#complete the questions with unless you make some quite brave assumptions

[copia]

i can't come back here until the afternoon of the 29th, posting this to hold myself accountable (& i'll be embarrassed if i turn up again)

[cutesuki--bakugou]

Victory

Main Pairing: Natsuki Bakugou (OC) x Mimiyuki Kita (OC) (Pre-Relationship)

Side Pairings: Katsuki Bakugou x Koge Naegi (OC),  Seijirou Eguchi (OC) X Dokuji Kobayashi (OC)

Rating: Teen

Words:   3626

Genre: Fluff / Humor

Warnings: Cursing

“She’s so hot… Oh shit, did I just say that out loud?” Natsuki clasped a hand over her mouth, a hot rush of embarrassment filling her cheeks. Sitting beside her while she stood, her mentor began to snicker, eyeing her with snarky interest. 

“What was that, Natsuki? You crushing on the pop-star?” Seijirou smirked as Natsuki tried to shush him, her face flushing dark red as she bounced in her spot with a finger over her lips. 

“Shh!! Uncle Seiji, could you be any louder!?” 

“No one can hear us over the music, darling.” Seijirou gave a wave of his hand to dismiss her scolding, though the amused smirk on his lips didn’t fade. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about!” 

“But there is!” Pouting, Natsuki squatted down, hugging her knees to her chest with her arms wrapped around her legs tightly. “She’s a goddess! I’ve seen her on TV and everything… I even have a bunch of her music. She’s so out of my league, I shouldn’t even be letting myself think about her!” 

“You think she wouldn’t pay attention to you?” 

With a sigh, Natsuki fell silent, watching the famous star Mimiyuki Kita prance about on stage. The young singer had been invited to be the entertainment for a martial arts competition that Natsuki was participating in, which was something the young blonde hadn’t even known about. Not until she arrived and saw the pamphlet for the entire day's events, where Mimiyuki was performing right before the semifinals. Seeing the celebrity in person was completely different than just online or on posters. She literally was perfection in Natsuki’s eyes, tiny and petite with a powerful voice. Natsuki had seen her just walking through the halls, her raven hair down and flowing behind her as she walked. 

So adorable. So graceful. So beautiful. So sexy! 

And so, so, so out of Natsuki’s league. 

“Uncle Seiji, she’s literally a celebrity.” 

“And so are you,” Seijirou reached over and patted the top of Natsuki’s head gently. “You think people don’t know your name by now, Natsuki? Or know that you’re my successor for my company?” 

Feeling her cheeks flush again, Natsuki looked up at Seijirou out of the corner of her eye, conflicted on how she should feel about his support. Yes, she may have been known in this community of fighters and heroes, but how the hell was someone like Mimiyuki supposed to know her? Not possible. It just wasn’t. 

“I still don’t think she’d know me outside of what I’ve done here at this place…” 

“And? It’s normal for people to not know each other before they meet. That’s what conversation and going on dates is for!” 

“D-Dates? No, no.” Natsuki shook her head, standing and trying to rub the embarrassment from her face. “She’d never want to go on a date with me.” 

“Who’s going on a date with who?” The soft voice of her mother nearly scared the life out of Natsuki, who put her hands on her chest. Curious eyes locked on her daughter, Koge munched away on a large dill pickle, which Natsuki could see, even in the dim light, that it was sprinkled with salt. 

“Mama… Damn it, we need to get you a bell or something, you scare the crap out of me when you do that!” 

Smiling, Koge gave a small shrug, obviously not bothered with the fact that she scared people like that constantly. “Nah. What were you talking about? Dating?” 

Natsuki shook her head, only feeling her stomach bubble nervously as her father came up to stand with them. Bakugou looked utterly annoyed with his surroundings, his cheeks puffed out and filled with popcorn. He hadn’t heard anything, which Natsuki was grateful for, but she didn’t know how to get out of this situation. “N-Nothing! Uncle Seiji was just telling me about how he and Uncle Doey are going to go on a date.” 

“Wha-?” Dokuji was the next to question the blonde, having only heard his name over the music. Seijirou sighed, deciding to play along to not embarrass Natsuki too much. He knew that if she got all riled up about this, her mind would be stuck on it and would impact her ability to win the competition. She was so close, only two fights away, and winning this had been a goal of hers for nearly a year. 

“Nothing Hun, I was just talking to Natsuki about how we’re going to Okinawa.” 

“We are?” 

“We are now.” 

As the two men conversed about their new trip Natsuki had so suddenly sprung on them, the flustered young adult sighed inwardly, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. Now that she wasn’t being spoken to, she couldn’t get her attention off Mimiyuki, who was currently doing one of her aerial hoop acrobatic performances that frequently appeared in her shows. Although she didn’t look it on the outside, the performer was incredibly strong and skilled to be able to do those tricks and still sing so high up above stage. Natsuki was truly in awe of her, and she wanted to meet her badly. But, courage when it came to romance was something that the twenty-year-old lacked. 

Eventually, Natsuki had to peel her eyes away from the show to go prep for her next match, hugging her family and mentors for luck. Much to Natsuki’s relief, her brain instantly went into combat mode from the moment Mimiyuki was no longer in her sights. And so, with luck and talent on her side, she crushed both of her opponents, beating the odds that had been stacked against her and sending the crowd into an uproar. Supporters and haters alike were standing as she accepted the victory, and if she had to describe how she was feeling, it would be filled to the brim with pride in herself and what she stood for. 

Victories like these always reminded Natsuki that everything she had done up until now was worth it. That being quirkless didn’t mean being weak, nor did being a woman. She was powerful and brave, with not a doubt in her mind that she could succeed. What made the victories so much better was the pride she saw on her father’s face every time. He was the reason she felt strong enough to do all of this in the first place, because someone like him believed in her so completely, and that pushed her to do everything in her power to make him proud. 

“Daddy, I did it!” Running up to her family with a squeal, she leapt onto Bakugou’s arms as he held them out, squeezing each other tightly. 

“That’s my girl! Natsuki, you did fucking amazing! You beat the shit out of that last guy! Oof- Utsuro!” Koge was next to jump up on him, to which Bakugou quickly adjusted his arm to hold her as well. Natsuki laughed at his fumble, but she still lied her head on Koge’s affectionately. 

“My baby is so strong!” Koge kissed her daughter’s cheek, though was careful of an area where she had been hit decently hard. “I’m so proud of you!” 

“What is this, don’t leave me out!” Even though he had to use his cane to walk over, Seijirou hugged Koge and Natsuki from the back, which meant he ended up hugging the protesting Bakugou as well. “Doey, come get in on this!” 

Chuckling, the orange haired man shook his head, arms crossed over his chest. “Nah, I’m good. I’m not a hugger.” 

“Neither is Bakugou, and look at him!” 

Bakugou growled, obviously seriously annoyed, but there was nothing he could truly do about it. “I didn’t know you were going to fucking join!” 

With a small roll of his eyes, Dokuji joined in, though he kept his hug mostly to Seijirou and Natsuki. But then, before any of them could decide to stop, there was a soft giggling from nearby. Lifting her head, Natsuki glanced around for a moment before her eyes landed on Mimiyuki, who was standing just a few feet away with a trophy in her hands. 

“M-M-Mimiyuki!” Natsuki stuttered, wiggling just enough to make everyone let go of her. “I didn’t see you!” 

Soft smile on her face, Mimiyuki tilted her head a bit to the side, pink eyes scanning the group. “That’s okay! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Much unlike her powerful voice on stage, the young woman spoke softly, an angelic sound to Natsuki’s ears. “The competition coordinators wanted me to give you the trophy and take some pictures for the media.” 

“R-right. Awards and pictures.” Trying to not let her embarrassment get the better of her, Natsuki looked up at her family and mentors, pointing towards the group of waiting coordinators and photographers. “I’ll be right back. Unless you want pictures, too?” 

“If they want us, Natsu darling. You know how they prefer to decide for themselves.” Seijirou smiled at her, giving her a nudge towards Mimiyuki. “Go on! Make a good impression.” 

Natsuki knew that, from the slight teasing tone in his voice, he didn’t mean to make a good impression on the media. He meant to make one on Mimiyuki, to try see if there was even the slightest possibility of romantic interest. How she was supposed to do that subtly was something Natsuki couldn’t quite fathom, since she had no idea if the raven-haired celebrity was interested in women in the first place. All she could imagine was saying something just for Mimiyuki to shut her down and make the entire situation awkward as hell. But what if she didn’t reject her? What if she was interested in women? 

There were subtle hints that Natsuki had noticed in Mimiyuki’s music, but that could have easily just been her misinterpreting the meaning behind the lyrics and just associating it to what romantic experiences she had in the past. Then again, there were the very straight forward moments when Mimiyuki would sing about being conflicted over ‘him and her’ or other similar situations. If she was right in her assumptions, then maybe… just maybe. 

Giving a soft cough to clear her throat, Natsuki approached Mimiyuki. In her platform heels, Mimiyuki was much taller than Natsuki, which only made the young fighter more flustered since at every glance she ended up looking at her chest instead of her face. That, and she liked women taller than her, even though without her heels Mimiyuki only stood a good two inches taller. Everything about her made Natsuki feel sick to her stomach in a weird, good way, much more than any other woman before her. Could she even speak without throwing up? Or making some embarrassing noise? 

“It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Mimiyuki greeted Natsuki once she reached her, both starting towards the group waiting for them. “Watching you fight today was so exhilarating!” 

“Y-you watched me?” Natsuki forced her voice out through constricting vocal cords, doing everything she could to fight the raging heat that wanted to rush to her cheeks. “Really?” Argh she’s so articulate! Anything I say is going to sound stupid.

“Every match! You’re so skilled and incredibly powerful, it’s absolutely magnificent.” Mimiyuki smiled, the light pink hue that dusted her cheeks only made Natsuki’s heart race. “And you’re the first woman to win this competition in seven years. That’s an amazing accomplishment!” 

Unable to resist the ego boost, Natsuki gave a short chortle, giving a light scratch to the side of her nose. “Ah, you know, it’s nothing! These guys are just pushovers, anyways. Up until before the semifinals, they all thought they could take it easy and still win. Instead they got their balls chopped off-- ah, I-I mean, wait-” Covering her mouth, Natsuki immediately felt a wave of embarrassment and stupidity crash over her, having not even realized how comfortable she felt at that moment. She had let her vulgar side slip out without realizing it, and even though it was nothing she hid during matches, she never let herself talk like that with strangers. Only her family ever heard her say such things during regular conversation, yet here she was, speaking without a filter to a celebrity. 

But, before she could even apologize, Mimiyuki began to laugh. “They did! And rightfully deserved, in my opinion. It was their mistake, to treat you like you’re weak. I even heard some of them trying to flirt with you, as if it would lower your defenses.” 

“Tch, of course they did, they always do.” Natsuki lowered her hands, tugging at a lock of her hair to try and stay calm. The fact that Mimiyuki wasn’t at all put off by her personality only made it harder for Natsuki to stay neutral. So, she decided she wouldn’t. “Too bad for them they’ll never have a chance.” 

“Good. That leaves room for women who do.” 

Natsuki could see it, that twinge of interest in that gorgeous pink gaze. She hadn’t seen that in a very long time, and it immediately made every inch of her body flush with fire. Before she could even get a word out, she was interrupted by one of the competition coordinators, who was waving them down. Mimiyuki was quick to pick up the pace, leaving Natsuki behind in her semi stunned state. 

She just hit on me. She just? Did she? I--

Her thoughts were cut off as her hand was suddenly in Mimiyuki’s, her grip soft and tender, but tight enough to get Natsuki’s attention. Having stopped walking completely in her state of shock, Mimiyuki had returned to get her, the gentle smile on her lips breaking Natsuki out of her stupor. “C’mon, Natsuki. Let’s get the pictures over with, hm?” 

“Y-yeah…” Still hand in hand, Natsuki followed Mimiyuki back up onto the fighting rink and to the group that had been waiting for them. 

“Let’s get a picture of Natsuki and Mimi first, both holding the trophy.” A man that Natsuki recognized to be Mimiyuki’s public relations manager spoke up, pointing to the two women eagerly. “I want it for her blog immediately! Please, someone get Natsuki a stool or something to stand on-” 

“That’s not necessary.” Mimiyuki interrupted, stepping out of her shoes to bring herself down to Natsuki’s height. “She’s the champion here, I’ll come down to her height.” 

“Oh, but this stage is covered in sweat and there’s blood-!” 

“It’s okay! If Natsuki can be barefoot, then so can I.” Stepping closer and without a hint of hesitation, Mimiyuki put her arm around Natsuki’s back, prompting the young blonde to do the same, even if her heart was about to leap out of her throat. Holding one side of the trophy as directed by the photographer, Natsuki allowed herself to be squeezed in closely to the other woman, even to the point that their cheeks were touching. She wasn’t sure if she was smiling at the camera or if she looked like a damn fool, flushed and trembling from head to toe in her embarrassment. She had expected that by the time pictures were over and done with, she would have calmed down. Instead, she had somehow become even more nervous, as she was left alone with the singer and her manager. 

Stepping back into her heels, Mimiyuki flattened out her miniskirt, looking at the man beside her, who seemed increasingly anxious. “Are we done?” 

“Yes, Mimi, all that we have to do next is get past the crowd back to the bus. It’s late, so we will just go back to the hotel. We have that other gig in the morning, you know.” He responded in an almost annoying robotic voice, which made Natsuki pretty much instantly annoyed. Mimiyuki sighed in what seemed to be a bit of disappointment, placing her hands on her hips. 

“Darn, that’s annoying. Well, I guess it can’t be helped. It was really nice to meet you, Natsuki. Congratulations, again, on your victory!” Instead of a simple handshake or bow that Natsuki expected, Mimiyuki hugged her tightly, gaining the same affection from the flustered blonde. 

“Y-yeah… Thanks. I mean, thank you.” Natsuki was reluctant to release her as Mimiyuki took a step back, though Natsuki did notice the way her slender hands lingered, allowing one to rest over her own with a gentle caressing of fingers. “You put on a great show tonight, by the way. Your hoop uh… What you do on that hoop is pretty badass.” 

Smiling, Mimiyuki’s cheeks flushed from the praise. “That’s truly a flattering compliment, especially coming from someone so strong! Thank you, Natsuki.” After giving Natsuki’s fingers a light squeeze, Mimiyuki turned to leave with a final small wave. “Have a wonderful night!” 

“You, too…” Natsuki felt a horrible tightness in her chest as she watched Mimiyuki walk away, as if she were losing out on a huge opportunity for something incredible. That spark had been there, and though Natsuki had always felt like she wasn’t one for romance, there was no denying it. She had never been a coward when it came to anything in her life, and yet here she was, reluctant to make a move that would soon be completely out of her reach. 

Holding her breath, Natsuki took a quick moment to look back at her family, finding that they were all watching her. Embarrassment flooded her, which almost squashed any chance of her stopping Mimiyuki completely. But then, there was a movement, a flick of the wrist from her father that was clear in its meaning. Seijirou was quick to copy him, though he was more energetic with a bounce in his seat and a point of his cane. 

Releasing the breath, she turned back to look at Mimiyuki, who was just about to exit through a set of double doors. Immediately, her body moved without another thought, jogging towards the exit as she waved her arm in the air. “W-wait, Mimi--!” 

Stopping halfway through the door, Mimiyuki looked back at Natsuki curiously. She took a second to call her manager to stop, before standing back inside of the arena area. “Yes?” 

Swallowing the huge lump in her throat, Natsuki struggled to speak behind the swelling shyness, the heat in her face nearly making her eyes tear up. “You’re… You’re going to be in town for a while… right?” 

Tapping her finger to her chin, Mimiyuki thought for a moment before nodding. “Yes, about two months. Why do you ask?” 

“D-d-do… Do you… uhm… Coffee?” Natsuki felt like her ability to speak in any form of human language had leaked out of her brain through her ears, struggling to make a coherent sentence. “I mean-! Would you like to go get coffee? With me? Like together?” 

Cheeks flushing, Mimiyuki placed her hand on her chest, giving a small cough to clear her throat. Though, the initial shock was quick to turn into a pleased smile, even bouncing on her heels a bit in excitement. “Oh, yes! Please, just a moment-” Turning, she spotted her manager poking his head through the door, a shocked look on his face. “Pen, please?” 

“Mimi, you can’t-!” 

“Pen, please.” A snap of her finger gained her what she requested, the man reluctantly placing it between her waiting fingers. Approaching Natsuki again, she took her hand softly, finding a decent piece of her hand and wrist wrapping cloth to write on. “Though, coffee isn’t really my scene… How about a hike? I’ve heard the mountains in this area are beautiful this time of year.” As she finished up with a series of numbers and a little heart, Mimiyuki leaned forward and kissed Natsuki’s flushed and burning cheek. “That’s my personal number. Text me any time. I’ll trust you not to dox me.” 

Nearly suffocating at this point and surprised she wasn’t spewing blood out of her nose, Natsuki gave a nod. “H-hiking, yeah! Yeah, that sounds awesome!” 

“Perfect. I look forward to it. I’ll wait for your text! Goodnight.” With a final wave and smile, Mimiyuki was rushed out of the doors by her manager, who Natsuki could immediately hear begin to scold the young singer for giving out her personal number. 

Once alone, Natsuki took in a huge breath, trembling from head to toe as she looked at the phone number on her arm. Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck! She gave me her phone number! She wants to go on a date with me! “Fuck, this is awesome!” 

Turning quickly on her heels, Natsuki made a mad dash back towards her family, grinning from ear to ear. Natsuki knew that she wasn't a particularly sensitive woman, nor was she traditionally attractive, so the fact that someone so incredibly beautiful and graceful had interest in her had put her over the moon. She was completely exhilarated, if not a little bit nervous, but this chance was something that she refused to pass up. 

“Daddy! Check it out!” Sliding to a stop beside her father, she pointed excitedly to her wrappings where the phone number rested. “I got her phone number! And a heart! It’s fucking awesome! Uncle Seiji, look!” 

As she showed off the phone number, her trophy for the martial arts competition was forgotten on a table in the middle of the arena. Two goals had been achieved that evening, and though winning the fights was something Natsuki worked hard for, gaining the attention of someone she thought was completely out of her reach had more of an impact on her lonely heart. 

Finding a way to truly love herself and accept who she was had been a difficult journey, but just maybe, Mimiyuki would be the woman to make her feel complete. 

[chocoluckchipz]

Dance with Me, Chaton - 5

Read it on A03, WattPad, FF.net

Written for @ladynoirjuly2019

< Previous

5. Lost

If by the end of day one Adrien was pretty sure that Kagami was Ladybug, then by the end of day two, he was almost convinced. She was a force to be reckoned with. Her colleagues admired her. Those who slacked at their job feared her. Adrien felt he had a long way to go to even think about reaching Kagami’s level of dedication and skill. Perfect description of his Ladybug. The only thing left was to match what little details she let slip online to the real person: Ladybug could draw well enough to agree to edit Gabriel’s sketches, and one of her best friends was a dance instructor. Neither one Adrien could confirm for Kagami yet. He didn't despair, though. With time he would succeed.

Chat Noir: I bet your day today was just as lovely as you are, my Lady.

Ladybug: LOL And what would you know about my beauty, Chat? For all you know, I can be that old, bearded dude from the accounting department.

Chat Noir: Le Gasp! My Lady, beards are sexy. I’ve been considering getting one myself.

Ladybug: Well-looked after and trimmed beards are sexy. The guy from the accounting department doesn’t know the meaning of either.

Chat Noir: Then you cannot be him. Even your words are fashionable, my Lady. I bet your beauty knows no bounds, and men drop by your feet with confessions of love on a daily basis.

Ladybug: And I bet you are a local Casanova whose sweet tongue and, possibly, easy on the eyes looks earned him a girl or two on his arms at any given time.

Chat Noir: You mocking me, aren’t you?

Ladybug: I’m making assumptions based on how you talk. Just like you do. What? I’m wrong?

Chat Noir: Yes. Severely. I’ve never been even kissed. Or dated. Or in love. Been too busy for that.

Ladybug: Accept my condolences.

Chat Noir: You’re still mocking me.

Ladybug: Not at all. I really am sorry. It must feel awful to have never fallen in love.

Chat Noir: Have you ever been in love?

Ladybug: Yes. But that’s all I’m telling you.

Chat Noir: Then maybe instead you can finally tell me how did your day go?

Ladybug: it was lovely. Thank you for asking. Yours?

Chat Noir: Pretty well. How is your baby? Taught him something new today?

Ladybug: XD Her and yes. She’s a quick learner.

Adrien frowned. Either he’s on the wrong track or Ladybug was trying to throw him off her trail. Which was a more plausible explanation because from all the conversations they’ve had so far, keeping her identity a secret was Ladybug’s top priority and she’d already let quite a lot slip. He wouldn’t put it past her at this point to throw him a few fake facts to prevent any possible reveals.

Ladybug: So, about our mission. I thought about it and I think that reworking designs and anonymously surveying Gabriel’s design department only should be the way to go. We won’t be leaking anything outside of the company since our designers had seen all the designs already at some stage. And we’ll show M Agreste that there are more people than just us who think his choices are ridiculous. This is the only way I can think of how to do this without risking losing our jobs.

Chat Noir: I like your plan, my Lady. So, all we need now are the actual designs?

Ladybug: Yeah. And there is no way I can get them.

Chat Noir: Leaving the dirty work to the keeper of misfortune?

Ladybug: You said you’re working in the Hawkmoth’s proximity, meaning, of the two of us, you have a higher chance of getting those files. But we can always forget it. I don’t want you to risk too much, and it’s not like we have to do anything in the first place. If Hawkmoth wants to get ridiculed, who are we to stop him?

Chat Noir: The warriors of truth and light who don’t want the company we love to suffer?

Ladybug: LOL Tbh, only if I’m not losing my job over it.

Chat Noir: Well, I don’t care if I lose mine. Been thinking of quitting actually, so I’ll get you the files. Do you want me to do the survey also? Let's get you involved as little as possible so you're not risking your job. Alright?

Ladybug: Only if you insist.

Chat Noir: I do.

Ladybug: Thank you, Chaton. I appreciate that.

Chat Noir: :3 I like your choice of a nickname for mew.

Ladybug: LOL Well since you’ve been quick to give me one, why can't I do the same?

Chat Noir: Fair enough.

The next hour, they spent chatting about anything and everything in between. By the end of the conversation, Adrien couldn't help but wishfully grin at the screen. This girl was amazing. Witty, funny, smart, confident and creative, she even designed and texted him their secret squad logo: a black kitten, looking at a tiny ladybug on his nose. It was cute. Adrien saved it as his phone background. Risky, but they were slowly becoming friends and with her changed opinion of Adrien, hiding his identity wasn’t such a priority for Adrien anymore.

The next day, however, brought some surprises. More like confused stupor, because the last thing Adrien had expected from his sweet Ladybug was to cold-heartedly fire some poor soul for making a simple mistake.

“I'm sorry you had to witness that,” Kagami apologized to Adrien after the fired man escaped. “Take it as an example that unless you keep them in line, nothing will get done right. People have forgotten what responsibilities and respecting your superiors mean, so I have to remind them from time to time.”

Adrien hummed under his breath, leaning on a windowsill. His father’s philosophy was also to rule with fear, but it was his mother who showed him that honesty, kindness, support and hard work went much further in earning people’s respect and inspiring them to work with you. It forged connections impossible to break. It bore loyalty and success. It was the way Adrien wanted to go. His chest tightened. He missed her dearly and was so happy that, at least online, Ladybug was so much like his mom. He'd hate to think that in real life, the girl he was smitten with upheld his father's way of thinking. Rather disappointing.  

“Would you like to grab lunch together?” Kagami intruded into his thoughts. “I’m almost done, and since today’s the last day you’ll be shadowing me, I thought we could share lunch?”

Adrien perked up. Lunch sounded like a good idea to ask more personal questions. More relaxed atmosphere and no pressure of a workplace. He needed answers and lunch sounded like the perfect place to get them.

“Absolutely,” he smiled. “I’d love nothing more.”

An hour later, they’d found a nice cafe and settled on the second floor. Conversation flowed almost effortlessly and soon Adrien braved a question lingering at the back of his mind. “Do you enjoy working at Gabriel, Kagami?”

"I do," she said. "I like the direction your father is heading, and his work ethic is one of the best in the industry."

Adrien quirked an eyebrow. The online Ladybug had a different idea. At least about the new collection. Maybe he needed to be more specific?

“What about his creative direction? The newest line that is about to be released. What do you think about it?”

“Hard to say.” Kagami shrugged. “I haven't really seen much of it since my work has nothing to do with designing or making the clothes.”

“Aren't you allowed access to unreleased items to create the advertisement?”

"Very limited. Usually, your father would send me pictures of what he'd like to be featured."

“I see,” Adrien sighed, resting his chin on his propped-up hand. “Well, I saw his latest line, and there were some questionable choices made. Sequins in formal wear, for example.”

Kagami didn't react much.

"I trust M Agreste to make it work." She shrugged. "His designs had made him into the fashion icon he is today, and that didn't happen because he was always careful and held back. Risks are inevitable if you want to take the top. That's what he's doing if you ask me."

Adrien leaned back into his chair. Kagami was either a fantastic actress or she wasn't the Ladybug he sought. His phone chimed.

Ladybug: I know we agreed not to chat during the day, but I need a third opinion. Help.

His breathing heavy, Adrien glanced at Kagami, eating her salad. There was no way she could’ve sent him this message. Her cell phone was still in her bag.

“Would you excuse me for a moment?” Adrien asked, standing up.

Kagami nodded.

Adrien walked behind a corner, stopping in a place he could still see Kagami.

Chat Noir: I’m at your service, my Lady.

Ladybug: Thank you! Tell me, what’s the best dessert ever: eclairs or macarons?

Chat Noir: Can I say croissants?

Ladybug: >:( Those aren't dessert. Choose from the two I’ve sent you.

Chat Noir: Well, then macarons.

Ladybug: YES! Thank you!

Chat Noir: Do I get to know what this was all about?

Ladybug: LOL Okay. You deserved that much.

Ladybug: Don't laugh, but my friend and I are at the cafe and we were choosing a dessert and kind of started to argue which one was the best. Since we couldn't come to a conclusion we’ve decided to ask a complete stranger for a third opinion. I just won. Thank you, Chaton.

Chat Noir: A complete stranger, huh?

Ladybug: I can feel your pout through the screen, Chaton. Don’t be silly. You know what I mean. Btw, my friend says Hi.

Chat Noir: Hi to her too.

Ladybug: Him. Gtg now. Ttyl. Thank you again.

Him. His chest tightened. Someone was spending their lunch now with that amazing woman. Someone was having fun arguments with her. Someone who wasn't him because Kagami hadn't even looked at her cell phone this whole time. She wasn't his Ladybug. He wasn't her Chat Noir. Back to the square one. Match one lost.

Surprisingly, he felt relieved.

_______________________________________________________________________

Next >

[yoolee]

SLBP Headcanon | Haunted Houses

‘Tis the season for haunted houses – in North America. I learned a few things while writing this about them in Japan! I haven’t been to one, but I am operating with the assumptions:

While there are year-round haunts the most popular season for temporary haunted attractions is the summertime.

Since 1996ish it has become popular to have an element of visitor participation – they are given a “mission” and are personally involved in a narrative that unfolds as they progress. For example, the guest must escort a child through the spirit world to their mother on the other side, or find a fire then recite an Ofuda and throw it into the fire to banish an evil ghost, or remove a cursed tooth from a woman’s mouth and get it to the exit.

This sometimes includes an element of backstory/history to be read before you ever enter.

X | X | X | X | X | X

NOBUNAGA:

Is just delighted

Laughs, doesn’t scream, but compliments the actors who do a good job of startling his group

Probably offers jobs to the really good scare-ers

Doing what, who knows, he just hires people he likes and figures out what they’re good at later

Literally makes every single one of his retainers employees go through to complete the mission

Almost DEFINITELY gets banned either for fighting the ghosts or because he turns it into a competition for his retainers employees and they make a mess of the place trying to speed through it.

After his first one, probably draws out a map of all of the ones that are available and goes out on a mission to visit them ALL

Probably makes you go first because your reactions are super funny to him.

Would absolutely not wait in line

But WOULD demand a place open up just for him

MITSUHIDE

Is not scared by any of this but is slightly startled at times?

Like in a who comes up with this and spends their time coming up with this kind of way and I was so distracted wondering that I didn’t hear that ghost come up behind me kind of way

Does appreciate the romance of the storylines, even if he thinks the narrative could be tightened up in a few places

Has a horrible suspicion Nobu will want to do one of these, so, he takes notes

Spends so much time looking for the mechanics and documenting things mentally that he doesn’t fully immerse and appreciate the experience D:

Until the other guys notice and gang up on him for a good scare

JOKE IS ON THEM he just jumps and then frowns at them

Probably lectures them for disrupting the actors

Has a lovely chat with the designer of the attraction

Very gently reminds you that none of this is real and you’re quite safe, possibly with quotes on labor law and event attractions, when you get scared.

MITSUNARI

Finds grammatical errors in the backstory, corrects them angrily

Also points out any and all flaws in the logic of the premise

And corrects the local history, which he definitely knows more about than any employee of the attraction

AND YET gets way more into than he should

Not scared by anything

Completely disgusted by the makeup on the ghosts – totally derails the entire haunt to give them tips on making it more realistic – probably digs out makeup from somewhere and gives them a touchup

Then goes back to completing the story like nothing happened

Will not dishonor Hideyoshi by failing to save the trapped soul after all

Probably leaves you behind – stop screaming you little fool, we have a baby to rescue

IEYASU

HATES THIS

WHAT A HORRIBLE WAY TO SPEND ONE’S TIME

Is a JERK visitor

Like, sneering, snarky comments about the characters and backstory

Questioning what they used for fake blood – he could make a far more realistic version

His smile while he mentions this to one of the ghouls probably scares THEM like, aaahahahah this guy’s kidding, right?

No, he really could.

Would really just let the demons have the baby they’ve kidnapped – why should he rescue it

Probably throws the actors off by like, offering them this child he is supposed to be protecting, in hopes that it will end this faster

Gets scared at least once and if you BREATHE about it there will be a whole different kind of hell to pay

But you getting scared and clinging to him isn’t so bad I guess. Whatever.

HIDEYOSHI:

Probably flirts with the ghosts and ghouls

Honestly doesn’t mean to make her break character, he’s just THAT SMOOTH

Feels really bad when he realizes that though

Never actually scared but screams his head off silly just for fun

Also clings to Inuchiyo for the same reason

Inuchiyo does not appreciate this

Holds your hand the whole time, which is how you know he’s not scared – you can feel his heartbeat and it never falters.

Would warn you with a little wink right before someone scary appears, because he would notice the cues, but holds a finger to his lips so Inuchiyo won’t catch on.

THAT SAID he will also totally pull the hand-tapping-on-your-opposite-shoulder thing to make you scream.

INUCHIYO

WHY WOULD ANYONE WILLINGLY DO THIS

Super serious about remembering all the details of the backstory and mission though

Gets genuinely startled a few times, but, while you’d expect him to get mad about it he actually finds it funny? Usually a shout followed by laughter. Unless you tease him about it then he gets mad and tries to play it off.

If Hideyoshi clings to him and screams, then he just growls at Hideyoshi to get off of him

100% willing to carry you through the whole thing on his back, even if that means you half strangle him when something appears.

100% NOT willing to carry Hideyoshi, who leapt into his arms as a joke

Eventually he kinda finds the gory stuff super funny – like, look at this fake blood MC it actually bubbles ahahaha

That said dolls creep him out on a whoooole ‘nother level

IF YOU’RE SCARED: Finds it less fun when he realizes you’re going to have nightmares for a week like you can’t even sleep in the closet like you usually would because things might come out of it Will hold his hands over your eyes or ears and steer you through if need be

IF YOU FIND IT  FUNNY LIKE HIM: Will spend the next few weeks buying increasingly more ridiculous masks to sneak up on you in

SAIZO:

Is only doing this because Sasuke begged

And to see Yukimura scream

And well, he won’t complain if you also cling to him.

Completely nonreactive, except for the occasional sigh.

Warns you about exactly nothing even though he knows precisely what’s coming

Spends most of the time holding Yukimura back from charging at the monsters

Possibly gets Yukimura and Sasuke purposely turned around

Then takes your hand and spirits you off and out of there

Like two hours later poor Yukimura and Sasuke finally complete the mission and get out, totally exhausted.

YUKIMURA

GETS SO INTO IT

TOTALLY FORGETS IT IS FICTION

GIVES A PASSIONATE AND ROUSING SPEECH OF COURAGE TO HIS GROUP AS YOU GET STARTED

EVERYONE IS FIRED UP

THEY WILL COMPLETE THIS MISSION AND SAVE LIVES

ALSO weeps with the ghosts over their tragic backstories, but then lectures them in an attempt to reform them VENGEANCE SOLVES NOTHING

It’s so earnest and moving that the ghost performers like, don’t even have the heart to keep it up and oblige

Happiest Ending for a Haunted House Ever

You…you have no idea how to feel about this

Saizo sighs

MASAMUNE

Doesn’t…really get it?

Sort of goes through the motions in a quietly perplexed sort of way

Then something scares you so badly you scream for real

And he glares, and offers a single, chilled warning

Everyone freaks out because wait there is a real demon here?!

Congrats Masamune, you are the scariest thing in the haunted attraction

You never go back

KOJURO

Is JUST mischievous enough to arrange all of this – like, suggests sharing some local history and setting the stage even before you get to the attraction, so you’re just on the edge of spooked when you get there.

Probably one of those people who knows the director and employees and gives them special instructions to scare the pants of Shigezane

Finds it all more amusing than scary, mostly gentle chuckling at everyone’s reactions

Would gently warn you by taking your hand and squeezing if he thinks you need the heads up

Otherwise lets you enjoy it however you want to

Appreciates all the hard work that goes into it – the script-writing, the acting, the lighting, the planning, etc.

Only gets one serious, goes-white fright - courtesy of Masamune, who thought if Kojuro was going to prank Shigezane, turnabout was fair play (and who would ever suspect Masamune, who was just quietly going along with things, but really was studying how they did it)

KENSHIN:

COMPLETELY ENRAPTURED

Weeps over the story

Just floats through, clapping his hands in delight at every new twist and encounter

Keeps getting distracted by decorations that have nothing to do with the story

Also definitely tries to pick them up and carry them away

Kanetsugu is having NONE OF THAT

PUT THAT THING BACK WHERE IT CAME FROM

Probably carries you bridal style through the whole thing

Like, you can walk?

Oh but it’s more fun this way

Oh well, if he is carrying you his hands aren’t free to STEAL THE PROPS

SHINGEN

WHAT A DELIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE

TEAM BONDING

LET US BE MEN AND COMMIT OURSELVES TO THIS TASK

Lets the others – mostly Yukimura – go first, because the whole reason for coming is to give his folks a fun time.

Definitely a laugher (mostly as his people get scared)

Totally scares Yukimura

Also flirts with the ghosts. “Do you come here often?” but not in a disruptive way – he isn’t out to make their job harder

Will only hold your hand if you’re desperate – because he believes you are plenty brave enough to handle everything without him as a safety net.

Takes everyone out for food afterwards.

During meal will make some offhand comment about the mythology of the tale that’s rooted in local history that none of you knew.

WHOEVER SCARES HIM GETS A RAISE

No one does, until Saizo gets the idea for you to pretend to faint at one of the other people’s scares, and you steal a kiss when Shingen flies to your side

BONUS:

KANSUKE:

Walks through the entire haunted attraction with exactly zero interaction, because none of the actors notice him

Poor Kansuke

ANOTHER BONUS: MCS! On a scale of totally chill to terrified!

Inuchiyo’s MC: Not even the teensiest bit afraid – thinks this is hilarious. HOWEVER, will ACT scared as an excuse to cling to him because have you seen this boy’s arms? *shrug*

Nobunaga’s MC: Is mostly like, mortified. Because of course the Owari clan is making a scene could we just go somewhere and be normal? (when Nobu starts making them go first, goes to somewhere between Mitsun and Ieyasu’s MC)

Shingen’s MC: Would you be scared with all the Kai folks around to protect you? A little scared at the start, but gets it together and handles it like a champ.

Kojuro’s MC: Since the primary target is Shigezane, they get away more or less unscathed from a scare standpoint – pretends to be at least a little spooked, for the same reason as Inuchiyo’s MC.

Mitsuhide’s MC: Generally chill, kind of more into the story behind it all than the scare – appreciates the storytelling aspect. Does not appreciate the disembodied hand on their shoulder.

Masamune’s MC: Is more worried about Masamune, like, is he enjoying this? This preoccupation does lead to being distracted enough at least one big scare though.

Hideyoshi’s MC: Fun-scared? That’s a thing, I promise. Gets a thrill out of it, rather than an actual fear. Only time they are for REAL scared is when Hideyoshi pranks them in the middle of it.

Saizo’s MC: I…love Saizo but his MC is probably a bit of a chicken. Definitely a little scared. It doesn’t help that Yukimura screams REALLY LOUDLY. Not as scared as they would be if they didn’t have Saizo’s hand to hold – it’s kind of nice to have the excuse.

Kenshin’s MC: The haunted attraction isn’t that scary, what’s scary is the thought that Kenshin may have these sorts of artifacts and objects stashed in his treasury for you to accidentally stumble upon? Nightmares for weeks about whispering rocks and cursed dolls that you are 100% sure are stashed in his house.

Mitsunari’s MC: Terrified. Also MAD AS ALL GET OUT because Mitsunari left them alone. Will probably research for days to come up with a good premise, and rope all his retainers into their revenge haunt.

Yukimura’s MC: Yukimura’s screaming, MC is screaming, the ghosts are screaming, everyone is screaming and something is probably on fire.

Ieyasu’s MC: Not sure which is scarier: the haunted attraction or Ieyasu and his ire at the haunted attraction. End result in the same – absolute terror XD

[musicmushi]

Call me “Dylan”

 As I sit trying to write this, a million things come to mind; i.e. how exactly do I convey what I want to say here? I’ve been thinking about my gender identity quite a bit these past few weeks and this thought process is nothing new to me as I’ve been looking deeper into it for about 2-3 years off and on, and before that I’ve just relegated to the body I was born with because I was told that ‘theres a million ways to be a girl’ and I believe that but I also believe that even with the infinite possibilities, sometimes assignments just don’t work. 

I accepted my fate of being a girl and just assumed myself to be some sort of outlier like ‘yes I’m a girl but I’m not like those girls’ when pointing out any stereotype female. I was a tomboy who was over emotional and miserable. I accepted that I would never really feel ‘normal’ and that was that. I just spent so much energy trying to make the best of my misery rather than solve it outright because I didn’t have the power to even question such things but now that I do have the power I feel like I’m at a crossroads. I’m not an alpha male but I’m not an alpha female either. I’m a weird mixture of both and not like that typical way. 

When I’m with my girlfriend, I want to be the most domestic little lady I can be and I say and do typically feminine things that at the moment are okay because I’m so enamored with the idea of making my girlfriend the happiest I can make her but after I think about my actions I am completely confused and just bewildered at what I’m doing or saying. My inner voices are all pulling at my brain screaming “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??!!! WHAT ARE THESE WORDS?? STOP” 

I can be quite masculine and I don’t like when people assume things about me because of what I am because I look like a girl. I’ve had people assume my emotional stability, my strength, my independence, and my sense of fashion because “you’re a girl why are you like this??”

It's so ungodly confusing in my head because I can never answer that question “why are you like this!?” “why don't you care about how you look? Don't you wanna be pretty?” “why can't you just be like the other girls?” Like??? I don’t know???? I ask myself these a lot and remind myself that I’m not normal and my inner voices hate me for the confusion. 

But then something happened and its something I considered as a ‘what if’ but I was never brave enough to really try out. My girlfriend and I were looking up names one day trying to find a feminine yet gender-neutral name for reasons and I asked: “What do you think my boy name would be if I had one?” and we thought about it and my girlfriend had a couple of cute suggestions like ‘Toby’ or ‘Jacob’ I believe and I thought about it some more and said “What about Dylan?” and she agreed that it was plenty cute and fitting for me. That was maybe 2 years or perhaps 1 1/2 years ago. Ever since then that name was always in the back of my head and I just latched onto it. 

Then much more recently, maybe last month, someone on here assumed I was a guy and I felt delighted by that. I felt a surprising wave of joy when I heard that someone had used a male pronoun for me. Normally I don’t care about pronouns and indeed someone misgendering me isn’t going to offend me unless you’re being one of those jerks about it like expecting me to do something because of your assumption. But I’m not gonna correct anyone that assumes my pronouns because it doesn't bother me enough to correct them. That aside, I kept thinking about why that pronoun thing made me so delighted and then it happened again with my girlfriend near Thanksgiving. She asked me if it would be alright if I was referred to as her ‘boyfriend’ and I was ecstatic. I loved the idea of being called her boyfriend.

Then later on, when I changed my profile picture I was going through some sort of anxiety because I couldn’t find one good enough. I kept wanting male versions of characters I’m told I resemble in personality but after not finding anything good, I kept getting frustrated and I kept asking myself why this was so important to me? But for some reason having a female icon was just out of the question. I then started feeling insecure because I would never be as pretty or whatever as the female counterparts and there were no good male fanarts out there. None that stood out to me as ‘the one’ ya know? I finally settled on the one I have now and I like it. I didn’t really at first but after getting used to it I really like the design of male!Nepeta and I like to think that if I were more masculine looking, I would look like that in fashion at least. 

Is this trans? Was this dysphoria? I don’t know and until I go to a proper counselor and talk things through I can never really say, so I won't. I would love to hear feedback on this from someone who perhaps knows more about this issue. All I know is what I researched and what I had described to you now. All I know is I like being called Dylan and I like people thinking I’m a boy. I don’t want to claim to be something I’m not so I feel as though I’m at an identity stand still but I think there should be at least a few of you out there that can relate so there's at least that.