#hold his partner gently like sock monkey

[thebusytypewriter]

I am in schoolwork hell rn so bishops will wait until I’m no longer drowning. For now have a preview via some Leshy and Basil (yellow cat) doodles I did while I was definitely paying attention in class mhm

[sassyduckqueen]

Miraculous: Rise of Anatis 34

Holy crap, I'm alive haha Ok, so this was suppose to be out for Halloween... sadly I didn't make it due to lack of inspiration and overthinking. Thank you, brain. Anyway, here's the latest chapter of ROA! So a quick warning before you read this. There is mentions of physical and emotional abuse and a scene of verbal abuse and hints of violent towards a minor so I am issuing out a trigger warning. I have tried to make it bearable to read but it is there never the less. Also this chapter is the first chapter that has a different lucky charm to the OG and also no Evil Lady Noir or Anatis. That isn't their nightmares. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter :D

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Chapter 34: Sandboy

Luka hummed to himself lightly as he watched the latest video on the Ladyblog. Alya had done a compilation on the best cat memes on the internet that had featured Lady Noir. He laughed gently as he watched it, wiping his eye a little. His partner was crazy but he wouldn't change her for the world. He loved how he could rely on her and how she always had his back. He chuckled again before he looked at Tikki, frowning as he noticed she looked sad. He paused the video and sat up, gently look at her.

 "Tikki, is everything ok?" He asked as he noticed her song. It was full of sad notes and seemed melodramatic. Not at all her usual tune. She let out a little sigh, looking at him. "What's wrong? Are you sick again?"

 "No, Luka," She mumbled, sitting up and looking at him. "I'm not ill,"

 "You're sad," He mumbled, gently scoping her into his hands. "Wanna talk about it?"

 "It's the Kwami Nooroo's transmission tonight..." She sighed, looking sadly. Nooroo. Luka frowned as he recognized the name. Why did that seem so familiar? His eyes widen as he realized it was the name of Hawkmoth's kwami. 

 "Hawkmoth's kwami?" He asked, getting a nod of her.

 "Yes... he's celebrating his 3500th cycle today... all by himself," She sighed, looking down. Luka frowned as he wasn't how to cheer her up.

 "Tikki, I promise we'll free him one day I promise," He whispered, making her look at him.

 "Well, there may be a faster solution," She mumbled, making him raise an eyebrow. "You see Kwamis are able to communicate with their kind on their cycle or as you call it birthday but we won't get another opportunity for a long time. See a kwami's cycle lasts several hundred of years,"

 "So you could find out where he is?" Luka asked with a hopeful look in his eyes before he frowned and looked at her. "But how would you do that?"

 "The kwamis must gather in the miracle box at a specific time,"

 "That's great," Luka grinned. "When is that time?"

"Tonight..." She mumbled, looking down. Luka frowned a little. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but Master Fu didn't want us to leave our owners' side. He said we have to be able to transform straight away if an akuma turns up,"

 "While he has a point, this is a once in a life time opportunity," Luka mumbled before he looked at Tikki. "I think you should go. If you can contact Nooroo then maybe he can give us his location and in turn maybe we can rescue him and defeat Hawkmoth,"

 "Really? I can go?" She gasped, causing him to nod before she flew at him, hugging herself against his chest. "Oh, thank you, Luka! I won't let you down,"

 "I know, Tikki," He smiled as she pulled away before she flew out and grabbed one of his highlighters. "Tell the kwamis I say hi,"

 "I will," She grinned. "Sweet dreams, Luka,"

 "Have a good time, Tikki,"

 ~Meanwhile at Marinette's~

 "Oh, boy! I am exhausted!!" Plagg gasped, pretending to yawn as Marinette worked on her latest project. "I'm gonna head to bed!!"

 "Ok, Plagg, have sweet dreams," She replied as she grabbed some more material. He smirked and placed a sock that resembled him into his little bed that Marinette had made him. A tiny part of him felt a little bad that he was going off but he had a plan with Wayzz and Tikki plus they needed to contact Nooroo. If he could be contacted then they could learn Hawkmoth's real identity. The good outweighed the evil. With his mind reassured, he flew up through the sky light and out into the night, carrying a piece of cheese with him. He flew as quickly as he could to where Tikki said she would meet him and smiled a little bit to himself when he saw her. She was sat staring up at the sky while holding a yellow highlighter. He flew over to her and grinned.

 "Hey, sugar cube!" He smirked, making her look at him.

 "Uh, I've already told you not to call me that," She declared, glaring at him. "Do you ever hear me calling you stinky sock?"

 "Noo... but you should," He grinned, making her frown. "Cause that would be delightful, Sugar Cube,"

 She huffed and flew off, making him follow her as they headed to Master Fu's. 

 "Sooo... what lies did you tell your owner to sneak out tonight?" He asked, grinning at her. Tikki rolled her eyes and looked at him.

 "Actually, I told him the honest truth," She declared, making him make a thoughtful look.

 "Oh... maybe I should try that some day and see what it's like," He suggested before throwing the chuck of cheese up and swallowing it whole. Tikki gasped and glared at him.

 "Plagg! You should have saved some for the others," She scolded as he grinned at her.

 "True but I was so grossed out by your kindness that it made me really hungry," He explained, looking at her but she rolled her eyes before looking ahead as they flew. She let out a little sigh, making Plagg look at her. "Something wrong, Sugarcube?"

 "It's nothing..." She sighed, frowning a little. "I... I just hope we can get in contact with Nooroo,"

 "So do I," He admitted, feeling his eyes fill up with tears. He really missed Nooroo. He sniffed a little, getting Tikki's attention.

 "Are you crying?" She asked, causing him to look at her.

 "Who? Me? Of course not," He gasped, shaking his head to get rid of his tears. "Are you kidding?! Come on... let's race! The last one there won't get any cheese!!"

 With that, he rushed off, causing Tikki to smile and follow them. It didn't get them long before they arrived. They flew over to the door and Tikki gently knocked on it before Plagg opened the door and flew in.

 "Hey Wayzz!" He declared, getting Wayzz attention. "How's it going?!"

 "Ssh!! You'll wake up master," He gasped, pointing to Master Fu who was snorting and had a magazine over his face. Wayzz turned to them and gestured for them to follow him. They flew over to where the phonograph was before Tikki and Plagg turn to Wayzz. "If you mange to contact Nooroo, wish him a happy 3500 cycles for me,"

 "We sure will, Wayzz," Tikki declared before Plagg and her flew into the cylinder and towards the miracle box. They entered into the little pocket world that existed within the miracle box and floated down towards a collection of odd objects.

 "Hi everybody!" Plagg declared, looking around. "We're here!!"

 As soon as he said that, the Kwamis peeked out from the objects and floated over, happy to see the two other kwamis.

 "Tikki, Plagg!!" Ziggy, the goat Kwami, gasped as she floated over, along with the others. "You came!"

 The other kwamis cheered and surrounded them as Plagg and Tikki smiled.

 "With you two here, we'll be able to get in contact with Nooroo for sure," She declared, causing the rest of the kwamis to cheer again. Pollen floated over and smiled sweetly at them.

 "Good day to you, noble kwamis of creation and destruction," She declared but before she could finish her greeting, Daizzi, the pig kwami, floated over excitedly.

 "Oooh!! What did you bring? What did you bring?" He asked, clearly excited as the rest of the kwamis floated over, clearly interested as well. Plagg stepped forward and cleared his throat.

 "Brothers and sisters living within the world of the miracle box... on this special day, I brought you some delicious cheese!" He declared, getting impressed cheers before he pouted and looked sorrowful. "Unfortunately, I had to sacrifice it on the way here to feed a poor, starving kitten!!"

 He placed his paw on his forehead for dramatic effect, causing the rest of the kwamis to coo and aww at his 'noble' sacrifice.

 "Aww, that's just so cute," Ziggy declared as Tikki shook her head.

 "What about you, Tikki?!" Daizzi asked excitedly. Tikki smiled and turned to them.

 "From my owner's home, I bring you this," She stated, looking at the highlighter. The kwamis grabbed the pen of her and began to examine it with Roarr declaring it as a paintbrush. Even if that wasn't correct. Tikki smiled as Sass floated over to her and Plagg before clearly her voice, getting the attention of the other kwamis. "My owner also sends his greetings,"

 "Really?" Daizzi asked, surprised as Pollen smiled.

 "Tell my prince that I return his greeting," She smiled, bowing. Plagg snorted but Tikki smiled as Xuppa, the monkey kwami, floated over to a Walkman that was set up like a DJ booth.

 "Let's get this party started!!" He declared, pressing the button to start playing some songs. Instantly, the other kwamis began to dance and cheer, clearly enjoying themselves as Sass turned to Tikki and Plagg.

 "Your owners were wise to give you permission to come," He declared, making Tikki nod.

 "Yes, Sass. Lu-" She suddenly burped little red bubbles, making her gasp as Plagg laughed.

 "Your owner," Sass grinned, knowing she meant Luka as Plagg teased her.

 "You forgot about the magic spell," He chuckled. "We can't say our owner's name to each other, remember?"

 "Yes!" Tikki grinned before turning back to Plagg. "My owner is the best Ladybug I've ever served. He's very creative and compassionate,"

 "Yes, he seemed that way when I met him," Sass nodded, smiling. "In fact, I sense that he would make an excellent snake. It takes a lot of skill to be able to use the snake miraculous and the ladybug miraculous at the same time,"

 "Yes, Red Mumba was a very powerful merge," Tikki nodded. "And Plagg helped too,"

 "Of course," Sass nodded, smiling at Plagg before he looked back at Plagg. "When you return to your owner, send my regards to him,"

 "Of course, Sass," Tikki nodded, getting a smile of the snake.

 "Now back to the matter at hand," He stated, smiling. "We are very fortunate that the guardian also agreed to this, otherwise we may not get another chance to try and find Nooroo,"

 "Yes! Which reminds me... Tikki, shall we dance?" Plagg grinned. "We need to properly celebrate our friend Nooroo after all,"

 With that, he grabbed Tikki and joined the other kwamis in dancing. 

 ~Meanwhile at Marinette's~

 "Hmmm... Adrien..." Marinette muttered in her sleep, smiling to herself as she dreamt. She turned to her side. "We'll have a house... but... Luka... hmm... Luka... we'll have a cat... hmm forget the cat... cats and boats don't go well together...but Adrien... hmm..."

 "Marinette..." Adrien's voice made her jolt awake as she looked around but she didn't see anything yet somehow her room feel strange and eerie. 

 "What- what's going on?" She gasped as she sat up. She could hear the sound of footsteps, moving towards her bed. She felt frightened and unsure as she heard someone climb towards her before a hand suddenly grabbed her railing and Adrien pulled himself up. Only he didn't look like Adrien. She frowned. It did look like him but something was wrong. However, she could put her finger on it as he smiled at her. "Adrien?"

 "Do you want to know my secret, Marinette?" He drew out her name, sending shivers down her spine and making her shake her head as she cupped her face. He twisted his head to the side in an unnatural manner. "I'm in love with a girl and her name is Chloe!!"

 Marinette let out a scream and threw her covers over him but a dark chuckle made her look towards the rest of her room. Sat on the chaise was Luka but like Adrien, there was something wrong about him. He had a nasty smirk on his lips. A sneer that reminded her of Lila to a certain degree. He stood up and glared up at her.

 "Pathetic," He snarled, shocking her. "You're a stupid, clumsy girl who has zero talent. Do you really think I actually like you? I'm only friends with you because it works in my favor. The only thing you're good for is to help me become famous and once I've done that... well, then there's no use for you anymore... is there, Marinette?"

 He dragged out her name too as he walked over in a slow and menacing way. The fake Adrien grabbed her leg, causing her to scream before she shoved him back down and used him to jump up to her sky light before climbing out of it and closing it. 

 "That was definitely not the real Luka or Adrien," She muttered, frowning deeply as she backed away from the skylight. She heard screams, making her look over her balcony and seeing a lot of Parisians running around from things such as T-Rexs or sentient cars. She frowned deeply before she noticed something in the sky. She looked up and saw it was a little boy on some sort of cloud. She frowned to herself as she noticed he blended in with the night sky and his cloud seemed to be dusting everyone with some sort of sand. He had to be an akuma.

 "The Sandboy just checked in," He declared, confirming her theory. "Now nightmares can begin,"

 "He must be bringing nightmares to life," She muttered as she heard her skylight open.

 "One day, Chloe and I are going to have a house together and we're have a hamster together called Marinetteee!!" The nightmare Adrien called out, dragging her name out again. She rushed over but nightmare Luka suddenly grabbed her wrist.

 "Marinette!" He snarled, roughly grabbing her. "You're nothing to me. I hate your designs, I hate the color pink and I hate you!"

 "And you're not real," She gasped, kicking him in the face. She knocked him back into Adrien and closed the skylight again before holding out her hand. "Plagg! Claws out!!"

 She closed her eyes, expecting to transform but opened them when nothing happened before gasping as the skylight was pushed open again, knocking her back. This time, Nightmare Luka climbed out, followed by Nightmare Adrien. Both glared down at her as she stared up at them.

 "How pathetic," Nightmare Luka growled. "You're the worst superhero ever,"

 "Marinetteeee!!" Nightmare Adrien shook as he screeched her name. She got up and backed away from them. She needed to wake up Plagg. "The prettiest and smartest one of all is Chloeeee!"

 "Agree to disagree," She declared as both nightmares dived at her but she dodged both and jumped through her skylight, closing it behind her. She slid down the rail near her  bed before landing on the floor and rushing over to Plagg's bed. She gasped as she found a sock version Plagg in place of the real one, meaning Plagg had sneaked off. She frowned as she wondered why but she would have to ask him when she found him. She grabbed her slippers as she heard her the sound of the nightmares trying to open her skylight and slipped them on before opening her trap door and sneaking downstairs. She carefully slid past the kitchen as her father would be up, preparing stuff for the bakery. She carefully slipped outside the side door and ran as fast as she could down the street, making her way to Master Fu's. He would know what to do and hopefully Anatis would arrive soon.

 ~At Luka's Place~

 "No..." Luka muttered as he turned in his bed. His face was scrunched up and he seemed distressed. He gripped his cover in his fist as he frowned. "I'm not... I'm not useless..."

 He gasped as he turned again but this time, some of Sandboy's sand sprinkled down on him, causing him to jolt awake. Sweat dripped down his brow as he breathed in before he shook his head and got up. He wondered over to the kitchen and filled up a cup of water, taking a gulp before he pinched his nose and let out a sigh.

 "It was just a bad dream..." He mumbled, taking another gulp but he felt like someone was watching him. He turned around and dropped his glass, smashing it as he stared at the figure sat on the sofa. It turned his head to him and stood up, making him step back in fear. "N-No... y-you left... M-Mum kicked you out..."

 "Luka," He growled, stepping into the light. "Is that anyway to talk to your father?"

 Luka didn't say a thing. Instead, he just bolted out of there and ran back to his room, slamming the door shut and locking it. He could heard footsteps coming towards his room, causing him to feel more panicked. He grabbed his guitar and used it to barricade the door the same way he did when Captain Hardrock appeared. He turned to his porthole as the man began to bang on his door violently. He went to open it but jumped back in surprise as bars appeared across it, trapping him inside the boat with a monster of a man he never wanted to see again. Panic settle in as he stepped back but he took a deep breathe as he would be able to escape as Anatis or at least fight his father that way. He closed his eyes and swiped his earrings.

 "Tikki! Spots on!!" He declared but nothing happened. Then he remembered why. He had given Tikki permission to go to the Miracle Box. He was unable to transform without her, meaning he was alone and trapped. A violent thud made him jump and step back.

 "Luka, come out of there right now!" His father scolded, making him want to curl up. "I'm not mad. I just want to talk,"

 "N-no..." He gasped, sinking down onto his knees and curling up. "Y-You lie... you said you weren't mad and that you just wanted to talk but..."

 He couldn't bring to finish the sentence as tears filled his eyes. He jumped again as his father violently knocked on the door, causing the guitar to slip. Luka gasped and rushed over, pushing it back in place. He looked around and his luck vision kicked in, highly his bed and desk. He dragged his bed to the door, using it to block it then did the same with his desk. His luck vision also lit up his spare bike chain. He used it secure the door even more as his father pounded on it. He stepped back until his back hit the wall and slid down it as he curled up.

 "You can't hide in there forever, you little brat!" His father screamed through the door, making him cover his ears. "You're trapped in here with me forever!!"

 ~Back to the Miracle Box~

 Tikki grinned as she danced with Plagg and Pollen. Sass was happily watching from the sideline but she wasn't surprise. He wasn't much of a party kwami. That was definitely more Xuppa's area. She grinned as the cycle symbol lined up and stopped moving, meaning it was time to try and contact Nooroo. Sass cleared his throat and held up his arms.

 "My friends, the time has come!" He declared, causing all of the kwamis to get into their places. Tikki stood next to Plagg, who gave her a little nod before they both paid attention to Sass. "Fellow Kwamis, tonight as you know, we have a special opportunity to create a connection with Nooroo but we must put our voices together in order to achieve this. Kwamis! Sing!!"

 Following Sass's order, all of the kwamis began to sing, placing their hope to contact their lost friend into their voices as they did. They hoped that if they were able to reach him, they could find out where he is, which then lead them to know where Hawkmoth was. Anatis and Lady Noir would take it from there and finally be able to end his reign of terror on Paris and free their friend. Once that was done, Tikki, Plagg and Nooroo could finally come home. They may even be able to find Duusu as well or they could hope at least.

 ~Streets of Paris~

 Marinette ran as fast as she could, dodging other people and their nightmares. It was completely chaos. A bin man was been chased by wheelie bins and a woman was been chased by a crocodile that wasn't Fang but to be honest, she couldn't be certain about that one. Office Roger attempted to try and control the situation, only to run away with swat as their cars turned on them. Marinette frowned deeply as she looked around. Anatis still hadn't turned up, which was unlike him. She could only hope that he was ok and that he wasn't trapped by one of these nightmares.

 "The Sandboy just checked in. Now Nightmares can begin," Sandboy sang as she noticed him up in the sky, making her frown even more. Anatis really should be here by now.

 "Marinetteee, I'm in love with Chloeeee!!" Nightmare Adrien declared as him and Nightmare Luka caught up to her. She looked back at them and frowned as they moved towards her.

 "Marinette, I hate you!!" Nightmare Luka growled, causing her to shake her head and run off. She took a sharp turn and made her way up the street, keeping her out for Anatis and the rest of the nightmares.

 ~The Miracle Box~

 The kwamis kept singing but they had yet to reach Nooroo. Plagg looked over at Tikki, who looked just as worried as he was. He nodded and she flew over to Sass, who was singing as well. Plagg followed over as Sass looked to them.

 "He's not gonna make it, Sass," Tikki gasped, making the snake frown but he couldn't disagree. They down a few kwamis.

 "We're missing a few kwamis," He explained, frowning. "We need the peafowl... we've not heard from her for some time now,"

 "What if we brought Wayzz in?" Plagg asked, causing Sass to look at him before he pointed at him.

 "We won't have another opportunity to contact Nooroo until his next birthday," Sass mumbled, weighting up the idea before he nodded. "Go get him!"

 Plagg nodded and flew out of the miracle box, heading into Master Fu's room. Master Fu was still asleep and Wayzz was standing guard. He flew over to him, making him look at him.

 "Is there a problem, Plagg?" He asked, making the kwami nod.

 "We can't contact Nooroo. We're not strong enough but if you were to join us, we think we could do it," Plagg grinned but Wayzz shook his head.

 "No, I have to stay here and kept guard," He gasped, even though he wanted to see if he could contact him. "I'm sorry, Plagg,"

 "But this could be our only chance to find Nooroo and Hawkmoth," Plagg pleaded, making Wayzz look to his master. He was still asleep and it didn't look like he would wake up anytime soon. He turned back to Plagg and grinned.

 "Ok, let's do it!" He declared before the two of them flew back into the miracle box. They flew down to the other kwamis and Wayzz took his place before everyone began to sing again. This time, it worked, causing the symbol in the middle to glow blue before sending a beam of light out into the world. 

 ~Master Fu's Place~

 Marinette carefully sneaked in and looked around as she was unsure. This was the first time she had come to Master Fu as Marinette and she was nervous. She wasn't sure if he would recognize her but she hoped that he would. After all, he was the one who gave her the black cat miraculous and she had just been Marinette that day. Of course, that didn't stop her overthinking. She was also wondering if Anatis had come here too. Had he lost Tikki and that's why he hadn't turned up yet? Or was he trapped in a nightmare and unable to transform? She frowned deeply as she moved across the room but before she could do anything, Sandboy's sand was sprinkled over Master Fu. She rushed over and shook him.

 "Master Fu, wake up!" She gasped, causing him to jolt awake. He looked at her and blinked.

 "Lady Noir?" He gasped, surprised. "What are you doing here? And why are you in your civilian form?"

 "There's an akuma-" She began to explain but was interrupted.

 "Fu!" A female voice called out, making both Master Fu and Marinette jump as three ghostly monk appeared. "We are the ghosts of the Order of the Miraculous! You caused our downfall and lost two miraculous!!"

 "It was not my fault!" He gasped as Marinette moved her arm protectively in front of him. "I did not do it on purpose!"

 "Yes, you did! It was your fault! Your fault!" The monks declared, making him shake before he hid behind a stool, clearly afraid. 

 "Lady Noir! You need to transform!" He gasped as she grabbed a pillow and tried to shoo away the ghosts, only for the pillow to go through them.

 "I can't, Master Fu!" She gasped. "That's why I came here. Plagg has disappeared and Anatis hasn't turned up yet!"

 "What?!" Master Fu gasped. "Wayzz! Wayzz!!"

 The little turtle kwami didn't appear, making him worry. Wayzz would never leave his side and the only place he would go would be the miracle box. He realized that that must be where Plagg and Wayzz were and if those two were inside, chances are Tikki was too, which explained why Anatis hadn't turned up yet. Like Marinette, Luka was unable to transform because Tikki wasn't there. He jumped as his door was kicked down, making Marinette let out a scream as Nightmare Adrien broke through the door.

 "I'm in love with a girl and her name is Chloe!!" He shouted as Master Fu gasped. The door was fully kicked in by Nightmare Luka, who looked angry before he tried to attack Marinette.

 "This is disastrous!" Master Fu gasped as Marinette dodged Nightmare Luka's attack. "Marinette, Plagg, Tikki and Wayzz must be in the miracle box,"

 "Ok, can't we open it and drag them out?!" She gasped, causing him to shake his head.

 "There's no way to communicate with them while they are in the miracle box, even if we open it," He stated, making her frown as she fell from Nightmare Adrien grabbing her ankle. 

 "I'm in love with Chloe!!"

 "And I hate you, Marinette! I always have!!"

 ~The Miracle Box~

 "Nooroo, Nooroo, Nooroo!!" The Kwamis chanted as they continued to make their connection but to their surprise, a man let out a yell causing them to gasp.

 What is that?! 

 "That's not Nooroo!" Tikki declared as she felt an intense sense of darkness and evil, along with the rest of the kwamis. There was only one person who could give off that aura.

 "That's Hawkmoth!" Plagg confirmed, making the other kwamis gasp.

 "Keep singing!" Stompp declared, looking at the rest of the kwamis. "We must find try to find out where he is hiding!"

 Aha! It's me who's going to find you, Little Kwamis! And I will make you my slaves! Just like Nooroo!!

 The beam turned a dark purple and in the orb that created it, Hawkmoth's symbol appeared, sending powerful waves of energy through the miracle box, causing the Kwamis to scream in pain and fear.

 "His will is so powerful," Fluff declared as Barkk pushed themselves up and looked at the others.

 "We must cut off all communication!" She declared with a worried look. "Hawkmoth is trying to track us down!"

 She stood up and placed her paws together before swiping the outwards. The rest of the kwamis did the same action, causing the beam of light to disappear and cutting off Hawkmoth's connection. Plagg and Tikki let out a gasp of relief but Wayzz gasped as the other kwamis checked on each other, making sure everyone was ok.

 "Hey, wait!" He stated, making them all look at him. "The reason why we can't talk to Nooroo is because he's powering Hawkmoth right now, which means Hawkmoth has probably akumatized someone right now!!"

 "And since Plagg and Tikki are with us..." Ziggy mumbled, frowning.

 "Anatis and Lady Noir can't transform," Kaalki gasped, finishing off the sentence, causing all of the kwamis to gasp in horror before she turned to Tikki, Plagg and Wayzz. "Go and find your owners straight away!!"

 Tikki, Plagg and Wayzz didn't need telling twice. They flew up and out of the miracle box, entering Master Fu's department. The scene that greeted them was insane. Marinette was trying to fight off an enraged Luka while a deranged Adrien kept on mumbling something about flowers and Chloe. Master Fu, on the other hand, was trying to fight off some ghostly looking monks, causing Tikki to gasp at the carnage.

 "Hey, is that your owner?" Plagg asked but Tikki shook her head.

 "No... Pwah! No, he would never been so horrible or violent towards her!" She gasped as the strange version slammed his hand against the wall and told Marinette that he hated her and that he wished he had never met her. "He would never treat anyone that way but I better go find him! I just hope he's doing ok!!"

 With that, she flew off through the window and towards the Seine. Plagg and Wayzz flew over to Marinette and Master Fu, causing Marinette to push back Nightmare Luka and cup Plagg in her hand.

 "Oh! Plagg! You're ok!" She gasped, clearly worried about him before she looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Why did you leave?"

 "I'm sorry, Marinette," He gasped, looking down. "We just wanted to try and find Nooroo,"

 "We should have warned you, Master," Wayzz added in.

 "We'll talk about it later!" Master Fu gasped as Nightmare Luka got back up. "Marinette! Transform!!"

 "Yes, Master!" She declared, holding out her hand. "Plagg! Claws out!!"

 She transformed into Lady Noir and grinned towards the Nightmare version of Luka.

 "Time to give you a real cat fight!" She grinned before attacking him and throwing him into one of Master Fu's cupboard. She grabbed the Nightmare Adrien and threw him in there as well, throwing him into Nightmare Luka who just went to get up before slamming the door shut and locked it before summoning her cataclysm and tapping the door knob. It rusted and broke, trapping them inside the cupboard. She turned to the ghosts and cracked her knuckles as she smirked, making them wail and disappear.

 "Alright, Master Fu. I bet go and find the akuma," She stated, getting a nod of him. "The ghosts will probably come back when I'm gone but please remember. They're just bad dreams,"

 "I shall try, Lady Noir," He nodded as she moved over to the window and jumped out into the night.

 ~Meanwhile~

 Tikki flew as fast as she could through the city. She had figured out by now that the akumas power to bring nightmares to life but that didn't help. She was now extremely worried about Luka and what nightmare he faced. She sped up and looked around before noticing the akuma following her. It appeared to be a little boy but he growled when he realized she had seen him.

 "Sandboy just checked in!" He growled, using his pillow to fire at her. She dodged all of the hits. "Now Nightmares can begin!!"

 "I don't need to know what my nightmare is," She declared, diving down into a subway and flying towards an oncoming train. Sandboy had to move out of the way to not be hit but she used the chance to disappear through the wall and fly to the Seine. She quickly looked around and let out a little sigh when she saw she wasn't been followed. She headed to the liberty and flew into Luka's room, gasping as she saw him curled up in the corner of his room, covering his ears with his hands. Prison bars were blocking the porthole and his bed and draws had been moved to block the door, along with his guitar but to her horror, the door was moving as someone violently banged on it, screaming horrifying words that were directed at Luka. She rushed over to him and gently touched his knee, making him look at her. His eyes were red, like he had been crying and she could see tear stains on his cheeks. "Luka, I'm so sorry. It didn't work and I shouldn't have left you,"

 "Tikki," He croaked, gently picking her up as he smiled at her. "I'm g-glad you're back..."

 "Are you ok?" She asked, gently placing her hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes and gave her a weak smile.

 "I'm ok now you're back," He mumbled, wiping his eyes. "Let's transform,"

 She nodded and he swiped his earrings.

 "Tikki! Spots on!!" He declared, transforming into Anatis, just as the door finally gave in but before the nightmare version of his father could do anything, he threw his yoyo and wrapped it around him. The nightmare version struggled to break free as Anatis yanked his yoyo, causing him to spin towards an open cupboard. He slammed the door shut and used a chair to trap him inside before running up to the surface and jump onto the street before throwing his yoyo up and swinging through the city. He landed on a roof next to Lady Noir, who was looking around. "Any ideas on the akuma, kitten?"

 "He's calling himself Sandboy and his power is to make your worst nightmares come to life," She declared, making him nod. She looked at him and noticed his eyes were still a bit red from crying. "You ok?"

 "Yeah, I'm ok," He smiled, trying to reassure her. "Now where is his akuma?"

 "I think it's in the pillow," She declared, making him nod before the two of them dived up and began to take on Sandboy. However, he was really fast and began to attack them, trying to hit them with his evil sand. Anatis managed to dodge it but Lady Noir gasped as she got hit. She tried to jump up but slipped over, making her gasp at the loss of her powers. Sandboy tried to grab her miraculous but she dived out of the way. However, she then slipped off the building, gripping on the edge to stop herself from fall. However, that didn't last long as her grip weakened and she let go, yelling out as she fell. Anatis dived after her and caught her before she land. He landed on the ground, holding her in a bridal style before smiling at her. However, Sandboy used the chance to sprinkle him with his sand. Anatis gently put Lady Noir down and spun his yoyo to create a shield.

 "Stay behind me, Kitten," He declared as Sandboy smirked.

 "H-How do you still have your powers?" She gasped.

 "Losing my powers isn't my nightmare," He stated, making her gasp in surprise. "They are,"

 "What?" She gasped before he blocked a beam directed at her. To her surprise, Reflekta jumped down and grinned evilly at them. "Reflekta?! But-"

 "Not just Reflekta, Scally wag!" Captain Hardrock declared as she jumped down and pointed her sword at them. "Liberty! Capture them!"

 Anatis grabbed Lady Noir and jumped out of the way of Captain Hardrock's chains, landing on a roof but before either of them could do anything, Princess Fragrance began to shoot at them, causing them to run as Reflekta and Captain Hardrock jumped onto the roof.

 "The akumas are your nightmares?!" Lady Noir gasped as Anatis grabbed her and jumped across to another building and hid behind a wall. "All of them?!"

 "Not all of them," He mumbled, keeping an eye out. "Just four of them,"

 "Four?!" She gasped, looking as well. "I only count three,"

 "Make that four, Kitty Cat!" A harsh voice declared, making them look towards it. Lady Noir gasped in surprise as she saw Princess Justice stood on one of the roofs, pointing her blade at them. "I shall make you tell the truth!"

 She dived at her but to her surprise, Anatis grabbed her baton and blocked her sword knocking her back as Lady Noir stood on her feet. The two of them were surrounded by the five akumas, causing Sandboy to smirk.

 "Give me your miraculous!" He declared as Anatis looked around in his luck vision. Princess Justice and Princess Fragrance were the most dangerous so they would need to take care of them first then the Captain and Reflekta. He grabbed Lady Noir and ducked out of the way as Reflekta fired at him, causing her beam to hit Princess Fragrance turning her into a copy. Princess Justice charged at him but he blocked her sword and grabbed her scale, throwing her into Captain Hardrock before causing Reflekta to fire at him. He used his yoyo to block it as Princess Justice got up. Just as she was able to swing at him, he ducked allowing another one of Reflekta's beams hit her and turn her into a copy. 

 "Liberty! Seize them!!" Captain Hardrock cried, causing Anatis to push Lady Noir out of the way and grab the chain, coming towards them. He then grabbed Reflekta as she was firing her beams and changed her path, causing her to fire at Captain Hardrock. He then threw her into the rest of the clones and redirected the chain towards them, trapping them together before scoping up Lady Noir and jump to another roof.

 "Keep a look out," He smiled before throwing up his yoyo. "Lucky Charm!"

 The magical ladybugs conjured a pair of scissors, causing him to look around as Sandboy charged at him. Lady Noir pushed him out the way and grinned.

 "So a pair of scissors eh?" She asked as he looked around. The pillow lit up, followed by the scissors. "You got a plan right?"

 "Yep," He stated, taking off the blade off the scissors before handing it to her. She rose an eyebrow as he moved her. "I need you hold your arm up like this and don't move,"

 "Uh... ok..." She nodded before he took off and ran, jumping off the building towards Sandboy who gasped as he didn't expect Anatis to do that. Anatis grabbed him and threw his yoyo, wrapping it around a flag pole behind Lady Noir. He used it to pull himself and Sandboy towards her, causing his pillow cloud to be ripped by the blade. Anatis let go of him and landed on the roof before picking up Lady Noir and jumping down to the ground with her as Sandboy's pillow released his nightmare sand, causing him to spin out of control until it emptied. Once that happened, he began to fall back down to earth but Anatis caught him and placed him down as the pillow landed next to him. The akuma flew out and Anatis captured it with his yoyo before releasing the purified creature. Lady Noir handed him the blade, which he threw up into the sky.

 "Miraculous Ladybugs!!" He shouted, releasing the cure. It swarmed around Lady Noir, who did some back-flips and spun her baton.

 "Yes!!" She grinned before hugging Anatis. "You're the best!"

 She let go of him as Sandboy turned back into a little boy with blue hair in blue PJs. He looked around confused and scared so Anatis walked over to him and knelt down in front of him.

 "Hey there," He smiled gently. "Wanna tell me what that was about, little friend?"

 "Anatis!" The little boy cried out, hugging him. Anatis gently hugged him back. "I watched a movie that was kind of scary then I went to bed but I had a really bad nightmare! I woke up and there was a black butterfly in my room and a weird man spoke right in my face,"

 "Hawkmoth... he feed on the negative emotions of a nightmare," Anatis mumbled, looking at Lady Noir as she moved over and crouched down by the little boy. 

 "I'm not surprised, Annie. Remember he's akumatized a baby before," She mumbled, gently patting the little boy's head in a gentle and calming manner. "But you seem like a brave boy to me so let me let you into a little secret. As scary as they are, nightmares aren't real. They're just bad dreams and as long as you remember that, you can totally kick their butts,"

 The little boy giggled before he looked up at the heroes.

 "Do you guys have nightmares too?" He asked, playing with his hands.

 "Everyone has nightmares but like the cat said, we remember that they're just bad dreams and kick their butts," Anatis smiled as Lady Noir's ring beeped.

 "I'm sorry I have to get going. Don't wanna let the cat out of the bag now, do we?" She grinned before waving and jumping off. Anatis turned to the little boy.

 "Now why don't we get you home? I'm sure your parents are worried about you," He smiled, gently picking him up. The Little boy nodded and let him know where he lived. "Ok. Now hold on tight ok?"

 "Ok!" He grinned before Anatis jumped up in the air and carefully swung through the city. He dropped the boy off, getting a lot of thanks off his parents before he disappeared and headed towards the Seine. He detransformed just as he landed near the Seine, catching Tikki as he walked up to the Liberty, shivering a little as he was in his PJs and had no shoes on. He stopped as he came to the gangplank, causing Tikki to look up at him.

 "Luka... it was just a bad dream," She reminded him, making him take a deep breathe and enter the boat house. The lights weren't on and he wasn't sure how he felt about that so he put them on. It was quiet to but that was to be expected. It was nearly 4am and neither Juleka or the captain were on board. Juleka was sleeping over at Rose's and the Captain had crashed at the studio they owned. Luka wasn't surprised by that. She had been working hard on a new song but he kind of wished she was home. He walked through the boathouse and came to the cupboard that he locked the Nightmare inside. Taking a deep breathe, he opened it and let out a sigh when it was empty. He closed the door and slipped into his room. It was back to normal but Luka wasn't sure about sleeping in there tonight so instead he grabbed his blanket and pillow. He made his way to the living room and put on some music before he curled up into the sofa. Tikki gently curled up next to him as he attempted to stay awake. He really didn't want to sleep. "You ok?"

 "I need to talk to mum," He mumbled, making her frown. "I need to know if I really am related to him,"

 "I understand but you should try and get some rest," She mumbled. "I'll keep guard and chase away any bad dreams,"

 ".... Thank you, Tikki...."

 ~Next Day~

 "I don't know how to ask her, Tikki," Luka sighed as he sat on the floor of his bedroom. He hadn't really slept last night after the akuma. It was hard to given his nightmare but he wondered if this was the right thing to do. The Captain hated bringing up the past but Luka felt like he had a right to know. He had always suspected that Isaac Farrow wasn't his real father but he couldn't be a hundred percent sure. Tikki flew over to him and gently placed her paw on his knee.

 "Just ask her," She stated, making it sound so simple and maybe it was. Most of the time, he was a chilled out person but there were times where he did overthink things and maybe this was one of those moments. He took a deep breathe and got up before holding his hoodie open for Tikki. She flew inside as he walked over to the door and opened it. He walked over to the kitchen where the Captain was and cleared his throat, making her look at him.

 "You ok, Lad?" She asked, frowning. "You look like you didn't sleep... did that akuma effect ya last night?"

 "Yeah..." He mumbled, looking down. "I saw him..."

 She frowned deeply and put the glass down before walking over to him and gently placing her hand on his shoulder, making him look up.

 "It wasn't real, Lad," She tried to reassure. "Isaac is gone and he's never coming back. You know that right?"

 "I know..." He mumbled, playing with his hands. "But..."

 "But what?" She asked as he took out one of his guitar picks and began to fidget with it. "Luka?"

 ".... is he my father?..." He asked, surprising her. She bit her lip as he frowned. "Mum, please... I need to know... Am I his son?"

 For a minute, she was silent and he feared the worst. That he was wrong and he really was that monster's son but then she let out a sigh.

 "No, Luka... you're not his son..." She mumbled, looking at him as he stared at her. He was honestly shocked. It was one thing to suspect it but to actually have it confirmed... well he wasn't prepared for it. "Luka? Are you ok? Do you need to sit down?"

 "I... if he isn't my father then who is?" He asked, not ready to ask the other questions yet. She let out a sigh and led him to the sofa, causing him to sit down.

 "You might find this hard to believe but Jagged is your real father..." She mumbled, looking down. Once again, Luka found himself speechless. He had not expected that.

 "A-Are you sure?" He asked, not sure what else to say. She nodded and chuckled.

 "I know I'm a free spirit but I haven't been with that many partners, Lad," She grinned before frowning. "I'm sure but I know how it sounds. Me claiming that he's your father but I'm sure, Luka,"

 "Is he... Juleka's dad as well?" He asked but she shook his head and began to tell her story. He listened carefully as she explained that she and Jagged once were in a relationship during her days in his band but unfortunately, they got into an extremely heated argument and she quit, leaving the band and the current country they were in. It wasn't until a couple of weeks later that she discovered she was pregnant. However, when she tried to contact Jagged, Bob Roth refused to let her contact him as she had quitted the band. He told her that Jagged had ordered him too but as it turned out, Jagged had no idea she had even tried to contact him. Bob Roth flat out lied to her and Jagged. That enraged Luka a little but he calmed when she placed her hand on his. "Does Jagged know who I am?"

 "No... I thought about telling him when he came back into our lives but... I was afraid... I knew that if I told him, I'd have to tell you and part of me didn't want to. As you can tell, Jagged is childish and not exactly a role mode for a father figure..."

 "And Isaac was?" He asked but he sounded more hurt then angry. "Mum, why didn't you tell me?"

 "I was afraid that you would hate me and since the past is in the past..." She mumbled, looking down. "I'm sorry, Luka. I should have told you sooner..."

 "Is that why Isaac hated me so much?" He asked, making her frown. "Did he know?"

 "Yes... you were a year old when I met him..." She explained, making him frown. He honestly felt like a lot of his life was a lie. He knew it wasn’t but it felt that way. He stood up and began to walk away. "Luka...”

 "I... need to go out and clear my head, Ma..." He muttered, making her frown but before she could give an answer, he bolted out of there as fast as he could. He wasn't surprised that it was raining but he kind of glad. It meant that no one would see his tears. He kept running as fast as he could. Part of him wanted to go and hide like he did at Christmas but a lot of people came out looking for him and he didn't want to become an akuma but he didn't exactly want to go home either. It's not that he was angry with his mum. He wanted to be but he couldn't bring himself to be. He understood but he was hurt. For years, he believed he was related to that monster. For years, he was tormented by him and even years later, he was haunted. It hurt that he was harmed by that monster but it hurt even more when he thought he was his son. But even now, it still hurt. He made a turn and stopped in his tracks as he came face to face with Tom and Sabine boulangerie patisserie. Warmth and kindness practically radiated from it and before he even considered his options, his feet took charge and he walked towards the door. He saw Marinette was at the till and without hesitation, he pushed open the door and walked in.

 "Hi, welcome- Luka?!" Marinette gasped as she looked before rushing over to him. "Oh my god, you're soaked. Where's your jacket and umbrella?!"

 "I..." He mumbled but he could't hold back the tears anymore. To Marinette's shock, he began to break down but before he could stop himself or apology, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. 

 "It's ok, Luka," She whispered before pulling away and turning to look into the kitchen. "Maman?"

 "Is everything ok, sweetie?" Sabine asked as she came back into the store but as soon as she saw Luka, she realized why. She didn't question why he was soaked to the skin or in clear distress. "Why don't you take Luka upstairs and get him some fresh clothes and a nice hot chocolate? I'll look after the till for the rest of the day,"

 "Thanks, Maman," She smiled, gently taking his hand and leading him into the apartment. "I have some spare clothes you can wear while we get those dry,"

 "A-Are you sure?" He asked, wiping his eyes. "I don't want to be a burden,"

 "Luka, you're not a burden," She smiled, facing him. "You're one of the best people I know and you've helped me out with some much so I'm gonna help you out ok? Besides, I make a damn fine hot chocolate,"

 "But-"

 "No buts, Mister," She grinned, leading him into her room. She grabbed a towel and threw it at him before rummaging through her clothes, pulling out a pair of pants and a shirt. "There's not really your style but they should fit,"

 She handed them to him and told him to go get changed in the bathroom before she got changed in her room and headed into the kitchen. She hummed to herself as she began to make the hot chocolate. He came out a few minutes later with the towel and his wet clothes. To her surprise, the outfit fitted him perfectly and even suited him a little but she preferred his rock star look. He sheepishly asked where the dryer was as the phone rang. She pointed to it as she walked over and answered it. He put the clothes in to dry and put the towel in the washing basket before sitting down at the table and playing with his hands.

 "Hi Captain... yeah, he's here..." She answered, making him frown and feel guilty. He had just ran off. He looked up as Marinette held the phone out to him. "Your maman wants to talk to you..."

 He remained silent before sighing. 

 "I don't know what to say..." He admitted, looking down. Marinette frowned and put the phone back to her ear.

 "Um, sorry, Captain but I don't think he's in any real state to talk right now. Oh, he's not injured... but he does look hurt..." She mumbled, making him frown. "Ok, hang on,"

 She looked up again at him.

 "She said that she just wants to say sorry," She mumbled, making him nod. She handed the phone to him and he shakily held it to his ear.

 "Ma?" He asked in a shaky voice.

 "Oh, Luka. I know you said you needed space but I was worried," She gasped, making him frown. "I'm so sorry,"

 "I-It's fine..." He mumbled, looking down. "I'm so-sorry for rushing out... I just... I over reacted..."

 "No, Lad, you didn't. You need to process it and that's ok," She corrected as he nodded. "I get it, Lad but I just had to make sure you were ok... well, safe would be a better word. You are safe right?"

 "Y-yeah... I'm with M-Marinette..." He mumbled as tears threatened to spill again. "C-Can I stay here t-tonight?"

 "As long as her parents are fine with it then I'm fine with it," She replied. "And if you want to come home later and not stay over, that's ok too. This boat is your home, Lad. No matter what ok?"

 "O-ok..." He mumbled, noticing Marinette disappearing. He frowned a little.

 "You know I love you right and while I make bad choices sometimes, I never intended to hurt you right?" She asked, sounding a little insecure. Luka sighed a little.

 "I know, Ma," He mumbled. "I love you too,"

 "Alright. Well, I'll better get going... I hope we can talk about this and overcome it..." She mumbled more to herself then him.

 "Ma, I'm not angry," He stated, causing her to gasp. "And I don't hate you. I know you thought you were doing was for the best and I get that. I just... I don't want to be on the boat right now,"

 "I get it, Lad. You don't need to explain," She replied, making him let out a sigh. "I'm glad you don't hate me though,"

 "I better get going, Ma," He mumbled, getting a bye of her before they both hung up. He returned the phone to it's rightful place before letting out a sigh. A few minutes later, Marinette walked back in with a bag of sweets. She set them in front of him and placed a hot chocolate next to him before sitting down and sipping her own.

 "Maman and Papa are fine with you staying over tonight as long as you sleep in the guest room," She smiled, revealing why she disappeared. He nodded and gave her a weak smile. "So wanna talk about it?"

 "I... yeah... but I don't know how..." He admitted, making her take his hand in hers. "I'm normally the one who tells other people that's it's ok... I'm usually the strong one..."

 "Hmm... well, I believe you once told me that it was ok for me to tell you anything or nothing and that I could be myself around you..." She mumbled, playing with her hands. His mind flicked back to that day in the park when he found her crying. It had been before he became Anatis or she became Princess Justice. It seemed like a life time away. Tears welled up in his eyes again as she took his hand in hers again. "Well, that goes both ways, Luka. You can also be yourself around me and if you want to tell me, I'll listen and if you don't, that's ok too but please don't bottle it up. I know there's the threat of akumas but I'll trap any I see so they don't won't get to you,"

 To her surprise, he began to cry again and covered his eyes with his hands. She frowned gently and got up, gently putting her arm around his shoulders as he cried. She told him to let it out and kept an eye out for butterflies. If she needed to see, she would transform and cataclysm each one to that came near him but as luck would have it, not a single one came for him and gradually he calmed down, wiping his tears away.

 "I'm so sorry, Marinette," He hiccuped, making her frown. "I... that akuma that made your nightmares come true... it brought to life a man called Isaac Farrow... he was my ma's ex and for a long time I thought he was my father... he... he didn't like me and I never understood what I did but I thought I was a bad son and that's why he use to hurt me but... I'm... I'm not his son.... that's why I'm upset I guess... my ma lied to me for years about it... I asked her today because I've suspected it for a while but I needed to know once and for all... and she admitted it..."

 "Oh, Luka," She mumbled, hugging him. He hugged back. "Do you know who your real dad is?"

 He nodded, making her let a sigh of relief but he was grateful when she didn't ask who it was. He wasn't quite ready to tell her or face that himself. He didn't know what to do with that information.

 "Luka..." She mumbled, making him look up at her. "What did you mean by hurt you? I remember you said that Christmas reminded you of him leaving and that's why you hated it but..."

 He knew what she wanted to ask. She knew that he was a drunk and had destroyed Luka's guitar and basically wreaked the Christmas tree so she was aware that he was at emotionally abusive.

 "Yeah..." He mumbled, answering her un-asked question. His voice had gone emotionless as it always did when he talked off his past. "He use to hit me,"

 "Oh, Lu... I'm so sorry," She mumbled, gently placing her chin on top of his head as he rested against her, feeling really tired.

 "It's not your fault, melody," He mumbled, looking up at her. To his surprise, she gently moved his hair from his face, causing him to blush. "H-he was an asshole and while I'm hurt that the Captain didn't tell me for years, I'm relieved to know that I'm not related to him,"

 "That's good to know," She smiled. "You're really strong, Lu,"

 He yawned, making her giggle before she pulled away.

 "Drink up your hot chocolate. I'll go and sort out the spare room," She mumbled, getting a nod of him. She turned to leave but he called her name. "Yeah?"

 "Thank you..." He smiled sheepishly, making her blush a little before she smiled back.

 "No worries, Luka," She replied back. "You're my friend and I'm always gonna be here if you need me,"

-------------------------------------------------------------

Next Chapter: https://ultra-sassyduck.tumblr.com/post/635102501338841088/miraculous-rise-of-anatis-35

[deku-leaf]

tangled up - part 1 - “dance, monkey!” bakugo x reader, kirishima x reader

part 2

author’s note: I put both kirishima x reader and bakugo x reader because honestly, it’s gonna be a little of both. I’m just not sure who Y/N will end up with at this point - guess we’ll have to keep going to find out!

warnings: swearing, blood, training combat, fluff

word count: 2,071

summary: Y/N’s been feeling weirdly energetic for a few weeks - she can’t stop working out and she’s dying to get some training in. But things get weird when her nature quirk backfires on her in the middle of combat training.

/

“Alright, class. Out on the field for your partner training,” Aizawa drones. “Kaminari, your gym shirt’s on backwards. Get it together, guys.”

You stare at Kaminari and nose-chuckle to yourself as he frantically pulls his arms into his shirt and attempts to twist it around to the correct side. You crack your knuckles, stand up from your desk, and make your way to the classroom door with everyone else.

“Wow, Y/N’s looking poised to kill this morning,” Kirishima says as he brushes your side. “I feel sorry for whoever gets paired up with you,” he teases, grinning cheekily. 

You relax your features and smile back at him, now realizing how stern you probably looked while mentally preparing for this morning’s exercises. “Yeah, I don’t know, man. Me too, honestly. I’m feeling really ready to get some energy out in training this morning. I feel like it’s pent up or something.” You stretch your arms in front of you as you walk, feeling the energy of your quirk coursing through your muscles, straining to be released.

Kirishima thoughtfully watches you stretch as you walk side-by-side towards the field entrance. He purses his lips, considering your words. “Hm. Been to the gym enough lately?”

“God, yes,” you breathe. “I’ve been every day the past three weeks.” You mindlessly flex your arms as you finish the stretch and let them drop to your sides, your fingers tingling. Kirishima’s eyebrows raise.

“Wow, actually yeah. I can tell. You’re looking pretty yolked,” he says seriously. 

You glance down at your arms. He’s right - you’re looking more toned than usual. Kirishima lays a hand on your bicep and you flex for him.

“Ah!” He yells, pulling away dramatically, clutching his hand to his chest. “So buff! It’s like you have my quirk! I can’t take it!” He teases. You both laugh loudly as you exit the building and fall in line with the rest of the students on the field. The students quiet as Aizawa faces the group and clears his throat.

“Alright,” he sighs. “Here are your pairings today. Ashido and Tokoyami. Midoriya and Kirishima. Y/N and Bakugo...”

The second you hear your name, you stop listening and search the crowd for Katsuki. You see him - he’s already started walking towards his favorite corner of the field. He glances back, catches your eyes, and gestures with his head for you to follow him. You start jogging to catch up with him.

“Better be careful, bro!” You hear Kirishima yell towards the two of you. “Y/N’s bulking! Try not to let her kick your ass too fast!” You roll your eyes playfully at Kiri and risk a glance in Katsuki’s direction as you catch up to him and slow your pace.

“Tch,” he says, smirking at you. You’re relieved he didn’t let that comment piss him off. The two of you walk quietly to the far corner of the field. You and Bakugo aren’t exactly friends, but you’ve always seemed to have a mutual understanding when it comes to comfortable silence. Neither of you use words solely to fill quiet moments. You only really speak to each other if it’s something worth saying. You’ve never liked forcing a conversation that doesn’t happen organically and you’re glad Bakugo seems to feel the same way.

“Check out pinky,” he mumbles to you, looking past your left shoulder. You follow his gaze to see Mina Ashido doing a series of consecutive cartwheels around Tokoyami’s meditating form to warm up.

You nose-laugh. “Oh my god.” That’s all the two of you say on your long walk to the far end of the field. You reach your destination and Bakugo immediately begins stretching. You step a few paces away to warm up. The grass is dewey and splashes up against your ankles as you walk. The heat of the sun bubbles gently on the top of your head, and you tilt your face up a bit, enjoying the feeling. It reminds you of playing soccer outside in gym class during elementary school. You breathe deeply. The energy in your arms is buzzing. You kick your shoes and socks off, the wet grass soothingly cold on your feet, and begin stretching not only your body, but your quirk.

As far as nature-type quirks go, you’ve always found yours to be pretty underwhelming. You can manipulate dirt, grass, vines, and a variety of other plants - as long as you’re touching them. You can transform dirt to grass, vice versa, and more. You’re still discovering the limits of your quirk, and what makes it tick. As you bend forward to touch your toes, you graze your fingers across the grass, encouraging it to grow. It complies aggressively, shooting up against your tingling forearms. You grab two handfuls and lean back, pulling and twisting the grass until it molds into one large vine. Using this as a rope stretch for your arms and legs, you continue your warm up.

10 minutes later, you hear Aizawa’s whistle blow to signal the end of warm-ups. You turn toward Bakugo. He’s already facing you, about 10 feet away. You stare at each other, mentally preparing your first moves, and contemplating possible counters. Katsuki takes a deep breath. The energy that was buzzing in your arms all morning has moved throughout your entire body during your warm up. You feel the grass beneath you quiver, and an inexplicable feeling of intensity build up in the pit of your stomach. You’re itching to start the fight. 

Aizawa’s whistle blows and instantly you’re running. Katsuki’s fast and you’ve learned in the past that if you don’t keep up, you’ll be blasted immediately. Already, you’ve dodged two explosions aimed toward your feet - is he trying to keep your feet moving so you can’t touch the ground for your quirk? Pretty smart. 

You send a quick stomp towards the ground and a fairly large crevice in the earth shoots out away from you. Katsuki trips slightly, but regains his footing annoyingly quickly. Still, it gave you enough time to pull a thick vine from the grass and swing it in his direction. He yelps uncharacteristically as the prickled plant whacks him right in the chest, undoubtedly piercing his skin in multiple places. The energy in your body is screaming excitedly - it feels like electricity coursing through you. What in the world? You shake your head, willing your body to calm down a bit.

That slight pause was all it took for Bakugo to reach you, his face angry and his palms crackling. He aims another explosion at your feet, causing you to jump out of the way. The blasts kept coming, and you kept running and jumping to dodge them. He was definitely just trying to keep you from using your quirk. There was no doubt, now.

“DANCE, MONKEY!!” He shouts in his grainy voice, smiling wildly at his successful strategy. The energy in your body spikes, an intense rage boiling in your blood. You decide to take a page out of Mina’s book. You do a cartwheel. This clearly surprises Katsuki and his eyebrows furrow in confusion, his blasts ceasing momentarily. This was your chance. Mid-cartwheel, you grab two fistfuls of dirt and grass. The moment you’re turned upright again, you hurl both of them in Bakugo’s direction. But they weren’t clumps of dirt anymore. They were a tangled mess of vines. 

He attempts to blast them before they reach him, but the strong, prickly vines get tangled around his fingers and palms, cutting into his skin. “Ungh!” He growls, shaking his hands wildly and attempting to detach the vines with a series of mini-explosions. Another opening - and this time, you were going for a more direct attack. You start running toward Bakugo, but something stops you.

There was a tugging at your elbow. “What?” You turn around to see who it was. But it wasn’t a person - it was one of your vines, extending from the ground and wrapping around your elbow. “Get off,” you breathe, tugging at the vine. It wraps more tightly around you. You feel a sensation on your bare feet and look down to find the grass and dirt enveloping them. Already, the grass, dirt, and vines have wrapped around your feet up to your ankles. “What the hell-?!” The vine at your elbow tugs aggressively, pulling you off-balance and sending you toppling backward. Your butt lands on the ground with a thud, and your feet are still lodged in place. The grass and vines continue to eagerly twist around your waist and legs, pulling you down, down towards the earth. “Ugh!” You yell, trying to get a hold of your quirk. But there’s nothing - no control - and the energy that was coursing through you is now pulsating rhythmically with the vines beneath you. A vine finds its way up to your neck and snakes its way to your chin and mouth, tightening its grip and pulling your head toward the ground. You breathe frantically and grunt loudly. All of this has happened in a matter of 10 seconds.

Bakugo’s form fills your vision, his eyes wide. “What’s happening?!” He grabs at your one arm not covered in vines and starts pulling.

“I don’t know! I don’t know! Please help me!” Your frantic breathing has turned into sobs as the vines pull you into the earth. At this point, your entire butt is underground, as well as your feet.

“Ungh!” Bakugo pulls you much harder now that he’s gotten verbal confirmation that none of this is your own doing. He wraps a hand under your armpit, gets a much better grip, and pulls even harder. You start to move upwards instead of downwards. You wrap your arm around the back of Bakugo’s neck and try to move your lower body as much as you can to loosen the grip of the vines.

“Yeah, do that!” Bakugo says. “Try to kick your legs!” He’s pulled you far enough that your butt is no longer underground, and he adjusts his grip so both of his arms are wrapped around your torso. From far away, you hear Aizawa’s whistle blowing. 

“Jesus, these vines don’t give a shit about me,” Katsuki pants. “They just want you.” You look down to see that he’s right - none of the vines are snaking around his ankles. What the hell is going on?

You manage to kick your legs harder and dislodge the rest of the plants. Bakugo tumbles backwards with your added weight, but remains on his feet. You’re currently slung over his shoulder. “Oh my god,” you breathe. “Thank you.” 

Bakugo walks a few feet away from the retreating vines and goes to set you back on the ground. “Wait,” you say in a panic, scrambling to stay in his arms. He grunts in complaint. You shift your body - feeling like a spider-monkey crawling all over him, but not caring at the moment - and gingerly touch one toe to the ground. The familiar energy shoots through your foot and immediately the grass begins crawling onto your toes, pulling you again. You rip your foot away. “That’s a no-go,” you say, looking at Katsuki’s face.

He’s holding you like a baby, now. It’s kind of humiliating for both of you, but you both understand that it’s necessary for the moment. “Damn, what the hell is up with your quirk?” he says, starting to walk towards the rest of the class, who have already gathered back around Aizawa and are straining to see what’s taking you two so long. “Grab that.” He bends forward next to your shoes and socks and you scoop them off the ground. This whole thing is ridiculous.

“I don’t know what’s going on…” you say as Bakugo continues walking slowly back across the field. You set your shoes and socks on your tummy and examine your arms. They’re covered in tiny bleeding cuts from the prickly vines. Bakugo looks down at you and gives you a once over. 

“Looks like you’ll need new gym clothes…” he says. Upon closer inspection, you realize your whole body is covered in tiny bleeding gashes, and your gym clothes are ripped to shreds - especially your pants. “Are you okay?” His eyes meet yours now, his face now creased with concern and confusion. 

You meet his gaze and reply honestly. “I don’t know.”

-

part two

this is my very first my hero fic - hope people read and enjoy!

[the-delta-42]

Betrayal

Based on This Post by @nerdasaurus1200

Basically a Chat Noir betrays Ladybug with a twist. This story mentions abuse and abusive parents. If that upsets or affects you in any way DO NOT READ

Betrayal

How did it come to this? The jewels scattering across the floor, both Ladybug and Chat Noir racing to pick them up. Ladybug got the Fox, Turtle, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Dragon and Rabbit, while Chat claimed the Bee, Pig, Ox, Rat, Rooster, Dog, Tiger, Lion and Goat.

“Hand them over, Ladybug.” Said Mayura, casually sauntering up behind Chat.

Ladybug scowled, her eyes flickering over to the body of Master Fu, the last of the Great Guardians, killed by Mayura’s Sentimonster as soon as Chat entered the building. A small flame ignited in her hand, with the Miraculous Jewels in a bag hooked over her shoulder.

“I’d rather die.” Ladybug spat, her glare piercing Chat’s soul.

“Well, I’m sure that can be arranged.” Said Mayura, before Ladybug snapped her fingers and a ball of flame knocked both Chat and the other Miraculous out of Ladybug’s reach.

Ladybug swung away, her heart breaking as her partner betrayed her trust for Hawkmoth. Ladybug looked down at the Miraculous in her bag, she stopped before choosing her course of action, grabbing the Fox and Turtle, she headed over to Alya’s home, knowing Nino would be there with her.

*/B/*

Alya and Nino jumped apart as someone knocked on Alya’s window, Alya’s eyes lit up with excitement upon seeing Ladybug.

“Ladybug!” Alya gasped, as the Heroine entered her room, “Is there an Akuma? Do you need help?”

Ladybug sighed deeply, “There isn’t an Akuma, but I do need your help.”

Nino frowned slightly, wondering if this had anything to do with Lila.

“Okay, what is it?” Alya asked, with Ladybug getting a pained look in her eyes.

“Chat Noir’s betrayed us.” Said Ladybug, “He’s working with Hawkmoth.”

Alya’s smile faltered at hearing the news. A beep sounded through the room, before Ladybug’s transformation dropped.

Alya and Nino stood slack jawed, as Marinette took the place of Ladybug, with the pained look appearing worse without the mask.

“We used to report to the Great Guardian,” Said Marinette, hollowly, “He was the one who had the Miraculous, the one who gave me and Chat our Miraculous, in an attempt to recover the Butterfly and Peacock.” Marinette looked up at them, tears slowly forming, “And now, he’s dead. Killed when Mayura’s Sentimonster took his home apart. Chat now has most of the Miraculous, counting the two already in use.”

Marinettte took a deep breath and rubbed her face, before diving her hand into the bag she had, Tikki quietly munching on a cookie.

“This is the Miraculous of the Fox; it holds the power of Illusion.” Said Marinette, holding the box out to Alya.

Alya quietly took the miraculous, before Marinette handed Nino the turtle. Trixx and Wayzz flew out, just as Marinette called for Tikki to transform her.

“I need to get the others, hopefully before anything happens to them.” Said Ladybug, before she jumped out the window and headed over to Alix.

Ladybug spent the rest of the evening going house to house, finding Max and Kim together, which she hadn’t accounted for, Alix racing around the park, Luka at his home and now, she stood on Kagami’s windowsill, quietly tapping on the glass. A light suddenly appeared behind her, slowly turning around, Ladybug found Kagami shining a torch at her. The Japanese girl stood in her pyjamas, with a less than elegant hair style.

“Ladybug?” Kagami squinted at the Heroine, making Ladybug jump down and faced her.

Kagami jumped when Ladybug landed in front of her.

“Ladybug-” Said Kagami, before Ladybug held the Dragon Miraculous out to her.

“Chat Noir’s turned on us, half of the jewels are in Hawkmoth’s hands.” Said Ladybug, her eyes pained, “I need your help.”

“You can count on me, Ladybug.” She vowed.

“You ready, Seahorse?” Longg asked as she put on the choker.

“I sure am. Longg, bring the storm!” Kagami exclaimed, a flash signalled Kagami’s transformation into Ryuuko

“Thank you.” Whispered Ladybug, tears welling in her eyes.

*/B/*

Adrien glanced nervously around the classroom. He’d already given Chloe the Bee when Hawkmoth, his father, summoned her, the other Miraculous’ sitting in his bag. Adrien hoped the make up was covering the bruises he got when he first found out. Plagg had gone to find Ladybug and try to explain the situation to her.

Suddenly the bell rang, and everyone was going to lunch. Adrien saw Marinette packing her things up to head out.

“Marinette,” Adrien gasped, “Can I speak to you for a second?”

Adrien was trembling, scared Marinette would say no, but he had to try. Marinette knew how to contact Ladybug, Marinette could explain everything to Ladybug.

Marinette stiffened, before carefully placing her belongs into her bag more gently.

“Sure,” Said Marinette, turning around, “What do you need?”

“I have something I need to get off my chest.” Said Adrien, his voice wobbling slightly.

“Okay.” Said Marinette, leaning against her desk.

“I’m Chat Noir,” Blurted Adrien, “and my father’s Hawkmoth. H-he needs the Miraculous to bring Mother back a-and when found out I had the ring h-he hit me. Hard. He didn’t stop until Nathalie found him. H-he threatened to take me out of school if I didn’t tell him everything, I knew a-and-”

Adrien hiccupped, tears running down his face. Marinette’s face held a heart broken expression, Adrien was her partner and he was practically tortured by his own father.

“H-he made me do things-” Adrien then broke, Marinette taking him into her arms.

“Chaton,” Whispered Marinette, tears in her eyes, “Why didn’t you say? I could’ve helped you.”

Adrien stiffened, before letting out a feeble “My Lady?”

Marinette shushed him, before his broke down again, repeatedly saying “I’m sorry.”

Marinette was quiet, before saying, “This changes everything. We need to get you out of that house.” Adrien only shook as he cried.

“Do you have the other Miraculous with you?” Adrien feebly nodded and shakily pointed towards his bag.

“Good, because you’re coming home with me, no ifs, no buts.” Said Marinette, lifting Adrien to his feet, “You are not going back to that prison.”

Adrien was still shaking as Marinette guided him out through the back exit of the school, she decided to spare him the humiliation of his schoolmates seeing him bawl his eyes out, Marinette was on the lookout for any unwanted observers, thankfully finding none.

The bell rang as Marinette guided Adrien through the door.

“Wel-What the hell?” Said Sabine, as she caught sight of Marinette and Adrien.

“Adrien’s going through some things at the moment, Maman,” Said Marinette, “I don’t think he’s safe at his house anymore.”

Sabine made a hummed in agreement, quietly directing the two up the stairs.

Marinette hoped she’d be able to get Adrien to explain what Gabriel made him do, hoping that it wasn’t anything to damaging.

*/B/*

Ladybug landed on top of the Eiffel Tower, finding Rena Rouge, Carapace, Pegasus, Ryuuko, Viperion, Bunnyx and King Monkey already waiting for her.

“I know who Chat is.” Said Ladybug, as soon as she landed, “And, more importantly, why he turned.”

“What excuse did he give?” Asked Bunnyx, her arms folded.

“Fear.” Said Ladybug, “Hawkmoth found out who he is and forced him into a corner.”

“And that is excuse enough for him to turn?” Demanded Ryuuko, her nose flaring.

“Well, considering it was his own father,” Retorted Ladybug, “I’m not surprised.”

“Wait, Hawkmoth is Chat Noir’s father?” Asked Viperion, shocked, “What did that have to do with it?”

“His father’s abusive, before it was emotional abuse, but as soon as he found out Chat was his son, it turned physical.” Said Ladybug, “It broke him. He became so terrified that he’d rather fall in line behind him, than stand against him.”

“So, who is he?” Asked Bunnyx, her arms folding over her chest again.

“Promise you won’t freak out.” Said Ladybug, looking them each in the eye.

“I doubt it’s that shocking.” Muttered Rena, before being shushed by Carapace.

“Sure.” Said Viperion, making Ladybug sigh.

“Adrien Agreste.” Said Ladybug, making everyone stop.

“WHAT?!” Yelled Carapace, “ADRIEN’S-THAT MEANS-SWEET MOTHERFU-”

“Where is he now?” asked Viperion, looking around.

“My place, where else?” Said Ladybug, before a thud sounded behind her.

Ladybug spun around and came face to face with Queen Bee.

“I’ve come to collect my Adrikins.” Sneered the girl, before Ladybug socked her in the face.

Chloe tumbled base over apex until she was at the ledge of the Eiffel Tower’s roof.

“Why am I not surprised you’re helping Hawkmoth.” Said Ladybug, silently willing Tikki to make her battle ready.

“Because he’s better than you’ll ever be,” Sneered Chloe, “Mari-Trash.”

In an instant Ladybug had Chloe held in the air by her throat.

“How did you find out?” Growled Ladybug, her voice and eyes colder than ice.

“Bag.” Choked Chloe, as the Bee Miraculous fell from her hair.

Ladybug’s eyes narrowed, her grip tightening, “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you now.”

“Because she knows more than I do.” Came a weak voice behind her.

Ladybug froze and slowly turned around to see Chat Noir standing a meter away from the group.

“You’re supposed to be resting.” Said Ladybug, dropping Chloe and letting her crumple into a heap.

“Chloe joined him willingly, so he told her more.” Said Chat, fidgeting.

“Which she might have also told him what she knew.” Said Ryuuko, the tip of her sword pressing against Chloe’s neck.

Ladybug’s gaze zeroed in on Chloe.

“Well?” Demanded Ladybug, before an explosion drew their attention.

“That came from-” Said Rena.

“Home.” Interrupted Ladybug, before she and Chat took off.

The rest of the team followed, leaving Ryuuko alone with Chloe and the Bee Miraculous. Ryuuko looked down at the blonde, before slamming the butt of her sword against her head. Chloe went down like a sack of potatoes, with Ryuuko picking up the bee and following after the team.

They all arrived to find Ladybug and Chat fighting Mayura, while firefighters were putting out the Bakery.

There was a sickening sound of someone getting stabbed, making them look towards Ladybug, who had a knife sticking out of her side. Ladybug flourished her hand, conjuring a broad sword, and removed Mayura’s leg. The sudden loss of a support on her right side caused Mayura to topple over.

The senti-monster ambled over and plopped down behind Chat, licking him.

“So, the Senti-Monster reacts to how you’re feeling?” Asked Ladybug, as a couple of Firefighters checked Tom and Sabine over.

“I think so.” Said Chat, as Ladybug stepped on Mayura’s shoulder.

“So, when the Guardian died, you were completely panicked?” Said Ladybug, as the Senti-Monster shrunk into the size of a small cat.

“Yeah.” Responded Chat, as it started nuzzling up against his legs.

“And it was tearing everywhere apart to calm you down.” Said Ladybug, as the Senti-Monster started purring.

Chat picked it up and held it close to him, “Hmm.”

“Hawkmoth knows who I am.” Said Ladybug, the sword she conjured resting in the pavement, “Not only that, he’s actively attacking my loved ones.”

“So, what’s the plan?” asked Rena, as Ryuuko drew level with them.

“Hawkmoth has stopped pulling his punches,” Said Ladybug, “I suggest we do the same. We need to find a way of tracking and preventing his Akumas from finding a host.”

“We kill them.” Said Ryuuko, getting startled looks from the rest of the team.

“I was going to say we take the fight to Hawkmoth.” Said Ladybug, “Especially now we have all the Miraculouses under one banner. We just need to distribute them.”

Everyone looked confused.

“Who’s going to get what?” asked Chat, gripping the Senti-Monster.

“I’ve had this list ready for ages.” Giggled Ladybug, rushing up the stair and coming back down with her diary, “Right, look at the chart, grab the miraculous.”

“I’ll take Mylene and Ivan.” Said Pegasus, taking the Mouse and Ox, before portaling away.

“Rose and Jules are at home.” Said Viperion, picking up the Pig and Tiger.

“I know where to find Marc and Nath.” Said Carapace, picking up the Goat and Rooster.

“I know someone who’ll be a good Bee.” Said Ryuuko, going off to find Aurore.

“Sabrina’s at the Louvre.” Said Bunnyx, grabbing the Dog and running off.

“Who’s the Lion for?” Asked Rena, looking down at the remaining Miraculous.

“Lila’s a no go, and Kagami is otherwise occupied.” Said Ladybug, looking at Rena, “Perhaps Nora would be a good choice.”

Rena groaned, “She’s never gonna let me live this down, girl.”

As soon as Rena vanished, Ladybug looked down at the Peacock.

“Okay,” Said Ladybug, walking to stand next to Chat Noir, vanishing the sword she conjured, “let’s see what’s wrong with you.”

[pixie-skull]

AU Borhap # 6: Cute Moment on a Date

Before I go, yes I am going to attempt to make this open to anyone, but this creator wants more LGBTQ+ AUs, so this one just if you and x character went and the character’s thoughts. Please share your thoughts if this good or not in my ask box? :D Here are the rules too.

Another thing, this fandom includes real-life people and out of respect I do not condone anyone going to the listed and bother them, they may be celebrities, but are people too. :]

Inspired by this post and this one disclaimer, this mainly romantic fluff, but I am fine if this either read romantic or borderline sexual. I am also, curious who still making one-shots on this cast of celebrities or the Band Queen itself? I have cute ideas and want to request them. O.O Shout out to @impossiblepeggy​ I hope this adds good vibes to your day. :D

ONE MORE THING DEAR READER! =D 1st + 2nd + 3rd + 4th + 5th

Rami Malek: (loosely inspired by a dream I had, yes he comforted my overwhelmed/overstimulated self XD )

Rami tends to be quiet, yet he loves to do things that make those little butterflies take flight. This time he and you went to an open mic and you were getting a headache by so many stimuli. At the point during someone’s act, you sat down and he sat down next to you. You tried to keep it yourself the sounds and spotlights were too much. At a point one, he leaned over to check on you and notice you rubbing your eyelids and whispered with a hint of concern, but teasing, 

“Hey Y/N are you alright?” you nod yet additionally says “I heard a solution for overstimulation is to kiss the sense that is overwhelmed, so in this case your eyelids?” and this makes you drop your hands and face this green eye gent.

“Oh is that so?” and now seeing you teasing him, a smirk grew across his mouth.

“Yes, may I try?” he asks and you want to respond and you close your eyelids and feel a gentle peck upon each lid. Only there was a moment of stillness after the last one was kissed. You peek an eye open and see him staring at you and his aura screamed for such silence his attraction. Leaning forward, to only be muttered rudely the person directly behind him;

“Excuse you, can we please watch Bri*or is that too much!?” and already overwhelmed, you rush out, sure a few more annoying grunts, but being overwhelmed never fun. Little did you know he followed and you turned around and trying to act fine, you see those emerald eyes widen more than usual in concern.

“Rami, you can go back, I am fine, I just needed to clear my mind” and turning around, you face the hallway wall. Only you heard faint footsteps and turn to see him have this soft smile. “What?”

“Now tell me why I would have any more fun without my significant other?” and when thinking, and rubbing your temples in thought going back and what to say, he leaned over to kiss your eyelids again. That gentle pressure and eventually arms around you, make your thoughts melt away. You open both eyes now and see him having his eyelids close, now you kiss each lid of his. Eventually, he opens those dark eyes and that tiny grin sneaks up again, yet this time you lean to kiss your partner.

*= I am not sure, but I dream Bri Larson doing stand up comedy. XD

---

Joseph Mazzello: (I like few sports, baseball one of them)

You two went to a baseball game, Joe’s idea though. Funny enough being at the game, just you two focusing on the game, seemed not that much of a difference of cuddling and maybe letting him flipping to the baseball channel, just to see the score. However, today was extra cute, besides more of date due more affectionate to an extent, the weather had other plans. The day was already cold and windy, yet sharing a huge blanket and attempts to warm up, seemed not too odd. Joe though gave you more of the blanket, seeing he would hop up like the little joey he is, and cheer on the team when a good hit was made, sing to “Take me out to Ball Game”, and more, even get you food. However, by the eighth innings, you see it start to drizzle. Eventually, this little rain became a downpour and Joe gave you his sports jersey, even his favorite hat (if wearing one, he just puts on top of yours), and more to keep you warm. Luckily the team you two wanted to win won but at this point, your blanket became like you soaked and cold. However, poor Joseph was shrieving for all the layers he gave to you, even if you said no, he did not care, he wanted you warm. When heading to the parking lot and driving back to his place to drop him off.

“Joe-Joe, you are chattering away with how cold you are!?” You exclaim.

“I amm fiinnneeee Y/N” he mutters, luckily you put the heater on full blast and you see already happier results.

“Joe, are you sure you want me to stay the night? It is just rain” you ask.

“Y/N I insist, this rain makes the roads more slick and dangerous, and I do not want you in danger” and you jokingly sigh. “I mean it plleeeaaaassssseeeeee stay” he playfully yet also seriously whimpers.

“Okay, but I am making us warm drinks” and you can tell he felt happier knowing the plan of your stayover, made the little pink his cold cheeks warm up. 

Finally, all settled in and both in two blankets of own, to keep warm, are putting away the mugs. When placing them away you hear him shuffling behind you.

“Y/N follow me please” and you nod and laugh a bit to see his dinosaur socks as he walks you to the guest room. He pats you sit next to him and he holds you close and whispers “Y/N can you please be the big spoon tonight?” and you smile and lean over and he cuddling in close your arms, while he also kisses your forehead, but before turning his head you whisper back a similar tone,

“Joe can I kiss you to warm you?” and he looks at you and mouths ‘yes’ and you do tiny pecks until he all cozy in your arms.

---

Gwilym Lee: (sorry is shorter than the other two)

Your two’s date is cut off for a sudden reshooting a few of Gwilym’s scenes. So when waiting for him, you decide to order a pickup of your two’s favorite couple meal. He comes back to your place earlier than expected and you stand like a deer in high beams or shocked and unable to react.

“Y/N is that *meal* with extra *side*?” You nod and just see his questioning look melt to a grateful smile. “Awww I feel bad you did this and I been so busy” and you now smile back at him.

“Gwilym, it is alright, comes on you big teddy bear, let’s eat”. After a nice meal he offers to take you home and when driving you notice he took a different route. Eventually, he took you to your favorite little park and both enjoy the empty place. If pushing the other on the swings, going down the slides the fastest, or just climbing the monkey bars, which he was too tall for. At one point when back on the swing, you asked him to push you again, but this time he did less huge pushes, and when about to ask what is up, he just looked down to you, and you got up, and both kissed.

---

Ben Hardy:

One type of date you and Ben both enjoy is acting like strangers and flirting to each other. This time you two were by the gym and you acted like you just came from the library and he sees you reading after a few lifts and leg exercises.

“Hmm, if I knew there be a book section I would also exercise my mind, as you seem to be doing” he smirked and you raise an eyebrow.

“Well with that lack of exercise, I am surprised you can talk sentences?” and he made a fake gasp.

“Uncalled for, I was just complimenting you? Is that too much to be nice to strangers?” and even some people were staring now and you laughed and the sense of being watched clearly he enjoyed. “Okay, let me start over?” and you fake chuckle.

“Okay?”

“Hi, that book I heard is amazing and I am Ben by the way,” he said waving and now you just laugh and he ends up laughing too.

“So shaking hands not your thing?”

“Oh I can shake, I just thought sweat and books do not work well?”

“I mean I know what is like a book and needs to be open, that sweat can be useful in” and at this point, you were giggling at how dumb this becoming. He keeps his smirk though and even licks lower lip.

“Oh? What is that?” and you get up and whisper yet loud enough some can turn.

“Maybe that mouth of yours” and you both trace the arms of the other and eventually neck to face. At the point he even lost his act and laughed, he picked up his things, yet with your hand in the other. When out of the gym by his car you two kiss.

“Well Y/N that was umm” and he just looked at you to see you laughing still, his criticism stopped, and he just kissed you more.

---

Lucy Boynton:

You both went to a mini local community art like a festival. Not quite like a fair, but something where arts can still paintings, homemade jewelry, and even people selling their own wine. You two took a few sips, well, maybe enough to get you bit tipsy. Again homemade wine sometimes not always perfected and you felt bad for Lucy to see her not like the drinks, so in attempts to show off to your girlfriend, you drank instead toss; plus it made the sellers feel better. Luckily you were not too tipsy, but you did compliment her more and she giggled as you explain how beautiful she is in various ways. After a little more walking, she bought you two food and help absorb the alcohol.

“Y/N You are so adorable, but please do not again” Lucy smiles brightly and you nod understanding. “I just hope you know too, if you are getting tired, we can head back” her sweet voice singing to your ear.

“Lucy, I did see one thing I want us to get?” you spoke after finishing your lunch and leaned in smiling and you both kiss gently.

“And what is that Y/N?” she said after her soft lips parted yours.

“Would it be cheesy to say I want it to be a surprise?” you asked and she shook her hair, making her lovely hair bounce.

“No, not all, just lead the way Y/N” and she stands up from the small table, you take her hand, and head near where you started. At last, you found it and she even let out a small giggle. “Huh, caricatures?” as she asked you paid and you both sat down. As you both talked a bit to the artist, while posing, you got lost in her eyes and hands, you squeezed her hands loving. She squeezed back and held fix eyes and when the artist implied done, you moved your hands up, as she held your face too, to kiss.

[allyinthekeyofx]

Small considerations between partners -11 ‘Must be an eggs-file’

Season one - Chocolate drops do not constitute medicine

Season two - You never gave up on me

Season three - Chasing his demons

Season four - Material things

Season five - There’s no place like home

FTF - To the ends of the earth

Season six - Swaying isn’t dancing

Season seven - Playing with fire

Season eight - Imperfect fish

Season nine - Sock monkeys that soothe the soul

Set pre IWTB a couple of years after ‘The truth’ Tagging @today-in-fic

I think it’s safe to say that if Scully hadn’t gotten sick I would in all likelihood have remained innocently oblivious to the deception that she had been perpetuating for the better part of half a year and while in the past we had both been guilty of keeping things from each other, I just can’t bring myself to even feel remotely aggrieved that she has been duping me in a singularly skilful way for all these months and that more to the point, I have fallen headlong for her simple ruse.

We had finally put down roots so to speak after two frightening years of constantly looking over our shoulders, afraid to stay in one place for more than a couple of weeks lest our carefully constructed and maintained anonymity be destroyed and alert the wrong people to our location.  And it had been hard – harder than I could ever have dreamed it to be because the novelty of finally being together after so much collective heartache had waned real fast and while we somehow managed to keep going despite the echoes of the past that lurked darkly around us, neither one of us really had either the ability or the inclination to bring up the ghosts that I think at that time, might have literally blown us apart.

Hanging by the merest thread we had managed at least to hold on to each other long enough to allow the continued interest in us to wane and for the manhunt to be pushed to one side, being deemed, as Skinner had informed us during one of our sporadic contacts with him, no longer in the interests of the FBI to actively pursue.  So although we were still fugitives in every sense, providing we didn’t draw too much attention to ourselves we were reasonably safe to finally stop; to take a breath, to find somewhere to settle and attempt to find a way to heal ourselves.

The little house in the Virginia countryside had been provided by Skinner but paid for with the money I had accrued from the sale of my Mother’s house in Connecticut and which, with a myriad of misgivings I had managed to disregard, I had once handed over to him for safekeeping.  Mostly to ensure that should Scully ever need to simply disappear with William, wheels could be set in motion that would allow her to start afresh somewhere else. And God help me but when I discovered the sacrifice she had been forced to make, I found myself wishing she had chosen to do just that and had never come looking for me.  But Scully is Scully and I should have known better; that she would find a way to somehow keep our son safe and still save my sorry ass just as she has always done.  And if that meant sacrificing a huge part of herself in the process…..well, for her that’s just how it had to be.

And if she harboured any resentment against me for failing them both she hid it well; perhaps realising that I resented myself plenty enough for both of us, that I was hanging on by the merest thread and it would take only the slightest push for me to go toppling from the edge of the mental abyss I found myself teetering precariously close to for days and weeks and months after she gave up everything and climbed into that SUV with me to stay with me while we attempted to salvage something from the ashes of our lives.

To finally settle in our ramshackle little house went a long way to allowing us to start the healing process and even more so when Skinner came to us one cool spring evening and informed us that the charges against Scully had been dropped; that providing I kept a low profile and myself out of trouble, there was no reason why she needed to hide anymore.  That finally she could emerge from the shadows, resume a career, contact her family – in short, she could become a fully functioning member of society again even if I couldn’t.

And so began the long, exhausting process of her re-certification into medicine and an internship offered after a significant amount of string-pulling by the local priest who Scully had been seeing on a semi regular basis ever since we bought the house, attempting I think to find some meaning in everything she had gone through during her long association with me.

But I missed her presence around the house, far more than I was prepared to admit to her because for the first time in years she seemed happy.  Fulfilled in her work in a way I think neither of us had ever even hoped, let alone expected might happen and I was determined that her needs should take priority for once because even if we didn’t vocalise it to any great extent, we both knew that  the weight of responsibility for much of what has been taken from her over the years sits squarely atop my shoulders.  So I had tried to make amends to her in small ways, moving forwards in increments so as to not make it all too obvious that I was finally able to take care of her in ways I had never had opportunity to before.

I spent that first summer planting flowers for her in the small back yard and fixing up the small henhouse that leant precariously against the side of the old barn, and if Scully had raised one perfectly sculptured eyebrow when I had enthusiastically suggested we should purchase some chickens, she was prepared as always to indulge me in my latest attempt to do something meaningful, realising perhaps that my days stretched long and empty when she was gone.

And so, a few weeks later after I had researched and implemented all the various ways to keep the chickens safe from predators including digging and lining the foundations of the coop with concrete slabs to prevent foxes from digging their way in, we became the proud caretakers of half a dozen prime Sussex layers, individually named by Scully but collectively known by both of us as simply ‘the girls’ when it became clear that aside from a particularly beautiful specimen with a rogue black feather at her breast who we named Matilda, the rest of the girls were pretty hard to tell apart.  It’s fair to say though that we became enamoured with them almost immediately, maybe they filled a need within both of us to take care of something wholly dependent on us for their continued survival and within a week they were rewarding us in various ways which included taking corn right from the palms of our hands and allowing us to pick them up and pet them like feathery dogs.  Unfortunately their gratitude didn’t actually extend to them producing any eggs for us and while initially I made excuses for them, as days stretched to weeks I was forced to admit defeat.

It actually hit me stupidly hard, much more so that I had expected and while I didn’t know how to vocalise it, the worried frown that creased Scully’s brow every morning when I once again returned empty handed was enough to tell me that I was making a piss poor job of hiding my disappointment from her or the fact that once again, I had failed.

Stupid yes.  Understandable? Maybe.

And every day she would smooth out her frown, smiling gently at me and telling me to give it a bit more time as she placed her small hands against my cheeks, standing on her tiptoes to brush her lips against mine as affirmation that she still believed in me even if I didn’t always know how to believe in myself.

Until one morning when I left her in the kitchen preparing breakfast, crossing over to the henhouse to release the girls into the grassy run for their daily sunshine fix before checking for eggs in an act of routine rather than one of hope, a huge grin splitting my face when I saw not one, but two smooth brown eggs in adjacent straw-filled boxes and quite honestly I think I felt happier at that moment than I had for probably the last couple of years.

Carefully, reverently almost I had carried those two precious eggs into the kitchen and produced them from behind my back with all the flourish of a magician pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat, feeling something tight and thin within me give just a little at the sight of Scully’s beautiful smile as she gave me that patented ‘I told you so’ look that I knew so well.

And each day after that without fail our egg yield grew until we could realistically expect at least a small clutch of four and if we were extraordinarily lucky and the girls felt particularly generous we might find a full quota of half a dozen.

Suffice to say we ate a lot of eggs that summer.

It never occurred to me to question the absolute uniformity and colour of those eggs or that they were always completely clean and totally devoid of any stray bits of feather or straw, but as a long-time city boy, my experience of eggs had been limited to the scrambled variety that adorned pieces of slightly burned rye toast at the various roadside diners and DC breakfast establishments we had both frequented over the years when we searched for truths that were as elusive as they were damaging.  

Egss are eggs are eggs after all.

Or so I thought until today.

Scully had come home early from the hospital, drooping pathetically and shivering like a rain-soaked whippet on a winters day.  She had been fighting a cold for the better part of a week, refusing my every effort to persuade her to slow down a little, to rest, to allow herself some respite from the punishing schedule that took her from the house and threw her into the pressured environment for upwards of fourteen hours at a time.  Fiercely independent as always she had dismissed my concerns with a wave of her hand and assertions that she was of course just fine.

But even Scully for all her talents can’t fight nature and she had now pushed herself to a point where a simple cold had morphed into a nasty case of bronchitis that, she had been warned by the physician at the hospital who had quickly provided a chair for her to collapse onto when she began to sway on her feet after a particularly vicious coughing fit, was just one small step from turning into full blown pneumonia.  Ordering her home to rest, sternly reminding her she was not just risking her own health but that of every patient in the hospital and arranged for someone to cover the remainder of her shift, he effectively rendered her all out of excuses as to why she should stay for the duration.

I had taken one look at her fever flushed face and ignoring her protests to the contrary had picked her up and carried her slight weight up the stairs to our bedroom where I had removed her shoes and laid her gently down on the bed, covering her with the warm down comforter we had only recently bought to replace the one that Skinner had provided when he hurriedly furnished the house with the essentials so as to be ready for our covert arrival many months ago.  She had reached out for me then, eyes already half closed as exhausted sleep began to claim her and I had curled myself against her, feeling her relax into the warmth of my chest, her breathing evening out as much as I could hope for given the circumstances.

I had woken her just once to help her change into more comfortable sleeping attire - which in Scully’s case meant well-worn soft flannel of the pyjama variety - to ensure she took her meds and drank something, before kissing her temple gently as she burrowed back beneath the covers and fell back into sleep, staying until I deemed it a safe bet that she wouldn’t awaken anytime soon and then left her in order to go retrieve her medical bag from the trunk of the car, knowing she didn’t like to leave it for any length of time given the amount of drugs it contained.

Sure enough when I popped the trunk, there it was in its usual spot.  Right beside a small stack of egg boxes, mostly empty aside from one which, out of the original dozen smooth brown eggs it once contained, now housed only four.  Four smooth unblemished brown eggs.  Four eggs that matched exactly the five I had gathered just this morning from the henhouse and placed carefully in the small wicker basket we kept on the kitchen countertop and which we had bought specially.

And suddenly it all fell into place.

The eggs we had been enjoying each day, that I had proudly collected and brought to Scully had not been provided by the six lazy Sussex girls that lived a life of luxury in our backyard, but by Scully herself as a way to give me a little of the self respect we both knew I had lost somewhere along the way, to allow me a small victory in amongst my many perceived failures; feeling my throat tighten and my face grow hot as tears filmed my eyes to blur the evidence of her continued love for me and even as I closed the trunk slowly I decided I will never admit to her that I know about the sweet duplicity she has engaged in all these months.

That the daily appearance of these shop-bought eggs will remain Scully’s secret.

A mystery that I will file under X.

Or eggs.

An eggs file.

And I start to laugh.

End

[allyinthekeyofx]

Small considerations between partners 10 - Sock monkeys that soothe the soul

FIND CHAPTERS 1-9 HERE

A/N - this was a really hard one to write due to Mulder’s total absence in season 9 but I hope you enjoy it because I did my best with what CC gave us! Tagging @today-in-fic@scully-loves-ruthie thanks dude as always for your unending encouragement. :)

SEASON NINE

“Dana….”

I hold up my hand signalling to mom that she shouldn’t speak but then beckon her into the room, telling her without words that it’s okay to come in to join me in the semi-darkness where I am perched atop the bed, watching my baby son sleep, his sweet face relaxed and at peace, a far cry from the fretful, grizzling bundle of misery I had carried up here just a few minutes before.  It’s been an exhausting and confusing day for him and overdue his afternoon nap, he had gotten progressively crankier until finally, I had excused myself and made my grateful escape from the noise and joviality that I knew right from the start would be difficult for me.

It’s not that I don’t want to be here, because after all I have always spent Christmas surrounded by my extended family and even when things were bad, when relations were strained or when we tiptoed around the fact that our Christmas table was missing an integral part of us, somehow we still came together and found each other through the sadness.  But this year I had just wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep until it was over – this most special time of the year that is bathed in love and light; the one day of the year when we can laugh and share and look upon each other with an almost childlike wonderment as lights twinkle and bright paper litters the floor, torn carelessly from gifts by excited recipients as they exclaim and laugh at the treasures within.  

But for me, those beautiful moments shared with my family have today, just exaggerated the aching loneliness I feel.

Because he isn’t here with me.

He isn’t here with our son.

And without him, nothing seems to make sense anymore and truthfully, Christmas means very little to me this year.  In fact if it weren’t for fear of disappointing my Mom I would have refused to come here at all.

Certainly I don’t think I would have been missed by anyone else because I am pretty sure I am the modern day equivalent of the spectre at the feast and behind the forced smiles and cheerful conversation, I can feel the undercurrents of disapproval radiating out in my direction and even more so when, without thinking, I mentioned Mulder whilst in earshot of Bill and I had watched as his lips came together in a thin, hard line as he struggled to not spit out some acerbic comment regarding my partners apparent abandonment of his responsibilities.

He had contained himself – just – but his expression told me everything I needed to know and at that moment I think I felt more of an outsider than I ever have before;  looking in from the very peripherals of this strong unit I no longer feel a part of and truthfully, I had never felt such a sense of relief when everything just got too much for William and he began to make his vocal disapproval of the proceedings all too obvious, giving me the perfect excuse to creep away upstairs for a few minutes to lick my wounds and drop the facade for a while.

William had fallen asleep against me halfway through his bottle and he hadn’t stirred when I had gently laid him in the crib my Mom had bought shortly after his birth when it became obvious that, in the absence of Mulder, she would be stepping in to take care of him for me when I returned to work.

And while I will forever be grateful to her for all that she has done for us both, there are times when I feel the sharp prickle of resentment that she is playing such a huge part in his life that really, should be mine and Mulders alone.  His first tooth, his first step, first word – those important milestones I have no idea if his father will be around to see and it shouldn’t be like this for us.  Not when we came so close to winning the war.

I blink back tears that have suddenly clogged my throat and stolen my breath when I feel the slight dip as mom sits beside me, unspeaking she simply lays a hand gently against my arm, the familiar touch of her that evokes memories of childhood moments where I would crave her comforting caress and when never once did she leave me wanting. This woman who has been such a constant in my life and who, I think is perhaps the only one who can look at me and truly understand what I’m going through.

She is worried about me, has been worried about me for months, but lately I have seen her concern increase almost daily.  I see it in her eyes, the way she looks at me when she thinks I don’t notice; catching her bottom lip between her teeth and worrying it absently in a way that I mirror exactly when I am confused or upset or needing to find the appropriate words for a situation that really, no words could ever hope to mend.  Because what can she say to me to make this better?  What assurances could she possibly give that one day all this will end and I will wake up to find the warmth of him curled against me, the feeling of his arms around me, holding me as I sleep.  How long will it be before I am able to feel whole again?

“We missed you downstairs honey”  

Her voice is barely above a whisper but the sadness in her hushed tone is all too easy to hear.

And I want to be strong, I want to be the daughter she has always known me to be, to shake my head, to confidently smile and tell her I’m okay, that I’m just fine. But I no longer have the strength to pretend anymore, this day having stripped away whatever reserves I had managed to preserve and left me wanting to just press myself against her like I did when I was a child and weep until I have nothing left.

But I should know, because she is my mother, that somehow she is always attuned to exactly what I might need at any given time, just as she has always known and for once I don’t try to resist as she wraps her arms around me and pulls me toward her, shushing me softly as I begin to sob against her; months of repressed emotion demanding release from the pressure that has been building inside of me since the day I sent Mulder away.

“I miss him so much Mom…”

I can barely manage to force the words out, each one hard fought as my body trembles with the force of my distress; and she just holds me, smoothing her palms across my back as she rocks me back and forth, riding it out with me just as she did when I would go to her when I was a child.  

Eventually my cries become no more than painful hitching breaths and still she remains with me, calming me until eventually, she releases her hold, bringing her hand to rest briefly against my cheek before she tucks a wayward strand of hair behind my ear.

“Better?”

And she smiles, scrutinising me carefully as I nod although I don’t quite trust myself to speak just yet. But she seems satisfied as she reaches behind her to pick up a gift wrapped box I hadn’t noticed before now.

It is about the size of a small shoebox, beautifully wrapped in iridescent silver paper imprinted with glittered snowflakes and tied with narrow satin ribbon that ends in a bow to keep the tag in place and as she hands it to me – when the handwriting on the tag registers – I am barely able to prevent myself from snatching it from her because I would recognise his handwriting anywhere.

Mulder.

I am sure my expression is every bit as incredulous as I feel inside because I don’t even have to ask her.

“It came last week honey, in a larger box.  Just left outside on the porch with my name on it and when I opened it this was inside.”

She grasps my free hand with her own, eyes shining behind a film of tears as she smiles sadly at me.

“It’s from Fox isn’t it?”

And as I reverently touch the tag, afraid almost that it will disintegrate beneath my fingertips, she gives me hand a final squeeze and rises to her feet, knowing without me having to speak that I need to do this alone.

“I’ll be downstairs. You come down when you’re ready…..and Dana?”  she pauses, half turning away from me, face in profile, before continuing,  “Whatever you might think, whatever fears you harbour in your heart, know that you are loved and that you are not truly alone while ever you can still feel him there.”

*************

I’m not sure how long I sat there, holding Mulders gift in my hands as I listened to the sounds of my baby sleep; those sweet snuffling sounds of contentment that have become so familiar to me that sometimes I barely even notice them. But tonight, right now, it seems important that I relish every single moment I can, that I imprint every tiny sound he makes on my memory so that one day, I can relive them with his father.

Because for the first time in months I allow myself the luxury of believing he will eventually come back to us.  In a day or a week or a month or a year – it doesn’t matter anymore just so long as he does. And when he does I will be waiting to hold him tight against me and never let him go again.

I had waited for my mom to leave, waited for the door to snick quietly behind her and for my heart to stop the frantic rythem that the small box she had pressed into my hand had evoked; until finally, reverently, I had unwrapped it, lifted the lid to expose the contents even as a small chuff off air forced itself past my lips; somewhere between a laugh and a sob as tears once more gathered in my eyes and blurred the image before me.

Mulder has always bought me gifts that hold meaning and while he might not shower me with expensive jewellery or exotic flower bouquets, he has somehow always managed to present me with something that evokes a memory, reawakens a long forgotten emotion or even simply, that he knows I will love and appreciate and this time is no different.

I remember a night just a few weeks before William was born, where we sat together in the soft golden light of my apartment, a small tattered ragdoll falling with almost no sound to the floor as finally, hesitantly, a thousand unanswered questions still burning in his eyes he gently pulled me toward him and almost shyly, pressed his lips to mine; soft as a butterflies wings that kiss; but more powerful, more life affirming than anything we had ever shared before.

Because that night, after so many weeks of watching him struggling to reconnect, to find his place back in a world that had discarded him again and again things just seemed to fall into place.  The feeling of him holding me against him as he shook in my arms, finding a release that had been far too long in coming even as he began to find himself – to find us.  

We had talked that night, really talked, as the shadows outside began to lengthen and the darkness replaced light.  But for once, I didn’t notice.  I only noticed him.  

And finally our mood had brightened, as we slipped into the easy way we had always had together, teasing each other with our words, with our expressions and with our bodies.  

I had stooped to pick up the ragdoll, intrigued as to how she had come to be, entwining my fingers around his as he dropped his eyes and told me that she actually wasn’t a family heirloom as I had first assumed, but that in fact she had belonged to Samantha. Purchased at a local flea market by an excited small girl and loved fiercely by her despite an older brother who cast scornful derision over the fact that his sister would waste her precious birthday money on something so ugly and that even now he still couldn’t understand what had appealed to her in the first place; why something so unassuming could become so precious to its small owner.

“How about you Scully? Did you have an ugly doll mascot when you were a kid? Or was it all science books and periodic tables for you?”

Batting him lightly on the arm with the doll I had shook my head, remembering for the first time in years the small knitted monkey that I had begged and begged to be permitted to buy from a local garage sale, not really understanding at the time why I wanted him, other than he looked like he needed someone to love him, to be someone’s best friend; to be rescued I guess.   And since I was still at that magical age where small girls can twist their daddies around their manipulative little fingers, Wilbur – as I had immediately christened him – came home with me to take residential priority in my heart. A small tatty sock monkey with tiny button eyes who for a few years became my best friend, my protector against the monsters that surely resided beneath my bed, my confident and my comfort.

Until one day, in the midst of yet another move to another base and another school and another set of new people to meet, I realised I couldn’t find him anywhere.  Frantically running from room to empty room as my Dad impatiently shouted to my Mom to come and get me so we could get on the road, inconsolable in my grief because, despite the assurances from her that he would turn up in one of the boxes, somehow in my heart I knew I would never see him again, that he was just gone from my life and he wouldn’t return.

I had expected Mulder to laugh at me but instead his expression had turned serious, as he dropped a kiss right at the centre of my forehead and murmured words of love against my skin that were so softly spoken I could only barely make them out.

We had slept in each other’s arms that night, our baby protected and safe inside me as in turn, for the first time in months I finally felt safe also, not fully realising back then just how bad things would get before our world turned upside down once again.

And now as I stare at the gift Mulder has somehow found a way to get to me, I can’t help but smile away the tears that threaten once more, evoked by memories of that special time in our lives when we found each other again despite all the odds stacked against us, just as deep down inside me I know that somehow we always will.

Because as I lean over William’s crib, gently placing the small knitted toy in the corner where it can watch over him as he sleeps, I suddenly know that although I may be lonely, I am no longer alone.

The sounds of laughter reaching me from downstairs as I softly stroke a finger along our son’s downy skin.  His face in sleep is all Mulder and I thank God that even if I have nothing else, I still have our precious son to remind me that everything is temporary and that one day all this will end and we can be together, that Mulder is still out there somewhere, thinking of us both as he carefully wrapped and labelled a small sock monkey that is almost an exact replica of the one I lost so very long ago, sending me a message that no matter what, he will always find a way back to us.

And I will try very hard to make that be enough.

For all of us I will try.

Closing my eyes tightly I conjure up an image of his face in my mind, hoping against hope that somehow he will hear my unspoken words to him, that they might guide him through the hardest of times and the darkest of nights and that he will find the strength to carry on with this quest that has taken him from us. Whispered words I can only pray will reach him as I turn to go, to rejoin the life that is going on beneath me in this fine old house, pausing just once more to glance at both the precious gifts he gave to me before I step away from the crib.

Merry Christmas Mulder.

End.

@today-in-fic