#can you tell i love how everyone agrees that gabriel's pancakes are bad
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iwannamarrychocolate · 1 year ago
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CGI at its finest
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gale-gentlepenguin · 2 years ago
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Gale Reviews: ML Season 5 episode 20 Revelation
(Spoilers below because its out of order)
-Lila is lying to her mother
-And now lying to her... mother? who it deaf? Wait that is not her mother
-You know I heard the rumor that she had multiple moms. I thought is was a joke? Is this like that Bitch in Orphan?
-Lila is Loving the attention.
-Also there is no way people use that ring that much... Actually I take it back I  know people obsessed with their phones
-Girl is a pathological liar and everyone just eats it up. I swear people an ACTUAL siri to fact check this s***
-Lila be trying to turn Sabine against her own daughter wtf
-Oh Alliance update. Oh look, Lila is OUT
-The whole room just glanced at her. DAMN!!! ROASTED
-And she is gonna try and recover from that humiliation
-Okay I will give her credit for that spin, that was a smart move. But you can tell that Lila is seething
-Lila collecting Moms like they are pokemon cards
-Yes Gabriel get worse.
-Damn! Gabriel Roasted Lila like he makes Pancakes. I love when Awful people are awful to eachother.
-Also his plan is evil and I kind of love it. (Way to be an irredeemable scumbag. I hope your magic cancer kills you)
-Gabriel literally felt her hate and then went “Nah. That would be dangerous”
-Lila Knows hes monarch. I forgot about that. Question is... How does she know?
-Cute Adrinette right off the bat.
-Adrien and Marinette having no idea about the update.
-Rose is like “Why your dad shipping you with Kagami when You and Marinette are the OTP for life” Mood rose. Mood
-Adrien and Marinette totally ignoring the BS gabriel be pushing out
-Sabrina getting sloppy with her work.
-Wait... Did miss Bustier NOT realize Sabrina had been doing her homework until now?
-Why would you explain you had sabrina forge your homework? Are you braindead Chloé? Probably but anyway
-I 100% agree with Marinette on this. Chloé shouldnt get off so easily. Especially since she JUST Admitted to never doing her homework. Like if I was a teacher I would take her to the principals office and discuss having her sent back a few grades based on a Literacy test
-I cant take Chloé seriously. Like you can tell they are trying so hard to make her a little s*** even more so than in season 1
-Lila be scheming
-Marinette even giving the teacher lip. You go Marinette.
-And Lila’s turning the situation
-Miss Bustier was still reeling from the fact that Chloé never did any work. Feels like a cop out.
-Alya... I am going to say this once. You are a complete idiot. Do you think MAYBE just MAYBE Marinette is right about Lila? ESPECIALLY CAUSE YOU KNOW MARINETTE IS LADYBUG! For f***s sake this is a really bad look girl. I am disappointed in you.
-Good on Adrien for finally saying something. Boy is like “Yea I am done playing nice, My deal with Lila is void. She f***ing sucks”
-Nino you. are just as bad too
-Me at Alya
youtube
-Sabrina knows Lila is sus now and isnt sure what to do
-Miss Bustier, you maybe a future milf, but you disappoint me greatly
-This is shaping up to be Chameleon 2.0
-The whole class hearing Lila nominate Chloe as her deputy is such a “Bruh”
-Wow... the class are idiots.
-I swear Lila walks around with a simpleman field or some s***
-Adrien and Marinette are immune to the BS
-Lila just rolling nat 20′s on loaded dice
-Wait there are only two weeks of school left? Seriously? And they are doing this?
-That being said, I do like that Lila is a personal foe for Marinette, being that she is the opposite of Marinette.
-Marinette is completely right. I love how chloe is NODDING like “Oh she right. I am glad she understands”
-Okay Lila I see what you doing. Okay, full points on manipulation, that was a clever little spin.
-I still think Lila is ridiculous but when she gets one good scheme it works. But yea... the class are idiots
-Monarch is like “Oh thats some good hatred... Wait a minute”
-Then he was dumb enough to actually be like “Meh its not at me”
-Lila playing Monarch like a fiddle. And calling Her Hoaxer
-Giving her the power of Illusion once again.
-Oh, I really like the red and Black color scheme on Lila’s akuma form. Its basically red Volpina but I like it
-Hoaxer  controlling everyone with an aliance ring.
-Oh thats clever
-They convinced everyone she is Monarch. Thats hilarious
-Ivan and Mylene are safe since they didnt trust alliance. (Thank goodness)
-Plagg always insightful
-Alya knows that Marinette is Ladybug... so how could she buy the illusion... because alliance control.
-Oh she can feel when the rings are removed
The meme potential
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-When you out of this world.
-Lucky charm is a sewing machine
-Chat noir still call Ladybug is lady, and he calls himself her Kitty cat. 10/10
-Wait Alya is gonna be scarabella?
-How did chat noir get captured so easily? Again... Off Screen?
-Lila using Nathalie to get dirt on gabriel. That is clever
-What does Nathalie know
-WHAT THE F***
- HE WAS A PUNK NAMED GABI GRASSETTE who owned a chip cart
- So he knew Audrey and Andre when younger.
-He also went exploring with Nathalie and Emilie
-Okay Chat noir escaping makes sense. he was trying to bait her out.
-Nathalie is spilling all Gabriel’s secrets to Lila. Thats a clever move by Lila.
-Marinette showing once again why adrien simps for her
-Chat noir simping
-Lila broke her akumatization. Because... her plan was already finished
-Gabriel doesnt even realize he got played by Lila. thinking its Marinette’s fault.
-Oh thats good that Adrien is apologizing (Just like he did in Soulmate survey check out my fic) so thats good
-Marinette is letting Lila have her way so she. can expose her later
-Lila got what she wanted
______________________________________________________________________
-I will say this was Chameleon 2.0 but with a better akuma.
Lila’s plan was actually clever, but everyone was also dumbed down considerably
So I am on the fence.
Also I think Gabriel’s secrets are really f***ing dumb. And Lila’s second half performance and the adrinette are the only two things making me even tolerate the episode
I will say that this was a 5/10
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bisexualsforprompto · 5 years ago
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Teen Titans AU Part 12
This chapter is longer since I’ve taken longer to update! Today we’ll meet a certain redeemed blonde Bee miraculous holder. Maybe she’ll have a love interest 😉.
Gabriel Agreste had been working with Slade for a while. He knew who the traitor of the Titans was and he knew all the information given. He also knew that Marinette Dupain-Cheng was Ladybug, it was too risky to tell his son though. They needed Ladybug removed and if he knew his so-called ‘princess’ was Ladybug he might refuse to fight her or hesitate. In the end, Gabriel always knew what was best for his son and his grand plan. He chuckled to himself as he walked the streets of Jump City, until he finally made it to his destination. He was in need of a certain Italian girl’s assistance.
“Ah!!!! Guys they’re online! They’re online!” Jon screamed at the top of his lungs. “Coming!!!” Garfield yelled as he shoved a pancake into his mouth. The team assembled in the common room as Jon hit the accepted the video call. There on the screen was a smiling Marinette with hair in twin braids and a scowling Damian who seemed to be...holding Marinette’s hand?! Raven gave a sly smile as Gar grumbled and discretely passed her twenty dollars. “So when did that happen?” Raven asked in a monotone with a hint of a smirk on her face. Marinette blushed, “I-I guess technically yesterday.” Damian glared at Raven, but he had a nagging feeling once again, guilt. It was awful, he felt...bad for Jon, especially after telling him he didn’t want to date Marinette. He felt almost like he had lied to Marinette, what if she wanted to be with Jon but thought that he didn’t like her so Damian was her only option?! “Oh.” Jon coughed. “Anyway,” Marinette said oblivious to the situation, “We wanted to catch up with everyone. Maybe individually if that’s alright with you guys?” The team took the bait, “Of course! I need some Mari time!” Gar exclaimed doing some jazz hands, “And Damian time too of course.” Marinette giggled but then realized, Gar could be the mole. She sighed and knew when she found out who the traitor was, it would hurt like hell. Jamie shoved the computer away from the rest of the team. “Me first, I have something I want to run through you guys.” Marinette nodded kindly and Damian’s face held the same amount of brooding on it as before. Before the others could protest Jamie took the computer to his room.
“Sorry, this is really important and I think you’ll want to know.” He took a deep breath, “So I asked my scarab if searching for miraculouses could be done since you mentioned you’re missing some. You won’t believe where it found a bunch.” Damian raised an eyebrow, “Spit it out Reyes.” Jamie rolled his eyes, “Ok ok. A storage unit in slightly south of here. An hour out from Gotham and an hour out from Jump City. The scarab said that both the horse miraculous and butterfly are active. I didn’t know if that meant anything to you.” Marinette nodded though she was internally freaking out, she really hoped Gabriel hadn’t gotten out of prison. “Thanks Jamie. I’ll have to get them as soon as possible. This is extremely important. In the wrong hands the miracle box is the most dangerous weapon ever. Although if only two miraculouses are active that means Hawkmoth has only one other co-conspirator, I’m guessing Slade.” Marinette’s mind went at 100 miles a minute, she’d need to find the box as soon as possible.
Jamie nodded and smiled, he went back to the room to give the computer to someone else. Damian muted it, “You know we were supposed to stick to the plan.” Marinette nodded and squeezed her boyfriend’s hand, “I know Dami but it can’t be him if his scarab can track miraculouses. Chat Noir would already have mine.” Damian scowled and unmuted the computer.
Everyone else passed by easily, Damian and Marinette gave each of them a different location where they were ‘hiding’ the Ladybug miraculous. The plan was off without a hitch, all they had to do was wait, well wait and Damian had to talk to Jon. Marinette had gone downstairs to clear her head, she still couldn’t believe someone who she’d been living with betrayed her and the team. Jon got on the computer, he didn’t look too mad so Damian was slightly relieved. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Jon depanned. “I-I it just happened. I’m sorry, I really wanted to tell you.” Jon nodded and then sighed, “It’ll take awhile but I’ll get over Marinette. If anybody I’m glad she’s dating you. Besides,” he said cracking a smile, “I won the bet.” Damian stared at him confused. Jon laughed, “We’ve had this bet ever since I got to the tower. Betting on if you’d ever date anybody. Most people said no, but Raven and I said yes and we both are twenty bucks richer.” Damian scowled, “You bet on me?!” Jon cracked up and nodded. “Anyway, why did you talk to everybody individually. It was super weird.” Damian crossed his arms, “The Titans have a mole.”
Jon’s eyes widened, “W-what?! Since when? Who?! Are you sure?!” Damian rolled his eyes, “I don’t know when or who but I am sure. That’s what we’ve been trying to find out. Don’t make me regret telling you and don’t tip off the rest of the team!” Jon nodded still in a stupor. Marinette hopped back upstairs and into the room, she sat down next to her boyfriend and waved, “Hey Jon!” Jon smiled, “Hey Marinette, how's it going?” “Pretty good. Sorry I’ll have to cut this short, I realized it’s almost time for lunch. What do you want Damian?” Damian shook his head, “You know Alfred can go out for that.” Marinette shrugged, “I need to stretch my legs.” Damian nodded, he was slightly concerned, but he knew she needed this because she had been so stressed since the mole debacle. “I don’t want you running off alone in Gotham. I’m coming with you.” Marinette giggled, “Okay, I’d be fine if you didn’t come though.” Damian patted her on the shoulder, “I know Angel, but you can’t help me being paranoid.” Jon smiled, he had to admit they were a cute couple, “I’ll let you guys go then. Bye!” Marinette waved and Jon hung up. “Ready?” Marinette asked standing up. “Sure. Where’d you want to go?” Marinette tapped her chin, “Since you’re coming maybe we could go somewhere, you know for our first real date.” Damian blushed, “Any places in mind?” “Well you know the area better than me, but how about Gotham Diner? It’s near the fashion district.” Damian chuckled, “Sounds perfect Angel.”
Marinette grabbed her bags, they ended up going into stores before they ate and of course Marinette bought new fabrics. Damian insisted on paying but Marinette refused, he pouted and said he’d pay for lunch. Marinette giggled and agreed. As Marinette walked down the street, sunshine radiating off of her, Damian followed smiling a little to himself. Gothamites gawked as they saw the Ice Prince with his girlfriend, they were surprised he could smile, that he had a girlfriend and that he was back in Gotham. Some people snuck pictures. As Marinette walked, with Damian in tow a blonde girl with her hair cut in a short bob squealed and ran up to her. Damian was shocked and they Marinette and the blonde started talking excitedly in France, he almost didn’t catch it.
“Dupain-Cheng!” Squealed the blonde. “Chlo?” Marientte turned to see her ex-bully turned best friend. She thrust her into a hug and squeezed her. “Look Dupain-Cheng Im glad to see you too, but I do like breathing,” Chloe strained. Marinette released her, “Sorry it’s just that I haven’t seen you in so long. Wait, what are you doing in Gotham?” Chloé narrowed her eyes, “Could ask you the same question DC and who’s this?” She asked motioning to Damian. “That’s Damian,” Marinette exclaimed, “my boyfriend.” Although Marinette turned pink and rushed her statement a little Chloé screamed, “FIRST YOU’RE IN GOTHAM WITHOUT TELLING ME AND NOW YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND! THAT’S IT WE’RE CATCHING UP NOW!” Chloé grabbed Marinette by the arm and stormed off. Damian stood there in a stupor, his girlfriend was just sister-snatched before his eyes. Chloé whipped her head back, “You coming or not?!” Damian didn’t say anything, he knew from his family that you do not mess with strong willed women like Chloé, he followed obediently like a dog.
Chloé led them to a small café where she sat down at the closet empty table. She sat down and wasted no time, “Why are you in Gotham Dupain-Cheng?!” Marinette giggled, she’d always enjoyed Chloé’s...directness. “Damian took me here to meet his family?” Chloé narrowed her eyes, “You!” She pointed at Damian, “How long have you been dating Maribug?” Damian’s eyes widened, “What’d you call her?” Chloé hissed in Marinette’s face, “He doesn’t know?” Marinette sighed, “He does, and we’ve been dating since yesterday but we’ve known each other for months. Anyway, Damian this is Chloé otherwise known as Queen Bee, and Chloé this is Damian, he does have a name.” Chloé rolled her eyes, “Whatever. You do realize it’s stupid to go with some random guy to a different city right?!” Marinette nodded, “Damian’s not-“ “Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. Stop going off with random dudes Maribug! And don’t tell them you’re identity!” Chloé flicked her in the head. “Um Chloé, I distinctly remember you telling everyone you’re Queen Bee.” Chloé rolled her eyes once again, “That’s different Dupain-Cheng, you know I can’t hide this fabulosity.” Chloé flipped her hair as Marientte giggled, “But you still shouldn’t tell random people that you’re Ladybug!” Damian decided to step in, “I’m not a random person.” “Excuse me?!” Chloé said, turning shooting daggers with her eyes. “I said I’m not a random person.” Damian repeated plainly. Marinette shrank down in her seat as Damian and Chloé continued their intense staring contest. “He’s a keeper Maribug.” Damian shook Chloé’s outstretched hand. “Chloé Bourgeois, daughter of Paris’s mayor and fashion designer Audrey Bourgeois.” Damian nodded, “Damian...Wayne.” Chloé sprung up from her chair, “You bagged a Wayne?! Yes Maribug, way to use what I taught you! He’s definitely a keeper!” Marinette started cracking up until Chloé saw a shadowy figure in the distance. “Don’t look now but I think a certain alley cat followed us. Why is he here anyway?!” Chloé scowled. “I recently joined a team, ever since then he’s been getting intel from one of them about my whereabouts.” Marinette sighed. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! RIDICULOUS, UTTERLY RIDICULOUS! GET ME MY MIRACULOUS I’M GOING TO KILL THIS TEAMMATE AND THIS STUPID CAT!” Damian cracked a smile, finally something he could agree on. “Chloé, no killing. But I might be able to get your miraculous back. Once we deal with a certain black cat we can find the miracle box, Damian pull up the location Jamie said the box was.” Damian obliged and pulled up a map. “Got it, but what will we do about that idiot?” Damian asked while motioning to Chat. Chloé smirked deviously. “I’ve got a couple ideas.”
Taglist (you already know how this goes):
@Zebrabaker
@2sunchild2
@northernbluetongue
@violatiger8
@mochinek0
@beaversuenightly
@poshplumcot
@queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm
@heaven428
@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry
@indecisive-mess-named-me
@captainmac6
@mandy984
@emjrabbitwolf
@synnesstra
@mjisntme
@i-have-no-cool-username-to-use
@shamefullove
@yokizu
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abdicatedarchive · 4 years ago
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Cherish’s House Party || Chase and Savvy
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: cherish’s house party // 15th of january.
𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: chase x savvy ( @savvy-cassidy ).
𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒: underage drinking.
𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒: two cheerleaders playing ping pong and having a good time gossiping
Chase had come over to find beer pong in the kitchen and no one to play with until he saw Savvy. "Savvy, I challenge you to a game of pong" he said as he pulled her over to the table lightly. "That is if you can take the heat" Chase teased as he racked up the cups. Gabrielle was off doing something, and he always enjoyed talking to Savannah. Maybe he would even hear some good gossip out of it. 
Savvy was, as usual, sipping on her drink and mingling around the party. That is, until she was ushered over to the beer pong table. "when have i ever not been able to take the heat?" she scoffed and finished off the drink in her head. "good thing i get better at this game the more i drink," the brunette was already a bit tipsy. 
"I mean that's just the science behind it" said Chase laughing a little, "once you have double vision then you get two cups at once" he joked. Once the cups were racked he grabbed two balls and washed them off in the sink. "Ladies first" he said as he handed her the ping pong balls and went to his side of the table. "So tell me, have you seen anything interesting at the party so far?" Chase asked.
"i think i just try harder when my vision is blurry so i really work twice as hard on trying to have good aim," she commented with a laugh. "how polite of you. not too many of the males around here have manners," she joked. taking the ball she took her shot, seeing it bounce off of one of the rims. "off to a great start. hm. ive been in two bedrooms and neither were occupied at the time i stumbled upon them, i thought that was pretty interesting because that never happens. also, staci poured a full beer down sara's shirt when she told her to be careful not to spill it."
"Well, I was in the cheer chat during the men suck discussion, so I'm on my best behavior" he said sarcastically, he didn't mind. Especially when it came to all the girl's boyfriends being kind of shit. There had been a lot of newly single moments recently on the team in general. He was happy with his girlfriend so hating on men was definitely an option, it kept him in line with his own relationship. Chase caught the ball when it bounced off the rim and held it while he waited for her to throw again. "Well Sara had it coming with that comment, and you never tell someone with a full cup to do anything" he joked, "Staci's got low impulse control that's for sure". "to be fair, i think we all have our moments of sucking so dont worry it isn't just men," although they did seem to have far more moments, but that was beside the point and she didn't feel the need to bring it up. on her next attempt, she sank the ball, "yesss hopefully now im getting somewhere. and you're right on both of those counts. what about you what interesting things have you seen thus far?"  Chase took the ball out of the cup and chugged the whole thing. "Well" he said catching his breath, "I saw one guy constantly changing rooms, so I investigated a little" he said throwing his first ball and it sinking into the cup. "And it turns out he is talking to two girls at this party, and I am 30% sure they are texting each other about this cute mystery guy that they're talking to" Chase said as he tried the other ball and missed. "So I cannot wait to see how that turns out"  Savvy lifted her brows as he took a breath, knowing that whatever he was about to say was probably quite the story. Lifting up the cup, she took out the ball and chugged the liquid, something a good friend of hers had taught her to do well over the years. "dont they know that the circles around here are small? its like we've all slept with each other by association."
"Everybody is sleeping with everybody" said Chase letting a small laugh fall from his lips as he waited for her to throw again. "Speaking of, who is your newest conquest? I have to live vicariously through others now that I'm back with Gabrielle" he said, intrigued to know what the girl was up to. She was one of the most beautiful girls in school, it only made sense that she had guys at her beck and call.  "That is putting it lightly," she chuckled, setting down the now empty cup and setting up her next shot. it circled the rim of the cup a couple of times before finally sinking inside. "conquest? you mean like, have i hooked up with anyone tonight? chase. im a lady. you think i do that kind of thing at a party where there are loads of people who could walk in at any moment?" the girl was rambling playfully before eventually answering, "jet." mostly because everyone likely already knew anyway, it happened at most parties. it was like knowing that someone was going to end up throwing up in the bushes, jet and savvy were going to hook up. "how is that going?"  "A lady never tells" said Chase, knowing full well that there was always Jet. He was hoping there was maybe some variety in there, but Jet was ... well he was kinda it. He was that guy in town for sure. "Oh that's still going?" he said with a smile, "He is super hot, and I heard he's very good in bed. Good for you" Chase replied. Chase chugged the cup and put it to the side before continuing. "It's going great, it's a race right now to see who is the drunker one and who is in charge of getting us home. I'm hoping she's the responsible one tonight, but who is to say at this rate. She could be off taking shots with Juliette right now, and they're both so tiny they'll be on the floor in minutes" the boy said with a laugh.  "We have a nice arrangement. It's very convenient. Plus, I wont have to worry I won't get off, which is definitely a big plus. Like an old, yet reliable habit." Savvy had to laugh at her own description, the alcohol definitely making her sound a little ridiculous. "Maybe someone else will get a turn, i just dont really want it to be when i have beer goggles, because ew." Crinkling her nose at the thought she shook her head. "so who do you think is winning? how drunk are you?"  "I get that, what you know is better than something new. And if it works for you, then why bother with anything else" said Chase, completely understanding. That was something about being with Gabrielle that he loved, it was always good because they had been at it for so long. "She only drinks liquor so probably her, but it has been me before and I am working my hardest at it" said Chase laughing a little, he didn't mind taking care of her at the end of the night. It was fun when she took care of him though. "Knowing her, it's who she is with. She can either drink a lot because she's having a really good time or a really bad time. But if it's in between she won't be drunk at all ... just a little buzzed"  “Something new can be exciting, if it’s the right something new,” Sav pointed out with a shrug. “It is always nice to have a safe option though too.” Because who didn’t like options. “Yikes she could be going pretty hard right now. So that will not be a fun morning for her. “  "It can be, but I am a sucker for the classics. Only one girl out there for me" said Chase with a small smile. He was soft for Gabrielle like that, sure he would be having a great deal more fun as a single guy at this school, but there was nothing that beat to comfort of being loved. "She'll be fine. No matter what I'll make her breakfast, even if I'm about to yak" said the boy. 
“Oh isn’t that just adorable,” to be fair, there was a time when Savvy may have thought the same thing, when she was dating someone she liked to think it would be for the long haul but that was rarely the case. “Breakfast too? Damn you really are one of the good ones.”  "Yeah the perks of her family taking me in, we get to spend every morning together no matter what rooms we sleep in" said Chase with a proud smile. He also treated her very well, just going above and beyond whenever he could. It made him feel like he was repaying a debt to her family. "What do your mornings with Jet look like? Or is it purely a party affair?" he asked, curious to know more.  “That is a pretty unique situation so I guess you should enjoy it as long as possible because you lucked out there. Do they let you stay in the same room though?” Sav was glad that her friend was happy though it seemed to be going well and that’s what was most important. Her brows raised at his question “we usually have each other for breakfast,” she answered as if it was nonchalant. “And then go out for pancakes because were fucking starving.”  "Yeah, I am milking it as much as physically possible" said Chase in all earnesty. He was certain they would not separate for college, but if they didn't get into the right schools then they would be screwed. Having a child together, even though it was a secret bonded them past the usual high school relationship, but it was hard to explain that to anyone because he couldn't. "That's a hearty breakfast, lots of vitamin d in that one" Chase joked, proud of himself for that one. "Pancakes is always a good dessert after a hearty breakfast"  “I can’t say that I blame you, I think most people would do the same thing. But hey im glad that it works out for you and you’re both happy with it, that’s honestly all that matters,” the girl nodded with a shrug. She couldn’t help but chuckle, “vitamin d, good joke. Best of the night so far. But agreed pancakes are the best. A nice way to refuel.”  "You can tell who at this school has a major vitamin d deficiency" said Chase with a small chuckle as well. There were a lot of people who just needed some kind of release, any kind. Whether it was a boxing class or getting laid, people needed to do something. 
Savvy couldn’t help but chuckle and nod in agreement, “you are correct about that, I wish them all the best, honestly. Might help some of their piss poor attitudes.” "I think that might be our big ticket to victory this cheer season" said Chase feeling the alcohol start to hit him. He hated to admit it, but a lot like his girlfriend he was a light weight. 
"everyone getting laid? you might be on to something with that," she chuckled and nodded in agreement, "you down for the count on this game, or what? i can already see your eyes getting glassy, you're sucha lightweight," she teased him.  "I did some shots earlier, but I think it's all kicking in now" said Chase, the room was a little spinny. "All I am is bone and muscle, there's nothing to absorb the alcohol" he said to defend himself, but it was the honest reason he couldn't handle too much to drink.
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hunterenough · 6 years ago
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December 13
Notes: I’m co-posting this on AO3 (hunterenough). Written for @notfunnydean for the SPN Advent Calendar Challenge. This post contains NSFW highly technical wing grooming smut.
December 13
Waking up from a nap with an angel was kinda hot, he’d learned yesterday. Waking up after sleeping for a full eight hours was like, very grossly hot in another way. Cas was like a furnace, and between his body heat and the blanket, Dean was roasting. Every part of him felt sweaty. And he had to pee, like immediately, but he couldn’t wiggle his way out of bed.
“Cas, c’mon man.” He gave his angel a little shove. Cas just whimpered and tightened his hold, pressing down more firmly on his bladder, and the urge to pee became urgent.
“Seriously, dude. I have to get up.”
Cas grumbled, but he rolled over.
Dean leapt out of bed with a sigh of relief. The cold air on his sweaty skin was doing no favors to his bladder situation, so he rushed to the bathroom. He detoured to the kitchen for coffee on his way bad to his room, deciding his angel might be more agreeable to morning after his first hit of caffeine. He waited, mostly patiently, for the coffee to brew.  
By the time the pot was three quarters full, he was freezing. The warmth of both his bed and his angel had worn off, and the floor felt like ice under his bare feet. He was debating breaking his own rule about interrupting the coffee brew cycle when Sam wandered in.
“G’’morning.”
“Morning Sammy.”
“Where’s your robe? ‘S cold in here.”
“I just had to pee, wanted to grab some coffee before I went back to bed.”
Sam arched his eyebrow and glanced obviously at the two mugs laid out before the coffee pot.
“I...uh, Cas…” He spluttered.
Sam started laughing.”I’m just giving you shit man. Way to step up and be a good boyfriend. Everyone deserves coffee in bed now and then.”
Dean glared at him as the coffee pot gurgled indicating the brew was finishing up.  Dean filled the two mugs, returned the pot to its home, and pointed at Sam. “You shut up.”
Sam’s laughter followed him out of the kitchen.
Cas was literally buried in the pillows and blanket when he got back to the room. When Dean tapped his shoulder, he groaned and pulled the blanket up over his head.
“I brought coffee. I had to face down Sam to get it, the least you can do is sit up.”
“Can’t we just stay in bed?” Dean was pretty sure that’s what Cas had said, but given that he hadn’t moved from under the pillows, it could really have been anything.
“Cas, we spent all day yesterday in bed. We only got up to eat. If we do that every day, we’re going to turn into fat slobs. Well, I will, you can probably grace yourself all hot again.”
Cas’ shoulders were shaking, and it sounded like he was laughing. He finally rolled over. Dean joined him on the bed, propped up against the headboard. He handed Cas a mug when the angel finally sat up.
They sat there for a quiet minute, enjoying their coffee.
“So, what do you have planned for today Santa?”
“I was thinking of another snow tradition maybe, I don’t know.”
“I like the snow. Were you planning on breakfast? I owe Gabriel breakfast for teaching me about music.”
“First, I think Gabe negated that when he got you all freaked out about the spell. Serves him right if he never eats my cooking again after getting you all worked up. Jesus, either one of them could have talked to me about it first.”
“I’m guessing it would be bad form to mention that talking has not generally been a strength of yours until very recently?”
“You guess correctly. Second, Sam’s on my shit list for calling you my boyfriend all smarmy like this morning.”
“Am I your boyfriend?”
“Ummm, yes? I mean, I kinda assumed, after yesterday, I don’t know! Do you want to be?”
“Hmmm, I would say, yes. So, why does that merit wrath toward Sam?”
“Because, he teased me about it before I even got to ask you myself.”
“Dean, despite the lack of sexual physical contact, I’m pretty sure we’ve been romantically involved for years, he’s pretty late to be teasing you about it. He could have started teasing you when we started staring at each other for extended periods of time. Eye fucking I believe he calls it.”
Dean groaned. Hearing his angel swear had an alarmingly stimulating effect on his dick.
“Fine. I can’t really argue that one. Just don’t tell Sam. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Gabriel’s been teasing me for years. I never bothered to contradict him because I couldn’t argue that I didn’t have a romantic interest in you. Usually, I just ignore him until he gets bored.”
“Good plan. I’ve got a better one. Let’s go engage in gross amounts of PDA until he gets scared and runs away.”
Cas grinned. “I like the way you think...boyfriend.”
“Ugh, that just sounds wrong. Maybe don’t call me that as a nickname. Save it for introductions, like ‘This is my boyfriend, Dean.’ But only when we’re not under cover or on a case or something ok?”
“What should I call you? Honey?”
“I suppose, or hon could work, although, I’ve always kinda like the way you say my name.” Dean blushed.
“That...explains a lot.”
“What!?”
��Nothing, it’s just...your soul sometimes.”
Dean lifted his eyebrow.
“I know you don’t like it when I get in your head, so I don’t do that anymore, but sometimes, your soul is just so...I really like looking at your soul. And sometimes, it does this thing, like kinda flares up for a second, red sometimes, but sometimes gold or silver or purple…”
“Get to the point babe.”
Cas preened at the diminutive. “I could never figure out what that meant. The color was never predictable, which was confusing, and I couldn’t relate it to anything in particular, but I’m beginning to understand it was lust. All of those, among other things, are colors of lust.”
Dean flushed. “I thought I kept that under wraps.”
“Dean, I didn’t know what it meant until after we’d had sexual contact. All those colors have multiple meanings. Red can mean anger or anxiety, gold can mean divine protection, silver, growth, purple can mean healing. None of them are out of place in your soul, in fact they’re pretty common to see in you, it was the shape of them that caught my attention. Usually your soul is...I don’t know how to describe it really...like a vaguely you shaped blob of color. Sometimes, when you’re feeling something really strongly, it takes on a more definitive edge, this was like...well, like when you throw a log into a fire and it sends up sparks for a second before the flames settle back down. It was always too fast for me to examine.”
“That actually sounds, kinda awesome.”
“It is, it really is.”
~~~~~
Dean had finally dragged Cas out of bed with the promise of pancakes. They’d agreed that Cas could bless the ingredients, though Dean had offered, because Cas’ grace was unlikely to be directly affected by the spell.
“It’s not that I don’t love how open you are when you’re bespelled Dean, it’s just...I’d rather know you’re sharing things that you want to share.”
Dean had tried to explain that there was no compulsion, just no fear of side effects, but the angel had been insistent. Dean had yielded.
He’d dug out all of the ingredients and while Cas did the blessing, he went to find Sam. He wanted to be sure his little brother got his fill of the Dean and Cas show so he’d stop the teasing. He located him in the library, and told him they’d be serving in ten minutes.
Brother inbound, he rejoined Cas in the kitchen. It seemed his angel really did like to watch him cook. “You got a thing for me in the kitchen Cas?”
His angel laughed and leaned over to brush the flour off his shirt. “I have a ‘thing’ for you looking happy Dean, and you always look happy when you’re cooking breakfast for us.”
Dean flushed a little. “I like feeding my family, making sure everyone is taken care of. Food is important.” He continued mixing the batter, then greased the skillet.
“Breaking bread together has been a sign of solidarity since the dawn of mankind. It is a very important social act.”
“You make it sound so formal.”
“It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. When food was scarce, sharing a meal was definitely a sign of trust or intimacy...family. But even in good times, sharing abundance was reserved for friends, or developing trust. Making a meal for someone is a deeply meaningful act Dean.”
Sam came in at the tail end of his sentence. “Whoa. I don’t really think I need to hear about ‘deeply meaningful acts.’”
Dean shot Cas a wink and leaned in for a kiss. His angel grinned and wrapped his hands behind his neck, pulling him close. It was meant to be a chaste kiss, but when their lips touched, the rest of the room kind of...faded from Dean’s mind. They might have gotten a little carried away. Tongues were definitely involved.
“Oh my God you guys! Seriously, I was kidding. I don’t need to see you do it! Gabe! Gabe, there’s porn in the kitchen!”
Gabe popped into the chair next to Sam. “Where?”
Sam gestured to where he and Cas were now leaning together by the stove.
“Dammit Sam, we’re still in our pajamas!”
Cas chuckled and waved his hands. He and Dean were instantly clothed in jeans and faded t-shirts.
“Sam, I think we need to talk about your definition of porn.”
“Shut up Gabriel, I was just trying to get them to stop making out in the kitchen.”
“Ahhh, and I missed it?”
“Dude, he’s my brother!”
“Shut up Sam, it’s not like you’ve never seen it before.”
“No, I really haven’t. Not like that man, you guys were like trying to climb into each other or something. It was like...really awkwardly cute and hot at the same time. Like that!” He waved wildly between the two of them. Dean raised his eyebrow and Cas just laughed. “Gabe, did you see that?”
Gabe looked at Sam like possibly he was possessed.
“The eye fucking. It’s dirty. I really, really don’t need to see that.”
“Sam, I once walked in on you fucking Ruby doggy style. You have exactly zero room to complain.” Dean turned back to the stove.
“That was just fucking, this is...it’s intimate.”
Dean flipped the first batch of pancakes onto a plate and brought them to the table. Cas followed with plates and silverware.
Gabe was shaking his head. “So let me summarize. Your brother seeing you actually having sex with somebody is okay because it was just a physical act. You seeing your brother kissing my brother is not okay because there’s...emotion involved?”
“Exactly.”
Dean walked over and planted a loud kiss on Cas’ lips, then rubbed their noses together, grinning. “Better get used to it man. I’ve got a live in boyfriend now.”
Sam groaned and Cas just laughed.
Dean waved his spatula at the pancakes. “Eat your breakfast before it gets cold, whiner.”
Things calmed down once they were finally eating. Cas made little noises of enjoyment, which made Dean squirm which made Gabriel laugh and Sam groan, but other than that, no further comment was made about Dean’s boyfriend situation. Dean considered it a win. He’d also scored a new way to completely gross Sam out, and those were few and far between, so he tucked that knowledge away for later use.
When they’d finished eating and cleaned up the kitchen, Dean led the way to the crates. “Sorry Gabe, you’re back on the shit list for getting Cas all worked up about the spell.”
“Still thinking I’d rather have breakfast than a present Dean, so I’m okay with that.”
Cas and Sam unwrapped new winter jackets, insulated Carhartt. He’d gotten Sam’s in black and Cas’ in navy. “I know your trench coat is plenty warm, but you look cold in it. And I have one just like this in green.”
Cas just smiled and hugged his coat. “This will look much nicer with my new jeans. Thank you Dean.”
“You guys are just gross.”
“Shut up Sam. Go get some clothes on, we’re gonna teach these guys how to make snow angels.”
~~~~~
They’d gotten bundled up and tromped out behind the bunker. Gabriel’s sledding hill had disappeared, and their snow family had reappeared with a noticeable haloed addition.
Sam laughed and pointed. “I have never, ever, seen an angel with halo Gabe.”
“Had to do something so you’d know it was me.” Gabe grinned.
“Is that a snow angel then?” Cas asked.
“Not even close. That is a snowman, masquerading as an angel. This is a snow angel.” Dean fell straight back into the snow and waved his arms up and down until the snow was well packed around him. He sat up carefully and raised his arms so Cas could help him up. “See? It’s got wings.” Dean grinned at him.
“Those are not wings. I’ll show you wings.” Gabriel repeated Dean’s fall, but kept his arms close to his side. He blinked, and two huge wings appeared at his side. He hopped up on his own grinning.
Dean looked stricken.
“No. Nope.” Sam stepped between Dean and Gabriel’s “angel.” Cas snapped his fingers and it was gone.
“What?” Gabriel looked between the three men.
“Think about it man.” Sam whisper-yelled at him.
“It looked like a fucking corpse you assbutt.” Cas gritted out.
“Oh, shit. Dean. I’m sorry, I didn’t think…”
Dean just shook his head, trying to clear it of the the memory of Cas’ wings stretched out like that. Cas pulled him into a tight hug.
“You just need to see Cassie’s real wings. I swear, they’re actually awesome.”
“He can’t you idiot. Eyes burning out of their sockets ring a bell?” Sam was too busy being protective of his big brother to pretend to be grossed out at the show of affection.
“Not if I help they won’t, idiot.” Gabe shot back. He closed his eyes and started chanting in Enochian.
Cas whirled to face him. “Gabriel, you don’t spell people without permission.” Dean followed him with his eyes. His angel, pissed, was a sight not to be missed, or taken lightly.
Gabriel continued chanting for a few seconds longer, then stopped with a wave of his hands. He squinted his eyes open. “Did it work?”
Both Dean and Sam looked shocked. “I’m guessing it worked.” Cas moved back to his hunter and gripped his shoulder. “Dean, I can explain-”
“Dude, your wings are awesome.” At the tone of Dean’s voice, Cas glanced over his shoulder. When he’d last looked at his wings, they’d been torn and burned. Functional, but barely. Now, they looked, at worst, in need of a good grooming. When he glanced back at Dean, he was still staring at the black appendages. He looked away, flushing, only to see Sam staring at Gabriel’s larger, golden wings with equal intensity.
“Can I touch them?” Sam asked, awe clear in his voice.
Gabriel laughed. “Not without buying me dinner first.”
“Huh?”
“An angel’s wings are...sensitive. Exposing them isn’t really...Grooming is very…” Cas trailed off.
“What my brother is rather eloquently trying to say is that angels rarely expose their wings to humans. They’re part of our true form. An angel can grant a human the ability to ‘gaze upon them’ without getting his eyeballs singed out, but we don’t usually, unless we have a really good reason. Nobody touches an angel’s wings except the angel himself, outside of grooming. They’re very, well, sensitive is a good word for it, to touch. Grooming is...usually not a communal act. It’s kinda like cleaning yourself in the shower. You don’t exactly let just any random stranger clean your junk for you.”
“It’s intimate.” Sam said.
“Yes.”
“Like sex.”
“Yes. And not the kind you don’t care if your brother sees.” Gabriel teased Sam.
Sam, who’d still had his arm stretched partially toward Gabe’s wings, suddenly pulled it back like he’d been burned. He flushed red.
“Don’t want to touch ‘em anymore Sammy?” Gabriel said with a laugh.
Sam just flushed deeper red.
Dean, who’d been listening without looking away from Cas’ wings, finally looked back at Cas. “True?” He asked simply. Cas nodded.
“How long does it last?”
“About an hour.” Cas said.
“Until Cassie turns it off,” Gabe corrected him. Cas’ gaze whipped to his brother. Gabe shrugged. “Archangel, Cassie, I’m smarter than the average bear.”
 Dean grabbed Cas’ wrist and turned toward the bunker, tugging at Cas to follow. Cas caught on quickly, and they popped out of sight.
Sam looked at Gabriel, his eyes wide.
“Count yourself lucky, Samalam, at least you won’t have to watch.”
~~~~~
Cas flew them to Dean’s room, but planted himself on the opposite side of the bed from his hunter.
“Dean. Gabriel’s assessment of grooming was not exactly accurate.” He held his hands up when Dean looked like he was going to crawl across the bed to get to him.
“So, tell me in your own words Cas, tell me about grooming.”
Just hearing Dean say the word nearly had Cas groaning. His mind was flooded with memories of his care with the Christmas tree and the fantasies it had sparked. He swallowed roughly.
“Grooming is a deeply intimate act.”
“Like sex.”
“No. Yes. Not the way you’re thinking. It’s not about reaching orgasm, although I’ve heard that can be a result if grooming occurs when inhabiting a vessel.”
“Then what is it? Because it sounds to me a hell of a lot like spending hours, hours exploring your wings. Touching every one of your feathers, making sure sure they’re lying exactly the way they should. It sounds like taking care of you in a way that nobody else does.”
Cas knew he’d chosen his words purposefully to mirror his own to Dean at the pond, and more importantly, that he’d understood how Cas thought of grooming. “I’ve never let anyone groom my wings for me.” He said it quietly.
“I’ve never spent hours worshiping a lover.” Dean was equally quiet.
“You would want that?”
“I told you Cas, I want everything with you.”
Cas was next to Dean in a blink, clinging to his hunter. Dean tugged him close, but didn’t lean in for a kiss, just held him tightly, their bodies pressed together head to toe, breathing each other in. Dean carefully avoided touching his feathers, though Cas let his wings relax perilously close to his hands.
“Will you groom my wings for me?” He whispered it into his hunter’s chest.
Dean just tugged at his jacket. “I think you’re a little overdressed, don’t you?”
Castiel took a step back and shrugged out of his coat. Dean mirrored his action. They sat at opposite ends of the bed to remove their boots. Cas hesitated before pulling his t-shirt over his head. Dean watched, fascinated, as it seemed to slip through his wings. He motioned Cas to the bed. “If you lay on your stomach and spread them out, I can reach better.”
“You’re not going to take off your shirt?”
“Nah, this is about you Cas, I can get at your feathers just fine with my clothes on.”
“It’s just...I feel very exposed.”
“Cas, I will strip down and groom you naked if that’s what you need. I just want to take care of you.”
“I would like it if you would remove your shirt, and...maybe your pants. I’d like to feel your skin with my feathers...it’s...they’re mine, a manifestation of my true form.” The idea of being able to feel his hunter without the filter of his vessel was...exhilarating.
Cas stripped out of his jeans and socks and quickly lay on the bed as Dean had requested while the other man removed his own clothing. He spread his wings the small amount that the room would allow, thankful that his wings were smaller in physical form than in in their projected form Still, they brushed the boundaries of the room before being extended fully.
He could feel Dean studying him. He was ashamed at the state that they were in...he hadn’t bothered with grooming much when his wings were so badly broken… but grateful that Gabriel had healed them. It was an impressive gift, and one he hadn’t known the archangel was capable of giving. He glanced over his shoulder, looking for Dean.
“I don’t know where to start.” Cas sucked in a breath at his hesitation. He could see how badly Dean wanted to get it right.
“There’s not really a wrong place, but I usually start in the middle and work my way out.”
Dean crawled onto the bed and straddled his hips, he could feel the skin of his legs against his chest when he drew a breath.
“Okay, tell me if I do something you don’t like.” Cas just nodded.
Dean gently stroked the skin of his back, between his wings, as if familiarizing himself with it’s resilience, and it dawned on Cas that despite their mutually satisfying encounter the day before, they had never really touched without at least a layer of cloth separating them. He breathed in a quiet gasp, and Dean stopped.
“No, I like it, it’s just...new.”
“Yeah.” Dean’s voice was gravely and low as he returned to his exploration of skin. He worked his way back up to the top of Cas’ back and finally, finally, ran the tips of his fingers over the very edges of his marginal coverts, brushing the joint between skin and feather. Cas moaned deeply and Dean drew back with a light hiss.
“Did it hurt?” they asked the question simultaneously.
Dean chuckled and answered first. “No, but man, it sent very pleasant tingles straight to my dick.”
“An...accurate assessment of the feeling.”
“Yeah?” Dean sounded pleased.
“Yes. Please, Dean…”
Dean settled his weight on the top of Cas’ butt and and leaned over for better access, he balanced himself with a hand between his shoulder blades, and carded his fingers through the same feathers, from skin to the edge of his marginals, seeming to sense where the feathers changed before stopping. The pressure was perfect, the tips of his hunter’s scarred fingers brushing into his down, the thicker parts of his digits smoothing the barbs along the vanes. Cas could only whimper. He’d groomed himself many times, but having someone else, Dean, touching his feathers...it was unlike anything he could have imagined. Dean seemed to take the sound as encouragement, repeating the motion again and again until he’d finished with the marginal coverts, Cas felt boneless, and the hunter hadn’t even finished with a quarter of the first side of one wing. When Dean paused and leaned back, Cas grumbled.
“Just checking…” Dean took the base of a single feather between his thumb and forefinger, and gently pulled toward the tip, ensuring that barbs were perfectly smooth. Cas couldn’t hold back his groan. Dean stroked the skin of his back gently with his thumb while he repeated the motion with several more feathers before he moved on to the secondary coverts. Cas’ body was humming with sensation. Every touch and stroke was a caress directly to his grace. It felt like he was going to vibrate out of his skin. He noticed Dean shifting away and a small pained noise escaped him.
“Not stopping baby, just can’t reach.” He smoothed this skin of Cas’ back again as he moved away, careful not to accidentally kneel on the newly groomed feathers. Cas lowered his wings slightly so they brushed against Dean’s thigh as he walked around to the top of the wing he was studying. “Jesus, Cas.” He sounded short of breath.
He positioned himself near Cas’ alulae, which he had spread wide. He skipped those feathers though, digging his fingers through the section of his wider primary coverts, top to bottom, smoothing through his down, caressing the barbs into place with the joints of his fingers and palm.. Cas’ gave up on controlling the motion of his body. It was just to much effort. His his twitched down into the mattress with the first pinch of an individual feather.
Dean gave each primary individual attention, starting with the largest and working inwards, through the primaries and secondaries and finishing with the small section of tertials. He paused again for a second before leaning forward across Cas’ wing to reach his three wriggling alulae. “Don’t want to forget these guys.”
He stroked the most sensitive feathers with absolute precision, careful not to tug even as Cas flicked them away reactively. The sensation, paired with the hunter’s chest pressing down on Cas’ wing made him buck his hips. “Deeean” the sound was ripped from him, a cross between a moan and a shout.
“Don’t get too worked up love, we’ve got a long way to go.” His hunter was sounding downright smug at this point. When Dean had settled his weight over his butt to start with his second wing, Cas gave a quick thrust up, dragging the top of his ass along the hunter’s shaft. Dean groaned and pressed his own butt down more firmly. Cas smirked.
“Cas,” he started, his tone dark, “You start that and we ain’t gonna finish. I’ll stop right now.” Cas grunted, but settled back into the mattress, hips still.
Dean worked the second wing over, more quickly for being more confident in his ability to bring pleasure, but with no less care. He stroked the alulae as soon as he took his position to start on the outer edges of the second wing, rather than teasing Cas this time. When he’d finished with the tertials, he patted Cas on the ass. “Flip.”
Cas rolled over and repositioned his wings carefully. Even without his hunter’s touch, they were buzzing with residual sensation, and the lightest brush against the sheet had him hissing. He was too blissed out to even care about the tent in his boxers. Dean wandered back to the other side of the bed, assessing the situation. He took hold of Cas’s elbow gently, and tugged his arm across his body until he was leaning on his side. Nodding to himself, he worked through the ultra sensitive axillars and his anterior marginal coverts before rolling him to his other side and repeating the same sections. Seemingly satisfied that he could reach the rest of his feathers from a central location, he guided Cas back to lying flat before crawling onto the bed. Cas watched as Dean hesitated for a second then once again straddling his hips. He was careful not to press his weight down, and Cas could see that the situation in Dean’s boxer briefs was as prominent as his own.
Dean glanced up at him, meeting his eyes. “You good?” Cas could see the love and lust swirling in his eyes.
Cas nodded. “Sooo, good Dean.” Dean smiled. He looked truly happy, not smug the angel realized, that he could wring out such pleasure from his lover.
Dean leaned forward slowly, his arms stretched out in front of him, and Cas braced for his weight. Nothing, not a thing in heaven or on earth, could have prepared him for the joint sensation of Dean’s cock pressing against his as he slid his fingers into both wings. Cas’ hips shot up uncontrollably, increasing the pressure where their groins met, and both men groaned heavily, Dean’s hands frozen in his feathers.
“Pleease.” Cas gritted out. Not bothering to control the rocking of his hips. “Dean.” His voice sounded wrecked, even to his own ears.
Dean squeezed his eyes shut for a second, his body held perfectly still. Slowly, he reopened his eyes and restarted the motion of his hands, answering each of Cas’ thrust with one of his own. When Cas didn’t think he could take any more, Dean paused for a second, seeming to assess his work. A dangerous looked crossed his face before he was leaning forward again, pressing his weight into Cas cock to stomach to chest to shoulder, finally, bringing their lips together. Cas sighed at the relief of his oversensitive feathers, his eyes fluttering closed. He missed Dean reaching out. The hunter’s sudden loose grip on his alulae shocked him over the edge, tumbling into his orgasm with a shout. Dean rode down hard against him, shouting his own release.
They came down from the high slowly, Dean gently caressing the skin of Cas’ arms, chest, and sides, careful to avoid Cas’ still fluttering feathers, and pressing soft kisses to his face. When Cas finally opened his eyes, his hunter was staring down at him, a small smile on his face.
“That was…” He trailed off, there weren’t really words for how deeply satisfying that had been.
Dean’s smile just widened. “Yeah, it was.” He shifted a little, then leveraged him weight back onto his knees groaning a bit at their stiffness.
“Would you mind if I put them away? They’re so sensitive that the air is almost painful. These sheets feel like sandpaper.”
“I can’t even imagine. Besides, I want to cuddle, and I don’t want to lay on your wings. But…”
“I’ll bring them out again, some other time Dean.” He reassured his hunter.
“Okay then, do your thing.” Cas tucked his wings back into their dimension then touched Dean’s knee, relieving the stiffness and cleaning up their mess.
“Hmmm. Perks of having an angel boyfriend. Might have to keep you around.”
Cas flopped back onto the bed. “You’re stuck with me now. What’s that saying? ‘Once you go Cas, you never go back.’”
Dean snorted out a surprised laugh and snuggled into his side. Cas draped his arms around his hunter and tugged him closer, burying his own smile in Dean’s hair. He was almost startled when he heard Dean’s silent prayer.
Cas? Thanks for letting me do that. I love you. His hunter buried his face more firmly into his chest.
He whispered his reply. “It could have only ever been you Dean, I love you too.”
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vanilla107 · 7 years ago
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Masterpiece (Part 10)
It's been two whole freaking months since I've updated this and I'm so thankful for every comment, reblog and like. I made sure this chapter was extra long so that none of you people would kill me (I still love each person that reads this though) and I hope you like it. My final exams are in two weeks and that is pretty scary for me but your support for this fanfiction has kept me feeling positive! Credits to @krzed for the cute idea at the end of this part! <3 (Loads of love to my Nathchlo people for giving me ideas and support. You know who you are <3)
Loads of love and hugs vanilla107
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Silence fell over the table and a few seconds later it was like all hell broke loose.
“She...she’s living with you?” repeated Marinette dumbstruck.
Adrien had choked on his water and was turning red from all the coughing.
Nino was trying to restrain Alya from jumping out of her seat.
“WHAT? WHEN? HOW? AND IS THIS THE SAME CHLOE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT?” Alya screamed and Nathanaël stared at the mad reporter in shock.
“Alya, calm down, babe! Let Nath explain and relax your news reporting skills,” Nino said gently rubbing her arm.
“Okay...okay okay okay okay...Nathanaël, when did this happen?” Alya said, her golden brown eyes dancing with curiosity as she regained a little self control.
Nathanaël sighed. “It’s a long story...and she’s not really living with me, she just spends the night over sometimes because her apartment needs some serious maintenance. It all happened on the night that she bumped into the four of you…”
Nathanaël retold the story and he could see Alya getting more and more interested by the minute. He omitted the special parts of that he had seen of Chloe; how she had sang with him, the pancake incident, taking her to the market for the first time, taking her to the gallery and the latest memory from that morning. When he was done he was bombarded with comments from everyone.
“I can’t believe you saved her from those three guys-!” gasped Marinette.
“Dude, you basically saved her life-” whistled Nino with a smile.
“Chloe is living in the same apartment block as you-?” Adrien repeated.
“How have you survived?” Alya whispered.
“Guys...she’s actually not that bad...she’s changed...a lot,” Nathanaël added and hoped that he wasn’t going red. It was embarrassing telling all of them about Chloe and it made it even more awkward since she was the one who made him so miserable in high school. The fact that he felt the need to stand up for her felt like the right thing to do since she really wasn’t the she-demon Alya claimed she was.
“I swear guys, Chloe pulled a total 360 and this is coming from the same guy who she bullied for most of his high school career,” he said and finished his coffee.
“Woah...that’s insane Nath...I’m not the biggest fan of Chloe...but I think it’s great that you’re giving her a second chance,” smiled Marinette.
“Agreed, I know she wasn’t the nicest person in high school but thank you, Nathanaël,” Adrien said sincerely and felt relieved that one of his oldest friends was at least being taken care of.
Nathanaël nodded and looked at Alya, who was tapping looking at him intensely.
“Okay, I believe you but...I wonder how much she's changed...that would be an amazing story, don't you think? ‘Mayor's Daughter Learning To Be Grateful or-"
“-Okay Alya. I don't think you should use Chloe’s position of vulnerability for a story,” Nino interjected and Nathanaël smiled gratefully. “From how it looked last week, Chloe just needs some alone time.”
“Yeah, sorry Alya but I think further first time, Chloe doesn't want to be the center of attention.”
Alya’s coffee arrived and for a short period of time, the Chloe topic was dropped. Adrien had ordered cake for the table while they all caught up with each other’s lives.
Adrien and Marinette were flying with Gabriel to Italy to do a photoshoot and to meet up with one of their old friends and the up-and-coming actress, Lila Rossi. Alya was being sent to the South of France to report on a mysterious incident that had happened there a few days ago and Nino had been invited to one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, to not just DJ but he had also been invited to all the VIP parties and was going to be living the celebrity life for a week. None of them were surprised when Nathanaël said that he was planning to just paint for the next two weeks so that it could all be done for the gallery.
After a good two hours spent at the cafe, it was time for the five of them to leave.
“Thanks for lunch, Adrien, you the best, dude,” Nino said as they gave each other a pat on the back.
It was normal for Adrien to pay for them. He always insisted and it was less of a hassle if no one argued.
“I need to go fetch Chloe now,” Nathanaël said as he looked at his watch and Marinette smiled.
“Nath, is she coming to your gallery viewing? Why don't you invite her along so that we can make her feel a little more welcome?”
Alya’s jaw dropped.
“Mari? Are you right in the head? This is thee Chloe Bourgeois. The same Chloe who stole your hat design, accused you of stealing her bracelet and wanted you arrested without any proof may I add, who blatantly insulted you with every opportunity, basically tried to bribed her way into being class representative, sabotaged your uncle’s soup and tried to wreck your relationship with Adrien multiple times!”
Marinette shrugged her shoulders.
“If Nathanaël says she’s changed then I believe him. Everyone deserves a second chance...even a person like Chloe.”
Nathanaël was a little shocked at Marinette’s suggestion and her change of heart.
He knew that Chloe was a truly awful person to Marinette when they were in high school and she had suffered the most, yet Marinette always managed to kill Chloe with kindness or figure out her plan. He was grateful for Marinette’s kind nature.
And why hadn’t he thought of inviting her? She did say that she loved art and he wouldn’t mind her at the viewing. Then he realized that he’d been so caught up with painting that he hadn’t really thought of asking her.
“Is that really a good idea, Mari? I mean I really would love to see her but...she did run out of the restaurant last week and I think we're the last people she wants to see right now,” Adrien sighed.
“Adrien does have a point...I can’t force her to go to something she doesn’t want to go to,” he murmured and stood up from his seat.
“Well, if we’re really going through with this, why don’t you just bring it up to her later this week and give her time to think about it?” Alya said as she brushed the cake crumbs off herself. “I’m still not a fan of Chloe...but if Mari thinks Chloe deserves a second chance...then okay.”
Nathanaël nodded. “I think that's the best idea. You guys will be at the gallery viewing, right? ”
“Of course, Nath! We'll always support you!” grinned Marinette as she gave him a goodbye hug.
“Oh, that reminds me! There’s rumours going around that you’ll be showcasing a new painting soon…and that it’s going to be bigger than ‘Rage’...well this is according to the tabloids and we all know that can’t be trusted,” Nino grumbled.
Nathanaël sighed,“Tabloids will do anything for a story these days. I can handle it.”
At those words, the four friends smiled at the artist. Nathanaël hadn’t had it easy as a child and seeing him mature and making his own decisions made them happy.
Nathanaël checked his watch and saw that it was almost time to pick up Chloe. He smiled at his friends and started to walk with them out the cafe.
“Thank you everyone. Adrien, Marinette, I hope you have a safe trip to Italy and you too, Nino. Alya, please don’t get killed while you’re investigating, you’re more important than some story.”
“Good luck with the painting, Nath!”
“Don’t work too hard!”
“Everyone needs a break every once in awhile! Get some sleep and eat when you need to!”
“You promised me an exclusive interview after the gallery showing, Nathanaël! Don’t forget that!”
Nathanaël stepped out of the cafe and surveyed the light pink sky merging with the navy blue to form a vivid sunset.
“Time to fetch Chloe,” he murmured with a small smile as he started to walk.
****************************
Chloe served the four plates of burgers and chips and with a forced smile she said, “I hope you enjoy your meal. Call me if you need anything else.”
The four males looked at her up and down and Chloe felt an uncomfortable shiver go down her spine. They were all wearing sweaters for some reason (was there some sort of clearance sale? she thought) just in different colours, red, green, blue and purple. They looked like they were round about the same age as her but she felt like prey and they were the lions watching her...waiting to let her guard down so that they could pounce.
“We’ll definitely call you if we need anything else, darling,” Red Sweater said with a rather creepy grin.
Chloe nodded and walked away as quickly as possible to any other tables that needed her assistance.
Her day was not going well.
Apparently Gabriella was ‘sick’ and that left Chloe working twice as hard. Thankfully, Mr Shelley had some common sense to hire a new girl, Camila. Camila was tall and had short brown hair. She was working with Chloe and she was picking up quite fast which definitely helped her but Camila wasn’t the friendliest person.
In fact she was cold and hadn’t spoken a word to Chloe at all except the quick “hello” from that morning.
Other than that, Chloe had burned herself while making coffee (three times to be exact), had found mold growing on one of the burgers, had to deal with an impossible parent and bratty child and now these four guys who hadn’t stopped ogling her since the time they had arrived.
“Deep breaths. They’re the last customers for the evening,” she whispered to herself as she saw the second last table of people leave the restaurant with Camila cleaning their table. Chloe couldn’t wait to get home and take a long, warm shower to get the greasy feeling off her body and smell like the ocean-
Nathanaël smells like the ocean.
 She felt her face go warm and her heart beat a little faster.
No, you do not like him! It’s only been a few days! This is just a crush! Chloe Bourgeois doesn’t like Nathanaël Kurtzberg!
Chloe kept herself busy as she wiped down tables and watched the clock tick by. Finally, the Sweaters were done with their food and Purple Sweater yelled, “Just the bill, hot stuff!”
Chloe kept her anger under control and came to collect their plates and gave them their bill.
“Here you go,” she said with forced enthusiasm and waited for them to pay.
“Sorry but I think there’s something missing from the bill?” Green Sweater said as he looked at it.
He pointed to a spot and Chloe leaned closer to look at it.
“I don’t see anything wrong-? OW!” Chloe screamed as she felt a slap on her bottom.
The group of Sweater idiots laughed and high-fived each other. Chloe felt her cheeks go red with anger.
How dare they?
“What’s missing is your number, beautiful,” the Purple Sweater purred and Chloe glared at him in disgust.
“I would never give my number to creeps like you,” she growled trying to keep her voice low. She did not need Mr Shelley to storm out of his office because of these asshats trying to get her number.
“Oh C’mon, Blondie- Chloe winced at the terrible nickname “-don’t you want to have fun with some quality attention?” Blue Sweater pressed.
“I’m perfectly fine with the company I have. Now, pay the bill so that I can go home,” Chloe said trying to say it as politely and calmly as possible. They were treading on her last nerve and if they said one more idiotic thing she was going to lose it.
“We’ll just take you out for a few drinks. No harm done! And if you want to come back to our place we could-”
She snapped.
“No. Hell freaking no. I’m not going with you disgusting assholes to some sleazy bar to get me drunk and wind up at your house and do God knows what. What do you not understand?” Chloe exploded. “And what gives you the right to touch me? Were you raised by wild animals?”
The Sweaters looked furious and she felt fear spread through her body. She had never talked back to a group of strangers before and these guys were at least a good ten centimeters taller than her. She was trapped and nearly screamed when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Please don’t let it be Mr Shelley. Please don’t let it be Mr Shelley. Please don’t let it be Mr Shelley. Please-
“Chloe,” a warm familiar voice said.
“Nathanaël,” Chloe whispered, relieved as she turned to look at him.
The look in his eyes were dark with anger and she saw his jaw tense as he looked at The Sweaters.
“Hello, Chloe. How was work?” the red-haired angel asked, seemingly oblivious to the situation she was in.
“It was okay-”
“-Until these men started to harass you?”
She could see that the more Nathanaël spoke the angrier he seemed to get with the four men.
“Yes,” she murmured.
Chloe swallowed uneasily and saw the Sweaters expressions change from anger to confusion to anger again.
“She wasn't doing her job-" Green Sweater began but was interrupted.
“-Her job is to take your orders and serve your food. She is not for your entertainment,” Nathanaël snarled at Green Sweater. “Now, you are going to pay for the food, give her a huge tip and never come back here again,” he warned, his voice low and dangerous. “And if you do...let’s just say you won’t be able to walk again.”
Within minutes the bill had been paid, Chloe had received a huge tip and the Sweaters were gone. She never thought she’d seen four men so pale before until Nathanaël threatened them.
Chloe turned to face Nathanaël.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. People are supposed to fend off creepy assholes who harass other people,” he said and ran a hand through his hair and glared at the table were The Sweaters had sat.
“I’ll go say goodbye to Camila and get my stuff.”
She walked to the staff room. Camila was there, mopping the floor and looked up at Chloe before giving her a cold look and returning to her mopping.
At first Chloe wanted to snap at her. What the hell had she done so wrong to this girl, that she was treating her this way? Chloe breathed deeply and collected her bag and signed out on the employee register. She walked towards the staff room door and was about to leave when she turned to face Camila.
“Camila...You’ve been a huge help today...I don’t know how I would’ve handled this without you so...thank you,” Chloe said softly.
Camila looked up and for the first time, and surprisingly, gave her a small smile.
“I’m glad I could help. I know I haven’t been the friendliest person to you and I guess it was because I sort of developed a disliking towards you. I knew how spoilt and awful you were because I’m friends with some of the students who went to Collège Françoise Dupont and I heard all the stories.”
At those words Chloe groaned,“I know I was awful.” Camila grinned and stuck out her hand.
“Camila Vasseur.”
Chloe took it and smiled.
“Chloe Bourgeois.”
Camila’s grip was firm and warm and Chloe felt a little better about working at the restaurant if Camila was going to be working with her.
“Are you working tomorrow?” Chloe asked and Camila nodded.
“The only days I don’t work are Sundays and Mondays,” she replied.
“Okay, well a little heads up for tomorrow, since I don’t work on Wednesdays. There’s a girl named Gabriella and she is absolutely awful. Oh, and she and Mr Shelley are...close if you see what I’m trying to say…”
Chloe didn’t like the fact that she had to tell Camila this but she felt that it was the right thing to do. She didn’t want Camila to go through the same treatment that she had.
“And...stay cautious of Mr Shelley...he’s a creep.”
Camila looked at Chloe and lowered her voice.
“I assume this is coming from experience?”
Chloe nodded and memories of Mr Shelley’s hands on her waist and legs made her shiver.
“I need this job. I’ve looked at other places but I don’t have the experience required and this is the only hellhole that I can work at,” Chloe said bitterly.
Camila nodded and looked at her nails.
“I’ll gouge his eyes out if I need to. Oh, and are you leaving early?”
Chloe nodded.
“This is the one situation when having a boyfriend helps,” Chloe muttered and Camila giggled.
“I’ll try that trick if I ever need to get out early.”
“Good, see you on Thursday, Camila.” Chloe laughed and walked out the staffroom.
Chloe felt her stomach do a little flip when she saw Nathanaël leaning against a table as he read the menu.
He wore the red shirt! she thought.
Chloe felt happiness bubble inside her but she quickly shut it down.
So what if he wore the red shirt? That means nothing! The other part of her mind hissed.
“Chloe? You okay? You have this odd look on your face,” Nathanaël asked as he stopped reading the menu.
Chloe snapped out of her daze and nodded.
“Yeah, I’m okay! It was just a busy day.”
Nathanaël shrugged his shoulders and pushed open the door so that they could walk out.
“So, how was work?” he asked as they began their walk home.
Chloe retold him the events of that day and Nathanaël looked close to murdering Mr Shelley.
“You never told me that he assaulted you!”
Chloe sighed, “I need this job, Nathanaël and I looked at other places but I don’t have the qualifications.”
Nathanaël was silent for a while before he whispered, “If he ever lays another hand on you-”
“-He won’t...I’ve made sure of it.”
Nathanaël, internally, was burning with anger.
That asshole touched Chloe and she still has to work for him. He could understand why she hated him so much now.
“Nathanaël? You’ve been so quiet…” Chloe whispered and gently touched his hand.
“I’m okay...I just need time to absorb all of the information and try not to smash his face in when I see him again,” Nathanaël growled.
Chloe snickered,“Look at you, acting all boyfriend-y.”
At that comment Nathanaël’s ears went pink and that only made Chloe laugh.
“So, how was your day? Hopefully better than mine,” she grinned.
“Well, let’s just say that the red shirt does work wonders,” he replied, grinning back.
“Ha! Who gave you fashion advice? This girl! But anyway, continue.”
The rest of the walk home was Nathanaël talking about the meeting he had with the gallery manager and the commission he had received. Once they got back to the apartment, Chloe noticed that her window was fixed.
“Oh, the repairman came before I left for the meeting. Now, it’s all fixed,” Nathanaël observed as he looked at the window.
Chloe was thankful that she wouldn’t have to wake up cold anymore. She took a deep breath and turned to face Nathanaël. Her hands were sweaty and nervousness clawed at her insides.
Why did asking Nathanaël out for breakfast make her a nervous wreck?
“So...I’m not w-working tomorrow and I was wondering if you wanted to go out for breakfast? Only if you’re not b-busy of course! I-I got paid today and I’d like to repay you for everything you’ve done and I know you’re super busy with your paintings-”
“Chloe, you don’t need to do that.”
“Oh my word Kurtzberg. Can you stop interrupting me and being stubborn for a second?” Chloe scolded and Nathanaël grinned in surprise.
“Does that annoy you Chloe? When I’m stubborn and interrupt you?” Nathanaël teased.
“Yes! Now let me talk! Let me take you out. Just this once, for breakfast at your favourite place to get breakfast.”
Nathanaël thought for a moment before replying.
“No.”
Chloe hated how her heart hurt and how her stomach deflated in sadness. Why did his rejection hurt so badly? She hated that she had let her guard down and she felt like dying. Refusing to make eye contact with Nathanaël, she lowered her head and whispered, “Fine. See if I care.”
Nathanaël noticed the quick change in mood and was a little surprised at how quickly Chloe’s emotions took over.
“Chloe wait-”
“No, you said no and that’s okay. It’s not like I didn’t want to have a nice breakfast with the one person who’s shown me kindness for the past few days but I see how it is.”
Chloe put her hands on Nathanaël’s shoulders and tried to push him out of her apartment.
“Chloe let me explain-”
“-No, there’s no explanation needed.”
“Chloe stop pushing me-”
“Leave my crappy apartment, Nathanaël!”
“If you stop pushing me-”
“Why are you so damn tall and heavy you beanpole!”
“Chloe-”
“Leave!”
“-Chloe I do want to have breakfast with you!”
Chloe stopped and all she could hear was the sound of her laboured breathing and her heart beginning to beat faster.
“Y-you just said no...”
“I said no because you have other stuff to worry about than treating me to breakfast. You have to pay rent, you need clothes and toiletries and all that. I don’t want you paying for a breakfast that could possibly cost your whole salary.”
Chloe looked at him with annoyance.
“What’s your favourite breakfast place, Kurtzberg?”
Nathanaël sighed.
“It’s Eleventh Street.”
Chloe’s eyes widened and she knew that Nathanaël had caught her.
Eleventh Street was known for it’s mouth-watering food. Chloe had already gone there a few times before she hit rock bottom and she commended Nathanaël’s taste. She could still remember the scent of roasted coffee beans and blueberry pancakes would invade her senses whenever she walked in and their tastefully decorated interior made her feel right at home.
Their strawberry and red velvet crepes were the fluffiest Chloe’s ever eaten and the croque madam was simple yet filling. Their coffees were heavenly and health smoothies were the kick she sometimes needed in the morning but that was all gone now. She hadn’t been there in months and forgot how expensive it was for a whole meal for someone who was just getting paid the bare minimum.
Nevermind two people.
“Dammit,” Chloe muttered and she felt Nathanaël’s arms wrap around her and pull her into an embrace.
“Chloe, I appreciate your gesture, I really do. But I need you to focus on yourself for now, okay? There’s nothing wrong with that,” he murmured softly. Chloe slowly wrapped her arms around him and sighed.
Chloe grumbled and nodded into his chest. “Okay.”
To Chloe’s surprise, Nathanaël didn’t let go of her immediately. The hug lasted for a good minute or two and when he eventually let go of her, she was a little dizzy.
“Oh, and there’s something I’d like to talk to you about. I didn’t get to mention it earlier but maybe over dinner? I’m making Coq au Vin,” he suggested and Chloe’s stomach grumbled with hunger.
“That sounds perfect,” she agreed.
“You can shower at my place. Your pressure is still messed up, right?”
Chloe nodded, “I’ll get my stuff and take a shower while you prepare the food.
Nathanaël walked out the door and Chloe collected her pajamas and toiletries.
She liked how it had almost become a routine. Nathanaël would walk her home then invite her back to his apartment and they would have dinner together and maybe she would spend the night there. Her apartment was a little more liveable now that the window closed and she didn’t have to wake up with the cold on her face but...Nathanaël’s apartment seemed to have character and she felt more at home in his apartment than she did in hers.
Once she had everything packed she locked her apartment and walked to Nathanaël’s and opened the door. Chloe wanted to scream. Did Nathanaël Kurtzberg have any idea how attractive he looked?
His black blazer was cast aside on the couch and the sleeves to his red shirt had been rolled up to his elbows. Nathanaël’s hair was messy but she found it cute and she hated how good he looked. He was already cooking the bacon and getting ready to add in the chicken to the pot.
Chloe closed the door and she made her way to the bathroom. After a warm, relaxing shower she emerged from the steamy bathroom, smelling like the ocean and feeling like a new person. The food was simmering and the whole apartment smelled glorious. Chloe fell onto the couch and picked up one of the art magazines that was lying on the coffee table. She flipped through it while Nathanaël was still busy with browning the mushrooms and quickly began reading what other critics had to say about various pieces of artwork.
“Okay, food should be ready in the next fifteen minutes. I just need to make some phone calls to the gallery manager and by the time I’m done it should be ready,” Nathanaël informed as he closed the pot to let the food simmer.
Chloe hummed in response and he turned to look at the blonde. She had a small stack of art and design magazines on the coffee table and was reading them one by one. She was laying down on the couch with her head resting on the arm of the couch. He smiled a small smile and phoned the manager.
Once he was done walked back to the kitchen and stirred the food one more time before looking over his shoulder and saying, “Chloe, dinner’s ready.”
Chloe looked up and set down the magazines. She walked over to the table and Nathanaël dished out the food. He set down the plate of steaming stew and Chloe breathed in the smell.
“It’s smells amazing,” she said as she popped a carrot in her mouth. “And it tastes even better!”
Nathanaël grinned. “ I’m glad you like it.”
After a that, the room was filled with knives and forks scraping the plates surface and the sound of chewing. Once they were done Nathanaël poured some red wine into two glasses while Chloe packed the dishwasher with their dirty dishes.
“Wine?” Nathanaël asked as he offered her a glass and Chloe’s eyes widened.
When was the last time she had wine?
Hell, nevermind that...when was the last time she had alcohol?
Chloe was no stranger to alcohol and enjoyed the buzz she got from it but after a night of clubbing and waking up the next morning with almost no memory of the night before, in a stranger's’ bathroom, she had sworn off hard drinking. She still adored wine and cocktails but had them in moderation.
“Yes ,please,” she said quickly and Nathanaël raised an eyebrow. He wondered why her reaction was so odd but decided not to pry especially since he needed to ask her about the gallery viewing. He handed her the glass of dark red liquid and they took a seat on the couch.
“So, what was so important that you needed to invite me to dinner, Kurtzberg? I read that some murderers like to wine and dine their victims before killing them,” Chloe teased.
Nathanaël rolled his eyes and took a sip of his wine. “That’s the second time you’ve mentioned murder. First it was at the gallery and now. You seem to have some twisted thought that I’m going to kill you.”
Chloe looked shocked. “No! I-I’ve just read a lot of murder mystery books, okay? When I felt sad, I read those because it sort of made me feel better?”
Nathanaël stared at Chloe.
“You read murder mysteries to make you feel better? Chloe...you are a weirdo.”
Nathanaël felt the pillow hit the side of his face and he retaliated by grabbing it and throwing it across the room. He hand a hand through his hair and looked at the annoyed blonde sitting opposite him.
“You have your art and I have my murder mysteries!” Chloe exclaimed and folded her arms across her chest.
“Okay, I’m sorry. But the reason I wanted to talk to you was about my gallery. I’d like you to be there.”
Chloe felt her heart stop.
“W-what?”
“I want you to be there Chloe. I know how much you like art now and I’d like you to see my new work. But...there’s a little more I need to tell you besides that. I had coffee with Adrien, Marinette, Ayla and Nino today.”
Hearing the names of the people who she had humiliated and who saw her covered in fries and tomato sauce made Chloe want to be sick. She swallowed uneasily.
“They spoke about you and I had to tell them how much you changed. They want to see you again, Chloe. Which is why I’m asking you if you’d like to come to the gallery viewing because they’ll be there. They mean no harm...they want to give you a second chance.”
Chloe was a tornado of emotions.
She felt anger, shame, sadness and a slight bit of relief.
She didn’t want their pity but she understood why they would feel sorry for her. She hated that they had seen her so weak and vulnerable. She was relieved that they wanted to give her a second chance but hell...there were four of them and one of her.
“You don’t have to answer right away. The gallery viewing is in two weeks so you have time to think about it okay?” Nathanaël said reassuringly. “I don’t want to pressure you into doing something you’re not comfortable with.”
Chloe nodded and sipped her wine and the taste of berries was left on her tongue. “Okay...thanks Nathanaël. I’ll think about it.”
The rest of the time was talk about his latest paintings and preparation for the gallery viewing. Nathanaël forgot that he was still in his work clothes and he got up and stretched. The two empty wine glasses glittered on the table and he made a note in his head to try painting glasses the next day.
“I need to shower. Feel free to stay but it’s getting late and I’m sure you need some sleep. You had a crazy day.”
She hadn’t realized how tired she was until her head hit her knee because she had dozed off.
“Yes...sleep is a good idea.”
Nathanaël chuckled at the sleepy Chloe. “How about I walk you to your apartment after my shower?”
Chloe mumbled something along the lines of, “Sure.” and Nathanaël went to shower.
By the time he had finished showering and was drying his hair with a towel, he found that Chloe was asleep on his couch. He honestly should’ve known that she would’ve been sleepy after drinking the wine and having a hard day at work. Nathanaël thought of taking Chloe to her apartment but he decided against it since he didn’t want to wake her up or bump her head into any walls. After much thought he decided to carry her to his bedroom and tuck her under the covers. She wasn’t too heavy and he found it easy to slide her under the covers.
“You’ve been working so hard, Chloe...it’s admirable that you want to be independant but I’ll help you until you find a better job,” he whispered, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “I do hope you say yes...about the gallery thing. I’d love for you to be there and make amends with my friends.”
Nathanaël was quiet as he gently brushed Chloe’s cheek with his thumb and planted a soft kiss on Chloe’s cheek.
“Goodnight Chloe. Sweet dreams.”
Nathanaël switched off the light and got into bed and fell asleep. He had no idea that Chloe was still awake and that she had heard everything. He had no idea that she was internally dying because he had kissed her on the cheek.
“I hate you, Kurtzberg,” she mumbled before falling into a deep sleep.
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