#but i still wanted to be a bitch u_u

[toucansafari]

this is yet another instance of me being a sore loser but i really feel bitter and disappointed when big events with big guest artists etc are always organized in western countries (and ofc asia would only mean jp) and the cultural exchange/exposure keeps getting better there while we are kinda left to figure this out ourselves (in this specific complaint i am talking about big anime cons happening in usa with huge guest artists from around the world which leads to more people becoming aware/interested in comics/manga while these things are still considered fairly niche and "childish" in my country)

[hansmannette]

Hi Rocky! I just wanted to say that I've always love your bayo art so much!! You're one of the artists that really kept me going in the fandom a few years back. I'm also a bayoluka enjoyer now because of you (primarily because of seeing your old art of them).

I do wonder though, looking at your old posts you seemed to rather like the idea of bayo+jeanne+luka in a poly relationship together. Do you still enjoy it? I'm asking because after generally thinking about it, as well as seeing your old posts regarding them (including one particular piece of art), I absolutely cannot stop think about them together just both loving bayo.

hey rose! thank u for the kind words O LAWD U_U im glad you enjoy my work, thats what keeps me goin!!!

also yeah i really enjoyed the idea of the three of them together mainly because obviously the bond between bayo and jeanne is very strong, every game shows us this. i think that no matter what it is, they both would prefer doing it together because they are like.... two of em... theres two of em. dont separate! so bayo kinda just comes in a pack with jeanne imo and since i LOVE bayoluka, jeanne tags along for it sometimes. i think jeanne is the most mysterious character out of the cast so im not sure what her intentions behind this could be... maybe shes just having a little fun ^^

also bayo just deserves all the love, lets be real, she's the MAIN BITCH!!!

[vodkaing]

what happened to your twitter? it says it doesnt exist ;_;

i deleted im sorry </3 tbh its been a long time coming especially bc nsft artists are getting shadowbanned left and right and the constant onslaught of For You tweets was giving me like. aggressive brain damage i wont lie.. i do still wanna have a social media presence but its hard when i cant post my art anywhere (and im too shy for tagging things) :")

i wanna find a site where i can post my projects and talk to ppl... i actually would not mind remaking or revisiting it once a certain son of a bitch hands it off to someone else and they do some serious upheaval on that damn app </3

meanwhile if u want u can dm and i can give you my instagram :D its much more disorganized but i still post art and talk to ppl there u_u

[sillyfudgemonkeys]

ever since P5's release I noticed that you've been bitter about the Persona franchise. You find things to hate about something even when its supposed to be a non-issue.

Case in point, Reload.

I get that you have a preferred artstyle.

It would seem like Reload can do nothing right.

I'm just wondering where did the persona-loving person go?

*looks at the ask about the Art style I got the other day* Weird, I didn't publish this yet tho TT0TT (I didn't get far into answering it cause I wanted to actually see if I can analyze the different art styles between Soejima and....who ever did the new P3R art.... but I didn't have time at that moment so that ask is in my drafts right now).

So I uhhhh haven't.....bitched about the art style in a minute..... u_u Tbh, I thought my last two posts were 1) showing excitement over Persona (a mod but still) and 2) upset Wada is just acting like a broken record and stirring shit up with the fandom again (We get it just stop bringing FeMC up if you aren't gonna put her in! TT0TT You're just being mean now!)

But if you want something positive: I think P3R's Answer might be the improvement we've been needing! :D (I just hate it's DLC (ʘ‿ʘ)). But ignoring the DLC aspect, it looks like they are seeing its original shortcomings and are trying to improve on it. It looks like they're adding more content so it's not as empty too. (now are the character episodes going to be good? No idea. I saw Yukari looking not pissed as fuck cause Aigis is breathing the same air as her so I'm side eyeing it a bit. jaksldfjka But we'll see. On the brightside....at least that stuff is optional, so you can avoid it if you don't like it). Plus I'm getting more Metis (baby girl you're back home! TT0TT I'm so happy!). And the new song "Don't" (?) sounds interesting, I liked the line "Don't you make me do this" cause jaskjfd context of the story.....sounds heartbreaking~! :'D

Ok onto the other stuff:

Tbh I haven't played P3R in so long that I forgot there was an art style change and that I hated it. akslfdjkalfjkaljflaj I'm living in delulu land atm.

(that or I'm letting myself be slowly exposed to it again. Like you would a cat to another cat, by putting food next to a closed door. The food being the FeMC mod fkldjaskfsa half joking. Tbh, just seeing screenshots on twitter is exposure therapy I guess, and I mean the actual game not the mod).

I could take an art style I don't care about if they'd just given me the bare minimum which is......a full P3 game.  (ʘ‿ʘ) No extra content, just.....frakenstein the damn games together, I am asking for the barest of bare minimum. Don't even need two answers, re-record a few lines and change the pronoun to gender neutral, and then replace the P3MC model with the FeMC model during 3D cutscenes, and then just........don't include 2D cutscenes that shows the MaleMC (there you save on 2D cutscene budget too). Only thing you have to worry about is a model swap and some voicelines. I think that's do-able for a big company. (and by model I mean crusty PS2/PSP models, I'm not even asking for them to use P3D/P3R stuff....I legit mean it when I say frakenstein the PS2/PSP vers, bare minimum).

I think I'm more upset with how the 3D environment (and UI) looks than the 2D art if I'm being honest. That I'm having a hard time adapting to tbh.

As for "since P5"....I mean...yeah.... It's hard....to stay fun loving when you hate P5.....and they keep making P5 stuff. TT0TT (RiP to the P4, and possibly P3, haters back during the P4 era. I get it u_u)

It doesn't help that the company has gone full "let's fuck the customers" mode since P4Arena (tho imo P4D is when the signs of it getting REALLY rough started to show). And they've just escalated their shitty DLC practices since. ("EA is worse" damn yeah they suck too, good thing I can hate both practices at once!) "It's Sega's fault not Atlus'!" I don't really care, I can be upset with both. "But Atlus said it's Sega's fault!" oh no the corp is gonna have big dad corp take the moral hit. Whatever shall they do? Nothing they say will look good tbh, they have to accept that. (aka they could be telling the truth, or they could be playing us. I'll only trust them a little if their shotty practices change :/)

I really mean it when I say the DLC practices have been really getting to me.

Which is why I'm taking a break and hunkering down until something interesting (by which I mean: new game/IP announced) happens in the fandom.

[trickster-whim]

Playing TAPS and slowly shaking my head like “damn...” for another cute, affordable bjd company that seems to have just disappeared(?)

5star doll was never super popular, but they made some of my favorite little guys, and I went to check the website a while back, and it wasn’t loading right, and now it leads to a really sketchy mug company U_U

What made me think of it in the first place was that I’ve bought a body from a collector online and wanted to check if the site had any photos or anything, and I just saw these mugs. The same thing happened with Hujoo, a company I was going to buy from when I got my next paycheck, but before I ever got the chance the company just wasn’t there anymore.

I don’t know if these companies do exist but I just can’t find them (a possibility, especially since I’m in America), or what happened, but the gossipy bitch in me just wants to know what’s going on. And, tbh, it's always just a little sad when artists disappear from the internet. A lot of the bigger companies will have some sort of announcement or event when they close, but others just... stop having a web presence. It's not like the 5star doll threads on DoA were ever incredibly popular, so it's just... kinda sad idk. Unless they come back, of course.

But, since they seem to be gone for the time at least, a moment of silence for some of my favorite dolls I never got to buy from them (photos from the archived website, even though there's higher-res ones available if you're not lazy like me)

Aiden and Yami are the biggest reason I got into the company! A baby Hellboy bjd? Sign me up! And they always had the cutest clothes tbh.

Jadeite and Tony (Super Kid) don't really go together, but I'm bad at formatting. Bug bjds are really pretty rare, and Jadeite has the sweetest face. All the owners' photos I've seen of them just look so precious! And I like the scale of this Tony, but I don't think I ever saw owner photos...

Ofc I like Light and Dark. They have pretty interesting faces, and I like Dark's 3rd eye. Again, not sure I've seen many non-stock photos of these boys, but they compel me.

Amy seemed to be pretty popular comparatively, and she's got a sweet face, plus I love pointy ears. ANd good ol' Batboy is another one who got me into the company. I'll look for him secondhand because Batboy.

I actually do have these last two, Tong Tong and Quintus, but I got them secondhand and not complete, and also I just really like them, so they're going on the list

So yeah, I don't know if the company's still around but just less online, or if they're gone, or something else. But I've always been a fan, and it's sad to see, one after another, my favorite dollmakers closing or disappearing. I don't have anything profound to say, just thinkin'! And hoping my Super Star body gets here unscathed so I can have a little more of the company u+u

[irishfino]

i'm not done

i have a lot of thoughts

nels: hey zenos i got arrested zenos: whatever for? nels: some guy said the warrior of light was a punk bitch zenos: ah, justifiable homicide nels: no no he's still alive just probably wishes he wasn't zenos: i will arrive with bail nels: thankyouloveyoubye zenos: did she just...

---

zenos is in love with the wol and no one can convince me otherwise

sorry emet, you passed on your "i love azem" genes u_u

---

zenos stole lala!nels' body and immediately lost himself in a snowdrift

---

friendly reminder that zenos is really pretty

---

zenos would enjoy the chaos of pf

---

he already pretty much has emet's face lmfao varis looking at baby zenos like "FUCK" and emet just in the background cackling "your offspring looks like me!"

---

extremely horny for zenos/10

---

he can still come back! yoship has been very cagey on him! this is how we can still win scion!zenos!

[cries in a corner]

---

once you bang zenos you get no other penos

---

zenos 100% powders his balls with the finest and softest powder brush

estinien buys ball powder but uses it on his armpits instead because he'll just wash his balls in the shower nbd

---

zenos be like "COME!" and has no idea why the wol can't stand up anymore

---

zenos be like: [bites you bites you bites you bites you bites you bites you]

---

zenos finally agrees to an arranged marriage, but he requires that whoever he marries has to be able to kick his ass

cue a longline of assassins, admirers, and one very confused wol who has no idea how they got there, but they've been in worse situations

it's a comedy

asahi is the one who interviews everyone and tries to reject people who he thinks: have a real chance, is just trying to kill zenos

wol confuses him, so he sends them to die

they don't die

shenanigans

zenos v wol fight: -wol gets stomped -asahi cheers on his lord -zenos let's this one live because they tickle him, sends wol away -wol is all "wtf i ain't dead yet" and charges zenos' back -sweet ninja moves zenos grabs them by the leg, hoists them to eyelevel "this one, father, i want this one"

asahi tries not to explode and die, varis is just very tired and approves

the longest zenos post

i tweet a lot of fun thoughts :)

and i mean a lot

hmmm wolzenos school au, but they're teachers. zenos teaches philosophy and math; he's banned from even subbing on a PE class for reasons heknowswhathedid nels is the nurse/PE teacher the students are confused as to why their boring ass huge bitch teacher clearly has the hots for nels but neither of them seems to know (yes that's right zenos doesn't know he wants to kiss nels, he is dumb and i love him)

---

zenos slow-blinks to let his wol know he loves them (and also wants to fight)

---

zenos: i am trying to raise your ire, my friend nels: oh, yeah no, i'm already pissed the fuck off and would fight you to the death barehanded right now if that wasn't exactly what you wanted. ye ain't the only stubborn bitch on this star, galvus! zenos: ...well that's just rude

---

zenos goes out of his way *once* to save wol's life, and that's when he patricided varis and stopped black rose from being released. all the other times his actions lead to wol being saved are accidents. zenos is walking comedy wtf

---

dan zenas ur bobbies

---

zenos the type of guy to fuck you on his futon then show you his highly intricate gundams he put together himself

---

nellie is going to take all of zenos *all of him*

---

zenos is the ♪is there anything better than pussy? yeah a really good book♪ vine made manifest

---

cinderella but it's zenos trying to match a shoe and weapon left from an assassination attempt

---

listen zenos knows exactly what sex is he was taught what sex is, he heard about and probably caught soldiers doin' the sex it just never crosses his mind that he actually wants to fuck the wol because he's a fucking idiot

---

zenos, in the middle of his first crumb of wolussy: so this... is what men fight and die for... 'tis divine in its own way and -- wol: hey, shut up up there and start thrustin' before i decide a nap would be more satisfying zenos: my apologies

---

[puts brightly colored barrettes and baubles in zenos' hair]

---

zenos takes off his armor to reveal he's actually skinny as fuck and pale enough to get moonburn

---

i bet zenos has huge balls

---

zenos: this... is the sole pleasure i know. and... it is the sole ~*~pleasure~*~ i have to share nels: [unzips top] zenos: wh -- why are you getting naked nels: homies don't let homies die virgins zenos: ????? y'shtola: i... sense a disturbance in the aether...

---

i often imagine zenos has less muscle mass because the ancients were tall, and thin

i just think it'd be funny if he took all his clothes off in front of wol and he's far less bulky than he first appeared and wol is sad... but at least he still has his huge tits and phat ass

[ominous-crow]

yeah my heart still belongs to one(1) japanese rock band

[thequackcity]

Quackity and Schlatt’s Relationship - More Complicated Then You Think

(this is all /rp and about the characters from the dream smp! pls assume i have the dignity not to write analysis of youtubers)

recently there was a bit of discourse surrounding the relationship between Quackity and Schlatt floating around on tumblr. tho i never saw the original post that sparked the conversation, i did see a few posts that were inspired by it mentioning how they disliked that the original post implied that Quackity and Schlatt were mutually abusive and/or equally bad for each other 

since i never saw the original post, i can't be sure if that's what the op meant to imply. it's not really my place to speak about a post that i never got the chance to read. BUT the conversation that was caused by the post in question did get me thinking about how this fandom treats the relationship between Quackity and Schlatt and how little nuance there is in discussions about it

now before i say anything else, i want to make a few things clear:

i don't think Quackity and Schlatt’s relationship is mutually abusive. no need to worry about hearing that from this post

i don't look down on ppl who have different interpretations of their relationship

there will be potentially triggering content in this analysis. i will place a quick warning whenever i think one is needed!

their relationship is romantic in canon and therefore i’ll be treating it as romantic

alright now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, we can finally get on with the analysis! i apologize for how long this is gonna be

part 1: let's talk relationship!

i think we can all agree that Quackity and Schlatt’s relationship was not exactly a healthy one. tho it didn't start out that way, it certainly turned into what could be read as abusive or toxic (i personally read their relationship as being abusive in its later half due to evidence provided by the text, but i understand if others prefer to view it as just toxic instead)

but what happened that led to their partnership ending so badly? what caused all of this mess?

well, it was a lot of things. but we will get to that later. let's talk relationship first!

from the very beginning, Quackity and Schlatt’s relationship was pretty one-sided. tho they both clearly liked each other as friends/partners in crime both before and after the election (yes they did interact before the election!) Quackity was also interested in Schlatt romantically- something that Schlatt wasn't fully committed to

as we all know from the infamous date stream and from a few other moments, Quackity and Schlatt enjoyed playfully flirting with each other- tho it was pretty obvious that Quackity was more serious about it then Schlatt was even tho Schlatt considered Quackity to be very attractive

in my opinion, Quackity is someone who wants a long term relationship, while Schlatt is more interested in flings. this can be seen in Schlatt refusing to marry Quackity and rejecting most of his advances while Quackity tried his best to convince him to feel otherwise. Tommy put it best: Quackity is just one of Schlatt’s many bitches U_U

to Quackity, the romantic aspect of their relationship was very important. because Schlatt never actually shot him down or told him that he didn't feel the same way, Quackity took that to mean that they were truly in love. Schlatt on the other hand wasn't very invested in the romantic side of things but clearly valued Quackity’s looks and his support as an ally against Pogtopia so he never fully rejected Quackity’s advances

this might not seem like too big of a deal considering the other things that happened between them, but i think it shows part of the nature of their relationship. there is a lot of miscommunication and, on Schlatt’s end, manipulation of emotions. love is a strong motivator for loyalty and Schlatt is a smart guy who would know how to use that to his advantage

but that isn't to say that Schlatt didn't ever care about Quackity!

Schlatt is a complicated guy and figuring out when he's actually being genuine can be pretty difficult. but i think there are some moments that point to Schlatt genuinely caring about Quackity

when he was alive, Schlatt was pretty paranoid. not as paranoid as Wilbur, but certainly up there. but there were never any times where he truly questioned Quackity’s loyalties after his first day as president. Schlatt also seemed truly upset that Quackity betrayed him, bringing up their status as partners in crime while ranting about how much it hurt him and singling Quackity out while talking about how he had been abandoned during his time of need

Schlatt also spent a lot of time sulking after Quackity betrayed him and whining to Ponk about needing a new bitch. this is in contrast to how angry he was after Tubbo betrayed him- both during and after the execution

there is also the situation with the Big Man Gym 

after being dead for a while, Schlatt contacted Quackity despite them leaving off on bad terms and asked for him to visit him in his cave gym. when Quackity showed up, Schlatt talked about how he valued their relationship and the good times they had together. tho this can easily be seen as emotional manipulation, Schlatt’s a lot smarter than he seems and- if he doesnt have memory issues due to being a ghost- would know that Quackity’s opinion of him was in the dump at the time of his death and most likely wouldn't have improved since then. Fundy has a higher opinion of Schlatt than Quackity does and is someone who obviously craves validation. but Schlatt went to Quackity first anyway and trusted him to help revive him

i think that this is all good evidence that points towards Schlatt truly caring about Quackity as much as someone like Schlatt can care about anyone- or at least valuing him as a companion

i also think that it is pretty common knowledge that Quackity cared about Schlatt- and possibly still does- but i will go over a bit of evidence that i haven’t already mentioned before we move on to the next part

Quackity tried multiple times to impress Schlatt (like when he lied about knowing how to play chess), would attempt to help Schlatt when he was drowning in water, sadly said that they could have had something together while Schlatt was dying in the caravan, and implied that he wouldn’t have left if Schlatt hadn’t taken down the white house. Quackity also willingly went to the Big Man Gym after being summoned there by Schlatt and wanted to revive him long before the revive book became part of the story

part 2: what made it fall apart?

everything i've said so far has been pretty interesting (hopefully) but it doesn't really answer the original question: what went wrong to turn Schlatt and Quackity’s mainly positive partnership sour?

well it comes down to two things in my opinion: their incompatible desires for political power and Schlatt’s deteriorating mental state

Quackity wanted political power from the beginning and wasn't afraid to be open about his desires. he pooled his votes with Schlatt because Schlatt offered him the position of vice president, something Wilbur and Tommy weren’t willing to give to him. tho Quackity obviously cared about L’Manburg and wanted to see good things for it, he also desired power and was willing to team up with someone he didn't fully agree with to get said power

at 32:40 in this video, Quackity talks about how in politics everyone uses everyone so it's alright if Schlatt is using him. he then talks about how he doesn't want to be a man with no power and how he understands that Schlatt’s main goal is also gaining/keeping power. Quackity also shows a bit of his naughty evil side by saying if he overthrows Schlatt then the fun ends too early! 

(side note: these two are pretty evenly matched in intelligence and manipulativeness, i love it!) 

it's a bit of a fandom misconception that Quackity was a love sick yes man during the Manburg era. tho Quackity did want to please Schlatt and was in love with him, he didn't shy away from standing up to or disagreeing with Schlatt when he believed it was needed

at around 26:12 of this video, Quackity and Schlatt meet together in private and Quackity tells Schlatt off for playing down his role in the power structure of Manburg. since this was very early in Schlatt’s reign, Quackity shows no fear towards him and confidently tells him not to treat him like that

Quackity also broke Niki out of jail after regretting letting her be put there in the first place, tried to convince Schlatt to not execute Tubbo, jumped in front of Fundy when Schlatt tried to attack him, tried to stop Schlatt from tearing down buildings, and attempted to protect the white house he built from being destroyed by Schlatt. these are not behaviors of a pure yes man but of someone who, despite fear, has the confidence to speak up for himself even when disrespected by someone in authority

Quackity has always been someone who wanted power and someone who was never a yes man to authority. this contradicts with how Schlatt believed Quackity should act as vice president. in Schlatt’s opinion, Quackity’s one job is to sit around looking pretty while Schlatt does all of the important things and holds all of the power. Schlatt was a big fan of promoting people to worthless positions of authority and its pretty obvious that he considered vice president to be similar to the fake positions he gave Fundy and Tubbo 

in the end, this was a big part of what destroyed their relationship. like it or not, Quackity’s a power hungry guy and always has been. he didn't like that Schlatt constantly shoved him aside and refused to listen to him

now onto the nasty bit...Schlatt’s mental state

cw for mentions of alcoholism, mental deterioration, and abusive behavior  

before i say anything more, i just want to say that i don't think having issues with alcoholism makes someone a bad person. i personally have some issues with such things so it would be pretty stupid of me to say being an alcoholic makes you a bad person. alcoholism does negatively affect your cognitive functions tho and, combined with other health issues, can cause some of the very serious mental problems that Schlatt clearly struggles with

throughout the Manburg era, Schlatt’s mental state rapidly deteriorated. he went from a pretty normal- if eccentric- guy who had a drinking problem, to someone who was delirious most of the time. it's a sharp and noticeable decline that caused a lot of pain for Quackity due to Schlatt often taking his excess aggression out on him by yelling at him and/or belittling him. tho Schlatt often belittled Quackity before he went fully off of the deep end, it was never as aggressive as it was when he was in this delirious state of mind

it was during one of Schlatt’s most aggressive and delirious moments that he tore down the white house despite Quackity’s protests. as we all know, this caused Quackity to snap and kill Schlatt (it's more complicated than that but we will get back to that). as mentioned previously, Quackity implied that he would have stayed with Schlatt if the white house hadn’t been destroyed

in my opinion, these two things combined are the biggest reasons why Quackity and Schlatt’s relationship fell apart. their differing desires for power were not compatible and Schlatt’s awful behavior while his mental state declined caused a rift between them that couldn't be fixed

part 3: how toxic was it really?

cw for emotional and physical abuse 

as i said all the way back in part one, Quackity and Schlatt’s relationship was not healthy. i have provided many examples in the other two parts that shine a light onto why it wasn't healthy, but i didn't show the entire picture

there are many moments that show exactly how Schlatt treated Quackity when he was acting at his worst and none of them are pretty. tho Schlatt was never truly aggressive with his insults until he started to go off of the deep end, that doesn't mean that what he said wasn't negatively affecting Quackity

Schlatt would belittle, insult, and mock Quackity for his appearance not being up to his standards, for his opinions, and for being emotional in ways that Schlatt disapproved of like crying. tho Schlatt would often brush off Quackity’s reactions towards this cruel behavior, it's very clear that Schlatt’s treatment of him has stuck with Quackity in many ways

Quackity is very sensitive about his appearance and it seems to be because of how badly Schlatt hurt his self esteem during their time together. Schlatt tied Quackity’s worth to his appearance and then would claim he wasn't meeting his standards of attractiveness. we can tell that this has stuck with Quackity because of his sensitivity towards people bringing up the scar on his face (something that greatly alters his physical appearance) and he still reacts very badly when Schlatt calls him the mocking nickname flatty patty

speaking of flatty patty- that stupid insult shockingly has a lot of weight in Quackity’s relationship with Schlatt. tho its something the audience is meant to laugh at, the nickname also shows just how little Schlatt respects Quackity because he's constantly throwing it around just to make Quackity upset. Schlatt’s last words are flatty patty all because he wanted to get in one last dig at his ex and ruin Quackity’s day even further 

Schlatt tends to do a lot of things that are intended to make Quackity upset. tearing down the room Quackity made for him in the white house is the biggest example of this- especially since Schlatt mentions how it will upset Quackity while he does it. you can see this moment at around 19:10 of this video

and now let's get into the elephant in the room when it comes to these two: Quackity was scared of Schlatt. tho we never really see Schlatt hit or attack Quackity physically outside of their confrontation at the white house or their confrontation in the caravan, these clips imply that Quackity was at the very least scared of Schlatt physically harming him in some way 

as for actually physically harming him, Schlatt hits Quackity multiple times with a pickaxe and with his fists during their white house fight. Quackity hits Schlatt a couple times too, tho these are all primarily defensive blows since he is trying to protect himself and his property. he also chases after Quackity with a bow after Quackity’s plan to trick him into signing Manburg over to the Pogtopians fails and hits him multiple times during the caravan confrontation

all of this evidence shows that Schlatt was an abusive (or at least toxic) partner towards Quackity and someone who greatly affected him in many ways

tho Quackity did a few questionable things throughout his relationship with Schlatt (such as trying to get Schlatt to have sex with him despite Schlatt not being interested as shown in the later half of this video) and did some downright morally wrong things during his time as vice president of Manburg, no one deserves the pain of an abusive relationship- even a person who has done bad things

as a brief side note before we move on because i know people will bring it up if i skip over it, Quackity did- and most likely still does- want to literally possess Glatt. he brought up reviving Schlatt and using him as a political pawn after Schlatt’s funeral and during their conversation at the Big Man Gym Quackity talked about owning Glatt and having him work at Las Nevadas with no pay

this is unsettling behavior to say the least but this essay isnt about the aftermath of their relationship so much as it is about their relationship when it was actually happening. maybe i will make another post talking more about how Quackity’s relationship with Schlatt affected him even after Schlatt’s death and/or about Quackity’s relationship with Glatt

part 4: final thoughts

i’m not exactly sure why the nuances in Schlatt and Quackity’s relationship get lost when it comes to the fandom, but it’s pretty disappointing to see. hopefully this essay can help people take a closer look at canon and maybe even help them find something interesting that they’d want to explore!

tho the point of this essay is to clear up any misconceptions and hopefully add some nuance to the conversations surrounding Schlatt and Quackity’s relationship, i also wrote it in hopes of showing people how fascinating these two partners in crime were back in the Manburg days. i didn’t cover everything but i think i did a pretty good job for my first analysis post in the dsmp fandom

also since you read to the end, i must say thank you! it really does means a lot to me that you did. i hope you enjoyed and maybe even learned something. this post can be used as a resource if anyone wants to use it as such

here’s a tiny devil Quackity for your troubles <3

[cheerstotheelites-if]

Group Chat

11. 🍍🍕?

*PapaWeylyn added WtfEliseo to the group

F.Heartstein: Oh gods. He's back.

WtfEliseo: happy to be back bitches 😘

F.Heartstein: Can someone kick him out again. Please.

PapaWeylyn: No we're not putting Eliseo in the timeout corner for another 3 weeks

F.Heartstein: Can't he be in the time out corner for the rest of the school year?

ZephGoWoosh: lmao we kind of need him Fleur

ZephGoWoosh: student treasurer remember?

F.Heartstein: He barely does anything. What do you mean, Zephyrine.

PapaWeylyn: Alright steering away that topic before things get heated again :'D

PapaWeylyn: Sooo pizza this week, right?

PapaWeylyn: Who's buying again?

WtfEliseo: I can buy twelve boxes

ZephGoWoosh: holy shit

ZephGoWoosh: Eliseo's finally contributing 😢😢😢

ZephGoWoosh: i'm so proud of you 😭😭😭😭😭😭

F.Heartstein: Don't buy twelve. We can barely even finish three.

WtfEliseo: it's because all of you are W E A K

WtfEliseo: Im disappointed 😞😞

WtfEliseo: especially at you fleur 😒😒

F.Heartstein: I told you that I'm not fond of pizza, you shithead.

WtfEliseo: but you still ate some tho

WtfEliseo: so you lying? 🤔🤔🤔

F.Heartstein: I only like manager's choice, so fuck you for buying two boxes of hawaiian pizza.

WtfEliseo: WHATS WRONG WITH HAWAIIAN THO???

ZephGoWoosh: bruh fr no one puts fruits on pizza

ZephGoWoosh: it makes the pizza taste weird 🤢🤢🤮

WtfEliseo: FUCK YOU, PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA IS THE SHIT THO 😩😩🤌🤌🤌

WtfEliseo: RUTHERFORD BACK ME UP HERE IM BEING CORNERED

PapaWeylyn: Please don't drag me into this Eliseo

PapaWeylyn: I may cook but I know what lines not to cross

PapaWeylyn: And that line is pizza flavors u_u

WtfEliseo: what the hell man

WtfEliseo: I thought you cared 🥺😢😢

PapaWeylyn: Oh I do don't worry!

PapaWeylyn: I just don't want to be get my butt kicked by uh Fleur and Zeph

WtfEliseo: WEYLYN YOU BASTARD

PapaWeylyn: IM SORRY!!! (;´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

ZephGoWoosh: ffs can we just get one box of manager's choice and two bacon supremes?

F.Heartstein: Agreed. Anything but hawaiian.

WtfEliseo: fuck you both 😘🖕

ZephGoWoosh: awwww babe fuck you too!! 🥰🥰🖕🖕

F.Heartstein: Gods help us.

*Group chat ended

-> Author L personally has no hate against hawaiian pizza

-> Not the best out there, but its edible

-> You can fight them on that /j

[screamting]

U kno, with nao and sota I took Joshua's snobbishness in the opposite direction- where he's fully aware of how they challenge neku's preconceived notions and world view. Like "oh Neku you didn't expect them to say that did you? Arent you shallow neku. Aren't you shallow for thinking the valley girl-localized npc and her partner have nothing to say just because they're complete airheads. For shame. Lets see how this holds up."

I feel like if that were what was happening Joshua probably would've said it aloud. During the conversation he tries to isolate neku but instead nao and sit Instead, he drops talking about them as soon as they've left screen, and this bitch never shuts up, so I cant imagine he would've allowed them to move on if he were planning on needling neku instead of just like " well they were charming 🌝"

These bitches not on the same wavelength

of course, the play throughs I remember most clearly are later ones, when we know the game isn't just challenging Neku's established worldview, but also Josh's. If Josh already valued Nao and Sota's perspective-- that even the silly human emotions and desires matter even in the vapid hellscape, that people unlike him matter at all-- then we probably wouldn't be in the position of wiping them out in the first place.

You know what I tried to edit a sentence in the reply and got a more generous interpretation of Joshua here. But he is still.... A little snob. u_u

Best case interpretation is this:

Joshua took advantage of running into Nao and Sota, knowing if he exposed what Neku was going through they would reach out in affection. And he 'knew' that it would fail. Because Neku's heart was closed off to people, and Joshua didn't think that would ever change.

I still dont think Joshua understood what was going on with Neku internally during this scene, and if he did he completely failed to comment on it. Which is maybe just a Joshua thing: he's not going to change the role he's playing or break character as much as possible. Only occasionally does he ever pause and consider something Neku's said and say "that's out of character for you"-- even though we know it's not out of character anymore.

Loving and forgiving words have probably been used before on both of them and never made a dent. Joshua didn't expect these ones to either. Because he doesn't expect people to change, even under extreme circumstances. He wanted to destroy the game because he didn't think it changed anything. He thought Shibuya was stagnant.

And he absolutely didn't expect it to change because of Nao-Nao and Sota

[tetrimidion]

One Hellsite VS Another Hellsite

Hey all! So I finally finished making my blog. Thank you to those of you who have followed me from Twitter to here. I was never fond of tumblr, I've had only bad experiences with it in the past, but I really wanted to make a sort of "back up" social media platform in case I ever get booted from Twitter.

Since that's what almost happened.

Here's the story!

To the complete fault of myself, I didn't realize that if one Twitter account gets permanently banned, then the others do too.

The offending account gets its ban and 'instant deletion', while your others you get locked out of and 'marked for deletion' as I found out through trying to find a solution on reddit. Even if you manage to get on the 'innocent accounts', they will eventually get suspended as well. This could take anywhere from 6 months to a year to occur. But when it does, it will be without warning.

They do this by two ways: Any account associated with the phone number and IP of the banned one.

After my ban on the 'offending account' I tried to make a Google voice number to change on my art account, to which twitter wouldn't let me do.

So I appealed the ban on the offending account. What was the offending account? What did I get banned for? Well, I'm glad you didn't ask, because I'm about to share anyway.

The offending account was my Eric Cartman roleplay account. Now, I admit my tweets on there were pretty aggressive, as it is 'canon divergent' rp account where I play him as a yandere.

I have in my profile, in my pinned tweet, AND on my connected url page that it is a parody, rp account. That nothing on there is condoned or real. And, everyone who I was engaging with, were also other rp accounts. These are people I'm also friends with ooc on discord as well. So we were all consenting and just having a good time.

I was rping with another Cartman who basically said they had information that I (my Eric) would want. So what would I do?

My responding tweet was along the lines of doing something to them, and then dining on where those thoughts come from: Words I'm not going to retype, as I know tumblr is now a SFW site. But basically, imagine Hannibal Lector replying while on a kind of tab often given out at clubs.

That got me an instant permanent ban and account removal. I was then given a notice that that I'm forbidden from ever creating future accounts on Twitter as well.

Welp. FML. Because even though I barely had any followers on my art/Tetrimidion account, I still rather enjoyed engaging on it, and it was proving to be a good outlet for me to attain some attention and interest regarding getting future commissions. Because bitch is poor.

So, I sent in an appeal stating blah blah blah 'rp and I have it plastered everywhere that it is rp and not real.'

Several hours later, I got an email back saying that they relooked over my account and unbanned me.

So I had to delete any tweet on there that could be considered 'threatening' to those not familiar with rp if they read it.

That ended up being like, half my tweets lol

So that gave me quite the bit of the scare, and I don't want to risk that happening again, lets I get a Twitter BDSM master who isn't quite as forgiving as the previous one.

Then @romantheskeleton, was a blessing to me by bestowing an extra Twitter account they have. So now I'm going to be taking over said account to rp Cartman there…as the account is associated with a different IP and number (that isn't theirs anymore either)…but I will be MUCH more careful about how I word things such as …..participating in an activity that zombies are known for doing uwu

In anycase, I decided to create this tumblr now for a "back up" basically. Especially since it just came out that Twitter is also now banning people for retweeting between accounts! So if I drew some artwork on my rp account, and wanted to retweet it on my actual art account, that could get you an instant ban.

So yeah u_u

[laserbobcat]

Story time. I used to play pikmin ten years ago (I was 20). Lovely game, super fun. I don't remember how, probably searching for solutions or art, I found a story written in the POV of the lil guy the picmin help. It was written in such a harsh way, like some depressive crash survivor journal, and he was super mean to the pikmins. I didn't understand what the fuck did I just read and where it was coming from. It just made me so depressed. It actually made me so sad that I stopped playing picmin after cause I felt bad for the picmins. Cause I'm a lil bitch like that. I'm sorry if you wanted a plot twist or something, there's not. I'm just still salty about what I now know was a fanfiction, and being robbed of the joy of playing pikmins U_U

[homestuckexamination]

ok. so, these are all jokey but i think they're funny.

pages. bc their development hinges on the session so much, pages actually have unique outfits for each session when they godtier. they go from simple for basic sessions, to extremely extravagant for huge sessions. do not expect them to be able to do anything but float in it in 100 player sessions lol. we just see the basic one.

bards. that whole costume? fake. time messed up that one. no they just look like that stupid cock from the beginning of Disney's robin hood and i mean that in the nicest way possible.

princes look the same but if they're sad their pants deflate like clown shit.

maids either look like cat maids or butlers and it depends on how much respect they deserve.

mages get shitty wizard robes.

heirs get to do whatever with their clothes. they deserve it. they go through so so much.

sylphs just are. they don't get costumes unless they rly rly want them.

knights either look like actual knights or nexo knights. yes dave is the latter he loves it.

thieves look like audrey from wandersong or nothing. i don't make the rules.

witches just. whatever. same as heirs. they've been through enough my god.

rouges all look like candyland characters. any type and version but its gotta be canon.

seers. my faves. the best. they all look like white bitches with so many layers to their outfits. no options. they can cheat this by having many socks on or many accessories on tho

these are obviously all jokes but like. tell me im wrong. im not.

I like to think regardless of complexity or ease, the Page Outfit is still practically bottomless.

I am sorry to say, though, that the Bard's awful, awful outfit is a necessity. No one can escape the Codpiece. u_u

"Buenos Dias, Dirk!" *Pantaloon Deflating Noises*

C... Cat Maids? owo

Any robe is wizard robes if you're just majyyk enough. :)

TECHNICALLY speaking, everyone does through Alchemy!

Imagine awakening as a God and you don't even get cool PJs.

I had never heard of "Nexo Knights" before.

"Or nothing", even worse than the Sylph case-

Witches do deserve it.

Similarly, not familiar with Candyland. X3

Christ. X3

Just. Very silly, yes.

[xhanisai]

Blanc Noise - Chapter Two

CH1 / AO3 / FFN

Summary:  

"Why...why do you always do this? Why do you always keep stopping anyone from helping you? You're literally falling apart!" He shook her shoulders, eyes furious but intent in wanting to help the girl he loves, if only she'd let him. "You barely smile, you barely laugh, hell, you don't even act our age these days! Everyone says you've matured...everyone says you've grown up...but all I see is the person that I care so much for...a person I treasure so much...no longer happy!"

A/N: Thank you all for the wonderful feedback on the first chapter~! I just couldn't wait to write the next and kept on building up scenarios in my head. So many ideas, so little time and almost zero motivation these days lol. Why can't stories just write itself on its own? U_U Enjoy~

Song listened to whilst writing - 心做し - Chouchou-P (蝶々P, papiyon) - cover by Luz

.

.

.

~(x)~

Drip. Drip. Drip.

'This feeling...it's familiar...' When her thoughts were finally registered in her hazy mind, Marinette's eyes flickered open, revealing empty, sky blues. At first, all she could see was the shade of melancholy, a deep, harsh blue that only caused her to sink lower and lower. The girl then realised that she was yet to take a breath, her heart aching like it was made of lead and her lungs clawing beneath her rib cage for at least a second of precious oxygen.

Yet, she didn't even flinch. Didn't even twitch an eye.

Didn't even bother in parting her lips.

A sense of finality and doom was all that she could feel and she didn't even fight against it. Not a single bone of retaliation. Her body kept on sinking and her darker than black tendrils were fanned and floating around her in the same manner of her motionless limbs. As if all the time in the world has stopped.

'Ah. I must be dead.' She mused nonchalantly. She didn't even care.

She sank lower.

And lower.

And. Lower.

Soon, the shadowy, sombre darkness below consumed her body and her entire being churned with excruciating pain as sharp knives of blistering cold pierced her from head to toe. Her mouth parted as a gasp escaped her, only forcing the sickly salty water to force entry and light fire down her throat and nose, choking her.

'It burns...' She whimpered in her mind. 'IT BURNS!!!' Tears pooled out of her eyes, intermingling with the deadly monster of water, tasting just as brutally cold as the ice that tore her entire body to shreds and rippled agony through her dying bloodstream. 'I'M BURNING!!!' Her chest was clogged with emotion heavier than the water that infiltrated her system, squeezing the ever loving god out of her lungs and heart and she couldn't help but wheeze.

However, she merely submerged even further, her body like a marionette's with the strings cut. Burdensome, useless and never to be needed or wanted again...

Suddenly, just as the blue above faded into black, her peripheral vision caught twin movements of crimson red, shooting away from her side and towards the sky. Marinette's eyes widened just as her vision deteriorated.

'Those are my ribbons...' The smooth, silky material resembled streaks of blood as they became absorbed in the darkness. Exhaustion consumed her core and as her eyes fluttered closed, she glimpsed a figure in the remaining blues above.

A boy decked in white with eyes as azure as misery...

'You...you're...YOU'RE-'

~(x)~

With a quiet but sharp inhale, Marinette's body shook awake, eyes quick to open immediately and scan her surroundings as the remnants of the dream dissipated into nothing but emptiness, the tired girl mentally cursing as her mind tried to claw it back to her. Alas, luck wasn't on her side for the millionth time and all that she could recall was absolutely

nothing

.

Zero. Nada.

Rien

.

The umpteenth dream to escape without a trace and leave her groaning in frustration, wondering why they bothered her so much. She felt cold sweat dribble down her forehead and skin beneath her clothes, making her sniff uncomfortably. Finally, she decided to leave her thoughts behind and gazed at her surroundings.

So far, she was in the local park, leaning against her favourite tree as the soft, lush grass tickled her legs below with their mildew. As she racked her mind further, she remembered that she joined Alya, Nino and Adrien to the park to eat their food during lunch break. The bespectacled duo must of noticed the tension between her and Adrien so that must be why they opted to go to their one of their favourite places to ease it up despite the snippy weather.

"Ah. I must have fallen asleep..." Marinette mumbled to herself, looking for her best friend and Nino. She paused as she spotted them chatting with André the notorious ice cream man. Probably wanted some desserts and found him nearby. However, her eyes narrowed as she looked around again, this time with more rigour and desperation.

Where's Adrien?

Where's that ridiculously good looking little devil-

Abruptly, a low groan was heard from

beneath

her nose.

Familiar, gentle arms that were wrapped around her waist tightened its hold as the heat on her lap shifted. Marinette felt her heart stutter and freeze, her infamous blush taking over her cheeks as she peered below, finally registering the blonde that was fast asleep on her lap. This time, her heart leapt to her throat and a soft whine left her lips only for her to swiftly muffle her mouth with her hands, pretty much stopping her from breathing in general.

Adrien Agreste was sleeping on her lap.

Adrien

fucking

Agreste was sleeping on her

fucking

lap.

'Holyshitholyshit- What do I do!? If I move or make a noise, he'll wake up and he's already kinda mad at me and if he sees that he's been sleeping on me, he'd be even more mad! Mon dieu! Aidez-moi!!!'

The French-Chinese spiralled, shaking her head like an idiot and tugged on the scarf that was wrapped around her neck by reflex. The heat that the boy emitted was like a pleasant, burning, addicting sensation and it did nothing to alleviate her hummingbird heart and bewildered mind.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, the crisp autumn air cleared her thoughts and chest, soothing Marinette. She repeated the action a few more times, sakura still highlighting the apple of her cheeks and soft lips, gracious sapphires now gazing at the dozing teen lovingly. Mari used the little free time she had to properly observe Adrien, fingers delicately brushing through his golden locks gently.

She couldn't help but smile.

He looked quite peaceful for once.

His usually strong shielded guard was taken down, making him seem much more vulnerable and raw compared to when he was awake. Even compared to when he's by Nino's side despite being best friends. Marinette couldn't help but question: did he trust her enough to keep himself open in her presence, allowing himself to

relax

and sleep by her

touch

? Or, was this one of

Alya's

silly schemes in trying to push them both

together?

Adrien's arms simply tightened around her coat, fingers clutching the soft fabric and face nuzzling into her stomach till all she could see was his hair. His coat which was used as a makeshift blanket, shifted, exposing the cool air to the back of his neck. Marinette was quick to pull the coat back over him, shushing quietly when he began to stir.

She really

hoped

it was the former. That

he

decided to come to

her

for comfort.

If so, her heart could be warmed and the butterflies in her stomach could flutter as wildly as they

desired

.

'Don't get ahead of yourself. After you caused him to be moody all morning because of your inability to hide your weak state, you think he would even want to touch you? Let alone sleep on you? Stupid girl.'

The ugly, horrid voice reared its nasty head again, darkening Marinette's spirits, giving her no choice but to helplessly agree.

'That's right. Know your place you worthless bitch. Especially since you know for definite that pursuing him will ultimately cause the akumatisation of your partner in the future.'

Her heart turned to lead again.

Her face devoid of any emotions, exhaling softly. Who was she trying to fool? Her first and foremost priority should be looking after her Chat Noir and her family and friends without a beat. Not entertain girlish fantasies selfishly as if she was simply an ordinary teen with the luxury of an ordinary life.

Not after all the pain

she

caused...

And certainly not after what she saw this morning.

Her eyes turned into an icy glare as she watched the murky sky, recalling when she saw her torn up ribbon at the school's entrance and two glowing orbs of what looked like blue eyes at the time. She wasn't a hundred percent sure of whether or not she really saw the latter but a hushed warning from Tikki to keep her guard up kept her from brushing anything away as nothing.

So far, she didn't feel like she was being watched but her body refused to relax.

She could not afford to fail the people she loves once more-

"Mmm...Ma...

Marinette?

"

The air was knocked out of her lungs and her blood froze colder than the coldest of days in the Himalayas. Marinette tensed, taking a moment to compose herself and reluctantly made eye contact with her beau.

'Don't do or say anything stupid, Cheng!'

Meanwhile, Adrien couldn't help but

feel

like he was

still

dreaming. The dreary clouds in the sky parted, allowing the sun to shine through and bask its beams behind Marinette's head, making her seem ethereal and almost

Goddess like

. The stray strands of hair from her bun and fringe dangled smoothly as her head was bent down to meet his gaze. Her plump, rose tinted, kissable lips were parted in a sweet

'o'

and her heavenly blues were like priceless gems.

He couldn't stop himself from reaching out towards her face with one hand, still weighted with sleep, skimming his fingertips against her fringe. Like it had a mind of its own, his hand gingerly cupped her cheek, thumb shyly brushing the tip of her cold nose and then rested on her warm, soft lips.

'Un ange...mon ange...'

He purred to himself, still delirious with sleep and not fully aware of the situation yet. The girl remained frozen, his thumb dragging her bottom lip down as he unconsciously lifted himself up by his elbow, bringing his face towards hers closer and

closer

.

He could feel her warm breath hitting his cool lips, making them ache for her touch-

"Adrien???"

All of a sudden, his haze disappeared, a biting breeze ripped through their hair, causing the boy to instinctively cover the girl's body with his own as the unpleasant cold seeped into his skin. It was like the equivalent of someone dumping a bucket of iced water over his head and the cat inside him hissed at the vile sensation.

Finally, when the breeze died down, Adrien loosened his hold on Marinette, allowing her to reach for his coat and wrap it around his body like a cloak.

What a

wonderful

wake up call.

"So this isn't a dream, huh?" The now pouting teen muttered out loud, his blonde hair a fluffy mess and he used a spare hand to try and pat it down, grimacing at the knots within his tresses. An onlooker would have pointed out that he resembled a silly kitten who got its claws stuck and tangled up by a yarn of wool.

His companion

certainly

thought so at the very least.

"No, it isn't a dream," Adrien stiffened at Marinette's answer, his cheeks now matching her flushed pair. He inaudibly watched as she averted eye contact, brushing her fingers through her silky fringe to untangle them. His own hands twitched, longing to trap and interweave them within her raven locks.

Maybe tug them towards him...

Though, embarrassment settled in to the pits of his stomach as he

realised

what exactly he

attempted

to do as soon as he woke, the ghost of her breath against his lips still a vivid memory. Judging by her more than usual shy nature, she wasn't oblivious to it. Adrien bit his lip, praying that she wouldn't carry on being aloof with him. It stung after their little disagreement in the morning, it would

destroy

him after his sleepy attempt in making a move.

Especially since he's yet to confess his feelings.

"But anyways, glad to see you awake, Sleeping Beauty," She poked his chest playfully, her smile still timid but

real

. She wasn't mad at him all! His heart skipped a beat and the weight on his shoulders faded away like magic.

'Thank the Gods more dependant than Plagg!'

He sighed in relief, responding back with a crooked grin. He poked back on her shoulder, smile simply widening as the tension dissolved.

"Sorry for sleeping on you. One second I saw you doze off and the next, I probably conked out by your side. I move a lot in my sleep so that's why..." He sheepishly trailed off, scratching the back of his head apprehensively. His blush only brightened at the sound of her quiet giggles. Quiet but

pretty

.

"Don't be. I'm used to it whenever Alya comes over for a sleepover. She'd either kick me off the bed in her sleep or use me as a body pillow. Sometimes both." She leaned back against the bark, Adrien following her and taking a spot by her side. "I don't mind being used as a pillow if you ever need to get some rest," Marinette offered with a wink, butterflies tickling her abdomen as the boy hummed with appreciation.

Their shoulders brushed, sending intimate heat through both of their bodies, creating a tension that was so much more different but also so much more

familiar

. For a split second, the duo's thoughts reached out to their partner in crime. The taller of the teen thinking about his

Lady

whilst the shorter thinking about her

Minou

. The blonde shook his head, pushing those thoughts back as he focused back on

Marinette

, presenting a softer smile this time.

"Is that so? You better not regret it~" He playfully slumped against her, cheeky smiles and glittering eyes as her giggles grew louder, her slender fingers gripping her scarf. Adrien regarded her with much love, melting at the sight of her rosy cheeks and goofy smile.

It's been a while since he's last heard her

laugh

like that...

'I really did miss her laugh...'

Just as he was about to make another joke or utter a pun that would definitely have her seething with that adorable annoyance, he spotted something

odd

in her hair. His pupils constricted and suddenly his eyes darkened, deviating the jolly mood with a sharpness that had even snapped Marinette out of her temporary bubble of joy. It was like a consciousness of needles skimming down their skins, the boy feeling threatened by it more than the girl.

"Adrien? What's wrong? Is there something in my hair?" Just as Marinette naturally reached up to her head with one hand, Adrien was hasty in catching her wrist with one of his, the other reaching for the object of his

hostility

. "...Adrien?"

Agreste didn't answer her, lips tightening as he finally grasped the object, tenderly weaving it out of Marinette's hair, quick to apologise a few times when she winced until finally, he pulled it out.

His eyes

burned

at the

thing

.

Her eyes

swelled

at the

article

.

The luscious, pure, white rose remained still in the blonde's grasps, its appearance as innocent as any other ordinary flower but its origins as mysterious as danger, causing alarms to ring for both of the teens and red flags to wave frantically.

"H-How...when? I-I don't understand-" Marinette clutched the area on her head where the rose was tugged out, head spinning to multiple directions, wondering who on earth put the flower in her hair. She didn't sense a presence, let alone feel a thing! Her heart began to ricochet in her chest, her eyes wild from her desperation in finding anyone suspicious. She couldn't even feel Tikki's attempt in trying to soothe her, the little kwami hidden in the inside of her coat pocket for warmth.

That slithering, horrid feeling of being

stalked

flared up her sixth sense, panic overtaking her body as one thing in particular became clear in her mind.

'Protect him! Protect Adrien! Get out of here! GET OUT AND PROTECT HIM!'

"Shit!" His hiss of pain brought her back to reality only for her mouth to run dry in horror and her blood to scream in her veins. Adrien dropped the rose, cradling his finger as blood oozed out of the injury.

A prick from the rose's thorns...?

'I didn't see any thorns when he pulled it out of my hair...no...there were definitely no thorns when he pulled it out.'

Alarmed, Marinette kicked the rose away and brought his finger towards her, eyeing it in horror much to Adrien's confusion, her body shaking and begging to run away and hide.

"Hey, hey. Marinette, I'm okay. It's just a prick." He tried to calm her down, noting her deer in the headlights expression, resting his hand on her waist as if to keep her steady. However, she fiercely shook her head, her grip on his hand like iron, her surroundings nothing but a blur to her.

"No! It's not okay! What if that rose was poisoned!? What if it's some bizarre akuma trying to kill you!? We need to get it cleaned up immediately! Come!" She didn't give him a chance to protest, lifting him to his feet as if he was made of paper and darting towards her home with him at tow, her hand never leaving his. She was blind to the passer-buyers and the dog-walkers. She was blind to Alya and Nino as they called for them, wondering what caused the spontaneous sprint.

She was blind to the white rose crumbling into ashes in the place where she kicked it, the acute, frosty breeze blowing it away until nothing remained...

~(x)~

"I'm fine, Marinette. Please,

calm down.

" Finally, after letting the girl disinfect his small cut and apply many Asian herbal ointments before bandaging the finger up in a headstrong manner, Adrien's pleas eventually got to her. Dupain-Cheng's head snapped up to meet his gaze after tightening the bandage, comprehending her surroundings as the last fifteen minutes or so was just a blur in her head.

Her rapid heartbeat began to slow down as she recognised that they were currently in the family bathroom of her humble abode. The tasteful rose and off white walls gave her comfort and the soft gold light from the bulb above melted away the ice in her blood. The sight of Adrien sitting on the edge of the bathtub, smiling his trademark syrupy smile and eyes as radiant as emeralds, induced Marinette's heart to skip a few beats, the traitorous organ cooing at how domestic the moment was.

'How...how do you keep making me fall in love with you over and over again?'

She furrowed her brows, fingers still lingering on his hand, savouring the feel of his skin and touch before letting go. The light strawberry complexion never leaving her cheeks and the tips of her ear.

She wished that Tikki was by her side, feeling naked in her simple but stylish cerise blouse and high-waisted black pleated skirt. The cool draft from the open window behind her raised goosebumps on her skin despite the black tights yet the beaming gaze from Adrien made her feel like a soaring flame.

'I don't deserve you...'

Marinette didn't get a chance to take a step back, her hands captured by his in a bat of an eye. She pursed her lips questionably, cocking her head as Adrien stumbled over his words much to her

amazement

.

He never ceased to surprise Marinette, introducing more sides and pieces of himself to her without a beat. His currently timid demeanour reminded her of her Chat Noir, during a time when she launched a surprise hug at him and rendered him

speechless

for almost an hour during patrol. However, the treasured memory was mercilessly slashed by the ghost of

Chat Blanc's

heartbroken face, stilling her heart anew.

'Right now it's Adrien in front of me. ADRIEN. I have to look after him and make sure he's happy and okay first then I'll wallow about...that...later.'

"Marinette," The model cleared his throat, squeezing her hand for good measures. His tanned skin resonating beautifully with the raspberry tinge on his high cheekbones, awing the girl in how beautiful he looked right now under the glow of the rich light. "I...

thank you

, really. You didn't have to do this," He rubbed his thumb on her fingers, beckoning her to sit next to him.

With how cute and nervous he looked,

how could she possibly refuse?

"Of course I had to. You got hurt in front of me and I couldn't just sit around and do nothing about it." She sat by him, ignoring the warmth of his thighs touching hers in the cramped but cosy space. She eyed his bandaged finger forlornly, blind to Adrien's heated scrutiny. He has more than picked up that there was more to her words than she let out but after prodding her in the morning and getting her upset, he didn't want to risk doing so again.

"But still, being by my side would have been enough and letting the school nurse treat my injury. Yet, you took the time and effort to do it yourself. You made sure to make it as painless as possible.

No one

has ever done this for me,

ever

." This time, the admiration laced in his voice enticed Marinette to face him, her cheeks reddening whilst he smiled at her with a tenderness that would

rival

her own

partner's

.

She never thought that

that

would

ever

be a possibility.

"B-But..." She wet her lips restlessly, sky blues glancing away for a split second and then bore into him again. "What about when you were younger? Surely someone must have..." She faltered, not too sure whether to breach the unspoken territory regarding his distant, robot like

Père

and tragically absent

Maman

.

"From as long as I can remember,

Père and

Maman

would always try and keep me contained in one place or another so that I didn't hurt myself. And the rare times I did get hurt, they would get the maids to patch me up. The maids were never too interested in making conversation with me, trying to get the job done as soon as possible...heh," Adrien was the one looking away now, smile empty and eyes losing their shine at the memories of his lacklustre childhood.

Despite Adrien's huge love and yearning for his mother, the more Marinette heard about the stories of his past, the more apprehensive she was about Emelie. The woman may have been doting on Adrien and showered him with love but at the same time, she was responsible for his quiet, lonely childhood and perhaps neglect when she handed him over to the maids or assistants regularly when she went to work.

'He deserves so much better, he deserves so much more love...why is fate always so cruel to the kindest people I know?'

Marinette kept her worried, sympathetic eyes on him, giving his fingers a comforting press this time round with her own. The touch snapped Adrien out of his thoughts, the boy immediately quirking his lips up to ensure that she didn't worry about him further. He opened his mouth, attempting to show that he was fine but Marinette beat him to it.

"I'll always be here," She nodded. "Whether it's to treat your injuries, to cheer you on for your extra-curricular matches or even to lend you an ear when you need someone to listen to you.

Always

." She brought their entwined hands to her chest, determination to keep the boy she loves happy evident in her eyes.

An unspoken promise binding them both together.

Adrien found himself gaping with astonishment, his heart literally melting from the indescribable euphoria and exhilaration that flooded his entire being, leading unshed tears to glisten in his eyes. He wanted to grab her face right there right now, pull her into a breathtaking kiss and finally,

finally

know what it's like to feel and taste Marinette Dupain-Cheng's lips against his.

Finally have a kiss he'll remember.

Instead, common sense and reality stopped him from doing so, allowing him to envelope Marinette into his arms with a strong, heartfelt embrace. The feel of her throat moving as she gasped against his shoulder had Adrien hold on tighter, burying his face into the crook of her neck, the tightness of the bandage around his finger keeping him rooted.

"...Adrien?" Marinette tentatively returned the hug, trying her best to keep her hands steady as she rested them around his torso, one hand slipping through his blonde strands and grazing her nails against his scalp as a means to comfort him.

"You're always looking after everyone...looking after

me

..." His voice was nothing but a husky whisper, a warm breeze in her ear. He slowly pulled his head away from her shoulder yet his arms remained circled around her, his grip strong but comforting. Then, tenderly, with eyes glinting with bitter-sweetness and compassion, Adrien settled his forehead on Marinette's, lips twisted in a pained grimace. The ebony haired teen could barely keep her eyes on his, the tensity from the park hurtling back like a meteor and all she could do was pray that her heart wouldn't smash through her chest.

"Yet, you don't let us look after you...not even me."

Agonising pain from the fear of losing her partner to the corrupted darkness of the butterfly and the fear of the potential dangers that could befall on Adrien evoked her skin to blanch on the spot, eyes to constrict wildly whilst his emerald crescents never left its prey. She instinctively bit her bottom lip, plastering her gaze to the side only to pale further when she noticed her reflection staring back in the mirror.

Marinette couldn't bear to see her sleep deprived, ghostly looking self engulfed in the arms of the love of her life, especially with the unearned fondness and affection on his expression that she wasn't deserving of. She instantly closed her eyes, cheeks red with not only embarrassment but also fury towards herself.

'That's right- how fucking dare you try to enjoy this? You're an unworthy glutton. An undeserving snake. A selfish, cruel wench!'

The angry voice in her head blared, mauling her heart apart without an ounce of sympathy. It took everything in her body to not break down and cry, to not spill everything to him.

However, her fate was abominable and cruel, the knowledge of identities and the miraculouses and the future slamming into her at full force caused her to just stay deathly still and quiet.

Oh so still and quiet.

"Marinette...look at me, please." Adrien pleaded, nudging his nose with hers, his desperate breath like a forbidden fruit countering her lips. His voice cracked with emotion as he held onto her tighter, fringes intermingling with one another and chests pressed against the other. Their hearts pounded in sync, the boy using his free hand to graze his thumb against Marinette's brow, grief evident in his aura and actions. "You're hurting, you've been hurting for a long time and I just can't stand there watching you

burn

." The way he threw her words back at her from earlier on caused her eyes to snap open, teeth clenched in a bitter grimace.

"I'm okay Adrien, I'm fine. This isn't about me...it shouldn't be about me. You're the one who's hurt, not me! We should be focused on keeping an eye on the cut just in case that dodgy rose really is poisonous!" She rasped but couldn't stop the stutter her heart let out at the sight of his incredulous glare.

"Why...why do you always do this? Why do you always keep stopping anyone from helping you? You're literally falling apart!" He shook her shoulders, eyes furious but intent in wanting to help the girl he loves,

if only she'd let him

. "You barely smile, you barely laugh, hell, you don't even act our age these days! Everyone says you've matured...everyone says you've grown up...but all I see is the person that I care so much for...a person I treasure so much...no longer happy!"

It was mere willpower that prevented the dams to explode for Adrien, his vision blurry with tears but he kept them in, brows crinkled with anguish and his thumb stroking the apple of her cheeks. Her eyes shone with tears too, a brewing dilemma evident in the blue orbs he's grown to cherish and love.

But was also scarily, strikingly similar to his partner in red...

"I'm...I..." Marinette started, her weighted emotions suffocating her, rendering her speechless and she internally prayed that Adrien would drop the subject and move on, even if it's by some sort of miracle-

SLAMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 The sounds of the bathroom door and window clobbered shut sent a whiplash towards the teens, the duo switching to a seriousness and alertness that mirrored their magical counterparts, gripping each other with herculean strength.

.

Neither of them

dared

to take a breath.

.

Adrien kept his eyes glued to the window whilst Marinette kept hers to the door, the trepidation and unease skimming through their bones as the gut reactions from the incident at the park ploughed back at full force. The way they held onto each other so tightly was guaranteed to leave marks on their skins.

Bright, predator like greens

glowered

.

Wild, stormy blues

pierced

.

.

This time, the sound of the school bell ringing in the distance was heard, breaking Adrien and Marinette out of their fight or flight mode, still eyeing the objects warily.

The model was the first to break the silence.

"Do you...do you think that was the wind?" He licked his lips nervously, his injured, left hand trembling and quick to latch onto Marinette's right hand, his eyes never leaving the window. His heart roared in his ears, blood loudly rushing through his veins as the urge to flee was high.

But, he wouldn't dare to leave without

her

.

"Adrien, in order to open the door, you have to push it from the outside and pull from inside. Same with the window. There's no draft on this floor and the breeze was only coming from the window. I can understand the door being slammed shut by a sudden gust of wind...

but not the window

..." Her answer only went quieter and quieter, until her last few words were barely whispers. The boy squeezed her hand, able to feel her rapid pulse which only heightened his. "

...and there was sudden wind either...

"

"S-Such phenomena can be explained with science..."

"Then how does science explain how a rose

magically

appeared on my head, me not feeling a single thing?"

"It could probably be a distasteful prank by Alya and Nino when we weren't paying attention-"

"The rose didn't have thorns in it when you took it out but suddenly appeared a few seconds later, hurting you!"

"...are...are you sure? Marinette, I don't like this-"

And neither did she.

Wordlessly, she kept a tight clutch on his hand, minding his injured finger and practically ripped the door open, speed-walking out of the apartment with the model gleefully following, slamming the entrance door shut as they left.

.

The silence in the apartment grew loud and looming.

Slowly but steadily, the window in the bathroom opened, revealing absolutely...

...Nothing.

.

~(x)~

Rain poured down Paris like a waterfall, as if to make up for the lack of showers during the intense, global-warming induced heatwaves during summer. Students from

le collège

tiredly trickled out of the building, groaning about the amount of homework that were assigned to them or mocking the teachers they absolutely despised or even the current weather which the forecast has failed to mention today.

Lila Rossi bellowed a haughty goodbye to Alya, attempting to gather the girl up in her arms for a hug only for the bespectacled teen to step away stiffly, lips strained tight. Of course, the Italian made a mopey scene over it, her

'friends'

from the other classes directing a nasty glare at the reporter who didn't even flinch at the stares.

"I...I thought you were busy over the holidays and that's why you didn't try to text me...but you just don't want to be my friend anymore, do you Alya?" Lila sniffed, clutching her designer umbrella closer as if to look like a wounded lamb. Yet, Alya didn't even twitch a muscle.

"Need I remind you that you got my best friend

expelled

?"

"But that's not my fault! I have this disorder that-"

"Yes! A disorder that you never told

anyone

about and almost ruined my best friend's life! I don't know how schools work in Italy, but over here? In France? If you have even one

tiny blight

on your records, thousands of universities won't even look at your CV and portfolios! You know how important fashion and designing is to Marinette. You know it's her dream to keep learning and experience the world! But you almost ruined it all in one day! And you, you ALL, yes, you people!" She pointed to the growing crowd. "Marinette has helped so many of you, never asking for anything in return! She's always been kind, quirky and lovable! Yet I see some of you give her the most disgusting looks when you think she's not looking."

She slammed her umbrella on the floor, not caring that it was trampled over students who were hurrying home and avoiding the commotion, her curls instantly soaked by the rain. The crowd she pointed to held shameful expressions, some looking away from Alya whilst Lila kept up her kicked puppy act, dry and regal under her umbrella.

"She deserves so much better than this..." Her teeth were gritted and her hazel eyes was like a forest fire. Just as she was about to give hell to the crowd, a familiar hand rested on her shoulder, calming her down immediately. Alya whipped her head to the side, watching as Marinette stepped in, slipping her hand away from the shoulder and guarding her arm in front of her best friend.

As if to protect her.

"Careful there, akumas, remember?" Cheng hissed quietly, putting out the fire and pacifying Césaire. Her icy blues sent shivers down everyone's spine, even Lila found herself feeling a cold sweat-drop trickle down her forehead from the mere intensity of her eyes, knuckles whitening on the handle of her umbrella.

It was as if Marinette was the strict teacher and they were the misbehaving students.

"Go home. There's nothing to see here. There are more important things out there than petty school drama," She commanded, eyes never leaving the olive eyed peer who would have snarled back had Alya not been watching her with a triumphant but menacing scowl.

"I literally just found out that someone I cherished and trusted,

hates

me. How is that petty school drama?" Rossi enforced the crowd to pity her, her acting skills so good that one would think that she was about to burst into tears on the spot. However, Marinette wasn't having any of it, especially with how preoccupied she was with the bizarre incidents that have been piling up lately, mentally drained by everything.

"You broke the trust of that someone." She retorted coldly, the rain only got heavier and more of the crowd started to disappear, not finding the argument worth a cold. "Of course she won't want anything to do with you afterwards. I don't care if you don't see or understand my viewpoints on what's petty and what's not.

I really don't give a damn

. Just get lost and leave Alya alone."

The Italian opened her mouth, enraged, ready to yell but was pulled back by her possies, guiding the seething teen away from Mari and Alya. The duo kept their eyes peeled on the brunette's back until she was no more than a tiny figure in the distance. The remaining members of the crowd, unnamed faces from various years, hurried off, far too intimidated by the French-Chinese's ambience and the wrath of her fiery best friend.

"Alya, you didn't have to do this you know," Exhaustion and tiredness was laced in Marinette's voice but the subtle smile that rested on her lips was real, earning a broader smile from her companion. "I don't want any trouble or problems arising for you because of the bad blood between me and Lila."

"No amount of troubles and problems will stop me from standing by your side, girl," The ombre-haired teen gave the petite girl's forearms a reassuring squeeze. "I know you told me that the best way to handle Lila was to avoid her and mind my own business, but dammit, it just pisses me off how she can happily trot around the school like she owns the place as if she's some innocent fairy. As if she hasn't caused so much shit for you and our class! Fucking hell!"

"Mmhm, I understand that Als. But, I'd rather not see you get akumatised again. Or get into some serious trouble that can affect your future." Marinette tapped one of Alya's hands disapprovingly, her knowing raised brow gaining a sheepish smile from the latter.

"Oh come on...I really wasn't gonna punch her,"

"Alya, I had to step in because I saw the way your fist was itching to strike."

"...I wasn't gonna punch her

too hard

at least,"

Rolling her eyes fondly, Marinette pulled the taller girl into a hug, lips curled up into a goofy smile. She still couldn't believe how lucky she was to have Alya as her best friend, practically the big sister she's always wanted, as someone she could talk to about anything and everything-

save for her alter-ego related topics of course.

Plus, it took Alya no time after the suspension incident to figure out that all the saccharine, honeyed promises and silver laced boasts from the fake fox were all

lies

.

Even if it took her longer to realise than Marinette would have liked. Regardless, she knew

now

. Maybe still in the dark of the numerous times Lila has threatened Marinette and willingly worked with an akuma to take down Ladybug

but

she knew enough to stay away from the dangerous girl.

It took Dupain-Cheng quite a while to hold Alya back from going absolutely feral on Lila when she found out, convincing the taller teen to leave her be, back then. To let Lila's deception become her own downfall and only take action

if necessary

.

"I'm glad you didn't punch her. You would have been suspended and I'd have died within a week in school without you." Marinette playfully punched Alya's shoulder, both of them perking up at the sounds of their two very loved boys making their way to them from the building behind. Alya didn't get to do as much as blink as she was tackled by an enthusiastic Nino, his endearing nickname for her (

'Ba-aaaaaabe!')

causing the aspiring designer to watch the scene with fondness.

"What was all the commotion we heard on the way here?" Adrien asked, almost making her jump, dipping under Marinette's umbrella and helping her hold it to his height with one hand.

'Behave, my heart.'

She swore.

"Just

you-know-who

causing a scene cos Alya doesn't want her clinging on her arm like the leech she is," Marinette huffed, pursing her lips with sourness. It looked like the cost of

Chloé Bourgeois

calming down her tantrums and terror by a smidge was the increase of Lila's fabrication and drama stirring.

A pain in her ass in all honesty.

"Oh? So she's aware that the leech is a liar too?"

"Yep."

"No wonder Nino was just as iffy when he saw her, hahah!"

"And it's not just him thankfully. The rest of our class are keeping a closer eye on her. Plus, with everyone worried about finals, work and what

lycée

to choose, no one is giving her the attention that she's dying for." The raven haired girl took a sigh of relief, still drained from all the excitement in the morning. She shot an appreciative smile to Adrien when he squeezed her hand. "I guess taking the high road isn't too bad. I'd have already combusted into smoke if I focused on trying to expose Lila every single time. It's better to direct my energy on things worth my time."

The blonde scoffed, smile self-deprecating now. He stared into the distance, barely acknowledging Nino and Alya splashing puddle water at each other, screeching with joy.

"That advice was

bullshit

and

you know it.

" His usual soft emeralds turned acidic and raw, hand tightening over hers as the sound of rain battered the pavement and steps. "Am I right to assume that you haven't told Alya about the time you were

threatened

and almost got

akumatised

over it?"

Ah.

The memory of the few weeks after saving her Chat Noir from

that timeline

that resurfaced to Mari's memories marked the catalyst to her and Adrien becoming closer, blurring the line between friendship and

something more

, despite her attempts in trying to distance herself from him emotionally.

'That's right, that day you couldn't even pretend that you weren't such a weak girl. That day when you broke down in front of him when he was looking for you after the dumb Lila brat pushed you over the edge. And you couldn't even stop your big mouth from running. Absolutely pathetic.'

Marinette's smile was a simple shadow of the real deal, ignoring Adrien's worrisome peep.

She was getting real sick of the ugly, horrendous, pessimistic side of herself and the fact that no matter what she did, she always worried the boy with the heart of gold.

Both boys with heart more golden than the sun itself.

"That's right," She answered nonchalantly, keeping her eyes on her friends up ahead. "And am I right to assume that

you

haven't told Nino about the time you made a deal with the devil, pretty much

selling yourself

in order to get me back into school?" The sharp intake of breath that Adrien took was more than an indication of her answer, her dissatisfaction with his methods hitting a nerve.

He definitely didn't tell Nino, just as she didn't tell Alya. They really were two peas in a pod.

"I...I feel like we've argued too many times already, Marinette. It's a new school year, a new season,

let's start over.

" He finally faced her, his fiery greens resembling her partner clad in black

far too much

for her liking.

The duo didn't say anything afterwards, attempting to figure each other out as they kept up the eye contact. Her eyes resembled the storm they were currently under, a sudden flash of lightning from above highlighted every speckle and ring of her mysterious orbs.

The sound of thunder roared through the clouds and the downfall of the rain was practically buckets of water pooling down from the skies. Adrien registered the familiarity of the scene and the umbrella he was currently helping in holding.

As so did Marinette.

So lost into each others eyes, the teens were deaf to their best friends' cheers and shouts of goodbye, departing away from them, leaving them both alone in front of the entrance of the building as they fell in love

all over again

. Their hearts beating in tandem and their lips slowly but surely curving into smiles. Finally, the older teen acted, his stare loving and sweet, reaching the hand by Marinette's side with his spare hand.

"What are you up to?" Dupain-Cheng couldn't help but wonder, the tilt of his smirk provoking her heart to bend and bounce like a gymnast but also twitch with familiarity.

And this time, she has her finger on it.

"Let's make a deal." Adrien started, smirk broadening into a shit-eating grin. He

totally

was eating up the way her cheeks coloured from the proximity and the grasps of understanding from the

déjà vu

when it came to her

.

His sudden boldness growing.

"Go on,"

"I'll only let you look after me...

if

," He paused dramatically and then leaned in close, his smile never faltering when Marinette instinctively took a little step back in surprise. Adrien let go of her hand only to settle it on the small of her back, pushing the shy girl closer to him as he freely wore his superhero persona on his sleeves.

"If you let me do the same for you,"

His words ended with a soft breath, a juxtaposition to his emotional, distraught pleas from when she was treating his wound in her house. Lightning flashed again and the thunder rumbled through the atmosphere, amplifying every feature and every raindrop of the moment. Marinette couldn't help but melt, her awed expression meeting his smile that shone brighter than the sun.

'Mon Dieu...I love him so much...but I don't deserve him...'

"Adrien..." She couldn't bear to see such an earnest look directed at her, flickering her eyes to the ground and fidgeting on the spot. Her automatic, denial for any help hurried to leave her tongue except the only thing to escape her throat was a shriek as the feeling of freezing rain soaked her head instantly.

"It's

equivalent exchange!

If you don't agree to the deal, why I'll just leave you all alone right there~" The little shit announced obnoxiously and skipped down the steps, the cheeky cat inside him cackling at the sound of her howls of rage and a flurry of feet rushing towards him in order to retrieve the umbrella back.

"You filthy weeb! Give me back my umbrella!" She jumped him, trying everything to reach the gadget as the insufferable boy used his height to his advantage, keeping it as far away from her as possible with one hand, his other hand wrapped around her waist. He was just as soaked as his beau but he didn't give a

flying fuck.

He relished every second,

every moment

.

"You're the one who recommended Full-metal Alchemist to me! You have yourself to blame! And isn't this the umbrella

I

lent you last year?

Who knew Marinette Dupain-Cheng was such a thief~?

" He taunted only to trip backwards into a giant puddle, dragging the poor girl with him with a yelp. The teens were soaked beyond compare, their kwamis hiding in their bags grateful as hell that they weren't hiding in their charge's coats.

The duo let out shrieks of disgust and commented about how disgusting the water was, crawling away from the puddle whilst clutching each other, sitting on a few steps to the school building to regain their breaths. They were already muddy, wet and filthy; there was nothing else left to lose.

Adrien could

always

give his father the

half truth

if the stoic man greets him before he cleans himself up, saying that he tripped and fell in a puddle. Marinette's parents on the other hand would wonder whether

pigs would start flying

if their daughter came home

spotless

.

"You idiot." Marinette bleated, breaking the comfortable silence but didn't attempt to move away from him, leaning against Adrien as the cascading rain showered them. "What does equivalent exchange have to do with stealing my umbrella?" She reached for the gadget they fought over, opening it up to shield them from the torrent even though it was quite useless at this rate.

They were certainly going to catch a cold.

"First," The model flicked her forehead with jest. "It's

my

umbrella. Second, I charge interest. I'm being super generous and kind here, asking for that instead of-

I dunno,

two-hundred of your handmade croissants." He nuzzled her wet hair, his cold, chapped lips against her neck like sparks lighting up her skin.

"I see..." She regarded the situation seriously now, blaming the shivers that ransacked her body from the cold and certainly not the sensation of Adrien's long lashes fluttering against her skin and his lips brushing her nape. "I...I can't promise anything...but I can try. I can try and let you in, Adrien."

And that was more than enough for the elated boy, evident in the way he intercepted her with a hug that would rival her

Chaton's

eagerness.  

'Though...with all the clues and similarities I'm seeing...maybe he is-'

"I'm glad." He breathed into her soft skin. "I'm so happy that you trust me enough to support you," Marinette couldn't tell whether her hypersensitivity was exaggerating every move Adrien made because she almost swore on her earrings...

that his lips were puckered against her neck

. She was

beet red

now.

"I...I'm happy too. Thank you for not giving up on me," She cupped his cheek, inspecting him as he raised his head to meet her stare. Their position mirroring

The Eternal Kiss of the Hasanlu Lovers

, questions and answers swimming in their eyes whilst emotions and feelings were as stormy as the weather.

'Are you really my Lady?' 'Are you really my Chaton?'

The sudden sound of a car beeping a few metres away snapped the potential couple out of their trance, the boy quick to lift the girl to her feet. Adrien's bodyguard rolled the window down, beckoning him to get inside with a grunt and then rolled the window back up.

Probably to quickly drape the waterproof seat covers on the passenger seats.

The model's smile was wiped off his face, the baker girl's following suite as the creepy events from before pirouetted in their minds. Adrien's grip on Marinette's hands bestowed his reluctance to let her go. However, it was like Mari could read his mind, giving him a resolved nod.

"I'll be fine. Okay?"

"You're not scared to go home? Even after

that

? And the

rose

?" The memory of the bathroom door and window slamming shut out of the blue still sent chills down the boy's spine and his sixth sense was screaming that it was abnormal. That there's more to it than it seemed.

"I won't lie, I'm still a bit creeped out. But if it is something, it's definitely an akuma. Ladybug and Chat Noir are there to protect you and me." Marinette was certain that she was telling the truth but her heart argued otherwise, that there was something else. She didn't know what to make of this feeling.

"...Okay," Despite his word, Adrien seemed reluctant to agree. "Promise me to let me or Alya and Nino know ASAP if something's up?" This was a dirty trick. He knew it. She knew it.

Because Marinette never breaks her promises.

"...Fine." The girl's glower only deepened at his victorious smile, his large hands squeezing her smaller pair. "And you, promise me to stop being a worrywart!" She pettily cackled internally at the scowl he shot back.

"I'll stop being a worrywart if you took care of yourself for once!" He stuck his tongue out childishly, a very

Chat Noir

thing to do and Marinette couldn't help but be endeared rather than annoyed.

The impatient beeping from Adrien's ride indicated Gorilla's urgency to take the boy home. The blonde glanced at the car forlornly and then back at Marinette.

He wanted to stay by her side for longer.

"Why don't you take a ride home with me? We can drop you off." He offered. He wasn't expecting a devious smile from Dupain-Cheng however, his heart skipping a few beats or so. An iconic smile that he

knows

he's only seen on his

Lady's

lips.

"And let you steal

my

umbrella again? No thank you~ I live just down the street anyways."

"Ugh...the next thing I know, you'll be stealing my jackets or shirts too." Adrien missed the embarrassment and longing that flickered in her eyes for a split second.

After all, stealing items of clothing was such a

girlfriend

thing to do.

"Anyways," With a sigh, Adrien brought Marinette into his arms, fingers knotting themselves in her fallen bun, her tendrils flailing freely in the frigid weather. "Please stay safe Marinette. And...look after yourself," The way he whispered heatedly in her hair introduced the raven haired teen to an intimacy she has never breached, her heart skyrocketing.

Parallel to their proper introduction in the rain last year, Adrien Agreste rendered Marinette Dupain-Cheng dumbfounded, the cat taking the tongue. Pulling away, the boy gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his digits barely gliding over her supple cheek as thunder rumbled in the skies.

Her dumbfounded expression only worsened as Adrien brought the Chat Noir out in him to play once more, pressing his velvety lips on the

corner

of hers.

A taster of what he really was capable of.

"

A plus,

Marinette," Leaving the umbrella in her hand, Adrien headed to his bodyguard's car, gripping the handle of his schoolbag with an expression so

sickeningly lovesick

and so

sickeningly sweet

. The sound of Plagg's muttering complaints form the zip of his bag was left unheard as the boy was practically on

cloud nine

.

.

Meanwhile, Marinette wasn't as lucky to bathe in the feeling of soaring. Not for long at least. As much as she wanted to pump her fist up in the air with a whoop and fan-girl to Alya over the phone, her situation developed with a cruelty that shattered her heart to pieces.

'Hahah! What are the odds! The two boys you love turning out to be one all along? If it's true then that means it was not just Chat Noir suffering...it was Adrien too! It was Adrien you also failed!'

The heinous voice just kept on mocking, and mocking,

and mocking.

Tikki peered out of Marinette's bag, her doe like eyes starting to tear up at the sight of the gloom that overtook Marinette's body without mercy.

'What if it was Adrien who's been singing that horrid lullaby over and over again? What if it was Chat Noir whose parents never bandaged up his wounds? What if it was Adrien whose heart I kept on rejecting? What if it was Chat Noir who got pricked by the rose? What if...WHAT IF!?-'

The sudden feeling of the warm, magical kwami cuddling up in the nape of her neck broke the girl out of her downward spiral, her heart grieving and sobbing.

"Tikki...I don't know what to do...I don't know what to think...I don't know what to

feel!

Why does this keep happening?" The little Goddess responded to Marinette's agonising pain by lifting a hand to her charge's cheek, nuzzle her as the tears finally fell.

The dam broken.

"No matter what happens, I'll always be there to help you and guide you the best I can. I will never, ever leave your side." The kwami promised. She offered a soft smile and mentioned that they should go home, especially with how Marinette's sniffles were getting louder and sounding more congested.

.

"...how long do you think it will take before they reveal themselves to each other?" Wayzz's voice was nothing but calm, floating under the umbrella his master held as they both observed the little Ladybug heading home from afar.

Maître Fu

sighed tiredly, goosebumps never leaving his body from the intense cold of the weather.

"Not very long now, Wayzz. The sooner the better. After all, they will both need each other more than ever. I fear a threat greater than

Le Papillon

has awoken and it's already affecting everyone. Especially Ladybug and Chat Noir." He eyed the sky warily, as if it was a sentient monster. "As much as I'd prefer if all identities were kept a secret, it will only cause them more harm than good. I cannot afford to fail them as a Guardian again."

"Oh? What do you plan to do?"

"I will try and persuade Ladybug to tell me what happened when the rabbit hero of the future took her away all those months ago. That day started the negativity building up in her body, slowly consuming her."

"I see."

"But that's not all. I will take on the offensive and hunt down whatever has arrived in our world. Whatever that

thing

is.

For once,

I want to protect the kids with all I can."

"But

Maître,

your body is at its limit! You can't even handle a decent akuma right now, let alone this thing you claim to be more threatening than Le Papillon himself!"

"I must try, Wayzz. I must..."

.

~(x)~

Marinette didn't know what to expect when she entered her home, her parents still busy in the bakery and the apartment feeling more eerie than usual. Both Tikki and her were on high alert, the horrid sensation of being watched so heavy it could potentially cut off her airways.

Her ears

rang

.

Her entire body

shivered

.

Her reflexes on her fire as she winced at every creak and moan the building made. The sounds of the forceful rain shooting the windows and water gurgling in the waterspout only

heightened

the terror. All of a sudden, the urge to go to her balcony struck her core, Marinette's body leaping up the stairs to her room and heading towards the trapdoor above her bed like a rabbit on the run. She was deaf to Tikki's cries as her dirty, wet clothes left sopping water all over the place.

Marinette tore the trapdoor open, leaping out and onto the balcony.

.

All the sounds in the world disappeared as her eyes registered the item that was left on the railing this time.

.

A rose.

The rose.

The dreaded, derisive, hideous white rose!

Its grotesque looking thorns were like claws, digging into her property and its petals were tattered and wilted, as if it was stomped on by a herd. Thunder and lightning screamed through the heavens, the best visualisation for the turmoil that was burning inside Marinette as the rain tore at her body.

The girl snarled at the rose, stomping towards the edge of her balcony and pushed herself forward, eyes frenziedly looking for the creep that

dared

to approach her again.

Especially after hurting Adrien!

"SHOW YOURSELF!" She bellowed, squinting through the deluge of raindrops and scanning the area in front. Her knuckles whitened from the herculean grip on the railings. "I SAID SHOW YOURSELF!!!" Again, she got nothing in return, her chest heaving and coughs erupting from her mouth, scraping her throat and chest raw. Tikki patted Marinette's shoulder, eyes glued to the surroundings until they widened.

"Marinette! Over there!" The kwami pointed to the direction of the park, the girl hauling herself to that angle and gaped at the blurry silhouette drenched on the rain. Yet, the more the duo attempted to make out the figure, the harder the rain fell and the wind blew. Not to mention that it was almost pitch black and none of the lights around were even

on

.

Finally,

just finally

, recognition blared in Marinette's brain, barely managing to notice the strange feline ears on the figure's head and the strange tail behind it.

"Chaton...? Chat...

Chat Noir?

" She whispered at first, voice hoarse and nose clogged, not believing her eyes at first. Clearing her throat, Marinette readied herself to call him over, ask why he was outside-

"

Ma Princesse!

What are you doing out here!? Get back inside!"

Marinette almost jumped out of her skin, violently pressing her back against the balcony with bewilderment as she stared down at the Chat Noir who was perched on her

railing

. Tikki was quick to dart inside the plant pots, out of sight.

.

Two add two weren't equalling four.

The hero himself has never seen such a scared expression on the girl, defences on high alert. He was about to question her again but paused when Marinette frantically looked back at where she was glaring at earlier on. The way her hands trembled and the absolute dread that took over her face caused Noir to leap to her side, pushing her behind him with one arm and scrutinise the area.

.

They stayed like that for seconds that felt like decades, the chill of the cold and fear like a blade pressed to the skin. Chat searched and searched

and searched

. Nevertheless, the boy couldn't find anything out of the ordinary but didn't dare to lower his guard. His faux ears flickered to life as Marinette mumbled.

"If you're here...then who did I see over

there

,

watching me?

"

Just as he

thought

the rage and anxiety he felt rushing through his veins was bad enough, he noticed the horrific white flower sagging upon the railing like a corpse in a river.

His fury

exploded

by ten folds, his fangs glinting with bloodlust and his eyes constricted to the point where they were just mere slits. He almost didn't register his body swiping the dishevelled rose off the railing and crushing it even

further

with his boot. His breathing almost feral and ragged.

.

"Marinette, what's going on?"

 Noir glowered over his shoulder, body still panting with the uncontrollable animosity, begging to claw whatever was hurting them to

absolute shreds

.

The girl merely stared into the distance, eyes vacant and face hollow, rain dripping down her hair and face.

"Some...someone is watching...always watching...

and he won't stop until he gets what he wants.

"

THUD!

"MARINETTE!!!!!!"

She fainted.

.

.

.

~(x)~

A/N: Another build up chapter but don't worry, the guy we all have been waiting for will make his debut soon. But anyways, just want to quickly clarify something. 1) yes there will obviously be an identity reveal but it's gonna happen very early on in this story because not only am I an impatient slut, I'm also a hoe for post-reveal pre-relationship. 2) this is not a salty Lila take down fic. I'm trying to deal with the school drama beef as realistically as I can (cos Marinette is right, she has more important things to worry about lmao) and the Italian will have a vital part in the story- probably not in the way you guys are thinking UwU. Thank you for reading and I'll update when I can!

[heizerux]

IN NEW YORK YOU CAN BE A NEW— Hero :3

My ML NY Special review/thoughts

First things first, I love this whole intro sequence they had going for the special. Really takes me in for the ride that they’re going International. Anywhoosies, the following are majority of my thoughts as I chronologically had them as I watched the special.

Starting off: SPACE POWERS SPACE POWER SPACE POWERS :o

I know they’re just friends, but im just saying Chat, not everyone goes out of their way to research rose colors to give to their “friends” ;3

CONGRATS ON THE BABY MS. BUSTIER!!!!!!!! May we meet your baby in ANY of the next two seasons. :3

Sock Washington Adrien and Marinette’s growth :’3 I love the analogies for her good FRIEND she uses.

Nathalie in bed rest from the peacock miraculous low key makes me wonder if Emílie started there first before. . . Well, ending up out.

I LOVE that this is an ACTUAL post S3 film. Most special films are made with that “description” to be inserted in any season, but they always feel off with continuity in the main series. Here we carry on that that although Adrigami and Lukanette are in the steps of “building” towards something from S3. . . We see that Adrienette/Ladynoir is just . . . Not going away anytime soon :3

The Ladybug kitty beeper 🥺 I want one. Gimme

Plagg: See any supervillains around??

(Idk. Try below the house 😬)

I love to see Kagami. I see she’s supportive of Adrien and his feelings with toughness lol.

Not gonna lie I low key actually think it’s sweet that Luka is so supportive of Marinette in general? He’s such a secure and good guy. I really could never (I actually forgot about the salt and comments about how he’s bland while watching him in this minute he had lol) He wasn’t bad. He was just here.

Marinette lights up Adrien’s thoughts/problems and he doesn’t even know it lol Boy can go from “Oh no, Ladybug is gonna be so pissed” to “OMG Marinette is here :D”

In regards to Alya: I didn’t know NYC was a “romantic” city. I just thought it was “flashy” lol

The SUNSETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT VIEWEWWWW and the HUGHGGGGGGGGKVDXHHXHXEEEEEEEERRDUURUTXITCTICTCITUTXOCOHVURSUZIFDIEURJJUSDIFIAWEKVMMVVFJHSHTYETIFJCHgshjfjdufii—

Nino FINALLY said it 👁👄👁 “Adrien is a baby chick coming out of his shell”. He straight up called out his own bro on his absentness. . . #wokenino

Ok, Majestia’s badass. I like her in this a lot and she’s a MOTHERRERFVHDYSYHFJYSIRKG GC DFUKGJG—

Sorry. Better luck next year, Domacles 🥺

“IN NEW YORK YOU CAN BE A NEW MAN!!!”

Alya’s pointing XD . . . Annnnd Adrien missing the sign U_U

“The croissants are en route” BITCH I—

But Adrien, dear, PLEASE catch a hint :’3

No, Chloe! Don’t throw the mini Lafayette D:

I LOVE the new girls, Jess and Aeon so much

💕Sabrina x American Boy💕 that’s all. This matters to me

Kim found a buff friend to do buff things with🥺

We need a Hot Dog Dave in our real lives. A hero that brings free food. Hmmmm

Flying Adrienette . . . Dancing, together 🥺 UGH THEYRE SO IN LOVEEEEEEEE

Marinette AND Adrien’s Worst Continous ENEMY: Automatic Doors still

I’m trying SO HARD not to make anymore Hamilton references in this special 👁👄👁

American villains have the “common sense” Hawkmoth lacks. Technopirate:“Why do you want jewels? Don’t you want a bomb? No? Umm, okay?”

Chat Noir blowing his cover because Marichat!!!!!! Not gonna lie I found myself yelling a lot in excitement

. . . And THEN I found myself crying because seeing Ladybug being ACTUALLY LEVEL 9,000 mad at Chat Noir made my heart hurt. Ladybug chill 🥺

Lafayette was an American miraculous holder!!! 👁👄👁

These entire scenes. . . I don’t EVER wanna see them like hurt this again.

Oh yeah, Hawkmoth does stuff. The girls work to seek LB and CN as all adult heroes are going mad.

And the reunion 💕💕💕💕💕🥺🥺🥺💕💕

I just really love to see that even though they’re both “moved on” from their “love”, they keep coming back to and caring for each other. . . Those fist bumps are now equal to passionate Ladynoir kisses to me 🥺

LOOK AT THE AMERICAN HOLDER!!!!!!! I didn’t see this coming at alll and I’m fucking PLEASED with what we got. A Native American girl being a holder. *chefs kiss* I’m so freaking happy guys.

(Rip Paris but NY has bigger problems lol)

Omg Justicia and Knight Owl are together💕 I’m pretty sure that’s canon if you catch my drift 👀

Kind of an afterthought but I was a bit surprised to see the space powers shown kind of secondhand in this. I still hope to se them more in action within the show. Chat’s space costume looks gorgeous mimicking a night sky.

This special brought loves square fluff, hurt, super gays, more people of color, good insight on what the US is doing with their heroes, and a posible birth of more American holders? This isn’t even past the tip of the iceberg but this episode brought good stuff!!!!

10/10!!!!

[theundecider]

ok i’m gonna try and figure out which of my non-tma muses would be aligned with/maligned by which entity, or if they’re just normal or idk in which case i won’t mention them

ashley - THE EYE she is so eye-aligned curious as hell and she can DIE from it so very EYE

anjali - the end <3 life-and-death powers and all that.

brizo - maybe maligned by the lonely u_u possibly even aligned with it. :c

chyna - i can see chyna Maybe being touched by the eye but ehhh

cillian - the slaughter-aligned, methinks, if there was more musical motifs in his backstory. desolation-marked, tho, i think

clarence | claire - hmmmm possibly maligned by desolation? in that he’s a clone and u kno life’s already over before potential can be reached and also the possibility of suffering loss + cruelty at the hands of other people (especially fearful over losing david + emily)

david kastle - same as clarence, equally fearful over possibly losing clarence + emily

david hoover - kinda wanna say maligned the spiral just based on him like. going to different locations within his game. not too settled on it but it’s An Idea. a loose one, tho.

david warshawsky - the hunt >:( cereal kyller

damien - the hunt also </3 this is part of one of his verses/aus anyway

dexter - Also The Hunt. wouldja lookitthat. :|

echo - the end. :C

edward - quite possibly maligned by the spiral + the web, methinks. i may have to rewatch the playthru

ethan - get icked on by the corruption and the flesh </3

gorou - i really wanna say stranger-aligned for his illusionist sidegig thing pre-zanara, and possibly for all his... stuff afterwards. eh, maybe

holly - probably targeted by the buried if i’m honest, with fear of losing people but not necessarily in a way that “invites” the desolation.

honey - absolutely been targeted by the desolation, i think, even if rockdove wasn’t in her business :(

jason - i said he’d be hunt-aligned before, and i think i stand by that, with him coming into it during his time spent in jacob’s hands, and being reinforced by the idea that he Wants To Do The Right Thing, and it ending up tipping into self-righteous stuff

jemima - slaughter-aligned bitch lol! no but really she has all that potent anger, does have the capability for violence, and she’s not As honed in on the Righteous element like the Hunt, it’s less Hunting Prey and more Fighting The Enemy iygwim

kiyoko - ya girl’s a tough one to figure out but i think... maybe an avatar of the dark. “i don’t wanna know <3” type of bitch u kno. very flimsy idea but still.

lucy - hmm. could be a victim of both the lonely + the web.

mark - see i wanna say the slaughter Again but i suppose it could also be the hunt. like tracking down the dude who left he + his mother destitute, but also with the. plot being based off the song. lmao

mary - end. she can see ghosts <3

mischa - FLESH LOL depending on which verse i guess

naoko - the end bc i say she’s (basically, functionally) immortal ^_^

the narrator - stranger. literally multiple people(?)

peril - the flesh again

sarah - maligned by the stranger Can You See It.

salome - marked by the end, avatar of the hunt (which really puts a dampener on the whole EX-cereal kyller thing lol)

sharon - oogh i may need to re-read a post about PIM but... possibly the flesh?

steven - marked by end </3

veronica - ol’ bitch part of the hunt. she’s very self-righteous

western - one of them vampires :)

teddy - VAST, maybe, maybe vast-aligned, definitely maligned by the desolation tho oof

zoe - also Icked by corruption + flesh

bonus Eventual Muses

mia - both aligned with + maligned by corruption + flesh, especially with like. My Ideas For Protag Mia.

deirdre - aligned with the hunt. she has a alotta issues in her regular verses that i still need to figure out but they would lead her to the hunt rather than the slaughter.

milicent - maligned by the eye, but also possibly a bit aligned with it? and DEFINITELY maligned by the web for [REDACTED] reasons, and possibly a smidge of flesh + corruption for the same [REDACTED] reasons.

ivy - marked by the desolation, increasingly so after the death of each family member eek

bronte - SLAUGHTER + HUNT. BITCH? POSSILY ALSO A DESOLATION AVATAR...

carol-anne - maligned by the web bc of the witch </3