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#exciting thing and like just super awesome and important and like. i feel awful about it
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when the guy in charge of student teaching placements FINALLY emails you back and basically says “we don’t have your placement yet because all the local school rejected your application sorry anyways our deadline to find you a placement is a week into the start of the semester”
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hii sex witch
im 19 afab and ive never had sex before, i masturbate sometimes but ive never had an orgasm and dont know how to "get it"?.. im generally scared of sex and identified as asexual for a long time but i dont think thats really my deal, im just scared of it. im scared of it being awkward, of my partner not finding me atractive or worse. i dont like how i look naked, and dont imagine anyone ever could. i think my vagina and my boobs look ugly and alien, i preach body positivity and being natural i think all bodies are good no matter how they look but when im faced with the reality of my own body im repulsed by these parts of it. i think something may be broken inside me because i just cant Be Normal about sex, the thought of me having it always makes me stressed and uncomfortable. i want a relationship and i love meeting new people and flirting etc. but when the person i talk to makes any sexual joke or innuendo i get super tense and scared and realise that if things get further they would probably want me to do it... and maybe i could and maybe i even want to but the thought makes me sick with the pressure. this isnt even a question, so i dont know how you could even respond but i dont have anyone i could openly talk about this in my life without feeling super weird or them just brushing it off as "you'll grow up to it" or something, and i just had to say it to someone or else i will eventually explode. hope this all makes sense ❤️‍🩹
hey anon,
come in, get cozy, grab a glass of lemonade, etc. we're gonna be here a minute.
so listen: I swear to GOD this isn't me trying to pull the "you'll grow into it" thing. I am going somewhere different with this I swear. bear with me.
first and foremost, I think the main problem you're experiencing right now is that being 19. I don't mean that in a condescending or belittling way, or to imply that you just don't want to have sex because you're 19. I'm saying that being 19 (and 18, and 20, and 21, and so on) is mostly for being worried about everything and having no idea what's going on. you have to get all that insane anxiety out of your system as early as possible in your adult years so that you can get down to business actually developing a perspective and figuring out what you want to do. I'm not even, like, a LOT older than you but trust me, by the time you're 26 you're going to feel SOOOOO different about things that you don't even realize you have an opinion about right now. when I was 19 I was made pretty much exclusively of anxiety and the cheapest bagels at the grocery store. (eating badly was not helping my anxiety.)
what I'm getting at here is that you're at like a very exciting and terrible formative age when it's the most normal thing in the world to feel like there's something uniquely awful and hideous and unlovable about yourself. when I was 19 the two most important things in the world to me were losing my virginity (lmao) and making sure I never experienced actual emotional intimacy ever because I was sure that if anyone got close enough to really know me they would realize that I was the worst person who ever lived and fundamentally undeserving of human connection. TERRIBLE place to be in; I had a lot of deeply bad and uncomfortable sex because of it.
there's a really easy solution to being terrified of sex, which I wish someone had told me when I was very scared of sex, and it's if having sex sounds like a horrific ordeal you can actually just Not Have Sex. just don't do it. it's actually REALLY easy to not have sex; millions of people do it every single day.
if you like meeting people and flirting, that's awesome! you should do that, having connections and relationships with other people is important. if you don't like sexual jokes and innuendos you can just tell people they make you uncomfortable and ask them not to do that; how they respond is actually a GREAT litmus test for whether or not those are people you should keep hanging out with. if someone isn't able to not make sexual comments about you after you've asked them not to, kick 'em to the curb!
there are tons of people in all kinds of romantic relationships who aren't having sex. that's a perfectly fine and reasonable boundary to set. it can make things a little more complicated, sure, but dating and romance and love are all complicated and messy anyway. again, great way to VERY EFFICIENTLY weed out who is and isn't a suitable potential partner. (it's also fine to not want a partner, either; there's nothing wrong with being a sociable extrovert who doesn't want to have sex.)
there's nothing broken about you for being nervous about the idea of having sex. whether you identify as asexual or not, it's perfectly fine to feel that way. it's completely fine if you change your mind tomorrow or if you feel this way for the rest of your life. and you might! maybe sex will never sound awesome for you, and that's fine! again, tons of people living very good and happy lives every day without having sex! sex isn't a measure of maturity, but knowing yourself well enough to honor your own boundaries and desires is.
I hope a kinder attitude towards your own body can come with time, and I think it will. be gentle with yourself, alright? being 19 is very silly but unfortunately very necessary, and I think you'll really like what comes after if you let yourself relax a little. whatever you feel like right now, you're actually a very normal person, by which I of course mean you have a rich and brilliant mind and will do many quietly wonderful things in your life and will be deserving of every bit of love and joy that comes your way.
also, hey - have you ever seen a therapist about anxiety? I also should have done that when I was 19.
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You're still doing requests? Awesome! Can you classpect mine 🥺 no need to rush with it ofc, pace yourself! Uhh, lets see.
1. What are your interests/hobbies?
i have a lot of interests but if i have to put a pin on them, its always about exploring something new. watching a mysterious internet arg, writing down worldbuilding ideas, getting myself lost because my hometown start to get too samey, exploring abandoned buildings, and watching plays and backyard gigs. which is ironic because i live in a small-ish town, there is not much excitement or exploration to be done in here, but i make do. other interests of mine would be music. i like music that are weird, distorted, and just off. i love it when the rhythm is a discordant mess. however, just because i seem to go out a lot doesnt mean im the social type. i mean, i try to be, i kinda have to get used to keeping secrets and doing things all alone to get some freedom / agency in life.
2. How Do You See Yourself?
Honestly it depends on which character i latched on to that week. I dont really care for having an internal self. Whatever serves what i want best is my current self. But, turns out im not that good as a social chameleon. So, one thing I can recognize about myself is i don't quit and give up on things even when I should. When I want things, I might not be very motivated to get it, but I'll always work on it no matter how long it takes or how many times it has failed. Oftentimes I worry that im too slow and that no matter how much patience and devotion i have to my wants, I just dont have enough energy to actually get it. Or i'll end up ruining myself in the process.
3. How do you think others see you
Unforgettable. Striking. strange and offputting. Acquaintaces say im okay but a little aloof/strange. My family say i work hard but i have no sense of self preservation, tbh i think theyre biased. My friends think im smart and a little impressive. But closest besties, despite my best efforts, see that i used to be super sheltered and inexperienced in social settings. its terrible!
4. How do you interact with your friends?
Hm, depends on what kind of friends. if theyre the hangout friend, i'll just sit back and occasionally make them laugh with my dumb antics and give out some trivias to make things fun and easy. If theyre the deep conversation friend, i would try to impress them with how much i know. its overcompensating i know.
Its not all roses with me though. Some of my friends did say i can be unsympathetic to their problems. which is surprising to them because they thought im nice. i didnt mean it, i guess i just dont get why people just lament instead of finding a solution. its so... helpless. i dont want to be my younger self who let himself get trapped in his own house and miss out on so much life because theyre too afraid to act. so why people do nothing but feel sad when awful things happen is beyond me. And that comes out harsh when people are used to my lighthearted, easygoing self.
5. What's Important To You
I need to feel good about myself. And that's very much reliant on me working for my dreams. Not some escapism or fantasy. I also want change, a kinder world, justice. I want everyone to get whats been stolen from them. However, I spent so much time and wasted so many opportunities because of that dream, it almost feel like its holding me back from permanently feeling good for myself. but when i think about it, im not angry or disappointed. I like to see the silver lining in everything i guess. but there's limits to this. Yknow the phrase "fighting the good fight?" i think, its not enough to fight, you have to win, no matter how many rules you break or how many things become collateral damage. doesnt matter if youre in the right side of history or how many times you prove bigots wrong if you keep losing and dying. and thats a matter of action and bravery, not morals.
6. Describe the ideal you, what kind of person do you strive to be?
Impressive. Capable and competent at everything. Scares people but in a good way. Get shit done. Have sick-ass tattoos, have lots of friends, Can be relied on for everything. And have traveled to so many places and get so many extraordinary experiences.
(note : i wanted to send you an ask a few months ago, but there was a sudden blackout in my area right after i hit send. pretty sure its gone to the void! but just to make sure, if you see an ask thats similar in content to this (i remember saying i like internet horror, args, music, and urban exploration!) its probably mine! you dont have to answer that)
and my signoff emojis : 🫧🌪️
Hello! I definitely think that ask got lost, but I'm happy to classpect you now :)
Aspects: Breath, Heart, Time
Classes: Prince, Thief, Maid
You seem like a solid Prince of Breath to me! I feel pretty certain, but play around with those other ones if that doesn't feel right
Hope this helps!
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thatdarlingdeviant · 4 months
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Things that are now, or were from the start,
Just for me to know
Feb '23:
Started training for that peer pressure event
Kinda really thought I'd manage to reach the goal by Oct (with your (professional) help too!)
It feels just as terrible as I thought
Jul '23:
Chatted up this super pretty girl, who is a admirable writer and (overly) confident person
She's your type, she's my type, this is hot, it's gonna be fun scening and maybe having sex
I am not too confident about my looks but sth possessed me to still try
Aug '23:
Starting to feel really anxious about my progress
It's not enough improvement, it still feels awful; in fact I think it just felt progressively worse, bodily and mentally
On the other front we have made plans with the pretty girl
I felt very excited, which is not a typical state of mind and not one I had in the last, year
And since I thought things weren't progressing in the flirting, general sexual anticipation kinda way with you two, I shared a tiny tidbit of fantasy/wishes
You did not react at all (besides thanking me later for being so gutsy (wtaf))
She did with a few analyzing comments
None of your shared anything in return up until now (Mar '24)
That was definitely one of the most shameful experiences ever, and I won't do it again
Sep '23
The pretty girl comes to visit
It's a very different experience than what I hoped for.
It's not bad for me and the two of you clearly enjoy it a lot, so I leave it
There is a lot more mushy talk in the aftermath than I am comfortable with
But you seem to be fine with it and also give me the feeling you are only indulging her
Oct '23:
peer pressure event was the anticipated catastrophe
No goal reached
Wow, new level of shame lmao, collecting them like Pokemon
I still don’t know what I did wrong, I tried to adhere to plans religiously
I feel paralyzed and don't do anything for a month
Nov '23:
After you pressing and poking (at least about the exercise part)I started the whole weightloss+getting fit shtick again
Made up some bullshit goals. Couldn’t very well tell you the only real goal is for you to be satisfied with my looks and abilities
It feels just as awful as I remember
But every smart person, scientist, trainer I research for advise tells me just to stick with it, it will get better, I will feel awesome, it will become a habit, yadda, yadda, yadda
Dec '23
It doesn't get better
I try to talk to you but I don't wanna be annoying, I can feel you already getting fed up with me not feeling better and my honest assessment and inability of exercises
There is some progress at least? You seem chuffed about it, that's good, I like pleasing you and not wasting your efforts is important
I am scared of taking a break
Jan '24
Nothing gets better, I feel tired, sad, frustrated, fat and ugly working out, before and after
It consumes my whole life, almost all of my free time is invested in exercising and making sure the dieting is up to standard too
When I have time I am too exhausted to do any of the things I like (or feel bad because I clearly didn’t train hard enough if I have energy left)
The pretty girl and you push for a second meeting really strongly, I don't want to but I don't wanna be a killjoy
Sex is the absolute last thing on my mind and I am so fucking tired all the time.
But I can feel you getting impatient with me, so I make an effort in that department too
Feb '24
We are on vacation and all I feel is stressed,
about not being able to track calories, exercise per plan, meeting the pretty girl
I've had food that I really, really liked! Not feeling faint and all was kinda good too. But it didn’t weigh off against the guilt I felt after eating
(I have not one day of rest mentally and I am really worried about work performance. I am just so tired)
The meeting with pretty girl is around the corner and I accidentally (trying to watch a motogp team intro stream) come across your private chat with her
You told me that she sometimes asks for military explanations and you designed that shirt together but else you don’t chat
What a lie,
there's hundreds of messages exchanged deep into the night, a lot while we are on vacation and your interest in me was not that strong at all
I feel betrayed, but, I mean, I can understand you, I guess?
She is pretty, kind, warm, obviously head over heels for you and hot
I do not scroll further than a few days back, let it be, don't mention it
I mean, you've already lied to me about it to my face without me asking so I don't see this going well
We meet the pretty girl as planned
It is, again, way different than what I hoped for but you two seem to really like it even more than last time
And I try to do everything to make you feel comfortable and give you a good experience
After we are back, you are essentially out of the house for 3 weeks straight with one little break
I feel awful, fat, ugly, incapable (in general but especially in comparison to her)
The training has changed and I am too dumb to get the new exercises, (and I feel so weak and cold) but I now know that I stand to lose you so I double down on being super pleasant, never complain, don't force you to invest more time in me
I hurt pretty bad nowadays, I didn't have one pain free day since we started this regime, and I think it's getting worse? Might just imagine things though, weak
I think about your private chat with pretty girl 24/7 and wonder if there's sth new there, I eventually go look
and read,
back until the beginning
I haven't cried like that since my first heartbreak, lmao I was always so sure I wouldn't ever again, not with you
But alas
I got an even more detailed to do list now at least and I am so very sorry I didn't give you what you so desperately wanted before. I can work harder! I'm gonna work so hard!
Be cuddly and sweet
More compliments
Stay up later, be more available
More blowjobs and anal and everything you like
Be pleasant and easy
Be thin
Be funny, hot and pretty (yeah...I wish I could just work on that too haha)
Be less sensitive bodywise, learn to take more and not show when it hurts
I have a plan and I will try so hard, really, I'll try everything and be content
But I am stretched so fucking thin, I say some tiny thing, not like obvious, don't lay my cards on the table, just a rational little push to not write privately with pretty girl, I make it plausible, I am a terrific actor and you don’t suspect anything and agree, very understanding and sympathetic, liar
(It holds a few days)
I lost some weight since the start of this all in Nov. I can't see a lot of it, but the scale doesn't lie, so success, I guess. I can feel how different people treat me already. How different you treat me. How much more you enjoy to touch and feel me being smaller. A little better, a little closer to her. What a suckerpunch.
I feel really bad bodywise too. Super empty. Nauseous, dizzy, weak, cold. Just gotta keep pushing though, be good. I still don’t feel like I have the slightest idea what I'm doing with the new exercises
Mar '24
We are back at pretty girl pushing for a new meet up. I think I show first class acting skills again
It's in less than a month, I am so sick but you want to and I will be pleasant
You let me know you want anal. Which is good! We agreed on this kind of commucation and I can chicken out obviously. But I don't want to, I am going to be so good for you. (I just desperately hope my body can take it, and I don't pass out or sth)
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sitpwgs · 7 months
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Hiiiii Cossette, me again! 🤍☃️ How is your day going? I just got some pink tinsel for my hair and we'll, it probably will fall off very quickly, but it's so adorable while it's there and it makes me happy. 🥰💗
Oooh, I definitely need to try a candle warmer! I'm probably going to get a couple of scented candles for myself as a little treat. ☺️ Oh, tell me about it! I started a book and haven't touched it since. 😅
That's so cool!!!! How awesome is that?! It's not a really important thing, but also so cool to share a birthday with a writer that's actually so incredible and interesting. Well, I just don't understand the hype around pride and prejudice, because in my opinion it's not her best work by far. I do enjoy it a lot, but I can't put it on the pedestal most people do. I did end up disappointed when I read it because it wasn't at all what I was expecting. But, on the other had persuasion I think is one of her most complete and fascinating works. It's so much more complex in terms of characters and narrative. I just fell in love with it so much. And northanger abbey is so so important to me as a way of truly understanding her. She just made such an incredible satirical work. It's so unexpectedly funny and silly!
I hope you do end up doing that! It's so fun! There's this book that I refused to read when I was in school because I found it so boring, fast forward to a few years later and I read it and it's now one of my favourites. 😝
I, definitely do not have movie recs. I barely watched any movies this year. I did watch the menu. It was the experience!! Hahaha I love it! And Barbie, I watched that one too. It was okay, funny, sometimes. 😅 I haven't watched the eras movie because I'm not sure I want to before my show. I'm still thinking about it.
Aw, what a dream!!! 😻💖💗
What's your favourite lyric from two weeks ago?
😘
hellooo friend!! my day is going okay! a friend sent me a weighted raccoon as an early birthday gift which was very unexpected and so so nice! my dog is a little jealous of the raccoon plushie though (which is odd, since i have another raccoon plushie that he loves, and he has his own raccoon plush but). pink tinsel is so cool!!
i keep telling myself i'm going to start a book and then i end up doing something else (crafts, usually)! which is fine! i need to go back into listening to audiobooks while i craft, but i have 50 million library holds right now and the minute i check another book out at least five of them will suddenly be available.
i totally get your opinion! i have to reread northanger abbey but i feel like i'll share your opinion on it! i really wish we had more insight into sanditon too — i never watched the show past the pilot, but i was super intrigued by the concept! which book was the one that is now one of your favorites? :)
i would ask when your show is, but i'm not sure if that's too much of a hint for who you are! but i will say that the view you get from the movie will very likely be different from when you're there! have you seen any of the livestreams, or are you going in not knowing anything right now? i hope you have the best time at your eras show!! it's so exciting!
andd i think it might be "the airport broke us in two / a friend drove me 'cause you couldn't do / and that last kiss, couldn't look at you / but I wish I did" but honestly the entire song is just so good! what about you? and what are your favorite lyrics from the album? i'm curious!
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thewaywardbruja · 1 year
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February 1st 2022:
( I'm sharing this because I feel like its still super important and a wonderful memory that I have )
Sunday was an amazing day for me. I still am in awe and just feeling really blessed and supported about it.
We went to our local car meet up, and it was HUGE this time. At least 10 Million Pounds in cars was in the parking lot easy.
And there where three police cars. I was in heaven, my Husband was in heaven, and it was just an amazing thing to see. I was a bit excited and nervous, but my Husband egged me on to go talk to one of the police officers.
My nerves and excitement got the better of me, and I walked over and said "Hello, I just uh- want to tell you thank you for your service and that I uh, am hoping to be a police officer soon" and he smiled and was like "Thank you so much, and thats awesome!"
We talked for a bit, and he gave me some hints and clues and told me about the program I wanted to join, and it was just so nice to hang with him for a few minutes.
Then I worked up the courage and walked over and I sat in their new Kia that they where showing off. Just sitting in the police car, the smell, the sights it just brought something in me to life. It felt amazing.
Then we went and walked over to the BMW X5 which is my favorite of all the police cars. And I waked over and peeked my head in, and asked if I could sit down. The officer standing outside said yes. I sat down, not realizing there was another police officer in the passenger seat.
I noticed his gun first, and then when he spoke I smiled and said "Oh youre armed police" and he smiled and said "And youre not british." it was hilarious, we laughed. We talked for a while, probably 20 minutes, just back and forth about how I wanted to be a police officer, how its so different in america and just shot shit at the wall, it felt amazing, and so heartwarming. I loved being in that car.
I got out of the X5 and found my husband talking to the police officer's partner that I was talking to. He was so down to earth and cool as well, we talked about police shows, america and guns, and just hung out for a long time. It made my heart warm.
They gave me so much hope, and told me over and over to go for it, and that I could do it, and that theres nothing holding me back from becoming a police officer. I just needed to hear it from them I think.
It was such a wonderful experiance. ❤
It also showed me how kind, and down to earth the police are here, in the UK and I just, have a lot more respect for them too.
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marauderundercover · 3 years
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Where it Began and Where it Went
Secret Santa gift fic for @buttercupsbitch
~Where it all began~
Dear pen pal, 
Hello! My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I’m thirteen and I go to Collège Françoise Dupont. I think my teacher said it’s called ‘middle school’ in English. I’m super excited to do this assignment! Are you excited? I think we could be really, really great friends. Here’s a little bit about me. I live above a bakery with my maman and papa. They’re some of the best bakers in all of Paris. I like designing clothes and other things. I also really like music. Do you listen to Jagged Stone? He’s one of my favorites. Do you have a favorite singer? 
Your friend, 
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
---
Dear Marinette, 
Hi. I’m Jason Todd. I’m also thirteen and in seventh grade at Gotham Academy. I didn’t really want to take French, if I’m being honest. But my dad kinda insisted. I guess it’ll be cool to have a friend in another country. I live with my dad and his father figure. I kind of have an older brother, but he isn’t around a lot. My dad is a businessman, which is kind of boring. But Alfie, that’s my dad’s father figure, he’s a really good baker. And cook in general. How do you design stuff? Is it drawing? I’m awful at art. I do really like reading though. Especially older books. Jagged Stone is actually one of my favorites too. 
Sincerely, 
Jason Todd
PS. Is your teacher being super annoying about this whole assignment? Like, constantly talking about it and making it a big deal?
---
Dear Jason, 
Mme. Bustier is…relentlessly positive. So, yes. She is definitely making this assignment a big deal. And if I’m being honest, it is a little annoying. But if anyone asks, I’ll deny I ever said that.
You have an older brother? That’s awesome! I’ve always wanted siblings, but maman and papa say they only ever needed me. Which is okay, too. Just lonely sometimes. Now, designs. So, it’s actually an entire process. Sometimes, it’s just drawing and that’s as far as it goes. But other times, it’s drawing, creating mood and inspiration boards, inking the drawings, maybe using watercolor, finding fabric swatches, creating doll sized versions of the designs, and sometimes, creating the actual design. I actually won a design contest about a week ago for a hat that I made. I’ll attach a picture to this letter. 
You mentioned that you like reading? What’s your favorite book? I read sometimes, but not a lot. Most of my free time I do more art based things. Besides designing clothes, I also like making posters and banners. Did you hear that Jagged Stone is working on a new album? He’s been in Paris for the past month, and I actually saw him walking into the hotel that one of my friends’ mom’s works at. I didn’t get the chance to say hi, but he seemed super nice! He even had his crocodile with him. Do you think he’d be nice in person? He seems cool on tv, but sometimes people put on an act to try and make people like them more. 
Your friend, 
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
PS, you live in Gotham, right? Have you ever heard of Batman and Robin? My friend Alya mentioned them earlier (she’s obsessed with superheroes) She said that they’ve been around a lot longer than Ladybug and Chat Noir
---
Dear Marinette, 
Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. Dick (that’s my older brother), is alright I guess. See, I was adopted, so I’m not really used to having a sibling either. He and my dad fight a lot, so I don’t really see him as much as I’d like to. If you ever tell him I said this I’ll deny it, but I think he’s the coolest. I think it kinda hurts Alfie’s feelings that Dick never comes home anymore. But he never says anything about it. Alfie’s weird like that. But, a good weird. I don’t think I ever realized how much thought goes into designing. That’s kinda cool! Did you actually make that hat? It’s pretty impressive. My dad has to kinda put on an act for some people. They think they know him, because they see him as a public figure, but they really don’t. He’s a good guy. And he really cares about the important things. So maybe (hopefully) Jagged’s like that. Maybe if he is nice, you could get him to sign a copy of his new album once he releases it. Then you could frame it and keep it forever. 
Batman and Robin are actually vigilantes, not superheroes. And they’ve been around most of my life. I actually think there’s a new Robin. Either that or the old one got hit with a shrink ray. They’re okay, I guess. There’s still crimes and bad guys and stuff, but I’d like to think it’s getting better. Who are Ladybug and Chat Noir? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of them. 
Sincerely, 
Jason Todd
PS. I forgot to tell you my favorite book. It’s “Pride and Prejudice”. I also really like “The Hobbit” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. “Frankenstein” isn’t bad either. 
PPS. My teacher said we’re supposed to ask about your favorite holiday traditions. I haven’t really had a lot of holidays with my dad, but my favorite was probably on my birthday when he convinced Dick to come home and have some cake with us.
---
Dear Jason, 
You’ll never believe what happened! I MET JAGGED STONE! ACTUALLY MET HIM! Jason, it was so cool! He was so cool! I even got to design a pair of sunglasses for him. It was AMAZING. I’m attaching a picture of me and Jagged Stone with the sunglasses. 
Batman and Robin sound cool! What’s the difference between a vigilante and a superhero? Ladybug and Chat Noir are the superheroes in Paris. I did make the hat, and THE Gabriel Agreste liked it. I was so shocked! 
Now, on to your question about holiday traditions. I think one of my favorites would have to be either my birthday or my papa’s birthday. Both of those days are kind of set aside for video game competitions. Have you ever played Ultimate Mecha Strike III? It’s my papa’s favorite game, even though I (almost) always beat him. That, and Christmas morning. It’s the only day when my parents don’t open the bakery, and instead we just have a quiet morning together. I’m not even a morning person, but I love those moments. 
I’ve never read most of the books you mentioned, but I’ll definitely have to add them to my list if you think they’re good. I have read “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” though. My maman has the movie version of “Pride and Prejudice” with Keira Knightley. Is that any good?
My teacher thinks we should talk about our favorite subjects in school, and what we want to do when we grow up. I want to be a fashion designer, and I love art class. I’m not awful in the other subjects, but they aren’t my favorite either. What about you? I know you enjoy reading, but what do you want to do when you grow up? 
Your friend, 
Marinette Dupain-Cheng
---
Two Years Later
After two years of fighting Hawkmoth and having an American pen pal, Marinette Dupain-Cheng had settled into a routine. She wrote a letter to Jason, he wrote a letter back. She fought akumas with Chat Noir. Master Fu began her training to be the next guardian and informed her of secret organizations (organizations that he assured her would welcome her with open arms despite their scary names). It was normal. She was used to it. Except Jason’s letter was taking forever this time. Of course the assignment had been over for ages, but they were friends. Best friends, maybe. They’d never exchanged phone numbers because it hadn’t seemed important. The letters were enough. She couldn’t even think about the danger her friend would be in if he showed up in Paris. Sighing, she climbs the stairs to the apartment, giving her maman a soft smile as she walks in. 
“Hi maman.” She says, placing her umbrella on the stand. She frowns at the lack of response, instead focusing in on her mom’s worried face. “Maman?” She asks. She blinks, and gives her a tight smile before passing her an envelope. Marinette brightens. Jason wrote back! And then she actually looks at the envelope. Placed directly over the address for Wayne manor were the words “Return to Sender” stamped in dark red ink. Marinette blinks in shock. Had he moved? Why wouldn’t he tell her if he’d moved? She glances at the envelope. It hadn’t been opened, so it wasn’t anything she’d said. Not in this letter at least. What happened to Jason? 
“Are you okay sweetheart?” Her mom asks softly. Marinette swallows back the tears. Pushing back her emotions was one of her specialties. 
“Of course I am. He must’ve moved and didn’t have time to mention it in his last letter.” She says, trying to press down the worry. “I have a lot of homework, so I’m gonna go work on that.” She adds, moving to rush up to her room. The second the trap door is closed, she begins pacing. 
“Marinette.” Tikki says softly, rushing out of her purse and frowning. 
“I’m freaking out, Tikki! Jason always said he was worried that Bruce might get sick of him and send him back to the streets. And I was stupid and never sent my phone number, so how am I supposed to check on him and make sure that he’s okay? He’s my best friend, Tikki. I don’t know what I’d do if something bad happened to him.” Marinette rambles, pacing and waving her arms around frantically. Tikki frowns. 
“Marinette, you need to calm down.” They remind her gently. Marinette huffs. 
“How am I supposed to be calm? Jason wouldn’t just ignore me, Tikki. I know he wouldn’t.” She says, her voice breaking. Tikki sighs and flies up, cuddling into Marinette’s hair. Marinette sniffles, relishing in the comfort from the kwami. What happened to Jason?
---
One Year Later
When Jason Todd woke up in the pit of green water, all he felt was pain. Pain and anger. It was excruciating and mind numbing all at the same time. He’d been awake for six months now, and though the pain had lessened, the anger was still there. He did his best to focus it on training and defeating his opponents instead of the people around him. No sense in punishing Talia, who’d taken him in, or her Demon Spawn. The kid could’ve been worse, he supposed. Most six year olds watched annoying cartoons. They didn’t wield freaking swords. But that was fine. At least the kid knew how to take care of himself. 
“Jason?” Talia Al Ghul says, walking into the room where he was training. Jason immediately straightens, letting his weapon fall slightly, Talia nods. “Come. There is a girl here who will be training with you.” Jason frowns. 
“Why with me?” He asks as he moves to follow Talia. She quirks an eyebrow. 
“Does it matter?” She asks. He huffs, but shakes his head. They walk in silence, Damian eventually appearing out of the shadows to walk beside him. Jason watches Talia for a minute to make sure she’s not paying attention before leaning over and ruffling the Demon Spawn’s hair. The kid turns to him, glaring harshly. Jason quickly looks forward, knowing that the kid would wait til later to take his revenge. Walking out into the courtyard, Jason freezes at the sight of the person in front of him. 
“Marinette?” He breathes out. She freezes, turning to him with wide eyes. Her face breaks out into a giant grin and she runs over, just stopping before she runs into him. Wincing, she turns back to Talia and bows, then turns and does the same to Damian. 
“My apologies, Mme. Al Ghul.” She says softly, her Arabic deeply accented. Talia’s lip quirks up slightly and Jason grins. 
“Apologies accepted, Miss Dupain-Cheng.” The older woman says in English. Jason tries not to laugh at the slight relief that crosses Marinette’s face. She must not be as fluent in Arabic as she was in English. 
“What are you doing here?” Jason finally asks, a million possible reasons running through his head. Marinette winces, and glances back at the old man she’d been talking to when Jason spotted her. The man looks at Jason, and it’s as if he’s seeing every good or bad thing he’d ever done. Jason shivers slightly. It reminded him of Alfred. 
“I do believe he will become an ally, Marinette, if he is not one already. As it is your training, you may choose how much information to disclose.” The man says, and Jason is a little confused at how fond the man sounds. Most instructors at the League weren’t exactly sunshine and rainbows. 
“Thank you, Master Fu.” Marinette says, smiling before turning back to him. She grins. “It’s a long story. Do you have time?” She asks. Jason glances at Talia. 
“She is the girl you will be training with. Lessons will resume in one hour. Don’t be late.” The woman says, giving him a small nod before ushering Damian away. Jason makes a mental note to be on the lookout for the kid. He’d definitely be getting him back for the whole hair thing. 
“Is this why you stopped writing?” Marinette asks as he leads her to one of the fountains so that they could talk in (somewhat) privacy. Jason blinks. 
“What do you mean?” He asks. She frowns.
“Your letters? The last letter I sent came back with a ‘return to sender’ stamp on it. And then I tried a few more times, even tried addressing it to M. Wayne, but…it was always the same. Return to sender.” She says the last part bitterly, a scowl on her face. Jason can feel the green building up. The anger clawing its way to the surface at the mention of him. How could he do that? He <i>knew<i> that she was Jason’s friend. He knew what she meant to him. And he didn’t think to tell her that he’d died? Jason feels his hands start to shake, the anger threatening to tear to the surface and rip him apart bit by bit. 
“Jay?” Marinette says softly. Jason looks at her, her blue eyes, so bright and filled with worry, help him to calm down. He takes a few shaky breaths, debating telling her the truth. But if she was at the League for training, she’d definitely know sooner or later anyway. And, if he remembers correctly, she hated liars. 
“I died.” He says. She inhales sharply, and Jason winces, wishing he would’ve broken the news a little easier. “Obviously, I’m alive now, but uh…” He trails off. 
“You don’t have to tell me.” Marinette says quietly, gently resting a hand on his arm. Jason sighs, pushing his hair back. 
“But I want to.” He says. “Do you remember me telling you about the second Robin?” She nods. “That was me. And some bad shit happened. Really bad. Villain got me and beat me and… And I died, but Talia used the Lazarus Pits and here I am.” Jason says. He watches her face carefully, to see how she’d take it. What he wasn’t expecting to see was the complete rage on her face. 
“That asshole!” She screams, jumping from her seat on the bench. Jason flinches and her eyes soften slightly. “Sorry, Jason, but- the nerve of that man! If I ever meet him-” She rants, obviously about to list out her revenge plans. Jason was interested to hear them, maybe they could coordinate, when a tiny red thing zooms out of her pocket and moves right in front of her face. 
“Marinette you need to breathe.” The thing says firmly. Jason blinks in shock, but Marinette’s shoulders slump slightly. 
“Tikki, I told you something was wrong. I knew that something was wrong.” Marinette says, her voice shaking. The thing, Tikki, sighs. 
“I know, Marinette. But now is not the time for you to lose your head. Especially since your training will begin soon.” They remind. Jason frowns. 
“Hey, sorry, what is that thing?” He asks bluntly. Tikki giggles, and Marinette sighs. 
“Do you remember my stories about Ladybug and Chat Noir?” She asks. Jason’s eyes widen. 
“No.” He says. She nods. 
“Oh, yes. That’s why I’m here. To complete my guardian training with the assistance of the League now that Hawkmoth has been defeated.” Marinette says. Jason whistles lowly. 
“Geeze. That’s…that’s hard core.” He says. She snorts, grinning. 
“You have no idea.” 
---
“Dupain-Cheng, if you insist on locking lips with Todd, I will be forced to get Mother.” Damian announces, walking into the room. Marinette squeaks and jumps back from Jason, her face heating up. Jason just huffs. 
“Do you have to be so annoying?” He asks Damian, rolling his eyes. Damian smirks. 
“I believe it is payback.” He says. “For all of the times you annoyed me.” Marinette quirks an eyebrow. 
“What about me?” She asks. Damian purses his lips. 
“An unfortunate victim to circumstance. You are…adequate.” He says. Marinette grins, turning back to Jason. 
“Hear that? I’m adequate.” She says smugly. Jason snorts. 
“Yeah, only ‘cause you have the kwamis. And the kid is obsessed with animals.” He says. She pouts, but notices Damian’s pocket move. Her eyes narrow, focusing on the aura emitting from it.  
“Plagg?” She says. Damian’s eyes widen slightly. He was good, but he was still seven. And Marinette had the advantage of being able to sense the kwamis. 
“Who’s Plagg? I don’t know a Plagg.” Plagg calls out from the pocket. Damian’s face falls slightly. 
“Plagg, get out here.” Marinette says firmly. Plagg grumbles, but flies out of the kid’s pocket. 
“It was not his fault.” Damian says firmly. Marinette smiles softly at him. 
“He’s not in trouble, Damian. Not really.” She says gently. She turns to Plagg. “What part of ‘don’t randomly run around the compound’ don’t you understand?” She asks tiredly. Plagg sighs. 
“But the kid likes cats.” He argues. Marinette pinches the bridge of her nose. The kwami was going to give her a headache. 
“Plagg, I don’t mind if you spend time with Damian. But I need you to tell me so that I know where you are in case of an emergency.” She says gently. Plagg sighs, but nods. 
“Okay Pigtails. Me or the kid will tell you next time I’m with him.” He says. She smiles. 
“Thank you, Plagg.” She says. He rolls his eyes. 
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. C’mon kid, let's go cause some chaos.” He says, zooming back into Damian’s pocket. Damian grins and Marinette debates the need to follow them. 
“They’re fine.” Jason whispers. Marinette pouts. 
“What if Plagg destroys the place?” She asks. Jason snorts. 
“I’m sure the kid’ll get him to stop before it gets that bad.” He reassures her. Marinette sighs, but grins into Jason’s soft kiss. 
---
Two years after Marinette first entered the League of Assassins' compound (she wasn’t a member, she was purely there for training purposes in order to become a better Guardian of the Miraculous. And to reinstate the bond that the League and the Court had had many years ago), it was time for her to go. Guardianship of the box would be passed on to her eventually, but Master Fu wasn’t quite ready to lose those memories yet. But now she was prepared. And so, since she was eighteen and had passed her baccalauréat, she could move on to university. Or opening her design company. Either way, she was headed back to Paris. And she was terrified that Jason wouldn’t come with. Over the years, he’d slowly stopped talking about revenge, and had once again talked about what he wanted to do one day. The life he wanted to have. She hoped there was a place for her in it. 
“I still do not understand why Plagg cannot remain here.” Damian huffs as she finishes packing her suitcase. Master Fu was also leaving, but he wouldn’t return to Paris quite yet. He had an overdue vacation with Marianne Lenoir to take before he went home. Marinette sighs, reaching out to smooth down the boy’s hair. He doesn’t snarl at her like he does Jason, just pouts. He was like the little brother she never knew she needed. Sure, he was also a tiny assassin child, but Talia did her best to make sure he was safe. For all of her faults, and there were several, Talia did care about Damian. And despite being a trained assassin, the (almost) nine year old was happy. Well. Happy for Damian. 
“Because he has to stay with Master Fu and the box, minou. It’s for his safety, and the safety of the rest of the kwami.” Marinette says softly. Damian’s pout deepens. 
“Well why can’t you stay here? You’re the next Guardian. You and Plagg could remain here with me.” He says. Marinette’s heart breaks. 
“I want to go back to school, Dames. And start up my business again. But you know that you are welcome in Paris any time, right?” She asks. Damian scowls, but she lays a gentle hand on his shoulder. “You will always be welcome with me, little brother.” She says. Damian looks up at her, and for a second, she’s scared he’ll cry. But he quickly schools his features and gives a firm nod. 
“I will endeavor to stop by if I am ever in Europe.” He says. Marinette grins. A soft knock on the door frame makes her whirl around, a wide smile on her face when she sees Jason. Her boyfriend, as long as he wasn’t going to break up with her for leaving. Which honestly scared her. 
“Hi.” She says, reaching up and kissing him. Damian huffs. 
“Goodbye Todd. Perhaps when I see you again, you will have attained some sense.” He says, ducking as Jason reaches out to ruffle his hair. Damian rushes off and Jason snorts, turning back to her. 
“I’m gonna miss the kid.” He says, and her eyes widen. 
“You’re leaving?” She asks. He nods. “Gotham?” She asks, keeping her features in a neutral mask. She didn’t want him to know how bad of an idea she thought-
“Paris, actually.” He says. Her eyes widen. 
“What?” She breathes out. He nods, smiling. 
“Talia helped me get an identity so that I could sign up for school. I was thinking that we could get a place. You know, together.” Jason says. Marinette squeals, jumping up and wrapping her arms around him. 
“Oh my god!” She cheers, pulling him into a deep kiss. He kisses her until she has to pull back for air, light headed. A throat clearing makes Marinette squeak and jump away from Jason, blush covering her entire face as Talia just quirks an eyebrow. 
“I trust you are using protection?” She asks. Marinette sputters, as Jason chokes. 
“I- what the hell Talia?” He chokes out, eyes wide. She smirks. 
“I was just coming to let you know that your transportation is ready. And, that if either of you ever change your minds, these doors will always be open for you.” Talia says. Marinette just nods, wishing she’d led with that so that she could say something in return. As it was, she was trying to not look at the woman. The second she walks away, Marinette groans, burying her head in her hands.
“That was…something.” She mutters. Jason snorts.
“Yeah. You could say that again.” He says. Marinette sighs, grabbing her suitcase in one hand, Jason’s hand in the other. 
“What are you going to study? I know you used to say you wanted to be a teacher.” She says, excitement immediately blooming once again. Jason was coming with her. They would be able to start their lives. Jason smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 
“Well, Alfie always seemed upset that Bruce never finished his medical degree. And, well someone’s gotta do it.” He says. Marinette laughs, but thinks it’s perfect. What better revenge than to live a successful, happy life. 
---
Damian Wayne was unsurprised at the less than warm welcome he had received from his Father and Drake. Pennyworth and Grayson were…bearable. Though, he believed he only found Grayson bearable due to his similarities to Dupain-Cheng. That was one of the best parts of living with Father. He was able to communicate with Dupain-Cheng again…and Todd. Which was not awful. Despite the man’s teasing nature, he was a formidable opponent. Glancing at the wall clock, Damian clears his throat. 
“I will not be in attendance at patrol this evening.” He declares. Father raises an eyebrow and Grayson sprays water across the table. Damian frowns at the mess. 
“Why?” Father asks, looking confused. Damian quirks an eyebrow.
“It is Thursday.” He says simply, before taking his leave from the table. If they truly did not know that this was his routine, and had been for the last year, then that was their fault. Not his. His phone rings almost immediately as he walks into his room. He presses the accept call button and settles onto his bed, prepared for the long conversation that was inevitable with Dupain-Cheng. 
“Dames! I’m so happy to see you. Have you been eating? How’s your dog? Oh, Plagg says hi by the way- no- Plagg-” The woman sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. “He also says you’re a traitor, minou, but don’t listen to him. I think he’s just crabby because I grounded him from Camembert.” Damian suppresses a smile. 
“Why is he with you?” He asks, instead of laughing. She sighs. 
“Master Fu went on another trip, but decided to let me have a test run with the box this time. I- Bonjour, mon amour.” She glances at something off camera, her voice softening as she leans out of frame, probably to kiss Todd. 
“Todd. Glad to see that you are still a miscreant.” Damian huffs as the man in question leans into frame, a small smirk on his face. 
“Nice to see you too, kid. When are you gonna visit? Mari’s already got your guest room set up.” He says, dodging a hit from Dupain-Cheng. Damian’s eyes widen slightly. He had a room at their home?
“What?” He asks quietly. Dupain-Cheng glares at Todd before turning to him, the worry clear on her face. 
“You don’t have to feel pressured or anything. I just-” She sighs. “I knew when you were living with your Mother that you couldn’t really come visit unless there was a mission. But now, I thought it would be nice for you to have your own room here if you visit.” She says. Damian blinks, but nods, thankful. 
“I…appreciate you, Dupain-Cheng.” He says. She grins, before launching into another story. Damian listens, but also notices the look that Todd gave her. The one that made it clear he saw only her. 
---
Jason Todd never thought he would get married. It wasn’t in his cards as a kid growing up on the streets of Gotham. There was a brief amount of time, when he was living with Bruce, where he thought it might be possible. And then he was beaten to death by the Joker. And marriage was the furthest thing on his mind. And then, he met Marinette in person for the first time. The girl who had been his best friend from 13-15. Suddenly, the thought of marriage was appealing once again. Which led him to this moment. Four years after leaving the League of Assassins, a ring box in his pocket, terrified as his girlfriend walks in the front door. 
“Hey Jay.” She says softly, standing on her toes to give him a quick kiss. Jason sighs into it, relaxing slightly at her touch. She steps back and frowns slightly, reaching up and holding a hand against his forehead. “Are you okay?” She asks. He smiles. 
“Yeah, I’m- I’m perfect.” He says. She smiles back. 
“Good. My maman and papa want to know when we wanna come over for dinner again.” She says, setting her bag down and moving towards the kitchen. Jason hums, trying to think of his schedule, but too focused on the ring in his pocket. 
“What about next weekend?” He asks. Marinette bites her lip, before nodding. 
“That should work. I might need to pull an all-nighter sometime this week for the commission I have, but it should be fine.” She says. He frowns. He was definitely going to have to replace the coffee to decaf to get her to sleep again. “Jay, are you sure you’re okay?” She asks again. He takes a deep breath, he’d prepared a speech. He wanted to be romantic, he wanted to sweep her off her feet with words. He’d even included quotes from some of his favorite books. He opens his mouth and says:
“Marry me.” Marinette’s eyes immediately widen. 
“What?” She asks. He groans, dropping his head into his hands. Reaching into his pocket, he grabs the ring box and gets down on one knee. 
“I definitely messed up, and I wanted to make this perfect, but, I love you, Mari. I never thought I would get to fall in love with someone so amazing. There’s no one who knows me like you do. I want to wake up with you beside me in the mornings. I want to laugh with you and fall asleep with you in my arms. Marinette, will you marry me?” She nods, immediately, and he’s startled to see her tears, but relieved that she’s smiling despite them. 
“Yes, yes, yes!” She squeals. Jason grins, jumping to his feet and picking up his fiancée. She immediately wraps her legs around his waist and he pulls her into a deep kiss. Everything was perfect. 
---
Marinette smiles at the phone, despite the scowl on her pseudo brother’s face. 
“I used to respect you.” He huffs. Marinette laughs, shaking her head. 
“Minou, he’s not home. And I know that you actually like him.” She teases lightly. Damian purses his lips. 
“If you ever tell Todd that I do not think he is a complete waste of space, I will deny it.” He says, instead of outright agreeing with her. Marinette grins. 
“Do you think you would be able to come to the wedding? It’s not for a while still, but we’d both really like it if you could come.” She says. Damian’s eyebrows furrow together, and Marinette is once again taken aback by how grown up he is. The baby fat he had at seven was long gone. Now, at thirteen, his face was sharpening. And though she hadn’t seen him in person in awhile, she also got the feeling that he’d grown taller. 
“I do. When is Todd due to move on to his residency?” He asks, and Marinette grins. 
“Just two more years of school and then he’s there.” She says, pride coursing through her. At first, it was clear Jason was doing it to spite Bruce. But during his courses, he’d clearly grown to love it. It was a way for him to help people without having to put on a mask. Something she’d also support, if he ever wanted to go back to that life. His nightmares, like hers, were less frequent now. But they hadn’t completely disappeared. 
“Do you think he will inform Pennyworth?” Damian asks. Marinette quirks an eyebrow. 
“Do they know he’s alive?” She asks. Damian flinches back. 
“Has he not informed them?” He asks. She winces. 
“I- well- I don’t think so?” She says, unsure. Damian huffs. 
“That explains Grayson’s attitude when I use Todd’s name.” He says. Marinette raises an eyebrow. 
“Explain, little brother.” She says. He sighs. 
“I may or may not have made a comment on one of Todd’s inadequacies. Grayson was upset, and insisted that it was wrong to speak ill of the dead. I assumed he was making some sort of joke. I was unaware that Todd had not informed Father of his…living status.” Damian explains. Marinette sighs, pushing her hair back. 
“It’s his decision, Dames. I’m not gonna push him, and neither are you.” She says. Damian nods, and Marinette grins as the door opens and Jason walks in. 
“Hey, love.” He says gently, walking over and pressing a kiss to her temple. Marinette sighs happily, tugging him down onto the couch next to her. She smiles as his eyes light up at the sight of Damian.
“Hey kid! M tell you the big news?” He asks. Damian nods. “You gonna come?” He asks. Damian nods again. “Awesome.” Jason says, throwing an arm over her shoulders. Marinette smiles. 
“Todd-” Damian starts. Marinette frowns, raising an eyebrow at him. He turns his full attention to Jason. 
“Yes?” Jason says hesitantly. Damian frowns. 
“I was wondering if you would inform Pennyworth when you move forward to your residency in two years.” Damian asks. Marinette feels Jason stiffen slightly, then relax, a sigh escaping his lips. 
“I- don’t know, kid.” He says, his voice small. “There’s a lot of hurt there-”
“But not with Pennyworth!” Damian argues. Marinette grips Jason’s hand as he squeezes his eyes shut, taking steadying breaths. 
“You’re right, Damian. I should probably talk to Alfie I just- I don’t want Bruce around when I do.” He says. Damian purses his lips, a thoughtful look on his face. 
“That can be arranged.” He says simply before hanging up. Marinette turns to Jason. 
“I’m not exactly sure what just happened, but I do think we should be slightly worried.” She says. Jason nods. 
“Oh yeah.”
“And we should probably plan on Damian showing up with Alfred sometime soon.” She adds. Jason’s eyes widen. 
“You think?” He asks. She nods. He huffs, but wraps his arms around her and pulls her down so that she’s lying on top of him. She pouts down at him. 
“I have commissions to work on.” Marinette complains. Jason shakes his head, kissing her softly before hugging her close. 
“It’s nap time.” He says. 
“But-”
“Shhh. Sleep now, love. There’ll be plenty of time to finish the commissions later.” He says softly. Marinette sighs, but falls asleep to Jason’s gentle humming.
---
Marinette Dupain-Cheng expected disaster all of the time. It made it easier to accept when disaster actually did strike, and made all of the other times, where it didn’t strike, even more enjoyable. She expected disaster when someone knocked at the door on a random Thursday afternoon. 
“Hello sister, I assume you were expecting our company.” Damian says, standing next to an older man who could only be Alfred Pennyworth. The man’s eyebrows raise slightly, glancing between her and Damian. Marinette rolls her eyes fondly at the boy, sticking her hand out in greeting. Alfred shakes her hand back, his lips quirking up into a small smile. 
“Bonjour, M. Pennyworth. I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” She says, stepping to the side and gesturing for the two to enter the apartment. “Minou, I thought you were going to call before you visited?” She says, crossing her arms as she gives Damian a Look™. Damian frowns, sticking his lower lip out in a pout. 
“But surely you assumed we were coming after our last call.” He says, really pouring it on thick. Marinette snorts, shaking her head. 
“That pout worked when you were seven and missing teeth. Not so much now.” She teases. Damian huffs. “Curses.” He mumbles. 
“Master Damian, would you care to tell me why you neglected to inform your Father of your sister’s existence?” Alfred asks, raising an eyebrow. Marinette laughs lightly, moving to the kitchen to start some water for tea. 
“Technically, we’re not related. It’s more of a…found family.” She calls, grinning when she sees Damian’s ears redden. Setting the kettle on the stove, she moves back to the dining room, gesturing towards the table. Both sit and she smiles as she studies Damian. He’d grown up so much. 
“Stop with the sentimental thoughts, Dupain-Cheng.” Damian says, shooting her a look. Marinette rolls her eyes. 
“Sue me for being happy to see you after four years.” She huffs, before a thought makes her grin again. “Why don’t you go see your room? Let me know if there’s anything we should add before you visit again.” Damian sighs, but stands and leaves the room, leaving her alone with Alfred. Turning to him, she frowns slightly. 
“Is something wrong, Miss?” He asks. She hesitates. 
“Did Damian explain why he wanted to come to France?” She asks. He shakes his head. 
“No. The young Master was quite intent on coming to France, and even more intent on his Father not accompanying him. Or Master Dick, which is unusual for him.” Alfred says. Marinette sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. 
“I’m afraid I know why, and there’s not really any easy way to explain this-” She starts, but she’s cut off by the front door opening and closing. 
“Mari?” Jason calls. Marinette sees Alfred stiffen slightly. 
“In here. We have guests.” She calls back. Jason turns the corner, frowning. 
“What guests do we-” He freezes, eyes wide. “Alfred?” He breathes out. Faster than she thought was possible, Alfred is on his feet and in front of Jason, a shaky hand reaching out to touch his face. 
“Jason?” Alfred breathes out, tears in his eyes. Jason nods, his tears mirroring the older man’s. 
“Yeah, Alfie. It’s me.” He says. Alfred lets out a soft sob, yanking Jason into a hug. Jason doesn’t hesitate, immediately returning the hug. Smiling softly at the scene, Marinette moves the water off the stove. She’d reheat it later. She had a feeling it would be a while before anyone wanted any tea.
Slightly inspired by this post
Part two
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tobesoalive · 3 years
Text
r u mine? (Jake Kiszka x reader)
hey guys...so this was fun to write, thank you to the kind anon who requested it! I currently have some fun (and steamy) Josh stuff in the works right now, but still feel free to send in requests! I might slow down a little with posting since my classes started, but I promise to get to every request! Enjoy my first Jake piece!
Warnings: SMUT(oral f-recieving, fingering, penetrative sex)
Adrenaline pumped through your veins as you headed down the hallway backstage, about to go out and face the crowd of thousands of fans. No you weren't a huge famous musician or anything, just their photographer. Basically the same thing right?
For the past three weeks you had been enjoying life on the road, it had always been your dream to be a concert photographer, and your work had caught the attention of a little band called Greta Van Fleet. Well, not exactly little. Their fan base grew everyday and now they were doing yet another headlining tour that they asked you to document. Over the past few months you had been in contact with the guys and their management, and you guys hit it off instantly, they brought you under their wing as if you were part of the family.
You basically were all one big family, you had gotten extremely close to the boys. Josh, Sam and Danny were like your brothers, and Jake...he was a little different.
Brother would be an odd way to describe him, seeing as you had a bit of a crush on him. Nothing super serious, you just thought he was a cool guy who also happened to be really fucking hot. You thought he might have a little something for you too, he was always asking you how you liked the show, and when he’d catch you editing the photos you took he’d sit himself right next to you and ask if you’d show him what you were working on. He was constantly complimenting your work, but that would mostly be in private, when he’d seek you out if he couldn’t sleep. You surely weren’t complaining, you enjoyed his company. You just wish he would say something, or even better, make a move. You could be taking his actions the wrong way, he does have tons of women who want him all around the country, maybe he does just think of you as a sister. Whatever thoughts you had about Jake you’d just push to the back of your mind, you had a job to do, and your work was more important than getting laid.
You went in front of the barricade and took some photos of the crowd and talked to fans. They liked to ask you questions about the guys and what it was like touring with them. You always tried to make them feel special by saying how thankful the guys were, which wasn’t a lie, to have such amazing fans.
All of a sudden you heard some of the fans start screaming wildly. They were chanting Jake’s name, and you turned your head only to briefly meet his eyes from the side of the stage where he was standing. Within a second he was gone, most likely rushing backstage to avoid any further commotion from the audience.
What was that all about? You thought to yourself. Did he sneak over there to just look at me? Maybe he wanted to talk or something. That can happen later, it was only a few minutes until the show started, so you wanted to snap a few more shots of the crowd before running all over during the show to catch the right angles.
During the show you had a great time, as per usual. You loved being right up front, taking photos of the guys doing what they loved. You went backstage to get some photos from the wings. Jake was about to do his signature move, playing his guitar behind his head, and you were ready to capture the moment. Right as you snapped the photo, Jake turned and winked at you, arms thrown behind his head, somehow managing to play the notes of “Highway Tune” whilst flirting with you.
Butterflies erupted in your stomach, and you felt an intense need for him. Quickly you ran back out to the front of the stage to capture a few more moments before the show was over.
“God fucking dammit, I’m in deep” you muttered to yourself, before heading to the green room to congratulate the guys on the awesome show. You slipped through the crew heading on stage to clean up the equipment, turning a corner and bumping directly into Jake.
“Oh sorry! Great job out there tonight!” you say, trying your best not to blush. What was wrong with you, it was like you were a school girl or something.
“Thanks y/n! Did you get some good shots?”
“No, I made sure to get really shitty photos, especially of you”
“Are you being sarcastic?! Now that is something new!” he teased you.
“I just know how much you enjoy my sense of humor! I like to give back to the fans y’know” you quip back, causing him to break out into a smile.
“Hey the guys and quite a bit of the crew is gonna head out and probably find a bar or something once we’re done cleaning up. You wanna join?”
“Thanks for the offer, but I might just keep it lowkey tonight, I’d prefer to edit the photos tonight so I can explore whatever city we’re going to tomorrow.”
“Totally understandable, well I’ll catch you later!”
“Yeah for sure!” you say as you go off to find the rest of the guys.
After about a half hour of chatting and checking in with the rest of your tour mates, you decided it was time to change into your pajamas and spend the rest of the night staring at your computer screen, trying to edit as many photos as you can before inevitably passing out.
Getting onto the bus you shared with some other crew members, you kicked your Vans off before checking to see if anyone else was around. Seems like they all were opting to go out after the show, which meant you got the whole place to yourself. You traded out your concert outfit for a pair of shorts and a hoodie, getting prepared for your lengthy editing session.
You made yourself at home on the couch towards the front of the bus, turning on your speaker and playing music as loud as you wanted, getting straight to work.
It had felt like only a minute when you heard a knock on the door, but after checking your clock you realized an hour had already gone by. You peeked out the window only to see Jake’s figure standing there.
“Jacob! What’s up? I thought you were going to the bar?” you said as you opened the door to let him in.
“That show wore me out”
“Yeah you did amazing, I mean like you usually do” you say, stumbling over your words and internally punching yourself. God you were not smooth at all.
“Seems like we are some of the very few who decided to stay back, I was getting lonely in that tour bus.”
“Well you’re always welcome here, I was just doing some editing.”
“Wow you’re a pretty big nerd aren’t you? You know you should take a break every once and a while, I feel like you’re constantly working.”
“Well it’s not that hard when you love your job” you tell him.
“I guess that's true, can I see what you’re working on?”
“Yeah of course” you say while making your way back to the couch, Jake plopping down next to you.
“Damn that’s fucking awesome” he remarks, looking at the image on your screen. It’s the one of him playing the guitar behind his head, and winking right at you.
“I know! Thanks for being such a good model” you tell him with a small laugh.
“The guys and management are really impressed with your work. We’ve already been talking about having you come on the European leg of the tour with us.”
“Are you for real?!” you ask in awe, giddy with excitement. You absolutely loved this job and the people, and the thought that you could travel the world to do it was a dream come true.
“Yeah, don’t tell anyone though, I don’t want to get my ass beat for it.”
“Oh my god Jake I could literally kiss you!” you exclaimed, before you had even realized what you said.
You tried your best to play it off before your thoughts were interrupted by Jake’s voice.
“I wish you would”
“Huh” you stop for a second before turning to face him.
“Listen y/n, I think you’re really cool, and you also happen to be really hot. Sorry, maybe I was interpreting things wrong. I just thought if you felt the same it might be fun. It doesn’t have to be anything serious, I just get lonely on the road and -”
Before he could say another word, you took it upon yourself to answer his question, leaning in to capture his lips in a soft kiss. You pull back and look him in the eyes, closing your laptop and setting it on the counter.
“God I’m glad you finally said something, I think everyone was starting to sense the sexual tension” you grin at him.
“Well all I could think about on stage was fucking your brains out, so sorry if I’m not too great at hiding it” he says before grabbing the back of your neck and pulling you in for another kiss, to which you open your mouth to let his tongue slip in.
You move yourself so that you’re straddling his lap, your lips moving perfectly in rhythm as Arctic Monkeys played softly in the background.
“Wow it seems like you were almost expecting this to happen” he teases you.
“Shut up and fuck me Kiszka” you say before he flips you so you’re now beneath him.  
His fingers find their way under your shirt, reaching up to cup your breast. He pinched your nipple before quickly tugging at the hem of your sweatshirt.
“Can this come off?” he breathed into your mouth.
“Yes please” you said before he pulled it off you, exposing your bare chest to him. You felt very self conscious, it had been a little while since you had gotten naked with anyone.
“Hey don’t be shy, you’re gorgeous” he said before connecting your lips once more before he stood up to remove his shirt and shorts, leaving him in a pair of boxer briefs. You tried your best to not look at his growing bulge, but it was hard to resist.
Suddenly he was kneeling on the ground, body in between your spread legs.
“Jake you really don’t have to” “Oh trust me, I want to, '' he says before running his fingers up and down over your clothed core, moving his fingers to the waistband of your shorts, pulling your panties down with them.
“God you’re so fucking sexy” he mutters before expertly pressing the pad of his thumb onto your clit, his other hand pushing on your thigh to keep your legs spread.
“Fuck, Jake, I need more” you groan, your arousal now dripping between your folds.
“Don’t worry baby girl, I’ve got you”
Those words alone probably could have made you cum, but then Jake entered a finger into you, causing your hands to tangle in his long hair, slightly pulling.
“Goddamn babe you’re tight” he said, looking at you in awe before adding another finger and leaning down to toy your clit with the tip of his tongue. His fingers were pumping in and out of you at a steady rhythm, and every so often he’d curl them to perfectly hit your g-spot.
“Jake you need to stop or else I’m gonna cum” you say as you pull his head back, looking him in the eyes.
“That’s okay” he reassures you.
“No, when I cum I want it to be around you” you say.
“Fucking hell y/n” he groans out in a raspy voice.
You get up and kiss him before pushing him down on the couch, his erection straining against the fabric of his boxers. You tug at the waistband, and he lifts his hips up to assist you. You took a moment to admire his length before wrapping your hand around it. He was a couple inches above average, with a nice girth to him. His head tipped back in bliss as you continued to give him a few more strokes before positioning yourself above him, running his tip back and forth across your slit. Slowly, you sank yourself down onto him, taking as much of him in as you could.
“Fuck fuck fuck Jake, you’re really fucking big” you breath out, only able to fit about half of him in you at this angle.
“Just do what you can baby” he says before softly pressing a kiss on your forehead, telling you that it was okay.
You started moving yourself up and down on him as best you could, starting to adjust more to his size. The stretch burned but slowly started turning more pleasurable.
After a few minutes your legs were starting to hurt and his length slipped out of you.
“Will you fuck me from behind?” you blurt out, sweat running between the valley of your breasts.
“I’d be honored” Jake responds, offering a smile before getting up.
He moves you so that your hands are on the back of the couch, holding you steady and your knees rest on the edge of the sofa, sticking your ass out towards Jake. You can hear him move behind you, hands finding their way to your ass, before you feel him run his tip up and down your slit once again.
“Ready?” he asks.
You nod in response and instantly feel him push his way into you, letting you adjust for a second before pushing the rest of his length in you.
“Oh my fucking god Jake” you say as you bury your head in the couch cushions, his dick hitting a spot in you that you didn’t even know was there.
“Oh god you’re doing so good baby girl, taking all of my cock.” he says as he begins to pump in and out of you, starting off slow but gradually picking up the pace.
It feels amazing, better than you had imagined. You wanted him to stay in you forever, make you see stars all the time. Within a minute you were contracting around him, nearing your edge.
“Jake I’m almost there, please faster”
“Me too baby, me too” he says as he starts thrusting even faster than before, wrapping his arm around you to toy with your clit.
All it takes is a few more pumps and you can feel him explode inside you, groaning your name loudly and leaning over your back, but still circling your clit with his fingers. It’s enough to bring you to your peak, walls contracting around him, burying your head in your arms. Once you’ve both come down you stay in that position for a minute, before he pulls out of you and collapses on the couch, pulling you into his chest.
“That was way better than I imagined” he breathes out, hand stroking your hair.
“Oh so you’ve thought about this before? That's embarrassing” you say in a sarcastic tone.
“Hey I’m sure you aren’t so innocent yourself” he says smiling down at you.
“We should probably get dressed, I’m sure your brothers and the other goons will be stumbling in anytime now.” you tell him as you get up and search for your clothes.
“You’re probably right. Hey, let's do this again sometime” he says, cheeks going red.
“Hmm...I’ll see if I can fit you into my schedule” you respond, giving him a quick wink.
These next few months surely were going to be an adventure, and you didn’t want to miss a second.
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dancingamongstdust · 3 years
Text
MHA Scenarios - First Meeting (Part 2)
Pinky/Alien Queen
The first time you met Mina was when you were much younger.
She had been in the friends group that you always admired and it had taken you a while to work up the courage to speak to her. Everything about her screamed her confidence and you looked up to her in almost every way possible. She was beautiful, her quirk was powerful, and there wasn’t a person alive who could dislike her.
But she had hardly noticed that you were there. At least, you had believed that you would slip under her radar. She wouldn’t know that she was your inspiration for your school choice and that was fine by you.
And yet…
Your name was called only a few minutes after you stepped through the main gates. A blur of pink nearly bowled you over and Mina practically picked you up with the strength of her hug.
“I didn’t know that you were coming here!” she squealed. “This is so cool! I was super worried that I was going to not know anybody here. Did you get into the hero course also?”
You laughed awkwardly, stepping away despite not really wanting to stop the hug. It was odd to stand before her and realised that not only did she know who you were but she was excited to see you.
You hadn’t just been a background character in her massive friend group.
“I didn’t try for the hero course,” you explained. “I’m here for the marketing course.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Wait, really? Your quirk would really suit being a hero though.”
“I know but it’s just not for me.”
Mina grabbed your arm then, walking closely by your side as you entered the large school. “That’s okay! I’m going to need a good marketing team one day when I’m out saving the world. Who better than somebody who’s known me since middle school?”
“You’re like the sweetest person in the world,” you pointed out. “Anybody with a brain cell will adore you when you’re a hero. Your marketing probably won’t have to do anything at all.”
She smiled proudly at your assessment. “Imagine if I make it to the top 10 without even working for an agency. I think I’d be like the first, right?”
You didn’t actually know the answer but, luckily, it seemed to be a rhetorical question anyway.
“I haven’t met anybody from my course yet and I’m super nervous,” she continued. “I saw a few kids during the exam that I am certain got in so I can’t wait to meet them. Hopefully they’re all super nice. Also, I can’t wait to see what they’ve done with my hero outfit! You should see what I sent in because I think you would love it.”
“I’m guessing it works for dancing as well as hero work?” you asked.
She nodded excitedly. “Do you expect anything else? I actually don’t think I’ve ever asked but do you like dancing?”
“I mean –“
You didn’t get much time to answer before she spotted somebody and excitedly grabbed your arm. “That guy was in my exam!” she said. “I just knew he was going to make it! You should see how awesome his quirk is. I’m going to go say hi.”
She raced off into the crowd, heading for somebody that you hadn’t quite seen. You couldn’t help the smile that graced your face at the thought of continuing to be in the same school as her. Perhaps now, without the distractions of others, the two of you could become actual friends.
You held your head high, excited to meet others in your course and learn some things to speak to her about in the coming days.
Red Riot
There was no place in the world quite like your home. Returning after far too long, you were extraordinarily excited to revisit all your favourite places and meet up with people.
Except that most of your friends had moved away from home in order to live on school grounds. And your favourite street food vendor had disappeared. Even the park had removed the swings that you had so many good memories associated with.
And thus, what had started as a great day had quickly gone downhill.
You found yourself just walking around, snacking on something small and hoping to just relax a little before having to unpack. Much of the place felt dull and uninteresting – not even the stuff that had remained being enough to cheer you up. It was honestly a little miserable and you had been hoping for some excitement.
Your request to the universe was thankfully answered when you finally spotted a familiar face standing outside the massive gates ahead of you.
Slowly, you made your way over and grabbed Midoriya’s shoulders playfully. The friend that you once knew would have jumped but laughed at it once he saw you.
He didn’t do that.
You yelped in pain as he spun around and grabbed your wrist tightly. He had never been strong before but now his grip felt like it could break bone.
The moment he recognised you, he released his hold and you backed away feeling thoroughly embarrassed.
“That was a bit excessive,” you commented dryly when he said your name.
“I am so sorry,” he said, quickly holding up his hands. “I thought that you – I mean, you gave me an awful fright.”
“No problem,” you said though your wrist still smarted. “I was going to do it to Bakugo originally.”
As though he magically heard you mention his name, the blond lifted his head from where you had spotted him beyond the gates. His ever-present snarl was still on his face and it only deepened when he spotted you. “I thought you had gone off and died somewhere!” he snapped, loud enough that many students turned to look curiously.
“You wish I had!” you responded. “I didn’t think they would let you into such a fancy school. I’m impressed.”
“And I’m disappointed that they let you back into the city!”
“He’s as sweet as always,” you said, turning back to Midoriya who looked at least slightly happy to see you. “I’m glad that you got into your dream school. You were always working so hard to make it happen. How did you do it?”
“I got a late quirk,” he chuckled.
A shadow fell over you and you turned to give Bakugo a glare. “You’re standing in my sunlight. Could you move?”
He was about to respond, undoubtedly with a cutting remark when a red-haired guy smoothly stepped around him. “You must be from their middle school, right?” he guessed, holding out his hand. “I’m Kirishima.”
You were beyond confused at having your impending fight interrupted. Bakugo didn’t seem to feel the same way, instead looking resigned. This happened often then.
You introduced yourself though, keeping your surprise well hidden. “It’s lovely to meet you. I’m sorry you have to be in the hero course with these two. I doubt they’ve gotten better with their constant fighting.”
“You’d actually be surprised. Their rivalry is just so manly and inspiring,” he enthused, looking for all intents as though he genuinely believed it. “But they’ve actually been getting along better recently.”
“Really? Tell me some details?”
Before anybody could protest, Kirishima began expressing how the two had slowly been growing to respect one another. Most of his praise fell onto Bakugo (who was giving you a look that promised you would die very soon) and you made sure to inject playful comments every now and then.
At the very least, your day was getting better by the minute.
Shoto
Sometimes people would call you a disappointment. They were rarely people of importance – at least in your life, and it was something you’d learned to ignore them in a healthy childishness sort of way.
Despite what all those people thought, you weren’t a disappointment.
And it certainly was unfortunate.
Your parents weren’t pro-heroes but they held great sway in other ways. Ways that earned them a seat at many tables and an introduction at others. And that was how you made connections and earned your own reputation. Though accourding to many, the latter wasn’t something that you should be proud of.
You walked with your head held high and accepted any words that they offered to you with a simple smile and the occasional rude gesture.
It had served you well enough until you found yourself at some stuffy gala with nobody to talk to. On the surface, you had expected everything to continue in the same way that it always had.
But your parents stuck closer to you than ever. Normally they would disappear to socialize but tonight was different.
You found out why when they marched you almost directly to one of the world’s most intimidating people.
The Number Two hero himself.
Perhaps it was because of your normal personality but he made you uncomfortable. Everything about him ate at you and made you want to fight. But you merely introduced yourself and wondered what it was that he wanted.
“Your quirk is admirable,” he said. “If rumours are to be believed.”
“They’re rarely reliable,” you said.
He glanced at your parents, seeming to have a silent conversation with them before nodding. “Wait here,” he said.
Your parents disappeared to go talk to people but both gave you equally strong warnings – though their own came mostly through looks than actual words. Leaving wasn’t an option, no matter how long it took. And it really felt like absolute ages before Endeavor reappeared, his youngest son trailing behind him.
“Shoto and you are close in age,” he said. “Speak to one another.”
That… wasn’t what you had been expecting.
Shoto Todoroki didn’t want to be there but his dislike for the event seemed to go even further than your own. Though he didn’t frown, his deadpan spoke volumes and an uneasy atmosphere settled over you both. Once Endeavor marched off, you were very much expecting him to leave but he remained, staring at you.
“Hey,” you greeted.
“Hi.”
You chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of your neck. “I haven’t really been told to make friends since I was much younger…”
“This isn’t about us being friends,” Todoroki said. “This is about creating a good reputation with your parents through our connection. They already get along well but this would undoubtedly benefit them both.”
“Oh,” was really all you could say.
“Business as usual,” he responded.
“So, you’re not up for being friends?” you asked, half-joking because you were unsure what else to say or do in this type of situation.
“I don’t care much either way.”
You could go off and cause trouble. It was tempting to be caught sneaking food into your bag again or climbing to the roof and taking selfies. But those were the things that you always did at these events. Never did you interact with anybody and you were, admittedly, curious about the burn that covered the younger Todoroki’s face.
“Well, we should talk then,” you declared. “After all, we are a ‘similar age’.”
He rolled his eyes at your attempt at an impersonation of his father’s voice. At the very least, he didn’t seem to consider talking to you to be that much of a chore.
(I’ve begun writing a much longer Todoroki x Reader story with a similar situation. You can find it on by clicking here).
Shinso
People loved gossip. That was a sad but inherently true fact. Some preferred to keep away from the stuff and knew nothing about their own reputation but you liked knowing what they said about you. Thankfully, the majority of the time, it was good.
But that was unfortunately not true for everybody.
You heard them whispering about him as you entered class the one day. He always kept to himself but after the sports festival, Shinso had garnered many positive things said about him. You had never spoken to him yourself but you had thought that he was proud of how he could impress people.
Originally, you brushed it off as more speculation but the gossip sounded meaner than ever so you chose to listen in.
“No, I’m telling you, it’s scary as shit,” one guy was saying. “I began thinking all these really dark thoughts about like what I could do to people and stuff. It must have come from his quirk, right?”
“Wait, seriously?”
“Yeah, it was wild. I know you guys all think that he’s some big shot but we should be careful trusting somebody with a quirk like his.”
You cleared your throat, quickly drawing attention to yourself. It would be plausible if you didn’t know the main person describing his experience. He was always complaining about not getting enough credit or attention – never seemed to be without something rude to say about every quirk but his own.
And he had been getting steadily more jealous of the general course’s most famous student.
“There is no way that Shinso’s quirk could do that,” you said firmly. “Don’t you remember how it was described at all? It doesn’t take over your thoughts, just your body.”
The guy scoffed. “No offense class rep but I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. I got hypnotized yesterday, not you.”
You raised an eyebrow at him, willing to take the bait but unable to yet. Shinso normally got to class shortly before it began. So you waited until he arrived and then stepped in front of him with a friendly smile.
“Hey Shinso! I’m sorry to do this but I’ve been getting some conflicting answers about your mind control,” you said, projecting your voice just loud enough. “Could you show me?”
“Show you what?”
He sounded as though he had just woken up. You would have given him some time but you were on a bit short on it with class starting soon.
“How it feels to be under your hypnosis thing,” you said. “Apparently it’s kind of awesome and I was wondering if you could do it to me?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Is this a dumb bet?”
“Nope. I just want to feel it.”
He sighed heavily as though you were asking for the toughest thing in the world which, admittedly, you may just be doing.  “Do you like ramen?”
“Yes.”
You felt as though you’d been plunged into an ice bath. All of your limbs grew cold distant, like they had been yanked from your grasp. Initially, you panicked but you focused on relaxing. Shinso was in control, that was all that was happening. You trusted Shinso wouldn’t make you do anything.
“Go and sit at your desk,” he said.
His words sent a jolt through your body and it began to moving, dragging itself to follow his orders. Once you were sitting, the warmth came back to you and you could feel your own limbs once again.
“That was so awesome!” you said happily. “Thank you! It’s pretty startling initially but once you remember what’s happening, it begins to make sense.”
He nodded and sat down at his own spot.
You made direct eye contact with the group who had been gossiping earlier and you gave them a dazzling smile. The main one gave you a dirty look but you ignored it, relishing instead in the proof that you now had.
Suneater
Everybody knew who the Big 3 within U.A. were. They were impossible to ignore but quickly made friends with everybody, at least, two of them did.
Having been in their class for your entire U.A. experience, you had watched their quirks develop and fought alongside them in many exercises. They tended to stick to themselves for team ups or wound up working alongside one another. You had respected that but now you were beginning to get curious.
So, the one day you walked up to Nejire and told her, “I want to speak to Tamaki.”
She frowned at you in confusion. You were friends and often hung out together which meant, “You’ve spoken to Tamaki before.”
“No, I’ve spoken to groups that happen to have him in them. That’s not speaking to him, that’s speaking around him. Whenever I try to address him directly, Mirio or you end up answering for him.”
“That’s just Tamaki,” she said, taking a bite of her lunch bar.
It was just after a pretty intense training session and everybody was feeling quite tired. Most of you snacked before returning to class, citing that you had had complications in removing costumes or something similar.
“But I’ve been in his class for three years now and I’ve never actually spoken to the guy,” you urged. “Can you blame me for being curious?”
“I guess not but he’s not going to have anything interesting to say. He’s pretty quiet about literally everything.”
“Still…”
“You can try.”
Later at lunch, you joined the group at Nejire’s request. She plopped you down directly next to Tamaki and grabbed Mirio’s attention from the moment the conversation started. They spoke about something arbitrary which left you to speak to Tamaki… who was making a point to stare at his food.
“Tamaki, how’s your training been going?” you asked.
He glanced towards Mirio who paused his conversation with Nejire to tell you all about this new move that Tamaki was working on. You smiled and nodded but you weren’t too happy with this.
Nejire sensed it and this time told Mirio that she needed to show him something. Tamaki made to go with them but she quickly said, “Nope, only Mirio,” and practically dragged him away.
Second attempt.
“You work with Fatgum, right?” you asked. “He’s one of my favourite heroes. Is he just as friendly in real life?”
Tamaki gave a small nod but said nothing else.
“Why’d you choose to work with him?”
There was a moment of silence and then Tamaki muttered out something about food-related quirks. It was so soft that he honestly may as well have not answered for all the information you got. You wondered if it was just you but you knew it wasn’t.
“During my patrols the other night, we found this gang with a guy who could create like spikes from his feet. They made him a surprisingly fast runner but we caught him eventually. I became a parkour expert during the chase.”
Tamaki didn’t respond at all.
So you sighed in way that you knew he wouldn’t notice and just resigned yourself to silence. It was better than speaking to yourself at least.
Minutes went by and you considered sending Nejire a message to tell her to just come back when Tamaki spoke.
It was still soft but it was actually directed toward you. “What happened to the rest of the gang if you were chasing one guy?”
You looked up with an excitement that you really hoped wasn’t too visible. “Well, thankfully I wasn’t alone and the other work study students got them. But of course, I ended up having to chase the fast guy.”
“They always try and get me to deal with the big groups,” he said. “Fatgum thinks my quirk is good for crowd control.”
“You know, I could really see that. Have you ever been like really out of your depth?”
“All the time. Once…”
And that was how you started your friendship with Amajiki Tamaki.
Tailman
Japan’s public transport system was one of the best in the world, that was something you believed with an utmost sincerity. But like anything, it always runs the risk of getting stuck behind a hero-incident.
You were on your way home from a day that felt like it had dragged by at the pace of a snail. Most of what you wanted to get done hadn’t happened so, though it wasn’t particularly bad, it was boring and bland. All you had been looking forward to was getting home and finally just sleeping for as long as you could.
The train jostled slightly as it left the station and you felt safe enough to let go of the grab handle for a short while. You knew the train route better than anybody else, having to ride it multiple times in a day.
You scrolled on your phone and just counted the minutes to each turn and hiccup in the train’s path. Everything was going accourding to plan.
And then, from somewhere outside the train, you heard a massive explosion.
A battle was happening in the city and you could see the glints of light from where you were standing. You reached up for your grab handle. Unfortunately, you moved too slow.
The train came to a jerking halt and you found yourself tumbling backward as it tried to continue forward. You accidentally slammed into the guy behind you, stepping on his foot and just about headbutting him.
The guy steadied you and helped you stand once the train had come to a full stop.
“I am so sorry,” you said, turning to face him.
“It’s no problem.”
He looked familiar enough that you stared a little – trying to identify where you knew him from. His blond hair and dark eyes didn’t stand out too much but then you spotted the tufted tail over his shoulder.
“You’re part of U.A.’s hero course, aren’t you?” you asked, a little too excited but unable to help yourself.
He seemed momentarily confused but a blush spread across his face, nevertheless. “Yeah, I am. How did you know?”
“I recognise you from the sports festival,” you admitted. “Sorry, I’m sure you get that a lot. And also, sorry for standing on your foot. Your quirk is really cool by the way and I’m talking a bit much now so I’m sorry.”
“You’ve apologised way too much now,” he laughed. “It’s okay and thanks. My tail often gets overlooked because of the flashier quirks.”
You frowned. “Really? But it’s so cool.”
He smiled and shrugged, as though resigned to a simple fact. “It’s just a tail.” He looked through the window. “Looks like the fight’s going to take a while.”
You couldn’t see much and most people were already clamoring to get to the best spot to watch. “That’s fine,” you said. “As long as Mountain Lady doesn’t break the tracks again… that’s happened to me before I had to walk for almost two hours to get home.”
He chuckled. “I’ve had something similar but my tram got overturned. Honestly, I hope to become a hero that never causes such extreme property damage.”
“I’m sure the city will thank you if nobody else does,” you joked. “And I will too… though, if I’m being honest, I don’t actually know your name.”
“Ojiro,” he said. “My current hero name is Tailman but it’s more of a work in progress.”
You giggled. “I like it. It’ll work great on merchandise, you know?”
“Thank you. What’s your name?”
You told him happily. Though the battle left you waiting on the train for almost a full hour, you didn’t mind at all because you spent the entire time talking about anything and everything. Right before you left, you had offered Ojiro your number and he had gladly taken it.
Tentacole
Some people said that you were far too skittish to be in a hero school. Well, most people said it. Honestly, it was quite offending but also very correct in almost every way.
Loud noises made you jump. Insects or insect-like quirks made you very uncomfortable. There was even somebody in the school who made lights flicker on and off, never failing to make you leave a room the moment that they entered. You tried to stick with your friends at all times but it wasn’t possible for them to always be there.
It was later in the afternoon when you walked through the halls to notice a dark sky overhead.
You shivered while staring up at it, knowing that a storm would definitely be rolling in soon. If you could, you would have headed home immediately and attempted to hide from the noise that was sure to come.
But you didn’t have that option available.
You made your way to your next class, avoiding people and keeping an unwavering eye on the weather. Perhaps you should have just pretended it didn’t exist because you saw the moment that lightning flashed. Thunder followed and you jumped.
Your bag nearly fell on the floor as you dashed to hide behind the least scary person nearby.
Who just so happened to be one of the hero course students?
You hadn’t meant to cower behind him but he was tall and gave off an insane feeling of protection. It had been instinct. But you quickly realised that you probably shouldn’t hide behind a complete stranger.
You forced yourself to step away from him and bowed your head in apology. “I’m sorry for my actions,” you said. “I just got scared by the thunder.”
He was incredibly tall and had a complete multiplex of limbs. A mask hid the majority of his face but when he spoke, you could still hear him clearly. “It’s alright. You don’t have to worry about the weather, you know? U.A. is well protected from any lightning or storm winds.”
“It’s more just the sound,” you said nervously, glancing toward the sky. “I’m a little skittish about it.”
“You’re skittish about literally everything,” somebody said as they walked past.
It was one of your classmates who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself. You chuckled nervously and fought back the temptation to follow her to class in order to feel safe. Everybody knew that you were a nervous person and many found it funny instead of worrying as they once had.
You blushed and stepped away from him, trying to hide your embarrassment. “Sorry again. I really do get scared of everything.”
“It can’t be everything if you were willing to hide behind me,” he pointed out. “I’m pretty terrifying in my appearance.”
You scoffed at that, catching your rudeness seconds after it appeared. Hurriedly, you explained, “I don’t think you’re scary at all. Like your quirk is awesome and all but it’s not like you could kill me by not paying attention.”
“And you know many quirks like that?”
“I’m sure you do also.”
He nodded slowly just as another crack of thunder rolled across the sky. You jumped a little but managed to not run away. “Do you want me to walk you to your classroom? It might make you feel a little safer.”
You blinked at him. “Are you sure? Won’t it make you late also?”
“It shouldn’t.”
The two of you walked side-by-side through the halls, his height practically shielding you from the storm outside. You were eternally grateful, especially when the rain picked up as you were nearing your class. When you arrived, you breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank you for the escort…”
“Shoji.”
Tsukuyomi
Being stuck in the dorms took some getting used to.
You found that you couldn’t sleep most nights, tossing and turning while trying to get comfortable. The need for them was clear but you couldn’t help hating the reason behind it all. Your home was comfortable and here you often found random mushrooms growing across the kitchen counters.
It was late one night and you had found yourself staring at the ceiling for about an hour before deciding to do something about it. You climbed out of bed and threw on your favourite jacket with little thought. There had to be something to be done.
You walked down to the main room and found that everybody had retired to their rooms. The kitchen was barren and the front door was… unlocked?
It certainly wasn’t meant to be but you didn’t question it.
Instead, you slipped out of the dorms and closed the door tightly behind you. The fresh night air invigorated your senses and you turned onto the main path. There was no destination in mind for you. All you wanted to do was walk.
When you initially spotted another person, you started getting nervous. What if the door had been a trick? Would villains try to lure students from their dorms?
But you soon recognised the bird-like features of a student from 1A. Tokoyami.
“Hey,” you greeted, waving so that he didn’t get a fright like you had.
He frowned and you both came to a stop, walking paths having led you face to face with one another. “I wasn’t expecting to find another person out here,” he said. “I thought these midnight walks were pretty uncommon.”
“So did I,” you joked. “Do you mind if I join you? Some company is always better than walking alone.”
He shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”
You fell into step beside him and the two of you strolled through the main areas of U.A.’s grounds. Neither one of you wanted to leave which worked out well. Fireflies drifted past your nose and crickets sang their cheery tune.
“Do you struggle to sleep?” Tokoyami asked.
“A little. The dorms are quite an adjustment from what I’m used to. What about you? What are you doing out here so late?”
Tokoyami looked up at the sky. “I’ve always liked the night,” he said. “The darkness is welcoming and filled with far less expectations than the day. It’s unfortunate that my quirk keeps me away from it as much as it does. Otherwise, I often think that I may just become nocturnal.”
“I get that. When I was a kid, I’d sometimes drag my blankets out to the garden and just sleep under the stars.”
“I never thought that the two of us may have something in common,” Tokoyami mused. “Though, if I’m being honest, I didn’t think too much of you. I know your class and your quirk but little else.”
You giggled. “I was just thinking about it. It’s surprising how little our classes interact even though we’re all working toward one goal.”
“It’s a pity, honestly.”
You glanced around at the darkness and a thought occurred to you. “Would you be fine with bringing out Dark Shadow here? Or are the streetlights not strong enough?”
“They’d be fine but I often like to have my thoughts away from him,” Tokoyami said. “With training, I’ve grown used to having him around constantly but sometimes, the quiet is nice.” He glanced at you. “I appreciate your company quite a bit though.”
“Oh, thanks.” It was a good thing that the dark could hide your blush so well.
Uravity
The roof of U.A. had become your safe spot for many reasons – not least of which was your ability to get there with an ease that befuddled many other students. Even you didn’t know if it was more because of your quirk or if you were just talented at climbing.
What you did know was that once you were up there, the rest of the world fell away and all you had to worry about was the clouds and an occasional bird.
One day, while you were relaxing close to the edge, a pen drifted past you. It was pink and adorable – floating through the air as though the laws of gravity meant naught to it.
You reached out and took it from where it was floating. It continued trying to leave your hands but, after a little while, the effect seemed to wear off. You twirled it between your fingers, wondering if it belonged to somebody in specific.
Then a second pen appeared and you took that one too.
It became a slight game. You allowed them to get high enough before capturing them and soon, you had a small pile of stationary in your pockets. They were surely coming from somebody and you planned to return them as soon as you got down.
Then, a small notepad appeared. On the first page, a little ‘Hi’ was written in cursive with a heart doodled beside it.
You flipped over to a new page and wrote your own greeting aside a quick flower. Then, you allowed the notepad to drift back over the edge. It rose for a short while but then gravity came back and it plummeted toward the ground. You watched it go and hoped that it didn’t land in dirt or anything.
Thankfully, it didn’t seem to because it soon came up with a new message. ‘I’m Uraraka. What’s your name?’
You wrote down a response and the notepad dropped again. Soon, it returned, telling you that your name was very pretty. That made you laugh and blush a little.
In return, you asked why she was sending notes to you and she said that she had been trying to get her quirk more accurate. Apparently, she could take away gravity from objects and she’s working on holding it for longer.
You asked if she wanted her stationary back and she said no, it was okay. You could give it back later.
Being a bit flirtatious, you had asked if she wanted to get a milkshake when you gave it back and, to your immense surprise, she said that sounded like fun. The conversation continued through the notepad with much laughter until you realised something sad. You had run out of paper to write on.
Uraraka realised this also and she put a sad face on the final page.
So you leaned over the top of the roof and glanced around to see if anybody was looking up. Sure enough, you quickly spotted a brunette who was almost directly beneath you and wearing a soft pink outfit.
You waved and received one in return.
Flipping to the front of your notebook, you scribbled down your number and put several arrows to make sure she saw it. To your surprise, she actually caught the notepad when you dropped it instead of letting it hit the ground.
She gave you a thumbs up when she noticed that you were watching. Soon, your phone buzzed as a message from an unknown number came through.
‘Hi!’
You took a picture of your view and sent it through, mentioning that she was smaller than you thought. She laughed and asked if you had good signal up there. The best, you were sure. Then your phone began ringing and you answered a video call with the cutest girl you had ever seen.
“I didn’t know you could get to the roof,” she laughed.
“With the right dedication, you can do anything.”
141 notes · View notes
sunjaesol · 3 years
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THE MANY CRUSHES OF LUKE PATTERSON... AND THE ONE THAT STUCK
💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌
1982
Luke Patterson's first crush ever was Haley Martin. He adored the colour of her hair — like the clementines his mom bought — and the way she finger-painted, enough for his four year old eyes to stare at her in awe.
He watched her make mud pies in the sandbox from the monkey bars, only to ruin them to get a rise out of her. He couldn't understand why she didn't like him the way he did, so he nagged his mom to explain.
"Teasing girls should be fun for them too, sweetheart," she soothed. "This Haley clearly didn't like it."
He blinked. "Huh?"
Her smile stayed warm, similar to hot chocolate and whenever grandpa conjured candies from behind his ear. "Why don't you share your grapes with her tomorrow? I'm sure she'll like that."
His nose scrunched up. "Why?"
"Because it's sweet, Luke."
"I don't get that," he shrugged. "But I'll try."
The next day, he sat beside her during storybook time and that seemed to help a little already. By the time it was lunch, her mood was lifted, which excited him too, and urged him to offer the grapes.
It earned him a featherlight kiss on the cheek.
Luke squeaked in surprise, flushing a firetruck red, to which she giggled and plopped another grape in her mouth.
Three days later, his crush was gone from his mind and he began sharing his grapes with his new friend Reginald instead.
1986
"Can you ask Jessica what she thinks of me?" Luke hurriedly whispered, eyes flickering between Reggie and the girl from across the courtyard.
Normally, Luke Patterson exuded confidence. The resident class clown, always opening his jaw to react to the teacher without raising his hand, catching fights with stupid classmates, sneaking into dad's stationwagon to create mixtapes.
Fearlessness was his freaking middle name. (It was actually Beck, but whatever. He wished it was something cool like Duran Duran though.)
But when it came to girls... he got so nervous. Because they were girls! He didn't understand them! They hated rambunctious boys and only listened to stupid pop music and blabbered about how they stole makeup from their sisters.
Jessica, however, somehow made his heart flutter and his stomach twist up. She just looked cool in her dungarees and she had a pretty smile and she didn't wear that overwhelming, sugary perfume that was now popular.
Reggie snickered, in the way only eight year old boys could. "You liiiiiiike her!"
"No!" He scowled. "I–I'm just curious."
"Sure," he drawled, but then shrugged in agreement, the oversized leather jacket rustling on his shoulders. He stole it from his older brother after he saw him kissing (!!!) some girl and figured it held some magic to impress the ladies with.
"Just do it!"
With a dramatic flourish, the boy left their hiding spot, Luke lurking around the corner of the alcove to watch. Jessica looked up from her hard work of creating friendship bracelets and smiled at Reggie.
Oh, gosh. She was pretty.
A minute later, a sheepish Reg slowly crawled back to him, cheeks red and fiddling with the zipper of his jacket.
Luke grabbed his shoulders, urgent. "What did she say?"
"Uh... well..."
"C'mon, dude!"
Reggie sighed. "She... likes me, buddy. Sorry."
His hopeful face crashed into one of devestation, quickly covering it up with a laugh and a squeeze of the shoulder. Oh, man, what would Steven Tyler do?
"That– that's dope!"
In the end, Reggie and Jessica were boyfriend and girlfriend for a week while he wrote an angry poem about how stupid dungarees were.
Huh... it was surprisingly good.
1988
"Hey, Luke," Gwenn greeted, shy, tucking her hands in her Camp Wacky Rocka hoodie. "I really liked that song you made about your guitar."
Jumping from the tree branch to the ground, Luke dazzled her with an appreciative smile. From above, Reggie and their new friend Alex watched on curiously.
"Thanks!"
Who would've thought that summer camp would be the first time he made a real, girl friend! Gwenn was super cool and she played the saxophone and she liked Joan Jett and her hair was all curly and big and it reminded him of pretty clouds.
Looking over her shoulder, he noticed a gaggle of girls staring at them. Like they were waiting.
Gwenn stared at him. "Can you close your eyes?"
He frowned. "Why?"
"Just 'cause."
Whatever. Maybe she wanted to show him something cool and would stick it in his hand. Complying, he closed his eyes and impatiently waited, bouncing on his heels.
"So?"
Suddenly, he felt a light, warm touch on his mouth and — oh! She was kissing him!
Luke staggered back in surprise, gawking at a blushing Gwenn as she squeaked a sorry and ran back to the now giggling and screeching girls. They ran away like a flock of birds.
It was a dare! His first kiss, stolen by a dare!
His boys jumped down beside him, awed.
Reggie hollered. "You kissed Gwenn!"
"I don't get it," Alex muttered.
Luke's face twisted up in a sour expression. Camp Wacky Rocka should be all about the music and becoming legends and Gwenn ruined it!
He stuck his tongue out. "Whatever. Let's go to the mess hall!"
1989
When Luke turned eleven, he kissed someone for real.
His birthday party was at the arcade, loud chatter and robotic sounds clashing together in an amazing cacophony. His parents hated the place, which is why Luke loved it.
Of the twenty guests, Yasmine clapped the loudest after he finished his song with the boys — Math Is For Losers! — and grabbed his hand as they walked to a duel game.
Luke felt fuckin' giddy the entire time. (Freakin' in front of his parents, fuckin' with friends.) The swoop in his stomach, his cheeks stretched into a wide beam.
Freshly eleven and the king of the arcade, he boldly asked if he could kiss her.
She smiled, her purple headband glittering in the neon lights, and nodded.
It was short and warm and her lips tasted like pink lemonade and sour gummies and it gave him an entirely new buzz. It was exciting.
He kissed her a couple more times the days after, eager and curious, until she claimed she was now only interested in twelve year old boys.
Since Luke now held the record of most kisses between him, Alex and Reggie, he wasn't too bothered by it. They shook hands, complimented each other on the kissing, and that was that.
1992
"Are you or are you not my boyfriend?" Olivia bit, crossing her arms.
Luke sighed, lazy gaze drifting from her to his band waiting by their bikes. Damn, he thought having a girlfriend would be way easier. Why was she so tense?
"I am," he said. "Why do you think I'm not?"
"Because you ignore me, like, all the time!" Pouting, she fiddled with the hem of her tartan skirt. "And now you're going to be with your band!"
He shrugged. "You can come with us and listen, if you want."
Luke met Olivia this year as deskmates in French class. Her raven hair was long and thick and her lips were all shiny from lip gloss and maybe he got a little cocky, thinking he could be dating the hottest girl of freshman year, so he naturally asked her out.
Maybe he should've considered beforehand whether they had anything in common, but he'd always been the overzealous type. And besides... she was a good kisser.
She scoffed. "That's not any better. Whatever. I'll just hang with Tina and Priscilla then. Laters!"
Plopping a kiss on his lips, she turned around and stalked to her whispering friends. Luke puffed, adjusted the beanie and made his way to the boys.
Girls were confusing.
"I bet dating boys is easier," Alex mused. "Like, equally terrifying, but also... easier. I think. Maybe."
Bobby laughed. "How's the girlfriend, Luke?"
"Ha ha," he deadpanned. "Let's go. I got this new song, Crooked Teeth, and it's a fucking banger!"
Olivia broke up with him after Sunset Curve's first, official gig at the arcade with the explanation that he loved music more than her. He never loved her to begin with, so maybe that was the problem.
She made out with Bobby that same night.
Holy shit, man. He supposed that bitter feeling at the sight of them tasted like rock 'n roll, the one thing he actually craved.
What a funny, funny feeling. (He wrote a hell of a lot of songs about it after. He never quite looked at Bobby the same way either.)
1995
"Hey, Maisie." Leaning against the locker beside the girl, he shot her a million dollar smile. "You comin' to our gig tonight? It's at The Orpheum."
Maisie was fucking awesome. Always in short, flowery dresses and fishnet tights and thick eyeliner like a rockstar, always listening to something new on her walkman. She came from a rich family, but that didn't hinder them from becoming friends.
Her jaw fell slack in awe, him instantly gaining more confidence. Ducking his head to meet her eye, he leaned a little closer. He knew damn well what he was doing, and he got a thrill every time it worked.
"Really?" She gasped. "That's awesome! I'll so be there!"
"Sweet," he grinned. "And stay after too."
A brow quirked up, intrigued. "Why?"
He shrugged. "Just 'cause."
"Right," she drawled. "Nothing is 'just because' with you, Luke."
"And that's why you gotta stay," he teased, nudging her shoe with his. "To find out."
If they rocked that gig and he felt like a fucking legend, he hoped it would end with the two of them hooking up. He wasn't interested in dating — having learned his lesson after Olivia — and he knew she wasn't either, but she was fun.
And that was the most important to him: to have fucking fun. Luke Patterson was here for a good time, not a long time.
And if nothing happened between him and Maisie, then he'd still feel like a legend. In a couple of hours, he was going to play at The Orpheum! How gnarly was that?!
2022
Twenty-seven years later, Luke was still seventeen years old. While he preferred to not question the science behind ghostly activities — he flunked physics anyway — he was happy that he froze at this age.
Because Julie was seventeen, too.
And, man. He was madly in love with her.
He loved everything, from the babyhairs curling around her ears, to her voice and compassionate soul, to her beautiful smile, all the way to her cute, doodled sneakers.
Her epic music taste, her snark, the way she always found his gaze, the way she finished his lyrics, the way she always knew what to say to make him feel better.
His heart melted to a flickering candle whenever she hugged him, a raging wildfire erupting between every kiss. He was a fool for her.
"Stop moving," she giggled, one hand coming up to hold his chin.
He grinned, "Sorry, Jules."
Shifting closer, she dabbled more glitter on his cheeks. They were playing at a black-light club tonight, so Julie and Flynn bought all the glow in the dark makeup available at the store for the occasion.
They looked ridiculous in daylight, Julie's weirdly pink lipstick claiming all his attention, but he knew they'd look fucking cool once the lights went down.
"You want to watch a movie after the gig?" she whispered.
Luke rolled his eyes, playful. "You're gonna fall asleep."
"Yeah." With a bashful tilt of the shoulder, she leaned in closer. "But then you'll be with me."
"Julie! How scandalous," he teased, though his chest swelled at the thought of having some alone time, some cuddle time, with Julie.
"So?"
Murmuring a yes, he closed the little distance to kiss her, sealing the deal, only for her to chase after him — an attempt to wipe the lipstick stain off his lips.
"Nah, keep it." A smirk grew. "So the people know."
She tsked. "Idiot."
"You like it."
"I'm still taking it off though, seeing as you're supposed to be a hologram," she pointed out. "But... you can kiss my lipstick away after the show."
He sighed, dreamy. "I love you."
Finishing his glitter and removing the stain, she dazzled him with a satisfied smile. "Love you too."
She rose up from the couch and went to search for Reggie, the boy likely with Carlos. For a moment, Luke was alone in the studio, allowing himself to sink into that warm, fuzzy feeling.
No matter how many blunders he went through with girls — Haley, Jessica, Gwenn, Yasmine, Olivia, Maisie — they all prepared him, in one way or the other, for Julie.
To not only recognise when an awesome girl was standing right in front of him, but also how to treat her — because Julie Molina deserved the fucking world.
Even if that world now included the supernatural.
Whatever. They were all a little crazy.
💌💌💌💌💌💌💌💌
@bluefirewrites @blush-and-books @pink-flame @ourstarscollided @constantly-singing @unsaid-emily @willexx
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jess-the-vampire · 3 years
Note
Sooooo whatya think of the new episodeee?
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Oh it’s definitely my favorite episode of the series so far, i was having such a good time at every turn. I’m glad i went out of my way to avoid spoilers, cause i was glad to actually be surprised by some elements on first watch.
I think this had by far the best opening for an episode so far, we finally get back to the villians, we meet the coven heads, we get insight on belos’s plans-
and then belos gets constipated, which starts getting into the more character driven lore, which is the best part. You instantly can tell GG and Kiki have some bit of tension between them to be Belo’s favorite, though granted i wonder if hunter is the only one to know belos is cursed and actually just always insists to help belos with his fits to prevent others from seeing them.
Including kiki.
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It’s honestly unclear how aware anyone is that belos is cursed, like him eating pailsmans is apparently not something he hides, but like....i feel him being cursed is something that people would know universally if it got out...so i’m left wondering if anyone knows besides hunter.
Regardless, belos turns into a goop monster with an angry side, and i guess his mask doesn’t transform with him compared to the rest of his body so he breaks it again because i guess he goes though masks like crazy.
Hunter turns away in this scene from his outburst and even though he’s masked here i can already tell he’s most likely pained in these scenes. Like he’s probably seen this happen so many times, and i can’t imagine it gets any easier for him, it’s probably awful to watch belos suffer like this for him (Regardless of the abuse)
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And to be honest, it seems pretty painful for him, i think this ep seems to at least confirm whatever this thing is that takes over belos’s body.....belos never actually wanted it in the first place. 
Yeah so after Hunter tells belos there’s not enough trees to medicate him anymore, we’re hit with the “UNCLE”. Which, when i first watched it i needed a second to even process the fact they confirmed their relation.
and i was like “CLOSE ENOUGH”, not his kid but uncle still works just fine for me, i’m just happy my assumption they were related actually came to ahead.
And i rewatched this episode a few times, and on second watch i realized more what happened in this scene. Hunter was talking about his interest in wild magic, and making more pailsman to help belos, and some method that could heal him and as soon as belos looked at him he instantly shut down.
He was clearly rambling about wild magic cures for belos because of his interest in it, and then suddenly remembered his uncle hates wild magic and felt super awkward.
It seems highly likely his interest in wild magic came from trying to cure belos and spending a lot of time reading up on the stuff. 
And then we get hit with the whole “Our family is dead because of wild magic” line, which.....i’m curious to know what happened there. But it does at least explain why belos feels how he does, if wild magic both killed his family beside hunter AND cursed him in the first place. We’re just gonna need more info on what exactly happened.
Also while Belos is def abusive and does not treat hunter how he should, this scene actually does read off to me like belos does care about hunter to some degree. If belos is cursed and his curse works in similar ways to how Eda’s curse works, then it’s worth reminding ppl that eda mentions early this season how stress can amplify the curse even more.
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And sure enough, belos goes goopy on hunter’s shoulder all of a sudden when he grasps him. Which could be considered a sign of stress and that the idea of hunter dying or being in danger actually does stress him.
You could very much also assume this is just due to his curse not being fully handled and just getting worse, or that belos only cares about hunter for selfish reasons....but i’m not taking anything off the table here.
Belos can still be a shitty uncle, and still care about hunter, these aren’t mutually exclusive traits. But we need more episodes for now on this.
But anyways he asks hunter if he can rely on him, kiki is pissed......and we move on.
So i’m glad luz’s impulsiveness is addressed a ton in this episode, they actually bring up a lot of good points. That luz has no plan, that the time she’s spending here might render moot if she goes back to earth, ect ect.
Hunter even calls her out a lot later for not thinking things through, it’s a whole deal in this episode. I’m glad it was brought up cause it’s actually worth asking a lot of these things.
the set up here works, they actually made a good reason for why a pailsman didn’t bond with her. Speaking of which the adoption thing is cute and i love it, it’s a great idea. The designs are all very cute and fun.
Bump face reveal was a lot for me to process, but i find the idea of his pailsman being a pet that can help with his disabilities a good idea.
Also like, i did find it odd that they got staffs so early because we’ve never seen kids their ages with them before, but i guess it’s a new tradition? Does everyone at hexside now have one?
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Honesty not sure why batqueen left the nest there overnight, i meant i guess she assumed they were safe with that shield but in context i dunno why she didn’t take them home after the school day was over.
but whatever, luz stays there overnight hoping  a pailsman will bond with her and GG just kidnapps them cause of pure luck on his part a bunch of pailsman were in a vulnerable spot tonight.
So GG continues to be charming, by whistling the theme song and then being blasted off his ship hilariously, before cockily teleporting himself right back on it seconds later. Like he and luz have great banter, he’s so extra like this it’s so funny, and god he’s so FAST with that staff it’s scary but so awesome.
Yeah so then hand dragon crashes them and i was so excited cause it meant face reveal. Poor dude looked so in pain and then we find out kiki tried to effing murder him because of course she did. But like, i think killing your boss’s nephew is the WORST way to get a promotion tbh.
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(Also i got confused for a bit cause his mask has always been drawn as a mask, but now it’s a helmet in this scene for whatever reason but-)
Anyways, face reveal, Like honestly ppl weren’t too far off with their guesses, really the only thing people didn’t get was the tooth gap (That was fair tho, we couldn’t have guessed that). But it did make him even cuter.
like the banter is funny, he licks her hand, she slaps him, he looks SO pissed at her for this mess.
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and i guess that outfit is his under armor apparently.
He’s lucky she didn’t run away immediately and followed him, but maybe he assumed she would since she had no where else to go.
Also his expressions in this ep are glorious, these had to be fun to draw.
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Also we find out that the coven team members have never seen his face i guess? They just assume he’s a silly kid and are awful to him, so i guess he’s not only the youngest member of the coven but he never really shows his face much.
(”Call your parents”, ha ha.....whose gonna tell them who his uncle is?)
He is however, REALLY good at parkour and he’s fast even without his staff, so he’s well trained alright.
And then they reveal he’s not magical and i was SO happy cause i was so sure something was up when he wasn’t doing magic like the other witches despite his pointy ears. So they outright confirmed what i thought.
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Hunter is pretty smart tho, like he can tell luz wouldn’t hurt him and wouldn’t flee so he knows he has the high ground here. Like he might be being a bit of a dick, but to be fair luz has been nothing but a dick to him throughout the whole episode (Everyone in this episode has been a dick to him tbh)
They team up and i get excited cause i love this kinda stuff and it gets more wholesome because hunter is super interested in her magic, he thinks it’s cool and you can tell how much he actually loves wild magic but then again...shuts himself down because of belos making him fear the stuff.
An then because luz asks, he tells her his backstory.
honestly with how this world treats people who aren’t magically powerful, living and growing up in a world that would find you useless sounds....awful. Hunter must be an anomaly around here, human blood or not.
Luz coming here to learn is different then growing up in a world and being the only one with no abilities and no future without them. Belos provides him with magic and a future, it’s no wonder he stays with him despite everything.
the whole “Found me” thing is weird, cause belos implies they’re blood related and hunter makes it sound like belos semi-adopted him. Which....if he did i dunno why “Uncle” and not “Adopted dad”, but ok....guess that’s for later.
Apparently hunter is important for something tho with the “Titan has big plans for me” thing, not sure what, but-
But yeah as soon as Hunter talked about wanting to make his own future and Rascal tried to land on him i knew EXACTLY where this was going, it was so cuteeeeee. The lil birb wanted to be with hunter, that’s so wholesome.
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And he’s so terrified because of belos and what wild magic did to him, the poor bab.
But yeah, luz then trusts him with his staff back, because again....impulsive. But hunter does actually ask if she’s sure, so he might as well be asking if she trusts him.
The plan goes ahead, and hunter nearly betrays her.
though granted, hunter never promised her he’d stop and let her take them away, the truce was supposed to last till kiki was stopped and they were gonna fight out who got the pailsman. But it does bother luz cause she was hopeful he was better then this.
But just like he did before, she calls him out and he doesn’t betray her, because he’s ALSO too nice to do it, just like he said she was. He says his name (Which also took a moment to process), and then beats the crap out of kiki while letting luz get away and protecting her like a badass.
He might not have magic, but he’s good at fighting
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like he can easily teleport to luz and take the pailsman, but he doesn’t, he lets them get away and luz knows this. Even though she also knows hunter has to go back to the emperor too and they have to separate.
It’s only slightly bitter terms, because in the end he came through for her and she knows it.
honestly, the worst part is i can’t even be mad at hunter for it, i’m sure he was terrified to fail belos. Both because he loves him and doesn’t want him to suffer....but also because of well...being punished. Really says something when his near betrayal doesn’t even make me mad at him, and i can understand why he nearly did it.
He let her go, knowing he’d be in SERIOUS trouble and that it would hurt someone he actually loves, so....ouch.
so yeah at this point i knew rascal wanted him so it was only of matter of what happened next.
Which was, luz getting the wood, which i like more anyway. Eda and King doing this offscreen and coming home like this is actually very funny, and honestly i appreciate the message of it being ok to wait.....means a lot to me.
yeah so belos is like...being an ass, like the kid tried his hardest, you don’t need to hit him with the “Is this the thanks i get?”. He’s a kid and he’s trying to cure you you dick, give him a break he doesn’t remotely have to help you like this.
Also apparently belos has not even told hunter HOW this happened, like...dude. Hunter is trying to be entirely reasonable here and belos spikes at him, which does imply some physical abuse though the only reason hunter doesn’t get a new scar is because he moves.
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but how he reacts implies this has happened before, he is bracing for impact and he flinches. It’s pretty sad tbh, especially since hunter loves him and belos’s respect means something to him.
Belos is such an idiot, like c’mon dude, hunter is trying to help you and you don’t listen to him you dick. Kid shouldn’t have to say sorry for anything he did nothing wrong, he was just trying to help.
Anyways, he gloats at kiki (So at the very least she knows what he looks like under the mask), which he deserves a chance to do anyway. So i guess he didn’t rat her out for trying to kill him, personally my guess why is blackmail.....he was gonna hold it over her head to keep her from doing it again and threaten to tell belos.
But kiki quickly tells he LET the pailsman get away since he was the one to fight her (Curse his cute loose hair strand). So i guess now they have dirt on each other, so that’s fun.
His room is adorable, though the med kit by the bed is concerning.
Rascal comes for him and it;s so cute....though you can tell hunter nearly hurts him on instinct because of force of habit, but it’s so cute how he cares and how the birb loves him and is his new staff.
it was well hinted to as well, it’s so subtle, but the bird being cheery, curious, and his constant habit of escaping boundaries was perfect for hunter. He represents what hunter wants to be and why they got matched is done so well, all without explaining anything.
Hunter indirectly stated his deepest wish, to make his own choices, and rascal resonated with that. 
can’t wait to see where this goes.
great ending shot, love me some conflicted shots looking out of windows like trapped birds.
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also this title was a pun the whole time i can’t-
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Note
Hello! I would like to ask for a request please! (Is this how it happens?) but I would like to request the creep slayers helping out Werewolf!reader with their shift on the full moon? Like reader is worried that they’ll accidentally hurt them but instead they end up being a big sweat heart who just loves to chase rabbits and get good scratches behind the ears? You can make it as fluffy as you want or not at all! I do wish for it to be platonic but you can make it romantic if you wish I don’t mind! I hope you have an awesome day! 🤗💖😊 (also feel free to ignore/delete this one if your at all overwhelmed or it breaks the rules or you just don’t feel like it!)
~ You'd gotten into a scuffle with a weird looking dog creature a couple nights ago. It was during one of your patrols and the stupid thing bit you before running off. At the time it only stung a bit, there was some blood but no need for stitches as the bite wasn't deep enough. It shredderd your clothes but thankfully your arm was more or less okay.
~ You'd bandaged it and called it a day thinking nothing of it. But for some reason it'd been itching really bad all day and even stung a bit, you didn't know why. Going to Eli worried it might be infected he seem concerned. After school he took you home and did a couple tests in his room. As he continued looking under his microscope and writing things down, he swallowed nervously once he had his results.
~ Stealing his paper it was all science jargon. You couldn't really understand the prognosis. Eli doesn't want to say anything but after pressuring him because it's your body and he should tell you and after annoying him by asking what certain words meant the nerd gives in. Apprentally that dog that bit you while you were fighting? Not a dog.
~ You call Steve to have a meeting to discuss what you should do. The bite was burning because it was a full moon and in a couple hours you'd transform for the first time. You don't say what's happening over the phone incase Steve panics but it sounds important so he hops on his vespa and skips practice. Apprentally you made it sound wicked scary and he was super concerned about your health. When he gets there and he's handed the paper Eli had made he's confused too. Once Eli and you explain the situation he nods.
"Wait so (Y/N)'s gonna turn into a big slobbery dog?" He asks looking confused.
"A werewolf Steve. I'm gonna transform into a werewolf." You correct and Steve just hums and nods.
"Badass." He states still nodding.
"STEVE!" You and Eli scold and he hums.
~ Steve keeps you calm about the whole situation while Eli begins looking up when there's nights with a full moon. He starts making alarms on your phone for when the full moon will be every month so you can prepare.
~ Steve is pretty excited! His best buds gonna turn into a beast AWESOME! Eli's more on the worried side like you. He's worried you'll get hurt or you'll hurt yourself or you'll hurt someone else? And what happens if you bite someone and this spreads? That could be dangerous but they couldn't just kill you? Your not like other freaks your their friend!!!
~ You decide to have a sleepover that night. You'll watch stupid movies and eat food in the basement and they'll watch you transform and make sure you don't bite anyone before locking you up for the night. It's kinda scary to think about but it's for everyones good.
~ They watch you transform and it's painful. Bones crack, furr sprouts, and sounds a human shouldn't make are made as you growl and whine. Eventually it's done. Steve and Eli run upstairs before locking the door and your left with a raw steak.
~ You begin scratching at the door after awhile. You let out whines like any dog would and howl a bit. After some silence they hear a thud and suddenly it's quiet. Eli suggests they check it out and Steve nods. Neither of them open the door.
~ Finally Steve gives in at Eli's pestering and running into the basment bat out and ready to use your gone. Eli begins panicking as Steve freaks out. Both of them trying to figure out how you got out until they see the basements tiny but now open window.
~ Steve puts Eli on his vespa and they're off searching for you. Eli suggests getting backup but Steve wants to find you. If him and Eli did this they can fix it. Plus he doesn't want to ask Jim for help. They could handle it. After all it's just you. Werewolf or not this is their friend.
~ Armed with squeak toys, raw steak, and silver the boys go searching for you. Eli blows a dog whistle hoping to summon you and Steve squeaks a toy as he holds a bat looking around. Suddenly there's a growl. Turning there you are. Eli panics and throws a ball at your face before hiding behind Steve. Steve holds out his bat concerned.
~ You bark before you roll the ball towards Steves feet. Steve pauses staring at you before slowly placing his bat down. You yip bending down and wiggle your tail as you stare at the ball then him. You nudge it towards him again tail wagging.
~ Steve reaches out and you make pleased sounds as he gives you scratches. Kicking your foot and wagging your tail you pant happy. Your not being threatening and you don't seem like a danger. You basically a big puppy dog.
~ You paw at Steves clothes and suddenly the blonde teen is pinned. You chuff in his face before getting off of him and leaning down. You bounce back and forth and Steve laughs playing with you.
~ Eli makes observations as you and Steve wrestle together. You bark and roll ontop of him pinning the jock as he laughs and struggles underneath you. You get off and bat at him playfully as you two continue to goof off. Surprisingly your very careful and don't try to bite either one of them.
~ You follow them home getting bits of steak as you do. As Eli falls onto his bed next to Steve you lay on top of them and whine before yawning and settling down. Steve pets you to keep you calm and eventually all of you are cuddled together sleeping.
~ When you wake up you have a very intense headache. Your dehydrated and you feel like you ate something awful but otherwise you feel okay. You get breakfast and make some for the boys. When you wake up you make the CreepSlayer sign to show your fine and you all eat as they tell you about last night.
~ It becomes a CreepSlayerz tradition to have a sleepover every full moon and the boys wach over you. Eventually they go on patrols with you in your werewolf form and the creeps get the message not to mess with the CreepSlayerz.
(Might make a part two this was cute)
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ellohcee · 3 years
Text
Call Me
Okay so I want to throw this little bit out into the universe of one of my favorite instances of Jasper I've written. Context: He's a host for a dinky late night radio show and he has like... 10-15 listeners max and David is one of them, a college student who Can’t Sleep even between classes and his job, so he’s up late late listening to Jasper’s show. He calls in sometimes because Jasper is always offering advice and encouraging people to call in and chat, specifically about LGBTQ topics and David finds comfort and encouragement in their chats. They’ve been talking for a while but he still goes by the name Red. 
- - - -
“Alright you night owls, this next one goes out to my long lost buddy, Red.”
David looked up at the radio in surprise, his pencil stilling on the page.
“It’s been a while since we’ve heard from ya and we miss you dude. And I’m gonna get hella gay up in here, but that’s on brand for me, I miss you.”
David’s breath caught in his throat painfully, his heart hammering.
“So I hope you catch this, give us a call, let me know how you’re doing buddy I’m dyin’ here, don’t leave me hanging. Cause I’ve got a question for you and you wont know what until you gimme a ring. Yes I’m gonna be that guy. So call. Please.”
The music picked back up, and true to Jasper’s word, Blondie’s Call Me started playing.
The pencil had slipped from his fingers without realizing as David tried to decipher all of that, especially that last, sincere please. Jasper missed his calls? Maybe he was just worried because David had dropped off so suddenly. It had just been too nerve wracking once he realized he was crushing on the radio host. But what could Jasper possibly want to ask him? Was it good or bad?
He was still nervous and the idea of calling in downright terrified him now, but… he at least owed it to Jasper to let him know he was alive. It must have looked bad, for him to be consistently calling about once a week and then suddenly stop with no warning, going on nearly two months of silence now. Jasper was always so nice and seemingly happy to talk to him, he must be worried. Gosh, now he had to call, he felt terrible.
David had to take several steadying breaths and about twenty good minutes to work up the nerve, but he managed to eventually press call, hands shaking as he listened to the phone ring.
“What’s up caller you’re live, how’s it hangin?”
“Um, hi...” he said quietly.
He heard a soft intake of air and a shuffle. “That you Red?” Jasper asked, sounding hopeful, the excited smile evident in his voice.
“Y-yes, it’s me,” David replied.
“Aw, buddy, good to hear your voice again man, I was gettin’ worried bout you.”
“I’m so sorry I- just- life, you know?” David hedged, feeling even more guilty because he couldn’t give an honest explanation.
“I feel that, it’s cool dude, it’s just good to hear from ya. I assume you heard my call out?”
David’s heart started beating faster, so, so antsy. If it weren’t for the guilt of worrying Jasper he probably wouldn’t have had the guts to call, but he could still be a wreck about it, easily. “Yes, I did. You... had a question?”
“Yeah! You don’t mind me askin’ live?”
“Um, sure, that’s fine,” David said nervously. It couldn’t be too bad if it was something Jasper could ask on air. Right?
“Sweet. So. Last we talked your rough waves from the coming out thing were settling. You found a boyfriend yet?” the radio host asked casually.
David eyebrows shot up in surprise, his face going so very red and he was so very grateful this was a phone call, not in person because that would make it ten times worse. “Um- n-no, I- I haven’t… um, no,” he stammered uselessly. Why was this the topic??
“Awesome!” Jasper said in delight, leading to an awkward pause. “Wow fuck that sounded hella mean I am so sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. Cheese and crackers, foot in mouth Jasp, good one. Anyway! I just meant because- like, stop me if this is too weird, or hang up on me, but I was wondering if I could like… take ya on a date?”
David’s heart stopped in surprise, the blush that had just started receding coming back full force. His stomach whirled in a mix of dread and excitement, trying to go one way or the other as his brain stalled for a good long moment-
“Red?”
David sucked in a breath. “Is- are you- are you serious?” he asked softly, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
“Course dude!! I wouldn’t fuck around with you like that, hell no! I’m for super serious!”
“But… we’ve- you- you don’t even know what I look like,” David stammered, trying to find reason to turn him down, but so, so desperately wanting to say yes. He felt stupid for saying it the second it left his mouth, Jasper didn’t seem at all the type to place a lot of importance on appearances.
“I don’t need to! I’m sure you’re rad as hell, but I’m not a looks guy, okay? I like your personality, and I love shootin the shit with you, and you’re super nice. That’s the kinda stuff I’m into, and if you’re hella cute, which I’m sure you are, that’s a bonus!”
David stared down at his desk for a long moment, his thoughts a mess, one hand over his mouth as he took this all in. He had to take a moment to pinch the soft skin on the inside of his arm to decide that this was really happening and he hadn’t passed out at his desk into some dream where his crush happened to reciprocate-
“Reeeddd?” Jasper teased softly after another long pause, bringing him out of his panic spiral. “No pressure my dude, you can say no.”
“Yes,” David blurted shakily.
“Yeah??” Jasper asked, his voice picking up in obvious excitement and relief, despite his apparent brace for a rejection. “For real?”
“Y-yes, I’d… I’d like to,” David said softly, his face still red.
“Aw man, awesome, shit. Okay uh- no PI on air so uh- I go off air at 3, you’re usually up pretty late, yeah? Think you’ll be around?”
“Yes, I should be.”
“Supes, call back when you hear me sign off and we’ll hash stuff out, okay? Or at least do personal numbers to talk during the day.”
“O-okay,” David stammered, his mind whirling. “I’ll do that.”
“Sweet. Okay man, you sound a little wigged out so I’ll let you get back, and I will be counting the minutes til sign off,” Jasper teased.
“Okay, um, talk to you later? Bye.”
“Ta-ta for now!” Jasper sung.
David disconnected the call, his pulse still racing as he listened to Jasper on the radio once more, turning the volume back up just in time to hear.
“Oh my god, wack, holy shit you guys he said yes- fuck he’s probably listening and I sound like a giant goober- hi Red! Okay, anymore callers before we go back to music? Holy shitballs.”
A quick, incredulous laugh escaped his mouth before David could stifle it, his chest swirling with fear and elation. Jasper- Jasper had asked him on a date- and he sounded just as rattled as David felt. That helped a little to know it wasn’t just him- Jasper had just been loads better keeping a cap on his nerves while they were talking.
“You’re up caller!”
David came back from his thoughts when he heard a familiar voice, one of Jasper’s other regular callers.
“Oooooh Jasper asked a boy on a daaatteee~” she teased in delight.
“I know oh my god dude I’m still weak from it, I didn’t wanna mess up with Red but I like… really want to meet him and take him out, especially once he stopped calling? And no offense Red if you’re still there it’s TOTALLY cool cause that woke my ass up! Holy shit I still can’t believe he said yes.”
David listened all throughout the rest of Jasper’s show, all thoughts of homework lost as he leaned his elbows on the desk, hands clasped in front of his mouth. Anticipation made his nerves spike again while sitting through Jasper’s familiar sign off, where he bid goodnight to his listeners and started the after hours playlist. David waited a minute before taking a deep, deep breath and pressing the call button.
It rang only once before the line picked up, and a hopeful voice answered. “Red?”
“H-hi Jasper,” he replied.
“Hey dude! Hey, sorry to put you on the spot like that but- y’know, I figured it would be less creepy to everyone to just be upfront and ask you, instead of being like ‘hey call me after hours hoohoo wink wink,’ ya dig?”
David stifled a giggle, smiling. “I understand. It probably would’ve made me more nervous to have to wait that long, wondering what your question was,” he admitted.
“That too! I wanted to just… put it out there, figured it’d be best. So! You’re really cool with going on a date?”
“Yes, I… I’d like that. To meet you,” he added softly, flushed.
“Rad, okay, nice. So let’s just exchange numbers for tonight? I know you might not sleep anyway but it’s friggen late and I don’t want to keep either of us up too long.”
“That sounds good, I don’t want to keep you up either,” David replied. He gave his number first when Jasper gave the go-ahead, listening to the other man hum as he typed it into his phone, and a few moments later David heard a buzz near his ear.
“I just shot you a text so you have my number and can add me.”
“Got it,” David replied, pulling the phone away briefly to see a text notification at the top of the screen, a short string of peace sign emojis that made him smile.
“Awesome sauce. Well- shit, I’m really excited but again, we can talk later. Try to get some sleep, okay dude?” he asked, sounding genuinely concerned and losing his usual casual tone. “I worry bout you.”
David smiled, touched by the thought. “I’ll try.”
“Okay, I’ll text you sometime tomorrow- today, whatever, much later. Give you a chance to snooze. Night Red, and thanks for- you know. Thanks. Night!”
“Goodnight Jasper, and thank you too,” he replied softly.
“No prob, catch ya later.”
David pulled the phone away and ended the call, his heart still hammering as he tried to comprehend everything. But he decided to pack it away for later, turning off the radio and closing the long abandoned textbook. Hopefully he could get a few hours of sleep and be a tiny bit more composed when he next spoke with Jasper.
Doubtful, but it was a nice thought.
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annabethy · 4 years
Text
under the mistletoe, watching the fire glow day 10: pen pal
Character A and Character B both sign up for a Christmas Pen Pal project to exchange post cards,, percabeth. not just letters I promise
01/04/2008
Hi! My name’s A, and I’m eight years old. Well, my name isn’t actually A, but I don’t know you yet so I can’t tell you my real name. I don’t know your name, and you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.
I don’t know why I’m doing this whole pen pal thing. I just thought it would be fun, but I don’t really know what to expect either. I guess I should tell you a little bit about myself.
My favorite color is grey, like my eyes. I like to read a lot too. I don’t have many friends, but that’s just because I don’t like talking to people. They start to talk, and it makes me feel like I want to hit them, so I prefer to just be by myself. I wouldn’t mind being your friend, though. I don’t have to hear you talk.
Hope I get your response soon! Goodbye until then!
Love, A.
,,
01/27/2008
Dear A,
I guess you can call me P then. I’m eight years old too, so that’s cool! We’re practically best friends already. I’m doing the pen pal thing because my teacher says I should practice writing. I’m not very good at writing, but I promiss prommis promise I’ll get better for you!
I like to swim. The water is cold where I live, but I still go in anyways. My mom says I’ll get hypothermia, but I do it anyways because it’s fun. I wonder if you like the water too? You’re crazy if you don’t, but it’s okay. I’ll be your friend anyways. I have one friend, but I don’t really like them very much. They’re mean to me a lot. You seem much nicer.
I’m so excited to get to talk to you!
From P :)
,,
05/07/2012
Hey, P! It’s been a couple of months since we spoke. I’ve missed my mystery-stranger-pen-pal-person. Hope you’re doing well.
Honestly, not much has happened with me. It’s the end of sixth grade, thank god. I actually hate all of my teachers. Especially the history one. She makes something that could be so interesting so dull, and it’s upsetting. There’s so much to tell about the past, and she’s ruining it. I’d consider saying something to her, but you know how it is.
I’ll just complain to you instead ;)
I remember you said you were applying to the swim team, and I think that’s so exciting! I know the try-outs passed, so let me know if you got in! (and if you didn’t, don’t worry about it. You don’t need to explain it to me if you don’t want to.)
Anyways, eagerly awaiting your response (but not that eagerly. It’ll be a couple of weeks, if not more.)
Love, A.
,,
05/20/2012
A! I’m insulted that you would think I didn’t make it onto the swim team. I am one with the fish. I am living my dream of swimming around the water like a turtle. It’s been pretty fun actually, except for when I ran into a wall and nearly bust my head open months ago. We don’t like to speak of that moment.
And yes, your history teacher is absolutely bizzare bizarre. I’m not the best with grades and spelling (clearly. I mean, look at my spelling of “bizarre”) but history is one of my better subjects, surprisingly. I think that it’s because the past is so important. My mom always likes to tell me that without the past, we wouldn’t learn for the future, so I try to pay attention to that class. I’m sorry you don’t like it :(
I really missed talking to you too. I don’t even know your name (cue frown), but I feel like I’ve known you my entire life. A person I can talk to when there’s no one else.
You’re my best friend (though I do love the term “mystery-stranger-pen-pal person).
Sincerely, P.
,,
10/7/2016
P! Get ready for my rant because I’m about to go off, and you’re going to listen.
People always say that you lose friends sophomore year. I didn’t think that was true. BOY, was I wrong. I’ve lost, like, twenty friends. I thought I’d be more upset about it, but honestly, I’m relieved. They always made me feel excluded, and without them, I’m not going home near tears every day.
I did meet a guy. His name is Luke, and he’s a junior. We’re not dating, but I wouldn’t mind it if we did. Not that I think it’ll ever happen because I’m too focused on school, but it would be nice to at least be friends. He’s really nice.
Also! The last letter was two months ago (?) and you said your school placed second in the state competition! Does that mean you’re going to nationals?
If you are, I am so proud of you. You seriously have to let me know how that goes.
Until next time.
Love, A.
,,
10/27/2016
A, my love!
As your best friend, I am obligated to say that you must not let the man be an obstacle to your schoolwork. I say this because I want you to do well. (Also because I’m in love with you)
Really though, I’m happy for you. I hope everything works out and you’re happy. That’s all that matters.
As for the sophomore thing, I felt that. I’ve never had all that many friends, but a lot of them changed. Change isn’t a bad thing I guess, but I wasn’t willing to stick around for them destroying themselves, so I didn’t. I’m always here if you need me.
(And I did place at states! Nationals was actually a few weeks ago! I didn’t place there, but I apparently got pretty close, which is awesome)
Love, P.
,,
04/03/2017
A! It’s been a while. I haven’t heard from you since October, and I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Is that weird? I don’t know you but I’m checking in?
Oh well. I just really missed you. Not much has happened. Just wanted to say hi. Hope all is well.
Love, P.
,,
12/25/2017
A! Babes! Where are you? I’ve sent a few letters but haven’t gotten any responses. You’re kind of scaring me haha. Is it something I said?
I totally get if you don’t want to do this anymore, but just let me know please? I’m checking the mail every day and I keep getting more and more worried, so… Just let me know, please.
I miss you.
Love, P.
,,
06/01/2018
Dear A,
You never responded to any of my last letter. I get the feeling you’re not going to respond anymore, so I guess this is my last letter.
I graduated. Finally. It was a struggle, but I managed to bring my grades up. I even got accepted to a pretty good school. It’s not Ivy League, like I’m sure you got into. You’ve always been so smart.
I’m going to school in New York. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that in any of the 126 letters we’ve sent. I counted.
Anyways, I just really miss you. I hope you’re okay, and I really wish you the best.
My name’s Percy by the way.
Love, Percy.
,,
12/24/2023
Percy jumps as his girlfriend wraps her arms around his shoulder and nips at his ear. He turns and gives her a playful look.
“You want to take me to the ground?” he asks.
Annabeth rolls her eyes, sliding her hand into his. She feels really warm, even in the cold air outside of Rockefeller Center. “I’m not that heavy.”
“What if I told you you’re wrong?”
“You would get no more kisses for today.”
“Oh, we can’t have that.” Percy’s arms slide to wrap around her waist and tug her closer to his. She doesn’t resist, hugging him back. Percy nudges her jaw with his nose until she turns her face up so he can kiss her. “You’re not heavy at all. Super light, actually.”
She hums, kissing him again. “Good answer.”
Percy laughs, letting him detangle himself from her. His hand goes back to hers, and they begin walking around the plaza, taking in the beautiful decorations. It’s really pretty outside. He’s always had a thing for Christmas and its sparkling lights. He loves the smell of the pine trees and the feel of the light snowflakes against his face.
Annabeth swings her hands between them, and he thinks she looks so cute with her hair down in the cold and nose turned red that he can’t help but kiss her on the cheek.
Percy catches sight of a large sign at a random booth sitting along the edge of one of the buildings. It’s decorated horribly in the most adorable way — no doubt done by children. It’s what it reads that really makes him doubletake.
He just barely manages to make out the words, Christmas Pen Pal Exchange.
It makes his heart ache. He hasn’t heard from A since sophomore year of high school when he was sixteen. He’s twenty-three now. He can’t believe it’s this close to ten years since he heard from her.
He misses her so much. It’s not that he necessarily needed her because he has Annabeth, and he wouldn’t trade that for the world. He’s in love with Annabeth. He thinks he’s going to marry her someday.
A helped him get through difficult times. He wishes he could at least know that she was okay, or why she stopped talking to him. He doesn’t care why it happened anymore. He just wants to know, and to tell her things he was always too scared to say.
Annabeth bumps his shoulder as they pass the booth. “You okay?”
Percy swallows the small lump in his throat that formed. “I’m okay.”
“You sure? You look like you’re about to cry.”
A part of Percy doesn’t want to tell her. He wants to keep it to himself because he has for so long. What he and A had was different.
The other part, and the bigger part, does want to tell Annabeth. He loves her and wants her to know every piece of him. Annabeth is Percy’s best friend now, and there’s no reason for him to keep something like this for her.
“It’s just.” Percy pauses, looking over his shoulder at the booth. “I did one of those when I was young.”
He expects her to tease him, so he’s surprised when she says, “I did too.”
Percy looks at her. “You did?”
“Yeah. I was eight, I think.”
Percy breaks into a smile. “So you were that kid with no friends in elementary.”
“Okay, mister, you wrote them too.”
“That’s how I know you were a loser back then. I was too.”
“A match made in heaven,” she says, wrapping herself in his arms to block the wind that’s begun to blow harder. “Do you still talk to them?”
“Not anymore,” he admits. “We just stopped talking.”
“Aw. Why?”
Percy breathes deeply. “I’m honestly not sure. She just stopped talking to me.”
“What an ass,” Annabeth says.
“Right?” Percy laughs slightly. “I miss her, to be honest. Is that weird? I just used to talk to her all the time, and then — nothing.”
“It’s not weird at all,” she tells him, snuggling her face into the crook of his neck. “I miss mine too.”
“Why’d you stop talking?”
“I moved here. I lost their address, and I got a new one. It just didn’t work after that.” She smiles, thinking of a fond memory. “They used to call me their best friend. The only one I had.”
Percy turns his nose up. “Well now you have me, so forget that guy. No man dares hurt my baby.”
“If I ever meet them, promise to beat their ass.”
“I’ll do my best,” he promises.
“What was their name?” she asks. “Of your pen pal?”
“I never found out,” he says. “She didn’t tell me her name. Only that it started with an A, so I called myself P, and we just kind of went on like that.”
The atmosphere suddenly turns cold as Annabeth stiffens in his arms.
“What is it?” he asks.
“You called yourself P? And the other person was A?”
Percy thinks to confirm before saying, “Yes. Why?”
“Did this person also meet a guy named Luke?”
Percy pulls away slightly. “How did you know that?”
“And you told them about your love for history at one point?” Percy suddenly feels lightheaded. “Annabeth…”
Annabeth’s lower lip trembled, and when she speaks, it comes out cracked. “I’m A.”
It hits him like a train, and Percy suddenly can’t breathe. His mouth opens for air, but his lungs fail him. His mind races, he doesn’t know what to say, and he feels like he’s going to pass out, and… “Oh my god,” is all he manages.
“Percy.”
“You’re A.”
Tears are falling from her eyes, and he doesn’t know how to feel. He doesn’t feel anything at all at first. It’s a weight off his chest, and he’s finally able to take a wrangled breath as it settles inside him. He feels something dripping down his face and realizes it’s tears.
He feels like he should be mad, but he’s not. He can’t be mad at Annabeth because he loves her so much, and he knows what happened, and it’s not her fault, and it’s not his either, and he’s in love with her.
Percy tugs her close. He doesn’t kiss her because right now, this is him seeing A again. His face is in his neck, and he can hear her sobs, and he’s sure his are just as bad. He pulls away, and he lets himself kiss her this time.
“I missed you so much,” he whispers into the kiss. He can taste the tears falling, but he pays it no attention. “I missed you, and I love you so much.”
“I’m sorry,” is what she says.
“Don’t,” he says, pulling away sharply. His voice is wobbly. “This is not your fault.”
Annabeth whimpers. “It feels like it.”
“It doesn’t matter. We found each other, and that’s all that matters, okay?” He wipes the tears from her face gently and kisses her forehead. “We found each other.”
“A twisted way of fate.”
Percy lets out a wet laugh. “It is, but it’s okay.”
“I love you,” she whispers.
There’s so much he wants to say back, but he would never have enough time to say it. “I love you too, mystery-stranger-pen-pal-person,” he whispers. He stays like that, her wrapped in his arms, and he doesn’t know how much time passes like this.
He kisses her, but this time it is as more than her boyfriend.
They are P and A.
Percy and Annabeth.
They are best friends and lovers in one.
He’s going to marry her. His best friend.
Percy and Annabeth.
P and A.
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Anonymous asked: I really enjoy your erudite and literary posts about James Bond in your blog very much. Your most recent post about Connery as best cinematic Bond and Dalton as the best literary Bond was brilliant. Although the PC brigade have been inching towards making Bond a woman or even non-white, Ian Fleming’s legacy of a suave but cold hearted English gentleman spy hasn’t been completely trashed. As someone familiar with Fleming literary lore can you also tell me where was James Bond educated? Was it Oxford or Cambridge? I was having a discussion over Zoom with friends and the Oxonians like myself thought it was Oxford because in Casino Royale with Daniel Craig it’s made very plain it was Oxford. Your thoughts?
I appreciate your kind words about my posts on James Bond and his creator Ian Fleming. It’s very hard to ignore the cinematic James Bond because he is very much an icon of our modern culture that needs no translation to transcend across cultures. Alongside Sherlock Holmes, another British literary and cinematic export, the name alone speak for itself.
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James Bond appeals to both genders very well.
For the men, Bond dresses well and lives in a care free way. He is both ferociously intelligent and resourceful to get out of any tight corner. He drives incredible cars (from the incredibly stylish Aston Martin DB5 to the incredibly awful AMC Hornet) and uses awesome technology (he is the archetypal boy with toys). He's not afraid to get down in the dirt to fight or engage in lethal gun-play and spectacular car chases. He sleeps with beautiful women, regardless how strong and independent they are (or even lesbian if we’re being honest about Pussy Galore).
For us ladies, while he's not averse to action, he's also a cultured gentleman with suave and sophisticated manners. He's also a generally pretty good looking guy. In many ways, he's a conventional male ideal. So while his conventional good looks and manners aren't for everyone, they hit right the sweet spot of what women like. For everyone, he's a spy! Not at a grey real world nondescript spy, but a cool spy fighting larger than life bad guys whose bland sartorial choices scream mad super villain. It's a very black and white world that James Bond lives in. These bad guys truly are villainous in the desire to re-order humanity, and we need a debonair British MI6 agent to save us from these mad men who want to harm us by laying waste to a bonkers Armageddon.
When all is said and done I think that what makes James Bond so iconic across gender and generations is what Raymond Chandler wrote back in 1959, “every man wants to be James Bond and every woman wants to be with him”.
That sounds about right. Men want to be him, women want to be with him.
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I know my first introduction to James Bond was through my grandfather on my  Anglo-Scots father’s side who was a dashing gentleman in his day with a long rumoured hush hush work for Her Majesty’s government firmly shoved under the carpet to avoid further discussion that he - being self-effacing and humble - would find embarrassing that would paint him in any heroic light. Years later he had bought his Bahamas beach pile in Harbour Island out in the Caribbean for the family to rest up from cold winters in Britain. Amongst his immense stack of books dotted around the place were (and still are) first editions of Flemings novels which a few were signed by the author as he on occasion met Ian Fleming when he would sail over to Jamaica (they were also OEs which helped). We were not allowed to touch these but instead picked up the dog earred paperbacks that still retained their 60s musty smell.
On my teen sojourns there I would spend time along with my siblings just reading anything we could find to take to the beach or lounge around in a hammock or a chaise longue. That’s how I came to read the Fleming books - really out of necessity to avoid boredom on a beach (which isn’t really my thing as I prefer the rugged outdoors). But I was pleasantly surprised how well written the books were and I actually enjoyed the stories; it was a refreshing change from the more heavy literary tomes I was trying hard to wade through. As for the Bond films, I watched them on film nights at boarding school; I remember having a school girl crush on Connery, Dalton, and Brosnan.
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There are many reasons for the successful longevity of James Bond in popular culture and literature but perhaps one of the most pertinent to our discussion is that James Bond is actually a blank slate and therefore malleable as a character and so he can capture the current zeitgeist in time.
This ability of the film to adapt to different generations while remaining relevant is an important factor for its longevity. For example, the early James Bond films were unashamedly sexist with characters using women as objects and discarding them. In the most recent James Bond films, certainly starting with Timothy Dalton, there is a subtle change in attitude with a few chauvinist attitudes.
James Bond today is more serious, seduces fewer women, and is more respectful towards women in his life, including his boss. This shows how the film changes concerning the rise of feminism in the West. For example, Miss Moneypenny used to be a minor character in the very first James Bond films. Today, she is more formidable and doesn’t tolerate sexist remarks.
Perhaps it is precisely because of this blank slate malleability that has allowed different actors that have been cast to play James Bond their own way - rather than get a straight like for like Scottish sounding actor to replacing Connery for example the film producers went across to Moore via Lazenby for example  - and letting each actor imbue the super spy with different moods. They each added their own colour from the same broad palate to create different tones. However, each of these characters maintained the essential character that defines James Bond. The actors have broadly stayed true to the inherent mix of character and class associated with James Bond.
For this reason I have some empathy towards your concern that Bond would be held hostage to the current zeitgeist of white washing or genderising everything so as to avoid being a victim of cancel culture. But it’s only empathy because I feel there is a danger of misunderstanding just who James Bond is and what he represents.
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What do I mean by this?
I mentioned James Bond is a malleable character to the point he’s presented as a blank slate. This is ‘literally’ true - certainly as far as the books go. Ian Fleming doesn’t tell us much about Bond other than his appearance in his books. Indeed - as I mentioned in my past blog post on Connery as the best Bond - Fleming wasn’t convinced by Connery as Bond. He was reported to have said, ‘I’m looking for Commander Bond and not an overgrown stuntman’ and even dismissed Connery as “that fucking truck driver”. Fleming has good reason to rage. His Bond as written in the books was someone like him.
Like Fleming, Bond was an Eton educated Englishman; an officer and a (rogue) gentleman who was a lieutenant-commander in Naval Intelligence. As Connery began to wow and win over Fleming as Bond, Fleming had a change of heart. Fleming in his later Bond books re-wrote a half-Scottish ancestry for Bond as a tribute to Connery’s portrayal. Bond’s Scottish father was a Royal Navy captain and later an arms dealer, Andrew Bond from Glencoe; and his mother, Monique Delacroix, was Swiss from an industrial family. Bond himself was born in Zurich. Bond isn’t English at all but half-Scots and half-Swiss according to literary canon.
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So I mention this because the question who can play James Bond is not as straight forward as it might seem.
But clearly we now have a canon of work, both cinematically and in the literature, where we have base line of who Bond is - or what audiences could possibly suspend their disbelief and go with what is presented to them as James Bond.
I do vaguely remember the hullabaloo and hand wringing around Daniel Craig playing Bond because he didn’t conform to the traditional tall, dark, and handsome trope of James Bond super suave spy. People couldn’t get past his blond hair. Some still can’t. But in my humble opinion he has been an outstanding James Bond and has reimagined Bond in a fresh and exciting way. Craig is in fact mining the Fleming books for his characterisation of Bond as a suave, gritty, humourless killer of the books. Dalton got there before him but that’s a moot point. To our current generation Craig has modernised Bond and dusted 007 down from being a relic of the Cold War to being a relevant 21st Century super spy.
Can anyone play James Bond OO7? Yes and no. It’s arguing that two different things are one and the same. They are not. James Bond is separate from OO7.  
Can a woman play Jane Bond or a black woman or non-white man play Black Bond? Respectfully, no. That’s not who James Bond is.
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James Bond is a flesh and blood character with a specific genealogical history - whether in the books or on the screen. This Bond has literary back story that is canon and makes him who he is. Bond does transcend time - he can’t be 38 years old for over 75 years in the real world - but at the same time his character only makes sense when rooted in a specific historic context we know existed (and still exists) and not some wishy washy make believe fantasy of British society. He’s an Old Etonian and therefore an upper middle class male product of the British establishment that is identifiable in a very British cultural context.
Jane Bond would have to have gone to Cheltenham Ladies College, Benneden, or Roedean I suppose if we are talking about equivalence - but such girls’ boarding schools were not the breeding ground for future spies (more likely they married them or became trusted secretaries in the intelligence services as well as flower arranging in their Anglican parish church).
I believe they are letting in black pupils on bursaries at Eton these days to be more inclusive but again it’s an an exception not the rule and Eton doesn’t even get public credit for the inclusive work they try to do because it’s not well known.
Moreover we know Bond loses his Scottish-Swiss parents in a skiing accident. I don’t mean to sound racist but I ski a lot in Switzerland and I can say you don’t really find droves of non-white skiers on the slopes of Verbier or Zermatt. Of course there are a few but it’s the exception and not the norm. Again, I’m not trying to be racist but just point out some obvious things when it pertains to the credibility of character that underlines who Bond is. You pull one thread out of the literary biography and the danger is the rest of the tapestry will unravel.
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Of course one could try and go for a Black Bond on screen and then hope there is a huge suspension of belief on the part of the audience. But I suspect it’s a bridge too far. It just doesn’t fit. Audiences around the world have an image of who Bond is - British at the very least but also male (damaged and flawed in many ways) and coming from a specific British social class background that serves as an entree to a closed world of English gentleman clubs, Savile Row, English sports cars, and the hushed corridors of Whitehall.
Any woke film maker with an ounce of creative vision and talent and one who is invested in this would be better off creating a new character entirely - with their own specific biography that is both believable and relatable. Can you imagine an American James Bond? What a ghastly thought. Or worse a Canadian one? Canadians are far too nice and far too apologetic to produce a cruel cold eyed killer. But look what clever film makers like Spielberg and Lucas did with Indiana Jones and even later Doug Liman did with Jason Bourne - both fantastic creations that are part of the cultural zeitgeist now.
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Or look at Charlize Theron who plays a MI6/CIA/KGB triple agent in Atomic Blonde or Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust in any of the Mission Impossible movies. I would eagerly watch any movies with these two badass women on the screen. All this talk about making Bond a woman or even coloured is just lazy thinking at best and at worst kow towing to the populist tides of PC brigade.
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But I firmly believe one can have a female and a person of colour portraying 007. This is because James Bond and OO7 are two different things entirely. Many mistakenly believe 007 is Bond’s own code name and specific alias to him alone.  
007 is a license to kill for a very specialised kind of intelligence officer. Bond has that privilege for as long as he serves at the service of Her Majesty’s pleasure. His 007 license can be revoked - and it has been in the past Bond films - and he’s back to being a just another desk jockey civil servant in Whitehall. So my point is OO7 is not sacred to Bond’s identity. Bond could continue to be Bond even if M took away his 007 license to kill.
The origins of the Double O title may date to Fleming's wartime service in Naval Intelligence. According to World War Two historian Damien Lewis in his book Churchill's Secret Warriors, agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) were given a “0” prefix when they became "zero-rated" upon completion of training in how to kill. As part of his role as assistant to the head of naval intelligence, Rear Admiral John Godfrey (himself the inspiration for M), Fleming acted as liaison to the SOE.
In the novel Moonraker it’s established that the section routinely has three agents concurrently; the film series, beginning with Thunderball, establishes the number of OO agents at a minimum of 9. Fleming himself only mentions five OO agents in all. According to Moonraker, James Bond is the most senior of three OO agents; the two others were OO8 and OO11. The three men share an office and a secretary named Loelia Ponsonby. Later novels feature two more OO agents; OO9 is mentioned in Thunderball and OO6 is mentioned in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
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Other authors have elaborated and expanded upon the OO agents. While they presumably have been sent on dangerous missions as Bond has, little has been revealed about most of them. Several have been named, both by Fleming and other authors, along with passing references to their service records, which suggest that agents are largely recruited (as Bond was) from the British military's special forces.
Interestingly, In the novel You Only Live Twice, Bond was transferred into another branch and given the number 7777, suggesting there was no active agent 007 in that time; he is later reinstated as 007 in the novel The Man with the Golden Gun. As an aside, in Fleming's Moonraker, OO agents face mandatory retirement at 45 years old. However Sebastian Faulks's Devil May Care (an authorised Bond adventure from the Fleming estate and therefore arguably could be considered canon) features M giving Bond a choice of when to retire - which explains why Roger Moore (God bless) went past his sell by date.
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In the films the OO section is a discrete area of MI6, whose agents report directly to M, and tend to be sent on special assignments and troubleshooting missions, often involving rogue agents (from Britain or other countries) or situations where an "ordinary" intelligence operation uncovers or reveals terrorist or criminal activity too sensitive to be dealt with using ordinary procedural or legal measures, and where the aforementioned discretionary "licence to kill" is deemed necessary or useful in rectifying the situation.
The World is Not Enough introduces a special insignia for the 00 Section. Bond's fellow OO agents appear receiving briefings in Thunderball and The World Is Not Enough. The latter film shows a woman in one of the 00 chairs. In Thunderball, there are nine chairs for the OO agents; Moneypenny says every 00 agent in Europe has been recalled, not every OO agent in the world. Behind the scenes photos of the film reveal that one of the agents in the chairs is female as well. As with the books, other writers have elaborated and expanded upon the OO agents in the films and in other media.
In GoldenEye, 006 is an alias for Alec Trevelyan; as of 2019, Trevelyan is the only OO agent other than Bond to play a major role in an EON Productions film, with all other appearances either being brief or dialogue references only.
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In Casino Royale with Daniel Craig’s first outing as Bond, we see in the introduction the tense exchange between Bond and Dryden, a section chief whom Bond has been sent to kill for selling secrets.  
James Bond: M really doesn't mind you earning a little money on the side, Dryden. She'd just prefer it if it wasn't selling secrets. Dryden: If the theatrics are supposed to scare me, you have the wrong man Bond. If M was so sure I was bent...she'd have sent a Double-O. Benefits of being Section Chief...I would know of anyone being promoted to Double-O status, wouldn't I? Your file shows no kills...and it takes - James Bond: - two. (flashback of Bond fighting Dryden's contact in a bathroom.)
The OO is just a coveted position and nothing to do with who occupies it. Ito use a topical comparative example it’s like a football team in which a new star player would be given an ex-player’s shirt number e.g. Messi wears Number 10 for Argentina which is heavily identified with the late great Maradona. So conceivably there would be no problem having a woman or anyone else play 007. I think it would be an interesting creative choice to have a woman or someone else play OO7 and Bond is out of the service and yet he has to work together with this new OO7 - the creative tension would be a refreshing twist on the canon. 
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Your question about James Bond’s Oxford or Cambridge education is more easier to answer.
It really depends again which Bond one is talking about. The literary James Bond or the cinematic Bond.
In the Fleming books, James Bond’s didn’t go to Oxford or Cambridge or any of the other great universities of Britain. In the books Bond’s education is not gone into much detail. We know he was raised overseas until he was orphaned at the age of 11 when his parents died in a mountaineering accident near Chamonix in the Alps. He is home schooled for a time by an aunt, Charmain Bond, in the English village of Pett Bottom before being packed off to boarding school at Eton around 12 years old. Bond doesn’t stay long as he gets expelled for playing around with a maid. He is then sent to his father’s boarding school in Scotland, Fettes College.
Bond is then briefly attends the University of Geneva - as Ian Fleming did - before being taught to ski in Kitzbühel. In 1941 Bond joins a branch of what was to become the Ministry of Defence and becomes a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, ending the war as a commander. Bond applies to M for a position within the "Secret Service", part of the HM Civil Service, and rises to the rank of principal officer. And that’s it.
In the cinematic Bond universe things get more complicated and even contentious as you alluded to in your question. It’s never made quite clear which of the two - Oxford or Cambridge - Bond attended because it depends on how much weight you attach to the lines being spoken in each of the films where it is raised.
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In Tomorrow Never Dies, Bond is up at Oxford (New College to be exact since his Aston Martin DB5 was parked in the courtyard at the entrance). He is seen bedding a sexy Danish professor, Inga Bergstrom, to brush up on his Danish (to which Moneypenny on the phone retorts ‘You always were a cunning linguist’). But it’s definitely doesn’t mean Bond studied there as an undergraduate. 
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Casino Royale is the film many think yes, James Bond went to Oxford because it is mentioned by Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) as she sizes up Daniel Craig’s Bond on the train. Here is the full quote as said by Vesper Lynd, “All right... by the cut of your suit, you went to Oxford or wherever. Naturally you think human beings dress like that. But you wear it with such disdain, my guess is you didn't come from money, and your school friends never let you forget it. Which means you were at that school by the grace of someone else's charity - hence that chip on your shoulder. And since your first thought about me ran to "orphan," that's what I'd say you are.”
The thing to note is that it’s Vesper Lynd taunting Bond and even then she takes a wide stab by saying ‘Oxford or wherever’ because she doesn’t really know and Bond doesn’t oblige her with an answer.
That whole scene struck me as strange because she’s guessing by the cut of the suit it must be Oxford (or Cambridge). Bond is wearing an Italian suit (Brioni to be specific) and not and English Savile Row one that presumably someone of Bond’s taste and background would be sporting.
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A more plausible answer if we are going by the cinematic Bond universe is Cambridge. Indeed it is stated explicitly by Bond himself. Can you guess?
You Only Live Twice which is has the distinction of being the only Bond film (as far as I can tell) from being set in just one country - Japan.
You remember the scene. Lieutenant commander James Bond has just had a briefing with M on board a submarine and is naturally flirting with Moneypenny on his way out. Moneypenny playfully tosses him a Japanese phrase book, saying he might need it.
“You forget,” Bond responds with an expression just short of a smirk as he tosses it back to her, “I took a first in oriental languages at Cambridge.”
So it seems James Bond is a Cambridge man.
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A first means - as any British university student would know - first class honours. It’s the highest classification grade one can get in their undergraduate degree ie a ‘first’. Although at Cambridge, like Oxford, you can also get a double first in the part I and part II of the Tripos. Both universities also award first-class honours with distinction, informally known as a ‘Starred First’ (Cambridge) or a ‘Congratulatory First’ (Oxford).
Another oddity is he says ‘oriental languages’ when one got a degree in ‘oriental studies’ at the Oriental Faculty at Cambridge. That is until 2007 when Cambridge bowed to public and student pressure and chose to drop its Oriental Faculty label and instead adopted the name the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Oxford still hangs on to its name the Faculty of Oriental Studies.
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My only reservation about crowing over an Oxonian is how truthful was Bond being with Moneypenny in this scene?
Is this line meant to be taken seriously or ironically? Most people seem to take it seriously, despite much of Connery's dialogue being obviously ironic and playful. Certainly, Bond is shown to have never been to Japan before and is incapable of saying anything in Japanese other than the odd "sayonara" and "arigato." But then again Bond does know the correct temperature sake is meant to be served at. So there’s that.
Or it could be Bond was speaking a half-truth. I know speaking from experience as someone who very nearly read asian languages instead of my eventual choice of Classics that ‘Oriental languages’ at the ex-Oriental faculty in Cambridge can mean many other languages e.g. Sanskrit, Hindi, Farsi, Hebrew, Arabic as well as Korean, Japanese and Chinese. It opens up so many other delicious possibilities for Bond. If he read Arabic then perhaps he’s being deeply ironic with Moneypenny (after all she would have drooled over read his MI6 personnel file).
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If you think I’m losing my mind then ponder on the fact it was Roald Dahl who penned the screenplay of You Only Live Twice. Dahl was not above snark. Indeed pretty sure he would have got a starred first in snark at any university.
Of course the most obvious explanation is that it’s plot armour as a way for Bond to just get on with the story by suspending the audience belief. Why wouldn’t Bond know Japanese? He seems to know everything else imaginable.
However if it ever was it’s now become canon as EON - the production company behind the Bond films - have stated officially for the fandom that Bond’s official bio has it that he went to Eton and Cambridge, where he got a first in oriental languages. So that seems settled then.
In hindsight it makes perfect sense that Bond went to Cambridge since historically Cambridge has provided the bulk of the spies not just for Her Majesty’s service but also for the other side, the Russians - the so-called Cambridge Spies of Philby, Maclean, Burgess, Blunt, and Cairncross, and a host of other traitors. We seem to be an equal opportunities employment service.
I’m sorry to disappoint you and other Oxonians that despite what you might think James Bond didn’t attend Oxford. Believe me as a Cantabrigian it gives me no pleasure to say this…..too much.
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Thanks for your question.
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twomoonstwosuns · 3 years
Text
at first sight [bonus chapter]
back to you [series masterlist]
pairing: professor!poe dameron x reader
warning: none? language?
word count: 2.5k
a/n: well im sorry this took so long to get up...we are struggling hard right now. and if you are too, know you're not alone and we’ll get through this <3 stay tuned for this same chapter but from poe’s POV
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New year, new me. You told yourself the same thing at the beginning of each school year. 
Although it was usually just said on New Year’s Eve in preparations for the brand new year, you felt it applied to starting a new semester as well: new classes, new teachers, new schedule, new routine. It was also the beginning of your senior year of college, your last first day of school ever. So in a way, you were preparing for something new. You’d graduate before you knew it and then adulthood would creep up on you. 
But you could hardly wait to see what the next two semesters would bring you in the meantime. 
You made sure to leave your apartment early to stop at your favorite coffee stand in the student center. Waving at your friend Qi’Ra behind the counter, you got yourself in line and replied to your mom and sister’s happy first day texts. 
“I knew I’d find you here.”
The familiar voice of your best friend Karé made you smile and you squealed quietly as you hugged her. She had spent the night with her boyfriend Snap after being out of town the last week before school, so you hadn’t seen her after you moved in.
“I’ve missed you! How was your vacation?”
“Awesome as usual. Weather was amazing, we spent everyday out on the water. Snap’s sunburn is finally starting to heal.”
“God yeah, you sent me that picture of his back…that looked awful.”
She nodded. “He was all ‘oh, there’s lots of clouds in the sky, it’s not going to be that bad’ and now I get to hold this over him for the rest of his life.”
You laughed as she rolled her eyes as you finally got to the counter. Qi’Ra already knew your order by heart and, like the first day of every new semester, she gave you your drink free of charge. She whipped it up right away, handing it to you with the promise of getting together soon. You and Karé walked outside, the bright sunshine making your drink sweat and the both wish you didn’t have to spend the next couple hours stuck inside. 
“So, how’s the stuff with your dad going?”
You shrugged. “If I had spoken to him at all since he walked out, I’d have something to tell you.”
Karé’s shoulders slumped. “No…seriously?”
You sighed and nodded as you stirred your drink.
“Not one word. I told you my uncle came by a few days after he left to tell us he was okay?” Karé nodded. “A couple of weeks went by and the next thing I know, he’s filing for divorce. But he hasn’t actually talked to Tallie and I.”
“Y/N, I’m so sorry…”
You sighed heavily and shook your head. “It’s whatever. Nothing I can do. Haven’t talked to him since and he abandoned us for his secretary so I don’t plan on talking to him at all.”
Karé nodded slowly and reached over and squeezed your arm and you gave her a small smile of appreciation.
“Anyway…what class are you off to first?”
“My advanced math class.” You made a face and she chuckled. “Yeah, you’re not jealous at all, are you?”
“Not even a little bit.”
“What about you?”
“Oh, I get to start out my day with my half semester class…three hours, twice a week, tons of homework.”
“Fun. Who’s your professor?”
You grabbed your phone from your pocket, bringing up your schedule and looking at the details.
“Uhhh, Dameron. Heard of him?”
“I think he’s one of the newer teachers here.”
“Well, hopefully he’s good.” You took a sip of your drink and checked the time on your phone. “Guess I’ll go find out.”
“See you later, then.”
Karé gave you a quick hug and you walked in opposite directions. You walked to the building of your classroom and though you were grateful for the air conditioning, you hoped that since it was the first day you’d be let out early. The sun was out, flowers were still blooming along the sidewalks despite the late season. Fall semester was always the one you dreaded the most…stuck inside staring at four blank walls during your favorite kind of weather. 
The classroom was on the third level, which meant minimal traffic in the halls and big windows that showed a great view of campus. The blinds were open, allowing sunlight to flood into the room and making it that much more welcoming. A few students were already seated and the professor nowhere in sight but his stuff at his desk. You made your way into the room, not finding a friend yet, and walked to a seat right around the middle of the room. You took your things out and waited and scrolled through three different social media apps as more students trickled in. Your name was called and you looked up and saw a girl you worked with the previous semester and smiled as she sat down next to you. At least you kind of knew one person in the class. 
“Alright, let’s get started.”
One glance up at the source of the voice was not enough as you practically did a double take. Your professor was an extremely handsome man. Dark hair sat on top of his head in a mess of curls that laid just between styled and unruly. You could see from your seat that his eyes were dark…brown, maybe. He was young; you guessed that he couldn’t be more than thirty-five. As he came around from behind his desk, you took notice of the way his dark blue jeans fit snugly around   big thighs. His sleeves were pushed up to show off tan forearms and as he leaned back against his desk, he crossed his arms in front of his broad chest.
“Good morning, everyone.” Three simple words grabbed the attention of every girl in class. “I’m Professor Dameron. I hope you all had a great summer. I don’t know about some of you, but I am very excited to get this semester going.”
There was some polite laughter. He was using a light, friendly tone of voice, making sure his very first impression on people wouldn’t wasn’t a bad one. 
“Subject-wise, this is one of my favorite classes to teach. The only way I could get this class in this year was to teach it in half the amount of time as a normal class. I’m warning you now, this is going to be a busy class. We are fitting about fifteen weeks worth of stuff into seven weeks. Attendance is going to be very, very important.” 
Some of the students visibly gulped, others nodded slowly as the realization of how much work would have to go into this class started to sink in. “Don’t worry, I will have lots of resources to help you guys. Um, just an example…I will make all of the lectures and slides available on the portal after class, including any key notes from the textbook and discussions that come up during class. That being said, you still need to attend class. I’ll go over more of this when we go through the syllabus.”
You admired him as he spoke. The hint of smile on his face showed his excitement for the class and the new semester. His voice was smooth like honey and you were sure you could listen to him spout off the most boring stuff in the world and not tire of it.
“First things first…attendance.” He turned to grab his clipboard and you and the girl next to you both checked out his ass. “In lied of just calling your names, we’re going to do an icebreaker.”
The collection of heavy sighs made him chuckle lightly. “I know, I know…they’re not always fun and you’ll probably do a whole bunch more after today. Personally, I like to get to know my students. We’ll be spending a lot of time together this semester and the more comfortable you feel talking to me, the more open you’ll be to telling me what you need to help you succeed in this class. So, let’s do it and get it over with. Tell me your name, something fun you did over the summer, your favorite type of music and…what do you think? Favorite color? Favorite animal? “Let’s do favorite animal.”
Glancing around, you saw people look anywhere but at their teacher, hoping they wouldn’t catch his eye and make them go first. 
“Alright, come on guys, you’re acting like I’m going to pull your teeth out. I’ll go first. My name is Poe, this summer I visited my dad in Colorado where I grew up and saw friends that live on both coasts. I’m a big fan of classic rock but catch me jamming to a pop song every now and then…” That got some laughs from the class and he laughed with them. “Seriously, anything by the Weeknd.”
“The Weeknd has a lot of songs about sex,” the girl next to you whispered and you nearly choked as you took a sip out of your water bottle. 
“And my favorite animal is a dog. Alright, let’s start in the back.”
One by one students introduced themselves. He asked questions about their summer jobs and their summer vacations, genuinely interested in the details and making them feel comfortable talking to him. A couple of people named weird animals as their favorite, such as lizards and dinosaurs, that spurred further discussions and got the class completely off track. It was all fun and games until you got to your row and you counted how many people were before you and practiced what you would say in your head.
“Okay, um, I’m Y/N…” Poe looked at the attendance list, finding your name and marking you down in attendance. “I didn’t do anything super special over the summer, just worked my two jobs and went to the cabin with friends and family. I like pretty much any kind of music, as long as it’s got a good beat I don’t really care what genre it is…though I am a sucker for pop music sometimes. And my favorite animal is an elephant.”
Poe cracked a smile and you let out a quiet sigh of relief as the girl next to you introduced herself. As social as you were, you still hated speaking in front of a classroom full of people. 
“Okay, see? That wasn’t so bad.” Poe teased as the last person finished speaking. A few people laughed and you smiled. Almost an hour into class and you already knew this would be one of the classes you’d look forward to the most. “Let’s start going over the syllabus. I’ll have you pass these down and I’ll bring it up on the screen here…”
He handed a stack of papers to a student in the front row and they started passing them down. Poe went back around his desk and connected his laptop to the projector. The desktop image of a Corgi laying in the grass with a toy appeared and you along with half the girls in the class let out not subtle aww’s.
“That’s my dog, Beebs.” Poe smiled sheepishly when he noticed the screen had popped up.
“How old is he?” One of the girls from the back asked. 
“He’s probably three, three and a half…I rescued him as a puppy so I’m not too sure.”
More aww’s filled the room as he brought the syllabus up onto the screen. You grabbed one when it reached you and passed it along and a quick glance through the five pages showed the class schedule and detailed expectations. When everyone had a copy, he started going over it, talking about the schedule in extreme detail and laying out what a typical class day would look like.
Poe finished up the syllabus and gave you a fifteen minute break before diving into the first chapter. His teaching style was the dream, the way that every teacher should teach: not too fast, not too slow, answering every single question before moving on, and making sure everyone was keeping up. 
Despite it being a three hour class, you no longer dreaded it…you knew that Poe would do as much as he could to help you all succeed. 
“Alright, homework for Thursday: chapter two, print out the study guide and start working on it. We’ll finish our chapter one discussion then as well. You’re good to go.”
You gathered up your things, shoving them into your backpack and checking the time to see you had just enough to grab something to eat before your next class. You had just reached the top of the stairs when you realized you hadn’t put your water bottle into your backpack. Letting out an annoyed groan, you doubled back up the stairs towards your classroom. You snuck in past a couple of students that were just leaving and beelined for your desk, making Poe look up at you.
“Sorry, forgot my water bottle.”
You found it tucked under your seat and grabbed it, giving him a small smile as you passed to head back out the door. 
“Why elephant?”
Looking back at him, you saw an easy smile on his face. “Sorry?”
“You said your favorite animal was an elephant. Usually it’s household pets or animals that live in the forest…or apparently lizards and t-rex’s. Why elephant?”
You shrugged with a nervous smile. “I, um…I don’t know. I just think they’re beautiful and strong and they roll around in the mud and water and act like such babies…baby elephants actually suck on their trunks like babies suck on their fingers—“
“Do they?” You blushed hard, feeling like you just made a fool of yourself. “So you don’t just think they’re cute…you’re practically an expert on them?”
His tone wasn’t teasing like you expected, but instead curious at the knowledge you shared. 
“No, I actually saw that on one of those random Facebook videos.”
A heartfelt laugh erupted from his chest and you laughed with him. 
“I know what you’re talking about,” he said as he continued packing up his bag. “They’re those videos that are on random pages you liked years ago or from a news source…I’ve actually found some good recipes from them.”
“So you know. Random but good information.”
He nodded and you felt your phone buzz in your hand. You looked down at it and saw a message and noticed the time. 
“I should go, um I have class…I’ll see you around, Mr. Dameron.”
You gave him a small wave and internally cringed at yourself as you headed towards the door, the flush of embarrassment in your face.
It was going to be an interesting semester. 
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