’s a politician. There were other reasons people might not have been personally drawn to her. But the flack she got for daring to run as a progressive, while also acknowledging the power of the system and that you cannot uproot these structures immediately (she also planned to use executive power to implement some of her proposals on her first day in office), while challenging Bernie… wow.

Because the thing is, Bernie isn’t going to deliver absolutely everything he promises, and that’s not necessarily his fault. No politician in the history of time ever has. If Bernie somehow does get elected, with a Democratic-controlled House and Senate: great! Then yes, he does have a decent chance of passing some planks of his legislative policy. But there are several things you have to keep in mind here, and this is not “Bernie bashing”:

1. Bernie is not, strictly speaking, a Democrat. He’s an independent, he caucuses and votes often with the Democratic party, and he’s obviously running for their presidential nomination. But he’s not part of the party apparatus, he’s proud of that fact, and this is also a selling point for his supporters: look, he’s not part of the Corrupt Establishment! The DNC obviously has deep and systematic problems and is more committed to the bureaucratic status quo than uprooting inequality in America. That’s not up for debate. But as a candidate and as a nominee for the Democratic Party, Bernie would still need to have the backing of that system. If he doesn’t have it, that makes it harder.

2. “What does that matter?” a certain kind of Bernie supporter might cry. “They’re corrupt and rigging the election for Biden! Voter suppression!”

3. Pause for a deep sigh. Yes. There were long lines in many precincts on Super Tuesday. But voters for all candidates had to stand in them anyway. We’ve already discussed how some Sanders supporters treated Warren and her supporters, the ideologically closest candidate to them in the race. If your entire political ethos involves yelling at people and calling them names on the internet, that’s… not really sustainable as an outreach program and getting them into the hard work of day-to-day coalition building. I say this because I WANT to see progressive politics succeed and actually get put into practice, not just narrowly refined tighter and tighter into a certain tiny subset of Pure Beliefs that never amount to a hill of beans in anyone’s lives. You can have the greatest policies possible, but if you never acknowledge or accept any way to DO SOMETHING about them… really, is that a political ethos based on action and compassion or not? I’m voting for Sanders if he gets the nomination, and I’d vote for him if my primary was still upcoming and my first choice (Warren) was out. But I’m pretty fed up at how some camps on that side have been acting, and I am already a progressive. This… isn’t going to help build support beyond people who are already all in for Bernie. People who you will need to win an election.

4. The usual response here is often to blow off moderates and undecided voters and other people who are apparently just too dumb to see what’s going on. Yes! It is frustrating that half of America still wants to vote for Donald Goddamn Trump! But you’re still not winning an election and getting rid of him that way!

5. Bernie does, in fact, have a thin legislative track record, which may or may not matter if he actually becomes president. America has forgotten that the president is not SUPPOSED to make policy like a king, even though the function of the executive branch has been wildly expanded and bloated since W’s (and honestly, Reagan’s) day. The LEGISLATIVE branch, i.e. the House and Senate, is supposed to make policies, and the president EXECUTES them. That is his/her (ha, if only) JOB. But Bernie doesn’t have the kind of connections in the House/Senate that would help him efficiently mobilize policies, at least on his own initiative. Bills and amendments are slow, boring work. They require committee meetings, drafts, multiple readings, changes, deletions, hearings, final passage, etc. Ironically, the person Bernie could probably most count on in the Senate would be… Elizabeth Warren. And she’d obviously help him out, no matter what the rabid Bernie bros think, but it shows that party establishment politics, no matter how distasteful, are part of getting anything done.

6. Bernie’s plans to pay for some of his big policy proposals, such as student loan debt relief (which I am obviously very into) and Medicare for All, involve, according to him, levying a big new tax on Wall Street and the one percent. Passing a major new tax platform that RAISES taxes is always like pulling teeth. That would require passage in the House and Senate. Cool, let’s say the Democrats control both. Are all of them, especially the moderate ones or senators from red-leaning states, going to vote for it? Probably. But it’s not guaranteed. If you’re funding public policy by raising taxes (the one thing the American public has notably hated since 1773) it’s going to be HARD WORK. Let’s say that takes a year to pass. Let’s also guess that a President Sanders would lose either the House or the Senate in the 2022 midterm elections, because sitting presidents almost invariably do. Obama had two years to enact some of his policy proposals. Then came 2010 and the Tea Party, and it was, as a deliberate and ongoing GOP choice, gridlock central.

7. You think the Republicans obstructed OBAMA? Centrist corporate Democrat Obama, whose policies were solidly in line with the American establishment, but who happened to have brown skin and a funny name? You ain’t seen NOTHING compared to what they would do to a President Sanders. And as we said, even if the Democrats take Congressional control in 2020, they would invariably lose at least one branch in 2022. We are already figuring in at least a year for Bernie to somehow get his tax plan through. The billionaires are mad. They pour money like crazy into GOP candidates. Welp.

8. So this leaves us… maybe 12-16 months for Bernie to try to enact all his policy reforms, while being deliberately outside of the Democratic party establishment, while having to work with the House and Senate in a way he hasn’t really done before, and accepting limitations on his policies and his political ability, also not something he has really shown an aptitude for. 

9. So what? Bernie supporters demand. Are you saying don’t vote for Bernie, it’s hopeless! CORPORATE SHILL!

10. No. Not what I am saying at all. Obviously a Sanders presidency would be light years, LIGHT FUCKING YEARS, better than what we’ve got in there right now. But Sanders (and also Biden) are in their late 70s and have underlying health problems. The likelihood that either of them would serve two full terms is… slim. Obama is two decades younger and we saw how much the presidency aged him. I feel like they’re both flawed candidates in different ways, and my deepest fear is that neither of them can beat Trump, that the Democrats by trying to go for Biden, an Establishment Centrist Old White Man, think they’re playing to a “middle” that doesn’t really exist, and that either progressives or moderates will feel left out in the cold if Biden or Sanders win the nomination. The candidate will have to do the post-convention “pivot,” i.e. trying to appeal to those of their party’s voters who didn’t choose them in the primary, but is Sanders going to do that? His whole platform and the reason his supporters love him is that he doesn’t compromise. Which again, great for ideology, but runs into problems with consistent and actual implementation.

At the end of all this, the takeaway is this: yes, vote for Bernie if you believe in him! But also have a realistic idea of what he will be up against! There is simply no way that he’s going to sweep into office, even if he does get elected, and magically whisk away all the parts of America that we hate. He would have maybe two years to ram through most of his policies, it requires a legislative skill set he hasn’t honed, it rests on passing a major tax package that would be deeply unpopular and cause him to get pummelled in the 2022 midterms, and he has made a career out of operating as the lone wolf. Once again, it’s not a question of whether the current system sucks. We know that it does. But it still exists, and one candidate, no matter how much we agree with him, is not going to change that. He would hopefully manage to pass some of his major policy initiatives. But pretending that there would be no opposition, that it would all be magically fine, and that everyone who DOES raise a note of caution is a cowardly defeatist, a secret capitalist pig, a fake progressive, a secret Trumper (and we’re not the ones threatening to vote for Trump or not at all if our fave doesn’t get the nomination) or whatever else is… not helpful.

Ultimately, if we do get stuck with Biden, we have to hold our noses and vote for him anyway. If we can hold the House and flip the Senate, they can make progressive legislation and Biden is very likely to sign it anyway. The presidential system is not SUPPOSED to rest purely on the personal beliefs of the president, like an absolutist monarch – there was a pretty famous war about it back in the eighteenth century. Biden has displayed no initiative to act like Trump and be a megalomaniacal fascist overlord. We need to take a step AWAY from the insanity that is the current administration, we need to get back to NORMAL, before we can keep going left. Which is what we want! But it happens in stages, if it happens at all, and pretending that it doesn’t, that the only options are the Whole Revolution Now or Nothing, is never, NEVER going to work. And yes, Biden’s positions are generally pretty eye-rolling and I’ll be annoyed if I have to vote for him. But I’ll still do it, because he is NOT equivalent to Trump. Biden got the Violence Against Women Act (which the GOP-controlled Senate notably just failed to reauthorize) funded and passed. Trump has been accused of sexual assault by… what, 22 women? RBG isn’t likely to last another four years. The circuit courts have already been stacked with young, wildly unqualified, hard-right John Birch Society-type judges who will hold their posts for at least 40 years, and this has a direct impact on the kind of cases that are reviewed, confirmed, or struck down even before they get to the Supreme Court. Climate change, the end. There is too much at stake to fuck this up for the sake of Not Getting Everything Now.

As a final note, the Russian propaganda/troll machine has made it clear that they’re posing as Bernie supporters who insist that if Bernie doesn’t win, you shouldn’t vote. They know Bernie supporters are already voicing and disseminating that argument themselves, and they’re going to inflame it as much as possible. So that’s something to keep in mind.

[sou-ver-2-0]

I can’t really help with the math section, but something that struck me as odd with the ai testing for the victory rates is that “they were all of the candidates who survived the first trial.” Does that mean the dummies would’ve died in their first trial no matter what? I mean, taking into consideration that the monitor room is where all the testing was done, only candidates have ais, and all the ais are connected to their monitors. 1/2

I know the dummies are technically ais, but i wonder how they and all the first trials were tested for,, 2/2

sorry for coming back again,but these survival rates got me thinking,,the testing is only implied to be done in the monitor room, but shin ai/fake reko give the idea of the facility having multiple ais of the canidates,, so are the ais in the monitor room diff from the tested ais? why don’t the dummies have ais in the monitor room? are they different from the other canidates somehow,,? how does that affect the survival rates if they are? and how were the first trials tested?

(I hate ask word limit, I hate it so much,, sorry for the spam) man, i hope 3b touches more on the ai testing its so interesting,, 2/2

Haha don’t worry about spamming my inbox!! It honestly made me really happy to return from a bike ride and see that you had left me all these messages! :)

First things first! I totally believe you that the line “they were all of the candidates who survived the first trial” exists, but I don’t remember the context for it at all! So that threw me off... I’m guessing that the line comes from the Second Main Game, right? Is that the part where they figure out the difference between candidates and participants? Because if that’s the case, then I think the focus of the writing in that scene is to differentiate between a candidate like Sara as opposed to a participant like Nao, instead of differentiating between a human like Sara and a dummy like Ranmaru. 

I normally rely on the game scrips from the YTTD Wiki to quickly double-check the game’s writing, but the pages for the Second Main Game scripts still don’t exist over there.

Basically, I don’t want to believe that the dummies necessarily must die in their First Trial! If that were the case, then they would all have a zero percent survival rate, wouldn’t they? I think it makes things far too confusing and unintuitive if Nankidai tells us that “Ranmaru has a 5.3% chance of winning the Death Game,” but that 5.3% chance is just a lie. Frankly, I think that would be weak and bizarre story telling? And I want to give Nankidai credit that he tends to foreshadow things very well!

Unless I am misunderstanding your question, in which case I apologize!

You also asked, “Why don’t the dummies have AIs in the monitor room?”

I can’t say for sure, but my gut feeling is that the Floor Masters could have easily removed the dummies’ AIs from the Monitor Room (if that is indeed where the testing happened). I admit that I could be way off base here, but I feel like it should be easy enough to move monitors in and out of the room. The Floor Masters had a logical enough reason to remove the monitors of those who had died in the First Trial; they were advertising the AIs in that room as “victory prizes” to the participants, as a way to learn more about their companions. At least, it seems logical to me that it would be more tempting to buy the personal information of someone you knew, as opposed to someone you hadn’t met. Anyway, that’s just me guessing.

It’s possible that the dummies were already different from the candidates who survived... It’s just not a reading that appeals to me personally. I think it’s a more compelling story if all the candidates had a fair shake from the beginning. I want to believe that Kurumada, with his 9.9% survival rate, would have had a better chance of winning in those situations when he manages to survive his difficult First Trial.

“And how were the first trials tested?“

I’m always wondering this too!!! Did the candidates always have the same First Trial in simulations? Like, the obvious answer to that is “No,” due to Shin being so unique. Shin’s First Trial is dependent upon a lot of test-runs already existing, isn’t it? It’s very curious and I don’t have a good answer.

“man, i hope 3b touches more on the ai testing its so interesting“

I think it’s very likely that Nankidai will tell us more about the testing in future installments! As we learn more about the behind-the-scenes of Asu-Naro, that only makes sense!

At the very least, I think it will be important to explain why Sara’s rate is so high while Shin’s rate is so low. I have a feeling that this is all connected to the Man from the Memorandum somehow, and that he probably wants a brave high-school girl like Sara to win? And if Shin is the character who best parallels the Man from the Memorandum, maybe he wants that figure to lose? But I’m just speculating again...

Haha even though I didn’t directly answer all your questions, and the math remains difficult, I honestly feel better now just from musing on these things. If there’s a specific question you want to talk about more then please feel free to send another ask, since I think I skipped some of your thoughts, sorry!!! Thank you for sharing them with me! I tried my best to help haha.

[mystery-star]

Threshold of Space - Chapter 1 To Pass or not to Pass

Pairing: Spock x OC

Warnings: swearing, mentions of death

Words: 6246

All Parts: 

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 |  Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16

If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know!

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

-

With a deep frown, the brunette stared at her fellow cadet who had just passed out in the captain’s chair.

“I guess that’s it then” Carissa’s fellow helmsman muttered to himself “The simulation is over” he got up with a shrug

“Wait a moment” she called “This may be a simulation, yes. But if this was real, you couldn’t just get up and leave”

“And what do you suggest we do, Wiley?” he asked

“We need an Acting Captain”

“We have no First Officer”

“Then we vote” she said “But quickly” she added, glancing at the screen to the many Klingon vessels

“If you’re so eager to complete this damned thing you do it” Carissa shrugged as some others murmured in agreement

“Is there anyone else who wants to take charge?” no one said a word “And is anyone not happy with me taking over?”

“Do whatever you want, Wiley. The examiners will stop this scenario now anyway since Evan is out, so better hurry if you want to shine”

“Then I shall take over until they declare that it is over. Now get back to your post” with a shrug, David did as she ordered. It felt strange to have that much responsibility and she was glad that this was only a simulation.

“Yes, Captain” he said mockingly as he sat back down “What are your next orders, huh? Shall we all go to a corner and cry?”

“A bit more seriousness. We are under attack” she replied and turned around to the Communication officer. “Jackson, can you reach the Kobayashi Maru?”

“I’ll try” he said and gave an affirmative answer a couple of seconds later

“Good. Ask them if their transporter is working, if not tell them to evacuate their ship”

“The Klingons would continue to fire on the pods”

“I know. But I am sure they won’t waste their time to follow all of the pods. Besides we can beam them aboard like that. Now do as I say or it’ll be too late”

“We can’t save everyone” she nodded.

“But we can try to get as many out as possible. We should start a diversionary maneuver. Let’s give these Klingons a nice taste of our Phasers.” she rubbed her hands and prepared everything before turning to the fellow helmsman

“Take evasive actions, 60 degrees to the right”

“But their shields are up, firing on them will be of no use”

“Do you think I am blind? I know that, I only want to distract them a bit to give the Maru time for the evacuation so that we can beam them aboard later on. Jackson, let us know when they are ready and sent off their first pods”

“Yes, Ma’am” Carissa couldn’t help but smile. Although she had never wanted to be Captain, it was nice to be addressed so formally. “They’re ready” Jackson informed them only two minutes later.

“Very well. Tell the transporter room to lock the signal on as many pods as possible and beam the people inside aboard”

“The Klingons are firing on us” David shouted

“Keep diverting” Carissa told the other helmsman “Let’s make it difficult for them to get us. Jackson, keep in contact with the transporter room and tell them to keep us updated as on how many crew members they could rescue.” he confirmed and did as requested.

“Shields at 47 percent. Three more hits like the others and we’re dead”

“Inform that Kobayashi Maru that we might not be able to save everyone. Maybe they should use shuttlecrafts, so that we can beam them aboard quicker and needn’t lock signals on different pods”

“Captain, they want us to stay and rescue them” Carissa bit her lip. Of course, they wanted to be saved. But they had to understand that there was no sense in staying to get them killed as well.

“Shields at 19 percent”

“That’s it. We have to leave. Head back to… the nearest space station.  Transporter room, how many people could we save?”

“48” Jackson told them

“That’s not too bad” Carissa muttered more to herself “Inform the Starfleet Command we’re heading back to the station and that we could only save 48 crew members of the Kobayashi Maru” she wiped some sweat from her brow with her sleeve

“Captain, one of the ships is following us”

“Shit” she could feel the blood leaving her face “Faster. Give us everything the Trainor has”

“Aye, Aye” Jackson said but after about a minute later, his mien changed “Ma’am the Warp drive failed. We’re only running on impulse now” she got even paler.

“The Klingon vessel’s slowed down to sublight speed as well and seems to be getting ready to destroy us”

“Fuck” she took a deep breath. Although she understood why it had been programmed that it won’t work like you wanted and add complication after complication, she made a mental note to have a serious word with Spock for scaring and challenging her that much. Somehow she wished the examiners would stop the simulation so that she could get out of here.

“What now? We can’t get away and they’ll destroy us”

“Hail them. Hail them!” she shouted in panic. Jackson merely nodded and pressed some buttons

“They don’t answer”

“Then send them a message that we surrender”

“What are you planning to do?” she licked her lip

“We’re trying to bait them by telling they can have the ship. Once they lower their shields to beam on board we fire everything we got at them”

“That may work” David mused.

“No it won’t” Jackson said bitterly “Still no answer”

“Tell them we can have the ship, which means they can get to the station without being noticed. Try it on every frequency we’ve got. They need to answer!” she got up and pressed a button on the arm rest of the Captain’s chair

“Crew of the USS Trainor. We need to evacuate the ship” she repeated the order before sitting down at the helm control “That applies for you as well. Out with you” she told the bridge crew. David and his friend got up, the rest remained seated.

“I’m still trying to reach them” Jackson explained. “But I’m pessimistic about it” another thundering noise and blinking lights told them that the Trainor had been hit again.

“The shields are down. The next hit will destroy us”

“Leave too. I’ll try to distract them a little longer” she took David’s seat and tried to dodge a little

“That won’t work with impulse drive”

“I know. But I can’t just sit here… and I ordered you to go and save yourself”

“What’s going on?” she heard a slurry voice behind her and Carissa saw Evan getting up slowly

“Well you passed out and I took over the bridge and as it seems we’re all gonna die now. We’re evacuating the ship” she told him “Go and get a rescue pod” he looked at her and nodded. However, he didn’t make it out because the Trainer was it one last time and all lights went out. Carissa had failed them and they all died. Shortly after the door opened and Admiral Foster stepped into the room.

“Cadet Cook.”. Evans, who was talking to David, wanting to know what had happened, looked at him

“Did I pass?”

“Yes you did pass. Pass out!” he showed him to follow with a simple head movement. “The rest may leave. Except for Cadet Wiley. You’ll come with me as well and wait in front of my office” she hung her head and got up after a nod. It seemed like she was in trouble. She shouldn’t have taken over like that. When they were going to the Admiral’s office Evan shot her angry glares more than once. Now she wished she had just followed David’s lead and left the simulation after his friend got unconscious. Once they reached the office, Admiral Foster told the male cadet to go inside before turning to her and ordering her to wait here. With a nod she leaned against the wall and let out a sigh. She really was in trouble. If only she wouldn’t be punished for what she did. It seemed like the only logical thing she could do had this been a real situation. Although, if a cadet passed out during a written exam, you couldn’t take over for them either. So it had to be a violation of the rules. But David should be here too. He was the one who had been defiant all the time and left his post before he was relieved off duty.

“Cadet Wiley” at the sound of the familiar voice she turned to see Spock, a professor and her boyfriend, coming towards her.

“Professor” she commented, smiling and holding herself back from touching him since they could be seen “What are you doing here?”

“Admiral Foster had let me know that he wanted to speak to me about the programming of the Kobayashi Maru scenario. As it seems, a cadet succeeded in finding an option which I have not considered and therefore not programmed. I would ask you what you are doing here but seeing that you have been participating in the simulation I can only conclude that Admiral Foster wanted to speak to you as well. The reasons for this, however, must be unknown to you as well”

“Yes, Sir” she said “But is an option missing good or bad? I mean isn’t it a bad sign if someone managed to… I don’t know reach the limits of the simulation?”

“It is neither. But once the addition programmed, this option may provide a whole new scenario, which would theoretically increase the chance of effectively winning by 6.3 percent”

“And what kind of addition are we speaking of?”

“I was told that Cadet Cook tried to hail the Klingons upon being alone with one of their ships. But that could not happen since I have not made an interaction with the enemy in that situation available yet” now she actually smirked

“It seems like you’re misinformed. No offence. I was the one who tried to contact the Klingons. Not Evan” he raised an eyebrow

“I must admit, I did not expect that. Since it was Cadet Cook taking the test, I figured that it had to be him as Admiral Foster did not say any names. May I ask how it came you were the one to order hailing the enemy ship?”

“Oh… Evan passed out just after we realized there suddenly were nine Klingon ships and that they started firing on us.”

“He has lost consciousness? But that would have resulted the examiner in ending the simulation”

“Well they didn’t… I mean as soon as I realized that Evan was out, I told the others they had to stay in place until we were told that it was over… so uh… it happened that I became Acting Captain and gave new orders” again he raised his eyebrow

“Then the examiners have decided to see how you were doing until the end. Now I believe I know the reason you are here. Admiral Foster must want to discuss your performance with you”

“What?” Carissa shrieked “Do-do you think they marked me?”

“It is possible. However, given the fact that you were not actually designated to take this test, I believe that they will not make this an official evaluation unless you choose to. But you did show great quality by taking over charge in such a situation” she shrugged

“But are you not mad that I… well… broke your simulation?”

“As I said, what happened is neither positive nor negative, it merely showed that I did not consider all possibilities, cadet”

“But there must have been other cadets that tried to contact the Klingons?”

“There were, but that is something I have thought of. However, you were the first one who managed to be alone with only one of the Klingon ships. It is only logical that the Klingons will behave differently when they are on their own”

“So you could contact them at the battle place but not when you’re further away because of the different reactions?”

“Exactly. As long as they have back up, Klingons would never negotiate and merely tell us their conditions for our surrender. Provided the fact they choose to not just destroy us without giving us a chance”

“This means when Jackson said we received no answer from the Klingons this was because the simulation could not provide any?”

“Correct”

“And do you think it is likely they would have agreed to take over our ship and beaming on board?”

“I would say so. While I cannot tell you how high the chances are exactly, I would estimate them to be about 73 percent, depending on how damaged the USS Trainor is at that point. However, the chance that they would kill your crew once they are on board is at 96.2 percent”

“Well I did not actually plan to let them take over the ship, Sir. I just wanted them to lower their shields so that we could fire at them and destroy them”

“That sounds logical and the chances of success are about 81.5 percent”

“So you’re saying I could have done it if you had had already programmed the option to contact the Klingons when…” the door opened and Evans walked out

“He’s asking for you” he said, not sounding very happy and shot an angry glare at her. It was not her fault he passed out, so why was he hostile towards her? After all it was his idea and request to be an actor in this simulation.

“Cadet Wiley, please come in”

“Coming, Admiral” she informed him and turned back to her boyfriend “See you later, I guess?” she asked quietly

“If I am not obliged to make the modifications right away, yes” she nodded and entered the office.

“Cadet Wiley” Foster said with a smile. Maybe Spock was right and he wasn’t mad at her after all? “Is Instructor Spock already here?”

“Yes, he arrived some minutes ago”

“Could you ask him in as well?” this made her heart sink. What if he had found out about their relationship? Or had he just heard the rumors and thought there was more to it? She’d rather be in trouble for taking over during the test. Because if he found out about the relationship id didn’t only affect her but Spock as well. She nodded and did as she was told. Her boyfriend entered and closed the door

“You have asked to see me, Admiral?”

“Indeed. I take it you know Cadet Wiley?”

“I do. She is in one of my classes” the Admiral nodded.

“Good. And you know she was supposed to take part in Cadet Cook’s Kobayashi Maru scenario?” Spock nodded “However, he passed out after mere minutes into the simulation as more and more ships arrived”

“And Cadet Wiley took over. I have been told already”

“Yes. That is the reason you are her. Because I wanted you to see her performance and tell me what you think the result would have been. After all she has tried something that was not programmed”

“Of course” he crossed his arm and when Admiral Foster showed them a video of the simulation, starting from the point where Evan passed out, Carissa wanted to drop dead. She couldn’t help but throw occasional glances to either of the males, to find out what they were thinking. Oddly, she got more information from the Vulcan’s stoic mien than from the older man. Finally, the tape ended and the brunette breathed out in relief. “Interesting” was her boyfriend’s only comment.

“What do you think would have been the outcome had she managed to contact the Klingons?”

“I am sure they would have agreed to take over the ship after Cadet Wiley told them of the opportunity to get into the station unnoticed. As for the planned destruction of the bird of prey, I cannot say if it would have succeeded before the USS Trainer would have been destroyed.”

“Alright, thank you, Commander” Admiral Foster nodded at him “I would now like to talk to Cadet Wiley alone and have a word with you again afterwards” Spock agreed and left the room.

“Am-am I in trouble because of what I did, Sir?” she asked carefully.

“You are not. Captain Thomas wanted to stop the scenario once your fellow cadet was out but when I saw that you were taking over I told him to wait. I wanted to see how you would react and I must say I am rather impressed. We had two similar cases where the cadet taking the test either left or passed out. But no other participant of the simulation had the idea to finish the mission in their stead. You showed a great sense of responsibility and your performance was indeed impressive, especially when you consider that you decided everything spontaneously since you had no time to prepare yourself for the scenario”

“So you are saying what I did was right?”

“Yes. And therefore the other examiners and I have decided to evaluate your performance if that is your wish”

“This means you will mark me and make it official?”

“Exactly. And I strongly advise you to let us do this for all I have seen you could actually pass. If not, what do you have to lose?”

“You are right, Sir” she smiled “Then I would like you to evaluate me. Although I don’t think I would ever want to be Captain. It is too much responsibility”

“No one says you have to become Captain just because you passed the Kobayashi Maru scenario”

“Oh right”

“Very well. Then I will inform the other examiners and inform you about the outcome as soon as possible” she nodded with a smile.

“I don’t need it immediately” she assured him.

“Alright. That is it from my part, Cadet Wiley. You may leave”

“Thank you, Sir. Goodbye” she nodded at him and left the room, throwing a short smile at Spock as he got called inside.

-oO0Oo-

“How was the simulation?” her best friend and dorm mate Nicole asked as they were on their way to Diplomacy class the next day “Did Evan kill you all?”

“Actually I killed us all”

“How that? Did you do something wrong?”

“No” she grinned and told her the story and her friend laughed

“So you not only brought the test to its limits but you probably also passed the whole thing?”

“Yeah”

“Instructor Spock must be fuming”

“He’s Vulcan” Carissa only said

“Right” she chuckled “But if he lets you fail his class you’ll know why”

“I don’t need him for that. I can fail by myself” she sighed. She just couldn’t get the knack of it and hated almost everything about the subject. The only thing that made the lessons bearable was the fact that Spock taught them.

“For heaven’s sake. Just go and get help. It’s of no use if you fail”

“I-I really don’t want to bother him” besides, when they started their relationship they had agreed they wouldn’t talk about anything that related to the courses so that she would not be in an advantage.

“He’s our teacher. He is obliged to help” Carissa shrugged

“I’ll see” they arrived at the classroom and talked to other classmates. Suddenly Evan appeared, angrily tapping Carissa’s shoulder.

“What did you do?”

“What? About yesterday?”

“You just took over!”

“So what? I thought if this was real that was supposed what someone should have done”

“You stole my chance”

“Look, if this had been real we couldn’t have just waited until you were conscious again. I am sure the examiners wouldn’t have paused the scenario if I had done nothing”

“I swear if you benefit from my attempt, you’ll pay”

“Mr Cook. I hope you won’t make these threats come true or you will be in serious trouble” they heard Professor Bennett’s voice behind them and shot a quick glare as he walked past the flock of cadets to open the door. Evans glared daggers at his classmate

“Your lover may have saved you this time. But I will find ways” he whispered in her ear before leaving.

“Oh God. Is he now claiming too that you have something going on with Bennett?”

“Yeah”

“Just because of your grades? Or because he’s mad?”

“No idea. But someone needs to be on top of the class. I can’t help that it’s me in most classes…”

“Well I need to admit, your grades are not just top of the class. They’re perfect almost every time. Not that I’d believe the rumors but I can understand that they think like that.” Carissa shrugged.

“Just let them talk. I don’t care. I know the truth and so do my friends” technically, her friend’s didn’t know the whole truth. Although she wasn’t dating Bennet, she still was in a relationship with another professor.

“That’s the spirit. As long as no one suspects you’re actually liaised with a professor” she felt her heart bumping

“Exactly” they entered the classroom and sat down.

-oO0Oo-

The rest of the day flew by and before she knew it, Carissa was trying to complete some homework when she saw a new message. This must be her results from the Kobayashi Maru and her heart made a leap. A part of her wanted read it now, but she decided against it, wanting to finish her homework first.

“What’s this? Got a love letter?” she was asked

“Nothing” she replied, not wanting to brag that she completed the Kobayashi Maru. But she knew that should she pass, sooner or later everyone would know. And she was quite afraid of Evan’s reaction.

“Why don’t you read?”

“I can imagine what it is. And I want to finish this first” she looked at her friend before focusing on her essay again. But Lucie just crossed her arms

“Fine, then I’ll hack into your account and read the message myself”

“Stop this” she hissed.

“Oh come on, Carry, I want to know what it says. Is it really from Admiral Foster?”

“Yes. As the name says”

“Please?” she looked at her friend with puppy eyes. Carissa sighed and read the document, ignoring her friends, exited shrieks and handclapping.

“How old are you exactly?” she shook her head but grinned. The grin disappeared when her eyes scanned the evaluation “Oh my God. Oh my God” she couldn’t help but shriek

“Good news?”

“Yes. I passed the Kobayshi Maru scenario”

“Wait what? When? How?” once again she found herself telling the story, this time with a broad smile. “That sounds fantastic. You’d make a perfect captain”

“I’m not so sure. I’d prefer to be more of an advisor. Then I don’t need to be the one making a decision”

“Fair enough” she squeezed her shoulder “Oh Carry, I can’t believe it. Not many pas this simulation. And you weren’t even prepared”

“I think they took that into consideration as well”

“What are we even sitting here?” Lucie asked and put her PADD away “Let’s go and celebrate” Carissa shrugged, throwing a glance at her essay. She would finish it later as she probably couldn’t concentrate.

-oO0Oo-

In the next morning she regretted her choice. The moment she walked into Spock’s classroom she realized that she had forgotten to finish her essay. Trying to hide in her seat, she took out her things and stared at the table. Her head only snapped up when the lesson started.

“Your essays from last week have been graded” the whole class gasped.

“Will this grade be official for the semester grade?” a classmate asked

“No, but it is for you to see how you are doing” he took a bundle of papers “please hand in your new ones within the next five minutes.” Carissa kept getting more and more nervous and she opened the corrected document. She stared at the numbers of her essay and let out a sad huff 37.7 out of 100. Nevertheless she felt a slight smirk appearing on her face, after all Spock was the only professor who used decimal places. Sluggishly, submitted her unfinished essay and raised her hand to tell the truth.

“I uh… couldn’t finish it” she admitted. The Vulcan only cocked up an eyebrow “It’s just… I’m not trying to justify anything but I got this news and well…”

“That news being?”

“Kobayashi Maru?”

“What?” Evan exclaimed “Don’t tell me you passed. That was cheating”

“Cadet Cook, I do believe this is no concern of yours” Evan mumbled something she didn’t get. “Please see me after the lesson, Cadet Cook. There is something I wish to discuss with you” obviously he must have heard what he said. Carissa bit her lip to hold back a smirk. “With you as well, Cadet Wiley” he said. When he started the lesson, she let out a small sigh of relief.

-oO0Oo-

For the remainder of the lesson she couldn’t help but dread the end of it. It really sounded like she got into trouble. Once the rest of the class was allowed to leave, Evan threw an angry look at Carissa as Spock told them to sit down in the first row.

“Cadet Cook, I expect you to explain your behavior towards your fellow cadet, Miss Wiley”

“It can’t be that she got to do this Kobayashi Maru. It was my test, not hers. This is not fair.”

“Your anger towards Cadet Wiley is out of place since none of this is her fault”

“She should have just kept her mouth shot like she always does. She stole my chance”

“Mr Cook, is it Cadet Wiley’s culpability that you lost consciousness during the simulation?” Evan shook his head and opened his mouth to speak but got cut off “Then I can only emphasize how inacceptable your behavior towards her is and I demand you to stop this. Else I will be obliged to inform my superiors of this case” Evan glared at her and she wished Spock had just let it be. He had probably only made it worse with his lecture.

“Evan look, I am sorry” she said “I never meant to steal the show or whatever”

“Then why did you take charge?”

“I just wanted David to wait until it was over officially. But let’s assume this would have been a real situation and your Captain passed out. Would you do something or just sit there and wait?”

“But it’s just a damned simulation. That’s the fucking point”

“There is no need for such foul language, Cadet” Spock reminded him “Besides your classmate is correct. It could have been real. Then everyone expects you to show responsibility, even if you are not a Captain. Cadet Wiley did exactly that and I daresay this is the reason that she has passed. Though her splendid approach must have had something to do with it as well” why, oh why couldn’t he just shut up? Did he not see he was making everything worse? Carissa wanted to be anywhere but here.

“Teacher’s pet” she heard Evans mutter and she clenched her fists. It probably wouldn’t have affected her that much if it had been any other professor. Luckily her boyfriend kept quiet this time and the brunette had the impression he did not even know what the words meant.

“Professor” she said, looking at Spock “thank you for your help but I think I can handle him by myself. He’ll just be mad at me for a little time but it will pass. After all we never had a problem before”

“If you say so” she nodded. “Cadet Cook, you are free to leave” Evan jerked up and wanted to storm out of the room “But be warned. If I hear of any other nastiness towards your classmate I will take action as I cannot tolerate such behavior” he stared after him until Evan left the classroom and closed the door before he turned to his girlfriend

“That wasn’t necessary” she mumbled

“He had no right to treat you like this. Besides, his hatred towards you is highly illogical because none of what happened is your fault”

“Well tell him. He’s just…”

“Acting out of fierce emotions”

“Yeah” she chuckled “dead on”

“However,” he continued “I wanted to talk about your latest essay, cadet”

“The one I forgot?” she asked shyly

“No, not that one. The one I have corrected”

“Oh right. But… am I in trouble because I didn’t finish the other?” he raised an eyebrow

“This is your first time neglecting homework, thus there will be no consequences. In case it happens again, you will need to complete supplementary work or any other form of compensation”

“Okay, thank you Sir” she breathed out in relief. “And what about the other essay?”

“I could not help but notice that your essays are getting and getting worse. If you do not change something you will fail this course”

“I uh…” she swallowed “I don’t really get the hang of this”

“Are you trying to say that you have difficulties in understanding the subject?”

“A bit more maybe. I’m clueless” she admitted

“And why did you not consult me?”

“I-I thought… when we got together” she looked at him “you said that we mustn’t talk about topics that are related to classes and all. So I tried to teach myself by reading books. But that didn’t help”

“I would have gladly taught you anything you wanted to know if you had just asked. Just because I am with you does not mean that I would not tutor you if necessary. When I said this, I meant that I cannot tell you more about the exams or any other matters that could give you an advantage”

“Well, I guess I didn’t want to bother you”

“Bother me? You would not be the first cadet I am tutoring. Moreover, I am teaching advanced topics to cadets who wish it.”

“So this means you will help me?”

“That would be the only logical thing to do” she nodded with a bright smile

“Thank you”

“But I will contact a few of your classmates as I have seen that some others seem to have troubles as well”

“Sure. It’s better to learn in a group anyway. Besides, then I won’t feel so strange when it’s just us. I mean, then it doesn’t feel like you don’t waste your time on me”

“Carissa” he said softly “Any time I spend with you is not wasted” she giggled at his sudden informality.

“And why again did you think you can’t be romantic? This might be the cutest thing anyone’s ever said to me”

“Then I suppose it is good to hear that telling you this simple fact has made you feel happiness”

“Of course it makes me happy. And do you know what else makes me happy? Being with you” since this was now getting a bit strange when she sat at a desk and he was standing in front of her, Carissa got up as well. A part of her wanted to touch him but they were in a classroom and anyone could come in any moment so she held herself back.

“Are you getting ready to leave?”

“Maybe”

“There are only 6 minutes and 23 seconds left until the next class starts. So maybe it would be best if you headed there. My next cadets should arrive soon as well”

“Oh sure” she said, grabbing her bag. “See you around I guess? Or at the tutoring?” he nodded

“I will let you know when I have gotten into contact with the other cadets to let you know about time and setting for the tutoring” now she couldn’t help but place a hand on his arm

“Thank you”

“I see no point in thanking me since this proposal bases on logical conclusion and thoughts”

“It means a lot to me anyway” she replied “so thank you” she gently squeezed his arm before pulling back and leaving the classroom.

-oO0Oo-

Much to her surprise, Evan actually left her alone. Sure, he mentioned the matter another few times in the following days but he seemed to have calmed down after a week. Carissa had the impression that word about her success at the Kobayashi Maru scenario had gotten around and she had the feeling as if everyone from her year who wanted to take the test wanted to have her on board. Since she found it a good way to learn more about the life on the bridge, she mostly agreed, unless she didn’t like the cadets at all. She was a little surprised, when suddenly someone a year above wanted to have her participating in her test. And after that, also a few other people from years above hers asked her to join them. If she was honest, Carissa didn’t like the attention too much. Somehow she had the feeling as if she was something like a mascot for them.

One day, as she was sitting outside, an older cadet plopped down on the bench next to her

“You’re Clarissa Riley, right?”

“Carissa Wiley” she corrected. He wasn’t the first one to get her name wrong.

“Well anyway. You’re the one who somehow beat the Kobayashi Maru test. How did you do it?”

“I just made the right choices” she replied “and as you might have heard, I wasn’t actually supposed the test. I took over”

“So you cheated?”

“Hell no”

“But I heard the test had to be reprogrammed after you took it”

“It didn’t had to be reprogrammed. They only had to add another feature. I just was unlucky enough to be the one to find out. But I was told, if the feature had been there, my chances of surviving would have been quite high”

“Nevertheless, you passed”

“So what?”

“I heard you’ve taken a liking to take part in other cadet’s test”

“Yeah?”

“Would you to me the honor to join me for my attempt?”

“Okay, why not? When?”

“In two days at 11AM. You know where.” only after he left Carissa realized that she didn’t even get his name.

-oO0Oo-

Only about half a minute after the simulation had started, she regretted her choice to participate as an actor. He seemed too confident of himself and didn’t take it serious at all. Obviously she wasn’t the only one who wanted to slap him.

“So what are we gonna do about the Klingons?” Carissa asked, suppressing a sigh

“Oh just leave it all with me, sweetheart”

“Excuse me?”

“Three more Klingon vessels are approaching”

“Alright. Inform the Med Bay to take all the injured from the other ship”

“Shouldn’t we do something about the Klingons first?” Carissa wanted to know, already sensing they would be destroyed any minute.

“Captain, love, you forgot the Captain”

“You can’t be serious, Captain” she sneered “We could die any moment and all you can think of is your title, which you don’t even have by the way and won’t get if you continue like that”

“I didn’t invite you here to be such a spoilsport” he pouted. She was that close to choking him. “But you are right, we could die any moment” he walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. She glared at the hand as if she could burn a hole into it. “So why not…”

“Captain! Shields are only at fifty percent. Maybe we should fire back?”

“Nah” suddenly the power went out

“This can’t be, we can’t have lost already.” Carissa said. Or were the examiners fed up and stopped the simulation? Suddenly the power came back on.

“Oh no, don’t worry, sweetie. Now the real fun begins.” he said with a smirk as he plopped down in the Captain’s chair again and bit into an apple. “Open fire! Let’s send this bastards to hell”

“Jim, their shields are still up”

“Are they?”

“No”

“So what are you waiting for, sweetheart? Destroy them” the cadet called Jim said and winked at her “The sooner this is over, the sooner we two…”

“Captain!” she protested “I hope you know that I have a boyfriend” she blurted out. This actually was the first time she mentioned this to anyone. If only no one asked questions… with a sigh she did as he requested and locked target on the birds of prey. It all went smoothly and not even a minute later all Klingon ships were gone.

“Now we can start the rescue mission” everyone started at him as Jim got up “Let’s sum this up… we have destroyed all enemy ships, no one on board was injured and we can now save the crew of the Kobayashi Maru” Carissa stared at the buttons in front of her. She had participated in more than 18 simulations in the past months. And it had never been that easy. Something was wrong. No one ever managed that much. The simulation went off and the participants were allowed to leave. After stepping outside, she saw Spock marching past her, looking puzzled if not irritated. Suddenly Jim’s behavior towards her during the simulation. He had touched her and flirted with her. She could have slapped herself, he must be jealous. If that even was a thing among Vulcans…

-

Next Chapter

[joan-frias]

Back to Earth

A Gohan x Videl Fanfiction

.

EAST DISTRICT, MOUNT PAOZU

Chi-Chi is yelling inside their house as their family is getting ready for the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Her loud voice can be heard outside as she calls out her two sons.

CHI-CHI: Gohan! Goten! What's taking you so long?

GOHAN: Coming, Mom!

Chi-Chi goes out of their house carrying a large furoshiki turned into a handbag. She's wearing a yellow cheongsam with violet bandana around her shoulder.

Gohan is behind Chi-Chi, and Goten is the last to come out of the house. The two boys are ready to fight, as Goten is wearing his usual orange gi over a blue long-sleeved undershirt, and Gohan is on his Great Saiyaman costume, but this time, with his white bandana and sunglasses. The older Saiyan is carrying a duffle bag.

GOHAN: Flying Nimbus!

The yellow fluffy cloud flies in, stopping in front of the three. Gohan helps Chi-Chi climb the cloud.

CHI-CHI: Let's get going!

Nimbus starts flying as the two Saiyan brothers follow at either side.

.

CAPSULE CORPORATION, WEST CITY

The Son family arrives at Capsule Corporation. On the compound was a big airship and beside it are Bulma, Vegeta and Trunks. The three landed beside the airship, with Gohan helping his mother climb down Nimbus.

BULMA: Hey guys!

CHI-CHI: Are we late?

BULMA: You're actually quite early.

Bulma is wearing a red dress with a yellow scarf around her neck. Vegeta is wearing an all-black outfit, while Trunks is on his mustard hoodie and green shorts. The father and son are carrying bags containing their fighting clothes.

TRUNKS: Hey Goten! Mom allowed me to go join the tournament with Dad.

GOTEN: Really?

BULMA: As if I have a choice! Your dad was the one who insisted.

VEGETA: It's time to show us the fruits of his training.

GOTEN: Mom, can I join, too?

CHI-CHI: Goten, that might be dangerous.

BULMA: My words, exactly.

VEGETA: You told me Kakarot was also a kid when he started joining.

BULMA: He was twelve, not eight!

VEGETA: What's the difference? Besides, being a Saiyan, we are trained to fight even at a young age.

BULMA: Well, this is Earth and not the Planet Vegeta you once ruled. Things go differently here.

VEGETA: I know my son's capabilities and I know he has a fair chance on this tournament. Might start them at a young age to hone their fighting skills as soon as they can.

BULMA: I swear, if something happens to my Trunks you will sleep outside the room for the whole month.

Vegeta could only grumble in disagreement. Gohan and Chi-Chi grin at the couple's conversation.

GOTEN: Can I really not join, Mom?

CHI-CHI: Goten, I told you. You cannot.

Goten pouted in disappointment.

GOHAN: Come on, Mom. I've trained with Goten and I'm pretty sure he can hold up his own on that tournament. He's actually strong.

CHI-CHI: Gohan, don't back up your bother.

GOHAN: I'm not. I'm telling my actual observation during these past weeks we've trained together. If given the chance to train more, I actually think these kids might surpass me.

VEGETA: You sound like your father during the Cell Games when he was talking about you.

GOHAN: (quite embarrassed) I'm just... telling the truth. (laughs nervously)

Chi-Chi looks at Goten who is still looking at her with his eyes being hopeful. In the end, Chi-Chi surrenders.

CHI-CHI: Fine!

Goten is filled with glee.

GOTEN: Thanks, Mom!

CHI-CHI: But if you got matched up with Vegeta then you should quit the fight, okay?

VEGETA: (quite offended) And why am I being singled out?

CHI-CHI: Because I know you won't be merciful against my Goten. It doesn't help that he looks a lot like Goku.

VEGETA: I'm not dumb enough to blow my chances into fighting Kakarot!

BULMA: Are you even sure you and Goku will get to fight against each other?

VEGETA: I will make sure it's us in the end.

BULMA: Don't forget Gohan and the others.

VEGETA: Why do you think I've been training hard all this time? I'll win against them and I will win over Kakarot.

BULMA: (exhales deeply) I sometimes wonder if I have to be jealous with that obsession of yours over Goku.

The others also started arriving. Krillin and his family arrived with Master Roshi and Oolong. Yamcha arrived with Puar. Even the Ox-King is there to join them.

All of them aboard the airship that will take them to the tournament's venue. Bulma is the one driving. Beside her is Vegeta, and behind her are Master Roshi, Oolong and Gohan. On the other side were Krillin and his family. Behind them are Yamcha and Chi-Chi, and on the other side are Goten, Trunks and Puar who are watching the surroundings they passed on through the window of the airship. The Ox-King is behind them all.

BULMA: Are you sure Goku is really coming back?

GOHAN: That's what he said. You know Dad never breaks his promise.

YAMCHA: He even married someone because of a promise.

All of them laugh.

CHI-CHI: By the way, Yamcha, are you also joining the tournament?

YAMCHA: Nah! I would not like to embarrass myself fighting these powerhouse fighters.

VEGETA: It's good for you to acknowledge that.

YAMCHA: But... how about Tien and Chiaotzu? Aren't they coming?

GOHAN: I wasn't able to inform them. I don't know how to reach them.

YAMCHA: Yeah... haven't seen them, too, since the Cell Games. For sure they will be happy to see Goku again.

KRILLIN: And Goku will be happy to see them, too.

GOHAN: I'm sure Dad won't recognize you, Krillin.

KRILLIN: Yeah... I figured that out, too.

MASTER ROSHI: It's been a long time since we've seen him.

OX-KING: It sure is a long time since you've all been together.

GOHAN: By the way... Vegeta, Tunks, and Goten, I think it's better if we don't turn to Super Saiyan.

VEGETA: And why is that?

BULMA: Of course, it's obvious! Not only is being a Super Saiyan already an odd occurrence here on Earth, but if you turn blond people might recognize you as those people who were on the Cell Games. And with all the media around the venue, it sure will blow up. I can only imagine those reporters in front of my house trying to get a story. That will be chaotic!

VEGETA: Then I'll just kill them all.

BULMA: Oh, Vegeta! Will you behave?

VEGETA: Fine! I won't turn to Super Saiyan. It doesn't matter anyway. I'll win no matter what.

TRUNKS: And I won't turn into Super Saiyan, too.

GOTEN: Me, too!

GOHAN: Thanks, guys.

BULMA: Oh! I think we finally arrived.

PAPAYA ISLAND

In front of them is Papaya Island, the venue of the tournament. Lots of airships are also coming to that island, not only for the guests but also for the media as well. The group arrives on a jam-packed tournament venue. Lots of people are on the island, and there are also a lot of stalls and shops around the place where people can buy food, refreshments and other things such as collectibles and memorabilia connected to the tournament.

KRILLIN: Wow! I don't remember the tournament being this crowded.

BULMA: Times sure changed in here.

KRILLIN: It actually feels like a festival in here.

YAMCHA: I wonder if Goku is here already.

Suddenly, the people come rushing into the entrance of the venue. There lands a big airship with the logo 'MR. SATAN' on it. Everyone started talking about it, being excited about the arrival of their world champion.

KRILLIN: It looks like the world champion has already arrived.

BULMA: He sure does know how to do an entrance.

Mr. Satan goes down his ship.

MR. SATAN: Yeah!

The people cheer in glee. Some even chanted his name. The reporters rush in to interview him.

REPORTER #1: Mr. Satan, what are the odds of you winning this year?

MR. SATAN: A hundred and twenty percent! They might as well deliver the prize to my hotel room.

He laughs proudly. The people cheered more.

Videl goes down the airship, quite annoyed at the display of his father's conceit and the crowd's pleasure on it.

REPORTER #2: Ms. Videl, we've heard you're joining the senior division this year, with the possibility of fighting your own father. What will your strategy be if you are faced with him in the finals?

VIDEL: (quite annoyed) Maybe I'll punch and kick him. What do you think?

Mr. Satan just laughed at his daughter's sarcasm.

YAMCHA: Wow! It seems like Mr. Satan is really into this celebrity business.

GOTEN: Mr. Piccolo is here!

Piccolo is seen under a palm tree. Gohan goes to him.

GOHAN: Piccolo! You came!

Piccolo smiles.

GOHAN: Have you seen my father yet?

PICCOLO: Not yet, but he will come.

Piccolo notices Gohan's costume.

PICCOLO: Are you really going to compete with that outfit?

GOHAN: Why? It's cool, right?

Piccolo looks at him, as if he's about to say something. In the end he just stays quiet.

CHI-CHI: Oh, where could Goku be?

KRILLIN: I'll go look for him.

YAMCHA: Me, too!

Suddenly, the long awaited Saiyan appears. Goku arrives with Fortune Teller Baba.

GOKU: Hey guys!

EVERYONE: Goku!

Krillin is about to cry as he looks at his best friend. Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong are smiling widely.

Bulma is tearing up. Vegeta is just staring, as well as Trunks who have never met Goku before (he was still a baby during the Cell Games). Android 18 is also just staring, with a clueless Marron beside her.

Even Piccolo is smiling, as well as the Ox-King and Master Roshi. Chi-Chi has started crying. Goten is just staring at the man who suddenly appeared making everybody suddenly overjoyed.

GOHAN: Dad...

It was Gohan who first rushed to Goku.

GOHAN: Dad!

Gohan ran to his father as if he was the same nine-year old kid he was when Goku left them and decided to stay in the other world. He gives his father a tight embrace, which Goku reciprocates.

GOKU: Whoa, Gohan! You've grown so much!

Gohan laughs at his father's remark, though tears are also present in his eyes.

The others also come rushing to Goku. Krillin who is crying, Yamcha, Oolong, and Puar. They all surround Goku.

GOKU: Wow! Everyone is here! It's nice to see you all, guys. You've all changed a lot.

After that, Goku comes to Master Roshi.

MASTER ROSHI: Welcome back, Goku. It's been a while.

GOKU: It sure, is. Looking good, Master.

MASTER ROSHI: Getting old is not bad at all.

Goku smiles. Then he looks at Bulma.

GOKU: Bulma!

BULMA: Hey, Goku! How's it going?

GOKU: Fine... You cut your hair.

BULMA: Yeah... Being a mother is quite a lot.

Goku looks down at Trunks.

GOKU: Trunks has really grown up.

Trunks just stares at him.

GOKU: Vegeta!

Vegeta just nods.

Goku turns around and finds Chi-Chi.

GOKU: Hey, Chi-Chi...

Goku comes closer to the teary-eyed Chi-Chi.

CHI-CHI: You're late...

Goku holds her by the shoulders.

GOKU: I'm sorry...

CHI-CHI: Oh Goku...

Chi-Chi collapsed in his arms, crying gently on his chest. Goku kisses her head, calming her down while stroking her back. He smiles at the Ox-King who is watching them, and the big guy smiles back at Goku. After a few moments, Chi-Chi lets go and wipes her tears away.

CHI-CHI: Okay... this has to stop. I have to stop crying.

With a little more effort Chi-Chi was able to fully stop crying. She smiles at her husband who looks lovingly at her.

Goku then notices a small boy with black spiky hair behind Chi-Chi. The small guy seems surprised at the sudden attention. He moves back to his grandfather, the Ox-King, and hid behind his big leg.

GOKU: Hey, Chi... were you...

Goku looks at Chi-Chi, who seems to know what's going on with her husband's head. She nods as confirmation, then smiles.

CHI-CHI: I found out two months after the Cell Games.

Goku gapes at her, amazed at what he heard. He looks at the small tot, who is still looking bashfully at the taller version of him.

CHI-CHI: Goten, go meet your Dad.

Goten looks at Chi-Chi who gave him a reassuring smile. He then looks back at Goku, still unsure as he clings tightly on his grandfather's huge leg.

OX-KING: Come on, Goten. Don't you want to meet your Dad?

Goku sits down, still amazed at what he's seeing.

GOKU: Hey... I'm Goku.

Goten looks shy, but answers anyway.

GOTEN: I'm Goten...

Goku smiles at him, and after staring for a few more moments, Goten finally seems to warm up on him.

GOTEN: Daddy!

Goten rushes to Goku, the latter almost falling down with the impact.

GOKU: Whoa! You don't only look like me. You're also as strong!

Goku stands up and carries Goten. He smiles joyfully at his kid, who seems overjoyed into finally meeting him.

GOTEN: I'm joining the tournament as well.

GOKU: Really?

Goku gives Chi-Chi a questioning look.

CHI-CHI: Oh, it can't be helped! He's your son after all.

Goku laughs at what Chi-Chi said.

GOKU: Were you training hard?

GOTEN: Yes! I'm training with Gohan back home.

GOKU: Wow... So that's why you're so strong.

GOTEN: And also Mom, too.

Once again, Goku looks at Chi-Chi, quite impressed at what he just learned. His wife just shrugged.

FORTUNE TELLER BABA: Goku!

Goku looks at the fortune teller.

FORTUNE TELLER BABA: Remember, you only have twenty-four hours here on earth.

GOKU: I will. Thanks, Baba.

FORTUNE TELLER BABA: I'll go now.

The fortune teller leaves.

GOTEN: That woman looks strange.

GOKU: She is a little strange, but she's nice.

Goku once again smiles at Goten, obviously amazed of the surprise that's been handed to him.

But the group needs to proceed with what they really came here for. It was Piccolo who reminded them that.

PICCOLO: We must go in and register, or else we'll be late.

GOKU: Right!

All of them goes to the registration booth. It was a long line, but after some time of waiting they had their turn to register.

GOHAN: The Great Saiyaman!

REGISTRAR: Great Se... what is that again?

GOHAN: The Great Saiyaman!

REGISTRAR: Okay... (writes on the list) Next!

GOKU: What is that Great Saiyaman?

GOHAN: It's my superhero name.

Trunks is next in line.

REGISTRAR: Oh! Another one for the junior division.

TRUNKS: What is that?

REGISTRAR: All the contestants under 15 years old will compete in a separate Junior Division match.

TRUNKS: Goten! They said we can't fight with the adults.

BULMA: That's not in the rules before. Guess they changed it since last time.

CHI-CHI: I think that's better.

TRUNKS: But I want to fight with the adults!

REGISTRAR: I'm sorry, but rules are rules. Next!

Trunks was not able to alter the registrar's resolve, which makes him grumpy.

After registration, the fighters included in the tournament all proceed to the competition hall.

GOKU: Alright! Let's go, guys!

CHI-CHI: Do great, Honey! And you too, Gohan and Goten.

GOKU: We will. See you in a bit!

BULMA: Do your best, guys!

Android 18 gives Marron to Master Roshi.

MASTER ROSHI: Don't worry. I'll take care of her.

ANDROID 18: You better.

MARRON: Bye Mom and Dad! Good luck!

KRILLIN: Bye, Sweetie! We'll be back soon, okay? Stay close to Master Roshi and the others.

All of them walks to the venue. 

The preliminary assessment will be done first. All the participants who registered are taken to a wide open space near the arena.

KRILLIN: Wow! Look at all these people!

GOHAN: Is this how it usually is?

KRILLIN: Yeah... But I think there are a lot more this year.

The World Tournament Announcer comes to them.

ANNOUNCER: Wow! It really is you!

Goku and Krillin look at the announcer.

GOKU: Hey!

KRILLIN: It's been a long time!

ANNOUNCER: It sure is! I never thought I will see you again, though I am always hoping I would... (moves closer and whispers) By the way. It's not Mr. Satan who really beat Cell, right? It was you, right?

Goku and Krillin just laugh.

GOHAN: (on his mind) It sure is nice to see someone recognize Dad for how strong he really is.

ANNOUNCER: To be honest, this tournament has been totally lame since that last fight you were in. Mediocre fights, you know. No fun at all. But now you're all here, and I'm excited to see amazing fights later.

The announcer notices Android 18 and Vegeta.

ANNOUNCER: Are they with you also?

GOKU: Yes.

ANNOUNCER: That's great! This really is a great day. (notices Piccolo) So, can you promise to not destroy the ring this time?

PICCOLO: I'll try not to.

ANNOUNCER: (laughs) That's what I'm talking about... (notices Goku's halo) Hey, what's the deal with that thing on your head?

GOKU: Oh, this? (points at the halo) Actually, I've been dead since my fight with Cell. I just came back today for this tournament.

ANNOUNCER: You know, I've witnessed a lot of weird things involving you, so I'll buy that.

The person in-charge of the preliminary announces the start of the competition.

ANNOUNCER: That's my cue! See you in a bit, guys!

GOKU: See ya!

The World Tournament Announcer leaves.

IN-CHARGE: Today, we have 194 contestants who registered for this competition. Only 16 will have the chance to go to the semi finals. Mr. Satan, as the defending champion, will automatically move in, so only 15 among you will move on after this preliminary competition… As for the junior division, there will be no elimination round. All of the contestants for the junior division, please come this way.

The children fighting in the junior division all went to the person in-charge. They were then escorted outside the venue. After that, a punching machine was wheeled in.

IN-CHARGE: We will use this punching machine to select the top 15. The 15 highest scorers will move on to the next round.

KRILLIN: A punching machine?

GOHAN: What is that?

IN-CHARGE: For a little demonstration and to set the bar, here is our world champion, Mr. Satan!

Mr. Satan comes in, and again the people cheered and rejoiced for him.

KRILLIN: These people cheer not knowing they might even be stronger than him.

Cameras flash as the media covering the event capture the moment of the world champion. Piccolo, being annoyed himself, does his magic trick paralyzing all the cameras around.

GOHAN: Piccolo?

PICCOLO: All the cameras not only of those here but also those who will watch has all been destroyed. No one will find out about you so you can fight properly.

GOHAN: Thank you, Piccolo.

The media were all frustrated, and Mr. Satan is also quite annoyed. Still, he continues to show them what to do with the punching machine.

The world champion got a decent score of 137, which awed everyone, except for the Z Fighters of course. After the display, Mr. Satan leaves the venue and the competition starts.

It was that time when Gohan suddenly remembers something.

GOHAN: Dad, I'll just go look for a friend.

GOKU: Huh? Okay...

Gohan looks around, trying to find someone from the crowd that started to line up for their turn in the punching machine. As the crowd rush to the machine, he was able to single out the person that made him join the competition in the first place.

GOHAN: Videl!

Videl looks at him.

VIDEL: Gohan!

She suddenly remembers the disguise he wears and the reason behind it. She nervously covers her mouth.

VIDEL: I'm sorry...

GOHAN: It's okay... How's it been?

VIDEL: Great! I trained enough for me to beat you.

Gohan laughs.

VIDEL: How about you?

GOHAN: Great as well. I've trained enough, maybe I might be able to beat you?

Both of them laugh. Then suddenly, Videl seems awkward as she starts to blush.

VIDEL: Did you miss... I mean, of course, you miss school... going to class, you know...

GOHAN: Yeah... but this is about to end so I guess after this, everything will be back to normal.

VIDEL: Yeah... as you say...

Videl seems a little disappointed, which makes Gohan frown in confusion.

GOHAN: (on his mind) Is there something wrong? Did I say something bad?

The Z Fighters are now about to have their turn in the punching machine. Android 18 is the first to try it. She got 774 points, shocking everyone around except those who really knows how she really is.

VIDEL: That is impossible...

GOHAN: (laughs nervously) Maybe something's wrong... he he...

After Krillin's reproach Android 18 repeats the act, earning a lower score of 203, which is still high as compared to the bar set by Mr. Satan. It still shocked others, but it was the trend as the other Z Fighters follow suit. Krillin got 193 points, Goku got 188, Piccolo got 210, and Vegeta... well, his impatience got to him that he destroyed the punching machine in just one punch.

GOHAN: Oops! (on his mind) Trust Vegeta to not hold back his strength.

Everyone is shocked and kind of frightened by what Vegeta did, as well as the high scores that the participants before him got. And because the punching machine was destroyed, they have to replace it disrupting the flow of the preliminary assessment.

GOHAN: Ah, Videl, how is your flying skill? Has it improved?

VIDEL: Gohan! Aren't you shocked at what you just witnessed?

GOHAN: Huh? Ah... Ha ha! W-Well, y-yeah...

VIDEL: That man just destroyed the machine! I can't believe it!

Vegeta went to the other Z Fighters.

VIDEL: That group... they are incredible! They surpassed the score that my father set earlier. All of them got 200 points or close. It was amazing! Incredible...

GOHAN: Well, yeah...

Since it will take some time to get the replacement of the punching machine, those who are done with their turn are advised to wait for the result. Goku and the others decided to go see the junior division competition.

VIDEL: They're coming this way... Look at them walk...So confident and... so sure. Who are these people?

Goku stops upon seeing Gohan. Videl is shocked not only because he's one of those contestants who had unbelievable scores in the punching machine.

VIDEL: (on her mind) This man… it can't be!

GOKU: (looks at Videl) Is she the friend you mentioned earlier?

GOHAN: Uh... yeah...

KRILLIN: Friend, or girlfriend?

Krillin gives Gohan a teasing smile. Gohan gives him an awkward smile.

GOHAN: Krillin, you're embarrassing me.

GOKU: We'll go check on the junior competition.

GOHAN: I'll go after we're finished.

GOKU: Okay... see yah!

The group leaves.

VIDEL: (bewildered) You know those people?

GOHAN: Well, yeah... Actually, that guy in orange gi is my father.

Videl is shocked, and it's because her guess was confirmed.

VIDEL: But... I thought your father is dead!

GOHAN: He is. See that halo above his head? He just came back to join the competition today.

VIDEL: (more confused) What kind of people are you?

Gohan finally realizes what the conversation has turned into. He suddenly does not know how to answer Videl's question. He just looks at her, praying that he did not appear much more strange than he thinks he already seems to her.

At that moment, Videl is finally being able to grasp Gohan's peculiarity a little.

VIDEL: Gohan... there are a lot you haven't told me yet, right?

GOHAN: B-But... what do you want me to tell you?

VIDEL: I don't know... you tell me...

Gohan looks down.

GOHAN: All I can say is that... things that happen in my life and the people around me are not usually what other people experience. Our life is quite different than yours...

Videl looks at Gohan, who is obviously worried. She kind of feels guilty. To console Gohan and somehow fix the situation, she holds his hand.

VIDEL: Different is okay. It's not necessarily bad. Sometimes, it's actually amazing.

Gohan looks at Videl, who smiles at him. He suddenly feels a lot better he was able to smile back.

Videl feels good that Gohan's mood has improved. She likes that he smiled back at her. She likes it a lot it warms her heart. Though it gives her that unexplainable feeling inside her that makes her a little confused and distracted - the feeling that only Gohan was able to give her.

She starts feeling that again, and it makes her feel alarmed. She looks away trying to shake the feeling off, realizing she can't because she can feel her hand holding Gohan's. She lets go of his hand.

But Gohan has other plans. He instead holds her hand, more tightly than she did. Videl looks at their hands holding, then looks at Gohan giving him a questioning look. Gohan grins at her, quite awkwardly, obviously shy, definitely pleading he lets him hold her hand. Videl felt that. She smiles and lets him hold her hand while they wait for their turn in the preliminary assessment.

[hexusproductions]

Q-pid - 50 Questions

Answering a list of 50 character questions in-character. The original list can be found here.

1. Are you a morning person or more of a night owl?

“I’m more of a morning person. I like running errands at times when nobody is really out and about.”

2. What’s the first thing you notice about a person when you meet them?

“Their demeanour. You know, if they’re acting proud, happy, tough. However they’re acting, so I know how much I should be acting as well.”

3. You see a huge spider in your room. What do you do?

“Immediately find bug spray. I don’t want it anywhere near me.”

4. If you could go back and change one decision you made in the past, what would you change?

“I would read my contract better before signing it.”

5. Tell me about your first kiss.

“We went to one of those make-out points. It was very sweet. We were teenagers in love, and that night was picture-perfect.”

6. Do you give people second chances?

“I can’t think of any point where someone’s done something to me, and I haven’t eventually forgiven them or let the matter go.”

7. Are you a cat person or a dog person?

“I do love cats. They’re adorable and soft.”

8. Do you think you’re attractive?

“Oh definitely. I’m completely gorgeous. Ask anyone.”

9. What’s your worst habit?

“I poke and prod at people and sometimes that ends up going too far. People lose their temper, and that usually ends up hurting me in some way or another.”

10. When was the last time you cried?

“Oh…On-camera, maybe? I don’t cry a lot, but I’ve definitely done it when someone was recording.”

11. Are you a good liar?

“I’m a talented actor, so that bleeds over if I have to pretend something is the truth.”

12. What’s your biggest pet peeve?

“Being spoken over. If you must speak, wait your turn.”

13. Have you ever had your heart broken?

“A few times, maybe. There’s been a few close calls, but I’ve never found anyone who could make a dent I couldn’t repair.”

14. Are you more likely to use your fists or your words in an argument?

“Words cut better, but I’m also fine with using a physical weapon. My favourites being demonstrating my talents, or with my bow.”

15. What’s something you’re naturally good at?

“Singing, looking good, winning hearts. The list goes on.”

16. What’s something you had to work hard to be good at?

“Choreography. When I was first starting, I wasn’t used to performing on-stage with rehearsed dance routines. But- But after four years I can tell you I’m perfect!”

17. Can you tell when someone is flirting with you?

“Oh yeah. Part of my whole character riles on me being able to recognise it.”

18. Do you think money can buy happiness?

“All you need in this world is love. If you have that, there’s always hope.”

19. Do you believe in destiny?

“Speaking for myself, I was always going to end up where I am now, sooner or later. I guess that would mean other people have destinies as well.”

20. Are you a good cook?

“I’m an experimental cook. When I have the time, I’ll mess around with recipes. It may be hit-or-miss, but since I’m only ever cooking for myself, it doesn’t matter. But I do hope to make someone dinner or breakfast-in-bed one day…”

21. What do you think happens after you die?

“I’ll live on through my music, surely.”

22. Did you have to grow up fast?

“No, not really. I was average, I grew up at an equally average speed. Then when I signed up with Prometheus everything seemed to just whoosh by into breakneck speed.”

23. Who do you look up to?

“Myself. There’s some artists that inspire me because of what they do, so I guess I look up to them.”

24. When you go to a tavern, what do you order?

“Something weak, so that it doesn’t impact my ability to perform. But it is also probably the only drink I’ll be getting for the night, so I’m going to make it count.”

25. What do you like most about yourself?

“I’m talented, gorgeous, brilliant in my field-”

26. What do you like least about yourself?

“What’s not to like?”

27. Do you want kids someday?

“I’ve never even thought about that. I’m focusing on my career. I don’t know what’s going to happen, all I hope for is that I’m still Q-pid.”

28. Are you a planner, or more spontaneous?

“I’m more spontaneous, though with plenty prepared – many arrows in my quiver, as they say – to help me.”

29. Can you keep a secret?

“I keep secrets very well. If I didn’t I’d be fired, haha.”

30. Do you like being the centre of attention?

“One thousand percent. I’m Q-pid, my lovelies, my heart goes out to the entire world!”

31. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?

“I’d work my ass off until that point. Release every idea I’ve ever wanted to see finished, post them on my own goddamn website. I don’t care if they’re grainy audio files, people will hear them. They will know me, before I die.”

32. Do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?

“Always! Even if the special occasion is just going down the street, I like to look good and feel good. And when it comes to special events requiring a special appearance from yours truly, my costume designer is a goddess. I never get tired of wearing that costume.”

33. Where do you feel safe?

“In my apartment. I can decorate and act however I like, and no-one ever visits. It’s like my own private bunker.”

34. Do you love or hate being alone?

“…I’ve accepted it…”

35. What’s the last nightmare you remember having?

“My hands and legs were chewed off. I don’t know what by, but I think it was humanoid.”

36. Do you admit to mistakes when you make them?

“Oh, no, definitely not. I usually cover them up and act like I knew what I was doing the whole time.”

37. Do you want to grow up to be like your parents?

“I haven’t spoken to them in years, but they weren’t really anybody, so.”

38. How do you deal with being sick? Are you stoic, or super whiny?

“Everyone needs to know that I’m not at my best! That’s not whiny!!”

39. What did your parents expect from you when you were born?

“I honestly don’t know. For me to happy, maybe? Then that would be mission accomplished.”

40. Do you have a strong sense of style?

“Oh yes. Everything I wear is stylish, coordinated, and extravagant. I don’t leave the house if it’s not.”

41. Would you rather camp outdoors or stay the night in an inn?

“Definitely indoors. I’m not sleeping outside, are you kidding? I’ll get dirt everywhere and I’ll get attacked by wild animals.”

42. Is there a food that most people like that you absolutely hate?

“Hm. I don’t know if peaches count as a beloved food, but they have a weird taste and texture. Oh, kiwi! I don’t like kiwi.”

43. Are you more of a hoarder or a minimalist?

“I’m right in the middle. I decorate my tables and shelves with as much as possible, but everything else has to be completely cleared. Especially where there’s a lot of foot traffic.”

44. Are you superstitious?

“No! Absolutely not. I’m just careful. Who isn’t careful about things like ghosts and evil spirits?”

45. Are you the kind of person who remembers people’s birthdays and pets’ names and stuff?

“Not really. Little things like that just, slip my mind. It’s a curse.”

46. What do you do to feel better when you’re sad?

“I’m never ever sad. I’m Q-pid…But if Pitt’s feeling down, he buys himself something nice.”

47. Is it hard for you to trust someone?

“I always say that I trust people. But I don’t open up to people, and most only see about thirty percent of me. They don’t want to know about the rest, so I don’t bother.”

48. Are you susceptible to peer pressure?

“No?? Oh that’s cute. I deal with a much worse kind of pressure every day, that kind doesn’t bother me.”

49. If you decided to stop adventuring and settle down, what kind of job would you take?

“I don’t think I’d quit unless I was forced to. In which case, I’d probably get super depressed. But, I like pilots, and I like being able to fly. I’ve kind of achieved that with the wings, but I’d go for the run-of-the-mill version if the worst happens.”

50. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

“I wanted to make music years before I was signed. That’s why I jumped at the chance to do it. I’ll do anything to keep that dream alive.”

[mfackenthal]

MFR #10 Minipost: TRR

TRR Fanfic is abundant and I love it!  

Here’s a list of the work I read for TRR in the last two months.

Epiphany (series) by @ao719

In this series – we get to see what may have happened in Liam let fear keep him from proposing to MC (Daniella) when he had the chance. Instead, he didn’t choose her out of fear that doing so would put her more in harm’s way.  When Daniella returns and Liam has to watch her fall for another man … let’s just say sparks fly.  Come see if Liam can prove he still has what is needed to get the girl.

The Consequence of Secrets – Part 18 – The ICU by @blackcatkita

The pregnant Queen is finally awake.  She’s on anesthesia and a bit high – so that’s entertaining.  Liam’s anger is thawing towards Drake (finally!) This series is so good – so if you haven’t started it – it’s time to catch up.  And if you’ve been waiting for the next chapter – here it is!

Vengeance (series) by @ao719

Colette comes to Cordonia on a mission.  Drake seems to know her and be able to vouch for her.  Liam, of course, falls for her quickly.  As people in high places end up in jail for their illegal activities, Colette’s life is threatened.   Is Colette a danger to the crown?  Will Liam be able to keep her safe? 

Guarded Hearts by @lolablackwrites

In the most recent chapter (37), Bas and Alice are back together.  Bas asks Alice to move in with him!  We get more of BFF Frankie.  A delightful conversation occurs between Alice and Bertrand.  This chapter made me snort coffee.  It hurt but it was so worth it.  As the president of the Bastien Fanclub – I’m telling you that you must read this if you love Bas!

Worth the Wait by @speedyoperarascalparty

Happy Father’s Day Drake Walker!

The Sins of the Father by @sawyeroakleyscowboyhat

Liam learns that Drake is his brother.  Come find out how that happened.

Running on Fumes by @cocomaxley

When exhausted men babysit their children, they learn the importance of tagging their strollers.

Liam’s Journal (series) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

TRR book 1 through Liam’s 5 senses.  You know the story – but not this intimately.

A Question of Paternity (series) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

Riley marries Drake and quickly learns she is pregnant.  Is it possible that Drake is not the father?

Marry Me by @theroyalweisme

Drake watches the love of his life marry someone else.  It’s beautiful anguish. 

Family Secrets (series) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

Bertrand knows there’s a sister Beaumont out there.  Maxwell doesn’t.  Maxwell invites Nev to come compete for Liam.  The stage is set for secrets to reveal something good or make life more complicated.

Whatever Comes Next by @drakewalkerwhipped

Drake and Jaela are on their honeymoon.  This is a chapter of love, smut, tenderness AND plot. 

A Twist in the Tale by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

Things are a little different in this story about when Liam learns what happened with Tariq.

Living with Consequences by @argylemnwrites

Drake and Riley agreed their child could be the next heir to the throne and regretted it almost immediately … come find out a few of the reasons why.  I particularly love how Drake and Riley are on the same page at the end. 

Sweethearts (series) by @elles-choices​

Liam is King.  Lola is a fashion icon.  They’ve found a way to get back together but that’s still not public knowledge.  In this NSFW chapter, Liam lets Lola know that she can be seen with someone else, but he owns her body and heart.

July 1: Home by @darley1101

Liam and Karin (MC) take a moment to breath and remember how lucky they are.

Finding Riley (series) by @emceesynonymroll

An amazing AU where we learn that Riley isn’t who she originally claimed to be but she may just be what Cordonia needs.  This was so creative, I was hanging on every new chapter.

Unexpected (series) by @ao719

Driam x Riley – it’s NSFW, it’s sexy, no one has been able to clearly think through their feelings on their own, let alone share those feelings … but there’s a lot of love to go around.  I cannot wait to see where this one goes!  And in the meantime – every chapter is HOT HOT HOT!!!

We Owe Him by @drakewalkerwhipped

The conversation we all deserved between Drake and MC about naming a child the next heir. It’s real, it’s honest, it’s intense.

The Secrets Out (series) by @ao719 (CGW)

Liam has a cousin that Anitah had a one-night stand with and never mentioned anything … Liam is very drunk when he learns this and says shit he never should have even thought.  Check out this series to learn how Liam learns this truth and then whine with me for more so we can learn how Liam gets out of the dog house. 

One Handsome Devil (series) by @onehandsomedevil-trr

Follow the TRR story that you love with greater details.  Drake with with MC (Kate) and right now Liam is with Hana.  Liam and Hana is not a pairing I usually like – but it works.  Come see why.

The Royal Honor by @katedrakeohd

This is going to kind of follow the plot of The Royal Heir … but with @katedrakeohd flair. 

Pas de trois (series) by @ritachacha

Maxwell has married MC (Riley).  She has had a few flings with Liam … which Maxwell has just recently learned and is not thrilled by.  Liam has asked for permission to be with Riley so that an heir might be born.  No one seems to be speaking their full truths – least of all Riley and Maxwell.  But the sex they’re having is hot.  I can’t wait to see where things go from here.  

Fall Apart (series) by @debramcg1106

Riley and married Liam and let’s just say that Drake is not handling that very well.  Drake has friends who want to help – and some who will force him to get help.  Will he accept it?

Totally, One-Hundred Percent Brand New Information by @argylemnwrites

A delightful story about how and when Maxwell figures out that Riley has fallen for Drake.  Maxwell is such a good friend!

Treason Never Wins (series) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

Liam and Riley are trying to get down the aisle, but Anton may find a way to stop the wedding.  Will everyone survive?

Don’t Confuse Having a Career with Having a Life by @choicecrossover

Ana De Luca interviews Bastien and Rinda.  While I believe that MFackenthal would give a better interview, I am in love with Bastien and Rinda.  This interview is just one more reason why.

Worlds Collide: Prologue by @cordoniansgonewild

An AU to the original AU – The start of a social season where Liam isn’t the only guy looking for a partner in life.

All He Wanted by @emceesynonymroll

Drake wakes up one morning to the life he always thought he wanted … but everything is not as it seems.  Come figure out what is going on. 

Be Careful What You Wish For (series) by @bobasheebaby

Liam does not accept that Rebecca could really choose Drake and he continues to pursue her after their marriage.  If you get in Liam’s way – you may end up dead.  Can Liam be stopped?

I’m Flossy by @cordoniansgonewild

Liam’s dance is caught for others to see. 

The Pain is In the Knowing (series) by @ritachacha

In this beautifully written and bittersweet story – Maxwell is in love with Savannah. Will he tell her or let her marry his brother?

Obsessed (series) by @speedyoperarascalparty (CGW)

Drake and Pam have a stalker.  This person is closer than we want.  Danger! Danger!  Can Drake keep Pam safe?

More than This by @hopefulmoonobject

To be honest, I had a small hand in the creation of this one – so yeah yeah bias blah blah blah.  But seriously – it’s sooooo good and popular demand has asked for it to become a series.  I cannot wait to see where things go!  Leo is trying to turn a new leaf.  He’s getting clean from alcohol, but other addictions are harder to let go … then he meets a woman that might just be worth staying healthy for.

The Masterlist for @stopforamoment

Bas and Rinda.  Rinda is my spirit animal.  This series is AMAZING!  It’s the slow burn of slow burn.  I had to edit a few chapters just to get a damn kiss!  BUT Rinda is full of life.  She’s soulful.  She brings out a lighter side for Bas.  The humor in this series will surprise you at times.  I read series 1 – 6 in two days and will be catching up on the next 20 series as soon as I can.

All the Stars (mini-series) by @ao719

Liam and MC (Lauren) have a child, but Lauren stays in New York to raise their child.  Can Liam convince her to come to Cordonia? Bring some tissues for the later chapters. 

The Commoner’s Wife (series) by @dcbbw

Riley has married Drake – but is it out of obligation or love?  Liam and Riley are having an affair.  Liam wants Riley but he also wants the sneaking around to end.  What does Riley want?  Drake isn’t as in the dark as everyone is trying to convince him to be.  It’s complicated and sexy and I cannot wait to see where things go from here. (Many thanks to @darley1101 who told me to read this!)

All Is Not What It Seems (series) by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

Is Liam cheating on Riley with Hana?

Addicted (Preview 2) by @indiacater

Liam and Naima were addicted to each other in the past.  They’ve been forced apart but now Naima is back – and the addiction is too.  Things are going to get delightfully messy. 

Crazy Week by @butindeed

It’s all in the title ;)  It’s a crazy week for Riley, Liam, Drake, Hana and more.  A TRR AU.

A Peek Behind Liam’s Instagram (series) by @the-soot-sprite and @zaffrenotes

Pictures may say more than words – but that won’t keep the Cordonian crew from sharing their opinions.    

Shameless Promotions:

The MFackenthal Show with @cordoniansgonewild: Think Ellen meets choices.  In this episode, the ladies of Cordonian’s Gone Wild take over The MFackenthal Show – let the shenanigans and drinking commence while you learn how these four ladies make the magic happen.

From the World’s Collide AU with @cordoniansgonewild come 5 interviews with MFackenthal and the guys:

**MFackenthal Interviews Liam from @cordoniansgonewild

**MFackenthal Interviews Drake from @cordoniansgonewild

**MFackenthal Interviews Rashad from @cordoniansgonewild

**MFackenthal Interviews Leo from @cordoniansgonewild

**MFackenthal Interviews Maxwell from @cordoniansgonewild

[hybridfanfiction]

Lost In The Echo - 1

Pairing: Keith x Labrador hybrid Lance

Summary: After his brother went MIA, Keith’s life began to fall apart. He dropped out of high school and got a job, barely doing enough for himself to survive. He’s reached the point where even he is worried about how far he’s fallen into the depths of his depression. After learning about emotional support hybrids, he takes a chance and adopts a Lab hybrid named Lance. 

Word Count: 2567

Requested

The apartment door banged loudly as Keith kicked it closed, not even bothering to lock it since he had nothing for anyone to steal anyway. He tossed his bike helmet onto the couch and slumped into the opposite seat with a relieved sigh. 

Today had been yet another long and tedious day filled with nothingness. He’d even volunteered to work longer at the machine shop and had put in a whole twelve hours just to have something to fill his time. And now he was back in his crappy apartment that was just as empty as he was, save for the overloaded trash can filled with takeout boxes and a sink full of dishes he was never motivated enough to wash. The mess annoyed the hell out of him, sure, but the effort it would take to gather up the remnants of energy he had left to clean seemed impossible. Takashi would kick his ass if he saw this place...

Instead, he stretched out fully on the couch and put some documentary on that he barely paid attention to in order to fill the silence and ordered some dinner off of his favorite app. He figured at some point he should take a shower and get the smell of the shop off of him, but that seemed like too much work at the moment. He lounged on the couch for the full thirty minutes he had to wait for his food, moving only to kick off his shoes. 

When the doorbell rang he sighed wearily, wincing as his bones cracked as he stood. He slowly hobbled to the doorway and cracked it open, intending to simply reach his hand out for the bag and scurry back inside like the antisocial raccoon he was. 

“Special delivery for Gerard Way if he had a mullet and shrunk three inches?” 

Keith scrunched his nose as he realized the amused voice was familiar and poked his head out, widening his eyes as he took in the grinning delivery person. 

“Hunk?”

“Hey man! Long time no see, huh? I saw your name on the order form and couldn’t resist making the delivery myself. You were our last order of the night anyway.” 

Keith pulled the door open all the way and peered up at him. 

“Jesus, did you get even taller? And are those real muscles? Dude.” 

Hunk holds up the bags that looked like they had a lot more than what he actually ordered, flexing shamelessly. 

“I know, right? The last time you saw me was in high school when I was still ninety percent taco, but I’ve been working out for actual fun these days. And you! I took a chance you’d still have the mullet when I made that joke, glad it worked out.” 

Keith rolled his eyes as he ruffled said hair nervously. 

“It just grows that way, you know that.” 

“So you’ve always said. Man, I missed you. A lot of us tried to find you these past few of years, but you seemed to just vanish and don’t even use social media. How are things? Hold up, let me get your food setup here.” 

Hunk just walked right past Keith into his apartment and placed the bags on the coffee table. He muttered to himself as he set out multiple fantastic smelling containers, and Keith took a moment to glance around for anything too shameful while Hunk was distracted. 

He was embarrassed by the stark emptiness of the place, as he only bought the bare essentials, but he knew Hunk was too nice to actually say anything about it. Mostly it was just the trash-filled kitchen and the fact that it was obvious he usually just slept on the couch that had him worried. 

“So you work at Sal’s, huh?” 

“Co-own it actually, along with being the head chef. Except on the weekends when I volunteer at Hybrid Haven with Katie.”

Keith was impressed but wasn’t all that surprised. He’d known Hunk would do well for himself even back in high school. He was just a nice guy all the way to his core and got along with everyone, unlike Keith who liked five living beings and two of them were dogs. 

“So Pidgeotto is still around too, huh?” 

“I forgot about that one,” Hunk snorts and sets the plastic bags off to the side. “Yeah, most of us are still around. Katie and Allura run Hybrid Haven together and Matt left the Army after...that...and is some software genius and built his own company. He tried to explain what it was for, but it went over even my head. And I studied to be an engineer!” 

Keith huffed a laugh and let Hunk pull him onto the couch, accepting the utensils he was handed. 

“What is all this, anyway? I just ordered a meatball sandwich.” 

“I know, but dude, this is my first chance to have you try my professional skills! I’m not going to pass that up. I’ve improved so much in the three years since you last tried something of mine. So I made you a sampler platter of our Italian favorites. Spaghetti alla carbonara, Manicotti, Risotto, Fritto misto, and of course a nice big order of meatballs since that’s what you actually asked for. Oh, and there’s breadsticks. And tiramisu for dessert.” 

“God, everything smells amazing,” Keith moaned as he opened the first container. 

“Good. Eat up, you look like you’re skin and bones.” 

Keith huffed a laugh, then practically shoved what he guessed was the carbonara into his mouth. It was so rich and the noodles perfectly al dente, even with them being delivered. It had been a long time since Keith had actually appreciated food, usually just eating what he felt he could tolerate at the moment so he’d stay alive. But a combination of wanting to please Hunk who was watching his every bite and the knowledge that Hunk’s food was always amazing led to genuine enjoyment of the meal. He eyed the number of containers and wondered if Hunk would expect him to eat it all now or if he’d be able to stretch them out for a few days. 

“You know, now that I’m looking at you, you seem like you’re sick. Is that why you ordered takeout? I should have brought my soup too,” Hunk frowns and lays a massive hand on Keith’s forehead, trying to gauge his temperature. 

“I’m not sick. Just tired. Long day, you know?” 

Hunk didn’t look convinced, his gaze sharpening as he looked Keith up and down deliberately then moved to give his actual apartment the same treatment. Keith felt like an ant under a microscope, knowing that Hunk’s often overlooked brain was seeing everything. 

Hunk sighed and pat Keith on the head like a damn dog as he stood up and headed towards the kitchen. 

“Don’t move a muscle, no matter what. I want you to stay there and eat. I’m beginning to suspect that’s the first decent meal you’ve had in three years.” 

Keith’s shame was almost overwhelming because Hunk was grabbing a garbage bag and collecting the overflowing trash that Keith had merely watched grow into a massive pile. He tried to protest, but a sharp look from Hunk told him it was pointless and he’d continued shoveling food down his throat instead. 

He was midway through the huge foil tin of Manicotti and listening to Hunk hum to himself as he washed Keith’s dishes when the exhaustion finally caught up to him. His belly was full of delicious food and he was comfortable, laying his head back against the couch and promising he was just going to close his eyes for a second because it hurt to keep them open...

The sun was just beginning to filter through his blinds when he woke up. His apartment was silent except for the gentle hum of the dryer, meaning Hunk had even tackled Keith’s toxic pile of dirty laundry and apparently had been here all night doing so. He was ashamed that his old friend had seen what a mess he was these days, but he was touched and humbled that he’d gone out of his way like this. 

Keith stretched and cracked his neck before standing, realizing his body was more rested than it had been in a while. He didn’t know if it was the food or just having another presence in the place that had helped. 

He yawned and padded towards the kitchen, hoping that Hunk had stashed the leftovers in there. He swung the door open and grinned when he spotted the containers, pulling out the meatballs to make a cold sandwich. He could only imagine the shock on Hunk’s face when he’d opened the fridge and found only water and ketchup. 

Keith split open a couple of rolls that Hunk had included with his order and filled them full to bursting with meatballs, suddenly ravenous. He even put them on a plate now that he had some clean dishes. He took a huge bite and chewed happily on his way back to the couch, setting his plate down and searching for the remote and clicking the TV on, pausing as he realized there was a note taped to the front of it. 

He jumped back up and pulled it off, reading as he slumped back into his seat. 

Keith, 

I have to head home before my girlfriend worries too much (her name is Shay! I can’t wait for you to meet her). I am so happy that you ordered from my place today. I know that you are probably all kinds of embarrassed right now, but I seriously missed you. I know it’s probably been hard since Shiro went missing. We all loved him, but you worshipped him. Your brother was one of the greatest people I’ve ever met and I know he’d feel horrible if he came back and saw how much you were hurting. 

I’m sorry for upsetting you if you think I overstepped today, but I’m not sorry I did it. You needed some looking after and I was happy to do it. We’ve all been worried sick about you since you left. Matt says he has nightmares sometimes of Shiro coming back and he has to explain that he lost his little brother. 

I know you like to think it sometimes, but you’re really not alone. If you’d let us back into your life, we’d love to be there. You were never just another high school friend to us, Keith. You are family. Family that we’ve missed terribly. 

As your family, I’m just going to say it. I think you’ve been letting your depression win, bud. The Keith I know is a fighter and right now I think you’re facing your strongest opponent and letting it take over. Please let us help you and be there for you. There’s no shame in asking for help. 

I also have another friend that I’d like you to meet. You know how I said we all work with Hybrid Haven? Allura started a program a few years ago training emotional support hybrids. We mainly adopt them out to military vets dealing with PTSD, but I think it would be a good match for you too. There is one, in particular, I have in mind for you. He’s kinda your polar opposite in a lot of ways, but I think it would be good for you. 

Just head to the Haven if you decide to go through with it and Katie will probably be at the counter. Tell her you’re there for Lance. She’ll probably be so happy to see you she’ll waive the adoption fee...after she says a few choice words to you. You know how she is, don’t take it to heart. She just missed you and she’s kinda like you in that emotions make her angry. 

If you still want to talk to me even after I’ve butted my big head into your business, I’ll write my number under this. If you don’t, that’s fine too. Although I’ll probably cry. Don’t make me cry, Keith. 

-Hunk

Keith snorted as he read the last line, then programmed the number into his phone. When he’d disappeared after Takashi went missing, he hadn’t been in a good place. He’d spent every waking moment trying to convince anyone that would listen that his brother was still alive and needing to be rescued. The Army has brushed him off, telling him they were sorry for his loss and that Takashi had been a good soldier, but there was nothing else to be done. 

Their parents had died when Keith was too young to remember them well and Takashi had raised him after that. He’d been Keith’s entire world and his hero. They’d moved around from base to base until Keith had hit high school and demanded to stay in one school for the entire time. He’d gotten his wish and had stayed there with the same group of friends until he was almost eighteen and a few months away from graduating. Until the soldiers had come to their home holding a flag and a generic letter of condolence. After that, high school had seemed meaningless and he had to find a job to support himself. He’d sold the home they'd been living in, unable to keep up the payments on his own. He’d then started his monotonous life of working at the machine shop and coming home to an empty apartment. 

He hadn’t really meant to ignore his friends from school, they just felt like they didn’t belong to him. They were friends with a different Keith that didn’t exist anymore, one that used to laugh and play. One that hadn’t felt like he was a waste of space just by existing. 

He looked at Hunk’s letter again, raising an eyebrow as he got to the part about the hybrid. He was familiar with the creatures, of course. The military had wolf hybrids and Keith remembered a few fondly from his years as an army brat. He remembered he’d even begged Takashi to adopt one years ago, but they hadn’t been as settled at the time so he’d said no. 

He glanced around his now clean apartment, taking in the clean kitchen and piles of folded clean laundry waiting in baskets. The place was still empty, but it was looking a little more homey after Hunk had his way with it. Keith sighed and let the idea churn in his head. 

He supposed it would be nice to come home to someone, even a hybrid. He’d have a reason to clean up after himself and keep the fridge stocked at the very least. And it would be nice to have Hunk and Pidge around again. 

But first, a shower.

[lovemesomerafael]

EL AMOR TODO LO PUEDE Chapter 28:  What’s Left Over

Chapters 1-25  Chapter 26  Chapter 27

Laura’s physical injuries weren’t bad; a slight black eye and a few bruises.  The perp’s had been much worse.  Which was the problem.  The whiny shit had screamed bloody murder about police brutality.  When Lieutenant Benson received the message that IAB was sending someone over and that Parker should be ready to explain herself, she had wasted no time contacting Barba.  He had been in her office inside of an hour.  She wondered how hard Carmen had had to work to clear his schedule, but she knew that no union delegate would defend one of her detectives half as fiercely as Barba would defend Parker.

Although the Sergeant from IAB hadn’t been happy about it, Rafael had been masterful in bamboozling her into allowing him to attend the meeting in lieu of Laura’s union delegate.  His argument had been the purest bullshit, but the IAB Sergeant wasn’t very experienced in her role, and she reluctantly bought it.  In any event, Olivia thought that sending such a rookie to investigate the incident probably meant IAB didn’t take the complaint too seriously.

The Sergeant sat on one end of the couch in Olivia’s office, Laura on the other.  Olivia sat on the edge of her desk and Rafael stood, nervously pacing in the small area between the desk and couch.  Laura was silent for much the meeting, her eyes frequently focused on nothing.  Rafael and Olivia were both worried about her.  It wasn’t quite a thousand-yard stare, but she was definitely not entirely present.  She hadn’t been since the arrest.  The whole time they’d been preparing her for this meeting, they’d had to keep recapturing her attention because she’d simply drift away.

Olivia could see Fin, Carisi, and Rollins trying to appear busy while anxiously keeping an eye on what was happening in her office.  Fin had argued vehemently that he should be present for the interview, since he’d been present for much of the incident, but the IAB Sergeant hadn’t budged on that.  She insisted on interviewing them separately, as she should.

Rafael took control of the interview at first.  “Sergeant, you know Dario Cristano has been convicted five times of beating the hell out of women.  One of those women died.  God knows how many times he’s gotten away with it.  This maniac tried to evade arrest, sucker-punched Detective Parker, and then went after her when she defended herself.”  

Barba was pissed.  Olivia was glad he was here, because she was concerned.  Parker had really hurt the guy.  

“Let me explain the laws of physics to you, Sergeant,” Rafael continued.  “You can see that Detective Parker is just over five feet tall.  I’m sure she can’t weigh a hundred pounds.  Mr. Christano is more than a foot taller and he has her by at least ninety pounds.  He’s perfectly capable of killing her with his bare hands, which is what he tried to do.”

“I understand that he is bigger than she is, Mr. Barba.  I also understand that he has significant injuries, which Detective Parker admits to having caused, and that she had to be pulled off of him by her partner.”

“That’s not what Sergeant Tutuola is saying.” Olivia argued.

“Well, that’s what Mr. Cristano is saying,” the Sergeant snapped.  “I want to hear what Detective Parker has to say.”

All eyes turned to Laura who, having heard her name, reluctantly brought her focus onto the conversation.  She recited her lines word for word.  “My partner and I attempted to arrest Cristano.  He broke free and ran, and we chased him two blocks until we lost him.  We searched for him; I went into the alley where he was hiding.  He jumped out and grabbed me from behind, and punched me in the face.”  She stopped, took a shaky breath and shook her head as if to clear it before she pointed to her black eye.  “He continued to attack me.  I defended myself and took him to the ground.  It took both myself and Detective Tutuola to subdue him.”

One of the things Rafael appreciated about Laura as a cop was that she listened to him, followed his instructions, and therefore made a solid witness.  He just wished she didn’t sound so disconnected from the story she was telling.  He didn’t think she sounded rehearsed; that wasn’t what bothered him.  It was more that she sounded like she wasn’t paying much attention to what she was saying. Like she was somewhere else.

“Is there anything else you’d like to say about what happened?”  The Sergeant looked up from her notetaking to peer closely at Laura.  

Laura shrugged.  “I did what I had to do.  I wasn’t trying to hurt the guy, I was just trying to stop him hurting me.”

The Sergeant put on a pair of reading glasses. “He says, and I quote, ‘The Detective swung me face-first into a brick wall.  She kicked my legs out from under me and threw me to the ground.  When I tried to escape the beating, she elbowed me in the jaw, knocking me back to the ground, then knelt on my chest and hit me repeatedly in the face.’”  The Sergeant looked up from the report she was reading from, pulling her glasses off.

“His injuries are consistent with that report, Detective.”

Laura took a breath, looked briefly at Rafael, and said, “They would be.  I did all of those things.  That’s what it took to subdue him.  As I said, he grabbed me from behind and punched me in the face.  I had to fight him to the ground.  What he calls ‘trying to escape the beating’, I call trying to escape arrest.  I was trying to roll him over to be cuffed.  And he forgot to mention the part where he threw me several feet into some trash cans, and tried to run away.”  Laura pulled up a sleeve and the side of her shirt, showing some ugly bruises. “Which is consistent with my injuries.”  

Rafael wanted to cheer.  He’d told her to do exactly that.  

“Detective Tutuola heard me hit the trash cans and came to my assistance as I was trying to regain control of Cristano.  Together, we subdued, cuffed, and arrested him.”

The room was silent for a moment.  When the Sergeant didn’t immediately ask any further questions, Olivia stood.  “We done here?”  She asked archly.

“I’ll need to speak to Sergeant Tutuola,” the Sergeant replied, standing also.

Olivia opened her office door and motioned for Fin. Laura stood and stepped out of the office, passing Fin, who gave her a nod.  

“Hey,” he called after she had passed him.  She turned around to face him.

“Don’t worry about a thing.  I got you.”  He said, holding out a fist.  

“Thanks, partner,” she said, smiling weakly and bumping his fist with her own.

As soon as the door to Olivia’s office closed, the other detectives were on Laura.  

“How’d it go?”  Carisi asked, taking a seat on Laura’s desk as she sat down behind it.

Laura shrugged.  “OK, I guess,” she answered.

“You know,” Rollins said from where she sat nearby, “This is just a formality.  They’re only investigating this because they have to.”

“Guy like that, the Department oughtta pin a medal on you for rearranging his face,” Carisi said.

“The NYPD doesn’t give medals for making stupid mistakes and getting yourself jumped in an alley,” Laura grumped.  

“Hey,” Rollins said, rolling her chair over to put a hand on Laura’s arm.  “Nobody has X-ray vision.  He was hiding.  You found him.  He tried to escape and you kicked his ass and made the collar.  End of story.”

“Whatever,” Laura sighed.  “I just hope it ends here.”

“It will,” Carisi assured her.  “Fin’ll back you up a hundred percent.  It’s your word against a woman-beating scumbag.”  

Fin’s interview was even shorter than Laura’s had been.  Soon, the Sergeant from IAB left, promising to let them know the result of her investigation.  Fin, Olivia, and Rafael came over to stand near Laura’s desk.  

“Fin’s statement matched yours,” Olivia told her. “I don’t think we’re gonna hear any more about this.”

“Thanks, Lieu,” Laura said, and fist-bumped Fin again.

“But I am gonna send you home,” Olivia said kindly. “You’ve had enough for one day.”  

“I’m fine-“ Laura tried.

Olivia pointed to her shield.  “Lieutenant.  Go.”

“OK, OK...  I’m going…” Laura smiled weakly and stood.    

“Te acompañaré,”[1] Rafael offered.  

As they made their way out of the building, Rafael asked her in a low voice, “You OK?”  

Laura shrugged.  “I have a headache and I feel like a rookie.  I should never have let that happen.”

“What is it you think you ‘let’ happen?”

“I got jumped from behind.  I missed the guy in the dark.”

“Yes, and then you took control and arrested him. You win, he loses.  All’s right with the world.”

Laura smiled despite herself.  She loved having them all on her side.  “Nobody’s going to let me feel sorry for myself about this, are they?”

“Doesn’t look like it,” he replied, smiling at her. She thought, yet again, what a great smile he had.  

“I gotta get back to the office, can I give you a lift home?”

“What are you, Uber?  It’s hardly on the way,” she said.

“Part of the many services I offer, along with dashing good looks and sarcasm.”

Laura laughed out loud.  “I’d argue with you, but I’m not in the mood to get stared at on the subway.”

“Good.”

“Hey, Rafael…  Thank you.  You didn’t have to help me out with IAB.  I owe you one.”

He held the door open for her and they stepped out into the street.  “You’d have done fine without me.  But, my pleasure.”  

 It was after 10 p.m. when Rafael got home from his office.  He had intended to send a quick text to make sure Laura was OK, but had been busy every minute since he’d returned to his office from driving her home.  He was still bothered by the way she had looked at the interview.

He sent her a text, but got no answer. Maybe she was asleep.  He couldn’t shake the desire to check on her.  He knew he was probably being self-indulgent, but he decided that it wouldn’t hurt just to go down to her apartment and knock. He’d just have to take the chance of waking her up.  It wasn’t that late.

He took the stairs two floors down to her apartment and tried to knock softly enough that he wouldn’t wake her if she was asleep, but loud enough that she’d hear him if she wasn’t.  He thought he’d heard a faint cry from inside her apartment. He couldn’t even be sure he’d heard it, but he didn’t hesitate.  He used his key and let himself in.  

“Laura?”  He called out softly.  No lights were on.  This time, he definitely heard her making sounds of distress.  He hurried through the dark living room to the door of her bedroom, where he stood listening to her rapid, labored breathing.  It sounded like she was muttering to herself.  He could see the bed well enough to see she wasn’t in it, and tried to figure out where she was.

“Laura?”  He called again.  “It’s Rafael. Are you OK?”

He heard more tortured breathing and thought he heard her mutter his name.  “I’m turning on the light,” he said.

When he did, he instantly saw Laura, crouched in a corner, aiming her gun directly at him.  Her eyes were wild, her hair disheveled.  She was sweating and shaking, breathing hard as though she couldn’t catch her breath. She was clearly extremely agitated and fighting to control what looked to Rafael like abject terror.  

Shocked, he reflexively held up his hands until, slowly, as though afraid to do it, she moved her forearms to the side, aiming the gun away from him.  He took a few tentative steps toward her, horrified at her condition and at a complete loss as to what was wrong with her.

“You’re Rafael,” she murmured in a pressured, insistent gasp, looking through him.  Her eyes darted around the room constantly.  “You’re my friend.  You’re not going to hurt me.  It’s OK. It was just a dream.  He isn’t here.  He can’t be here.  Everything is OK…”

She seemed to be almost chanting, trying desperately to reassure herself of reality.  “I’m OK.  He can’t be here.  He’s dead. I killed him.  I felt him die.  I saw him dead.  It was only a dream.  Everything is OK…”  She wore a tank top with spaghetti straps over pajama pants.  He could see that her top was soaked with sweat.

Rafael spoke to her in a quiet, calm voice.  “No one is going to hurt you.  There’s no one here but you and me.”

“The door.  Did you lock the door?  No, the door locks behind you.  Everything’s OK.  No one can get in…”  She continued to shift her eyes constantly, trying to keep her eyes on the entire room at once and to see beyond Rafael out the bedroom door, as though at any moment, someone was going to jump out and attack her.

“The door is locked.  No one else is here.  I can… do you want me to make sure?”

“Yes!  Make sure. Turn on the lights.  Turn on all the lights.  He isn’t here.  He’s dead. I killed him…”

Rafael quickly went through the living room and kitchen, turning on every light he passed.  When he was done, he tried to move slowly and calmly as he re-entered the bedroom and took a few steps toward her.  “No one is here.  Just you and me.  I’m not going to hurt you.”

“No.  You’re not going to hurt me.  Everything is OK.  It was just a nightmare.”  

She seemed to be just a bit calmer now.  He decided to try to take a few more steps toward her.  “Laura, you’re safe.  I’m here, and I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”

“I’m safe.  I’m OK.  No one is going to hurt me.  It was just a dream.  He isn’t here.  He can’t be here.  He’s dead.”

Rafael took another step toward her and squatted down. “You’re safe.  All the lights are on.  No one is here but you and me.  Do you think you could give me the gun?  You don’t need it.  You’re safe.”

Laura looked down at the gun in her hands, held out in front of her but, mercifully, no longer aimed at Rafael.  “I’m safe.  I don’t need a gun.  There’s weapons everywhere.  Everything is a weapon.  I’m safe. He’s not here.”

“No, he’s not here.  You’re safe.  Can you give me the gun?”

She relaxed her arms a bit.  He reached out very slowly, and put his hands on hers. She let him take the gun from her hands. He flipped the safety on – holy shit, she had aimed a loaded gun with the safety off at him in this condition – and set the gun on the far side of her bedside table.

“Weapons are everywhere.  Everything’s a weapon.”  She was breathing and speaking noticeably more slowly now, although still wild-eyed and panicked.  He stayed squatting in front of her, making sure not to block her view of the door. He was starting to think he understood what was happening.  He had worked with cops long enough to know the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, although he’d never seen anything like this.  She must have had a nightmare, and was now having to fight her way through the memories of whatever had happened to her, back to reality.  

She continued to chant reassurance to herself. Rafael simply sat with her for a long time, occasionally quietly affirming that she was safe.  Her eyes continued to scan the room, but perhaps less fearfully. She was still shaking hard, though.

“He’s not here.  He can’t be here.  He’s dead. I killed him.  I felt him die.  I saw him dead.  I’m safe.”

“You’re safe.  And I’m here with you.  Everything is OK.”

For the first time, she looked at him and seemed to actually see him.  “Rafael?”

“I’m right here.  Everything is OK.”

“Why are you here?”

He thought about the most reassuring thing to say. “I came to make sure you’re safe.”

“I’m safe.  No one is here.  Right? Everything is OK.”

“Right.”  

“OK,” she said, still breathing hard but seeming to be fully awake and working her way toward something approaching calm. Her shaking seemed to be more from cold now than terror.  “OK.”  

“What can I do?”  He asked her.

“It was only a nightmare.  It’s OK.  He can’t be here.”

He wanted desperately to ask who “he” was, but instinctively knew that would be the wrong question to ask.  Who had she killed?  What had “he” done to her?  

“Are you cold?”  he asked.

“Yeah.  Cold.”

He stood up and took the comforter from her bed. As he did, he noticed that her sheets were tangled and looked to be soaked in sweat.  He stood to her side so as not to block her view of the room and the door, as he laid the comforter over her shoulders and pulled it around her. She grabbed the sides and clutched it to herself as though for protection.  She didn’t seem to need to chant reassurance to herself anymore.  

“Better?”  He asked, squatting near her again.  

“Better.  Thank you.” She said quietly.  “OK.  OK…” she occasionally whispered to herself as she tried to slow her breathing.

Minutes of silence passed, punctuated only by her occasionally whispering to herself, “OK.  OK.”  

After a while, she looked at him.  “I’m OK.  I just… had a nightmare.”

“I got that.  Should we try to get you back to bed?”

She thought about that.  “I guess so.”  

“Do you think you could stand up?”

She nodded.  He stood and reached a hand out to her.  She slowly took it and he helped her stand.  She was slick with sweat and he thought her sweat-soaked top was probably annoying.  

“How about we go into the bathroom and wash your face?  Do you want to do that?”

She nodded again.  “OK,” she whispered, more to herself than him.  

He led her slowly around her bed and toward the door to the adjoining bathroom.  She dropped the comforter on the way.  She looked over her shoulder more than once as they went into the bathroom, but seemed much calmer and was no longer shaking.  She let him sit her on the side of her bathtub while he ran some warm water on a washcloth.  He squatted in front of her with one hand on her leg and tenderly wiped her face.  

“I don’t really know what I’m doing,” he said in a gentle tone.  “Do you want to talk about it, or…”

She gave a deep sigh.  “No, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“OK.  But you know you can trust me, if you want to…”

“No,” she said more firmly.  “It was… It was a long time ago.  I trust you, it’s just not something I want you to know.”  She started to cry.

“I’m sorry,” she said, heaving a sob.  “I’m sorry I’m such a basket case.”  Rafael wasn’t sure it would be a good idea to try to hug her, so he cradled her face in his hands and used his thumbs to wipe her tears.  

“You’re not a basket case.  Mouthy pain in the ass, but not a basket case.”

She laughed through her tears and gave a shudder.

“You’re still cold,” he said, rubbing his hands on her upper arms to generate a little warmth.  

“Yeah,” she whispered.

“Tell you what.  Take a warm shower for a minute.  I’ll change your sheets – they’re soaked.  Get warm, put on some clean pajamas and get into bed.  Get back to sleep.”

“OK.  But I won’t sleep.  Can’t close my eyes.”

“Well, one thing at a time.  Where do I find pajamas and sheets?”  She told him.

“OK, you get in the shower and I’ll put some clean pajamas in here for you.”

“No peeking,” she said.

“No promises.”

“Everything’s a weapon,” she said, in the first flash of her usual self he’d seen tonight.  His lips twisted slightly up and they stood.

Laura came out of the bathroom in a fresh tank top and sleep pants a few minutes later, her wet hair pulled into a hasty knot. He was just finishing putting the comforter back on her freshly-made bed and suddenly became very interested in that when he noticed how little the tank top concealed.  

She smiled a little.  “You so didn’t have to do that,” she said.  “But thank you.  For everything.”

“Get in,” he told her, pulling back the covers. She got into bed and pulled up the sheet, but stayed sitting up.

“I won’t get back to sleep,” she told him again.

He sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been thinking about that. You said you can’t close your eyes.”

She shook her head.  “I just… if I close them...”  She didn’t finish, but it was pretty clear what she meant.

“Move over.  Let’s try something.”  She was too surprised and curious to resist.  She scooted to the middle of the bed and watched as he climbed in next to her, leaning against the headboard with his legs stretched out.  “Now, you lay down and get comfortable.”

“Rafael, you’re sweet, but really, I won’t be able to sleep…”

“Pretty sure no one else on the planet would call me ‘sweet’.  Also, shut up.  We’re doing an experiment.  Lay down.”

Again, she did what he asked more from curiosity than anything sense that he could magically help her relax enough to sleep. She lay on her side, turned toward him, and adjusted her pillow until she was comfortable.  She was fairly amused to find herself being ordered around in her own bed by A.D.A. Barba.  “Now what?”  She asked.

“Now you try to relax while I keep watch.”

“Keep watch…  What, just you’re going to sit here all night and watch over me?”

“That’s the idea.”

“Don’t you sleep?”

“I shudder to think what they’re teaching young nurses at Northwestern.   Of course I sleep.  But it’s Friday.  I’ll sleep tomorrow.”

“Really, I’ll be fine as soon as the sun comes up…”

He looked down at her with a stern expression. “Detective.  Stop.  Your job is to relax and see if you can close your eyes a little.”

She sighed, readjusted her position a little, and tried to relax.  A moment later, Rafael started to hum.  She wasn’t sure he realized he was doing it, and was so intrigued that she didn’t say anything.  Soon, he began quietly singing a song in Spanish.  She smiled into her pillow, and listened to him.

“What is that?”  She asked drowsily after he had been softly crooning for a while.

“Cuban lullaby.  Mi abuelita[2] used to sing it to me.”  

“It’s lovely.  You have a beautiful voice,” she murmured.

“Cállate,”[3] he whispered, and resumed his lullaby.  

 Laura awoke to the sound of her alarm and reached out blindly to hit the snooze button.  Instead, her hand landed on something soft and warm.  She opened her eyes to see Rafael Barba asleep next to her, sitting upright against the headboard.  He made a soft noise, but didn’t immediately wake up.

She sat up and reached across him to turn off her alarm.  No way she was going to fall back to sleep now.  Suddenly, it hit her that she had been asleep.  For the first time since the attack, she had fallen back to sleep after having a nightmare.  

She looked at Rafael and saw that, although his head was still laid back against the headboard, his eyes were open.  “Good morning, Detective,” he said sleepily.

“I slept,” she said incredulously.

“I know.  You snore.”

“Rafael, I slept.  I’ve never been able to close my eyes after I had one of those nightmares.  I didn’t just close my eyes.  I slept.” Tears formed in her eyes.  

“The power of Cuban lullabies.”  He muttered, closing his eyes again.  The barest hint of a smirk twisted his lips.

Laura simply sat there for a moment, considering. “You were singing.  I think could close my eyes because as long as I could hear you singing, that meant everything was OK.”  

“That, or mi abuelita is magic. Don’t you need to go to work?”

She touched him on the hand.  “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice full of emotion.

“You’re welcome,” he replied, still with his eyes closed.

She couldn’t help it.  She was so full of emotions – gratitude, relief, affection – she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.  He opened his eyes in time to see a tear fall from her eye to the sheets.  “I don’t think you have any idea how much it means to me, what you did.”

He gently put out a hand to caress her cheek. “That’s what friends are for.”

They spent a quiet moment simply looking into one another’s eyes before she got up and went into the bathroom to shower. When she came back out, he was gone.

 Late that afternoon, Rafael sat staring at a series of appalling photographs on his computer screen.  There was some kind of a basement or cellar with a dirt floor and blood everywhere, some of it actually dripping down the walls.  Everything in the room - rags on the floor, a stack of broken pallets, scattered and crushed boxes – was bloody.  The body of a man with torn, bloody clothes lay on its back.

Something terrible had happened in that room.  

And there were ghastly pictures of a woman with horrific injuries.  Her face was a mess.  Her eyes were swollen shut, she was covered with bruises and cuts, and her mouth was a bloody mess with several teeth missing.  Her body was equally injured.  She had two obviously broken fingers on her left hand, and bruises and lacerations covering her body.  Her left thigh had a displaced fracture that made him sick to look at.

Rafael could only look at the pictures for a few seconds at a time.  Each picture hit him like a blow.  Having seen any number of gruesome crime scene photos, he was fairly immune to them by now.  But this had been Laura.  At least, that was what the medical report said.  He wouldn’t have known that from the photos.  

The medical report contained the longest list of injuries Rafael had ever seen.  Her skull had been fractured in two places; three, if you counted the fractured orbital socket.   Her jaw had been broken and five of her front teeth knocked out.  Three of her fingers, her left wrist and forearm, four ribs and her right femur were broken.  She had multiple internal injuries.

¡Joder![4]  No wonder she had nightmares.  He was probably going to have nightmares just from the pictures.  How the hell had she survived?  There were no weapons in the room; how had she killed her attacker?

The police report answered that question.  Querido Jesus y Santa Maria.[5]  She had crushed his larynx with her bare right hand.  He had beaten her to a bloody pulp.  She had defended herself as best she could, fiercely trying to get to the door and escape, but in the end he’d injured her too badly to be able to get away from him, so she had done the only thing she could.  She had latched onto his throat and hung on, literally for her life, digging her fingernails in, squeezing and twisting until the bastard died. Rafael crossed himself.  He now wished he hadn’t called in a favor to obtain the police report.  

When Laura texted Rafael that evening to thank him again for what he’d done for her the night before, he took the opportunity to invite himself down to her apartment.  He tried to sound casual; he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable about what he had seen the night before.  He wanted her to know she could trust him.  But he really needed to see her for himself, whole and healthy, after the horrific photos he had seen of what had been done to her.  

She didn’t try to gloss over what had happened. She was in running gear, and said she’d just come in from doing ten miles.  She didn’t usually run that far, she said, but she wanted to be exhausted so that she would sleep, hopefully without dreaming.  Not knowing what to say, he simply made a noncommittal noise and nodded.  

“You’re quiet, Rafael Barba.  Said no one ever.”

“Am I?  I don’t mean to be.  But I do have something to tell you.”

She whirled around, instantly guessing what it was. “What did you do?” she asked, her voice suddenly low and threatening.  

“I know what happened to you.”  He hoped his tone carried nothing but kindness.

“You prying bastard!”  She shouted.  “I told you it was none of your fucking business!”

“I didn’t do it to invade your privacy.  I did it so I could help…”

“Bullshit!  You did it because you were curious.  No more, and no less.”  She stalked furiously into the kitchen and yanked open the refrigerator for a bottle of water.

Rafael was used to dealing with people whose tempers were flaring.  He didn’t appreciate Laura’s accusation, but it wouldn’t do any good to feed into her anger. “Laura, what you went through is unspeakable.”

She took a very long drink.  “I thought you said I could trust you.  Doesn’t look like I can, does it?”  Her words were cruel, but her tone contained less acid than it had.

“That’s unfair.  I’m trying to be your friend.”

“Fuck!”  She spat, not at Rafael but simply to release some of what she was feeling.  She turned her back on him and stepped to the window, pretending to look out as she tried to gain control of her anger at Rafael, at that bastard in Chicago, and at the entire situation.

It was several minutes before she spoke again. Rafael simply stood and waited her out.

“Well, now you know.”  She said.

“Am I allowed to tell you how much I hate what happened to you?”

She gave a mirthless laugh.  “Yeah, that makes two of us.”

Again, she was silent as she looked out the window. Finally, she turned slowly around and leaned against the wall.  “So? What do you want to know?”

“Nothing you don’t want to tell me.”  

“It was my fault.  I was an idiot.  A stupid, overconfident moron.  I knew there was a serial rapist and killer out there, and I thought because I’d been through the police academy, I was immortal.  I had no idea he was there until it was too late.”

“And he grabbed you from behind, like Cristano did.”

“Swung me around and hit me so hard I saw God. They found most of my teeth right there on the sidewalk.”

“¡Joder!”  Rafael hissed.  

“Yeah.  I must’ve been knocked out for a minute, because the next thing I know, he’s dumping me in the dirt.”  

“And then it was on.”

“And then it was on.”  She made a disgusted sound.  “I was like a baby trying to fight a lion.  Flailing and scratching like an idiot.  I thought I was some badass cop.  Turned out I couldn’t do shit to defend myself.”

“Laura, you survived.  You did fine.”

She slid her back down the wall so she was squatting under the window.  She looked down at the floor.  “You know… what I did,” she mumbled.

“How he died?  I know.”

She looked up with irritation.  “Aren’t you going to say, ‘Good for you?’  ‘Bastard deserved it?’  ‘You’re a hero?’”  Her tone of voice was mocking as she said those phrases.

“Wasn’t planning to.”  Rafael sat down on the couch, across the room from Laura, but where they could see and hear one another.  

She sighed.  “I’m sorry for being such a bitch.”

“You’re not a bitch.  You’re my friend, who was viciously attacked.”

“And couldn’t fight back.”

“And did fight back.  And it wasn’t your fault.”

Laura squeezed her eyes closed.  “So my shrink made me say about a million times.”

“What happened with Cristano makes a lot more sense now.  Actually, a lot of things make more sense.”

“Doesn’t take a rocket scientist.  Cristano grabbed me just like… before.  I reacted.”

“I always wondered why you were so focused on… what’s it called?”

“Krav maga.  And that’s exactly why.  I’m not the girl in that room anymore.  I may be messed up, but I made sure if you want to kick my ass, you’ll have to work a little harder these days.”  

”Mierda,[6] Laura, I wouldn’t call you messed up.  I don’t know how you’re doing as well as you are. I don’t have that kind of guts.”

Laura actually smiled fondly.  “Neither do I.  I had a metric crapton of help.  I had a shrink and my A.A. sponsor, family and friends...  But the one who carried me through it was my boyfriend, Greg. He’d been through something in Afghanistan, and he… got it.  What happened sucks, but that part?  Nothing but upside.”

“Except they told you it was a good thing you’d killed the guy.”

“Not my shrink or my boyfriend.  Everyone else.”  She looked over at him.  “And not you. How come?”

“You know the answer to that, Detective,” Rafael said kindly.  “This isn’t my first rodeo.  That cabrón[7] put you in a kill or be killed situation. You didn’t choose to kill him.”

“Thank you.”

“This happened in Chicago – you have help here?”

“You know I have a sponsor.  She knows.  And I still Skype with my shrink in Chicago.  Actually, I can’t wait to tell him I learned a new way to deal with nightmares from my neighbor, the singing D.A.”  

Rafael smirked.  “Don’t forget to mention mi abuelita.”

[1] I’ll come with you.

[2] Grandmother

[3] Shut up.

[4] Fuck!

[5] Dear Jesus and Saint Mary

[6] Shit

[7] Bastard, asshole

[mischiefandspirits]

Rescue to the Rescue (3/3)

Peter puts E.D.I.T.H. to work on the Elemental’s case and something doesn’t seem to be adding up.

“No matches found under Quentin Beck. Expanding search.”

“That’s alright, he’s not exactly from around -”

“Match found in Stark Industries database.”

Part 1, Part 2, and Also on AO3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“And remember to stay in groups of three or four at all times,” Mr. Harrington lectured. “Also -”

“Have fun!” Mr. Dell cut in, moving towards the doors. “Now let’s go.”

“Petey, can I have a bracelet, too?” Morgan asked as they started to follow the teacher out, pointing up at one of the glow bracelets he’d bought at Ned’s insistence.

Most of the class were decked out in the glowing jewelry being sold by the hotel for the festival, but Peter had settled for just a pair of bracelets and a single necklace. Morgan, on the other hand, had on a pair of glasses, three necklaces, and a crown Zoha had constructed for her using a necklace and a bunch of interwoven bracelets.

“Sorry, I don’t think they’d fit you,” Peter apologized.

“Oh, here,” Yasmin said, taking off one of her necklaces and wrapping it around Morgan’s wrist thrice before snapping it closed. It was still a bit loose, but a much better fit than a bracelet would have been. “There you go!”

“Thank you,” Morgan chirped with a wide smile and Zoha, Yasmin, and Betty cooed.

When they reached the crowded street, Peter let the small girl climb onto his back. “You’re a ham,” he chuckled, quiet enough that only she could hear.

“Just like daddy taught me,” she whispered back before loudly saying, “Love you, Petey!” and pressing a kiss to his cheek, earning more cooing.

“You’re going to grow up to be just like your mother,” he chuckled, poking the manipulative girl in the side to hear her squeal.

“Mommy says daddy wasted all his dumb on you and Harley so I’ve gotta be like her,” she giggled, poking his cheek.

When they reached the main carnival area, Morgan immediately pointed out the Ferris wheel.

“I’ll go with you,” MJ offered. “So you don’t get in trouble for going off on your own.”

“I’ll come too,” Brad quickly added.

“I don’t think we’ll all fit,” MJ just said with a shrug. “We only need to be in threes, so we’ll be good.”

“Right. We can catch up after then,” Brad said, voice even despite sending Peter a look.

MJ was right, in the end. The gondolas were two people only, or three with small children, so her, Peter, and Morgan barely fit. The three watched the fireworks in silence as they rose into the air, but as they neared the top Morgan turned to Peter and quietly asked, “Are you going to tell her now?”

Peter, and MJ who could easily overhear given how closely packed they were, looked down at her with bemusement. “What?”

“She’s the scary one, right? I heard Aunt May and Uncle Happy talking about how you were going to tell her that y-”

Peter blushed and cut her off. “Yes. I mean, no. I mean, Morgan, not right now!”

MJ raised an eyebrow and Morgan pouted. “Why?”

“Yeah, Peter, why can’t you tell me whatever you wanted to tell me now?” MJ teased.

Peter squirmed and he could feel the tin holding her necklace in his pocket.

“Tell her! Tell her! Tell her!” Morgan started chanting and MJ joined in. “Tell her! Tell her! Tell her!”

“Alright, alright!” Peter groaned and they immediately stopped, staring at him, waiting. “I, uh… I’ve wanted to tell you for a while, but didn’t know how to say it. It’s just, um, MJ, I -”

“Am Spider-Man,” she finished for him and Morgan gasped.

“What? I’m not -- No, of course not!”

“I mean, it’s kind of obvious,” MJ said.

“No, it’s not, because I’m not Spider-Man.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. I’m definitely not Spider-Man.”

“Right, so you just happen to get an internship with Tony Stark at the same time that he recruited Spider-Man to help out, and then proceeded to have, in the words of the wonderful Pepper Potts, a father-son relationship with him.”

“Yes?” Peter squeaked.

“What about how you disappeared on the trip to D.C.?”

“I had that-that stomach thing!” he said. He glanced down at Morgan, to see the girl watching them with the same expression that she gives the tv when one of her cartoons are on. Something occurred to Peter and his heart sank. “Have you been watching me because you thought I was Spider-Man?”

MJ shifted in her seat, ducking her head slightly. “Yeah, why else would I?”

Silence fell over the gondola and Morgan looked between the two with a frown.

The sound of arguing came from below and the three looked down to see a woman arguing with the guy running the carousel as he started making everyone get off.

“What’s going on?” Morgan asked and the teens shrugged.

Once they got closer to the ground, Peter recognized the woman. “Ms. Drew?”

The woman looked up at his voice for only a second before turning back to the man.

“Who’s she?” MJ asked.

“Former MI6, works with Europol now, I think. She’s a friend of Pepper’s.”

“I like the outfit.”

Ms. Drew’s blazer and business slacks were gone, replaced with a red and black leather jacket with yellow accents, sleek black pants, and red boots.

“What’s going on?” Peter asked as they reached the bottom and were let off.

“My people got back to me. Your energy anomalies are back. They won’t evacuate the city, but given both my team and Fury’s are calling for it, they gave me the okay to clear out Old Town Square since it seems to be the center of the anomaly.”

“Nice spider,” MJ commented, nodding at the spider design on Ms. Drew’s jacket.

“Long story, tell you later,” she said with a wink towards Peter.

The group turned as people started screaming and they spotted molten metal climbing up the Jan Hus Memorial.

“You kids need to get going,” Ms. Drew said, running forwards to help someone who’d fallen trying to get away back to his feet. When Mysterio came flying in, she looked over her shoulder. Her hand came up to her glasses, which lit up and expanded into a face mask. “Get Morgan out of here, this is being handled. Pepper, can you hear me? They’re both here.”

Peter bit his lip, but nodded. He held Morgan close with one arm and grabbed MJ’s hand to keep her close as they took off down a side street. A part of him was screaming to go help, that Mr. Stark had made him an Avenger so he should be fighting, but he knew he could leave it to Mrs. Potts and Ms. Drew. His focus had to be on protecting Morgan and getting her somewhere safe.

He took a deep breath and pushed down all the grief-guilt-pain, focusing solely on the weight against his side and warmth in his hand.

“Is that Iron Man?” someone shouted and Peter glanced up just long enough to see the blue and silver of the Mark XLIX flying past before leading MJ down a less crowded alley.

They stopped for a moment to give her a chance to catch her breath and Peter shifted Morgan so she was on his back again. “You alright?” he asked them both.

Morgan nodded against his shoulder and MJ panted, “Yeah, you’re just a lot faster than you look.”

"I lost my glasses and crown," came Morgan's muffled whine.

Peter opened his mouth to comment, but suddenly he got hit by a very bad feeling. His hand shot out, shoving MJ back while his feet sent him the opposite way.

A blast of fire shot past where they’d been standing a second before.

“Oh my God!” MJ groaned from the ground.

“Sorry,” Peter said, eyes darting about as he dug the glasses out of his pocket.

“I’m pretty sure you just saved me from being burned alive,” she pointed out, getting back to her feet. “No apologies necessary.”

“E.D.I.T.H.,” he called as he got the glasses on his face. His wrists came down against each other.

“Hello, Peter.”

He felt another tingle against the back of his neck and webbed Morgan’s arms to his shoulders before scooping MJ up. He jumped into the air just before another blast of fire swept over the alley, landing on a fire escape. Another leap and they were on the roof.

“I was right?” MJ said in disbelief, clinging to his jacket and staring at the webbing keeping Morgan from falling off his back.

“You said you knew!”

“I was only like sixty-seven percent sure,” she admitted, getting down and taking a step towards the edge of the building to peak over. “What was that?”

“Mysterio.”

“The superhero from Venice?”

“He’s not a superhero, he’s a fraud,” Peter said, now convinced. “The water monster was fake, holograms. He’s just some illusionist with a petty grudge against Mr. Stark.”

He felt a twinge and was already turning when a voice called out, “Petty? That hurts, Peter.”

Mysterio glared at them from across the roof and Peter placed himself between the villain and MJ.

“You know, I was just starting to like you, but then you had to drag Potts into this.” He smirked and tilted his head. “You didn’t honestly think I wouldn’t find out about you talking to her, did you? I’ve got eyes everywhere.”

“Don’t do this, Rinehart. We both know you can’t win.”

“Do we? Why?” Mysterious chuckled. “Because I’m not a drunken playboy in a fancy suit or a freak who’s daddy gave him a tactical intelligence system as a reward for not being able to keep the guy alive?”

MJ set her hand on his shoulder and it was probably to give him support after the last part of Mysterio’s comment. However, Peter hadn’t noticed it, too focused on something else.

Daddy? How could Mysterio know anything about that? He knew the man wasn’t anywhere near as omniscient as he was trying to make himself out to be so how could he know about Peter’s supposed father-son relationship with Mr. Stark.

Unless he was in contact with someone who knew what Mrs. Potts said about him and Tony to his class.

“Big words coming from a glorified special effects artist,” MJ scoffed. “Peter is more of a hero than even your fictional counterpart could ever be.”

“Petey’s going to be the best, just like daddy was,” Morgan agreed, peaking over at Mysterio for just a second to glare before burying her face back in Peter’s shoulder.

“Just like daddy, huh? Well far be it from me to stop a kid from growing up to be just like his father.” A half dozen drones suddenly uncloaked themselves to show they were surrounding the kids. “How about we skip to the end?”

MJ tucked herself against Peter’s back and he was both glad Morgan had a little more cover, and terrified for his crush. Why did his Peter Tingle -- and yeah, he was never letting Aunt May name anything ever again -- have to be messing up right now? He thought it was finally coming back, but he didn’t feel anything from the drones, even as they readied to fire. All he was getting was the growing nudging from Mysterio’s direction.

Wait.

“Goodbye, little Starks,” Mysterio said, tapping at something on his wrist.

Peter’s hand shot out and a string of web flew past the drones, over Mysterio’s head, and hit midair. He pulled down.

Mysterio and the drones disappeared in a shimmer of blue as the drone he’d hit slammed into the ground.

“Where’d the bad man go?” Morgan asked, looking up a little.

“He wasn’t real,” MJ said shakily, still clinging to Peter’s sides.

“It was another trick,” Peter confirmed. “We need to get out of here before he sends more.”

“Where do we go?” MJ asked, releasing her grip.

“E.D.I.T.H., can you connect to the Mark XLIX?”

“Of course.”

“E.D.I.T.H.?” MJ asked, while Mrs. Potts picked up at nearly the same time to say, “Peter, what’s wrong?”

“Gift from Mr. Stark,” he explained quickly, gesturing to the glasses. “Mrs. Potts, we were right about Mysterio.”

“I know. I’ve managed to hit a few of the drones on accident. F.R.I.D.A.Y. is trying to scan the drones’ signal so she can target them, but whatever energy pulses their using to disrupt the surveillance systems are also effecting the suit’s scanners. Wait, how do you know that?”

“He sent a drone after us.”

“What!?”

“We’re okay,” Peter said quickly, holding up his hands even if she couldn’t see them. “I took it down. But he knows we’ve figured him out, and also apparently he found out about you calling me Mr. Stark’s kid so he’s really not happy with Morgan and me.”

“F.R.I.D.A.Y., let Jess know what’s happening and give me the Unibeam. We’re going to just take them all down at once.”

“Got it, Mrs. Boss.”

“Peter, try to find somewhere to hide yourselves. I’ll be there soon.”

“Alright,” he agreed. He looked around with a frown. “E.D.I.T.H. what would be a good place to hide?”

“Searching… There appears to be some reasonably abandoned warehouses a mile away that could provide cover,” she said and a navigation arrow appeared in his view. 

“That’ll have to do.” He turned to MJ. “You should go. We’re the ones he’s after.”

“Yeah, and he also saw me with you and knows I know how shady he is,” MJ said with a shrug. “You can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Peter wanted to argue, but couldn’t. Instead, he picked her up bridal-style and started running.

“Hey!” She shrieked, wrapping her arms around him and Morgan.

Peter leaped over a small street to land on a roof across the street. 

“Nevermind,” she breathed, shoving her face into his neck. “Tell me when it’s over.”

“Sorry,” he said, not stopping. He glanced over his shoulder at Morgan for just a second before refocusing. “How’re you doing, Lady Morgana?”

“Is the bad man chasing us?”

“Not right now, but we need to hide before he can find us again.”

“Okay. Petey?”

Peter carefully ran across a pole that bridged two buildings across a larger street. “Yeah?”

“Can we do this again when a bad man isn’t chasing us?”

MJ gave a choked laugh.

“Yeah, milady,” he agreed. “As long as your mom’s okay with it. Maybe I can even take you swinging around New York.”

“Can we swing now?” the younger girl asked, fully pulling her face away from his shoulder for the first time since Mysterio had attacked them.

“I don’t think MJ’d like that, sorry.”

“I will kill you, Parker,” came MJ’s agreeing growl.

“Please, MJ?” Morgan pouted.

“Don’t bother. I have to see Peter every day at school. I’ve developed an immunity to puppy faces.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Peter asked, hopping down to the ground outside the warehouses.

“You have the biggest puppy face.”

He set her on her feet, frowning. “No, I don’t.”

She gave him a haggard smirk. “You’re literally doing it right now.”

“Am not.”

“Are too,” Morgan giggled.

Peter glanced between the two girls before sighing. “Let’s just find some cover.”

Morgan held her hand up as high as she could with her arm still attached to Peter and MJ gave her a high five.

Making use of a broken window, the three slipped inside a warehouse full of crates.

“I’m going to call Ned, see if he and the others got away alright and let them know we’re okay,” Peter said, but MJ shook her head.

“I’ll do it. You keep an eye out for Stan Winston.”

Peter shot her an affronted look. “Don’t sully his name like that!”

MJ rolled her eyes and pulled out her phone.

As she walked off slightly to make the call, Peter paced around the warehouse. He considered putting Morgan down, but he felt more comfortable having her close.

“Everyone’s fine at the hotel,” MJ said, coming over. “We were the only ones missing. Ned’s telling Harrington we’re taking shelter until the danger’s gone. He acted weird about it until I told him I knew you were Spider-Man. Then he got all diffident, talking about how he knew first. It was great.”

A twitch near his ear.

“Have you heard anything from -” MJ started before immediately falling silent as he swung around.

“It didn’t have to be this way,” Mysterio’s voice called out, echoing around the warehouse. “The plan was only to destroy Stark’s legacy. All you had to do was give us the glasses. But you just couldn’t help yourself, and now I see the truth.”

A figure stepped out of the shadows and Peter’s throat closed up.

“The true Stark legacy,” Tony Stark said, arms held wide. “A pair of brats just as whiny and selfish as their father, constantly dragging others into their problems.”

“Daddy?”

Anything Peter felt from seeing Mr. Stark in front of him again was washed away in a wave of pure fury at the small voice right in his ear.

Peter slipped his arms out of his jacket so he could pass Morgan to MJ. “Watch her for me.”

Anger danced in her eyes as she took the younger girl. “Kick his ass. I got her.”

She ducked behind some crates as he spun around and jumped. His hand shot out, grabbing the ceiling with one web and a drone with the other. Closing his eyes, he let his sixth sense -- Spidey-sense? -- take over. With a twist, the drone crashed into another while his foot hit a third.

Then he was dancing through the air, taking down drone after drone with feet and fists and the occasional web when one would get too close to the girls’ hiding place.

The fight felt like it was over in a heartbeat and soon enough Peter was perched on the ceiling, his shoes having been lost somewhere in the scramble. He carefully scanned the warehouse, taking in the dozen or so drones smashed on the ground.

“MJ?”

“We’re okay,” she called, stepping out from behind the crates.

Peter lowered himself on a web before flipping onto his feet. “Hey, Morgan, how are you feeling?” he asked, looking over the two for injuries despite MJ’s assurance.

The younger girl looked up at him with wide eyes. “It was just like one of daddy’s stories!”

He wasn’t sure if he should be worried or relieved that she was excited about the near-death experiences of the night. He ran her fingers through her hair and gave a hesitant laugh. “Yeah, I’ll bet. How about we call your mom now?”

“You know, maybe you’re not as much of a waste of time as I thought you were.”

Peter spun around with a gasp, surprised to see the fake Tony Stark leaning against some crates on the other side of the warehouse. His spidey-sense hadn’t picked up the figure at all. No, wait, there was a low buzz in his head. Whatever this illusion was, it was threatening, but not a current threat.

He stepped forward, keeping himself between the girls and Tony. “It’s over, Beck.”

“Over? Hardly. You might have Rinehart and his little film crew running for the hills to lick their wounds, but they’ll be back soon enough.”

“You say that like you’re not one of them,” MJ said.

Tony shrugged, and then with a holographic flicker, it was Dimitri standing in his place. “I’m not, though I certainly let them think I was. It wasn’t hard. Let them think I had a grudge against Stark and they let me right in.”

“If you don’t hate Mr. Stark, then why are doing this? Who are you?” Peter asked.

“Who am I?” Dimitri smirked, then it was Mysterio smirking at him, then Fury, Hill, Pepper, a few people Peter recognized from Ms. Drew’s photos, a few people Peter didn’t recognize at all, before the figure finally settled on someone in a grey and blue suit wearing a featureless mask. “I’m whoever I want to be, kid,” a modulated voice answered. “As for joining up with Rinehart, I knew he’d be able to get me close to my real target: You.”

“Me? What would you want with me?”

The figure stepped away from the boxes and held out their arms. Their form changed to Spider-Man, in all his red, black, and blue glory.

“The Amazing Spider-Man,” he said and a shiver went down Peter’s spine at hearing his own voice coming from the imposter. “An Avenger recruited by the late, great Tony Stark himself. Capable of easily stopping a speeding car with his bare hands. Can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Captain America and the Winter Soldier. Videos of the airport battle are everywhere, and they all show you holding your own against multiple Avengers, all on your first day on the job. Then there was your face off with that alien arms ring. It’s no wonder my brother took an interest in you, even before this whole The Next Iron Man thing started up.”

“Your brother?”

“You should have seen how disappointed he was when he realized you got swept up in the Blip,” he said, shaking his head. “Then we got the confirmation you were back and, well, can't say I’m surprised he called me up first chance he got to do a little scouting for him.

“Of course, I was a bit disappointed when I finally found you. Just a simpering kid playing pretend in daddy’s suit, calling up mommy as soon as you don’t get your way. Figured I’d just hand you over to Rinehart and not waste any more of my time. This, though,” he gestured at the drones, “is far more promising. No suit, no fancy tech. Just some webs and your own skills. Guess you might be worth a hunt after all.”

“What are you talking about? Who are you? Who’s your brother? What do you mean hunt?”

“You’ll figure it out soon enough.” He gave a salute then darted behind the crates.

Peter tried to follow, but all he found was an open door leading to a semi-crowded street. He looked around, but knew the stranger could be anyone. “Did you see where he went, E.D.I.T.H.?”

“I’m sorry, Peter. He disappeared into a crowd. I’ve taken a sample of the energy output of his suit for future use, but he is out of range of my short-range scanners and the output is too weak for my long-range ones.”

“That’s alright, you did your best.”

“Peter!”

Relief washed over him for only a second when the Mark XLIX landed next to him before he was back on alert. He took a step back into the warehouse and held up his hand. “Are you real?”

Mrs. Potts’ helmet retracted and she gave him an understanding look. “The first time Tony and I had you over for dinner, you walked in on me lecturing him about how pizza wasn’t a proper meal for a growing boy, especially given your enhancements.”

“But a supreme pizza covers all the food groups,” Peter recited Tony’s response and she rolled her eyes.

“Are you okay? Where’s Morgan?” she asked, stepping inside to get away from the gawking crowd.

“I’m fine. We all are. MJ has her. Some drones showed up, but I took them down,” he said, leading her around the crates.

“Mommy!” Morgan shouted as soon as they came into sight. She wiggled free of MJ’s grip and ran towards them, skipping over the broken drones.

Pepper’s armor peeled away, the nanobots reforming into a briefcase, which she set down to catch her daughter.

Peter immediately picked it up without thinking.

“Is he gone?” MJ whispered, giving Pepper a suspicious look.

“He’s gone, and I made sure she was really Mrs. Potts,” he whispered back.

She bumped her shoulder against his. “I think between that weirdo and Mysterio I’m going to be suspicious of everyone for a while.”

“Tell me about it. Maybe we should come up with secret code words.”

MJ snorted. “You’re such a loser.”

Their gazes met for just a second before they both looked away.

Pepper finished giving Morgan a thorough look over, sighing fondly at her still webbed up arms, then set the girl on her hip and turned back to the teens. “Come on, Happy should be here to take us back to your hotel.”

“Happy’s here?” Peter asked as the headed back to the door.

“Yes. He was with May when I called her to let her know what was happening and insisted on coming along.”

Peter’s face screwed up at the reminder of… whatever it was that was going on between Happy and Aunt May.

A limo was waiting for them when they came out and Pepper opened the door so the teens could climb in first. “What about Mysterio?”

“I just got off the phone with Fury and Agent Arachne,” Happy called from the front. “They found the EMP that was disrupting the surveillance systems, but he and his crew are in the wind. They’re trying to work with Europol and the Czech government to set up some stop points to help track them down.”

“But you kids don’t need to worry about any more of that tonight,” Pepper said, tapping away at her phone. “I’m having F.R.I.D.A.Y. send some room service up to your rooms. You kids just eat then get some rest, okay? We can talk about what happened tonight in the morning. Ms. Jones, you’re a flexitarian, correct?”

MJ blinked. “Uh, yeah, how did you know?”

Pepper gave her a smile. “Peter has told us a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet you?”

MJ looked over at him and he made a valiant effort to become one with the car seat. “It’s nice to meet you too,” she said, turning back to Pepper. “You’re one of my favorite female icons.”

“Thank you, I try to be a good role model.” She gave Peter a wink and stage-whispered, “I like her.”

Peter buries his face in his hands. “Happy, can I climb up there with you?”

The divider rolling up was his only response.

One of these days, Peter was going to remind the man that he had super hearing and could easily hear through the divider. It did nothing to stop him from hearing the man listening to cheesy pop music and it did nothing to stop him from hearing the man laughing at his misfortune.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since Peter’s room was past MJ’s on the way from the stairs, he had the perfect excuse to walk her to her room.

“Hey,” he said as she opened her door. “I’m, uh, sorry about tonight. You shouldn’t have gotten dragged into all that. I -”

Peter was cut off as a pair of lips brushed against his own.

“Just,” MJ started, pulling away, “never carry me around like that again and we'll call it even.”

“O-okay… what?”

She shrugged and looked away. “I might have been lying earlier. I wasn’t just watching you because I thought you were Spider-Man.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Great. That’s great!”

She nodded, a smile peeking out. She gave him another chaste kiss then quickly disappeared into her room.

By the time Peter remembers the necklace in this pocket, he’s already laying face down in his room with a wide grin on his face.

Five words: Dimitri was in the bar